Options Newsmagazine-March 2012 by Options Magazine

y hode Island’s Happy Birthda R Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender to us!

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30 years

Community Newsmagazine

www.optionsri.org

March 2012

Reflections of a Rock Lobster Premieres in Boston March 3 – 11

A new play based on the true story of Aaron Fricke of Cumberland, who sued his high school for the right to escort his boyfriend to the prom.

Bullied, ridiculed,

misunderstood and gay. This was the life of Cumberland, Rhode Island high school student Aaron Fricke, a teenager whose unprecedented civil action forever changed the lives of gay and lesbian students.

Ian Shain as Aaron Fricke and Felix Teich as Paul Guilbert. Photo by Saglio Photography, Inc.

Story on page 10. Aaron Fricke today.

In this issue: 2 Scene Around Providence 3

News Briefs

Calendar

9 Trinity Mounts Lesbian-themed Play 11 Bisexuality

14 Syphilis Outbreak Among Men 16 Hate Crimes Bill Passes RI House 17 AIDS Project RI 20

Imperial Court of RI

21 MERI

22 RI Pride 23 Youth Pride, Inc. 24 AIDS Community Watch 25 SAGE 26 Providence Gay Men’s Chorus

q Serving the RI LGBT Community our Resources options Since q 1982 q Visit march 2012 Section onqp. 27

1q Subscriptions p. 4 q

Scene Around Providence Photos taken at the Prince and Princess Ball, Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence, held at Bravo on January 7. Photos by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez, JDHS Photography.

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News Briefs Franciscans Leave Providence

all are welcome.”

The mission of the Franciscan Friars is to serve the alienated and spiritually undernourished -- to “bring home those who have lost their way.” In practice, this often meant supporting gays and lesbians from the pulpit. At St. Francis Chapel in downtown Providence, starting in the 1950’s, there were 14 friars, each day holding eight Masses and hearing about 300 confessions. The building buzzed daily with classes, wellness programs, meetings, and more. A few years ago the ministry moved to Providence’s St. Mary Church on Broadway, revitalizing a poorly attended church. Now, for financial reasons, the three remaining friars have been assigned elsewhere; they held their last Mass on February 19.

Now St. Mary’s typically has about 350 attendees at Sunday Mass, but had only about 50 before the Franciscans brought their parishioners over. The new pastor, Monsignor Jacques Plante, appointed by the diocese’s Bishop Tobin, confirmed the church’s commitment to diversity, and assures gays and lesbians they have nothing to fear. “I am happy they have found a place at St. Mary’s,” he stated. “It’s a credit to the Franciscans that they are here.”

[T]he Franciscans were among the first to begin a ministry for gay people

Fr. Frank Sevola of St. Francis Chapel, now serving a parish in New Jersey, has said he loved looking out at the pews on a Sunday and seeing gays, divorcees, and single people who might not feel comfortable in a traditional Catholic church. In a ProJo interview ten years ago he commented, “For too long the gay and lesbian community has been alienated from their church.... [They] have every right to be in church, with the same rights to feel welcome as everyone else.” The building that housed the Chapel was sold a few years ago. When there, the Franciscans were among the first to begin a ministry for gay people, “Friends of St. Francis,” something most Catholic parishes dared not touch. The ministry “to” gays and lesbians is now the ministry “with them.” “They [the former Chapel parishioners] are concerned...about our leaving,” says one departing friar, “but they’re open to the idea that St. Mary’s will remain a church where

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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Ends LGBTQ Discrimination The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released new rules providing LGBTQ people with protection against discrimination in housing. The changes prohibit owners of HUD-assisted or -insured housing from discriminating against applicants or occupants based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The changes also clarify the definition of “family” to include LGBTQ couples and families regardless of marital status. “If you are denying HUD housing to people on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, actual or perceived, you’re discriminating, you’re breaking the law, and you will be held accountable. That’s what equal access means, and that’s what this rule is going to do,” said U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shawn Donovan.

MA Transgender Political Coalition Launches “I AM” Campaign In February, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) launched

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the “I AM: Trans People Speak Community” campaign. This multi-media campaign creates an empowering space online for transgender people and allies in which they can share their experiences through their own stories, to educate the public and give hope to transgender youth and adults just starting to come out. “The everyday experiences and community contributions of transgender people are too often overlooked in the mainstream media and in popular culture,” said Gunner Scott, executive director of MTPC. “By providing a place for transgender people, family members, friends, and allies to share their stories, we hope to empower people to advocate for transgender equality and change the culture towards one of acceptance of transgender youth and adults.” For more information, visit http:// www.community.transpeople.org.

Marriage Equality Marches On… February proved to be an exciting month for the marriage equality movement. On February 8th, the Washington State Legislature passed a marriage equality bill, and the LGBTQ community celebrated a 7th state where same-sex couples can be legally married. The bill was signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on February 13th, appropriately just one day before Valentine’s Day. Marriage equality will take effect in Washington on June 7, 2012. The WA bill signing took

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From the Editor I am so heartened by the numbers of young activists I’m meeting today, especially the ones who are interested in volunteering with Options. They come from all walks, with intelligence and wit -- and energy -- ready to put in some time behind something they care about. Wait ‘til you see some of the changes they are working on here! I think you’ll agree that we’ve put out another great issue here. We’ve included some very timely health information, news updates on all fronts, a calendar brimming with local queer events, and a few things to think about. Please read all the way to the

end! And let us know what you think -- we love to hear from our readers. I’d like to take the opportunity to mention that, as a free non-profit publication, we really depend on your financial support to keeping the presses running. If you value this publication, I hope you’ll send us a contribution. (See previous page for all the info.) And stay tuned as we unveil more plans for ways to connect with you throughout this, our 30th Birthday Year!

Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982

MARCH 2012 q Vol. XXX1, No. 2 Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org Writers Thomas Bertrand, Austen Bourassa, Kalene Brennan, Philip Chan, Dawn Euer, Bradford Greer, Sally Hay, Kerri Kanelos, Emma Garrett Nelson, Jim Seavor Copy Editors Brian Gay, Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Emma Garrett Nelson, Maria Phillips, Andrea Ritter, Jim Seavor, Myra Shays Calendar Editor Annie Cronin Silva calendar@optionsri.org

Volunteer of the Month: Ken Fonzi

Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net

Originally from Chelsea, Mass., Ken found himself in Providence a year or so ago. He came here by way of Ireland, where he built and managed GayCork.com. We met him during his brief stay in the Ocean State -- he didn’t know anyone, so we provided a queer corner in the city for him, and he gave us ideas for our web site.

General Information info@optionsri.org

Alas, RI could not hold onto him -- Ken is now the Associate Director of Online Development Information Systems and Services at Children’s National Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. And our web administrator. We have funny conference calls with him every couple of weeks as he works on building some new capabilities into our site. (Click on “In This Issue” on our home page to see his latest feat.)

Advertising Kyle Marnane advertising@optionsri.org Billing Donny McKendall billing@optionsri.org

We all love Ken and we can’t wait to debut all the new features! Thanks, Fella.

Webmaster Ken Fonzi admin@optionsri.org

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TO: OPTIONS I want to get involved! PO. Box 6406 Please contact me at: Providence, RI 02940 email: Phone options

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www.optionsri.org © OPTIONS 2012. Options is published ten times each year. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the governing board, volunteers or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must be signed and accompanied by a phone number, but names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar or resource listings for the April issue must be delivered by March 10. Financial support is also always welcome. For a subscription, discreetly mailed, send us your name and address or subscribe online at www.optionsri.org. Moving? Send us your old address with your new address.

News Briefs continued from page 3 place a few hours after the New Jersey State Senate passed a marriage equality bill by a margin of 24-16. On February 16th, the NJ State Assembly also passed the marriage bill, 42 to 33. The following day, the bill was vetoed by NJ Gov. Chris Christie. Prior to the veto, Garden State Equality Chair Steven Goldstein released a statement saying “I chose not to waste a breath in pleading with the Governor not to veto, and have put Garden State Equality immediately to work to achieve an override.” NJ advocates have until January 2014 to gather the needed votes. On the same day as the NJ marriage veto, the Maryland House of Delegates voted 72-67 to pass a marriage equality bill. That measure will now move to the MD Senate, where it is expected to pass. MD Gov. Martin O’Malley is in full support of marriage equality - his efforts have been supported by former Vice President Dick Cheney, who lobbied MD Republicans in advance of the vote. Rhode Island marriage advocates introduced their legislative agenda on February 16th, the bill introductions included marriage equality legislation, a repeal of the “Corvese” amendment that permits religious institutions to disregard legal civil unions, and a bill allowing same-sex couples married in other states to obtain a divorce in RI. A total of six bills were introduced, with identical versions of each bill introduced in both the State House and Senate.

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Prop 8 Found Unconstitutional… Again

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Also on February 8, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a ruling upholding the August 2010 Federal District Court decision that found California’s Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional. In an opinion written by Judge Stephen Reinhardt, the Ninth Circuit concluded Proposition 8 violated the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.

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        

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 march

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“Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples. The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort.” - Judge Reinhardt

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The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort,” Judge Reinhardt wrote. In the meantime, anti-equality groups may appeal the decision to the full Ninth Circuit bench, or take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Same-sex couples in California still do not have the right to legally marry.

MA Senator Supports LGBTQ-Inclusive Legislation Although he declined to participate in the “It Gets Better” campaign this past July, Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) has co-sponsored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA was first enacted in 1994, but 2011 marks the first year that the legislation is written to include LGBTQ domestic violence victims. This inclusion will allow LGBTQ-specific domestic violence programs to seek and receive public funding. “Massachusetts is home to many organizations and advocates that are on the front lines in assisting victims and survivors.

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VAWA will allow these groups to continue to make a difference in the lives of so many,” said Sen. Brown.

Hispanic Black Gay Coalition Releases “I Am More than HIV” Video In recognition of National Black HIV Awareness Day on February 7, the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition released a 25-minute video entitled “I Am More than HIV” to give a face to those affected by HIV and the larger impact of HIV/AIDS on the AfricanAmerican community. “We hope this video will offer a fresh perspective for how HIV is impacting communities of color while giving a voice to black individuals to share their thoughts on what it will take for our community to rise above the epidemic,” said Quincey J. Roberts, co-founder of the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition. Visit www.hbgcboston.org for more information. q

Calendar

Got a big event coming up? Let us know about it! Send your listing by the tenth of the month preceding to calendar@optionsri.org, and we’ll see that it gets into the edition.

MARCH 2012 2

TCAN PLAYERS present STOP KISS. An unexpected romance between two young women is shattered when an assault leaves one in a coma. Script by Diana Son. Directed by Margaret Umbsen. 8:00 p.m. $18 8:00 PM The Center for the Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick, MA. www. tcanplayers.org Reflections of a Rock Lobster - March 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11. Boston Children’s Theatre. Performances at Boston Center for the Arts. Tickets $35. Box office 617-424-6634, ext. 222 or www.bostonschildrenstheatre. org. LGBTQ parent reception at Gordon School, 5:30 p.m. Learn more about Gordon, meet current parents, and more. For more information see www. gordonschool.org or call 434-3833.

Trans Partners support group, 7-9 p.m. This group provides life/romantic partners of TGI people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a partner’s identity on their relationships and to connect with other partners. Meeting held in Providence. For more information and location contact partners@tginetwork. org.

PFLAG of Greater Providence, 6:45 p.m. The MET School Justice Building, 325 Public St., Providence. www. pflagprovidence.org or call 751-7571 or e-mail pflagprovidence@verizon.net for more information.

administrators, family members, clergy, and youth. University of Connecticut, Storrs CT. For more information and registration see www.ourtruecolors.org.

March 15

Easter Bonnet Gay Bingo! The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. sharp! $20 for all games. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Stephen Hartley at 521-3603 or stephenh@aidscareos.org.

17 COLAGE “Queerspawn,” 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. For youth and teens, ages 9 and up. This meeting is closed to those who do not have one or more LGBTQ parent. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. A $5 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away. For more information contact Christie at rhodeisland@colage.org, or visit the website at www.colage.org. 18 Drag Brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Murphy’s Deli & Bar, 100 Fountain St., Providence. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No cover. 21 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on

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COMPASS meeting. New England area female to male (FTM) trans support, information and social group. For more information e-mail compassftm@comcast. net.

11 RI Prime Timers – A club to aid and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Social from 4:30-5 p.m., dinner and meeting from 5-7 p.m. $20 per person. See www.riprimetimers.org. 15 Easter Bonnet Gay Bingo! The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. sharp! $20 for all games. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Stephen Hartley at 521-3603 or stephenh@aidscareos.org.

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16 & 17 “Allies” – True Colors XIX. The world’s largest international LGBTQ Youth Conference for educators, social workers,

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The Square, 241 Angell St., Providence. This month’s book: My Queer War by James Lord. A discount is available if the book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information, e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com. 25

The Opera Club – If you are an opera buff or newbie, please join us for some opera! For more information, contact Dave at brettcornellpi4@aol.com.

25 13th Annual RI Pride Goddess Show – A Celebration of Women & Music, 1-6 p.m. (door opens at noon). The Spot Underground, 15 Elbow St., Providence. Headliner: Liz Borden Band, Becky Chase Band, Bethel Steele, Pamela Means. Hosted by Nicool (of the Moist Towelettes). $20 presale; $25 at the door.

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information and social group. For more information e-mail compassftm@comcast. net. 14 David Sedaris, 8 p.m. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.ppacri. org or call 421-2787. 15 Drag Brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Murphy’s Deli & Bar, 100 Fountain St., Providence. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No cover. 15

Tea Dance at Indigo Lounge. 555 Tiogue Ave., Coventry. 3 p.m. DJ, food and special book signing by author Mari SanGiovanni. No cover.

18 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on The Square, 241 Angell St., Providence. This month’s book: The Scarlet Professor by Barry Werth. A discount is available if the book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information, e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com.

Trans Partners support group, 7-9 p.m. 19 Toga Gay Bingo! The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors This group provides life/romantic open at 6 p.m. Bingo partners of TGI starts at 7 p.m. sharp! people with a $20 for all games. For confidential, more information safe space to or to be a sponsor, explore the contact Stephen impact of Hartley at 521-3603 or a partner’s stephenh@aidscareos. by Charles Busch identity on their org. relationships 2nd Story Theatre, Warren, and to connect 20 The Divine Sister by with other Charles Busch at the For more information see partners. 2nd Story Theatre, www.2ndstorytheatre.com. For Warren, RI. For Meeting held in Providence. information see tickets call 247-4200 or visit the more For more www.2ndstorytheatre. information com. For tickets call theatre’s box office. and location 247-4200 or visit the c o n t a c t theatre’s box office. partners@ Play runs through tginetwork.org. May 6.

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Eddie Edwards’ Legendary Divas, 8 p.m. The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. For more information and to purchase tickets see www.stadiumtheatre.com or call 7624545.

RI Prime Timers – A club to aid and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Social from 4:30-5 p.m., dinner and meeting from 5-7 p.m. $20 per person. See www.riprimetimers.org.

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21 COLAGE “Queerspawn,” 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. For youth and teens, ages 9 and up. This meeting is closed to those who do not have one or more LGBTQ parent. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. A $5 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away. For more information contact Christie at rhodeisland@colage.org, or visit the website at www.colage.org. 22

13 COMPASS meeting. New England area female to male (FTM) trans support,

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Cabaret at The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. For more information and to purchase tickets see www.stadiumtheatre.com or call 7624545.

“Ooh La La!” -- A Kim Kuda cabaret featuring the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus. Miss Kitty Litter hosts. 4:00 p.m., Point St. Deuling Pianos, 3 Davol Sq. q

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Playwright Deborah Salem Smith is not afraid to take on hard social topics. In the past she has written about war, porn vs. art, and now malpractice and marriage. All are, shall we say, lively topics -- especially when the marriage is the subject of political campaigns, newspaper articles and editorials and TV “pundits” yelling at each other. She covered war in Boots on the Ground,

the doctor and the family. “You have to listen to all the voices to get answers,” she says during a break in rehearsals. And when it comes to the public argument, she believes people are not listening to or even hearing all the voices. She thinks the arguing over whether we can marry is taking place on “too lofty” a level. “Maybe the actual conditions are lost in the mix – [while the arguing] sort of stays in the abstract.”

Salem Smith has had to deal with the inequality: she and her partner, who entered into a Vermont civil union years ago, birthed both of their children in Rhode Island but still had to adopt them. Their Playwrights George Brant, Curt Columbus and Debra Salem Smith home was studied and they were fina docudrama dealing with the effect of the gerprinted. “Straight people are shocked,” war in Iraq on the homeland. Some Things she says, when they learn what can happen are Private looked at the controversy over if a relationship is not recognized. whether photos Dorothy Mann took of her Trinity Rep is trying something new naked children were art or porn. These plays with Love Alone. It is one of three plays rewere co-created with Laura Kepley, written ceiving their world premieres and all three by Salem Smith, and produced by Trinity are being performed in rotating repertory. Repertory Theatre. The other two are Sparrow Grass by TrinTrinity Rep is now producing Love Alone, ity’s Artistic Director Curt Columbus, incurrently in previews, with the press openspired by Racine’s Phaedra; and The Mourning set for March 16. Malpractice and marriage face off when a lesbian patient dies ers’ Bench by George Brant, described as during surgery. She leaves a partner of 20 being about a “moment of terrible loss that years, who decides to sue. But the 20 years reaches beyond time.” Call for dates to see of love the woman and her partner had do when each show is being performed. not count. Because they were not married, she has no say. Only their daughter can bring the suit. In Love Alone Salem Smith looks at both

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Reflections of a Rock Lobster (Story continued from page 1)

The year is 1980 and Aaron is gay.

PORTRAITS

The year is 1980 and Aaron is gay, which makes him different. With that stigma, he is subjected daily to violence and rejection, leaving him dejected and with thoughts of suicide. But Aaron strikes back by suing his Rhode Island high school for the right to escort his boyfriend Paul to the prom. By standing up for his personal and civil rights, and for refusing to apologize for who he is, Aaron not only wins in court, but he also wins in the hearts and minds of his peers and his community. His strength and ultimate victory help pave the way for legions of gay and lesbian students. Adapted for the stage from Fricke’s book by the same name, Reflections of a Rock Lobster tells the story of this young man and his fight to defend his life and preserve his civil rights in the wake of bullying, prejudice and intolerance.

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“By enlightening audiences with positive messages about tolerance and acceptance,” said Playwright Burgess Clark, “we hope to encourage families and students to talk more openly about the emotional and physical effects of bullying and how we can all prevent it from happening in our communities.” Currently living in San Francisco, Fricke is working closely with the production. “I am thrilled that a new generation of young people is being introduced to my story,” revealed Fricke. “To be honest, it’s not really my story -- it’s everyone’s story. I think everyone will be able to relate to what I experienced. The fact that bullying and prejudice still exist today in our society makes this play even more relevant and powerful.” Performances will be in the Wimberly Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA on March 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org or calling the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222. High school groups can also reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office. Reflections of a Rock Lobster contains mature subject matter and content. BCT recommends parental discretion. q

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A Few Words From the Bisexuals Emma Garrett Nelson

“Bisexual” is a term for those who recognize and honor their potential for sexual and emotional attraction to more than one gender. Bisexuality is its own unique orientation.

Bisexuals today are still misunderstood, marginalized and discriminated against, even within our own community.

n January, actress Cynthia Nixon gave a New York Times interview in which she said that (for her) being gay was a choice. It caused uproar in the gay and lesbian community. She later released a statement saying, “The technically precise term for my orientation is bisexual. I believe bisexuality is not a choice; it is a fact. What I have ‘chosen’ is to be in a gay relationship.” Responses to an Options Facebook post about the Nixon flap indicated the gay and lesbian community’s lack of understand-

ing about bisexuality - some even expressed distrust of bisexuals. Options reached out to bisexual Rhode Islanders in the hope of fostering understanding of bisexuality by the larger gay and lesbian community. Cranston native Steven Pennell feels that one of the biggest misconceptions about bisexuals is that they “are really straight but just playing around, or that they are really gay but trying to convince themselves they are straight. It is beyond peoples’ understanding,” says Steven. “It takes so much for

many people who are straight to get being gay as real -- bisexuality is another big leap.” Growing up, Steven was bullied and “accused of being a sissy, gay, a faggot, queer. I was always attracted to women and also to men. I expected I would marry a woman and have a family.” At age 57, he now lives in Cranston, just a few blocks from where he grew up, with his partner of 14 years, Frank. Steven notes that people typically assume that he is gay, and he does not always self-identify as bisexual. “I refer to myself as

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gay or queer - a previously awful epithet I have militantly chosen to own. “ Susan Johnson* is a bisexual female living in West Warwick. She is in her late 30s and is currently in a long-term relationship with a man. Susan notes that bisexuality is widely misunderstood. “The biggest misconception is that bisexuals are people who haven’t ‘picked a side’ yet. I know that I’m not gay. I know that I’m not straight. I know that I have the potential to be attracted to members of either sex.”

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initially attracted to Steven’s bisexuality, but also found it threatening. He often heard the question, “Are you sure you don’t want a man?” And today, when he mentions having been married, it is assumed he was in denial or hiding then, and later came out. “In each relationship in my life, I always fell in love with that person, male or female,” says Steven. “Loving that person was all that mattered to me.” Susan came to terms with her bisexuality in 2010 while volunteering

Susan began her dating life having relationships with men, but in her early 20s she developed intense feelings for a woman; they had a brief relationship that abruptly ended in heartbreak. “I wrote the whole experience off as an experiment and went back to being with a guy. I did not consider myself to be bisexual.” In her early 30s, Susan married a man – the relationship ended in divorce. She entered into a relationship with another man, who is still her partner today. Steven had relationships with both men and women during high school. “I sort of came out [as gay] at 18, but still did not understand or accept it myself, until I was 25,” when he fell in love with a man. Steven was open about his relationship around friends, but kept it from family and fellow parishioners at his church. “I was never confronted -- just attacked in school.” He was also able to confide in his sister, who was supportive. “Coming out is a process,” he says. “It is continuous. It is a … process of self discovery, outing yourself or being outed by others.” Steven had two significant relationships with women, expecting to marry one, and eventually marrying (and divorcing) the other. The divorce “was very painful,” says Steven, “I was completely committed to this relationship.” Both female partners were *“Susan Johnson” is a pseudonym; the subject asked to remain anonymous.

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Bisexuals of note.

with RI LGBTQ organizations. “I was a woman in a heterosexual relationship, and it was accepted by everyone, including myself, that I was a ‘straight ally.’” However, Susan soon developed an attraction to another woman. “I was volunteering at an event, and I met this woman who I liked immediately. Then she asked a friend of mine out, and I was jealous! It was the first time I began to think of myself as bisexual, but I didn’t think that I needed to do anything about it because I was in this committed relationship with a man, so what would be the point?” By the time he turned 40, Steven met his partner Frank, and “began to slowly be more open about my sexuality – a scary thing to do in the home town where you had been brutally attacked on a regular basis.” After

being made to feel unwelcome in the church in which he was raised, Steven realized that it was “important to be visible for my own mental and emotional health and also to be an example for others, gay and straight.” An unconditional love is the foundation of Steven’s relationship with Frank. “We have each grown and grown together. And I am with Frank. I love Frank. I want to be always with Frank.” Steven acknowledges that there is fluidity to one’s sexuality. “I am really more gay than straight; I would say I am far more attracted to men. So if it is a continuum, I am closer to gay than straight. But that is me. I cannot speak for someone else’s bisexuality.” Susan started the coming out process in late 2011 through a Facebook post. “It was my first experiment with saying it out loud.” One cousin sent her a note joking that she respected Susan, but expected her to marry her current male partner. “I know she meant well, but that comment has really stuck in my brain.”

The Bisexual Resource Center in Boston has several tips on being an ally to bisexuals. For more information, visit www.BiResource.net.

• Believe that bisexuality exists. • When a friend confides that they are bisexual, do not try to talk them into redefining their identity. • Celebrate bisexual culture. • Do not try to convince bisexuals that people who have lived bisexual lives in the past would be “gay” had they lived today. • Validate the bisexual community’s frustration with the gay and lesbian community when they ignore or exclude bisexuals. • Speak up when bisexual people are being defamed or excluded.

Susan’s bisexuality has caused some struggles in her current relationship. “I spoke with my partner about what I was going through, and he was incredibly supportive, but scared. I wanted to tell him about my attraction to this other woman, but chickened out. My admitting my bisexuality to him was a bit threatening. I wish that I could be more honest with him, but I sense that now is not the time.” The state of her relationship is part of her reason for anonymity. “My current relationship might be ending over all of this, which makes me sad and scared.” Susan would like to see a gay and lesbian community that is more open to the fluidity of sexuality. “If a bisexual is in a same-sex relationship, it is assumed that they are gay. If they are with someone of the opposite sex, then they are straight. I would hate for someone to be ostracized from the community for not being gay enough. I’m bisexual and in a relationship with a man. What if I end up with a woman and spend the rest of my life with her and start to say I’m gay? What if I don’t? Can’t I still be accepted for the person I am?” q

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2012

The Return of Syphilis: An Emerging Epidemic Among Gay and Bisexual Men Philip A. Chan, MD Miriam Hospital

AIDS Care Ocean State AIDS Care Ocean State is Rhode Island’s and Southern Massachusetts largest HIV/AIDS service organization. Since 1988, we have provided quality housing, case management, nursing and medical care, prevention and education to adults, families, adolescents and children who are affected by or at risk of HIV infection.

What do we do? Services:

•Free HIV testing •Free Hep C testing •Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations •Housing assistance •Case Management •HIV Prevention & Education •Medical and Nursing Care Always free, anonymous and friendly HIV and Hep C testing. Call 401.781.0665 to make an appointment or for testing locations.

What can you do? Support.Advocate.Volunteer.

Support ACOS and those living with HIV by making an online donation at www.aidscareos.org, volunteering, or attending our annual events. Our events are a great way to meet new people, have fun, and support a great cause!

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It goes by many names: pox, scab, syph, the great imitator. It is the sexually transmitted disease syphilis and is caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. At the beginning of the twentieth century, it was thought that 10% of the general population in the United States had syphilis. Interestingly, syphilis has always been found to be much more prominent in men. The advent of penicillin was a major advance in the treatment of syphilis. The disease is highly sensitive to penicillin, and the initial stages of syphilis can be easily cured. In fact, public health officials have been optimistic about the eradication of syphilis in the United States.

cured, the latter stages of the disease can be devastating if untreated, affecting both the heart and brain. Many famous people have died of the disease including Christopher Columbus, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Al Capone. It can cause insanity, literally. The increasing epidemic of syphilis among gay and bisexual men makes one reflect on why this may be happening. Many gay and bisexual men currently engage in behaviors that do not necessarily place them at risk for HIV but do so for syphilis. Specifically, HIV is rarely spread by oral sex and is usually acquired by anal (or vaginal) sex. However, syphilis can be easily spread by mouth-togenital contact, as well as genital-to-genital contact. The association of oral sexual exposure and syphilis has been well documented throughout history.

Although it is true that syphilis is easily treated and cured, the latter stages of the disease can be devastating if untreated, affecting both the heart and brain.

However, the last few years have seen a significant increase in cases across the country, including in Rhode Island. In 2008, there were 25 cases reported to the Rhode Island Department of Health. In 2010, there were 61 cases, 58 of which were men (www.health.ri.gov). Almost all these men were gay or bisexual. These reported cases represent only the first stages of new syphilis infection; the actual number of people with syphilis is much higher. Why should we care? Although it is true that syphilis is easily treated and

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Syphilis is one of the few diseases that can clearly be spread through intact skin. Historical studies report transmission of syphilis from kissing on the cheek, human bites, hitting an individual on the mouth, and various types of sexual contact. Less common, but historically reported evidence of transmission include sharing of eating/drinking utensils, handling of towels, sharing of cigarettes and cigars, vaccinations, minor surgical operations, dental instruments, and razors.

However, it should be noted that these latter examples are rare.

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There are four stages of syphilis. The primary stage is characterized by a single ulcer that is painless (a “chancre”). The primary chancre is teeming with bacteria and is extremely infectious. Since it is painless and can be present in areas of the body that are not easily seen (scrotum, mouth, anus), it is often missed. If left alone, the chancre will heal by itself, but this does not mean that the syphilis has gone away! Syphilis is often confused with other sexually transmitted diseases, and a doctor cannot diagnose the disease just by looking at it. The secondary stage of syphilis usually presents as a rash classically involving the palms and soles. Syphilis then enters a dormant/latent phase potentially lasting for decades. Eventually, the disease can reactivate and cause devastating effects on the heart and brain, including dementia.

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Syphilis is diagnosed by a simple blood test. Unlike HIV, which can be diagnosed by a rapid oral test, blood needs to be drawn in a laboratory for syphilis. Gay and bisexual men who are sexually active and participate in oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex should undergo yearly HIV and syphilis testing, as well as testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia (www. cdc.gov). For gay and bisexual men with multiple partners, testing should be considered every three to six months. Testing should also be considered for men who engage only in oral sex.

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2012

RI House Passes Hate Crime Bill

Civil Union Ceremonies Senator

Donna M. Nesselbush 3.5Municipal x 2.275. Court Judge

Options Staff

401-274-7400 ext. 53 401-378-2155

On February 8, the Rhode Island House of Representatives voted 53-15 in favor of a bill that would mandate state reporting, data collection, and training for law enforcement on hate crimes based on gender identity and expression. The bill now moves on for consideration by the Senate. Current state law defines a hate crime as any crime motivated by prejudice involving race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, homelessness or disability. In 2010, Governor Carcieri vetoed an attempt to add gender identity and gender expression to the list.

“This bill recognizes that transgender people are disproportionately targeted for violence,” said Lee Swislow, executive director of Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, “and the debate around it has created an important public dialogue about this unfortunate reality of transgender people’s lives.” “In the United States,” Watts continued, “One transgender person is killed in a hate-related crime every month. We know that this bill will not prevent that from happening, but it will allow law enforcement to receive training on recognizing transgender bias-motivated crimes and will send a clear message that Rhode Island is paying attention to the needs of the transgender community.”

We need people to contact their senators and ask them to support this bill.

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“We thank Rep. Ajello and the bill’s other sponsors (Handy, Blazejewski, Cimini, and Walsh) for their swift attention to this issue,” said Jaye Watts, a staff member at Youth Pride, Inc. and a transgender activist. “We are hopeful it will receive similar attention in the Senate. We need people to contact their senators and ask them to support this bill. In the simplest of terms, it will make the hate crimes monitoring law consistent with language that has been a part of our non-discrimination law for eleven years.”

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Rep. Anastasia Williams (D-Providence) summed up her support of H1117 this way: “As a woman and more so as a person of color, I continue to encounter injustices and discrimination on many different levels on an almost daily basis but on a personal level, discrimination can be equated to a loaded gun in the hands of a marksman, which can be fatal.” q

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Reflecting on the twelve months that I have served as the Executive Director of AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI), the experience that stays with me most and still keeps me up at night is a moment in the fall of 2011 when I informed a young man that his rapid HIV test was reactive (positive). I held his hand as he sobbed, and then allowed him some time alone to collect himself. He left our office with a friend who promised me he would look after him and make sure he got home safely. I realized that not only was this young man’s life transformed that day, but that my work at APRI – and within the community – was just beginning. I hope you will join me in supporting a movement that leads to the elimination of HIV in Rhode Island, as well as ensures that people living with HIV receive the care and services that they deserve. With over 100 new cases of HIV reported annually in recent years (and holding steady) in our state, the challenge ahead of us is formidable yet within our reach. Please pencil April 26 in your calendar for Dining Out for Life (DOFL) 2012. DOFL is one of APRI’s signature fund-raising events. All you need to do is go out to lunch/dinner at one of the participating restaurants that day or night -- and bring lots of friends and family! The restaurants agree in advance to contribute a portion of their proceeds to APRI. More info on DOFL 2012 will be in the next issue of Options. Please visit our Web site, www.aidsprojectri.org, to learn more about DOFL, as well as the programs and services we offer. HIV/AIDS is a serious yet manageable disease. It comes at a great price to our health care system: $380,000 per newly infected person over his/her lifetime. In addition, individuals living with HIV struggle with stigma, isolation, disclosure, and a lifetime of medical care. I have frequently heard HIV compared to other chronic conditions such as diabetes. This does a great disservice to those living with HIV. Although HIV and diabetes are both treatable, the big difference is that diabetes is not infectious and can often be reversed through diet and exercise. There is no cure for HIV.

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epidemic requires a comprehensive approach that includes expanding prevention efforts, increasing access to testing, and supporting case management and support services for people living with HIV. APRI has made tremendous progress in all these areas in the past year. About 40 people visit APRI’s website each day. We provide free rapid HIV testing to 15-20 people per week. And at any given time, APRI is providing support services to 230 people living with HIV in Rhode Island. Other important community partners working closely with APRI include AIDS Care Ocean State, The Miriam Hospital, The Agape Center, and Youth Pride, Inc. If we are going to make progress towards eliminating HIV, the work ahead of us will require strong advocacy and community involvement. Here are some of the challenges that confront us: • Adult gay/bisexual men (21+) represent up to 75% of all new HIV infections in Rhode Island, and yet in recent years state funding awarded to community-based organizations (CBOs) for HIV prevention among this group of men remains virtually non-existent. • While Massachusetts has witnessed about a 24% decline in reported HIV cases among gay/bisexual men in recent years (2000 – 2009), Rhode Island has witnessed a 90% increase among gay/bisexual men during the same period. • Overall investment in HIV prevention in Rhode Island is severely lacking. The average per capita funding to CBOs in the past ten years in Massachusetts’s is $1.89, which is almost five times higher than Rhode Island at $0.38. • While some social venues like The Megaplex and Adam4Adam.com welcome APRI’s outreach workers and HIV testing services at no cost, some sites charge insurmountable fees for APRI to have a presence in their venue. • Rates of syphilis among gay/bisexual men have skyrocketed in the past five years with a 217% increase in

cases in 2010 - and many men don’t know they have it. The presence of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), like syphilis, facilitates HIV transmission.

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• The only state-funded STD clinic of its kind in Rhode Island, which served a large gay/ bisexual clientele, was forced to close due to state budget cuts in July 2011. • Overt and subtle homophobia, especially targeting mature gay/bisexual men, is prevalent and may be impacting the direction of future HIV-prevention efforts. I commonly hear well-meaning people say “Don’t gay men know better by now?”

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I have strong concerns about shifting priorities and resources (both nationally and locally) away from actually preventing HIV, towards a focus on reducing transmission by treating people after they are already sick and have been infected with HIV.

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I welcome the opportunity to meet with community members to answer their questions, and to hear their insights and ideas on how we can better fight HIV in Rhode Island. Please feel free to contact me at Thomas@aidsprojectri.org. Other ways to keep informed are through APRI’s Facebook page or joining APRI’s monthly mailing list (just send me an e-mail if you are interested). q

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2012

The Imperial Court of Rhode Island Austen Bourassa

is sure to sell out! Please email: icriprov@ gmail.com to purchase tickets.

Twenty Years of Service! The Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence (ICRI) begins a celebration of its twentieth year with two fantastic events in March. The first, the Official Candidacy Announcement Show, will be held on Sunday, March 11. Location and time to be announced â&#x20AC;&#x201C; please refer to www.icriprov. org for details. There is no cover charge for this show. Donations in the form of tips will benefit ICRI beneficiaries. Next comes A Night of Illusion (with dinner) on Saturday, March 24. Come see some of the best female impersonators and entertainers around. This event is to benefit The Autism Project of RI, and will be held at Lancelottaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Banquet Restaurant, 1113 Charles Street, North Providence. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dinner is at 7:30 p.m.; show at 8:30 p.m. This event

Coronation XX Weekend is April 19-22 As April approaches, please watch for more information as we begin celebrating Coronation XX: A Formal Affair: A Celebration of 20 Years of Noble Deeds. Currently, we are offering an early-bird ticket special. This package includes the out-of-town show (April 20), Coronation XX (April 21) and Victory Brunch (April 22). This package is $105 and must be paid in full by March 31. This is a $20 savings! For more information, or to purchase a package or individual tickets, contact us at icriprov@gmail.com. q Imperial Court of RI at Providence P.O. Box 6583 Providence, RI 02940 www.icriprov.org

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Marriage Equality RI Dawn Euer March is a busy time in the RI General Assembly, and Marriage Equality Rhode Island’s (MERI) legislative effort is in full swing. For the first time, MERI is expanding its legislative scope beyond just the marriage equality legislation, which remains our absolute priority. One bill that we are supporting, the Gender Identity Hate Crimes reporting bill, has already passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. We believe that all people deserve full protection against crimes meant to silence and punish their gender identity and expression, just as they are protected from bias on the basis of race, religion, and sexual orientation, and this measure is important first step. Unfortunately, many opponents claim they need more proof that transgender people are targeted for hate crimes. Assuring that the police report and count such incidents may go a long way towards providing that proof. At the very least, it will help raise awareness about bias crimes against transgender people. Please call your state senator, and urge him or her to vote “yes” on this bill. As we all know, last year’s passage of the flawed and discriminatory civil union law did not make pro-equality forces “go away.” In February, Rep. Art Handy and Sen. Rhoda Perry once again introduced the full and inclusive marriage equality bill. Rep. Frank Ferri, a married gay man, and Sen. Josh Miller introduced a bill to repeal the insulting and discriminatory “Corvese amendment” to the civil union bill, which gave religious organizations (including hospitals and universities) the right to disregard a legal civil union. Rep. Larry Valencia and Sen. Donna Nesselbush introduced a bill to ensure that couples married outside of Rhode Island

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have equal access to family court for the purpose of divorce. These six bills (three in the House and three in the Senate) will all come up for hearings in the next few weeks. Do you have a story to tell? Perhaps you and your spouse experienced discriminated in a church-affiliated public accommodation like a hospital, or maybe you were married in another state but now you want to file for divorce. We need to hear from you. Call MERI at 941-2727. On the national level, we are still waiting to hear from U.S. Sen. Jack Reed about his support for the federal Respect for Marriage Act which would repeal DOMA and put same-sex couples on equal footing with their heterosexual counterparts on a whole host of issues like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. It’s been more than four months since Sen. Reed said he would make a decision “shortly.” If you have not already done so, please call his office today and remind him: 528-5200.

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We know that’s a lot of phone calling, but believe us, it makes a difference. If a state legislator hears from just ten constituents, she or he sees that as significant support. So YOU can make a difference with one quick phone call. Need to know who your legislators are and how to reach them? To find out on the web all you need is your address and zip code: https://sos.ri.gov/ vic/. Or call us and we’ll help: 941-2727.

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For up-to-the-minute information, subscribe to our e-news on our website, http:// www.marriageequalityri.org

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Call AIDS Care Ocean State’s Prevention Office at 401-781-0665 to schedule an appointment for FREE anonymous and confidential HIV and HEP C testing.

On Sunday, March 25, The Goddess Show is the place to be. The thirteenth annual Sunday afternoon show will be held at the Spot Underground, 15 Elbow Street in Providence. The doors open at 1:00 p.m. Performers include Bethel Steele, a singer described as “a sultry-voiced young folk performer [whose music] is by turns tinged with pleasBethel Steele ant soul, jazz, and country elements;” Pamela Means, “one of the fiercest guitar players and politically-rooted songwriters in the music industry today,” (Curve Magazine); Boston’s Liz Borden Band and Providence’s own Becky Chace. Hosted by Nicool (of the Moist Towelettes). Tickets are $20 before the show; $25 at the door. There is plenty of on-street parkPamela Means ing, and their menu will be available during the show. Tickets are available at www.prideri.com. RI Pride Box 182, Providence, RI 02901 467-2130 q

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Youth Pride, Inc. YPI Open House & Ribbon Cutting Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI) held an open house Monday, January 30 to innaugurate their new space at 743 Westminster Street. Among the well-wishers were YPI alumni and representatives of local and state government and other organizations that serve the LGBT community. “The turnout was great,” said Executive Director Kerri Kanelos. “We were so happy to have so many of our supporters joining us in the celebration.”

Tours of the space were given by peer educators from OMG (OceanState MPowerment Group) -- our HIV prevention program. www.youthprideri.org 421-5626

Top: YPI Board Member Ken Fish, Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and YPI ED Kerri Kanelos cut the ribbon officially opening the new space at 743 Westminster St.

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AIDS Community Watch vice to the clients of ACOS and, of course, all donations are tax deductible.

Donate Your Car to ACOS Kalene Brennan Have a car that’s been sitting in your garage and you’re not sure what to do with it? Donate it to AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS). ACOS has partnered with Charitable Auto Resources (CARS) to offer an innovative way for people to give back to the community. CARS is a non-profit organization that acts as a liaison for people who are interested in donating their cars to a charity of their choosing and assists over 500 charities nationwide. ACOS and CARS ensure a hassle-free way for people to donate their vehicles. To donate your car, visit our website at www. aidscareos.org and click the link for “Click Here to Donate Your Car.” Submit your donation and a representative from CARS will contact you to finish the process. In most cases, a representative can come and pick the vehicle up. If the vehicle hasn’t run in years, not a problem. Charitable Auto Resources is equipped with towing services to take care of it. Donating an unwanted vehicle to ACOS not only alleviates the stress of selling a car, or trading it in for a lesser value, but it also helps strengthen community support. You are helping to provide an immeasurable ser-

If you are interested in donating your car and have questions, please contact Stephen Hartley at 521-3603 or e-mail at stephenh@aidscareos.org.

For additional information, please visit www.aidscareos.org or call 521-3603. q

ACOS now offers FREE, anonymous, and confidential HIV testing at Club Body Center located at 257 Weybosset St., Providence. Take advantage of this opportunity and join the ACOS movement to “Know Your Status… Get Tested.” Testing times at Club Body Center are EVERY Thursday and Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and the FIRST Monday of every month from 7 to 10 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The ACOS Prevention Team admin-

Timothy Anderson BM, CNA

Life Coaching, Reiki, and Spiritual Services for the GLBT Community

Services Offered

• • • •

Not listed with us? Visit our website to be included in our online directory.

Can’t make it to Club Body Center? Call our Prevention Center at 781-0665 to schedule an appointment or visit our new office at 557 Broad Street in Providence for additional testing times and locations. ACOS also offers Hepatitis C testing and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations at no cost to you.

FREE Testing at Club Body Center

Providing resources to the LGBT Community of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts for over 30 years.

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istered over 1,400 HIV tests in 2011. Our goal for 2012 is to offer more testing sites and times to make our services as accessible as possible. We want everyone to go out and get tested.

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Life Coaching for Individuals and Couples Reiki Treatments and Training Coaching for GLBT Organizations Meditation Classes and Intuitive Readings

401-944-0723 trippleforte@netzero.com ~ www.tripplefortecoach.com

2012

SAGE Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders Gearing Up for Spring!

will be available. As this issue of Options goes to print, SAGE/RI is anxiously awaiting notification that we have become an affiliate of SAGE/USA. Once we get the official word, we will be able to launch our membership and a fund-raising campaign. Stay tuned!

Winter has seen SAGE/RI hard at work strengthening the organization and creating awareness in the community of our existence. We have been encouraged by the support we have found for our mandate to advocate and promote opportunities for LGBT elders. This season we got a couple of projects underway to improve healthcare to older lesbians and gay men in RI. Thanks to a generous grant from the Women’s Fund of RI, we were able to bring Mev Miller on board to work with us on our project to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for older lesbians. With Miller’s solid background in education and activism, she was clearly the right person to take on the challenges of developing questionnaires, spearheading their distribution and analysis, and directing our efforts to bring this information to bear on the quality of lesbian healthcare in RI. Winter also saw Advisory Committee member David McElroy accepted into a post-graduate Occupational Therapy program at Tufts University. With Tufts’ support, he will devote his research efforts to overcome barriers that impede healthcare delivery to older gay men in RI.

If you might be interested in volunteering, or otherwise getting more actively involved with this multi-generational effort, drop us a line -- we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can contact SAGE/RI at sageriinfo@gmail.com or on Facebook (Sage/Rhode Island). q

In January we had a successful “Train the Trainer” program that will expand our ability to meet the many requests we have received for speakers. The training was led by SAGE/RI co-chair, Dr. Patricia Burbank, a professor in URI’s College of Nursing and a recognized expert in gerontology who has presented in a variety of professional venues regarding issues unique to LGBT elders. Fresh from their training, SAGE/RI committee members Sally Hay, Cathy Gorman and Ted Platt spoke at the “Aging and Queerness” event sponsored by the Brown Queer Alliance in February. Mark your calendars for March 27 when SAGE/RI will sponsor an exciting doubleheader of local talent. Not only will the evening feature the touring production of The Journey Out, but we will also have the opportunity to see the film, It Gets Better at URI: Coming Out for Change. The play, by Frank V. Toti, Jr., was created from oral histories of older LGBTQ Rhode Islanders. (Read more about this powerful play in last month’s Options.) The film features the stories of LGBTQ faculty, staff, students and their supporters following the global “It Gets Better” format. With our co-sponsors, the URI Providence Campus and Youth Pride, Inc., SAGE/RI is looking forward to this entertaining and provocative evening which will include refreshments and a discussion. This event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at URI/Providence’s Paff Auditorium (80 Washington Street). Validated parking at the Convention Center

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2012

Providence Gay Men’s Chorus

• CLASSIFIEDS • • CLASSIFIEDS • Got an apartment to rent? Condo to sell? Looking for a housemate? Send us 30 words and a check for $30, and we’ll publish it in the next issue.

Send ad to advertising@optionsri.org; payment to P.O. Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940. • housing ads only •

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA. A private, romantic getaway cottage, ideal for couple. Enjoy panoramic waterfront property on 10acre compound. June to September. Weekly $950. Anne, 401-580-7255 or anne2817@cox.net

“Out On The Bay” If you were lucky enough to get a seat at our last sold-out Kim Kuda cabaret, you will remember it featured individual Providence Gay Men’s Chorus (PGMC) members in a dynamic afternoon of solos. This year’s performance, to be held at 4:00 p.m. on April 22 at Point St. Dueling Pianos (formerly the Hi-Hat), is called “Ooh La La” and will be hosted by Kitty Litter to raise funds to send the Chorus to the ninth International GALA Choral event in Denver where 29 singers from the PGMC are expected to participate.

In Next Month’s Issue

ing Overcom Bullying

q Update on

LGBT

Community Center

Report from IvyQ

In early June, kick off your Pride Month with the PGMC at our 16th spring concert, where will celebrate Rhode Island on the water with songs and sea shanties in a special tribute at Beneficent Church. Program Development Committee Chair Mike Crane happily reports an influx of eleven new members and the return of two former chorus members, which should make for an impressive vocal performance. Don’t be caught Under the Boardwalk or Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by yourself. Come Sail Away with the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus with an exciting cabaret performance hosted by Kitty Litter on April 22 followed by a very cool spring concert celebrating Providence at Beneficent Church June 7, 9 and 10. www.provgmc.org q

Interview with author Emily Danforth Don’t miss it! Sign up for a free subscription today!

See Page 4 for details options

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Resources

Help us help you: If you come across a resource listing that is incorrect or needs updating, let us know. Drop us a line at mshays@verizon.net. Please note: All phone numbers are in the (401) area code unless otherwise indicated.

Addiction Support Groups AA: Brothers in Sobriety, Community Church of Prov., Wayland & Lloyd Aves., Prov., 751-9328; Sat., 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Central Services, info on all groups, 438-8860; Lesbian and Gay, Anchor Recovery Center, 249 Main St., Pawtucket, Tues. 7:30 p.m.; Suburban Gay & Lesbian, Fatima Shrine, Rt. 126, Holliston, MA, Thurs. 8-9:30 p.m. Alcohol/Drug Helpline. RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 24-hr., (866) 252-3784. Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.

AIDS/Health Resources Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: socializing with other HIV+ individuals. Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Wed & Thurs, noon to 4 p.m., at Matthewson St. Church, 134 Matthewson St., Prov. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI; free to clients. Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 Ext. 3268 or coopergo@familyserviceofri.org. AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only. AIDS Care Ocean State (557 Broad St., Providence): case mgmt., emergency funds, mental health & nutrition support, FACTS Nursery, housing for PWAs, referrals, advocacy, ADa.m.S Clinic for adolescents, street outreach, ENCORE, education, HIV+ support groups. Sunrise Community Housing for people with HIV/AIDS. 18 Parkis Ave., Prov. 02907. 521-3603; www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI Division of Family Service of RI: Case mgmt., buddies, COBRA & dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment & referral, wellness prog., advocacy, strength training. Prevention Ed. 404 Wickenden St., Providence: 831-5522.

Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP) Medical, mental health, dental, social services. 311 Doric Ave., Cranston. 467-9610. Also Coventry and Warwick. Sarah Bowman, LGBT Outreach. Crossroads RI Health Care Services: Free, confidential, anonymous HIV counseling & testing for homeless/at risk: Mon & Wed, 1-3 p.m., call Gloria, 521-2255, Ext. 325. FACTS (Family AIDS Center for Treatment & Support): See AIDS Care Ocean State. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case mgmt. & financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MA Health funded for MA residents. Michael (508) 678-1002. HIV antibody testing, Anonymous: R.I. Dept. of Health, Prov., Newport and other locations, Free or sliding scale, call 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care mgmt. for HIV/AIDS. 24-hr. nursing staff for treatment. 782-0725. Bereavement Groups: John Charette, 727-7079.

Jewish AIDS Task Force: Programs for HIV/AIDS and Jewish communities. 421-4111, ext. 172. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group for LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems, visit www.caregiver.org and click on groups. Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/ AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor (508) 984-7514. Matthew 25: HIV/AIDS Ministry: Groceries, personal care products, counseling, referrals. Network with other ASOs. Mon., Wed., Thurs. 9:30-12, 1-2:30; Tues. 1-3. 781-9451. Sister Clara or Patty.

AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS Memorial Quilt panels; panel-making programs, including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people; PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 4344880; www.aidsquiltri.org; admin@aidsquiltri. org; annasworkshop@aidsquiltri.org. Brown Univ. AIDS Program (BRUNAP): clinical trials, public policy, research; lectures/conferences, patient/community education. Bradford Briggs, 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu; www.brown. edu/brunap.

Project ACT: Free Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing. Walk-in Hours: Mondays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Other hours by appointment only. 1 Washington St., Taunton, MA (508) 977-8146

Chiropractic Services: Free for unemployed HIV+ patients, Ronald P. Marsh, DC., 11 King Charles Dr., Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941.

Project Empower: Wellness prog. for gay, bi, questioning men in So. Coast MA. Info on HIV/ STD test sites & safe sex; social/support groups,

SSTAR (Stanley St. Treatment & Resources): counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs; Free, confidential HIV, HEP C (HCV) & STD testing, education, case mgmt. and support. 386 Stanley St., Fall River, MA 02720. (508) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/ HCV) (800) 937-3610, Family Healthcare center (508) 675-1054; www.sstar.org. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more. 105 Charles Eldridge Dr, Lakeville, MA. (508) 9471683. Thundermist Health Assoc.: 450 Clinton St. Woonsocket, provides HIV/AIDS services including: medical care & treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment & counseling, pharmacy consultation, free, confidential HIV testing. Philip Kane 767-4100 Ext. 3516.

Be There and Be Queer!

House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 658-3992.

Partners in Learning About AIDS (PL-AIDS) Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations, and our No. Providence office, providing free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. www.plaidsproject.org or www.pl-aids.org. Email info@plaidsproject.org. 305-3993.

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therapists & health care referrals; & more. Community Counseling of Bristol Co., MA. (508) 828-6692 or www.projectempower.com.

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The Alley Cat: 17 Snow St. Prov. 273-0951 Downtown neighborhood bar. Sun.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. http://thealleycat. net. Bobby’s Place, 62 Weir St., Taunton, MA (508) 8249997. Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.; Fri. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.-1 a.m. www.BobbysPlaceMA.com. Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Prov. 575-2284. Special events space, open evenings. Open mike Wed. night, live music Friday night, short film screenings. See Web site for upcoming events. www.BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse.com. Club Body Center: 257 Weybosset St., Prov. 2740298 www.clubbodycenter.com. Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24 hours daily. Club Gallery: 150 Point St., Prov. 751-7166 Disco, karaoke, dancing, outdoor patio. Open daily, noon-1 a.m. (Fri & Sat till 2 a.m.) Girl Spot at Gallery in Providence on Sat. nights. www.girlspot.com Mary Janes Ladies Night at Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Prov. 7:30 to 1:00 on 4th Thursday of the month. Trivia with Nicool starts at 8:00. $5. 21+. Mirabar: 35 Richmond St., Prov. 331-6761 www. mirabar.com. Dancing, third floor lounge, ages 18+ Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2

a.m. Providence Eagle: 198 Union St., Prov. 421-1447. Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Mega-Plex: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themegaplex.com. Gay men’s bathhouse. Open 24 hours daily. Membership required. One day pass available. The Stable: 125 Washington St., Prov. 272-6950. Newly renovated downtown bar. Pool table. Sun - Thurs noon - 1 a.m.; Fri - Sat noon - 2 a.m. Touch Providence: All-Male Review 257 Allens Ave., Prov. All nude male strippers, bar, 18+ www.touchprovidence.com. Sun, Wed, Thurs 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 732-7740. T.W.I.S.T. Program Coffee Night: Coffee, light snacks served every Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. 1287 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. 508-672-0378. Union: 200 Union St. Prov. 831-5366. Video lounge, live entertainment. Sun. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Mon.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@brown.edu Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays, (800) 455-GLAD. www.GLAD.org; 30 Winter St., Ste 800, Boston, MA 02108. Green Party of RI: PO Box 1151, Prov., RI 02901; 490-7602. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall St., Suite 1500, NY, NY 10005; (212) 8098585, Fax: (212) 809-0055.

Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer & like-minded people. Gatherings third Sunday of each month. Email trans.queer.ri@gmail.com. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for lgbt causes. lawyersforequality@gmail. com

Information/Education Feminist Voices: women’s chorus. www.feministvoices.com. Fenway Gay and Lesbian Helpline: support, info & referrals for GLBT community from Fenway Community Health Ctr., Boston; (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-4528, 6-11 p.m. seven days a week. GayLab: outreach & education for healthy relationships. James at 781-762-6629, or info@gaylab. org or www.gaylab.org. GLBT Helpline of RI: Info and referrals to physicians, therapists, businesses, agencies, social support groups, links to call-in helplines and more. www.glbthelpline.org. NewportOut.com: LGBT Web site for Newport, RI. RILGBT-NEWS: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net. United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: HIV education discussion, games, thought-provoking activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 421-5626.

Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 831-7171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903.

Marriage Equality RI (MERI): Works for equal access to marriage for all. www.marriageequalityri. org or call 941-2727. 118 No. Main St., Unit 3, Providence RI 02903. The Next Thing (TNT): political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. Contact the Brown Queer Alliance, 8633062. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri. org. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, 180 Westminster St., 3rd floor Prov. Phone: 222-2662. Fax: 222-2616, TDD: 2222664. RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. RIpatients.org or www.RIpatients.org. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Assisting active duty service members affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. PO Box 65301, Wash., DC, 20035; (202) 328-3244, ext. 100, sldn@sldn.org, www.sldn.org. Straight But Not Narrow Coalition: Straight support for LGBT, PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 333-6991 or (800) 843-8383.

Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTIQ human rights. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com or 212-807-8400. Visit www.amnestyusa.org/Our Issues/LGBT Human Rights.

Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, email: mail@WABaptists.org.

BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433.

Barrington Congregational Church (UCC) “the white church”, 461 Old County Rd., Barrington. 246-0111.www.bccucc.org

Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy

Bell Street Chapel (Unitarian Universalist), A

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Religious Resources

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Welcoming congregation: Rev. Jose Ballester, Minister. 5 Bell St., Prov., 273-5678, www.bellstreetchapel.org. Beneficent Congregational Church (UCC), in the heart of Providence at 300 Weybosset St. An Open & Affirming congregation since 2001. Visit us Sundays at 10 a.m. or on the Web at www.beneficentchurch.org. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman, 331-9844. Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www. calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@aol.com. Central Congregational Church (UCC), where we believe God is still speaking. Services Sunday, 10:30 a.m. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. 296 Angell St., East Side of Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channing.Newport.uua.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale (Episcopal), 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln. Services 8 and 10:30 a.m. www.christchurchlincoln.org. 725-1920. Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford. 434-5012. A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. www.epiphanyep.org Church of the Holy Paraclete, Independent Old Catholic; Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. 155 Douglas Ave., Providence. http://holyparaclete. org; Fr. Jakob Lazarus 218-0706. Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John. 271 N. Main St., Prov. 02903. Please call 331-4622. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland RI 02864. 658-1506. First Congregational Church in Bristol, an Open and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. Pastor Dan Randall, 253-7288. First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m. First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686. First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UUA Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. Pastor Katie Lawson, 508-543-4002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. (508) 222-2898, www.immanuellc.org. Interweave at Channing UU Church in Newport (135 Pelham St.) A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons -- and their allies -- confronting oppression. 846-0643.

Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our Web site: www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA, 02702 Rev. Sandra D. Fitz-Henry. Marriage & commitment ceremonies for all. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org

Temple Agudas Achim: GLBT-friendly, Reconstructionist cong. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman. 901 No. Main St., Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243 or www.agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: GLBT-welcoming. Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Ave., Prov., RI 02906. 3316070 Temple Emanu-El, Sessions St. & Morris Ave., Providence. A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin, 331-1616.

Newman Congregational Church, Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Ave., Rumford, RI. 43114742.

Temple Habonim (Reform): Rabbi Andrew Klein, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, 245-6536. www.templehabonim.org.

Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Rev. Hayes & Rev. Baker. Open & Affirming. 73 Pelham St., Newport. 849-2238 or nccucc@newportcongregationalchurch.org.

Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform Temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. 9428350. www.TempleSinairi.org.

Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Pl., Pawtucket, 726-2800. The Pub Church: A church that meets in a pub! Saturdays, 5 p.m. at The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Ave. Boston. Open & Affirming. Affiliated with Protestant Disciples of Christ. Email thepubchurch@gmail.com. Location may change, so check blog: thepubchurch.blogspot. com. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937

bearsoceanstate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Age-restricted. Bridgewater State College GLBT Alumni Group: email Kenneth Hayes (‘91) khayesbbc@msn.com or visit www.bridgew.edu. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGYA): (508) 778-7744. CORISMA: Gay and lesbian couples of RI and Southeast MA. Potluck get-togethers for couples only. For info or to be added to email list write: corismainfo@comcast.net. www.corismagroup. org Defenders/Providence: Leather/Levi club, c/o PO Box 41153, Prov., RI 02940. Third Sun at 6 p.m.

Unitarian Society of Fairhaven (MA): 102 Green St., Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 992-7081.

Fall River’s Rainbow Girls: private, moderated welcoming group for women in the Fall River Area. groups.yahoo.com/group/ Fall_River_Rainbow_Grrls.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of So. County: 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI; 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. www.uusouthcountyri.org.

Gay Lesbian Alliance of Newport County Etc. (GLANCE): Social and entertainment events. E-mail glance1234@hotmail.com.

United Church of Christ: Coalition for LGBT Concerns. 13 Steven Circle, S. Kingstown, RI 02883, Ray Bradley at 782-3871.

Gay Dads Group: Meets monthly for socializing and support. E-mail serrel30@aol.com.

Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church: 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818. 884-5933

Imperial Court of RI at Prov: Male, female, drag king & queen performers raise funds for local charities. Meetings 1st Mon. of month, all welcome. PO Box 6583, Prov., RI 02904;www. icriprov.org. Men’s Card Group: New group in formation. E-mail johninprov@gmail. com or call John 261-9715.

Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508-997-5684.

Men’s Gay Camping: In RI, CT, MA. Gatherings organized for tents to RVs during Spring, Summer and Fall 2012. www.webspawner.com/users/ gaycamping/index.html or call 2770075 or email gaycamping@gmx.com.

Riverside Church (U.C.C.) 15 Oak Ave., Riverside, RI. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 35 Lower College Rd., Kingston. 783-2153 www.staugustineURI.com.

Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders.com or EMail Mixedborders@cox.net

St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov., Sr. Steven Patti, OFM. 353-1422 St. James Church: Episcopal, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Prov. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard St. East side of Prov., 751-2141 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: County & River Sts., New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-8972, stmartins1887@aol.com. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. www.stpaulspawtucket.org St. Paul’s Church, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 2679 E. Main St., Portsmouth. 862-1466. www. stpaulsportsmouthri.org St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Ave., Prov.; 272-9649. Email.stpanda25@ verizon.net. www.stpetersandstandrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church, Open & Affirming, Sunday Mass at 12:30 p.m. at 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Fr. David Martins, 263-4296. www.saintthereseocc.org Seekonk Congregational Church: 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771, (508) 336-9355, Rev. Joy Utter, www.scc-ucc.com.

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Social Organizations Atheists/Agnostics: RI Atheist Society – “Working to keep Church and State separate” Welcoming all. Meets 3rd Monday of the month at an area restaurant for lively discussions among likeminded people. For info: www.RIatheist.net

Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Email Dave at BrettCornellpi4@aol.com Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@aol.com.

Bisexual Resource Center: 29 Stanhope St., Boston, (617) 424-9595 or www.biresource.net.

Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: Mon, 7-9:30 p.m., Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset St, Prov.. New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and nonsinging volunteers welcome. www.provgmc.org.

Biversity Boston: Mixed-sex social network. Bimonthly brunches and other social events. http://biversity.org.

Queer Book Club. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m. at Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Email queerbookclub@gmail.com.

Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups, and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman.” Subscribe at www.biwomenboston.org.

Raging Grannies: Women of “a certain age” working toward a more peaceful, equitable society with song, humor & passion. Will sing for rallies & events. Email jlglass53@aol.com.

Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and -affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate or

RI Association of Gay Professionals. Professional networking and philanthropy. gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com. 453-9276

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RI Feminist Resources Network: Free, online e-com-

munity in which you are invited to share events or highlights in your organization or just find out what’s going on in our “like-minded” communities. www.rifrn.net RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women; email: heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie, 464-2288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI.com; www. PrideRI.com. Office at 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130 RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. www.riprimetimers.org RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone rational? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant for refreshing discussion. http:// skeptics.meetup.com/133/ RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances/events. www.RIWA.net SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) Advocacy, education and social events for RI’s LGBTQ seniors. sageriinfo@gmail.com, on Facebook: “Sage/Rhode Island.” SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of S.E. Mass and RI to foster strong friendships.Semassmen-subscribe@yahoo groups.com or email moderator rlevass @yahoo.com. Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer & like-minded people. Gatherings third Sunday of each month. Email trans.queer.ri@gmail.com. T.W.I.S.T. Project: Program for gay and bisexual men in Fall River/New Bedford area. Drop-in center, referrals, condom distribution, social groups. Coffee night Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. (508) 672-0378; www.myspace.com/twistprogram. UNISONG: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.unisong. net or jlglass53@aol.com VegOut Rhode Island: Social group for LGBT vegetarians, vegans and friends. Potlucks, VegOutings to restaurants, and other fun. Visit www. meetup.com/vegout-ri WomenRIsing. Feminist Chorus. Director Nancy Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: contact@womenrisingchorus.org. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for glbt people interested in vintage & specialty cars. www.yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com.

Lanes, Newport Ave., Bruce, 397-3803, or Bill, 828-5587 www.galabowling.com. Monday Night Women’s Bowling League, Pat 451-2188. Royal Court Bowling League: 9 p.m. Wed., Woonsocket Hill Bowl; 767-2110. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin bowling league: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m., Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. www.BGALBowling.com. Frank Ferri 831-6940. www.townhalllanes.com. BOWLING: BOSTON: Monday Night League, www.mnbl.net (617) 713-4832 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 5; Beantown No. G&L Invitational, www. beantownbowling.com (617) 738-0708 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 10; Beantown South G&L Invitational League, (617) 889-1552.

PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twenty+ gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www. pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858 Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports. com. Email info@gaysports.com. BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www.bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2. BOWLING: RI GALA: 6 p.m. Sun., East Prov.

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VOLLEYBALL: Cambridge Boston Volleyball Assoc. www.GayVolleyball.net, (617) 633-2180 VOLLEYBALL: Ocean State Pride Volleyball League meets Sundays at Pawtucket YMCA. Two leagues for varying abilities (afternoons and evenings) OSPVolleyball@gmail.com. www.volleyballri@yahoo.com YOGA for gays & lesbians. 9 a.m. Saturdays. All welcome. www/meetup.com/Gay-Meditation/. Fee applies. WRESTLING: East Coast Wrestling Club www. eastcoastwrestlingclub.org, email ecwc@juno. com, (401) 467-6737 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 6

DARTS: Bean Town Soft Tips Darts League www. bsdl.org. FLAG FOOTBALL: FLAG (For Lesbians and Gays) Football www.flagflagfootball.com, (617) 9375858 Ext. 4. FOOTBALL: Women’s professional team Northeastern Nitro. Members of the Women’s Football Alliance. Practices held in Bethel, CT. Contact Amy Manfred at amymanfred@yahoo.com or Carley Pesente at linebackergirl56@aol.com. RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 450-8682. HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7. ICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: email gwick@kersur.net.

Gail Wickstrom

KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: Tues & Thurs evenings. Christina, 996-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club: outdoor recreation for men & women; Call 617-869-7958 for newsletter; PO Box 390928, Cambridge, MA 02139; www.chiltern.org. ROWING: Boston Bay Blades www.bayblades.org/ boston (617) 937-5858 Ext. 11. RUGBY: Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club. www.bostonironsidesrfc.org. RUNNING: Frontrunners Rhode Island: Brian 751-7643, bripm@cox.net; Frontrunners Boston www.frontrunnersboston.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 3. SCUBA DIVING: Triangle Divers: www.triangledivers.org. SNOWBOARDING: OutRyders, www.outryders. org or email brian@outryders.org. SOCCER: Boston Strikers Soccer Club www.bostonstrikers.com (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9.

Sports

TENNIS: TENNIS-4-All: www.tennis4all.org.

SOFTBALL: Renaissance City Softball League. New players and boosters always welcome. 3236642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www. providencesoftball.org Beantown Softball League: (617) 937-5858, Ext. 1, www.beantownsoftball.com. SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts.com SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swim-Team); www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 9375858 Ext. 9.

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Students & Youth Bristol Community College Gay/Straight Alliance (BCC/GSA); Steven Camara, Advisor (508)6782811 Ext. 2391, BCC-H202, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720. Brown University Queer Alliance: umbrella org. for groups. 863-3062. www.queer.brown.edu Brown University Grad Student - Med Student - Staff LGBTQ Association: queer-med-gradmembers@queer.brown.edu Brown University Staff LGBTQ Assn.: call LGBT Resource Center: 863-3062 Brown University LGBTQ Resource Center: 8633062, e-mail lgbtq@brown.edu Bryant Pride: Bryant College Gay/Lesbian/ Bisexual Student Association. 232-6389. CCRI Triangle Alliance: Informal student GLBQT group, 400 East Ave., Warwick. Call 825-1125 or www.ccri.cc.ri.edu/triangle. COLAGE. Support for children of LGBT Parents: rhodeisland@colage.org; http://www.myspace. com/colage_ri. 331-9844. Fitchburg State College GLBT Alliance: social support group for students. One-in-Ten and Friends, 978-665-3164, sfranzemn@fsc.edu. Peer Listening Line/Fenway Community Health Ctr.: Boston. Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth; support, info and referrals. (617) 2672535 or (800)-399-PEER, 5-10 p.m. all week. RIC Rainbow Alliance: GLBT students at RI College, Fridays 12:30 -- 2 p.m, in Unity Center in lower Donovan. Office in StudentUnion 425. ricrainbowalliance2007@yahoo.com. Phone 456--8121 Roger Williams University LGBTQ & Allies group: S.A.F.E (Sexual Advocacy for Everyone): Weekly meetings in Intercultural Center; speakers, social and awareness events; Pride Week in April. Email: saferwu03@gmail.com. Facebook: S.A.F.E. Salve Regina University Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual Alliance (GSLBA), 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Sister Johnelle, Lucianij@salve.edu SeaQuel: Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership. Bi-weekly Sunday meetings. 383-7450. myspace.com/seaQuel; Email SeaQuel@Prysm.us

S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Sq., Prov., RI 02918, E-mail pclgbt@gmail.com. 865-1631

source Center of RI): Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24-hr hotline (800) 494-8100, collect calls accepted: 421-4100.

LifeLines RI: For transgender, genderqueer, intersex, etc. people. Advocacy, support, education. TGI Network of R.I. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org.

The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, aroundthe-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lgbt youth. Also offers social networks. 866-4-U-TREVOR; thetrevorproject.org.

Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling, LGBT or straight relationships. 24 hour free and confidential helpline. 7823990.

Mantalk of S.E. Mass: social/discussions for gay/ bi/curious men 18+. Taunton every Thursday, and New Bedford 1st Wed. of the month, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Confidential. Drug/alcohol-free. Email mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com

The Next Thing (TNT): political & support group for queer people of color at Brown Univ. Call Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062. University of RI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer & Questioning (LGBTIQ2) association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, alumni and students. jraffaele@advance.uri.edu. 874-4604. Youth Pride Inc./The Way Out: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13-23.Drop-in center at 743 Westminster St., Prov. 02903; M-F noon-8 p.m. The Way Out support group meets Thurs., 5 p.m. The Gender Spectrum support group meets Tues. 5:30 p.m. Call 421-5626 or email kerri@youthpride-ri.org Web: www.youthpride-ri.org.

Support Groups & Social Services Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help for LGBT and straight adoptions. Betsy Alper, Jewish Family Service, 959 No. Main St., Providence. 331-54337. Foster parents needed: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 766-0900 X1213. Foster parents needed, for newborn to age six. www. childrensfriendri.org. 276-4318 Foster parents sought: training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Gil Wright, Family Service of RI, 331-1350 Ext. 3305 Behavioral health outpatient services in Fall River area, inclusive of LGBT: S.T.E.P. (508-)2351012; T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378 Catholic Parents Outreach: Always Our Children, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Sacred Heart Convent, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA. Call Ann, (413) 736-6803. COLAGE (Children of Gays): A national movement of people with one or more LGBT parents. Social justice, education & advocacy. Meets 3rd Saturday of the month, Beneficent Church (3319844), 300 Weybosset St., Providence. Jamie Pease, rhodeisland@colage.org. www.myspace. com/colage_ri Coming Out Support Group: Monthly meetings professionally facilitated. www.meetup.com/ ComingOutRI/ Fee applies. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group, meets in Boston First Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. www.compassftm.org, compassftm@comcast.net Crossroads RI: Hotline (Travelers Aid): (800) 3672700 Day One (Formerly Sexual Assault and Trauma Re-

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Female-to-Male Support Group: Transgender peer support, information, social group. For those who identify somewhere on the trans-masculine spectrum. Regular meetings. Visit www.SNE_ FTM@yahoo.com Gay/Bi/Lesbian Coming Out support Group: Facilitated meetings, social events. tjfronczak@aol. com. Fee applies. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: support: E-Mail outreach@gayfathersboston.org. www.gayfathersboston.org. Gay Fathers Support Group in RI. Tom Fronczak, LICSW, 431-2953. Fee applies. GayLab for Healthy Relationships: Learning & practicing healthy ways to socialize in safe, nonjudgmental environment in LGBT community. www.gaylab.org. Email info@gaylab.org. James, 781-762-6629

Nat. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues, info@nlgja.org. PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays: Greater Providence: First Wednesdays, 6:45p.m. at Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571; www.pflagprovidence.org; pflagprovidence@verizon.net; South/Central RI: www.pflagscri.org, 219-0265, epbonetti@gmail. com; Cape Cod/Falmouth: Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Rd., E. Falmouth. joann@pflagcapecod.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: info at 467-9940; 24 hr. helpline, (800) 494-8100. RI Rainbow Support Group for people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Meets last Tuesday of each month. 98 Rolfe St., Cranston, 6 - 7:30. Ken Renaud, 785-2100. RI Relay 711.

Gay Men’s Empowerment Group: A life-coaching group for gay men. Wed. nights 6:30-8 p.m. Call Tim at 944-0723. $20/session.

Samaritans: 24-hour hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044 (RI only), 272-4044; www.samaritansri.org.

Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp.org.

Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, LGBTQ-friendly and bilingual (Spanish). Contact Aida (amanduley@sojournerri.org) or call 861-6191 (X121). No caller ID is used; calls are blocked for safety.

Gay Men’s Meditation Group: Positive New Beginnings, 873 Waterman Ave., E. Providence. Call Tim at 944-0723. $10/session. Gay Officers Action League /New England (GOAL NE), gay/lesbian/bisexual law enforcement officers, sworn & civilian. Fire, rescue and publicly employed EMS. P.O. Box 587, Boston, MA 02117; www.goalne.org; info@goalne.org; (617) 376-3612. Confidential.

Sojourner House: Support, shelter, advocacy, info for people in abusive relationships. Call us at 861-6191 M-F 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. We DON’T use Caller ID; calls are blocked for safety.

Gay Share. Coming Out? Gay men’s support group Wed., 7 p.m. No fee. Call Tom/Mike, 369-9448 or www.gayshare.org; Info@gayshare.org.

Straight Spouses Group: Visit www.StraightSpouse. org. for info on groups and online support.

Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline, call 24/7 for crisis and suicide prevention. Also social networks. 866-4-U-Trevor HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group at AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Ave., Prov., RI. 5213603. Refreshments served. New members should call Scott: 640-3108 Intimacy Between Men: Social support group for gay/bi men focusing on issues of intimacy and relationship. Led by Tom Fronczak, LICSW, call 431-2953 or email TJFronczak@aol.com. Fee applies. Kathy’s Group: free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Meets monthly in Providence. Partners and caregivers welcome. Call 888-5KATHYS. Lesbian Moms of Southern NE: discussion, support and activity list for lesbian mothers. www. topica.com/lists/LMOSNE or ForADancer63@ aol.com.

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Straight Spouse Support: RIKate6129@yahoo.com.

TGI Network of R.I.: Support, advocacy for Transgender, Transsexual, Gender-varient, Genderqueer & Intersex people. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Transgender Support Group: Cape Cod (508) 3624435 Trans Partners New England: Professionally led group for loved ones of trans people. TGI Network of R.I. www.tginetwork.org. partners@ tginetwork.org TransYouth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. Info@ imatyfa.org. www.imatyfa.org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www. tavausa.org. q

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