NEWS BRIEFS

By Gil Pontes

Options Magazine is Sad to Report the Passing of TC Rogers

Providence Public Library for all to access in perpetuity. They donated time and resources, never wanting to take credit. Rogers put their heart and soul into their communities, including being very active in their child’s school. Rogers will be sorely missed by the Options community, and many others. Our hearts and prayers go out to their family, friends, and loved ones.

Pride Update:

Former Options board chair, TC Rogers, passed away on Janauary 13. Rogers gave so much to the LGBTQ+ community. They frequently volunteered in the local campaign for equal marriage rights, and they’ve been a stalwart supporter of Options Magazine, writing stories and serving as board president from 2017-2020, overseeing a major e ort to archive all of Options’ publications at the

Rhode Island Pride has announced this year’s PrideFest, and the Illuminated Night Parade will take place June 17. Rhode Island Pride is back with a vendor exhibition area, community resource hub, main stage entertainment, and so much more. Last year’s Pride events drew over 200,000 into the city of Providence, and this year appears to be promising as well. Further inside, you’ll find a map of the parade events and route!

We want to marry you!

CDC Survey: 1 in 4 High School Students Identify as LGBTQ+

A recent survey from the CDC found that approximately 26 percent of high school students identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. This is an increase from 2015, where 11 percent of those students surveyed identified themselves as a member of the Queer and Trans community. The breakdown of the 26 percent is as follows: 12.2 percent identify as Bisexual, 5.2 percent as questioning, 3.9 percent as other, 3.8 percent as Gay or Lesbian, and 1.8 percent didn’t understand the question as asked.

Queer Achievers

Both on the national and state level, a new generation of Queer leadership is rising through the ranks. Here in Rhode Island, Grant Pike, Jackie Goldman, and Kwana

Adams have joined the board of Options RI. Ryan Vigneau has become the Chair of Options’ Board of Directors. Jacob Hunnicutt has been named Director of Development for RI Queer PAC, along with Tyson Bishop, Kelly Doern, and Julia Arcisz joining as Education and Training Developer, Volunteer Recruiter, and Executive Support repectively. Peter Salhaney joins Open Door Health as their Project Director. On the national stage, Options’ own Gil Pontes has been named Director of Development at The Nora Project.

“Don’t Say Gay” and AntiTrans Bills Introduced in RI State Legislature This Session

As Queer and Trans rights are under attack by Congressional Republicans, and state legislatures across the country, we here in Rhode Island have unfortunately seen “Don’t Say Gay” and anti-trans bills filed in our own state legislature. HB 5688, filed by Representative Patricia Morgan, seeks to replicate the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that was championed and signed into law by Florida Governor and Republican presidential contender Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile SB 391, filed by Senator Elaine Morgan, bars Trans athletes from competing in organized sports that match their gender identity. HB 5688 is currently being held in committee for further study, and SB 391 has been referred to committee as well.

Happy Pride Fest!

Giving Caring, Confdential Support When You Need It Most HELPLINE: (401) 307 1802 www.PFLAGprovidence.org

Monthly support meetings held on the 1st Wednesday of the month on Zoom @7pm. Requires registration via website below. In person meetings at the Met School, 325 Public St., Providence on 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 6:45 pm. No registration required.

Email: PFLAGprovidence@gmail.com

Montana Silences Trans Elected Official

On the national stage, along with legislative attacks on our rights as a community, allies and members of the Queer and Trans community serving in our state legislatures are facing ugly attacks from opponents of our community. State Representative Zooey Zephyr, from District 100 in Montana, was barred from the House floor after speaking out against a bill that would ban gender-a rming healthcare for youth. Zephyr, who is Trans herself, will now only be able to vote remotely for the rest of Montana’s legislative session.

Smithfield School Committee Considering Policy to Out LGBTQ Students to Parents

Smithfield School Committee members are considering a policy that would have strong repercussions for LGBTQ+ students. These proposed changes may go against best practices recommended by the state Department of Education and, potentially, against state and federal laws. Under the guise of parental rights, this new policy would allow o cials in the schools to out LGBTQ+ students to their parents, without the consent of the student.

SAGE-RI Has Become Pride in Aging

In Rhode Island, there’s a new name for a long-standing organization within our Queer and Trans tapestry. SAGE-RI has undergone a name change and will be now known as Pride in Aging RI. Pride in Aging RI is Rhode Island’s resource dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ seniors achieve a high quality of life through education, advocacy, and social activities and services.

Pride in Aging RI engages our LGBTQ+ elders and promotes positive images of LGBT+ life in later years.