options January 2015
LGBTQ News, Resources & Events
GL AD Dreams Big in 2015 pg. 12
Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Community Magazine Since 1982
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options
In This Issue:
Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982. January 2015, Vol. XXXIII, Issue 9
Publisher Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Editor in Chief Jen Stevens editor@optionsri.org Calendar Editor Samuel Simas info@optionsri.org
Worth a Look: Pride, The Movie
Senior Copy Editor Myra Shays
pg. 38
Copy Editors Steve Kagan, Elizabeth LaRoque, The Lit Chick, Maria Phillips Graphic Design Theresa Barzyk
GLAD Dreams Big pg. 12
An Interview with Kate Monteiro pg. 14
4 From the Editor 5 Feel Better 6 From the Publisher 6 Advertisers 8 Calendar of Events 10 News Briefs 12 GLAD Dreams Big in 2015 14 On the Shoulders of Giants 18 Pray the Gay Away 19 Youth Pride Inc. 20 Out on the Town
New YPI Staffers pg. 19
22 Resolved to Get in Shape 24 Lesbians on the Loose 25 Memorable Moments of 2014 26 Exciting Events with RI Pride 27 News from SAGE-RI 28 Who is AIDS Care Ocean State? 29 Transgender Medicine Conference 30 Where Do You Find Your LGBT Feminism? 31 Resources 38 Worth a Look
Home delivery is free! Subscribe at www.optionsri.org, email frank@optionsri.org, or write to us at our PO Box. © OPTIONS 2015. Options is published monthly. 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 include a phone number or email address. Names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar, or resource listings for the February issue must be delivered by January 16.
Options | January 2015
Writers Kurt Bagley, Adam Brooks, Tracey Cohen, Cathy S. Cranston, Annie Cronin-Silva, Christopher Dalpe, Jodi Glass, Amber Guzman, Kerri Kanelos, The Lit Chick, Kelly Scafariello, Melanie Silva, Samuel Simas, Jen Stevens, Jaye Watts, Janson Wu Photographers Jack Hartwein-Sanchez, Brian Sit Finance Director Donny McKendall billing@optionsri.org Subscription Manager Francis Ryan frank@optionsri.org Distribution Coordinator Sean Drury sean@optionsri.org Advertising Samuel Simas adver tising@optionsri.org
Contact Us info@optionsri.org PO Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940 (401) 724-LGBT www.optionsri.org Cover: Janson Wu speaking at GLAD’s Summer Party in Ptown, photo by GLAD staff
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From the Editor While Rhode Island may not have an organization solely dedicated to fighting for LGBT equality in the eyes of the law, GLAD has us covered. As Janson Wu steps up as executive director of New England-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, he dreams big, smartly presenting their 2015 agenda, and outlines a vision for recognition and fair treatment of LGBTs— specifically youth, elders, workers, transgender individuals, families, and HIV/AIDS patients. (pg. 12) This tried-and-true organization provided immense support throughout Rhode Island’s fight for marriage equality, and just knowing where they’ve set their sights allows us to dream beyond their inevitable victories. Speaking of victories, congratulations to Rhode Islander Deb Tevyah, who was represented by GLAD and has finally received Social Security Widow Benefits after a three-year battle. (pg. 10) Do you have big dreams for 2015? I surely do, and not just personally. I’ll share three community-impacting dreams for 2015: • There’s nothing more I’d love to see than a ribbon cutting ceremony for the much-anticipated RI LGBT Community Center. Stay tuned to hear how that dream is progressing toward reality. • My dream for Options is for the On the Shoulders of Giants series to reach further into history, and I’ll surely need help from community members like outspoken activist Kate Monteiro to take us back. Kate’s voice has always been one worth listening to, and I’m so grateful to capture her words in this history-rich interview. (pg. 14) • A bigger-than-ever RI PrideFest is really a premonition; having the financial backing to support it is the dream.Yearround Pride events raise funds, not only for the festival, but also to keep Pride’s doors, phone lines, and other resources open and available to the community. In this issue, RI Pride announces many exciting events to gather together, be visible, and enjoy queer culture.Your dream of becoming prom king or queen might just come true at Pride’s first annual Gay Prom on February 14. (pg. 26) New Year’s resolutions are dreams you aim to have control over. While the holidays are presumed to be a joyous time, for many, some recovery is in order. If you’ve resolved to shed that holiday weight and get in shape (pg. 22), or if your mental health is your priority (pg. 5), our experienced writers offer ideas and tips to help you on your way. Last, I can’t pass up a chance to the plug “the little folk singer,” Ani DiFranco, whose lyrics have taught me to dream bigger than I had ever imagined. Read about her latest release, Allergic to Water, in this edition of “Worth a Look” (pg. 38) and have yourself a good listen sometime in 2015.
ceremony reception after party Any party
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May your dreams for 2015 come true, Jen Stevens
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Options | January 2015
Feeling Better
by Dr. Tracey Cohen, M.D.
When the Holidays Get You Down
T
he holiday season is known as the most wonderful time of the year—a time for joy, a time for laughter—but these feelings don’t always ring true for everyone. Have you found yourself especially down this time of year? For some, the holidays bring added stress. Maybe “fun,” boozy holiday parties became environments in which you felt uncomfortable or even unsafe as an LGBT individual. Another trigger may have been TV ads for holiday gifts, which almost always present a hetero-normative view of a family—mom, dad, kids, and a dog— that made you feel alienated from cultural holiday celebrations. Many people also get the “winter blues” from the cold weather and fewer hours of sunlight each day. Most who experience these stresses get back into their routine and feel better on their own. For others, bouncing back is much harder. If you have underlying depression to begin with, these times can trigger significant worsening of depression. Clinical research has consistently demonstrated that depression disproportionately affects those who identify as LGBT. One of the most important ways to overcome depression is
Options | January 2015
to know when you or someone you love is suffering from depression. It’s important to remember that depression doesn’t always present as sadness. Here are some signs of depression from the National Institute of Mental Health: • Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or numbness • Anger, irritability, or frustration over small things • Decreased energy, the feeling of being “slowed down” • Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
getting help. Depression can make daily life activities seem daunting, and seeking treatment can feel especially overwhelming during the busy new year. Depression is a treatable illness, however, and seeking help can greatly improve your quality of life. (Ads for mental health counselors can be found on pages 4 and 19.) If you have a primary care physician, he or she can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who meets your needs. You can even ask to be referred to a mental health professional who specializes in LGBT concerns. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can contact The Samaritans of Rhode Island, a local hotline centered in Providence that can be reached at 1-800365-4044 or 272-4044.
• Thoughts of death or suicide
The new year can also be a good time to meet new people who accept you for who you are. There are many great things to do in Rhode Island—check out the Calendar section of Options. q
If any of the above symptoms feel familiar to you, or if you’re finding it difficult to cheer up after the holidays, it is worth
Dr. Tracey Cohen is the Medical Director of Behavioral Health and Quality for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping • Appetite or weight changes
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From the Publisher
Advertisers in This Issue
Dear Reader, As you reflect upon 2014, I ask you to think about Options Magazine and how many people we’ve reached over the past 12 months. Our team produced 12 issues (now proudly printed in Rhode Island), totaling 61,000 copies. Of that, 27,000 were mailed to subscribers throughout the Ocean State and across the country, reaching homes in 27 of the 50 United States as far away as Hawaii. While it’s true that readership is in decline for many publications, I’m proud to say that Options Magazine’s subscription list continues to grow each month. Let’s consider why that is. Options unites the institutions that comprise the foundation of our community. Our pages provide a place for organizations such as AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project Rhode Island, the Imperial Court of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Pride, SAGE-RI, TGI Network, and Youth Pride Inc., to communicate their messages to all those with an interest in our diverse community. Hundreds of groups and organizations rely on Options to connect them to clients, customers, and participants through their listings in our thorough Resources section. Businesses use our pages to welcome LGBTQ patronage. This publication is vital to our community’s cohesion. After 33 years, Options is still the best place to turn to for the latest happenings in Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community.
Onward,
Kyle McKendall
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AIDS Care Ocean State - Know Your Status................27 AIDS Project Rhode Island....................................................... 7 Bill Hendrickson, Electrician....................................................17 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island...........................32 City Kitty............................................................................................27 Cruise Planners..............................................................................34 Family Service of Rhode Island............................................... 9 Gregory’s Optical.........................................................................27 High Rocks Condominiums....................................................15 JDHS Photos...................................................................................16 Jennifer Minuto, Attorney.........................................................26 Jennifer Minuto, Musician............................................................ 4 John D. DaPonte, Mental Health Counselor.................17 Marjorie L. Roblin, Mental Health Counselor................. 4 Patriot Subaru.................................................................................28 Plumbing by Paul...........................................................................35 Quidnessett Country Club.....................................................25 Residential Properties................................................................13 RI Association of Gay Professionals...................................37
I implore you to resolve to support Options in 2015, along with the many other nonprofits and businesses that fill our pages. Your ideas and opinions, attendance at meetings and social events, and financial support are critical to our ability to continue our work. Make this the year you get involved.
P.S.— Thanks go out to everyone who generously donated to Options in our annual appeal last month. Without your contributions there is no way we could have published this issue with the quality to which we’ve become accustomed. There is still time to contribute. Checks can be made payable to Options Magazine and sent to PO Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940. Donations are also accepted at optionsri.org.
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals use anti-HIV medications to reduce their risk of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus. It is an additional tool for people to consider in the HIV prevention toolbox. Learn more:
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an HIV prevention strategy where HIV-negative individuals take HIV medications after coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected. PEP is a month-long course of drugs and must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure.
Pre = before Exposure = coming into contact with HIV Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent an infection from happening
Post = after Exposure = coming into contact with HIV Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent an infection from happening
Free, anonymous STD/HIV testing 1125 North Main Street, Providence, RI Weds, Thurs, Friday 12:30 - 3:30PM AIDS PROJECT RHODE ISLAND Talk to a doctor to No insurance or appointment necessary determine if a Prophylaxis www.aidsprojectri.org Contact: Dr. Phil Chan, pchan@lifespan.org is right forClinic you. Manager Bobby DuCharme: www.men2menri.org 401-793-4715
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Options | January 2015
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Calendar of Events Trans* Medicine Conference January 10
Sissy That Walk January 17
January Sat. 10 Trans* Medicine Conference 2015, 8am-4pm. Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence. (Story on page 29.) For medical providers, medical students, and any interested community members to train RI doctors on the health care needs of the trans* community and to have the trans* community share their positive and negative health care experiences. For more information, please contact Dr. Marcy Feibelman, naturopathic physician: marcy.feibelman@gmail.com. Sun. 11 Lesbian Speed Dating with host Ms. Lesbian RI 2014 Betty Lebesian, 3:30pm registration/speed dating 4-5pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Benefits RI Pride. For info, 467-2130. Sun. 11 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Network for gay and bisexual men 50+. Social, dinner, and meeting. For more info, www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. Thu. 15 Drag Bingo, 6-9pm. Theme: Pajama Party Bingo. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2,000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Hosted by Kitty Litter and Haley Star. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Fri. 16 Lesbian Speed Dating with host Ms. Lesbian RI 2014 Betty Lebesian, 7:30pm registration/speed dating 8-9pm. Kiki @ The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Benefits RI Pride. For info, 467-2130. Sat. 17 Sissy That Walk Fashion Show featuring Shangela (of Ru Paul’s Drag Race), 8pm. EGO, 73 Richmond Street, Providence. $20 show and $20 for the after party, or $30 for both. Benefits Youth Pride Inc. and RI Pride. Wed. 21 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: The Call of Cthulu and Other Weird Stories by H.P. Lovecraft. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Sat. 24 SAGE-RI Mid-Winter Meeting & Brunch, 11am1pm. Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille, 2225 Post Road,
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Warwick. Free for members and $10 for non-members. RSVP: 528-3259 or sageriinfo@gmail.com. Wed. 28 RI Pride Open House co-hosted by PFLAG/ Greater Providence, 7pm. 1005 Main Street #1105 in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village. Social gathering and discussion of community events and opportunities for involvement. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri. com or 467-2130. Wed. 28 Fleetwood Mac: On With the Show, 8pm. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center. After a 16-year absence, Christine McVie rejoins Fleetwood Mac bandmates Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks as they launch the On With the Show tour. Fri. 30 Funniest Housewives of Orange County, 8pm. The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. The Funniest Housewives of Orange County are a sizzling comedic sensation and their styles are hilarious, diverse, and witty. Fri. Jan. 30 – Feb. 7 Gallery Q. The Pride Center, 1005 Main Street #1105 in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village. Pride’s art show featuring works from local LGBTQ artists. Viewing times TBA. www.prideri.com.
February Fri. Jan. 30 – Feb. 7 Gallery Q. The Pride Center, 1005 Main Street #1105 in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village. Pride’s art show featuring works from local LGBTQ artists. Viewing times TBA. www.prideri.com. Sun. 1 Options Magazine Release Party, 3-6pm.The Stable, 125 Washington Street Providence.Volunteers needed for distribution. Sun. 8 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Network for gay and bisexual men 50+. Social, dinner, and meeting. For more info, www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. Fri. 13 The Indigo Girls with the RI Philharmonic, 8pm. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. $45-$75. Options | January 2015
The Indigo Girls February 13
Sat. 14 Lesbian Speed Dating with host Ms. Lesbian RI 2014 Betty Lebesian, 6pm registration/speed dating 6:307:30pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. $5. Benefits Rhode Island Pride. Sat. 14 Gay Prom: Glitter in the Sky, 7:30pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Dress up and dance your high school nightmares away with DJ Andy Morris, DJ Lightning, and DJ Reese. Singles, couples, and all are welcome. Vote for Prom King & Queen and enjoy hors d’oeuvres. Lesbian speed dating at 6pm (extra $5). $20 in advance at www.prideri.com/$30 at the door. 18+. Benefits Rhode Island Pride.
Gay Prom February 14
Regularly Scheduled Support Groups: ACOS (youth): Tue. 4pm, (gay males): Wed. 1:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous (LGBT Group): Tue. 7pm COLAGE (children of LGBTs): 3rd Sat. 10:30am PFLAG (parents, friends, allies): 1st Wed. 6:45pm TGI Network (trans*): 1st & 3rd Tue. & Sat. 7pm TransFamily New England: 2nd Mon. 6:30pm YPI (youth): Way Out Thu. 4pm/Gender Spectrum Tue. 4pm See Resources on page 31 for more info.
Wed. 18 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Real Man Adventures by T. Cooper. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Thu. 19 Drag Bingo, 6-9pm. Theme: Heaven and Hell Bingo. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2,000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Hosted by Kitty Litter and Haley Star. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Thu. 19 – Sun. 22 The 22nd Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show, 10am-8pm, Sunday until 6pm. The RI Convention Center. www.flowershow.com. Wed. 25 Rhode Island Pride Open House, 7pm. 1005 Main Street #1105 in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village. Social gathering and discussion of community events and opportunities for involvement. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri.com or 467-2130. Fri. 27 The Vagina Monologues, 8pm.The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. The Obie Awardwinning Vagina Monologues introduces a wildly divergent gathering of female voices taking its audience on both a moving and comical tour of the ultimate forbidden zone, while celebrating female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery. Options | January 2015
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News Briefs by Adam Brooks
District of Columbia Passes Bill Against Conversion Therapy In December, the District of Columbia Council approved a bill that will protect LGBT
youth from the dangerous practice of conversion therapy. This ruling is the third (following California and New Jersey) to criminalize practices that have been known to cause serious depression and, in extreme cases, suicide, in LGBT youth. Sigmund Freud first introduced the idea of conversion therapy in the early 1900s and the archaic measure is still used by some religious groups in an attempt to “cure” homosexuality.Techniques used in conversion therapy include sexual suppression, repression, psychoanalysis, reconditioning, and electric shock, and pose massive risks to young LGBTs. The unanimously approved bill in D.C. was largely organized by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which recently launched its “#bornperfect” campaign, which is successfully raising awareness against the practice of conversion therapy.
PFLAG Launches Publication and Resources for Trans Allies PFLAG (formerly known as Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) recently published its Guide to Being a Trans Ally, the fourth publication under their exclusive Straight for Equality project. The guide was released alongside many online resources and trainings intending to engage, recruit, and educate allies who have no familial connection to members of the LGBT community. “As many become more familiar with people who are transgender, the opportunities for being allies are tremendous,” said Jody Huckaby, Executive Director of PFLAG National. “This publication will provide an understanding of who trans allies are, what they need to know, and specific ways they can display inclusive behaviors.” The Straight for Equality project has educated over 12,000 allies nationwide since its creation in 2007.
RI-Born Country Star Billy Gilman Comes Out In a recent candid YouTube video, former child star Billy Gilman came out of the closet to his fans and to the country music community. Said Gilman, “It’s difficult for me to make this video. Not because I’m ashamed of being a gay male artist, or a gay artist, or a gay person. But it’s pretty silly to know that I’m ashamed of doing this knowing that— because I’m in a genre, and in an industry, that is ashamed of me for being me.” Gilman has said that he has felt a lot of support from fellow country stars and hopes to maintain the support and respect of his fans. Gilman was born in Rhode Island and was singing publicly at age seven. By the time he was eleven, he had released One Voice, his debut album for Epic Records that went double platinum followed by two gold albums. He achieved his greatest chart success with the title track, a commentary on school violence, which peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard country chart in 2000. He also charted with other singles including, “Oklahoma,” “Warm and Fuzzy,” and “She’s My Girl” in the early 2000s and has sold over five million albums worldwide.
Former Rhode Island Resident Wins Social Security Lawsuit Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed a lawsuit last month against the Social Security Administration in the U.S. District Court over unlawfully denying survivor benefits to Deborah Tevyaw after the death of her wife, Patricia Baker, a former Rhode Island resident. Deborah, who was 56 and unable to work due to a disability, married Pat in 2005 and lost her wife to lung cancer in August of 2011. Despite Deb’s legal marriage to Pat, the SSA refused to provide Deb disabled widow’s benefits and a lump sum death payment in 2012, citing the Defense of Marriage Act. This past month, however, GLAD successfully obtained Social Security Widow Benefits for Deborah after the three-year battle with the SSA. Over $30,000 in back benefits were paid to Deb. “Nothing can bring back my wife and my best friend, but at least now Pat can rest in peace and I will be protected by the same safety net that is there for all other widows and widowers,” said Deb.
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Options | January 2015
New HIV Cases Increase in RI With cases of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases on the rise in Rhode Island, public health advocates commemorated World AIDS Day at the State House on December 1 by calling for increased efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. Rhode Island’s Heath Department has seen over 87 new cases of HIV in 2014, a jump from 74 last year. The majority of these new cases are from sexual contact, mainly between men. Almost none of the cases involve intravenous drug users or mothers passing along an infection to their newborns via breast-feeding. “We really have to get our prevention response in line with how people are becoming infected,” said Amy Nunn, executive director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute and professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown University. “It’s important that when we do this and respond to this crisis, it can’t be in a way that further promotes stigma among men who have sex with men. We know from the 1980s that absolutely didn’t work.” While the death rate from HIV has dropped dramatically since the early years of the epidemic, it remains a chronic medical condition requiring drug therapies and regular medical care. When left untreated, HIV infection can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It’s estimated that the lifetime cost of treatment per HIV/AIDS patient is $400,000.
Advertise with Options! Grow your business and support our LGBTQ community by placing an ad in the next issue.
High Ratings from HRC for Blue Cross, RI Hospital, VA by Jen Stevens
The Human Rights Campaign announced its Corporate Equality Index (CEI) last month, rating Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI at a perfect 100. “This is the first year that any Rhode Island company received a 100% score from the Corporate Equality Index, and we hope it will inspire other companies to make this happen in our communities. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence, and these efforts lead to employees who are appreciated, fully engaged, and motivated to provide the best possible service to our members,” said Visael (Bobby) Rodriguez, Vice President of Organization Development and Chief Diversity Officer at BCBSRI. Other Rhode Island corporations rated in the CEI were CVS at 80, Hasbro at 75, and Textron at 50. Rhode Island Hospital and the Providence VA Medical Center were the only two hospitals in Rhode Island to receive HRC’s “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” status. “We have worked tirelessly to assess our employee interactions with members of the LGBT Options | January 2015
community at Rhode Island Hospital,” said Laurie Sawyer, chairperson of Spectrum, Lifespan’s LGBT employee resource group, which includes Rhode Island Hospital. “It is important to know you are treated equitably in the place you receive health care. The Equality Leader designation ensures LGBT patients that their health care rights are protected and their decisions about family visitation and proxies will be accepted.”
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O
n my first day as a GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) attorney in 2006, Mary Bonauto and Gary Buseck told me that GLAD was planning a challenge to DOMA Section 3 and that I would be working on the legal team. I was flabbergasted. Remember, that was when Massachusetts was the only place samesex couples could marry, we had just lost 11 marriage referenda across the country, and we were fighting off amendments to both the state and federal constitutions defining marriage as between one man and one woman. What I learned on that first day is that, even when others thought we were crazy, GLAD has always had the courage to dream big for our community, and to put in the arduous work to make those dreams a reality. So, in my first days as GLAD’s Executive Director eight years later, what are our big dreams for 2015? It’s all about creating a world in which we are not just accepted, but celebrated. Big dreams are realized, of course, through small steps (and medium-size steps, too). Here are some of the steps we will take in 2015:
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Creating the World We Dream of for LGBTQ Youth We must take care of all of our youth, especially the most vulnerable. That’s why GLAD has been working to create guidance for LGBTQ youth in RI’s foster care system, given that these youth are disproportionately LGBTQ and youth of color.
Safeguarding All Our Families, No Matter How They Are Formed While GLAD has had tremendous success winning protections for our families through marriage, we know that not every couple will get married, and not every family has two parents. LGBT families come in all shapes and all sizes, and they all deserve to be protected. That’s why we will continue our work to overhaul family laws across New England – state by state – to include all families, no matter what they look like or how they are formed.
Ensuring LGBT Elders Can Thrive GLAD’s work on the new frontier of elder equality is just beginning. That’s
why GLAD is thrilled to be working with SAGE-RI to ensure that no one has to go back into the closet to be safe as they age. And GLAD just won a threeyear-long fight against Social Security to ensure that Rhode Island resident Deb Tevyaw can finally receive her deceased wife Pat Baker’s survivor benefits.
Strengthening Employment Protections in New England and Across the Country Even though all six New England states have sexual orientation employment discrimination laws, in over half of the states in this country, you can still be fired for being gay. That’s why GLAD has been filing a series of lawsuits (see Cote v. Walmart and Considine v. Brookdale Senior Living) on behalf of gay and lesbian employees, under the theory that existing laws prohibiting sex discrimination should also protect against sexual orientation discrimination. Just like in the case of marriage and secondparent adoption, New England’s courts are the perfect testing ground for these novel legal theories. If we are successful in these cases, it will establish a legal foothold for employment discrimination
Options | January 2015
Working for the Highest Quality of Life for People Living with HIV
Janson Wu, client John Wambere, and GLAD attorney Allison Wright protections for gay and lesbian individuals across the country.
Securing Greater Legal Protections for Transgender People That’s why GLAD just helped secure regulations that would remove RI’s discriminatory and medically-outdated surgical requirements before transgender individuals can amend their birth certificates, and we continue to work to ensure that all transgender individuals in the state have access to transition-related care.
Last session, GLAD filed a bill in Massachusetts to pass mandated insurance coverage for treatment of HIVrelated lipodystrophy, a debilitating and ostracizing medical condition that results from long-term HIV-medications. We hope that this first-of-its kind, life-altering legislation will be replicated throughout New England and the nation.
contact. And we will continue to fight legislatively, as we did in Maine, where we defeated a proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act. While GLAD has always dreamed big, we have also always worked hard and worked smart. And that’s how we will create an even more just world where all LGBT individuals can thrive. q
Fighting Attempts to Add Exceptions to Anti-Discrimination Laws These are some of our pro-active plans, but we will also play vigorous defense against the religious right’s plan to chip away at anti-discrimination protections, and create “religious exceptions” that allow more discrimination. We are in the heat of litigation against a Catholic high school that withdrew an employment offer from Matt Barrett, who was hired to be food service director, simply because he listed his husband as his emergency
Janson Wu and Art Handy
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“On the Shoulders of Giants”
An Interview with Kate Monteiro
by Jen Stevens
L-R: Kitty Litter, Frank Ferri, Ed Pacheco, Anthony DeRose, Monteiro, Elizabeth Roberts, Art Handy, Angel Taveras, and LaDiva Jonz Options: I recently learned you were born the day Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at The March on Washington. Has this influenced you in any way? Kate: While I do enjoy the connection, I think more than anything it’s an indication that I was born and raised at a moment in our collective history when it was possible to believe that real change was not just possible, but a realistic expectation when people of good will and determination came together. I was lucky enough to be raised in the shadow of the great social movements of the 1960s—to be steeped in the idea that all things are possible. O: What experiences led you to participate in your first protest or political movement? K: That’s hard to say, though I was raised in Burrillville at a time when it was definitely not the heart of social activism of any sort. I can’t really remember a time
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before I was politically active. In high school I was part of Model Legislature where we debated sodomy repeal in 1979. I once testified in support of the teachers union against the Burrillville School Committee and may have suggested that the school committee was crazy. Ok, I did call them crazy. It’s one of my favorite activist memories. O: Which people most inspired you to fight in the LGBT rights movement? K: I have many heroes of the LGBT rights movement—Harry Hay, Barbara Gittings, Jose Sarria. I was 14 when Harvey Milk was elected and 15 when he was assassinated, and though I wasn’t connected to an LGBT community, nor even particularly confirmed in my own sexual orientation, I was very moved. He was a beacon and then a martyr. In college and graduate school I trained as a historian, though, and so much of my activism was shaped by 19th century social reformers—a whole host of figures—who looked at the world and said, hey, we can fix this,
time to roll up your sleeves. I’m kind of a nerd that way. My local heroes are far too many to list—though Tina Wood, Rodney Davis, Edie Ajello, and Marti Rosenberg have each in their own way and time been my closest partners in activism and I’d happily follow each of them to the end of the earth and back. O: You were president of The Rhode Island Alliance for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights for many years. What led to the creation of The Alliance and how did it operate? K: [The Alliance] organized statewide LGBT political activism in Rhode Island from at least 1975, when members of the RI Metropolitan Community Church held a candlelight vigil on the steps of the Federal Courthouse in Providence. This led in part to the Toward a Gayer Bicentennial lawsuit and the first LGBT Pride in Rhode Island in 1976. Political activism continued under various rather ad hoc names, and particularly in coalition with the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Options | January 2015
activism throughout the late 70s and early 80s. In 1982 the RI legislature considered a comprehensive version of the ERA which was to include not just gender, but sexual orientation and disability. Legislative processes being what they are, during negotiations the LGBT and disabled communities got left out of the equal rights legislation that eventually passed. That’s when Marilyn Haines, Dianne Cook and a handful of others founded the RI Alliance for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights—an organization dedicated specifically to advocating for civil rights regardless of sexual orientation. The Alliance, throughout its 20 years as the main political voice of the community, was always completely volunteer run. The Alliance eventually secured the passage of the sexual orientation civil rights law in 1995, and went on to a myriad of successes including the passage of the gender identity and expression civil rights law, the repeal of RI’s draconian sodomy law, and the extension of hate crimes legislation. Throughout its years, the volunteers of the Alliance advocated on pretty much every LGBT civil rights issue that arose. Marriage equality work in the 1990s not only ensured that RI never had a state level Defense of Marriage Act, but pushed the RI legislature towards marriage equality. All of the Alliance’s victories were accomplished without ever having a single paid staff member. In about 2003, in coalition with Ocean State Action, the Alliance convened the Campaign for Marriage Equality. This coalition of several organizations interested in marriage equality eventually spun off its own separate organization, Marriage Equality RI. O: You co-chaired and chaired Marriage Equality Rhode Island in its early stage and again through achieving victory. What factors were unique to the marriage campaign in Rhode Island compared to other states? K: The marriage equality movement in RI dates to the mid 90s—well before most other states. I remember sitting down to draft our first “informational packet” in anticipation of a positive decision in Hawaii before the Defense of Marriage Act and before Vermont’s civil unions. At the time, we in Rhode Island faced an uphill battle within our own community. It took a very long time to convince ourselves as a community, not only that we could win, but that it was a battle worth fighting. When Rhode Island started working on marriage equality— then called same-sex marriage—it was still a felony to have gay sex. Thanks to Representative Michael Pisaturo, and then folks like Representative Edie Ajello and Senator Rhoda Perry, we hoped for years that we might become the first state to pass marriage equality with a straight up or down vote without an impeding court decision. That didn’t happen, but from the very beginning Rhode Island set its sights high. O: What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make as a leader within a campaign, and what was the outcome?
Options | January 2015
K: In many ways I have been lucky. In the campaigns of which I was in the leadership, it never came down to those very difficult moments when you need to decide to walk away from the table or allow a deeply painful concession in order to move an issue forward. I am deeply sympathetic to those who had to decide about the excision of gender identity in the 1995 civil rights bill and who had to decide on civil unions in 2011. Wrong or right, those were not easy moments and they generated deep wells of anger. I am definitely happy never to have had to be in that position.
Jenn Steinfeld and Monteiro
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Amy Black and Monteiro
O: If you could magically wipe away bigotry from the mind of one enemy of the gay rights movement throughout time, who would you choose and why? K: That’s a difficult question to ask a historian. Certainly you could save thousands and thousands of lives in many ways. But if we limited it merely to obstacles to our civil rights movement I’d be tempted to say Anita Bryant, who gave a glossy veneer to anti-LGBT bigotry when the LGBT civil rights movement was just gaining traction in the US. Senator Jesse Helms did so much damage to our community throughout the early decades of the AIDS epidemic. I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing what our movement would have been like without either or both of those bigots. O: You’re arguably Rhode Island’s foremost authority on LGBTQ history. How is our local history being preserved, and where can readers go to learn more or contribute?
Tina Wood and Monteiro circa 2002
us so long to achieve marriage equality in Rhode Island is [that] we turned inward, focusing narrowly on our own pursuit of a single issue. We win the most, fastest, when we fight side by side with others on a range of issues [that] affect us all. We have, over the decades, come to a place where, now more than ever, we need to be as visible and present as we can be in all the communities to which we belong, O: For many years, whenever the gay community was making news, the national and local press would look to you for a comment. Have you found that the press has, for the most part, fairly covered the gay rights movement in Rhode Island, or were
JDHS PHOTOS
K: The University of Rhode Island library and the Brown University library are both interested in collecting primary sources—photos, scrapbooks, oral histories and the like—of RI LGBT history for their special collections. Steven Pennell, Peter Hocking and others have conducted a number of oral histories with community members over the years. But unfortunately, unlike The History Project in Boston or OutHistory in Philadelphia, we haven’t had a concerted effort to uncover and preserve our local history. Certainly there’s much to be done. O: You and many others interviewed in this series are highlyskilled, strategic, inspiring, powerful political activists. How can local LGBTQ leaders best use their skills to overcome current political challenges? K: LGBTQ leaders need to continue to pursue collaboration with activist communities that center on dismantling social, economic, and racial oppressions. One of the reasons it took
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JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPHOTOS@VERIZON.NET Options | January 2015
you often disappointed? Monteiro greets Jose The Widow Norton
K: The thing to remember about the media is that nine times out of ten they are just overworked folks looking to get their job done as best they can. Some days they get the story right, some days they miss the mark. Certainly people like M. Charles Bakst, Bob Kerr, and Scott McKay, consummate professionals, have been stellar in their coverage of our community over the years. Talk radio has been far more of a mixed bag. On the one hand, there has been a great deal of offensive homophobia spewed over the years. On the other hand, on those occasions when we have been invited into the studios, when we have been allowed our own voices, we have been able to reach and change many minds. Particularly in the early years—before the mainstreaming of provocative, right-wing pandering—talk hosts like Arlene Violet and Mary Ann Sorrentino provided a forum that let everyday Rhode Islanders hear our stories in our own voices. It is a shame what local talk radio has become.
Options | January 2015
Marti Rosenberg, Rep Edie Ajello, and Monteiro
O: Who should be the next person interviewed in this series and why? K: Next? I don’t know. Perhaps the founders of the Imperial Court, members of the original Options Collective, founding members of RIWA. You could continue this series for years and just scratch the surface. O: What are Kate Monteiro’s words to live by? K: Regarding the closet—Be as out as you can be and as in as you need to be. Regarding activism and testimony—Speak your truth from the heart and it will always be the exactly right thing to say.q On the Shoulders of Giants is an ongoing series showcasing those who have dedicated decades to furthering LGBTQ equality in RI and have made major contributions to our community’s shared history and victories. This is the tenth interview in the series.
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by Amber Guzman
I
never really told my mom that I liked girls; she just sort of assumed it, and I never denied it. An awkward tension lay just below the surface of our relationship. “Amber, no boy will look at you if you look like one… Why don’t you hang out with straight people?... Why don’t you have a boyfriend?” are things I heard way too often. It was suffocating. Not only did she pressure me to be straight, but she smothered me with her religion. I dreaded Sundays. Not only was Catholic Mass long, but it was in Spanish, a language I don’t even speak. After Mass, she would drag me to the church’s youth group, where I would spend two excruciating hours with a bunch of overzealous teenagers. Her hopes were that I would make friends with the perfect little church girls (their motto being “modest is hottest”) or maybe woo over one of the virginal boys.
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During one Mass a couple of years ago—when I was 16— they announced they were going to have a youth weekend retreat. When I came home from school Friday, I found myself packing, preparing for the worst. The other people from my church knew I liked girls, so I almost expected to be burned at the stake. I could not go by myself. I asked my gay best friend, Chad, to meet me there so I wouldn’t have to deal with the weekend alone. I was relieved when he said he could come. If there was going to be a witch hunt, at least I’d have company. To my surprise, those perfect little church girls didn’t plot my death. In fact, they were friendly. Hugs and smiles were offered readily, and I dropped my guard. A childhood friend (surprisingly on the same trip) introduced me to her brother, James, and he seemed to be open-minded like me. It turned out James was also my sister’s
friend, making him seem like a voyeur into my life. When we were separated into groups I was placed with James. That first night was spent doing team-building activities, which forced us all to bond. At night, the girls and boys separated, but James and I wanted to keep talking. He gave me his number and we spent the night texting about school, family, and how our lives had changed since elementary school.Things got serious when he asked me if I had a boyfriend. I told him “no,” assuming he was flirting with me.Then he asked why. Believing I was safe, I honestly answered that I didn’t have a boyfriend because I was confused about my sexuality and wasn’t ready to commit to anyone if I wasn’t even sure about myself. His response shocked me. He told me that the devil had gotten to me, and I needed to pray, saying that homosexuality was a powerful force. He offered to help me “pray the gay away.”
Options | January 2015
Suddenly, his motives became clear: this wasn’t flirtation; it was an effort to put me down. I didn’t know whether to laugh or be offended. I disregarded his comments, saying “Thank you, but I’ll pray for myself,” and changed the conversation. I was wrong about James. He totally drank the Catholic Kool-aid. The next day came, and we both acted as if nothing had happened. Chad, James, a friendly girl named Leah, and I came up with a plan. We would sneak out of the sleeping rooms and meet up in the girls’ bathroom to hang out after everyone had fallen asleep. I would text Chad when all the girls fell asleep and he would let me know if all the boys had done the same. When I texted Chad, he didn’t respond. I called him and he didn’t pick up. I waited for a response for an hour but never got one. By then Leah had fallen asleep, and I knew that our plan failed. Two hours later, I awoke to a text from Chad that left me flabbergasted. James convinced Chad to head to the bathroom ahead of me and Leah “to keep an eye out,” and then they’d text us to meet them there. But when they got there, James bet Chad he had a bigger penis than Chad
and pulled down his pants. One thing led to another and they ended up having oral sex. I was completely stunned. I guess I wasn’t the only one the devil had gotten to. Was this real life? I thought this was all too cliché to actually have happened. The night before, James was putting me down,
“At
that moment I saw James for what he really was: insecure and confused about his sexuality, just like me. Although I accepted myself, he clearly did not. I decided to take the fall for him...
”
making me feel just as my mom did. The next day he is doing exactly what he had chastised me for. Enraged with fury, I texted my sister, telling her what had transpired. My sister then told her best friend, and he confronted James over text that same night. The next morning James said he needed to speak with me. He cornered me in with a bunch of other people from the retreat and said that I was being a horrible person for making up such disgusting rumors about
don’t grow up invisible
Youth Pride Inc. by Kerri Kanelos
We are thrilled to introduce you to our two new staff members—Alexis Hall and Jeana DeLaire. Alexis Hall was born and raised in Indiana before heading to New England to attend Hampshire College where she studied Japanese and queer pop culture. Alexis recently returned to the Northeast after two years in Seattle, where she worked as a high school teacher and gay/straight alliance adviser. She is excited to continue her work with youth here at YPI as a youth worker. In her spare time, Alexis can be found reading young adult novels or comics, training her dog, and practicing roller derby. Jeana DeLaire is thrilled to return to Youth Pride. Formerly a youth participant in YPI circa 2005-2009, Jeana returns with community organizing experience and a passion for youth services. She received a Bachelors in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic in 2013. Having focused most of her studies on secondary education and minoring in music and gender studies, she looks forward to implementing a variety of educational opportunities for youth as Leadership Development Coordinator. Jeana is also a guitar instructor and local musician. She performs with local act,
Options | January 2015
him. I wished I’d never opened my mouth. James said that we were at the retreat to learn how to be followers of Christ, and gossiping and making up lies about others did not exemplify a true follower. At that moment I saw James for what he really was: insecure and confused about his sexuality, just like me. Although I accepted myself, he clearly did not. I decided to take the fall for him, and told everyone I had made up what had happened. I said I was bored and didn’t like James at first and decided to make up a rumor about him. James hugged me, whispering “Thank you” in my ear. After meeting James, I learned that I couldn’t let my mom, the church, or anyone get in the way of how I felt about my sexuality. I couldn’t change who I was and neither could anyone else. I learned this much more easily than James probably did. I am now 18 and have concluded that I don’t have to define myself to anyone. I know I’m attracted to both girls and boys, but the term bisexual doesn’t feel right. What if I like girls more than boys, or vice versa? I am content and confident in myself, and that is all that matters.q
The Novi Giants, showcasing many of her original compositions and collaborative work. Recognizing music’s ability to serve as a mode of self-expression and community building, she plans to bring guitar instruction to youth in the center in the upcoming months. Needed—Acoustic Guitars We are searching for some decent acoustic guitars for Jeana’s upcoming guitar workshops. Please write to jeana@youthprideri.org or 421-5626 if you have a guitar you are willing to donate. q Youth Pride Inc. provides support, education and advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13-23. Our Drop-in Center is at 473 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903. Visit www.youthprideri.org, emailinfo@youthprideri.org, or call (401) 421-5626 for more info.
Alexis Hall and Jeana DeLaire
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OUT
Toy Drive at The Village - 12.14.14 Photos by Brian Sit Mr. Rhode Island Bear Contest - 12.6.14 Imperial Court of RI Monarch’s Ball - 12.7.14 Photos by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez
On the Town 20
Options | January 2015
Options | January 2015
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by Kelly Scafariello Hello, January! I have missed you. While I enjoyed this past holiday season indulging in the finest Christmas cookies, my Italian grandmother’s lasagna, and one too many treats over countless holiday gatherings, it is time to embrace the new year and that timeless resolution to “get back in shape” and take care of my health. And that usually means stepping outside my comfort zone.
Snowshoeing. Two years ago, I received snowshoes for Christmas. Two years have come and gone and I have not used the gift once. That will soon change! According to Snowspor ts Industries America, “Snowshoeing is a challenging workout that burns up to 600 calories per hour.” The next snow storm that comes my way, I will strap the snowshoes to my boots and be on my merr y way! Loving Providence so much, my first jaunt will be down Blackstone Boulevard. I will make my way from Lippett Park all the way to the Lincoln School and back. Maybe I’ll make it a Thursday and race any Frontrunners (RI’s LGBT running group) I find braving the winter weather there. Cross-country skiing.
Sticking with the winter theme, I will take to the trails and glide through Little Rhody. I experienced this outdoor spor t during two weeks in my high school gym class, circa 1990-something. After those two weeks, ever y muscle in my body seemed to be worked. According to aboutspor ts.com, “The average person burns about 400-500 calories per hour while cross countr y skiing at a slow pace.” Since I am looking to get my hear t rate up a bit more, I will strive to mix a moderate-speed to brisk pace which can burn up 600+ calories. To find places to cross countr y ski, check out www.sites.google.com/ site/ricrosscountr y. You will find various places throughout the state, including the East Bay, West Side of Providence, and South County. One place I plan to tr y is Pulaski Park, located off Route 44 in Glocester. There is no entr y fee and the park is open seven days a week. Don’t worr y if you want to ski but do
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There is no doubt that every health club in the 401 area code is successfully motivating my commitment to work out with their onslaught of radio jingles and television ads. While I do enjoy a nice jog on a treadmill, this January I am planning to take a more holistic approach with my resolution and will explore some more creative options within the great State of Rhode Island. So, here are the ways I plan to get my resolution on.
not have the proper gear. You can rent the equipment at Eastern Mountain Spor ts located on Bald Hill Road in Warwick or the Ski House in Somerset, MA.
Swimming. As much as I love the outdoors, during the winter, sometimes I just want to feel warm and cozy. According to www.livestrong. com, I can get a good workout, burning upwards of 600 calories per hour, swimming laps in a nice heated indoor pool. Burning up to 600 calories per hour is enough to motivate me to dig through my summer clothing, pull out my bathing suit, and attempt to work on my back stroke, breast stroke, and the inevitable doggie paddle at a local YMCA. My Y of choice is the Kent County YMCA located on Center ville Road in Warwick. This branch has opened its arms to the Ocean State Pride Volleyball Club and is always welcoming to our community. The facility is modern and the lounge area is a nice little place to relax before beginning your workout or heading back into the cold. To find more open swim hours at this or other YMCAs in your area, please check www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org. Tennis. This is one sport that always gets my hear t pumping and brings out my competitive side! Back in college, my roommate and I would always head to the tennis courts behind our dorm and have a “friendly” match. Being on the varsity volleyball team together, the competitiveness between us would always be present.Tennis brought that out even more. According to www.livestrong. com, I can burn over 400 calories per hour by playing approximately one hour
of the sport. Rhode Island has various indoor tennis options. Search online for “indoor tennis cour ts RI” and many oppor tunities will appear. If you can make it up to Boston there is an LGBT tennis club that also offers social events (www. tennis4all.org). In addition to burning calories through the listed activities above, I’m working many muscle groups that I might not ever use on a treadmill. With every swing of a tennis racket, every step in a snowshoe, every backstroke, and every stride on a ski, I am strengthening my whole body from shoulders to legs and adding to my cardiovascular endurance. One benefit to par ticipating in athletics is the chance to meet new people, whether playing on a team or just gathering together for a fun activity. Meetup.com is a site (more simple than Facebook) where you can find activities attended by LGBT folks with similar interests. Why not join an event or post your suggestions for some recreational fun? You’d be surprised who comes out of the woodwork for activities that don’t take place in a gay bar. And check out “Spor ts & Recreation” in the Resources section at the back of each Options Magazine. Hopefully this month’s story has inspired you to think outside the box and look to try something new. At the end of the day, no matter what you choose, so long as you get your body moving, break a sweat, and stay away from those sweet treats, you will be successful. Here’s wishing you a happy, healthy, and active new year! q
Options | January 2015
“
With every swing of a tennis racket, every step in a snowshoe, every backstroke, and every stride on a ski, I am strengthening my whole body from shoulders to legs and adding to my cardiovascular endurance.
“
Options | January 2015
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by Annie Cronin-Silva and Melanie Silva
W
e were definitely feeling festive and bright during the holiGays. Our annual tradition of “Friendsgiving” commemorated at our best gals, Gladdie and Lesli’s, house and was extra-special as they wed after 20 years together. We look forward to this tradition every Turkey Day; it’s stressfree, no drama, and just fun. It had us wondering: how many other people celebrate Thanksgiving with their framily (friends who are family)? Is this type of celebration more prevalent in the gay community, where friend relationships seem more like family you get to choose? Either way, we hope you were able to celebrate with the people you love. We began the holiday season by supporting several toy drives. The first benefitted the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester. This kid-friendly and community-driven event was hosted by the amazing Giuseppe Ritacco at his welcoming Italian restaurant, Calabria Ristorante, in Millbury, Massachusetts. An amazing food display, cash bar with festive martinis, and a DJ playing Christmas music helped to build up the anticipation of Santa’s arrival.
The generous spirit of the community didn’t stop there. The Village also held a toy drive to benefit the children at Adoption Rhode Island. It was a huge success, raising over $2,000 in donations and collecting over 200 toys.The event was hosted by Jennie Talia and included a pie eating contest. It does a soul good to witness our community coming together for the greater good at Christmastime. (See photos on page 20.) The annual Kitty Litter and Friends Holiday Drag Extravaganza was held at the Comedy Connection to benefit AIDS Care Ocean State. This sold-out show was full of holiday costumes, singing, and dancing. If a sing along chorus to “Jingle Bell Rock” led by Sabrina Blaze doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, we don’t know what will. Throw in Kitty Litter’s one-liners and LaDiva’s gorgeous costumes and you’ve got yourself a winter wonderland of drag queens. Cheers to the holiGays and spending it with the people you love. Happy 2015! q
Michael Slade’s Birthday Toy Drive for the Adopt-a-Family Program for AIDS Care Ocean State was held at the Stable. Kitty Litter and BB Hayes hosted with Michael, who provided quite a spread, including sandwiches, calzones, and cupcakes from Sweet Indulgence–delicious! The community was very generous with their donations of unwrapped toys and gift cards. Independence Home Care made an especially generous donation. The entire front section of the Stable was filled to capacity with toys surrounding the beautiful Christmas tree in the front window. This is what the Christmas spirit is all about: doing good deeds to help those in need.
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Options | January 2015
Ten Memorable Moments of 2014 by Samuel Simas, AIDS Project RI volunteer
As we uncork bottles of champagne and watch the glittering ball drop, it is impor tant to reflect upon some of the many impor tant moments that we’ve experience in the U.S. over the past year. Here is a shor t list of some bold and brave moments in 2014:
1
Laverne Cox became the first person of transexperience to be featured on the cover of TIME magazine. Cox shot to fame as an ar ticulate voice of the trans* community. (May)
2
Tom Cook, the CEO of Apple, spoke up about his experience as an openly gay man in the business world. (October)
3
The LGBTQ community mourned the loss of one of its funniest, bold, and brave icons, Joan Rivers. (September)
4
After keeping his secret for over ten years, countr y music star Ty Herndon came out of the closet, paving the way for 26-year-old Rhode Island native and countr y music singer Billy Gilman to come out as well. (November)
5 6
Michael Sam became the first openly gay football player to be drafted to an NFL team. (October)
The LGBTQ community fought back when Facebook changed its name policy, which negatively impacted thousands of trans* individuals. (October)
Be Bold and Brave in 2015 Make sure that par t of your New Year’s resolution is to keep practicing safe sex, no matter whom you’re having sex with. If you’re sexually active, then you should be tested ever y three months for HIV. Why three months? Well, it takes the virus about that long to be picked up in one of the rapid-tests used by most testing agencies. Knowing your status will keep you and others safe. So, suit up and if you are on a college campus, we test! For testing dates and times call Christion at 831-5522. q AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Ser vice of RI, providing case management, various health-related ser vices, advocacy, prevention education, and HIV and Hep-C testing. APRI’s location is 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. Walk-in testing hours: Tuesdays 4-6pm and Thursdays 5-6:30pm. Call (401) 831-5522 or visit www.aidsprojectri.org for more info.
QUIDNESSETT COUNTRY CLUB
Your wedding day overlooking Narragansett Bay
7
Actress Ellen Page came out at an HRC benefit for LGBT youth saying, “I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission.” (Februar y)
8
Popular television show RuPaul’s Drag Race came under fire for the use of the world “tranny,” shedding light upon the impor tance of intentional language within the LGBTQ community. (May)
9
Truvada, also known as PReP, made its official entrance onto the HIV scene. The drug is most commonly used by men who have sex with men and helps to prevent the spread of HIV. (May)
10
A total of 35 U.S. states plus Washington D.C. welcome same-sex marriage. Will we make it to 50 in 2015?
Options | January 2015
950 North Quidnessett Road, North Kingstown, RI www.quidnessett.com 401-884-1100
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RI PR I DE
Holiday Joy. What an absolutely fun time we had at Rhode Island Pride’s annual Holiday Par ty at our Hope Ar tiste Village office. The Events Committee did a spectacular job decorating the space and volunteering to bring potluck food items to be sure there was enough variety for ever yone. Around 50 people celebrated throughout the evening and there were a lot of great conversations. These low-key social events are always enjoyable, so keep an eye on Pride’s Facebook page and subscribe to our Google calendar via prideri.com to be sure you don’t miss the next one.
Sponsor PrideFest 2015. We have launched our effor t to obtain corporate sponsorships for the 2015 PrideFest. Do you know a business owner, corporate executive, or marketing/public relations professional? Sponsorships in 2014 were more than double the amount from the previous year, and that was due in large par t to personal connections from community members who shared their contacts with us. Our festival costs continue to rise and we must pursue new sponsorships to continue to host a festival at the level it’s risen to. We have a great sponsorship package with new oppor tunities for promotion in 2015. It’s available on our website; download and share it, or send us some leads via info@prideri.com. Imagine how much more we can do with your help.
by Kurt Bagley
Save These Dates
Jan. 18: Sissy That Walk Fashion Show with Shangela @ EGO Jan. 30 - Feb. 7: Galler y Q, Pride’s Ar t Show @ The Pride Center Jan. 11, 16, Feb. 14: Lesbian Speed Dating Series with Ms. Lesbian RI Betty Lebesian (see Calendar on pg. 8) Feb. 14: Glitter in the Air: First Annual Gay Prom @ Aurora Mar. 8: Goddess Show: A Celebration of Women in the Ar ts @ Olive’s q Rhode Island Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the visibility, equality and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and providing safe space to come out, express and celebrate their sexual identities and gender. For more information, email info@prideri.com or call (401) 467-2130.
Vendor and Parade registrations will be available in early Februar y. The best way to save money and help us with our planning is to take advantage of the early-bird rate. Vendor spaces have been selling out quickly over the past few years and the waiting list star ts growing around May 1, so don’t delay. Register as soon as you see the forms go live. Join our Pride family. Now is the time to star t volunteering with us. Come to our monthly Open House or an Events Committee meeting so you can get to know us, and more impor tantly, we can get to know YOU. We are especially looking for people to join our Enter tainment, Parade, and Countdown to Pride committees, but there are oppor tunities for ever y skill, talent and desire. Applications are being accepted for contestants in our Triple Crown Pageant. Who will be the next Mr. Gay, Miss Gay, and Ms. Lesbian RI? Want to compete but not sure you fit any of those titles? Apply anyway and let us know. We will do our best to make sure you can be included fairly. The pre-application is available at www. prideri.com.
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Jennifer A. Minuto LGBT Legal Advocacy.
Options | January 2015
News from SAGE-RI by Cathy S. Cranston
A Mid-Winter Brunch SAGE-RI is adapting to a changed environment and invites you to come together, enjoy a great meal, catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and learn more about SAGE and its future. A lot has happened since the SAGE-RI annual meeting in September. The organization is revising its strategic direction, launching its first website, planning a major fundraiser, filling its calendar with requests for training programs and presentations, playing a lead role in state planning initiatives, par tnering on a video project, and much, much more. SAGE is anxious to repor t on its many accomplishments, present its vision for the future and solicit input and ideas from the community on how SAGE can best fulfill its mission. SAGE-RI Mid-Winter Meeting & Brunch Saturday, Januar y 24, 2015 11am-1pm (program begins at 11:30) Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille, 2225 Post Road, Warwick Free for members and $10 for non-members RSVP: 528-3259 or at sageriinfo@gmail.com Innovative State Plan on LGBT Aging What may be the first in the nation, State Plan on LGBT Aging has been drafted by the Rhode Island Long Term Care Coordinating Council. A subcommittee of the Council, cochaired by Lt. Governor Elizabeth Rober ts and SAGE’s own Sally Hay, spent months working on the document which Sally presented to the full Council in early December. The vision of the plan is:
SAGE-RI (Ser vices & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages. For information on programs or to join SAGE-RI, drop us a line at sageriinfo@gmail. com; leave us a message at (401) 528-3259; write to us at 235 Promenade St., Suite 500, Box 18, Providence, RI 02908, or find us on Facebook as SAGE-Rhode Island.
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LGBT Rhode Islanders who are aging or living with disabilities will thrive in an environment that is healthy, holistic, and affirming. The mission of the plan is to create and sustain welcoming and high-quality supports and ser vices for LGBT persons in the community, and in health care and residential settings. The plan goes on to describe four goals and strategies to accomplish them. Watch this column or visit the Lt. Governor’s website (www.ltgov.ri.gov) for updates as the plan works its way through the process of becoming a living, endorsed, and workable document. Let’s give a big shout out to Sally Hay for her leadership and for positioning SAGE as the go-to organization on LGBT aging. Video Project: Life Through the Eyes of an Elder In the coming weeks, SAGE-RI will be recruiting a diverse representative group of older LGBT community members for a video project on “life through the eyes of an elder.” What have you learned over the decades? What is impor tant to you now? How do you stay active and engaged? What do you worr y about as you grow older? What advice would you give to younger members of the community? Details on how to contact SAGE about this project will be available in midJanuar y. Follow SAGE on Facebook, look for information on the RILGBT Listser v, and watch this column in Februar y for more information. q
Options | January 2015
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WHO IS AIDS Care Ocean State? by Christopher Dalpe
This year marks AIDS Care Ocean State’s (ACOS) 25th Anniversary. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to confronting the challenges our community faces and providing support for those most affected by HIV/AIDS in the State of Rhode Island. Our doors are always open. The organization is a hub of resources, support, and advocacy and provides housing, case management, and prevention to adults, families, and children who are affected by or at risk for HIV infection. We have continued to grow in order to better meet the needs of over 500 individuals and families we service. Our Prevention Center offers free safe-sex kits as well as free, anonymous, and confidential HIV and hepatitis C testing. We encourage everyone to stop in and get tested. The Prevention Center also hosts the only needle exchange program in the state. Our speakers bureau continues to educate groups all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The speakers talk about challenges they have faced as a person living with HIV, how they coped with learning their status, and the changes they have made in their lives. Our case management services are available to any Rhode Island resident who is HIV-positive. Case managers work closely
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with clients to get them the support they need to live healthy and happy lives. Whether it’s driving to and from doctor appointments or locating housing or food assistance, the case managers are there to help. Additionally, ACOS provides clinical services including individual and group counseling, outpatient substance abuse care, and support groups. ACOS also provides assisted, supportive housing for our clients including Malm Manor, Sunrise House, Austin Place, and New Transitions. We currently have 111 clients residing in 48 apartments that we own and operate. Federal funding sources allow us to sub-lease 47 apartments to assist an additional 76 clients. In 2015 we will be opening the doors to ten more units that our clients will soon call home. As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we remain vigilant in offering support, education, and compassion, and providing essential services to people living with HIV/AIDS until there is a cure. q AIDS Care Ocean State provides comprehensive AIDS service, supportive housing, emergency funds, and a Speakers Bureau. Located at 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. (401) 521-3603. Appointments: (401) 781-0665. www.aidscareoceanstate.org.
Options | January 2015
First Annual Transgender Medicine Conference, January 10
A lot has happened in the past year involving medical care for the trans* community. Last spring, then Lt. Governor Elizabeth Rober ts called together a group of medical providers who were interested in learning more about the health care needs of transgender people, and garnered suppor t for building a better network of health care options for Rhode Island’s trans* community. She also held a Trans* community forum where community members came together and shared their frustrations with the current system and ways they would like to see the system change. These meetings sparked a chain of events including the creation of the RI Trans* Health Initiative with suppor t from Equity Action. The Initiative, which includes representation from TGI Network, Thundermist Health Center, nriAHEC, the RI Public Health Institute, Lifespan, and Brown University, among others, is working to build an up-to-date resource list of medical and mental health providers, create a forum for providers working with trans* folks to share information, and to develop a model for improving access to trans* medical care on a statewide level. At the same time earlier this fall, third-year Family Medicine resident, Dr. Alexis Drutchas, along with her
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Options | January 2015
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faculty advisors and a steering committee, came together to organize a conference to help build the capacity of medical providers to meet the needs of this community. From this effor t, the 2015 Trans*gender Medical Conference was born. On Saturday, Januar y 10, medical providers from across the state will gather at the Warren Alper t Medical School of Brown University to hear regional exper ts including Dr. Michelle Forcier and Dr. Tim Cavanaugh talk about a variety of topics related to Trans*gender health care. In addition to the medical provider track at the conference, TGI Network has teamed up with the steering committee to create a conference track specifically for community members. The vision of the “Community Track” is to provide practical information about health care navigation for trans* people and their allies, and is not recommended for medical or mental health providers. Workshops in this track will cover topics including: legal advocacy, stress management, health system navigation, and benefits of mental health care. Registration for the Community Track is free, thanks to scholarships from Equity Action. Registration star ts at 7:30am and the conference runs from 8:30am-4:30pm. It will take place at the Brown Medical School building at 222 Richmond Street in Providence. For a complete list of workshops, speakers, and event details, please visit the homepage of our website www.tginetwork.org. Medical providers interested in registering for the Provider Track can register at: https://apps. biomed.brown.edu/cme_ registration/ q TGI Network of Rhode Island is the only statewide organization providing support, advocacy and education for the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex community. Incorporated in 2011, our mission is to be a resource for TGI people navigating their lives and the medical and legal systems; to ser ve as a resource for professionals working with TGI people; and to ser ve as a liaison between the TGI and LGB communities and the community at large. Visit us at www.tginetwork.org.
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Where Do You Find Your LGBT Feminism? Jodi Glass asks Jennifer Minuto
Jodi: Who are you? Jennifer: I am Jennifer Minuto, an activist, musician, songwriter, and a practicing attorney in the State of Rhode Island. I am also a feminist and a lesbian. I grew up in East Greenwich, the eldest and only girl in Jennifer Minuto a large Italian-Greek family. My mother is my role model and best friend. I started playing the piano when I was five, and it remains a constant obsession. I attended the University of Rhode Island as an undergraduate, where my feminist awareness and activism was ignited. After that, I earned a graduate degree from Goddard College in Vermont before moving to New York City in 2001 to pursue music. I released my first CD, Made in Voyage, and later Gratitude in 2008. Upon returning to RI, I worked as a nonprofit director in Providence for several years before making the decision to attend law school. In 2013, I became the director of the RI Legal/Educational Partnership, a great organization that brings civics programs to students all over RI. I now live in Edgewood and have a law practice handling issues such as human rights law, LGBTQ advocacy, family law, wills and trusts, entertainment law, elder law, and civil litigation. The decision to become an attorney was a way to incorporate and serve many of the causes that I feel most passionately about. Jodi: When did you first identify as a feminist? How do you define feminism? Jennifer: I first identified as a feminist, at least consciously, when I was sitting in a women’s studies class one morning as an undergrad. The professor was discussing a recent campus date rape at one of our fraternity houses. I remember how outraged I was, offended by the fact that other students in the class seemed less alarmed. I ripped out a page from my notebook and signed the top before passing the paper around the classroom. That petition began the charter for P.O.W.E.R., People Organizing for Women’s Equality and Resilience, a student-led organization that eventually grew to include thousands of students, faculty, and community members, including you, Jodi. When you joined P.O.W.E.R. in 1990, you became an inspiration to me as a young feminist activist. To me, being a feminist is fighting against abuse and violence in any form (patent and latent) which for so long has been inflicted upon women in our world. It is also the affirmative creation of a culture where women are free to choose their authentic voices,
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to be heard without the constraints of gender stereotyping, to be free to pursue one’s intellectual, spiritual, and soulful desires free of any gender-targeted fear. One of the huge highlights of my P.O.W.E.R. years was getting to meet Andrea Dworkin, the quintessential American feminist and anti-pornography activist. Being inspired by brilliant and brave women is a priceless perk of owning your feminism. Jodi: Where do you find feminism in Rhode Island today? Jennifer: We see feminism at work in the passage of the marriage equality bill. We see feminism at work every time a woman entrepreneur starts her own business, pursues her own education and dreams, explores her own voice in music and the arts, feels free to choose a different path or career, decides to write her own words down on paper, and when she considers that she has likely been a feminist all along, since feminism is not only about the removal of wrongs, but the protection, assertion, and exploration of rights. It is the freedom to create your most meaningful life exactly the way you see fit. Jodi: It’s interesting to me that you see the marriage equality bill as feminism at work. I’d love for a group of us to discuss that sometime! So, how can we, as a community, keep feminism alive and thriving? Jennifer: I think that more women – and men, for that matter – are actually feminists without acknowledging or even realizing it. Yet still, there is so much to feel outraged about. We have seen an ebb and flow of progress over the years, but we are still dealing with many of the very same issues as two decades ago. Witness the recent NFL scandal where the commissioner continued to protect abusive men at the expense of the safety of women, or the fact that twenty years later the issue of campus date rape is all over the news again. Violence against women, here in the United States and around the world, should not be seen as a women’s issue; women and men alike need to be equally offended and equally determined to challenge any popular or societal culture that allows for the abuses and silencing inflicted upon women. We need to reclaim the culture of feminism, creating a new wave for the twenty-first century; one that will inspire women and men to proudly commit to its true meaning. “Keeping feminism alive” means fighting poverty, strengthening laws against domestic violence, electing more women to office, hiring more women as leaders and managers of companies, supporting women entrepreneurs, and demanding that pharmaceutical companies and health care systems fund research for women’s health as robustly as men’s health. These are not radical ideas, but common sense principles in a nation founded on the idea that freedom and equality are basic human rights. q
Options | January 2015
Resources
Options originated in 1982 as the offical newsletter of the Rhode Island Gay Task Force. Editor Jos Fayette explained, “The RIGTF wants to make the homosexual community aware of their options as gay men and women in Rhode Island. And it’s only because we live, work, love, and play in this state that there are such a large number of options available to all of us.” Options has always, and will continue to print LGBTQ resources so that you can, as Fayette went on to say, “Exercise your OPTIONS today to make positive changes in your life tomorrow.” Help us help you! Email info@optionsri.org if you come across a resource listing that needs updating. Phone numbers are in the 401 area code and addresses are in RI, unless otherwise indicated.
Addiction Support Groups
AA Brothers in Sobriety: Saturday 7:30pm. 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence. 751-9328. Alcohol/Drug Helpline: RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence. 24hr. (866) 252-3784. RI LGBT AA Group: Tuesdays 7-8pm. The Wellness Company,132A George M Cohan Blvd., Providence. All are welcome. Set Them Free: Narcotics Anonymous open discussion group. Wednesdays 7:30-9pm. Anchor Recovery Community Center, 249 Main Street, Pawtucket. 721-5100. info@anchorrecovery.org. www.anchorrecovery.org. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: 12-step program. Fridays at 7pm. Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope Street, Providence, side entrance, downstairs to the left. Gay, but all are welcome.
AIDS/Health Resources
AFIA Center for Health & Wholeness: Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI. Free to clients. Wednesday and Thursday 12-3pm. Mathewson Street Church, 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. Contact Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 ext. 3268. info@uwri.org. www.familyserviceri.org. AIDS Action Hotline: MA only. (800) 235-2331. www.aac.org. AIDS Care Ocean State: Confidential HIV & HEP C testing, safer-sex supplies, case management, emergency funds, clinical services, assisted and supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, street outreach, ENCORE, HIV+ support groups. Speaker’s Bureau, 18 Parkis Ave., Providence. 521-3603 (call 781-0665 to schedule an appointment). www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI: Division of Family Service of RI. Case management, buddies, COBRA and dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment and referral, wellness programs, advocacy, strength training, prevention education, HIV testing. 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. 831-5522 www.aidsprojectri.org. 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. 434-4880. admin@aidsquiltri.org.www.aidsquiltri.org. Brown University AIDS Program: Clinical trials, public policy, research, lectures, conferences, patient and community education. 121 South Main Street, Second Floor, Providence. 863-6790. brunap@ brown.edu. brown.edu/Departments/BRUNAP. Community Care Alliance: Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Rhode Island. 245 Main Street, Woonsocket. 235-6092. lcohen@famresri.org.
Options | January 2015
Comprehensive Community Action Programs: Medical, mental health, dental, social services, LGBT outreach. 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston. Also Coventry, Pawtucket, and Warwick. 467-9610. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case management and financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MassHealth funded for MA residents. 376 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. Contact Jenn, (508) 678-1002. HIV Antibody Testing: Anonymous. Free or sliding scale. RI Department of Health. Providence, Newport and other locations. 2222320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care management for HIV/AIDS. 24hr nursing staff for treatment. 1085 North Main Street, Providence. Referrals: 782-0725. Bereavement groups: Contact John Charette, 727-7079. Main Office: 415-4200 or toll-free 800-3386555. www.hhcri.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Road, Cumberland. 658-3992. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group: For LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems. www.caregiver.org 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. Partners in Learning About AIDS: Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations. North Providence office provides free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. 1006 Charles Street, Suite 5, North Providence. 484-7523. info@plaidsproject.org. www.plaidsproject.org. Project Weber: Services for male sex workers. Drop-in center, support groups, HIV and Hep C testing, clean needles. 383-4888. www. projectweber.org. SSTAR (Stanley Street Treatment & Resources): Counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs, free and confidential HIV, HEP C, and STD testing, education, case management and support. MA and RI locations. 386 Stanley Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/HCV); (508) 324-3561. Family Healthcare Center; (508) 675-1054. www.sstar.org. Steppingstone, Inc.: Welcome Home Medical case management program. One-on-one peer support in Somerset to Wareham area. HIV support groups available. Free and open to any HIV+ person 18+. 5 Dover Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 984-7514. www.steppingstoneinc.org. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation.109 Rhode Island Road, Lakeville, MA. (508) 9471683. www.tranquilmind.net. Thundermist Health Center: Provides HIV/AIDS services including medical care and treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care,
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behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment and counseling, pharmacy consultation, free and confidential HIV testing. 450 Clinton Street, Woonsocket. Contact Philip Kane. 767-4100 ext. 3516.
Information/Education
The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health: Education, pleasure, health, advocacy.Thursday-Saturday 12-6pm and by appointment. 250 Main Street, Unit 1, Pawtucket. 489-5513. www.thecsph.org. Fenway Community Center LGBT Helpline: Support, information and referrals. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston. Open daily 6-11pm. (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-452 GLBT National Help Center Hotline: Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564. www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org. Newport Out: LGBT website for Newport. www.newportout.com. 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
Nightlife
The Alley Cat Providence: Downtown neighborhood bar. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 2pm-2am, Sunday 2pm-1am. 19 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. Bobby’s Place: Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday-Saturday 5pm-2am. 62 Weir Street, Taunton, MA. (508) 824-9997. www.bobbysplacema.com. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: Special events space, film screenings and other public and private events. Open mic first and third Saturday 8:30-10:30pm. 209 Douglas Ave, Providence. 521-2095. www.brooklyncoffeeteahouse.com
Club Body Center: Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. Oneday pass available. Open 24hr. 257 Weybosset Street, Providence. 274-0298. www.clubbodycenter.com. The Dark Lady: Downtown bar and nightclub. Tuesday-Thursday 9pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 9pm-3am, Sunday 9pm-1am. 17 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. EGO: Providence’s newest gay nightlife performance/event space. Sunday and Thursday 9pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 10pm-3am, 73 Richmond St, Providence. 383-1208. www.egopvd.com. Mirabar: Downtown bar and nightclub. Monday-Thursday 3pm1am, Friday and Saturday 3pm-2am, Sunday 3pm-1am. 15 Elbow Street, Providence. 331-6761. www.mirabar.com. Providence Eagle: Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Monday-Thursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-2am. 124 Snow Street, Providence. 421-1447. The Stable: Downtown video bar. No cover. Monday-Thursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-2am, Sunday 12pm-1am. 125 Washington Street, Providence. 272-6950. The Village: Downtown Providence’s newest LGBT owned and operated restaurant and live entertainment venue. Lunch & dinner Wednesday through Sunday for varying hours. 373 Richmond St. 228-7222, www.TheVillageRi.com
Political & Legal Groups
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220, Providence. 831-7171. riaclu.org. Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTQ human rights. (212) 807-8400. Cvohs18904@yahoo. com. www.amnestyusa.org.
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Options | January 2015
Brown University Queer Alliance: Student advocacy and support organization. queer@brown.edu. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline. Weekdays 1:30-4:30pm. 30 Winter Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA. (617) 436-1350 or (800) 455-GLAD. gladlaw@glad.org www.GLAD.org. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500, NY. (212) 809-8585. www.lambdalegal.org. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for LGBT causes. lawyersforequality@gmail.com. The Next Thing (TNT): Political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. 863-3062. tnt@brown.edu. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: Hate crime awareness training program. www.hatecrimeri.org. RI Socialist Action: 952-5385, adgagneri@gmail.com. Spanish: 3513514, walsil@cox.net. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. 180 Westminster Street, 3rd floor, Providence. 222-2662 TTY: 222-2664, richr.ri.gov. Scouts for Equality: An organization composed largely of Boy Scouts of America alumni dedicated to ending the BSA’s ban on gay members and leaders. Contact Carol Crowther. ccrowther1@gmail. com. Facebook.com/riscoutsforequality. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Serving LGBT military personnel and veterans. PO Box 65301, Washington DC. (202) 328-3244. or (800) 538-7418. sldn@sldn.org. www.sldn.org.
Religious & Spiritual
Charter Oak Grove ADF: An Open and Welcoming Congregation of Neo-pagan Druids in CT. charteroakadf@gmail.com, www.charteroakadf.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale: Episcopal. 1643 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln. Services 8am and 10:30am. 725-1920. office@christchurchlincoln.org. www.christchurchlincoln.org. Church of the Epiphany: A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. 434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org. Church of the Holy Paraclete: Independent Old Catholic. Fr. Jakob Lazarus. Sunday 9am and 6pm. 155 Douglas Avenue, Providence. 218-0706. www.holyparaclete.org. Edgewood Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Service 10am. 1788 Broad Street, Cranston. 461-1344. office@edgewoodchurchri.org. www.edgewoodchurchri.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. 658-1506. office@emmanuelri.org. www.emmanuelri.org. First Congregational Church in Bristol: An Open and Affirming Congregation. Pastor Dan Randall. 281 High Street, Bristol. 253-7288. www.fccbristol.org. First Unitarian Church: A welcoming congregation. Sunday 10:30am. 1 Benevolent Street, Providence. 421-7970. admin@firstunitarianprov.org, www.firstunitarianprov.org. First Unitarian Church: Service 11am. 71 8th Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-9686. admin@uunewbedford.org, www.uunewbedford.org. First Universalist Society: UU. Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA. (508) 528-5348. fusf@verizon.net, www.fusf.org.
All Saints Memorial Church: 674 Westminster Street, Providence. 751-1747. asmcri@verizon.net. www.allsaintsmemorial.org. Amicable Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Pastor William Sterrett. Sunday 10am. 3736 Main Road, Tiverton. 6244611. amicablechurch@aol.com, www.amicablechurch.org. Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists: robin@awab.org, www.awab.org. Barrington Congregational Church: UCC. “The white church.” Sundays 10am. 461 County Road, Barrington. 246-0111. office@bccucc.org, www.bccucc.org. Bell Street Chapel: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Rev. Margaret Weis. Sundays 10am. 5 Bell Street, Providence. 273-5678. www.bellstreetchapel.org. Beneficent Congregational Church: UCC. An Open & Affirming congregation in the heart of Providence. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman. Sundays 10am. 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. 331-9844. BeneficentChurchUCC@gmail.com, www.beneficentchurch.org. Berean Baptist Church: A safe and welcoming place for all God’s children. Sunday 10am. 474 Chapel Street, Harrisville. 568-5411. bereanbaptist@verizon.net. www.bereanri.org. Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown: LGBTQ early dementia support group. Contact Amy. Sundays 10:30am. 200 Turner Road, Middletown. 847-6181, www.middletownmethodist.com. Central Congregational Church: UCC. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. Sundays 10:30am. 296 Angell Street, Providence. 3311960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Sundays 10am. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 8460643. administrator@channingchurch.org. www.channingchurch.org.
Options | January 2015
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Foxboro Universalist Church: UUA. Service 10am. 6 Bird Street, Foxboro, MA. 508-543-4002. chair@uufoxborough.org. www.uufoxborough.org. Grace Episcopal Church in Providence: 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. hello@gracechurchprovidence.org. www. gracechurchprovidence.org. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation. Pastor Sandra Demmler D’Amico. 647 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2898. www.immanuellc.org. Interweave at Channing Memorial UU Church: A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons, and their allies, confronting oppression. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643. Mathewson St. Church: United Methodist. 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-8900. MathewsonStUMC@gmail.com. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. mercycomm@yahoo.com, www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church: Marriage and commitment ceremonies for all. Rev. Bob McKetchnie. 505 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org. Newman Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 434-4742. www.newmanucc.org. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Rev. Hayes and Rev. Baker. 73 Pelham Street, Newport. 849-2238. Park Place Congregational Church: 71 Park Place, Pawtucket. 726-2800. office@ppucc.necoxmail.com, www.parkplaceucc.com. The Pub Church: An Open & Affirming church that meets in a pub. Location may change. Saturday 5pm. The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. thepubchurch@gmail.com. Pilgrim Lutheran Church: An inclusive congregation. Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 1817 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. 739-2937. parishasst@pilgrimlutheranri.org, pilgrimlutheranri.jimdo.com. Pilgrim United Church of Christ: Open and Affirming. 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)-997-9086. Riverside Church: UCC.15 Oak Avenue, Riverside. Service 10am. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com. St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 15 Lower College Road, Kingston. 783-2153. Sundays 8am and 10am. StAugustinesChurch@necoxmail.com, www.staugustineuri.org. St. James Church: Episcopal. 474 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 10am. 50 Orchard Street, Providence. 751-2141. StMartinsNB.Secretary@gmail.com, www.stmartinsprov.org. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Welcoming Church. Monthly LGBT Eucharist. 136 Rivet Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)994-8972. stmartins1887@comcast.com, www.stmartinsma.org. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 9am. 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. office@stpaulspawtucket.org, www.stpaulspawtucket.org. St. Paul’s Church: A welcoming Episcopal church. Sundays 9am. 2679 East Main Street, Portsmouth. 683-1164. stpaulsportsmouthri.org. St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Avenue, Providence. 272-9649.stpanda25@verizon.net. www.stpeters-standrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church: Open & Affirming. Fr. David Martins. Sunday 10:30am. 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. 680-
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9076. stocc134@gmail.com, www.saintthereseocc.org. Second Congregational Church of Attleboro: UCC. Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday 10am. (508) 222-4677. office2nd@verizon.net, www.attleborosecondchurch.org. Seekonk Congregational Church: Rev. Joy Utter. Sundays 9am. 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. (508) 336-9355. sccucc@verizon.net, www.scc-ucc.com Soka Gakkai: Buddhist association for peace, culture, and education. Contact for weekly meetings in Providence. 930 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. (617) 264-2000. www.sgi-usa.org. Temple Agudas Achim: Reconstructionist congregation. 901 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243. office@agudasma.org, www.agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 331-6070. info@temple-beth-el.org, www.temple-beth-el.org. Temple Emanu-El: A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin. 99 Taft Avenue, Providence. 331-1616. info@teprov.org, www.teprov.org. Temple Habonim: A warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. 245-6536. office@templehabonim.org, www.templehabonim.org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston. 942-8350. webmaster@templesinairi.org, www.templesinairi.org. Unitarian Church in Fall River: Sunday 10:30am. 309 North Main Street, Fall River, MA. 508-678-9700. office@unitarianchurchfr.org, www.unitarianchurchfr.org. Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven: Service 10:30am. 102 Green Street, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 992-7081. www.uufairhaven.org.
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County: 27 North Road, Peace Dale. 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. uucscri@yahoo. com. www.uusouthcountyri.org. Westminster Unitarian Universalist Church: A UUA Welcoming Congregation. 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich. 884-5933. www.westminsteruu.org.
Social Organizations
Bear Providence: Monthly social events for the bear community. www.bearprovidence.com. Bisexual Resource Center: PO Box 170796, Boston, MA. (617) 424-9595. brc@bicresource.net www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-gender social events for Boston and the surrounding area. (617) 424-9595. biversity-subscribe@biversity.org, www.biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman Quarterly.” www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA): 56 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA. (508) 778-7744. info@cisgsya.org, www.cigsya.org. Communisong: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.communisong.net. CORISMA: Potluck get-togethers for couples from RI and southeast MA. corismainfo@comcast.net, www.corismagroup.org. Imperial Court of RI at Providence: Drag and non-drag performers raise funds for local charities. All welcome to general membership meetings on first Monday at Dark Lady, 17 Snow Street, Providence. icri.prov@gmail.com. www.icriprov.org. Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more. Monthly meetings, all welcome. Mixedborders@cox.net. www.mixedborders.com. Opera Club: Enjoy hearing and attending. Last Sunday of each month at 1pm. BrettCornellpi4@aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and non-singing volunteers welcome. Monday 7-9:30pm. Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. www.provgmc.org. RI Association of Gay Professionals: Networking and philanthropy. www.riagp.com. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie. 464-2288. saphicangel120@yahoo.com.
RI Pride: Open house 4th Wednesdays. Festival & Parade 3rd Saturday in June. Office: 1005 Main Street #1105 Pawtucket. Mail: PO Box 1082, Providence, 02903. 467-2130. info@prideri.com, www.prideri. com. RI Prime Timers: Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Second Sunday. Contact Steve, 996-3010. www. riprimetimers.org. RI Skeptics Society: Yearning to talk with someone rational? Refreshing discussion. Fourth Saturday. East Providence restaurant location. www.meetup.com/skeptics-133/. RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group. 21+. Dances & events. www.riwa.net. SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Advocacy, education and social events for LGBTQ seniors. 235 Promenade Street, Suite 500, Box 18, Providence. 528-3259. sageriinfo@gmail.com. SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of southeastern MA & RI to foster strong friendships. Semassmen-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com. rlevass@yahoo.com. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for GLBT vintage & specialty car enthusiasts. www.yankeelcc.com.
Sports & Recreation
PrideSports Boston: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/ teams in Boston area. www.pridesportsboston.com. Boston Gay BASKETBALL League: ksg.bgbl@gmail.com, www.bgbl.com. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin BOWLING League: Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Tuesday 6:30pm. 1463 Atwood Avenue, Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. Contact Frank Ferri. 831-6940.www.bgalbowling. com. www.townhalllanes.com. GALA Bowling League: Sundays 5:50 p.m., E. Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Ave., E. Prov. Season thru April. View us on Facebook or email galabowlingleague@gmail.com. FLAG (For Lesbians And Gays) FOOTBALL: Boston-based recreational football club. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Saturday mornings in the fall and spring. www.flagflagfootball.com. Boston Pride HOCKEY: www.bostonpridehockey.org. Rondeaus KICKBOXING: 272-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com. Main Street MARTIAL ARTS: Non-profit. Welcoming dojo and community center. 1282 North Main Street, Providence. 274-7672. www.mainstma.org. Chiltern Mountain Club: OUTDOOR recreation club in New England. events@chiltern.org. www.chiltern.org.
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Options | January 2015
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Boston Gay ROWERS: Worldwide online community for gay and lesbian rowers, coxies, coaches, and race officials. www.glrf.org. Boston Ironsides RUGBY Football: www.bostonironsides.org. Frontrunners Rhode Island RUNNING Group: Running and walking group. Newcomers welcome. Meet at the end of Blackstone Boulevard at Hope Street, Providence. Thursday 6pm. Contact Brian. 751-7643. bripm@cox.net, frontrunnersri@gmail.com Frontrunners Boston RUNNING Group: Morning walk/run along the Charles River. Saturdays,10am. Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. www.frontrunnersboston.org. OutRyders SKIING: New England’s largest gay and lesbian ski and snowboard club. www.outryders.org. Boston Strikers SOCCER Club: Non-profit social organization to learn and improve soccer skills in a relaxed, congenial environment. www.bostonstrikers.com. Renaissance City SOFTBALL League: New players and boosters always welcome. www.providencesoftball.org. Beantown SOFTBALL League: Friendly competition. 27 teams in four divisions of play: competitive, intermediate, and recreational. (617) 297-7490. www.beantownsoftball.com. LANES (Liquid Assets New England SWIMMING): Fitness and/ or competition. (617) 937-5858. www.swim-lanes.org. TENNIS-4-All: Boston area tennis organization. www.tennis4all.org. Cambridge Boston VOLLEYBALL Association: Players of all skill levels welcome. secretary@cbvolleyball.net www.gayvolleyball.net. Ocean State Pride VOLLEYBALL League: Adult co-ed indoor league following USVBA rules. No try-outs. Fee applies. Kent County YMCA, 900 Centerville Road, Warwick. ospvolleyball@gmail.com. East Coast WRESTLING Club: (617)937.5858 x6. ecwc@juno.com. www.eastcoastwrestlingclub.org.
Students & Youth
Bristol Community College Gay/Straight Alliance: Steven Camara, Advisor. BCC-H202, 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA. (774) 357-2391. Brown University Queer Alliance: Umbrella organization at Brown University for LGBTQ groups. 863-3062. queer@brown.edu or lgbtq@brown.edu. CCRI Triangle Alliance: an LGBTQQ student-run group at CCRI, on the Flanagan, Liston, and Knight campuses. www.ccri.edu/triangle/. COLAGE: Support and social activities for children of LGBT parents. Coordinator Veronica Jutras. Third Saturday 10:30am-12pm. Gordon School, E. Providence. rhodeisland@colage.org www.colage.org/colage-chapter/colage-rhode-island-chapter/. LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743. Private one-to-
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one chat and info on local resources. Peer Listening Line: Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth. Support, info and referrals. 5-10pm. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA. (617) 267-9001 or (800) 399-PEER. www.fenwayhealth.org. Salve Regina University – The Alliance: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport. Contact: Mandy Hart. mandy.hart@salve.edu. SeaQuel (Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership): a program of PRYSM. Monthly Sunday meetings. 383-7450. SeaQuel@prysm.us. www.prysm.us. S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence. 865-1631. shepard@providence.edu. The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. (866)4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). thetrevorproject.org. University of RI LGBTIQ2: Alumni association. 874-5808. gsimonelli@uri.edu. URI LGBTQ Center: A cultural department for students, faculty and staff. Florence Badejo. 874-2894. Youth Pride Inc.: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13--23. Tues. -- Fri. 2 -- 8pm. The Way Out peer support group Thurs. 4pm. Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 4pm. Visit our website for full calendar of events. 743 Westminster St., Providence. 421-5626. info@youthprideri.org. www.youthprideri.org.
Support Groups & Social Services
Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline: (617) 742-4911. TTY: (617) 227-4911. advocate@tnlr.org. Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help. Jewish Family Service, 959 North Main Street, Providence. Contact Betsy Alper. 331-5437. www.adoptionoptions.org. Community Care Alliance: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 235-6095. www.famresri.org. Foster parents needed: For newborn to age six. 276-4300. www. childrensfriendri.org. Family Service RI: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Family Service of RI. Contact Gregary Wright. 331-1350 ext. 3305. www.familyserviceri.org. Seven Hills Behavioral Health: HIV Prevention and Screening. 310 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 235-1012. T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: Offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. www.bvadvocacycenter.org. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group. Boston first Thursday 7-9pm. compassftm@gmail.com. www.compassftm.org. Crossroads RI Hotline: (800) 367-2700. Day One: Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24hr hotline. (800) 494-8100. 421-4100. www.dayoneri.org. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling relationships. 24hr free and confidential helpline. 782-3990 or toll free 800-494-8100, www.dvrcsc.org. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: Support. 738 Main St. #323, Waltham, MA. (781) 333-8429. info@gayfathersboston.org, www.gayfathersboston.org.
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Gay Officers Action League (GOAL)/New England: Law enforcement officers (sworn & civilian), fire, rescue and publicly employed EMS. Confidential. PO Box 587, Boston, MA 02117. (617) 376-3612. info@goalne.org, www.goalne.org. Gay Share: Coming Out? Gay men’s support group. No fee. Wednesday 7:30pm. Contact Tom or Mike. 369-9448. info@gayshare. org, www.gayshare.org. GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project: Support, info, shelter. 955 Massachusetts Avenue, Private Message Box 131, Cambridge, MA. (800) 832-1901. www.glbtqdvp.org. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline and social networks for crisis and suicide prevention. 24/7. (866) 4-U-Trevor. HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group: Refreshments served. AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. 521-3603. New members contact Scott. 640-3108. Kathys’ Group: Free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Partners and caregivers welcome. Meets monthly in Providence. 888-5KATHYS. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Socializing and discussions for gay, bi and curious men. Confidential. Drug and alcohol-free. 18+. Thursdays in Taunton and first Tuesdays in New Bedford. 7-8:30pm. mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com. National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues. info@ nlgja.org, www.nlgja.org. Partner Support Group at Fenway Health: A ten-week support group with the purpose of building community and connections for anyone who identifies as non-trans, ages 18+, and is in a relationship with a trans* person(s). 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. Contact Sarah Eley, LICSW. 857-313-6551. seley@fenwayhealth.org. PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays): Greater Providence chapter, serves all RI and southeastern MA. First Wednesday 6:45pm. Met School, 325 Public Street, Providence. 751-7571. PFLAGprovidence@gmail.com, www.pflagprovidence.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24hr helpline: (800) 494-8100. 467-9940. RI Rainbow Support Group: For people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Last Tuesday. 98 Rolfe Street, Cranston. 6-7:30pm. Contact Ken Renaud. 785-2100. Samaritans: 24hr hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044. 272-4044 (RI only). www.samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, bilingual (Spanish). No caller ID used. Calls blocked for safety. 861-6191 ext. 121. Sojourner House: Call for confidential support group. Support, shelter, advocacy and information for people in abusive relationships. Including specific LGBT services. No caller ID used. Outgoing calls blocked for safety. 24hr helpline. 765-3232. 861-6191. www.sojournerri.org Straight Spouses: Groups and online support. www.straightspouse.org. TGI Network of RI: Support, advocacy for transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, genderqueer and/or intersex people. Borderlands peer group, first and third Tuesday 7-9pm. For location and information 4415058. info@tginetwork.org, www.tginetwork.org. Trans* Partners New England: Gives romantic partners of transgender people a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect
Options | January 2015
with other loved ones of transgender people. First Wednesday 6:308:30pm. Providence. Location unpublished for privacy. partners@ tginetwork.org. Trans* Youth 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. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties: Offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263. www.wrcnbc.org. q
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Worth a Look by The Lit Chick
Pride, the movie
What did traditional mining families in Wales have in common with 20-something, club-hopping gays and lesbians in London? That story is told in Pride, a Golden Globe Best Picture nominee based on the true story of how a group of London gays and lesbians donated to families in the 1984 U.K. miners’ strike, one of the longest running strikes in British history. The story opens at London Pride 1984, when GLSM (Gays and Lesbians Support the Miners) was formed, and ends at London Pride 1985, when the Welsh miners led the London Gay Pride Parade in a show of solidarity with the gay rights movement, in gratitude for its support of their families. The two groups push past the initial apprehension to find common ground and learn from each other in the process. The acting
is superb in this movie. Of note is Imelda Staunton (best known in the United States as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films), who plays a leader on the miners’ council, and the lesser known Ben Schnetzer, who gives a truly standout performance as Mark Ashton, the charismatic real-life founder of the GSLM. Pride won the Queer Palm award at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, and was named Best British Independent Film at the British Independent Film Awards, and one of the ten best movies of the year by Vanity Fair. It was released on video in December and is available on DVD at Amazon.com. Also a good pick is the soundtrack, a catchy anthology packed with disco and punk—a mix of 80s favorites and new songs inspired by the film.
Allergic to Water
Recognize: The Voices of Bisexual Men
I don’t listen to Ani DiFranco for an upbeat, poppy, fingersnapping good time. I listen to DiFranco when I want to think and feel at the same time, and she rarely disappoints. Her eighteenth solo studio album, Allergic to Water, is no exception. DiFranco’s lyrics are complex and deep. Probably most impressive is how she extends her poetry through the music so that the two are melded, often with her signature dissonance that somehow always seems to work, sometimes ironic as in “Happy All the Time,” sometimes raw (“Careless Words”), and other times upbeat and clear (“Tr’r”). My favorite is “Rainy Parade,” which caught me with its perfectly placed chimes and marching snare. “Dithering,” the opening track, plays like a “Hello, I’m back” from DiFranco and may sound the most familiar to fans. The album overall has a pervasive “Love yourself where you are and move forward” theme that is enduringly optimistic and encouraging for those working toward their own better future. Each song is like a bite of an exquisite canapé: perfectly formed, with its own flavor and finish, and, in each, its superficial simplicity belies the amount of work that went into that perfect bite. Roll each around on your tongue for a while to get the full flavor. Allergic to Water is available now on iTunes and at www.righteousbabe.com.
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The writing in Recognize: The Voices of Bisexual Men is as diverse as its contributors. This sizable anthology features 61 different contributors, all cisgender or transgender men who identify as bisexual, pansexual, polysexual or fluid—men of all different races, classes and nationalities. The anthology is edited by activists Robyn Ochs and H. Sharif Williams, who both promote social justice through awareness of complex identities and individual expression. “It can be difficult to recognize all of yourself,” writes Williams in the preface. “For me, the difficulty was not because I hadn’t encountered all of me but rather that I didn’t see anyone in the world like me.” What’s most striking about this book is its honesty. There are vignettes of confusion and certainty, pride and shame, fear and courage, and stories and poems about men breaking through and finally accepting who they are and who they love. I think the greatest contribution of this book is that it creates space for people to simply be, and invites those who can’t to see that it can be a possibility. Recognize can be ordered online through the Boston Bisexual Resource Center at www.biresource.net. Founded in 1985, the center is the oldest national organization in the U.S. that advocates specifically for bisexual visibility and raises awareness about bisexuality.
Options | January 2015
Options | January 2015
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