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y hode Island’s Happy Birthda R Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender to us!
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Community Newsmagazine
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April 2012
“We can end AIDS” Peter Cassels
As public interest in HIV/AIDS has waned, a group of activists has revived the long-dormant ACT UP Rhode Island. side. Later that year, it organized a “die in” outside a pharmacy on Westminster Street in downtown Providence to protest the high prices a drug manufacturer was charging for AZT. In response to the demonstration and protests organized by ACT UP chapters nationwide, the Burroughs Wellcome Corporation lowered the price. ACT UP RI also disrupted Edward DiPrete’s 1988 gubernatorial campaign launch to protest the lack of attention and resources the state provided for HIV treatment and services. And it regularly attacked the Providence Journal for its editorial policies against people living with the virus.
Formed in 1987, the organization often made headlines until it disbanded in 1993. Right after it was created, six ACT UP members were arrested for occupying the office of the director of the RI Department of Public Health to protest a plan to require mandatory AIDS testing, while dozens of supporters gathered out-
Formed last September, the revived ACT UP RI has already conducted two demContinued on page 18
In this issue: 3 5
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News Briefs
11 Changing Normal 13 The Miseducation of Cameron Post 15 Bringing It On 17 Born This Way 19 MERI 20 RI Campus Happenings 22 ICRI 23 AIDS Community Watch 25 Youth Pride, Inc. 26 SAGE Passages, Letters
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Thursday, April 26 Dine Out for Life on Thursday, April 26, 2012! Put this date on your calendar, round up your friends, and dine out to support AIDS care and prevention services provided by AIDS Project Rhode Island. Visit www.aidsprojectri.org/dining-out-for-life for complete details. Thank You To Our Sponsors!
RUSTIGIAN RUGS Providence, RI rustigianrugs.com
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News Briefs Catholic Church Will Not Fight Maine Marriage Equality
The Kids Are All Right Katy Butler, a 17-year-old Michigan high school student, collected more than 200,000 signatures asking the Motion Picture Association of America to revise its rating for the film Bully from “R” to “PG-13.” Butler delivered the signatures to the MPAA’s Los Angeles offices on March 7. Bully is a documentary that follows both victims and perpetrators of bullying; the MPAA rated the film “R” due to its language. Butler, an out lesbian, was the victim of bullying in school – one incident ended with her finger being broken against a locker. “This could change bullying and save lives,” Butler told the Associated Press. In an interview, the MPAA’s Joan Graves said, “Even though we think this is a wonderful film and very worthwhile film for people to see, our main purpose is to give parents information on the level of content.” Bully’s “R” rating has not been amended.
Maine’s Roman Catholic Diocese has indicated that it does not plan to play an active role against November’s marriage equality referendum. Bishop Richard Malone said that the church does not want “to impose a law or belief on anyone.” The Diocese will continue its teachings in line with the church’s formal view of non-heterosexuality as “inherently evil.” A recent survey by Public Policy Polling found that 54% of Maine residents support marriage equality, while 21% were “not sure.”
LGBTQ Leaders Appointed to Eastern Bank’s Board Boston-based Eastern Bank has named three LGBTQ leaders to its Board of Corporators: MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini; Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Executive Director Gunner Scott; and AIDS Action Committee President and CEO Rebecca Haag. Corporators serve a ten-year term and are representatives on behalf of community interests. According to Suffredini,
“Eastern Bank has long been a corporate leader in supporting LGBT organizations and equality initiatives through both its fi-
Senate Democrats Support Marriage Equality
Interfaith Committee for Transgender Equality Seeks Members
At press time, 22 U.S. Senators have expressed their support for including marriage equality in the Democratic Party platform at September’s National Convention. The effort was initiated by New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D), who also serves as co-chair of President Obama’s national campaign committee. The proposed language includes a repeal of the federal DOMA and opposes anti-equality state constitutional amendments. Additional supporters include Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). In a statement, Shaheen said “Our party has a long tradition of leading the charge on important questions of justice. Now is the time…to stand up for the rights of same-sex couples and their families.” Sen. Kerry released a statement saying, “I think Massachusetts has taught the country an important lesson about how marriage equality can work .... No one should be worried about a party platform that celebrates those advances.”
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nancial assistance and its progressive corporate practices.” In addition to providing a stipend for employees in same-sex marriages to offset federal taxes, Eastern Bank’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources testified in support of the Mass. Transgender Civil Rights Bill, and the company was the first to file an amicus brief in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, a case challenging the federal DOMA.
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The Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality (ICTE) is becoming a project of Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, and will be renamed Interfaith Committee for Transgender Equality. The ICTE welcomes community members of faith to support its work to ensure transgender equality. ICTE will hold a community meeting to share ideas for the coming year on Monday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at 14 Beacon Street in Boston. For more information contact Mycroft@MassTPC.org.
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This Month In Options History
options Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982
APRIL 2012 q Vol. XXX1, No. 3
April 2002
Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org
• Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci named Lori Green and Alex Gorriaran as the city’s liaisons to the lesbian and gay community.
Writers Austen Bourassa, Kalene Brennan, Peter Cassels, Dawn Euer, Brian Gay, Sally Hay, Kerri Kanelos, Emma Garrett Nelson, Jodi Picoult, Jim Seavor
April 2001 • Sen. Nancy Hetherington becomes RI’s first openly lesbian State Senator, and the fourth openly gay state lawmaker in RI history.
April 2000 • The Millennium March on Washington was held on April 20. It was the fourth national LGBT civil rights march.
April 1995 • The University of Rhode Island held its first Symposium on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. • Domino’s Pizza gave its annual humanitarian award to the homophobic Focus on the Family’s James Dobson.
April 1994 • The Triangle Center, a lesbian and gay resource center, opened in Providence (“adjacent to CAV and downstairs from Options.”
April 1990 • The Triangle Foundation awarded its first grants to Cranston Community Action, The Gay and Lesbian Helpline and Rhode Island Gay and Lesbian Youth.
Copy Editors Ronan Askrsen, Brian Gay, Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Emma Garrett Nelson, Maria Phillips, Andrea Ritter, Jim Seavor, Myra Shays Calendar Editor Annie Cronin Silva calendar@optionsri.org
April 1989 • Feminist Jan Clausen spoke at DorrWar Bookstore in Providence.
Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net
• Channel 6 News ran a week-long special called “Growing Up Gay.”
General Information info@optionsri.org
April 1988
Advertising Kyle Marnane advertising@optionsri.org
• A Safer Sex rally was held in Kennedy Plaza, followed by a protest at the Providence Journal because of its “strong stand against gay and lesbian interests.”
Billing Donny McKendall billing@optionsri.org
April 1987 • The Alliance for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights held its first Annual Meeting.
Webmaster Ken Fonzi admin@optionsri.org
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www.optionsri.org © OPTIONS 2012. Options is published ten times each year. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the governing board, volunteers or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must be signed and accompanied by a phone number, but names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar or resource listings for the May issue must be delivered by April 10. Financial support is also always welcome. For a subscription, send us your name and address or subscribe online at www.optionsri.org. Moving? Send us your old address with your new address.
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Passages
Letters
The Rhode Island LGBT community lost a champion when Margaret “Peg” Laurence died on March 2. One half of the South County law firm Laurence & Iwon (her wife Lise Iwon being the other half), Laurence was a role model to many as an activist, a professional and a friend. One of her friends, novelist Jodi Picoult, shared with Options the following piece, which she wrote for a service in celebration of Laurence’s life.
Remembering Peg Anyone who met Peg through Lise, as I did, knows that these are two women who were truly halves of a whole. I remember thinking when I first spoke to Peg how smart she was, how full of life, how visible was the affection she had for Lise. I loved her smile, her laugh, her generosity. You couldn’t spend ten seconds in Peg’s company without her telling you that you should come stay for a weekend, swim in the pool, visit the beach, enjoy her hospitality. One weekend, when I had “kidnapped” Lise to work with me, Peg was put in charge of “babysitting” my teenage son. Jake spent the entire weekend thoroughly entertained. From watching TV side by side with Peg to attending a theater performance to the hours of conversation he had with her, he had bonded completely with Peg by the time we returned that Sunday. What can I say? He was absolutely smitten with her. Every time Peg and Lise came to see him perform in one of his own shows, I know he was thrilled. Peg was family, pure and simple. And me? I think of sitting on the porch drinking wine; eating lobster; soaking in the hot tub. I think of the fantastic weekend we spent in Provincetown this summer. I couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide to the area – from the moment Peg and Lise drove up to our hotel to show us the town till the moment they waved goodbye after gifting everyone in our party with crazy crab hats, commemorated in a photo, of course. I do not think anyone but Peg, in cahoots
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with Lise, could have gotten my preppy WASP husband to thoroughly enjoy a drag show. I think what I loved most about Peg is her laugh. Big, bold, sandpaper rough – it was the perfect complement to a woman who continued to triumph over adversity and medical setbacks, to steamroll those who told her she couldn’t do something, to remind us how grand this life is that we get to live. Peg loved wholly, and loved well – not just Lise, but everyone who was lucky enough to be called her friend. You know that if Peg were here, she’d tell us all to stop fussing and just have a good time, and she’d ask if anyone needed more wine. You know if she saw us crying, she’d tell a terrific raunchy joke. She’d tell a story about a trip she and Lise had taken somewhere, some time, and we’d all be captivated. When someone as colorful as Peg leaves this world, it dulls our senses; it makes us see only the gray. But thanks to Peg, we all have a role model for how to live our lives: with grace; with strength; with laughter and unflagging love; with the joy of that big, bold laugh.
To the Editor: GREAT piece on what it means to be bisexual in [last] month’s issue! I loved how both Susan and Steve mentioned a need for the acknowledgement of a sexual continuum and fluidity. Both stories were perfect examples of things we hear when we identify as bi. Fact is, for many people, sexuality evolves over time as we better understand how we feel and become more comfortable talking about it. Kudos! Karen Melo To the Editor, We would like to take this opportunity to thank RI Pride for selecting us to receive a most treasured award—the Pyramid of Pride for 2012. We’ve received so much more in personal enrichment from our work within the LGBTQ community than we’ve ever giv-
Celebrating 50 Years! ll a H Town
LANES
Some holes can’t ever really be patched; Peg is one of those. But boy, am I glad that my life intersected with hers. Thanks, Peg, for being the kind of woman I’d like to be when I grow up – beautiful, courageous, selfless, loving. That’s the legacy she’s left behind, and we are all the richer for it.
Home of Big Gay Al’s Bowling League 1463 Atwood Ave.
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Johnston • 831-6940
Jodi
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en; and this award, with the beautiful celebration that accompanied it, is the greatest gift of all. In our talk at the awards event, in which we celebrated real family values, we didn’t include some very important “family” members. We should rightfully share this recognition with Marge Stenberg, co-founder of the Straight But Not Narrow Coalition, and founding mothers Yvette Poore, and the late Shirley Smith and Jan WoodThomas. They shared the frustration we still feel about civil rights continuing to be denied on specious moral and religious grounds. That frustration led directly to the formation of SBNNC, so those women were with us in spirit on the podium on February 19. We also join in saluting Rodney Davis for his 20 years of work with Pride, as well as his unflagging work for LGBTQ civil rights, including his tenure as board member and president of the RI Alliance for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights. Rodney is a Newporter, and was a schoolmate of our sons; but we started to get to know him at the very first Pride march that one of us attended, in 1992. Rodney has also been a wonderful volunteer for both the Straight But not Narrow Coalition and the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Over the past twenty years, he’s shared his graphic arts talents with both SBNNC and AIDS Quilt RI, and he’s graced most of our major displays and events with his beautiful voice and singing style. We’re proud to consider ourselves his honorary mom and dad. This truly is a family affair for us. Beth and Russ Milham
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Calendar Got a big event coming up? Let us know about it! Send your listing by the 10th of the month preceding to calendar@optionsri.org, and we’ll see that it gets into the edition.
APRIL 2012 1-30 Love Alone by Deborah Salem Smith. Trinity Repertory Theatre, 201 Washington St., Providence. Call 351-4242 or see www.trinityrep.com for more information and tickets (See last month’s Options’ article about this play). 1-28 The Temperamentals at The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, 140 Clarendon St., Boston. “This hit off-Broadway play tells the story of two men – the communist Harry Hay and the Viennese refugee and fashion designer Rudi Gernreich – as they fall in love while forming the first gay-rights organization in the pre-Stonewall United States.” For tickets see www.lyricstage.com. 4 Trans Partners support group, 7-9 p.m. This group provides life/romantic partners of TGI people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a partner’s identity on their relationships and to connect with other partners. Meeting held in Providence. For more information and location, contact partners@tginetwork.org. 4 PFLAG of Greater Providence, 6:45 p.m. The MET School Justice Building, 325 Public St., Providence. www.pflagprovidence.org or call 751-7571 or e-mail pflagprovidence@verizon.net for more information. 7 “Eddie Edwards’ Legendary Divas,” 8 p.m. The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. For more information and to purchase tickets see www.stadiumtheatre.com or call 762-4545. 12-15 A Perfect Wedding by Charles Mee, at Brown University Leeds Theatre. Tickets available at www.brown.edu/tickets. “Love, romance, marriage: it all falls apart in the woods, until two gay wedding planners decide to get married – and then everyone’s faith in the institution of marriage is restored by their example – with a big Bollywood dance number towards the end.” 13 Born This Way Prom, 8 p.m. - Midnight. FOP Lodge, Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown. Contact: interweave@channingchurch.org, 846-5565. $20; $10 with student ID. 13 COMPASS meeting. New England area female-to-male (FTM) trans support, information and social group. For more information e-mail compassftm@comcast.net. 14 Humorist David Sedaris, 8 p.m. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.ppacri.org or call 421-2787. 15 Drag Brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Murphy’s Deli & Bar, 100 Fountain St., Providence. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. No cover. 15 Tea Dance at Indigo Lounge, 3 p.m. 555 Tiogue Ave., Coventry. DJ, food and special book signing by author Mari SanGiovanni. No cover. 15 RI Prime Timers – A club to aid and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Social from 4:30-5 p.m., dinner and meeting from 5-7 p.m. $20 per person. See www.riprimetimers.org. 18 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on The Square, 241 Angell St., Providence. This month’s book: The Scarlet Professor by Barry Werth. A discount is available if the book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information, e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com.
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Know your status.
Call AIDS Care Ocean State’s Prevention Office at 401-781-0665 to schedule an appointment for FREE anonymous and confidential HIV and HEP C testing.
Get tested. 2012
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18-19 A Perfect Wedding by Charles Mee, at Brown University Leeds Theatre. Tickets available at www.brown.edu/tickets. See April 12 19 Toga Gay Bingo! The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. sharp! $20 for all games. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Stephen Hartley at 5213603 or stephenh@aidscareos.org.
20 The Divine Sister by Charles Busch at the 2nd Story Theatre, Warren, RI. For more information see www.2ndstorytheatre.com. For tickets call 247-4200 or visit the theatre’s box office. Play runs through May 6. 20-22 Cabaret at The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. For more information and to purchase tickets see www. stadiumtheatre.com or call 762-4545.
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21 COLAGE “Queerspawn,” 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. For youth and teens, ages 9 and up. This meeting is closed to those who do not have one or more LGBTQ parent. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. A $5 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away. For more information contact Christie at rhodeisland@colage.org, or visit the website at www.colage.org. 21-22 A Perfect Wedding by Charles Mee, at Brown University Leeds Theatre. Tickets available at www.brown.edu/tickets. See April 12. 22 “Ooh La La!”- A Kim Kuda cabaret featuring the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus. Miss Kitty Litter hosts. 4 p.m. at Point Street Dueling Pianos, 3 Davol Square, Providence. 29 The Opera Club – If you are an opera buff or a newbie, please join us for some opera! For more information, contact Dave at brettcornellpi14@aol.com.
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MAY 2012 1-27 Love Alone by Deborah Salem Smith. Trinity Repertory Theatre, 201 Washington St., Providence. Call 351-4242 or see www.trinityrep.com for more information and tickets (See Options’ March article about this play). 2 Trans Partners support group, 7-9 p.m. This group provides life/romantic partners of TGI people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a partner’s identity on their relationships and to connect with other partners. Meeting held in Providence. For more information and location contact partners@tginetwork.org. 2 PFLAG of Greater Providence, 6:45 p.m. The MET School Justice Building, 325 Public St., Providence. www.pflagprovidence. org or call 751-7571 or e-mail pflagprovidence@verizon.net for more information. 11 COMPASS meeting. New England area female-to-male (FTM) trans support, infor-
Continued on page 10
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Saturday, april 10 • 8:00 p.m. t icketS $22•$29•$36
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mation and social group. For more information e-mail compassftm@ comcast.net. 16 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on The Square, 241 Angell St., Providence. A discount is available if the selected book is purchased at Books on the Square. For book selection and more information, e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com. 16 LGBT Comedy Show, starring Poppy Champlin, with Ellen Moschetto, Mark Shea, John Kelly, Andrew Williams, and Doug Blay. 8 p.m. The Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave., East Providence. Tickets: $15, with a portion of the proceeds going to Options. 17 Trailer Park Trash Gay Bingo! The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. sharp! $20 for all games. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Stephen Hartley at 521-3603 or stephenh@aidscareos.org. 17-20 The Secret History of Love - Sean Dorsey and Fresh Meat Productions come to Boston with their East Coast premiere of dance and performance based on interviews with transgender and queer elders on how they managed to find – and love – each other in decades past. Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA. For more information see www.thetheatreoffensive.org. 19 COLAGE “Queerspawn,” 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. For youth and teens, ages 9 and up. This meeting is closed to those who do not have one or more LGBTQ parent. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. A $5 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away. For more information contact Christie at rhodeisland@ colage.org, or visit the website at www.colage.org. 20 RI Prime Timers – A club to aid and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Social from 4:30-5 p.m., dinner and meeting from 5-7 p.m. $20 per person. See www.riprimetimers.org. q
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Changing Normal An Interview with Hailee Malo Emma Garrett Nelson
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ailee Malo is a 17-year-old transwoman. She lives in Cranston with her parents and younger brother. Hailee started high school at Cranston East in 2008, where she was bullied relentlessly – she became accustomed to being called “faggot” by her peers. In one incident, a student called her “faggot,” threw an orange at her, and tried to assault her. Hailee reported the incident to school administration and was told that the student was “playing baseball” using the orange. When Hailee disputed this claim, she received an in-house suspension and was told that she was “too flamboyant.” The administrator suggested that Hailee might not be bullied if she “[laid off] the pink nail polish.” Despite numerous reported incidents of bullying, the school administration did nothing to stop it: “Even the school psychologist told me I was too gay. I think they would have let me get bullied until I killed myself.” Hailee began self-mutilating, and considered suicide. “It put me in a state of mind that I started to hurt myself…I ended up getting hospitalized three times.”
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“I think that bullying is a form of trauma,” she says. “Bullying just messes you up. It’s very hard to be a compassionate individual when the world doesn’t show you compassion.” Hailee transferred to Cranston West during her sophomore year and later enrolled in the Met School at the start of her junior year. Hailee’s time at Cranston West was a positive experience. “If I’d been there from day one, I wouldn’t have gone through half the stuff I went through.” I asked her about the school climate at the Met, to which she responded, “I’ve had things said about me…[but] I’ve never been bullied there.” While at the Met, Hailee legally adopted present name and began hor3.5her x 2.275. mone therapy; she has been able to safely use the girl’s bathroom. “The principal said if people had a problem then they would be asked to use a different bathroom. It’s been
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an amazingly supportive school.” When I asked Hailee about her family, she reflected for a minute before responding, “My parents have always been more than I could have asked for. They have really been exactly what parents should be; they’ve been that support that most LGBT
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CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS ADULTS
Depression ADHD
kids don’t have. They’ve been the people who have pushed me to share my story and be proud of who I am, and they were the people that loved me even when I didn’t love myself.”
tween the trans community and the gay and lesbian community. “I’ve had lesbians and gay guys call me a faggot. They pick the ‘L’ and ‘G’ [out of LGBT] and lose the other letters. Everyone needs to be acknowledged.”
Hailee is an active social networker. “I have a really bad obsession with it,” she admits. “I’ve been able to be in touch with people all over the world.” Sharing her life through social media occasionally has drawbacks. “I don’t really have a lot of privacy,” she said. “It’s not hard to find out stuff about me…I’ve had to become a little bit more careful.” When I asked Hailee about online bullying, she said, “It’s not something I let get to me. It means very little when they do it online because you’re hiding behind the screen.”
“My being trans has been more of a blessing and a gift,” she says. “I’ve learned that being different is too often looked at as being bad. Being normal needs to be changed, because [normal] doesn’t exist.”
Hailee’s social networking has paid off in spades. She participated in a “No H8” photo shoot with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and attended a GLSEN media summit in Los Angeles. She also traveled to Washington, DC to lobby R.I. Congressman Jim Langevin to support federal anti-bullying legislation. “When the spotlight first gazed upon me I didn’t think very much of it and that eventually it would move on to the next person…I didn’t think my story was important to other people.” I asked Hailee about challenges facing the transgender community. “We beat ourselves up with society’s perception of beauty and power. There’s already prejudice against cisgender women, but when you’re a transwoman, it’s like you’re less than a woman. Womanhood isn’t defined by body parts.” Hailee also acknowledges a disconnect be-
Anxiety Self-esteem Study Skills/ Time Management
Hailee focuses her energy on LGBT issues. “I get the most passionate about anything that’s LGBT-related.” By using social media, “[other LGBT] people can see that there is someone that does care.” She is an intern with Youth Pride, Inc., assisting with transgender care trainings for healthcare professionals and social workers. In her free time, Hailee writes music and sings, but says she is “content sitting on my iPhone for four hours on Twitter. Social networking has become like a second family. I love that feeling of being able to unwind by realizing that everyone has similar problems.” Hailee plans to attend Bristol Community College in the fall and take theater, communications, and marketing classes. I asked her about plans for the future. “I want to start working toward opening up my own non-profit organization, for people who are different and outspoken and are entrepreneurs.” Hailee wants to continue to work to change society’s perception of “normal.” “I realize now that I’ve taken on something that most people wouldn’t have been able to take on, and it has made me grow up a lot, more than I probably should have; sometimes I feel like I’m 40.” q
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Fertile Ground for Fiction An interview with author Emily Danforth Kim Stowell
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mily Danforth, a teacher of creative writing at Rhode Island College, has written a book. This was the message received three times in one day here at Options. First, someone said they’d heard about it on NPR that morning. Next, an email came in with a subject line reading simply: Emily Danforth; and then another message came from a coworker of the now-ubiquitous Danforth.
young lesbian I’ve read in years.” I was only a hundred pages or so into the book when Danforth and I met, but I already had lots of questions. As for the choice of mainstream publishers, she (and
We were hearing about her book because of its lesbian protagonist. So, a copy of the book was obtained in short order, and a call went out to Danforth. The thing I noticed right away about the book was that it was published by a mainstream house, Harper Collins, Inc., rather than one of the lesbian publishing houses. I asked her about that when we met one sunny morning at White Electric Coffee on Westminster Street in Providence. The book, first of all, is called The Miseducation of Cameron Post. It’s a novel about a smart, funny teenager growing up in a small, dusty town in Montana. The book begins as her parents are killed in a car accident on the same day she kisses a girl for the first time. She is 12. It’s an important book even if you don’t know, as I didn’t, that a central element of the story is a place called God’s Promise Christian School & Center for Healing, where Cameron spends some time. She doesn’t get there until 250 pages in, so you know there are many other layers to the story, and Cam is a very strong character throughout. One of the quotations on the jacket, from the author of lesbian classic Annie on My Mind, calls the book “… a joy – one of the best and most honest portraits of a
her agent) had clearly scarcely considered anything but. What she was not prepared for was the designation that the publisher insisted on: Young Adult Fiction. While her character was a young person, there were plenty of examples of coming-of-age novels – Huckleberry Finn, Catcher in the Rye, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn – that were called simply fiction. She was very pleased to report, however, that no one asked for toning down of the content. I was not surprised to learn that Danforth grew up in a small town – the very one her book is set in: Miles City, Montana. When I asked about other similarities, she answered that the book is more fiction than memoir, but that many of the “details
of place” are straight from memory. “Like Cam, I tried to seek out queer culture where I could, through a scene in a movie or a passage in a book,” a commonality which the Internet has surely changed for kids like Cam or the young Emily, but at the time was all a small-town kid could access. Danforth did not attend a gay conversion program. She did, however, conduct quite a bit of research. She routinely visited the chat rooms, blogs, and websites of organizations associated with Exodus International (the umbrella organization for many of these churches and groups) and NARTH (National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality). She often chatted with people who were at all stages of belief in or commitment to reparative therapy; read books and other materials by proponents and practitioners of conversion/reparative therapy (like “ex-gay” Joe Dallas’ self-help books Desires in Conflict and The Game Plan: The Men’s 30-day strategy for attaining sexual integrity); and read books and materials (like Mel White’s memoir Stranger at the Gate) by a range of people who have tried these programs (time and time again). Danforth sought out residence “rules” manuals and other materials specifically created for various live-in facilities, to get a sense of day-to-day operations. “I found very little consistency of approach between programs/practitioners,” she said. “Sometimes some of the terminology would be similar -- using a phrase like ‘sexual brokenness,’ for instance -- but the therapy/treatment practices varied widely. So this was very fertile ground for me to build fiction from, which is what I did.
mark your calendar • may 16 • queer comedy night! Starring Poppy Champlin, with Ellen Moschetto, Mark Shea, John Kelly, Andrew Williams, and Doug Blay
the comedy connection, 39 warren ave., east providence options
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God’s Promise is not a “real” facility, and it is certainly not modeled on one actual facility, but rather it is built from the range of research I completed, as well as my own invention.”
Individual & Couples • Solution-Focused Psychotherapy Meditation Instruction • Insurance Accepted
Danforth’s treatment of the program itself is fascinatingly even-handed and objective; the staff at Promise are not portrayed as monsters; there is no aversion therapy or electroshock, and the reader gets limited insight into how the program is affecting the young people in its care.
401-274-7225 | Providence lhandel@gmail.com
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This is a beautifully written, engaging and heartbreaking book, and we are lucky that Emily Danforth made her way eastward from the far-off territories of her past (she got her PhD in creative writing at the University of Nebraska after an MFA in fiction from the University of Montana). She and her wife are liking our part of the world – they got their first taste of it 11 years ago when they travelled here from Nebraska to marry in Massachusetts -- and they plan to stay. Danforth has another book in the works – she says she writes the books she would want to read, and thoroughly enjoys getting to “live in an experience I didn’t have.” Thanks to her talent, we can all share her enjoyment. Learn more at www.emdanforth.com. q
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Bringing It On Jim Seavor
It was a walk to remember. Gregory Haney had often walked through Times Square, but this time was different -- he was in full drag. Haney says he got some looks but isn’t sure whether they were looking at his legs or trying to figure out what was going on. What was going on was he was on his way to audition for a role in Bring It On: The Musical, which opens April 24 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Why the drag? He was auditioning for the role of La Cienega, a transgender teen.
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Life Coaching, Reiki, and Spiritual Services for the GLBT Community
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Bring It On is based on, or suggested by, the film of the same name and its sequels. It’s a high school world revolving around cheerleading. About all the musical uses from the films are the title and the cheerleading. The
score is the work of Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Kitts (Next to Normal) and the book is by Jeff Whitty (a Tony winner for Avenue Q).
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Haney had tried out for “one of the main love interests” in Los Angeles but that wasn’t to be. He returned to New York City, and when the show held auditions there he got a call to try out – for La Cienega. He decided to audition in character. That’s why he was in Times Square in full drag. Haney was staying at 45th St. and Eighth Ave. The auditions were at 42nd St. and Eighth Ave. The walk from one place to the other brought him through Times Square.
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Haney was in Dallas with the show when we talked. A character such as La Cienega requires an actor to walk a fine line. Go one step too far and you could move into camp. But Bring It On is a musical – a cheerleading musical. Subtlety? Haney says La Cienega is larger than life. Still, he plays her “as realistically as I can.” He adds, “It’s nice to know I’m creating an honest communication.”
The New York Times, when it reviewed the show’s opening in Los Angeles, referred to her as a drag queen. Ain’t so. La Cienega is transgender. Nothing is made of it. She simply is who she is.
Welcoming LGBT professionals and their friends
Honest yes, but some reviewers aren’t sure just who La Cienega is. The New York Times, when it reviewed the show’s opening in Los Angeles, referred to her as a drag queen. Ain’t so. La Cienega is transgender. Nothing is made of it. She simply is who she is. And proud of it. The question of whether a character was a drag queen or transgender was also raised regarding Angel in Rent. Angel was a drag queen. And Priscilla Queen of the Desert provides both, as two drag queens and a transgender woman cross Australia in a pink bus. How are audiences responding to La Cienega? Haney says the loudest applause comes in conservative towns.
A membership organization focused on: • Shared Member Contact Information • Professional Networking • Philanthropic Causes • Member benefits n e t w o r k
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For more information please contact Frank Maher at (401) 453-9276, visit RI AGP on Facebook or by email at
Bring It On: The Musical will be at the Providence Performing Arts Center April 24 – 29. Tickets at the box office, 220 Weybosset St., by phone 421-2787 and online ppacri.org. q
gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com.
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Born This Way Brian Gay
Bravery. Acceptance. Love. These are the pillars upon which a new foundation has been constructed, and the values this foundation seeks to instill in the hearts, minds and souls of young people around the globe. The mission – to create a world “where youth are empowered ... where humanity is embraced ... [and] where individuality is encouraged.” The method – radical kindness, tolerance, and compassion. The founder – Lady Gaga. A collaboration between the performer and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, the Born This Way Foundation was launched, after much anticipation, on February 29. The event was held at Harvard University and included an introduction and interview by Oprah Winfrey, as well as a panel of community leaders who were present to both ask and answer questions throughout the program.
and the solutions it will offer, much is left still to be determined, according to Gaga. “The goal of the Born This Way Foundation is to challenge meanness and cruelty by inspiring young people to create a support system in their respective communities,” said Gaga. Furthermore, the artist sought to make clear that the foundation is “not an anti-bullying charity,” but rather a youth empowerment movement. “How do we not just save the victim, but also save the bully? How do we prevent the tragedies before they happen?” the artist asked. The hope is that with the launch of her new foundation, there can be a more collaborative effort to answer some of these tough questions going forward. q
Winfrey began by expressing her enthusiasm for what was taking place that day. “I am here today because I believe that every human being who comes to the planet comes with the inherent and divine right to be himself and herself – every human being.” Winfrey explained that she feels it is important for all people to feel validated and appreciated, and that it is important to bring an end to bullying, hatred and violence. “There’s a common denominator in the human experience that we all share: we all want to know that what we do, what we say, and who we are matters.”
We Were Born This Way Prom Friday the 13th Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!
Sponsored by Interweave at Channing Church
Following her introduction, Winfrey sat down with Gaga and questioned her about her new foundation, its origins, and its future. Gaga explained how, after releasing Born This Way, her second studio album and third major release, she began to receive a tremendous outpouring of thanks, with a great number of people expressing their desire to help in some way. “I put out Born This Way ... and the influx of dialogue and conversation was more massive than anything.” said Gaga. “What I realized more than anything was that I never wanted this dialogue to end. And I thought ‘How can I keep this conversation going and how can I do the research and become the expert in this field so that I can genuinely have an impact on empowering young people?’” It was this reaction by her fans to her work that Lady Gaga credits with the inspiration for her foundation.
Friday, April 13th 2012 8PM - Midnight FOP Lodge, Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown, RI (just off RI RT138) Multi-generational • Non-alcoholic Drag Show • Lip-Syncs • Pizza • DJ • Photo Booth • Prom Swag $10 with student ID $20 reg admission To Request Information Contact: interweave@channingchurch.org or call 846-5565 Or search the Prom on Facebook at ‘Born this Way Prom 2012’
In terms of the foundation’s future, the impact it will have,
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ACT UP continued from page 1
ported. “We consider that our first victory.”
onstrations aimed at raising its profile. On November 30, the eve of World AIDS Day, members marched from the Occupy Providence campsite in Burnside Park to the State Health Department offices on Capitol Hill and to the offices of U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed to urge support of increased funding for HIV services.
The fight against AIDS has made significant progress recently. HPTN 052, the federal trial of two new HIV treatment strategies, has issued a report showing “that if we continued to invest in programs like condoms, needle exchanges and so forth, and continued to scale up the number of people in treatment, we can halt the epidemic within 30 years,” according to Walker. “We can actually end AIDS as we know it,” she added. “Instead of 30 million people living with AIDS around the world, it would be a couple of thousand. To do that, we need political will and resources.”
On February 23, ACT UP RI was the only group to stage a protest when Vice President Joe Biden visited a fundraiser for Sen. Whitehouse at the Providence Biltmore Hotel. Its purpose was to rally support for a federal financial transactions tax that would raise billions of dollars, some of which could be used for housing for people with HIV.
ACT UP chapters across the country have been undergoing a revival of sorts.
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The World AIDS Day march has already produced results, according to ACT UP RI member Jennifer Flynn Walker. “We presented Health Department Director Dr. Michael Fine with a declaration asking for increased state funding for HIV and seamless coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” Walker said in an Options interview. “He signed the declaration on the spot.” The visit to Sen. Whitehouse’s office resulted in a follow-up visit with the Senator asking him to co-sponsor the financial transactions tax bill. “He became the third co-sponsor the very next day,” Walker re-
ACT UP chapters across the country have been undergoing a revival of sorts, according to Walker. Those in San Francisco, Southern California and Philadelphia have been strong for years, she said. “ACT UP New York has been reviving. A very different-looking ACT UP, one in Maryland, was formed two years ago by a number of women from Guyana.” Walker reported that plans are afoot to join a national demonstration April 25 on Wall Street marking the 25th anniversary of ACT UP’s first major protest there. “ACT UP RI will send a bus there, and we invite members of the public to join us,” said Walker. The group also wants to help community organizations such as AIDS Project RI to re-establish an STD clinic in the state, something they consider important because of the rise in syphilis cases. “The clinic had to be closed because of budget cuts,” Walker pointed out. The state made the decision to retain a TB testing clinic instead because of the increase in cases. ACT UP RI has a core group of six members and an e-mail list of 32 people. It also has established a Facebook page. The group meets from 4 to 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at Broad Medical, 557 Broad Street, Providence. q
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PORTRAITS
Marriage Equality RI
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Spring has sprung, and it’s the perfect time to get involved in the fight for equality and respect for all Rhode Islanders. There’s a lot you can do to make a difference. It’s well-known that the best way to build support for equality is by sharing personal stories, which is why MERI has started their Citizen Lobbying Initiative. Through this effort, we’re bringing those stories directly to the State House. We’re holding workshops on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week to ensure that you have all the tools you need to tell your story at the State House on either Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 3 and 5 p.m. Email sofia@marriageequalityri.org for more info.
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If you’re not free in the afternoon, that’s no problem. You can join our community outreach program. We want to get as many people as possible involved in this effort, and that means being visible in our communities across the state. We’re attending local events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade and farmers’ markets, and encouraging marriage equality supporters to call their senators and representatives. Additionally, you can always help organize or participate in a phone bank, or host a house party. There’s a way for everyone to get involved. To join us, email simon@marriageequaltyri.org.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat. 10-4 Closed Sunday
Finally, MERI also has regular volunteer nights and community meetings. Our upcoming volunteer nights are April 3 and April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Stop by and help MERI in a fun, laidback environment. Our next community meeting is April 23. Come learn more about MERI, what we’re doing, and how you can get involved! Our address is 118 North Main Street, Unit 3, Providence, RI.
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For more information and updates, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @MERhodeIsland, or visit www.marriageequalityri.org. q
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Rhode Island Campus Happenings Let us know what is going on at your school! Write to editor@optionsri.org.
Roger Williams University
University of Rhode Island The URI LGBTQ Center’s 17th Annual LGBTIQQ Symposium will take place April 2-6. This year’s theme is Connected Communities, and we’ll focus on several programs each day of the week that bring light to numerous issues in our community.
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by Ryan Sallans -- Keynote Address & Book Signing at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center
11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Safe Zone Workshop at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center 2:30-5:00 p.m.: Tomboy film screening and discussion with Director Céline Sciamma at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center 7-9 p.m.: Gay Life in Israel by Jonathan Friesem and Hillel at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center
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11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Coming Out in the Classroom by Lynn McKinney at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center 1:30-3:00 p.m.: Sharing Stories and Finding Solutions: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the LGBTQ Community at Women’s Center Library 7-9 p.m.: It Gets Better at URI: Coming Out for Change film screening and discussion by LBTQ Women’s Group at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center
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12-1 p.m.: Infusing LGBTQ Consciousness in the College of Nursing by Delores Walters at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center 2:30-4:30 p.m.: Sexuality and Body Image by Ryan Sallans, Keynote Speaker at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center 6-8 p.m.: FTM: Scouting the Unknown
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1-2 p.m.: History, Current Practice, and Construction of Drag by Deja D. Dellatarro (Floyd Anderson) and Autumn De La Rue (Rob Koob) at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center 2-4 p.m.: Harry Hay Documentary and Discussion by Lynn McKinney at Memorial Union 318 4-6 p.m.: Queer Life After College: Focus on Career by LGBTIQ2 Alumni and Friends Chapter at Alumni Center 8-11 p.m.: Queer Prom and Drag Show at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center
Friday, April 6 TT
10-11 a.m.: LGBT Issues in Local Government by Gary Blazejewski at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center
12-1 p.m.: Intersections of Race and Sexual Orientation by Daniel Trapani at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center
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Roger Williams University’s GSA S.A.F.E. (Sexual Advocacy for Everyone) will hold their fifth annual Pride Week April 16-20, featuring a drag show, an End Hate awareness day, and Day of Silence, as well as week-long events. S.A.F.E. has invited the drag troupe All the Kings Men to perform on Monday April 16. In addition to these main events, be on the lookout for posters and sticky notes around campus, posing questions intended to provoke discussion or thought. S.A.F.E. aims to collect the posters, including the “Heterosexual Questionaire,” for the community to see. S.A.F.E can be reached at saferwu03@ gmail.com or facebook.com/RWUSAFE.
Schedule of Events Monday, April 16 All the Kings Men RWU Upper Commons 9 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17 End Hate
Wednesday, April 18 LGBTQ Trivia
10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Safe Zone Workshop at Multicultural Center 005 12-1 p.m.: Safe Spaces: Making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBT Youth by Annemarie Vaccaro, Gerri August and Megan Kennedy --*Discussion and Book Signing* at Multicultural Center 005 2-3 p.m.: LGBT Faculty Fellows Program by Delores Walters and Annemarie Vaccaro at Hardge Forum in Multicultural Center
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Free Day of Silence t-shirts RWU Upper Commons 11 a.m. - 2p.m.
Thursday, April 19 Free Day of Silence t-shirts RWU Upper Commons 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Friday, April 20 Day of Silence - all day event Breaking the Silence RWU Quad 7 p.m.
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Rhode Island Campus Happenings Brown University IvyQ 2012 Brian Gay Held February 16-19 at Brown, IvyQ 2012 was the third in an annual series of conferences bringing together queer students from all eight Ivy League schools. The conference was first held at the University of Pennsylvania in 2010 and lasted three days. At Columbia University in 2011, it attracted over 400 students from all eight Ivy League schools to a four-day conference. A year ago, a small group of Brown students met to plan IvyQ 2012. They wanted to make IvyQ 2012 their own creation and add new flair to the event in a way that only Brown could. They envisioned opening the conference to local colleges and universities, to diversify IvyQ’s participants and discussions. Also new this year is the concept of a “family group.” Every participant was placed in a group ranging in size from 20-25 people. The family groups met on Thursday when everyone was arriving, then gathered again on Friday to go to the identity open house -- a facilitated discussion about bisexual, transgender, ally, asexual and other identities -- and once more on Saturday to go to the banquet together. The first workshop I attended was “Designing Your Open Relationship” and was facilitated by activist and author Tristan Taormino. Taormino described open relationships, providing examples challenging the norms we are conditioned to follow. She also illustrated how we make many assumptions about relationship models, placing a very high value on some (monogomous, exclusive, heterosexual) while rejecting others. Taormino also presented guidelines for making an open relationship work. In her view, a successful open relationship is based upon good communication, trust, and clear expectations.
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The second workshop I attended was “Finding Your Unique Voice as an Educator,” facilitated by educator and artist Lee Harrington. This workshop was more intimate and conducted in a more interactive style. “What sort of educator are you?” Harrington asked our group. “Are you an advocate? A counselor? A writer?” he asked. “Yes – all of those!” I thought in response. Through the course of the workshop, Harrington continued to ask questions, seek feedback and offer examples from his personal work as an educator to inform us, as activists, on how we could use our unique voices to create change. The final workshop I took part in was “Working Towards Queer Love,” facilitated by Bita Shooshani, coordinator of Sexual Assault Prevention and Advocacy at Brown. This workshop explored what can be a sensitive issue for many people, in a safe and openminded environment. While focusing on a dyadic romantic model, the workshop offered important and empowering information on healthy relationships and what they look like and don’t look like. The prospective marriage and family counselor within me was delighted by the content of this workshop. Conference attendees also had the privilege of hearing keynote addresses from two leading Queer academic activists: Juanita Diaz-Cotto and Kate Bornstein. Both placed a strong emphasis on the power of compassion in creating the change we wish to see in the world. “I work from a position of love,” said Diaz-Cotto, “because love gives me more power. If anger and resentment gave me more power, I’d probably do it. But it doesn’t work and then I wouldn’t feel as silly talking about love.” Bornstein suggested that each of us “practice the activism of radical welcoming” urging that “as [we] explore identities, desire and power, keep this in mind: Do whatever it takes, just don’t be mean.” And what good advice that is. q
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Upcoming Events April 4 - 7 The Black Lavender Experience. Theatre and conversations sparked by the work of queer artists. Website: http://brown.edu/Departments/Africana_Studies/events. Opening Event: April 4, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Rites and Reason Theatre. Free and open to the public.
“D’FAQTo Life” a performance by D’Lo Using excerpts from D’s different solo shows, D’FaQTo Life (pronounced De Facto) is roller-coaster ride of emotions with stories executed through stand-up, spoken word/poetry, and theater. D’Lo explores topics relating to South Asia and transgender social justice from the perspective of being a child of immigrant parents, raised in hip-hop culture while trying to negotiate how identifying as “queer” intersected with a passion to create political art.
“The Bull Jean Stories: Multimedia Adaption” a performance by Q-Roc Ragsdale. The bull-jean stories multimedia adaptation is a one-person play based on Sharon Bridgforth’s book the bull-jean stories. The main character is bull-jean, a bull-dagga (masculine of center lesbian) in the 1920s rural south. The play weaves filmed stories and documentary interviews with live performance and visual art. Q-Roc portrays bull-jean and nine other characters as the audience is immersed in the world of working class bull-daggas, together witnessing stories that speak to generations of bull-jeans. q
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Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW
Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW Counseling & Psychotherapy Counseling & Psychotherapy Insurance Accepted Insurance Accepted • Adults/Youths • Adults/Youths • Individuals • Individuals• Couples•Couples • Families• Families • Day or Evening Sessions • Day or Evening Sessions
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Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence Austen Bourassa
Coronation XX -- A Formal Affair:
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A Celebration of 20 Years of Noble Deeds April 20 - 22 On the weekend of April 20-22, the Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence (ICRI) will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary! An organization that began with a dream and a vision of its local founders (Ralph Martino, BB Hayes, Lee Daniels and the late Fitz Himmelsbach) and was modeled after an international organization founded by Jose Julio Sarria in San Francisco, now celebrates its “double decade.” Throughout these years, the Court has helped to raise $500,000 for non-profit organizations within Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts communities. Some of the organizations that have been aided by the Court include Sojourner House, RI Pride, Aids Care Ocean State, A.I.D.S. New Bedford, Providence Animal Rescue League and PFLAG.
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Like any organization with this much longevity, there have been years of struggle and years of success. Anyone involved in the organization will tell you that ICRI’s existence and dedication to the community is its success. Without a community believing in the Court, there would be no community to give back to. The best way a community member can share in the excitement and fun of Coronation is to attend it. What better way to say you support this organization than by attending Coronation in a landmark year!
Ticket Information and Schedule of Events: Friday, April 20: Out of Town Show $10, Dark Lady. Doors at 6 p.m., Show at 7 p.m. Come and meet individuals from courts from all over the U.S. and Canada. Saturday, April 21: Coronation XX $85, The Providence Biltmore Grand Ballroom. Voting is from 6-9 p.m. with a purchased ticket and a valid ID from Rhode Island or surrounding Massachusetts communities. Cocktails at 6 p.m. Ballroom doors will open at 7:45 p.m. Show begins at 8 p.m. Silent Auction will close at 9 p.m. Celebrate the 20th anniversaries of Ralph Martino and BB Hayes, the 15th anniversaries of LaDiva Jonz and Kenneth Cote, the 10th anniversaries of Mahogany Lite and Raymond Quinn, and the 5th anniversaries of Gabriel and Gingah Rale. Sunday, April 22: Victory Brunch $30, 10:30 a.m., The Providence Biltmore Garden Room. To purchase tickets, learn more about ICRI or to become a member please visit: www.icriprov.org. q
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AIDS Community Watch ful evening with your family and friends, and help us increase our resources to help Rhode Islanders be healthy. Dine Out! Fight AIDS! For more information contact Amy Stein at amy@aidsprojectri.org or 559-7896.
Dine Out! Fight AIDS! Amy Stein Did you know that just by going out to dinner or lunch on April 26, you can help fight HIV? Unfortunately, HIV/AIDS is not gone. It is still here and still infecting and affecting people around the world, including men and women in Rhode Island. You can help fight AIDS by eating out at AIDS Project Rhode Island’s (APRI) partner restaurants (listed on www.aidsprojectri. org) on Thursday, April 26! In memory of her brother, Nunzio James Anarumo, Liz Goodheart is the event chair for Dining Out for Life. Nunzio raised Liz after her parents both passed away when she was 11 years old. He was a friend, mother, father. . . he was everything. With his warmth and kindness, he worked to make sure that Liz had a childhood filled with love, hope, and fun despite their family’s loss. Sadly, in 1983, he was diagnosed with HIV, which led to the full-blown AIDS that claimed his life on June 23, 1994. Liz is pleased that there has been so much progress made with drugs for people that have HIV. She is also grateful for the dedication of all of the caseworkers at APRI who help those infected. However, her wish is for men and women not to become infected with HIV in the first place. Your presence and participation in AIDS Project Rhode Island’s Dining Out for Life event will raise money to help APRI continue to provide our community with the vital services and education needed to combat HIV/AIDS. Our restaurant partners have agreed to donate a portion of their sales to us on April 26. Please go out to eat at one of the restaurants listed on our website, www.aidsprojectri.org. Have a wonder-
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Mardi Gras Kalene Brennan On Saturday, February 25, the Grand Ballroom of the historic Providence Biltmore Hotel was transformed into a Bourbon Street masquerade to celebrate Mardi Gras. Throngs of people came out in their best Mardi Gras attire to enjoy an evening of merriment and dancing to benefit AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS).
time to help make Mardi Gras a success. Of course, Mardi Gras would not be an event without the help of Paul Carpentier and Dennis DelSignore. Each year, they come up with new and fantastic ways to decorate the Grand Ballroom in purple, green and gold. Lastly, ACOS thanks Scott Connery from the Providence Biltmore Hotel for always accommodating us and ensuring the night runs smoothly. Just because Mardi Gras is over doesn’t mean the fun ends! ACOS is gearing up for our next fundraiser, the 2nd Annual King of Queens! New performers, new numbers, and one unforgettable night of fun is coming up in May! Visit us at www.aidscareos. org for event details. q
Over 250 guests attended this year’s Mardi Gras masquerade. ACOS would like to thank everyone for contributing to a great cause. Over $15,000 was raised from generous sponsorships, ticket sales, and our annual Mardi Gras program book. “I always remain confident that the community will come to support the agency,” said Stephen Hartley, Director of Development at ACOS. “This year, we were thrilled at the turnout. It was above our expectations.” ACOS thanks all of our volunteers for generously donating their
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Rhode Island Pride RI Pride’s Triple Crown Pageant Each year RI Pride crowns Ms. Lesbian RI, Mr. Gay RI, and Miss Gay RI. Contestants compete in a pageant, and winners will represent RI Pride at important community events and plan and participate in the year’s fundraisers. This year’s pageant theme is “Welcome to Las Vegas!” We’re thrilled to host the event at the Hope Artiste Village Solarium in Pawtucket on Sunday, April 1 at 7 p.m. Each contestant will be privately interviewed before competing in formal wear, talent, theme costume, and final question. For more information and to buy tickets please visit: www.prideri.com.
Photos from Rhode Island Pride Honors, held February 19. Photos by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez
Luna’s Ladies Night at The Roots Cultural Center The Roots Cultural Center is welcoming Luna’s Ladies Night! Formerly known as Mary Janes, which originated in the Speakeasy at Local 121, it moved to Roots in December. It’s now being reinvented as Luna’s and has moved to FRIDAY nights starting March 30. Trivia will start at 9 p.m. followed by live music, then a DJ until closing. The cover is $6, and all folks over 21 are welcome to join the party. Starting April 27, Luna’s will be every Friday at Roots! Visit: www.rootscafeprovidence.com. The Roots Cultural Center: 276 Westminster Street in Providence.
RI PrideFest Mark Your Celendar!! RI PrideFest and the Illuminated Nighttime Parade will take place in Providence on Saturday, June 16! Sponsorship, vendor booth, parade, volunteer, and entertainment applications are available at www.prideri.com. q
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Youth Pride, Inc. Kerri Kanelos
Day of Silence
Thank You to Hairspray Salon! Big thanks to the staff at Hairspray Salon on Wickenden Street for hosting a Cut-a-Thon on February 12. The salon staff worked hard to provide haircuts, manicures, and makeup sessions, while artist Kent Stetson sold his beautiful handbags. All proceeds benefited Youth Pride Inc. ($1,360 was raised!) and will support our drop-in center activities. Please consider Hairspray Salon for your future beauty needs!
New Board Members Youth Pride, Inc. would like to welcome three new board members—Maria Tocco, Billy Lagor, and Paul Kloiber. We also want
to highlight our new slate of officers—AnnMarie Harrington (Chair), Barbara Margolis (Vice Chair), and Ken Fish (Treasurer). The board is in the process of adding more youth representatives, and everyone participated in an all-day retreat on March 18 for teambuilding and strategic planning.
Friday, April 21, is the Day of Silence— a day when students across the country take a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying and name-calling in their schools. Many gay/straight alliances throughout the State of Rhode Island will be taking part in the Day of Silence. For more information about the Day of Silence or to download an organizing manual for hosting your own Day of Silence event, visit GLSEN’s (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) website at www.dayofsilence. org. www.youthprideri.org 743 Westminster St., Providence 421-5626 q
For the past 29 years We’ve been handing our Clients The same old Line …
“SOLD” Barrington • CumBerland • east greenwiCh • narragansett • ProvidenCe • reloCation 401.245.9600 • 401.333.9333 •
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401.885.8400
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• 401.783.2474 • 401.274.6740 • 800.886.1775
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SAGE
• CLASSIFIEDS • • CLASSIFIEDS •
Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders Sally Hay
Got an apartment to rent? Condo to sell? Looking for a housemate?
Speaking Out!
Send ad to advertising@optionsri.org; payment to P.O. Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940.
We have been delightfully caught off guard by the number and variety of requests for speakers from SAGE/RI to participate in different events. The level of interest (of varying ages and varying backgrounds) in the issues and experiences of our LGBT elders is very heartening.
Send us 30 words and a check for $30, and we’ll publish it in the next issue.
• housing ads only •
Woonsocket Gay owned, $875/month plus security, 2 floors 9 rooms (includes pantry and bath) wall to wall carpet, ceiling fans, off st. parking, laundry hook ups in basement. Near Rt. 146/295 gay friendly area! rcaddydeville@verizon.net or 401-523-1107
SCITUATE Fully furnished and well-appointed studio apartment in our home on 4 1/2 acres along the Pawtuxet River. Includes washer/dryer, all utilities, FIOS TV/ phone/internet. Canoes, kayaks. $800/mo. Call 826-1823.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA. A private, romantic getaway cottage, ideal for couple. Enjoy panoramic waterfront property on 10acre compound. June to September. Weekly $950. Anne, 401-580-7255 or anne2817@cox.net
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Earlier this winter, the University of Rhode Island School of Nursing held a diversity workshop that covered issues relating to minority communities. Patricia Burbank, SAGE/RI co-chair, spoke with her colleagues about the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people when they come into contact with the medical world. She discussed not only the medical concerns unique to each of these groups but also the institutional barriers LGBT people encounter when they try to access appropriate medical services. As a result of Dr. Burbank’s presentation, there have already been discussions regarding curriculum changes and requests for similar presentations to other schools at URI. Last month, SAGE/RI was part of the “Aging and Queerness” event hosted by the Brown Queer Alliance. What a great event! Sally Hay (with help from Cathy Gorman and Ted Platt - all from SAGE) started the evening off with an overview of the concerns faced by LGBT seniors, particularly here in RI. With the stage set, everyone viewed the beautiful documentary, Sappho’s Fire, presented by Alexia Kosmider and Deborah Monuteaux, the film’s directors. The audience was a wonderful mix of college students from Brown and Salve Regina along with a number of people from the larger RI community, which allowed for a wide-ranging discussion afterwards. We’ve got some exciting events happening this spring. With help from SAGE co-chair Marguerite McLaughlin, we were a presence at the Leading Age RI conference (formerly RIASFA, Rhode Island Association of Facilities and Services for the Aging) March 24, where we spread the word about SAGE’s existence and mission to elder care providers. Even occupational therapists are getting into the action: SAGE’s David McElroy will make a presentation regarding the health concerns of older gay men to his colleagues at Tufts University’s Occupational Therapy program. Do not fear – we’re not forgetting to have fun! This month we will coordinate a field trip to Boston’s Lyric Stage to see The Temperamentals, a play that tells the story of Harry Hay and Rudi Gerneich, early activists who fell in love as they were creating the Mattachine Society, the first gay-rights organization in the U.S. Stay tuned (via email at sageriinfo@gmail.com or Facebook, SAGE/Rhode Island) for more details! q
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Resources
Help us help you: If you come across a resource listing that is incorrect or needs updating, let us know. Drop us a line at mshays@verizon.net. Please note: All phone numbers are in the (401) area code unless otherwise indicated.
Chiropractic Services: Free for unemployed HIV+ patients, Ronald P. Marsh, DC., 11 King Charles Dr., Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941.
Addiction Support Groups AA: Brothers in Sobriety, Community Church of Prov., Wayland & Lloyd Aves., Prov., 751-9328; Sat., 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Central Services, info on all groups, 438-8860; Lesbian and Gay, Anchor Recovery Center, 249 Main St., Pawtucket, Tues. 7:30 p.m.; Suburban Gay & Lesbian, Fatima Shrine, Rt. 126, Holliston, MA, Thurs. 8-9:30 p.m. Alcohol/Drug Helpline. RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 24-hr., (866) 252-3784. Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.
AIDS/Health Resources Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: socializing with other HIV+ individuals. Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Wed & Thurs, noon to 4 p.m., at Matthewson St. Church, 134 Matthewson St., Prov. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI; free to clients. Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 Ext. 3268 or coopergo@familyserviceofri.org. AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only. AIDS Care Ocean State (557 Broad St., Providence): case mgmt., emergency funds, mental health & nutrition support, FACTS Nursery, housing for PWAs, referrals, advocacy, ADa.m.S Clinic for adolescents, street outreach, ENCORE, education, HIV+ support groups. Sunrise Community Housing for people with HIV/AIDS. 18 Parkis Ave., Prov. 02907. 521-3603; www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI Division of Family Service of RI: Case mgmt., buddies, COBRA & dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment & referral, wellness prog., advocacy, strength training. Prevention Ed. 404 Wickenden St., Providence: 831-5522. AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS Memorial Quilt panels; panel-making programs, including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people; PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 4344880; www.aidsquiltri.org; admin@aidsquiltri. org; annasworkshop@aidsquiltri.org. Brown Univ. AIDS Program (BRUNAP): clinical trials, public policy, research; lectures/conferences, patient/community education. Bradford Briggs, 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu; www.brown. edu/brunap.
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Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP) Medical, mental health, dental, social services. 311 Doric Ave., Cranston. 467-9610. Also Coventry and Warwick. Sarah Bowman, LGBT Outreach. Crossroads RI Health Care Services: Free, confidential, anonymous HIV counseling & testing for homeless/at risk: Mon & Wed, 1-3 p.m., call Gloria, 521-2255, Ext. 325. FACTS (Family AIDS Center for Treatment & Support): See AIDS Care Ocean State. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case mgmt. & financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MA Health funded for MA residents. Michael (508) 678-1002. HIV antibody testing, Anonymous: R.I. Dept. of Health, Prov., Newport and other locations, Free or sliding scale, call 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care mgmt. for HIV/AIDS. 24-hr. nursing staff for treatment. 782-0725. Bereavement Groups: John Charette, 727-7079.
1 Washington St., Taunton, MA (508) 977-8146 Project Empower: Wellness prog. for gay, bi, questioning men in So. Coast MA. Info on HIV/ STD test sites & safe sex; social/support groups, therapists & health care referrals; & more. Community Counseling of Bristol Co., MA. (508) 828-6692 or www.projectempower.com. SSTAR (Stanley St. Treatment & Resources): counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs; Free, confidential HIV, HEP C (HCV) & STD testing, education, case mgmt. and support. 386 Stanley St., Fall River, MA 02720. (508) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/ HCV) (800) 937-3610, Family Healthcare center (508) 675-1054; www.sstar.org. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more. 105 Charles Eldridge Dr, Lakeville, MA. (508) 9471683. Thundermist Health Assoc.: 450 Clinton St. Woonsocket, provides HIV/AIDS services including: medical care & treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment & counseling, pharmacy consultation, free, confidential HIV testing. Philip Kane 767-4100 Ext. 3516.
House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 658-3992.
Be There and Be Queer!
Jewish AIDS Task Force: Programs for HIV/AIDS and Jewish communities. 421-4111, ext. 172. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group for LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems, visit www.caregiver.org and click on groups.
The Alley Cat: 17 Snow St. Prov. 273-0951 Downtown neighborhood bar. Sun.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. http://thealleycat. net.
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.
Bobby’s Place, 62 Weir St., Taunton, MA (508) 8249997. Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.; Fri. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.-1 a.m. www.BobbysPlaceMA.com.
Matthew 25: HIV/AIDS Ministry: Groceries, personal care products, counseling, referrals. Network with other ASOs. Mon., Wed., Thurs. 9:30-12, 1-2:30; Tues. 1-3. 781-9451. Sister Clara or Patty. Partners in Learning About AIDS (PL-AIDS) Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations, and our No. Providence office, providing free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. www.plaidsproject.org or www.pl-aids.org. Email info@plaidsproject.org. 305-3993. Project ACT: Free Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing. Walk-in Hours: Mondays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Other hours by appointment only.
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Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Prov. 575-2284. Special events space. Open mike First & Third Sat. of each month. Film screenings and other public/private events. See us on Facebook and at www.BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse.com. Club Body Center: 257 Weybosset St., Prov. 2740298 www.clubbodycenter.com. Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24 hours daily. Club Gallery: 150 Point St., Prov. 751-7166 Disco, karaoke, dancing, outdoor patio. Open daily, noon-1 a.m. (Fri & Sat till 2 a.m.) Girl Spot at Gallery in Providence on Sat. nights. www.girlspot.com Mirabar: 35 Richmond St., Prov. 331-6761 www.
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mirabar.com. Dancing, third floor lounge, ages 18+ Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Providence Eagle: 198 Union St., Prov. 421-1447. Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Mega-Plex: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themegaplex.com. Gay men’s bathhouse. Open 24 hours daily. Membership required. One day pass available. The Stable: 125 Washington St., Prov. 272-6950. Newly renovated downtown bar. Pool table. Sun - Thurs noon - 1 a.m.; Fri - Sat noon - 2 a.m. Touch Providence: All-Male Review 257 Allens Ave., Prov. All nude male strippers, bar, 18+ www.touchprovidence.com. Sun, Wed, Thurs 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 732-7740. T.W.I.S.T. Program Coffee Night: Coffee, light snacks served every Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. 1287 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. 508-672-0378. Union: 200 Union St. Prov. 831-5366. Video lounge, live entertainment. Sun. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Mon.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Information/Education Feminist Voices: women’s chorus. www.feministvoices.com. Fenway Gay and Lesbian Helpline: support, info & referrals for GLBT community from Fenway Community Health Ctr., Boston; (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-4528, 6-11 p.m. seven days a week. GayLab: outreach & education for healthy relationships. James at 781-762-6629, or info@gaylab. org or www.gaylab.org. GLBT Helpline of RI: Info and referrals to physicians, therapists, businesses, agencies, social support groups, links to call-in helplines and more. www.glbthelpline.org. NewportOut.com: LGBT Web site for Newport, RI. RILGBT-NEWS: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net. United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: HIV education discussion, games, thought-provoking activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 421-5626.
and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@brown.edu Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays, (800) 455-GLAD. www.GLAD.org; 30 Winter St., Ste 800, Boston, MA 02108. Green Party of RI: PO Box 1151, Prov., RI 02901; 490-7602. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall St., Suite 1500, NY, NY 10005; (212) 8098585, Fax: (212) 809-0055. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for lgbt causes. lawyersforequality@gmail. com Marriage Equality RI (MERI): Works for equal access to marriage for all. www.marriageequalityri. org or call 941-2727. 118 No. Main St., Unit 3, Providence RI 02903. The Next Thing (TNT): political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. Contact the Brown Queer Alliance, 8633062. RI
Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri.org.
Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTIQ human rights. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com or 212-807-8400. Visit www.amnestyusa.org/Our Issues/LGBT Human Rights. BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433. Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy
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Central Congregational Church (UCC), where we believe God is still speaking. Services Sunday, 10:30 a.m. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. 296 Angell St., East Side of Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channing. Newport.uua.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale (Episcopal), 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln. Services 8 and 10:30 a.m. www.christchurchlincoln.org. 725-1920. Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford. 434-5012. A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. www. epiphanyep.org
(UCC), 3736 Main Rd., Tiverton. Open & Affirming. Sunday worship 10:00 a.m. Pastor William Sterrett, 624-4611. Email amicablechurch@aol.com
RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, 180 Westminster St., 3rd floor Prov. Phone: 222-2662. Fax: 222-2616, TDD: 222-2664.
RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. RIpatients.org or www.RIpatients.org. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Assisting active duty service members affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. PO Box 65301, Wash., DC, 20035; (202) 328-3244, ext. 100, sldn@sldn.org, www.sldn.org. Straight But Not Narrow Coalition: Straight support for LGBT, PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 333-6991 or (800) 843-8383.
Religious Resources Amicable Congregational Church (UCC), 3736 Main Rd., Tiverton. Open & Affirming. Sunday worship 10:00 a.m. Pastor William Sterrett, 624-4611. Email amicablechurch@aol.com Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, email: mail@WABaptists.org. Barrington Congregational Church (UCC) “the white church”, 461 Old County Rd., Barrington. 246-0111.www.bccucc.org Bell Street Chapel (Unitarian Universalist), A Welcoming congregation: Rev. Jose Ballester, Minister. 5 Bell St., Prov., 273-5678, www.bellstreetchapel.org.
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Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www. calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@aol.com.
Amicable Congregational Church
Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 831-7171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903.
Beneficent Congregational Church (UCC), in the heart of Providence at 300 Weybosset St. An Open & Affirming congregation since 2001. Visit us Sundays at 10 a.m. or on the Web at www.beneficentchurch.org. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman, 331-9844.
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Church of the Holy Paraclete, Independent Old Catholic; Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. 155 Douglas Ave., Providence. http:// holyparaclete.org; Fr. Jakob Lazarus 218-0706.
Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John. 271 N. Main St., Prov. 02903. Please call 331-4622. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland RI 02864. 658-1506. First Congregational Church in Bristol, an Open and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. Pastor Dan Randall, 253-7288. First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m. First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686. First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UUA Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. Pastor Katie Lawson, 508-543-4002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. (508) 222-2898, www.immanuellc.org. Interweave at Channing UU Church in Newport (135 Pelham St.) A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons -- and their allies -- confronting oppression. 846-0643.
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Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our Web site: www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA, 02702 Rev. Sandra D. Fitz-Henry. Marriage & commitment ceremonies for all. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org
Temple Agudas Achim: GLBT-friendly, Reconstructionist cong. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman. 901 No. Main St., Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243 or www.agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: GLBT-welcoming. Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Ave., Prov., RI 02906. 3316070 Temple Emanu-El, Sessions St. & Morris Ave., Providence. A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin, 331-1616.
Newman Congregational Church, Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Ave., Rumford, RI. 43114742.
Temple Habonim (Reform): Rabbi Andrew Klein, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, 245-6536. www.templehabonim.org.
Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Rev. Hayes & Rev. Baker. Open & Affirming. 73 Pelham St., Newport. 849-2238 or nccucc@newportcongregationalchurch.org.
Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform Temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. 9428350. www.TempleSinairi.org.
Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Pl., Pawtucket, 726-2800. The Pub Church: A church that meets in a pub! Saturdays, 5 p.m. at The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Ave. Boston. Open & Affirming. Affiliated with Protestant Disciples of Christ. Email thepubchurch@gmail.com. Location may change, so check blog: thepubchurch.blogspot. com. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937
Unitarian Society of Fairhaven (MA): 102 Green St., Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 992-7081. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of So. County: 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI; 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. www.uusouthcountyri.org. United Church of Christ: Coalition for LGBT Concerns. 13 Steven Circle, S. Kingstown, RI 02883, Ray Bradley at 782-3871. Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church: 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818. 884-5933
Age-restricted. Bridgewater State College GLBT Alumni Group: email Kenneth Hayes (‘91) khayesbbc@msn.com or visit www.bridgew.edu. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGYA): (508) 778-7744. CORISMA: Gay and lesbian couples of RI and Southeast MA. Potluck get-togethers for couples only. For info or to be added to email list write: corismainfo@comcast.net. www.corismagroup. org Defenders/Providence: Leather/Levi club, c/o PO Box 41153, Prov., RI 02940. Third Sun at 6 p.m. Fall River’s Rainbow Girls: private, moderated welcoming group for women in the Fall River Area. groups.yahoo.com/group/ Fall_River_Rainbow_Grrls. Gay Lesbian Alliance of Newport County Etc. (GLANCE): Social and entertainment events. E-mail glance1234@hotmail.com. Gay Dads Group: Meets monthly for socializing and support. E-mail serrel30@aol.com. Imperial Court of RI at Prov: Male, female, drag king & queen performers raise funds for local charities. Meetings 1st Mon. of month, all welcome. PO Box 6583, Prov., RI 02904;www. icriprov.org. Men’s Card Group: New group in formation. Email johninprov@gmail.com or call John 261-9715.
Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508-997-5684.
Men’s Gay Camping: In RI, CT, MA. Gatherings organized for tents to RVs during Spring, Summer and Fall 2012. www.webspawner.com/users/ gaycamping/index.html or call 2770075 or email gaycamping@gmx.com.
Riverside Church (U.C.C.) 15 Oak Ave., Riverside, RI. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 35 Lower College Rd., Kingston. 783-2153 www.staugustineURI.com.
Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders.com or EMail Mixedborders@cox.net
St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov. 353-1422
Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Email Dave at BrettCornellpi4@aol.com
St. James Church: Episcopal, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Prov. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard St. East side of Prov., 751-2141 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: County & River Sts., New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-8972, stmartins1887@aol.com. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. www.stpaulspawtucket.org St. Paul’s Church, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 2679 E. Main St., Portsmouth. 862-1466. www. stpaulsportsmouthri.org St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Ave., Prov.; 272-9649. Email.stpanda25@ verizon.net. www.stpetersandstandrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church, Open & Affirming, Sunday Mass at 12:30 p.m. at 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Fr. David Martins, 263-4296. www.saintthereseocc.org Second Congregational Church of Attleboro (UCC) Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday worship 10 a.m. (508) 222-4677, www.attleborosecondchurch.org Seekonk Congregational Church: 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771, (508) 336-9355, Rev. Joy Utter, www.scc-ucc.com.
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Social Organizations
Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@aol.com.
Atheists/Agnostics: RI Atheist Society – “Working to keep Church and State separate” Welcoming all. Meets 3rd Monday of the month at an area restaurant for lively discussions among likeminded people. For info: www.RIatheist.net
Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: Mon, 7-9:30 p.m., Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset St, Prov.. New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and nonsinging volunteers welcome. www.provgmc.org.
Bisexual Resource Center: 29 Stanhope St., Boston, (617) 424-9595 or www.biresource.net.
Queer Book Club. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m. at Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Email queerbookclub@gmail.com.
Biversity Boston: Mixed-sex social network. Bimonthly brunches and other social events. http://biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups, and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman.” Subscribe at www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and -affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate or bearsoceanstate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
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Raging Grannies: Women of “a certain age” working toward a more peaceful, equitable society with song, humor & passion. Will sing for rallies & events. Email jlglass53@aol.com. RI Association of Gay Professionals. Professional networking and philanthropy. gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com. 453-9276 RI Feminist Resources Network: Free, online e-community in which you are invited to share events or highlights in your organization or just find out what’s going on in our “like-minded” com-
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munities. www.rifrn.net RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women; email: heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie, 464-2288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI.com; www. PrideRI.com. Office at 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130 RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. www.riprimetimers.org RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone rational? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant for refreshing discussion. http:// skeptics.meetup.com/133/ RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances/events. www.RIWA.net SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) Advocacy, education and social events for RI’s LGBTQ seniors. sageriinfo@gmail.com, on Facebook: “Sage/Rhode Island.”
BOWLING: BOSTON: Monday Night League, www.mnbl.net (617) 713-4832 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 5; Beantown No. G&L Invitational, www. beantownbowling.com (617) 738-0708 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 10; Beantown South G&L Invitational League, (617) 889-1552. DARTS: Beantown Soft-Tip Dart League www.bsdl. org. FLAG FOOTBALL: FLAG (For Lesbians and Gays) Football www.flagflagfootball.com, (617) 9375858 Ext. 4. FOOTBALL: Women’s professional team Northeastern Nitro. Members of the Women’s Football Alliance. Practices held in Bethel, CT. Contact Amy Manfred at amymanfred@yahoo.com or Carley Pesente at linebackergirl56@aol.com. RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 450-8682.
SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of S.E. Mass and RI to foster strong friendships.Semassmen-subscribe@yahoo groups.com or email moderator rlevass @yahoo.com.
HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7.
Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer & like-minded people. Gatherings third Sunday of each month. Email trans.queer.ri@gmail.com.
KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: Tues & Thurs evenings. Christina, 996-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com
T.W.I.S.T. Project: Program for gay and bisexual men in Fall River/New Bedford area. Drop-in center, referrals, condom distribution, social groups. Coffee night Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. (508) 672-0378; www.myspace.com/twistprogram. UNISONG: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.unisong. net or jlglass53@aol.com VegOut Rhode Island: Social group for LGBT vegetarians, vegans and friends. Potlucks, VegOutings to restaurants, and other fun. Visit www. meetup.com/vegout-ri WomenRIsing. Feminist Chorus. Director Nancy Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: contact@womenrisingchorus.org. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for glbt people interested in vintage & specialty cars. www.yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com.
ICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: email gwick@kersur.net.
Gail Wickstrom
OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club: outdoor recreation for men & women; Call 617-869-7958 for newsletter; PO Box 390928, Cambridge, MA 02139; www.chiltern.org. ROWING: Boston Bay Blades www.bayblades.org/ boston (617) 937-5858 Ext. 11. RUGBY: Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club. www.bostonironsidesrfc.org. RUNNING: Frontrunners Rhode Island: Brian 751-7643, bripm@cox.net; Frontrunners Boston www.frontrunnersboston.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 3. SCUBA DIVING: Triangle Divers: www.triangledivers.org. SNOWBOARDING: OutRyders, www.outryders. org or email brian@outryders.org. SOCCER: Boston Strikers Soccer Club www.bostonstrikers.com (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9. SOFTBALL: Renaissance City Softball League. New players and boosters always welcome. 3236642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www. providencesoftball.org
Sports PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www. pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858 Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports. com. Email info@gaysports.com. BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www.bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2. BOWLING: RI GALA: 6 p.m. Sun., East Prov. Lanes, Newport Ave., Bruce, 397-3803, or Bill, 828-5587 www.galabowling.com. Monday Night Women’s Bowling League, Pat 451-2188. Royal Court Bowling League: 9 p.m. Wed., Woonsocket Hill Bowl; 767-2110.
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eastcoastwrestlingclub.org, email ecwc@juno. com, (401) 467-6737 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 6
Big Gay Al’s Duckpin bowling league: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m., Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. www.BGALBowling.com. Frank Ferri 831-6940. www.townhalllanes.com.
Beantown Softball League: (617) 937-5858, Ext. 1, www.beantownsoftball.com. SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts.com SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swim-Team); www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 9375858 Ext. 9. TENNIS: TENNIS-4-All: www.tennis4all.org. VOLLEYBALL: Cambridge Boston Volleyball Assoc. www.GayVolleyball.net, (617) 633-2180 YOGA for gays & lesbians. 9 a.m. Saturdays. All welcome. www/meetup.com/Gay-Meditation/. Fee applies. WRESTLING: East Coast Wrestling Club www.
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Students & Youth Bristol Community College Gay/Straight Alliance (BCC/GSA); Steven Camara, Advisor (508)6782811 Ext. 2391, BCC-H202, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720. Brown University Queer Alliance: umbrella org. for groups. 863-3062. www.queer.brown.edu Brown University Grad Student - Med Student - Staff LGBTQ Association: queer-med-gradmembers@queer.brown.edu Brown University Staff LGBTQ Assn.: call LGBT Resource Center: 863-3062 Brown University LGBTQ Resource Center: 8633062, e-mail lgbtq@brown.edu Bryant Pride: Bryant College Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Student Association. 232-6389. CCRI Triangle Alliance: Informal student GLBTQ group, 400 East Ave., Warwick. Call 825-1125 or www.ccri.cc.ri.edu/triangle. COLAGE. Support for children of LGBT Parents: rhodeisland@colage.org; http://www.myspace. com/colage_ri. 331-9844. Fitchburg State College GLBT Alliance: social support group for students. One-in-Ten and Friends, 978-665-3164, sfranzemn@fsc.edu. Peer Listening Line/Fenway Community Health Ctr.: Boston. Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth; support, info and referrals. (617) 2672535 or (800)-399-PEER, 5-10 p.m. all week. RIC Rainbow Alliance: GLBT students at RI College, Fridays 12:30 -- 2 p.m, in Unity Center in lower Donovan. Office in StudentUnion 425. ricrainbowalliance2007@yahoo.com. Phone 456--8121 Roger Williams University LGBTQ & Allies group: S.A.F.E (Sexual Advocacy for Everyone): Weekly meetings in Intercultural Center; speakers, social and awareness events; Pride Week in April. Email: saferwu03@gmail.com. Facebook: S.A.F.E. Salve Regina University Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual Alliance (GSLBA), 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Sister Johnelle, Lucianij@salve.edu SeaQuel: Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership. Bi-weekly Sunday meetings. 383-7450. myspace.com/seaQuel; Email SeaQuel@Prysm.us S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Sq., Prov., RI 02918, E-mail pclgbt@gmail.com. 865-1631 The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, aroundthe-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. 866-4-U-TREVOR; thetrevorproject.org. The Next Thing (TNT): Political & support group for queer people of color at Brown Univ. Call Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062. University of RI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer & Questioning (LGBTIQ2) association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, alumni and students. gsimonelli@advance.uri.edu. 874-5808.
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Youth Pride Inc./The Way Out: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13-23.Drop-in center at 743 Westminster St., Prov. 02903; M-F noon-8 p.m. The Way Out support group meets Thurs., 5 p.m. The Gender Spectrum support group meets Tues. 5:30 p.m. Call 421-5626 or email kerri@youthpride-ri.org Web: www.youthpride-ri.org.
Female-to-Male Support Group: Transgender peer support, information, social group. For those who identify somewhere on the trans-masculine spectrum. Regular meetings. Visit www.SNE_ FTM@yahoo.com Gay/Bi/Lesbian Coming Out support Group: Facilitated meetings, social events. TJFronczak@ aol.com. Fee applies. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: support: E-Mail outreach@gayfathersboston.org. www.gayfathersboston.org.
Support Groups & Social Services
Gay Fathers Support Group in RI. Tom Fronczak, LICSW, 431-2953. Fee applies.
Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline (617) 742-4911. Network/LaRed. Email office: advocate@tnir.org
GayLab for Healthy Relationships: Learning & practicing healthy ways to socialize in safe, nonjudgmental environment in LGBT community. www.gaylab.org. Email info@gaylab.org. James, 781-762-6629
Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help for LGBT and straight adoptions. Betsy Alper, Jewish Family Service, 959 No. Main St., Providence. 331-54337.
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp.org.
Foster parents needed: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 766-0900, ext. 1213. Foster parents needed, for newborn to age six. www. childrensfriendri.org. 276-4318 Foster parents sought: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Gregary Wright, Family Service of RI, 331-1350 Ext. 3305 Behavioral health outpatient services in Fall River area, inclusive of LGBT: S.T.E.P. (508-)2351012; T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378 Catholic Parents Outreach: Always Our Children, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Sacred Heart Convent, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA. Call Ann, (413) 736-6803. COLAGE (Children of Gays): A national movement of people with one or more LGBT parents. Social justice, education & advocacy. Meets 3rd Saturday of the month, Beneficent Church (3319844), 300 Weybosset St., Providence. Jamie Pease, rhodeisland@colage.org. www.myspace. com/colage_ri Coming Out Support Group: Monthly meetings professionally facilitated. www.meetup.com/ ComingOutRI/ Fee applies. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group, meets in Boston First Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. www.compassftm.org, compassftm@comcast.net Crossroads RI: Hotline (Travelers Aid): (800) 3672700 Day One (Formerly Sexual Assault and Trauma Resource Center of RI): Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24-hr hotline (800) 494-8100, collect calls accepted: 421-4100. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling, LGBT or straight relationships. 24 hour free and confidential helpline. 7823990.
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Gay Men’s Life Coaching Group: Empower Your Life! 4th Friday of the month, 7 -- 8 p.m., 877 Broadway, E. Providence. 944-0723. $20 per session. Gay Men’s Meditation Group: Relax and connect! Second Wed. of the month, 7 -- 8 p.m. at Positive New Beginnings, 877 Broadway, E. Providence. Call Tim at 944-0723. $10/session. Gay Officers Action League /New England (GOAL NE), gay/lesbian/bisexual law enforcement officers, sworn & civilian. Fire, rescue and publicly employed EMS. P.O. Box 587, Boston, MA 02117; www.goalne.org; info@goalne.org; (617) 376-3612. Confidential. Gay Share. Coming Out? Gay men’s support group Wed., 7 p.m. No fee. Call Tom/Mike, 369-9448 or www.gayshare.org; Info@gayshare.org. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline, call 24/7 for crisis and suicide prevention. Also social networks. 866-4-U-Trevor HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group at AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Ave., Prov., RI. 5213603. Refreshments served. New members should call Scott: 640-3108 Intimacy Between Men: Social support group for gay/bi men focusing on issues of intimacy and relationship. Led by Tom Fronczak, LICSW, call 431-2953 or email TJFronczak@aol.com. Fee applies. Kathy’s Group: free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Meets monthly in Providence. Partners and caregivers welcome. Call 888-5KATHYS. Lesbian Moms of Southern NE: discussion, support and activity list for lesbian mothers. www. topica.com/lists/LMOSNE or ForADancer63@ aol.com. LBT Women’s Mediation: De-stress and express yourself! 4th Wednesday of the month, 7 -- 8 p.m., Positive New Beginnings, 877 Broadway, E. Providence. $10 per session. 944-0723. LifeLines RI: For transgender, genderqueer, intersex, etc. people. Advocacy, support, educa-
tion. TGI Network of R.I. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Social/Discussions for gay/ bi/curious men 18+. Taunton every Thursday, and New Bedford 1st Wed. of the month, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Confidential. Drug/alcohol-free. Email mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com Nat. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues, info@nlgja.org. PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays: Greater Providence: First Wednesdays, 6:45p.m. at Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571; www.pflagprovidence.org; pflagprovidence@verizon.net; South/Central RI: www.pflagscri.org, 219-0265, epbonetti@gmail. com; Cape Cod/Falmouth: Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Rd., E. Falmouth. joann@pflagcapecod.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Info at 467-9940; 24-hour helpline, (800) 494-8100. RI Rainbow Support Group for people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Meets last Tuesday of each month. 98 Rolfe St., Cranston, 6 - 7:30. Ken Renaud, 785-2100. RI Relay 711. Samaritans: 24-hour hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044 (RI only), 272-4044; www.samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, LGBTQ-friendly and bilingual (Spanish). Contact Aida (amanduley@sojournerri.org) or call 861-6191, ext. 121. No caller ID is used; calls are blocked for safety. Sojourner House: Support, shelter, advocacy, info for people in abusive relationships. Call us at 861-6191 M-F 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. We DON’T use Caller ID; calls are blocked for safety. Straight Spouse Support: Straight spouse professional offers peer support and referrals. Jane Harris, (413) 625-6636. Email jcmalinski48@ gmail.com. Straight Spouses Group: Visit www.StraightSpouse. org. for info on groups and online support. TGI Network of R.I.: Support, advocacy for Transgender, Transsexual, Gender-varient, Genderqueer & Intersex people. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Transgender Support Group: Cape Cod (508) 3624435 Trans Partners New England: Professionally led group for loved ones of trans people. TGI Network of R.I. www.tginetwork.org. partners@ tginetwork.org TransYouth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. Info@ imatyfa.org. www.imatyfa.org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www.tavausa.org. q
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