q y Happy Birthda to us!
options
30 years
Rhode
Island’s
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
Community Newsmagazine
www.optionsri.org
August 2012
...The community!
Story on page 9
In this issue:
2 Lesbians on the Loose 3 News Briefs 5 Letters, Op-Ed 7 Calendar 9 The RI LGBT Community: A pictorial 12 Voices: One Nation? 13 Good News/Bad News on HIV
14 Courthouse Center for the Arts 16 18
Candidate Laura Pisaturo
19 AIDS Community Watch 22 YPI 24 SAGE 26 MERI
This Month in Options’ History
21 LGBTQ Caucus
q Serving the RI LGBT Community our Resources options Since q 1982 q Visit august 2012 Section onqp. 27
1q Subscriptions p. 4 q
Lesbians on the Loose out of the closet and out on the town!
...In which our heroes Annie & Melanie find themselves at the hottest fundraisers for the LGBT community in Rhode Island, and report in on who was there, who did what and with whom. As you can see, they take pictures, too. Look for them where you see queer people coming together for good causes!
The NOH8 Campaign is a photograph-
and lasted about two hours. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day!
ic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of California’s Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 with “NOH8” painted on one cheek in protest. The May 24 photo shoot was held at Youth Pride, Inc. on Westminster St. in Providence. A great Rhode Island turnout for this photo shoot -- the line wrapped around the building at one point and all we saw was a sea of white t-shirts! We moved quickly through the line, as it was well organized by YPI and the NOH8 Campaign staffers. In the crowd were Haley Star and Mr. Gay RI Joey Baldo Lazzerini!
RI Pride Festival and Illuminated Nighttime Parade: Large crowds arrived on South Water Street for the festival and walked the waterfront searching for the perfect rainbow accessories. We volunteered at the Options tent, helping to celebrate 30 years in publication. Yes that’s right - this newsmagazine was around BEFORE the Internet, smartphones or Facebook! (GASP!) It was wonderful to see so many people thanking Options for being part of the community for 30 years! Many even made it onto the front page of Options, by taking part in our photo opportunity“Hotter than Hot!” Front Page! The turnout for the festival and the nighttime parade topped that of past years. We thank the RI Pride Committee and their volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this a successful, safe and fun event. q
Birthday Hi-Tini to Celebrate Kitty Litter’s & Jeanne D’Agostino’s Birthdays – a Fundraiser for ACOS (AIDS Care Ocean State) and The Highlander Charter School. A little rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of those attending this fundraiser at the Biltmore Hotel on June 4. In the crowd were several community leaders including Representative Frank Ferri and his husband Tony, board members from ACOS as well as the fabulous BB Hayes, LaDiva Jonz and Haley Star. Kitty announced on her Facebook page that the event raised $3,000! Boston
Pride
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Who doesn’t love Boston Pride? The energy, the people, the floats, the companies coming out to support the LGBTQ community. The parade kicked off shortly after noon on June 9 For more information on upcoming events, please visit Options’ online calendar at http://optionsri.org/calendar. And if you know of any events we should be attending, please email information to calendar@optionsri.org. XO, Annie & Melanie
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News Briefs Jennifer Porcelli
Senate Will Be Ground Zero for Rhode Island Gay Marriage Debate Openly gay House Speaker Gordon Fox has pledged to call for a vote on marriage early in the 2013 General Assembly session. Despite the disappointing civil union bill that was passed in Rhode Island in 2011, Fox believes he can leverage this to call for a vote. Many marriage equality supporters are also promising to unseat Senators who are not in support of the issue. According to Ray Sullivan, campaign director for Fight Back RI, pro-equality candidates are going to significantly impact the 2012 elections. The unfortunate reality, however, is the longstanding obstacle of the Senate. Vital influencers such as Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed and Senate Judiciary Chair Michael McCaffrey do not support marriage equality (Laura Pisaturo, a strong supporter of equality, is challenging McCaffrey). The decision is primarily up to Sen. Paiva-Weed However, advocates believe the increasing alliance among gay marriage advocates, unions and community groups may have an influence on Sen. Paiva-Weed. At press time, it does appear she is unwavering in her stance.
U.S. Ban on Gay Donors is Examined as Blood Donations Decline Due to a recent 10% decrease in blood donations nationwide, the American Red Cross is reexamining the rule that prohibits gay, bisexual or MSM men from donating blood. This restriction has been in effect since AIDS was identified in 1980, but a group of 64 legislators have encouraged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study that may lead to a change in the ban. Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley, an advocate for the study, told CNN “A straight person who has unsafe sex with multiple partners can give blood, and that creates a greater risk than a gay person in a monogamous relationship.” The policy was implemented when our country still did not know how the AIDS virus spread or what caused it, and there was no test in place to detect whether HIV was present in donated blood. Scientists did have evidence that a disproportionate number of gay men were affected by the virus, which caused the FDA to eliminate all MSM donors from the donor pool indefinitely. Although gay men are still a high-risk community, activists believe it is the behavior of the individual, not his sexual orientation that puts him at risk. If a study is conducted, HHS will be able to study whether or not the gay male population poses a threat to the blood supply.
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Google Announces “Legalize Love” Campaign Google recently announced a global effort to legalize same-sex marriage. The project launched in Poland and Singapore on July 7, and will eventually expand to every country where the company has an office. Google’s Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe explained the initiative was developed mainly because he wants LGBT employees to have “the same experience outside the office as they do in the office.” Palmer-Edgecumbe recognizes that the effort is ambitious, so Google is partnering with other companies and organizations to support the campaign. Google has already been commended by representatives from Citibank and Ernst & Young.
Amnesty International Urges St. Petersburg Authorities to Allow LGBT Pride Event Amnesty International adamantly fought for a peaceful Pride march in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Saturday, July 7. LGBT organizers and city officials came to an agreement earlier in the week to hold the event at Poliustrov Park; however, authorities withdrew their consent shortly after, citing numerous complaints against the decision. This is not the first time St. Petersburg officials have backed out of an agreement with the NGO Ravnopravie (“Equality”) organization. Approximately 30,000 letters have poured in from Amnesty International activists begging St. Petersburg to treat LGBT individuals with the rights they deserve, and to allow the Parade to take place.
Episcopalians Approve a Provisional Rite for Same-Sex Unions for the Next Three Years On July 10, a church-wide ceremony to bless same-sex couples was approved by a governing body of the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal General Convention is divided into two voting bodies and 80% of the House of Deputies voted to allow a provisional rite for same-sex unions over the next three years. The ceremony, “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant,” includes a prayer and exchanging of vows and rings. Supporters of these same-sex blessings argue it is not a marriage ceremony, despite the parallels. Various faith communities have fought to allow individual congregations to celebrate same-sex unions. Since 2003 when the first openly gay bishop, Bishop Gene Robinson, was consecrated, the Episcopal Church has been paving the way for equality in the Anglican world. These new policies allow Episcopal bishops the autonomy to decide whether or not to permit same-sex ceremonies in their congregation. The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island’s members have announced their unanimous support of this action. More News Briefs on page 17
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From the Editor Another extraordinary Pride Month has come and gone. The Festival day was just phenomenal, with great weather, a huge crowd and lots of fun to be had. We even had a brand new gay bar open, right at the edge of the festival grounds! I will admit to popping in there for an icy cold beer in the middle of the festivities, and found myself a cozy new haunt there. Another delightful bit of good fortune was spending most of the day with two people who were experiencing their first Pride Festival ever. For one, it was his first time being at anything gayer than a PFLAG meeting. It was charming to see the day through their eyes, both of them wowed by the spectacle, the diversity and all the cute people walking by. They were dazzled, as well they should have been.
When you check out our pictorial -- beginning on page 9, with some favorite moments from these last months -- try looking at the photos as if you were one of my newbie Festival friends, and I think you’ll agree: we’re pretty dazzling! But please tear yourself away from the pretty pictures long enough to read the important and interesting stories we’ve got for you this month. See, we lure you in with tantalizing photographs, and then sneak in news and information so you’ll become informed without even knowing what hit you. We’ve got you figured out.
Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982
AUGUST 2012 q Vol. XXXI, No. 6 Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org Writers Thomas Bertrand, Kalene Brennan, Joanne Bussiere, Jessica Cinquegrana, Dawn Euer, Sally Hay, Kerri Kanelos, Jennifer Porcelli, Jennifer Stevens, Annie Cronin-Silva and Melanie Silva Copy Editors Ronan Askrsen, Brian Gay, Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Emma Garrett Nelson, Maria Phillips, Jim Seavor, Myra Shays Calendar Editor Annie Cronin-Silva calendar@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net General Information info@optionsri.org
ARE YOU ON OUR RESOURCES PAGES? Is your service, organization, or house of worship on the Resources pages in the back of Options? Please review your listing now. Is it accurate? Please let us know of any necessary changes by emailing mshays@verizon.net.
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© 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 September issue must be delivered by August 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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Letters Dear Options, I want to wish a Happy 30th Birthday to Rhode Island’s LGBT Community Newsmagazine. I have been reading Options for thirty years. Thanks to all you folks that put out such a wonderful newsmagazine.
Metropolitan Community Church in 2010, I met a man named Alex who lived in Texas. We emailed each other and talked on the phone, and eventually started to fall in love. We did lots of talking about what we wanted in a relationship, and as time passed, we decided to take the risk and start a life together. We believe God brought us together. Alex drove cross-country in a truck packed
In Pride, Billy Mencer Ackerly To the Editor:
One never knows what will happen in life. On November 11, 2006, my long time life partner of 22 years passed away at the age of 77 years. Robert Alan Shaw was my best friend and the love of my life, and we were legally married in 2004. He helped hold the banner in Rhode Island’s Pride march in 1985, dressed in leather. I was so lonely when he passed away.
Prevention education and vaccine awareness campaigns are desperately needed to increase HPV vaccine uptake. To better understand men’s current attitudes towards HPV vaccination, The Miriam q q Hospital is currently seeking 100 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex Please send your letters, wedding, with men (MSM) between the ages of birth and adoption announcements, 18 and 26 to participate in a confidenobituaries etc. to: tial research study. Participants will editor@optionsri.org visit the study site three times to reor ceive the three doses of GARDASIL®, P.O. Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940 rapid HIV testing and counseling, and prevention education. We will ask pararing e h e v o l ticipants to complete a questionnaire we ! u o y about HPV and HIV, and we will finanfrom cially compensate them for their time. Interested participants should contact Gail at 793-4335 or Candy at 793-4787 for with his belongings and his beloved cat more information. Vixen. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the I never thought I would find love again, most common sexually transmitted infecbut this year Alex and I marched together tion in the United States. The Centers for in the Boston Pride parade and rode in the Disease Control and Prevention estimate ‘76ers Trolley in the Rhode Island parade. that at least 50% of sexually active men and We had a fantastic time at both events. If women get HPV in their lifetime. Most you have never marched in a Pride parade, people do not develop symptoms or health you should think about doing it. problems from HPV, and the body’s imThanks again, Options, for being a part mune system usually clears the infection naturally. However, if HPV infection is not of the community.
While attending a Conference of the
Continued on next page
I’m 61 years old, and have worked for thirty years on the 11-7 shift at the Worcester State Hospital. My life partner Alex and I live in Worcester, Mass., and we enjoy receiving Options at home. We are also so grateful to the Pride Committee and all those involved with Pride for putting on the Pride Festival, which we enjoy going to every year. To me it is our community’s family reunion. I have marched in all Rhode Island’s Pride marches. My late mother, who was in Rhode Island’s first Pride march in 1976, used to say, “Billy, don’t you think you are getting a little old to be marching in these Pride marches?” I told her I would be marching until I am in my coffin. For me it is so important to celebrate and march.
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cleared, HPV-related problems including genital warts, cervical cancer, anal cancer, and other cancers can result. Gay, bisexual, and other MSM are at increased risk for HPV-related problems. While there are HPV tests to screen women for cervical cancer, there are no approved tests for HPV-related problems in men. To best prevent HPV-related problems, men should be vaccinated against HPV. Routine HPV vaccination is now recommended for males aged 11-12 with catch-up vaccination for males aged 13-22. An additional recommendation was issued for special populations with higher risk for HPV-related conditions: gay, bisexual, and other MSM men and immunocompromised males (including HIV-positive males) should be routinely vaccinated up to age 26. While most HPV-related cancers occur among women, over 30% of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed in males. Gay, bisexual, and other MSM face a disproportionate risk for persistent HPV infection and associated HPV outcomes, including a higher incidence of genital warts than heterosexual males and almost 20 times the likelihood of developing anal cancer. HIV-positive MSM are at even higher risk. It is well-established that HIV infection can increase the risk of HPV infection. Conversely, there is growing evidence that HPV infection can increase HIV acquisition among gay, bisexual, and other MSM.
Know your status.
Gay, bisexual, and other MSM should be empowered to make informed decisions that positively affect their sexual health and well-being. Findings from our research study will help doctors and other health care professionals better understand how to best provide clinical services to gay, bisexual, and other MSM. Jacob van den Berg, Ph.D. Michelle Lally, M.D. Elsa Larson and the Project VAX Study Team The Miriam Hospital Division of Infectious Diseases
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.
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Calendar
Celebrating 50 Years!
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. 7
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6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. TransPartners of New England monthly meeting. The meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. TransPartners New England provides loved ones of transgender people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a partner’s TGI identity on their relationships, and to connect with other partners of transgender people. Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month in Providence. Contact partners@tginetwork.org. 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. PFLAG Providence Monthly Meeting, the Met School, 325 Public St., Justice Building. Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a family-based support organization that helps parents understand and accept their gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender children (of any age), and helps GLBT adults achieve loving relationships with their families. For more information, please call 7517571, or visit www.PFLAGProvidence.org. 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night, featuring Teresa King. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St, Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ , $6 cover. For more information visit www. lunaspvd.com. 12:30 p.m. Drag Brunch, Aspire Restaurant, 311 Westminster St., Providence. Hosted by Jacqueline DiMera, with special guests Miss Gay United States at Large 2011 Nova Starr and Paris Starr. Call 521-3333 for reservations. Complimentary valet parking.
7:15 - 9:30 p.m. Big Gay Al’s Summer Session Bowling, every Tuesday, Town Hall Lanes Johnston. $14.00 per week for four-person teams. Bring your own team, or we will find a team for you. Largest gay bowling league in the country - 32 teams! Proceeds are donated to AIDS Project RI, AIDS Care Ocean State and other charitable causes. Email BigGayAlBowling@aol.com with any questions.
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9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night, Roots Cultural Center, 76 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+, $6 cover. For more information see www.lunaspvd.com.
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Prime Timers – A club to aid and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Social from 4:30 - 5 p.m.; dinner and meeting from 5 - 7 p.m. $20 per person. See www. riprimetimers.org
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7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Big Gay Al’s Summer Session Bowling, Town Hall Lanes Johnston. See August 7.
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7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Queer Book Club, Books on the Square, Angell St., Providence. Join us for a lively discussion and/or for the socializing afterward. We encourage readers to buy their books at Books on the Square, an independent bookstore, which generously hosts the club free. Email queerbookclub@aol.com.
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Home of Big Gay Al’s Bowling League 1463 Atwood Ave. Johnston • 831-6940
CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS ADULTS
Depression ADHD Anxiety Self-esteem
Drag Brunch, Murphy’s Deli & Pub, 100 Fountain St., Providence. Seating at 11:00 a.m. Theme for the month: Road to Rhode Island - A Tribute to the Ocean State with a buffet featuring some Rhode
Study Skills/ Time Management Relationships/Intimacy
401-274-5551 BRUCE J. THOMPSON, Ph.D.
John D. DaPonte, CAGS
200 Waterman Street Providence, Rhode Island
Mental Health Counselor
401.383.7647
PsychotherapyfgGay Men MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED
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Island favorites. Hosted by Jacqueline DiMera with special guests LaDiva Jonz and Vi’let. Call 401.621.8467 or email DragBrunchRI@gmail.com to make your reservations.
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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(401)942-5093 30thYear - GLBTQ 30thBryn YearMawr -- GLBTQ Founder Haverford Colleges GSA Cornell-Ithaca GA Mawr Haverford College’s GSA Founder, Bryn
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7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Big Gay Al’s Summer Session Bowling, Town Hall Lanes Johnston. See August 7.
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7 p.m. RI Pride General Meeting. RI Pride Center, 1005 Main St., #1005, Pawtucket. Email info@prideri.org.
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9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night, featuring Pearl and the Beard. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ , $6 cover. For more information see www.lunaspvd.com.
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7 p.m. – 9 p.m. MERI Community Meeting, MERI Headquarters, 118 North Main St., Suite 3, Providence. www. marriageequalityri.org; 941-2727.
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Hispanic Black Gay Coalition Book Club. The book will be Shaming the Devil by G. Winston James. Held in Club Cafe’s Napoleon Room located at 209 Columbus Ave in Boston (near Back Bay T). Brunch and fellowship will be offered from 2-3 p.m. and our discussion of this month’s selection will begin at 3 p.m.
724-LGBT • info@optionsri.org
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9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night, featuring Poppy Champlin. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+, $6 cover. For more information see www.lunaspvd.com.
SEPTEMBER 16
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Trans Youth Summit. For youth 24 and under from Massachusetts/New England whoidentify with, or could fall under, the label “transgender,” or youth who are in some way connected to the transgender youth community, such as partners/friends, to meet and connect with other transgender and gender variant youth. At the summit, youth will have the opportunity to share ideas; learn about their legal rights; learn about the larger transgender community; and participate in writing, art and performance workshops, gender identity groups and other activities. At the Microsoft New England Research & Development Center (NERD) in Kendall Square at One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02142. Walking distance from the Red Line: Kendall Square T stop, and on-site parking garage ($10 for the day). Visit www.masstpc.org/events/tys to learn more. q
For the past 29 years We’ve been handing our Clients The same old Line …
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The Community! Photography by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez
Looking at the photos from the year’s Pride Month, we were struck by the power of so many of the photographs. Seeing the
diversity, the smiling faces, the activism and the sheer joy of being proud to be queer. So we put together a pictorial for you, without too many words to get in the way of the beauty of the photos. The month began with the raising of the rainbow flag over the steps into Providence City Hall. Mayor Angel Taveras let his support for the LGBT community show on that day, and so many other days that month. Gallery Q opened at about the same time, offering to the community a chance to exhibit their art in a welcoming space, but also letting the rest of us have a glimpse of
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the talent of our artists. Gallery Q hosted numerous discussions, readings and film screenings. Also at the beginning of the month was the Annual Interfaith Service, hosted this year by Temple Beth-El. This event is often overloooked in all the fabulousness of the month, but it grows every year as more members of the LGBT faith community come out to celebrate through music and prayer. Somewhere in there, the Pride King and Queen contest was held at the Mirabar. The winners can be seen here at lower left, next to the adorable Mr. Gay and Ms. Lesbian
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Rhode Island. Next came the Swimwear and Underwear Show, held poolside at the Regency Plaza. We want to note that it was a co-ed event this year, much to the obvious delight of the ladies in attendance. Then there were the many Countdown to Pride Parties -- we have some photos of the military-themed event at the Dark Lady/ Alley Cat. This has historically been a men’s event, but this year the ladies from GirlSpot stormed the place in their best camo gear. Way to break down the barriers, sisters! There were so many more events than we have room for photos of... the Gay Men’s Chorus show, the GLBT Film Festival and the Somewhere Over The Rainbow Gay Bingo. Oh, and Lube Wrestling, but we
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made the decision not to include those photos. We looked at them, and determined no one needed to see that. Use your imagination if you must have a visual. All of this led up to the main attraction, the RI Pride Festival and Illuminated Nighttime Parade. I heard more than one person say this year that our event was better than Boston Pride. Who can argue with such a beautiful waterfront location, so many things to look at and do, and so many fabulous people?! We’ll let the photos speak for themselves. q
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The 2012 Rhode Island Pride Festival!
Parade photos on page 26. options
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Voices ONE NATION? Joanne Bussiere I recently had to say the Pledge of Allegiance. It was the first time since, say, 1983, and it felt awkward to me. There I was with my hand on my heart with my fellow Americans. We got to the line “with liberty and justice for all,” and I kind of choked up. I want that part to be true. I want that to be the plain and simple reality of it, but it is not. We still live in a nation where there is discrimination against gays in employment in 28 states. We all know about the Marriage Equality issue. The thing is that no matter how you slice it or dice it, separate is never equal. When I was a kid and I said that pledge, I believed those words; that there was, in this country, liberty and justice for all the citizens and, as a country we lived by the Constitution and not by the Bible -- or worse -- by the will of corporations manipulating people with the Bible. I was surprised that the Pledge of Allegiance was being said at the first meeting of the association of the community where I live. I was nervous about moving here and not fitting in, but most of the people have been welcoming. A lot has changed since I left 27 years ago. I left the East Coast because I thought I could be myself only in the Bay Area. In 1985 I went to my first Pride parade in the Castro, and it was the first time I felt free, even though I had come from New Hampshire, the “live free or die” state. In 2008 the California Supreme Court changed the language of its Constitution to say that marriage was no longer only between a man and a woman. I felt the shackles were removed from me. I had not even
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known how oppressive they had felt until they were no longer there. When you have been a second-class citizen all of your life and you have not had a right to do something and then that right is given to you, it is a truly amazing feeling. I felt freed. I felt liberty. Now I am here in the state of Rhode Island. The motto here is “hope.” It is my understanding that marriage equality was not granted here because this is a highly Catholic state. Okay, I get that. In California the right to marry that was granted us was taken away at the ballot box with Proposition 8 in the autumn of 2008 and was heavily funded by the Knights of Columbus and the Mormon Church. Prop 8 passed because they preyed upon people’s fears and prejudice. The separation of church and state was quite blurred as far as I can tell. How can it not be when we are talking about gay rights? Every day across this nation kids are still saying this pledge. It is just a fairy tale. There needs to be a clause to it. Perhaps they could put an asterisk at the end. It could say “One nation under the God we approve of who loves the sinner but not the sin.” That would be mixing church and state though, and we do not do that in this country. Gosh, it gets confusing. We all need equality regardless of whom we love. Not just sort of equal, or a patchwork, partial equal, but fully equal. All those little hands on the little hearts and those words can then mean something honest and true. I don’t like to lie, and that Sunday a few weeks ago at that association meeting, my heart was not in it. I knew that I for one was not granted full liberty and justice. A person gets tired of smiling and going along. I keep on doing it though, because I have hope that love will win out over fear. q
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Good News/Bad News ...on HIV Rates in Rhode Island Thomas Bertrand, MPH
First, the good news on HIV in Rhode Island: In the past ten years RI has witnessed dramatic declines in HIV rates among heterosexuals and injecting drug users. Second, the bad news: HIV rates among gay/bisexual men continue to steadily rise. The number of new HIV infections increased by 100% (from 31 to 62 cases) among gay/bisexual men. These numbers are staggering, especially when comparing Rhode Island with neighboring Massachusetts – where there has been a 23% decline in new HIV infections among gay/bisexual men in recent years.
trol and Prevention, for every case of HIV prevented in Rhode Island, there is an estimated $365,000 in health care cost savings. AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI) is trying to lead the way in HIV prevention for gay/bisexual men through its innovative website (www.aidsprojectri.org), rapid HIV testing for individuals and couples, condom distribution program and community-based education initiatives.
It’s time to renew a commitment to ending HIV in Rhode Island
What can we learn from our neighbors in Massachusetts? Most importantly, investing in HIV prevention at the community level can make a big difference. The annual per capita spending on community-based HIV prevention efforts for gay/bisexual men in Massachusetts has been about five times higher than Rhode Island in recent years.
Local leaders and community-based organizations can get involved by joining the Rhode Island HIV Prevention Coalition and/or the New England Alliance for Gay/Bisexual Men’s Health. Contact Tom Bertrand (Thomas@aidsprojectri.org) for more information. q
Further bad news is that RI is discontinuing funding of community-based HIV primary prevention in 2012. Specifically, Youth Pride, Inc., the only agency with state funding in Rhode Island to prevent HIV in the LGTBQ community, is losing its funding at the end of the year. It’s time to renew a commitment to ending HIV in Rhode Island with a focus on helping gay/bisexual men understand the risks of HIV, the seriousness of the disease and how to prevent transmission. Further, according to the Centers for Disease Con-
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The Courthouse Cast of Characters, Up Close and Personal Kim Stowell
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he fact that there are queers all over the place isn’t the only reason to go to the Courthouse Center for the Arts. It isn’t even the best reason – far from it! But the fact there are just so darn many of them is what gave us a reason to tell you about this piece of RI fabulousness, nestled in the bosom of Kingston. You have no doubt noticed the accompanying photos by now, so I’ll launch right into the introductions and save you from any further aching curiosity. They are a gang of actors mostly, and they were all on stage in the blockbusting Titanic, The Musical, an ambitious and gorgeous book played beautifully by the Courthouse cast, which ran until late July. The man standing behind the wheelchair is the grande fromage of the place, Executive Director Richard Ericson. Oh, and they are all queer. The one on the left will be familiar to many, especially the lesbians. She is our own Poppy Champlin, the comedian who made it big in LA and then came back home to settle down in Perryville (it’s in South County), the land of her birth. She gave an incredible performance as 3rd class passenger Alice Bean. Next to her is Michal Salonia, also a Rhode Islander (and gents, he’s single). And out in front is Brennan Srisirikul, who
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is available as well (“actively looking” were his exact words.). Both Brennan and Michal played at least two parts; in fact, the cast of 14 actors played a total of 35 characters. My first mistake was to schedule an interview at 4:30 p.m. with this group of the-
atre people who had been working together all day. To say they were punchy is to elevate the term to new heights. But I thought it might make for better copy. I began by asking each of them what brought them to this stage at this time. In the end, it was the only question I got the chance to ask. Like I said: punchy. Ericson took the first stab. “They asked me. And I said no,” he began, adding, “but they were really so nice.” If his name sounds familiar to you, it is because he was Artistic Director at Theatre-By-The- Sea for almost a dozen years, before the current manage-
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ment took over, and went there by way of New York. He’s kind of a big deal. Anyway, he told us that the board of directors of the Courthouse Center for the Arts (CCA) was coping with a tremendous loss of staff after the director left. At the time, the CCA was mainly concerned with music and visual arts, with the occasional one-night show featuring an outside ensemble. Ericson came to a show one night. “I saw the room, all done in creams and white, with the grand piano, and I began to imagine what we could do.” He agreed to give it some thought, he said, grinning as he remembers how “nothing quite worked” in the old building, but that somehow he got hooked. “Maybe it was the old musical theatre posters hanging here and there, or the proscenium arch, or Liza Collins doing a reading.” And so he did Pippin on their stage, and then helped with something called Home for the Holidays, with all local performers, including his husband Louis Raymond, who played the piano. As his first production when coming on board in January, Ericson chose Avenue Q. “It had just come on the market,” he said, “and I knew no one else would risk it.” Now, with the success of his splendid production of Titanic, the CCA board can breathe a sigh
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of relief; he is invested. He is the one who cast the other three in the show. Michal Salonia plays Officer Murdoch, 1st Class Steward Henry Etches, and the Bandleader. He is also local – a Smithfield/Johnston boy. His high school credits include HMS Pinafore (and imagine! He’s gay now.), and after that, he studied at Circle in the Square. Coincidentally, he auditioned for Titanic in New York. “It’s such a homecoming for me,” he said of being in the show, adding that Lila Kane, the musical director for Titanic, was an accompanist at Smithfield High School when he was there. Michal – whose name is pronounced like “Michael” (he actually changed it from Michael because there was already an actor named Michael Salonia) – described himself as “single as they come,” mentioning that his mother told him on the phone recently that she just wants him “taken care of.” (Pretty sure she meant partnered; not whacked.) Next we come to Brennan Srisirikul – if he looks familiar, it is because so many of you saw him in Michael Ducharme’s pro-
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duction of Breaking the Code at Rhode Island College last winter. He is majoring in Musical Theatre there, and is quite accomplished for such a young man. Born in Thailand, he was very sick as a child and was brought to this country in search of better health care. When asked where he got the courage to audition for Titanic, Srisirikul credited a doctor who told him at a young age that he was going to have to be tough. For his audition, he sang “Alone in the Universe” from Seussical the Musical. “I’ve never been happier,” he beamed. “This is my first professional job ever, and to be surrounded by all these folks, with no divas – it’s just not normal.” Last, we come to Poppy Champlin. I have already mentioned why she might look familiar, but her fans may not know that she has a BFA in theatre. In fact, one of the reasons she returned to the Northeast was to “go be an actress in New York.” But, she says, “It is really hard to get a job in New York as an actress!” She came into the CCA last December for a Christmas craft show, and somehow ended up getting cast in Titanic. Her character is the “comic relief,”
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an endlessly spirited third-class passenger whose naive enthusiasm enthralls the audience, if not the other passengers. As we walked out of the theatre, having spent ninety minutes giggling and singing (they did most of the singing; I did the giggling), Poppy told us that she had once been in the Courthouse when it was a real courthouse; she had been summoned as a child to be a character witness in a murder trial. We all imagined how different it would have been – where once there were probably clerk’s offices, now there are art galleries. And the courtroom must have been where the theatre space is now. Such a good example of putting a historic structure to wonderfully good use. Thankfully, little Poppy never had to take the stand. And did I mention that Michal and Brennan are single? For more information about the Courthouse Center for the Arts, visit www.CourthouseArts.org. Their next production, scheduled to open in September, is To Kill a Mockingbird. q
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Candidate Interview: Laura Pisaturo An attorney experienced in cause-oriented agencies and organizations, Laura Pisaturo recently submitted twice the number of signatures needed to be on the ballot as a candidate for the Rhode Island Senate in the upcoming primary. Options later conducted this email interview with her. line regulations to make it easier to do business, and encourage entrepreneurs to start new ventures that succeed in Rhode Island. Support local businesses, and keep local dollars in our communities.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. A: I’m a lifelong Rhode Islander. My wife, Maria, and I own a home in Governor Francis Farms, Warwick, District 29. I’m an attorney and advocate. I love Warwick, and that is why I want to be part of the solution to help the people of my district and my state.
While my priority is the economy and getting Rhode Islanders back to work, I remain steadfast in my commitment to achieving marriage equality.
Q: What was it that inspired you to run for the RI Senate? A: I believe in public service. My parents raised our family to get involved and to do things to help our broader community. I believe that Rhode Islanders deserve better, and the people in my district have inspired my candidacy. As I visit with my neighbors, walking door to door, I’m hearing that they are tired with the “status quo,” and they are ready for change. I am looking forward to taking their ideas about how to improve our state with me to the State House to make that change happen. Q: What will your priorities be? A: The priority of my campaign is jobs and
Q: Why should the LGBT community support/ vote for you?
the economy. Working to create the kind of atmosphere in our state where people have confidence in government and are excited to expand their companies or build something new. We must make it about “what you know,” not “who you know.” Stream-
A: I have fought for equal rights for my entire adult life and through my professional career. The LGBT community should support me not just because I’m part of the community, but because I am committed to equality for all. No one should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love. I would love to hear from our community about what is important to them and their ideas on how to create a better Rhode Island. To get involved, please visit my website www.pisaturoforsenate. com. q
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News Briefs continued from page 3
Hundreds Gather for Global LGBT Workplace Summit On July 6, over 350 LGBT global executives rallied in London for the 2012 Out & Equal’s Global LGBT Workplace Summit. Executives and leaders from around the world met to exchange best practices and develop initiatives to create a work environment where LGBT people feel safe, accepted and valued. Twenty-six countries and more than 80 corporations were represented. The events included appearances by LGBT personalities such as tennis player and lesbian Martina Navratilova, who told attendees, “Silence equals consent ... go home, and come out to your preacher, come out to your teachers, come out to those at your post office. No one ever wants to go back into the closet once they’re out.” Also addressed were issues such as the growing influence of LGBT buying power; how visibility through employment practices impacts global LGBT issues; and the importance of having straight allies in the workplace.
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Conservative Republicans in Iowa have been trying to put an end to gay marriage ever since it was legalized three years ago. However, shifting public opinion may result in voters rejecting a ban even if the GOP can put one on the ballot.
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Nationally, questions on the issue will appear on the ballot in four states. Maine will focus on legalizing it, and Maryland, Minnesota and Washington will focus on banning it. The National Organization for Marriage is planning to spend around $500,000 in its efforts to help Republicans in the state. Luckily, there will be time for equality organizations to rally together, since a ballot measure would come no sooner than 2015, considering it must pass both houses of the legislature in consecutive twoyear general assemblies. As public acceptance continues to grow in the state of Iowa, activists continue to be optimistic. q
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This Month in The Archives Jessica Cinquegrana
3.5 x 2.275.
August 1982 – An LGBTQ “olympic-style athletic and human rights demonstration” opened in Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. Approximately 1,300 men and women competed for nine days in 17 events, known as the Gay Games.
August 1991 – On August 3, thirty five picnickers met at World War I Memorial Park on Watery Hill in North Attleboro for the first official meeting of Triboro Triangles. Triboro Triangles was a neighborhood association for lesbians, gay men and their friends in the Attleboro area.
was raised at this event and granted to local organizations.
August 2000 – GLAD honors the South Kingstown High School Gay/Straight Alliance at the 3rd annual Rhode Island Party fundraiser. August 2004 – U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy announced during a speech at the National Stonewall Convention that he was in favor of gay marriage. q
August 1993 – R. David Cruise, a former Rhode Island State Senator (D-Cumberland) and Governor Bruce Sundlun’s Chief of Staff, was appointed as the Director of Intergovernmental Relations in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Cruise was one of four openly gay appointees in the Clinton administration.
August 1994 – The Victory Fund released Out for Office: Campaigning in the Gay Nineties, a behind-the-scenes look at running for office as an openly gay/lesbian candidate.
Jennifer P. Heald Jennifer Pa . H Attorney t Leald aw
August 1998 – The Enforcers, a local leather club for men and women with a focus on raising funds for the local AIDS community, had their most successful Leather Weekend. Over $5,000
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AIDS Community Watch do not know their status.
Why We Walk, and why we want you to join us
• Because we want to encourage young people to be safe and healthy, to grow up AIDS free, and to get tested for HIV.
NBC 10’s Barbara Morse Silva to Emcee 27th Annual AIDS Walk for Life
Please walk with us on Sunday, September 23, at 9:00 a.m. Help us to raise funds and awareness about HIV/AIDS! AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI), along with other partner agencies, wants to ensure that our young people grow up healthy and free of AIDS. Here’s why we walk: • To honor the memory of loved ones we have lost to HIV/AIDS; • To raise funds to help care for those in our community who are infected with HIV, and to educate men, women, and young people about HIV and AIDS so that they will not become infected; • To encourage people to get an HIV test (free, fast and anonymous); more than 20% of people who are infected with HIV
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. at the State House. The walk steps off at 10 and winds through the nearby streets, ending up back at the State House 2.5 miles later. First Lady Stephanie Chafee is honorary chair of the AIDS Walk this year. As one of the first nurses in Rhode Island to care for people living with HIV/ AIDS, Mrs. Chafee knows first-hand the devastation and loss caused by AIDS. “We are honored that she has agreed to participate again this year,” said Amy Stein, the manager of the event. “We are also proud that Dr. Philip Chan is chairing the event.” Dr. Chan is an attending physician at The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital specializing in HIV/AIDS. He also performs research at Brown University on HIV epidemiology and transmission. “This is a time for all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity, to develop healthy behaviors to protect them from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases,” said Dr. Chan. To learn more about the AIDS Walk for
Life visit www.aidsprojectri.org and click on the red ribbon, or email walk manager Amy Stein at amy@aidsprojectri.org. “We’re excited that Barbara Morse Silva from NBC 10 will once again be our emcee,” said Stein. “She cares deeply about fighting AIDS, and we’re honored she has volunteered her time to join us.”
CALLING ALL ARTISTS! AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) is ready to kick-off ArtBeat 2012! We have celebrated Rhode Island artists for 16 years and are eager to see what this year’s auction will bring. ACOS is now accepting donations of all kinds of fine art from local artists for ArtBeat 2012. We are also accepting contributions and gift certificates from vendors and businesses. Any donation supports people in our community who are struggling with the effects of HIV/AIDS. ArtBeat offers artists and vendors the opportunity to showcase their talent to a large, diverse audience. We kick off ArtBeat with an online auction that begins one month before our live auction gala on October 19 at the historic Providence Biltmore Hotel. The online auction offers people nationwide a chance to view and bid on the works of our talented Rhode Island artists. Those who cannot attend the live event are able to place a proxy bid online. We also invite donors to join us at the auction to meet colleagues from the arts
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and corporate communities who also believe in our mission and support the important work of ACOS. The Rhode Island arts community has been a loyal and generous supporter of ACOS and we are grateful they share their works with us year after year. To donate an item to ArtBeat 2012, or to become a sponsor, please contact Kalene Brennan at 521-3603 or kaleneb@aidscareos.org. Stay tuned at www.aidscareos.org for all ArtBeat 2012 event information.
FUN FALL FESTIVITIES Just because we’re in the home stretch of summer, doesn’t mean the fun has to end! ACOS has several events coming up to keep you busy until winter. First, we have our annual fall Hi-Tini to be held at Trattoria Simpatico in Jamestown on September 10. Owner Phyllis Bedard and host Bobby Bruno have put together a culinary tour of the restaurant’s favorite foods. Their outside deck is the best spot to sip a refreshing cocktail, listen to live music, and taste their creations. Next, it’s time to kick off another Gay Bingo season on Thursday, September 20. The season opener theme is Material Girl Gay Bingo. That’s right, we’re paying homage to one of music’s most famous icons: Madonna. We expect to see cone bras, lace, sequins and stilettos! For additional event information, please visit us on the web at www.aidscareos.org. For event sponsorship information or event inquiries, please contact Kalene Brennan at
521-3603 or kaleneb@aidscareos.org.
AIDS Project RI Launches “Testing Together” Rapid HIV Testing Initiative Now couples and individuals can get free rapid HIV tests at APRI. The program -- called Testing Together -- challenges conventional practices in the United States where HIV testing is usually private and for individuals only. Testing Together allows couples to come in for testing together and get their HIV test results minutes later, while sitting side by side. At most clinics, when a person asks if his or her partner can be there when learning the test result, permission is denied because of patient confidentiality concerns. As part of Testing Together, individuals provide verbal consent that they are willing to go through the entire HIV testing process together, including receiving results at the same time and in the same room. “Getting an HIV test can be emotionally difficult for some people. And telling your partner the results can be even more difficult,” said APRI Executive Director Thomas Bertrand. “Testing Together provides an opportunity for partners to be tested together, and get their test results together, with a trained counselor present to help talk about the results. Testing Together and receiving results together can start an ongoing healthy conversation between partners about HIV, their relationship, and building a protection plan together.” APRI counselors are trained in how to deliver test results, with particular emphasis
on how to tell partners the most difficult news: one partner has the virus and the other doesn’t. With these so-called “HIV discordant” couples, counselors have a great opportunity to reduce the spread of the virus by helping the couple learn ways to protect the uninfected partner, primarily through correct and consistent condom use and making sure people with HIV are getting appropriate medical care. Counselors also talk with couples about what to do next, including agreements they may want to make with each other about sex and health. Testing is regularly available every Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on a walk-in basis, as well as any day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on an appointment basis. To make an appointment, call 207-8377 or email takecharge@aidsprojectri.org. (When possible, couples are encouraged to make an appointment for testing, although it is not required.) Bertrand stresses, “APRI encourages all couples, gay and straight, who are in new or long-term relationships to consider coming in for testing. The testing is painless, free and anonymous, and all of the counselors are well trained and very friendly. It’s never been easier to find out your status. Knowing your HIV status can provide you with great peace of mind. According to national data, nearly one in five people who are infected with HIV don’t know their status, and many people get infected from their primary partners.” For more information about HIV testing visit www.aidsprojectri.org. q
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The RI Democratic LGBTQ Caucus Anthony DeRose
On June 2, the Rhode Island Democratic Party (RIDP) officially launched one of its new constituency caucuses: The Rhode Island Democratic Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Caucus. Its mission and purpose is to advocate for LGBTQ equality within and through the RIDP. It was created to allow LGBTQ Democrats an opportunity to have their voice heard in regard to the policies and actions of elected officials, candidates and representatives of the RIDP.
charge of stewarding it through its first major election cycle. Anthony, also known as drag diva Jacqueline DiMera, is Vice President of the RI Pride Committee; a former Miss Gay Rhode Island and Empress; for-
In June, the RIDP marked another first in its history: They took part in the RI Pride Festival, with a booth at the festival grounds and a walking unit in the parade. Led by Miss Jacqueline DiMera, Chairman Ed Pacheco and Executive Director Stephanie DeSilva-Mandeville, the RIDP reaffirmed its support of the RI LGBTQ community. As the summer progresses, the Caucus will work on projects including fund-raising events, supporting local pro-equality candidates, supporting President Obama’s re-election campaign and community outreach. The Caucus will host house parties, sponsor October’s Gay Bingo, participate in this year’s AIDS Walk and hold a candidate panel discussion focusing on issues important to the LGBTQ community.
This Caucus is a subsidiary of the RIDP, and is guided by the platforms and policies of the RIDP and the Democratic National Committee. Since its creation, work has been underway in preparation for this year’s election cycle. One of its first events was its official Launch Party. At Aspire Restaurant on Westminster Street in Providence, the room was filled with community members, party staff and elected officials supportive of full equality for LGBTQ Rhode Islanders. Some of those in attendance included: Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, House Speaker Gordon Fox, Rep. Frank Ferri, Rep. Art Handy, Sen. Donna Nesselbush, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, Congressman James Langevin and Congressman David Cicilline. During the evening, RIDP Chairman Edwin Pacheco introduced the Chair and Vice Chair of the Caucus. Anthony F. DeRose was appointed the first Chair of the Caucus and will be in
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mer member of the Board of Directors for the Imperial Court of Rhode Island; and a dedicated community activist. Kate Monteiro will serve as Vice Chair of the Caucus. Kate brings years of experience as a vocal and constant figure in the fight for equality in Rhode Island. She is a member of the Boards of Directors of the RI Pride Committee and Marriage Equality Rhode Island.
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The Caucus is always looking for dedicated LGBTQ Democrats and allies, as well as pro-equality Independent voters to join us. The next meeting of the RI Democratic LGBTQ Caucus will be held on Wednesday, August 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the RIDP Headquarters at 151 Broadway, Suite 310 in Providence (above the Empire Beauty School – entrance in the rear of the building). The Caucus has its own page on Facebook under: RIDP LGBTQ Caucus. If you have any questions, thoughts, or ideas to share, please feel free to email the Caucus directly at lgbtqcacucus@ridemocrats.org. Let’s get fired up and ready to go! q
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Youth Pride, Inc. Kerri Kanelos ®
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Please mark your calendars for Friday, November 2, for Youth Pride, Inc.’s annual fundraising event! We look forward to returning to the Providence Biltmore this year, and are currently seeking businesses and individuals who are interested in sponsoring the event. There are multiple levels of sponsorship, from $250 to $5,000+. This is Youth Pride, Inc.’s biggest fundraiser of the year and a great way to support the organization, while getting the word out about your business or organization. Please contact Kerri at kerri@youthprideri.org or 421-5626 if you have any questions or are interested in sponsorship.
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Youth Pride, Inc. staff regularly present trainings in the community (at schools, colleges, non-profit organizations, companies, etc.) on topics such as LGBTQQ language, bullying, and best practices for serving LGBTQQ youth. The late summer and fall are our busiest times of year for trainings, and slots are filling up fast, so please contact us as soon as possible if you have a training need.
Summer Programming We have some exciting programs this summer, including field trips and the return of our OUTSpoken leadership development training for youth. Please check the calendar on the front page of our website or our Facebook page for more information.
Don’t grow up invisible. Youth Pride, Inc. 743 Westminster Street, Providence. www.youthprideri.org 421-5626
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Marriage Equality RI Cathy Robinson
The Rhode Island Pride Festival was an exciting time for Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI), thanks in large part to the help of many volunteers, both old and new. Two of the new volunteers who are making a difference are Reggie and Kevon. They are both busy professionals, splitting their work life among the Center for Community-Based Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; the Department of Society, Human Development and Health at the Harvard School of Public Health; and the RI Department of Education. They initially found it hard to find time to volunteer, but their concerns about their 2009 Massachusetts marriage being recognized in Rhode Island led them to reply to MERI’s email asking for volunteers at PrideFest. However, Reggie reflects, “Three years later it still wasn’t recognized. We began looking for ways to get involved in the marriage equality efforts in Rhode Island. We received an email from MERI asking for vol-
unteers at Pride.” Reggie and Kevon have continued to give of their time. While Gov. Chafee’s Executive Order recognizing out-of-state marriages is a good start, it’s not enough. Reggie and Kevon have a “commitment to making sure that all same-sex couples have the same marriage rights as non-gay couples.” Their involvement comes at a time when election work to support proequality candidates has never been more important. To ensure this happens, MERI has launched Fight Back RI as its Political Action Committee. An impressive 400 people signed up for this effort at PrideFest, but that is not enough! We need YOU to help. Join us on facebook. com/FightBackRI or Twitter @FightBackRI
Marriage Equality Rhode Island www.marriageequalityri.org 941-2727
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Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Sally Ann Hay
An Exciting Year!
PORTRAITS
It’s hard to imagine that it has been just over a year since SAGE/ RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) hosted our first public event – the first of many successful movie nights. It was great fun to be at the Pride Festival this year (thank you to all who stopped by to say “hello”) and we are looking forward to being at Pride as a new tradition. Our work on the educational and advocacy fronts has been a major focus over this past year. Thanks to a grant from the Women’s Fund of RI, we’ve also spent much of the last year researching older lesbians and their health care, and how to improve their access and the quality of care received. We’re just now analyzing the data and hope to have the report ready in the next few months. (We hope to be able to do similar research regarding other areas of the LGBT elder community.) But, by far, we have been the busiest over the past year providing training in professional and academic settings about issues unique to LGBT elders.
Still Wondering What We Do? We’ve worked hard to develop a succinct statement of what SAGE/RI is all about. At a recent retreat of our Advisory Committee, we believe we succeeded in meeting that challenge: “SAGE/RI addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages.” JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPhotos@verizon.net
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Let’s Hear It for Equity Action! We still have a lot of work to do in developing and strengthening our organization, so the news that we are to receive a grant from the Equity Action Fund of the Rhode Island Foundation couldn’t have come at a better time! Thanks to their generosity, we are looking forward to increasing our education and advocacy efforts, as well as our
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outreach to the greater LGBT community. A telephone number and a larger web presence are in our future.
Fall Doings We’ve got several events on the horizon. The most immediate is that we are looking forward to having a team of walkers representing SAGE/RI in APRI’s Walk for Life (Sunday, September 23). We’d love to have you on our team. Contact us at sageriinfo@ gmail.com and we can sign you up. In October, we expect to host a membership party, and we will be lining up some movie nights. Along with providing in-service trainings in various settings, we are also planning a conference for health care providers in October and another for social workers in February (both will offer CEUs). If you aren’t already on our email list, drop us a line and we’ll add you – that way you can be sure to have the latest information on all of these activities. Contact SAGE/RI at sageriinfo@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at SAGE/ Rhode Island. q
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Send us 30 words and a check for $30, and we’ll publish it in the very next issue. Send ad to advertising@optionsri.org, and payment to P.O. Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940 • housing ads only •
HARRISVILLE Share our 4000 square foot home on 6 acres in Harrisville. Great privacy. 25 minutes to Providence. $750 plus 1/3 of electric. Call Ed @ 497-5869. No smokers. Pet with deposit.
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.
AIDS/Health Resources
HIV antibody testing, Anonymous: R.I. Dept. of Health, Prov., Newport and other locations, Free or sliding scale, call 222-2320.
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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.
The Boy Scouts
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.
Gay-Affirmative Therapy Report from Trans Youth Summit
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.
... and all the great stuff you count on every month!
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. Chiropractic Services: Free for unemployed HIV+ patients, Ronald P. Marsh, DC., 11 King Charles Dr., Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941.
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FACTS (Family AIDS Center for Treatment & Support): See AIDS Care Ocean State.
Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.
AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only.
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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.
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.
Alcohol/Drug Helpline. RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 24-hr., (866) 252-3784.
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.
COMING NEXT MONTH
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.
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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. HPV study for gay/bi men ages 18 -- 26. Receive free HPV vaccine and HIV testing. Must be HIVnegative. Call Gail at Miriam Hospital (7934335) or Email gyates@lifespan.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 658-3992. Jewish AIDS Task Force: Programs for HIV/AIDS and Jewish communities. 421-4111, ext. 172. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group for LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems, visit www.caregiver.org and click on groups. Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/ AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor (508) 984-7514. 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. 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): coun-
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seling, 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.
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.
RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri. org.
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.
RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, 180 Westminster St., 3rd floor Prov. Phone: 222-2662. Fax: 222-2616, TDD: 2222664.
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. GLBT National Help Center Hotline. Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564. www.GLBTNationalHelpcenter.org.
Be There and Be Queer!
RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. 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; 847-7637.
Religious Resources
NewportOut.com: LGBT Web site for Newport, RI. The Alley Cat/Dark Lady: 17 Snow St. Prov. 2730951 Downtown neighborhood bars. Sun.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. http:// thealleycat.net.
RILGBT-NEWS: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net.
Bobby’s Place, 62 Weir St., Taunton, MA (508) 8249997. Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.; Fri. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.-1 a.m. www.BobbysPlaceMA.com.
Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: discussion, games, thought-provoking and empowerment activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 421-5626.
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, 124 Snow St., Providence Deville’s: 345 South Water St., Prov. Lesbian, gay, straight, it’s all good. 383-8883, www.devillescafe.com. Girl Spot in Providence for special events. www. girlspotri.com Luna’s Ladies Night, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Fridays 8 p.m. -- 1a.m. Female performers and DJs. www.lunaspvd.com Mirabar: 35 Richmond St., Prov. 331-6761 www. mirabar.com. Dancing, third floor lounge, ages 18+ Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Providence Eagle: 198 Union St., Prov. 421-1447. Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Mega-Plex and Hush Providence: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themega-plex.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. Tommy’s Lounge Gay/Lesbian Night each Friday (21-plus) Doors open 8 p.m. Music from 80’s, 90’s and today’s hits on the video screen. $5.00 cover. 99 India Street, Pawtucket RI 02860
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United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1
Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 831-7171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903.
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: 5 Bell St., Prov., 2735678, www.bellstreetchapel.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.
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.
BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433.
Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www. calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@aol.com.
Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@brown.edu
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.
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.
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Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channingchurch.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale (Episcopal), 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln. Services 8 and 10:30 a.m. www.christchurchlincoln.org. 725-1920. Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford. 434-5012. A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. www.epiphanyep.org Church of the Holy Paraclete, Independent Old Catholic; Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. 155 Douglas Ave., Providence. http://holyparaclete. org; Fr. Jakob Lazarus 218-0706. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland RI 02864. 658-1506. First Congregational Church in Bristol, an Open
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and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. Pastor Dan Randall, 253-7288. First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m. First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686. First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UUA Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. Pastor Katie Lawson, 508-543-4002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. (508) 222-2898, www.immanuellc.org. Interweave at Channing UU Church in Newport (135 Pelham St.) A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons -- and their allies -- confronting oppression. 846-0643. Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our Web site: www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA, 02702 Rev. Sandra D. Fitz-Henry. Marriage & commitment ceremonies for all. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org Newman Congregational Church, Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Ave., Rumford, RI. 43114742. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Rev. Hayes & Rev. Baker. Open & Affirming. 73 Pelham St., Newport. 849-2238 or nccucc@newportcongregationalchurch.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. Email thepubchurch@gmail.com. Location may change. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937
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. 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. Temple Habonim (Reform): Rabbi Andrew Klein, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, 2456536. www.templehabonim.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. 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.
Lesbian Writers Group
Rochambeau Library, Hope St., Providence. Mondays 7 -- 8:30 p.m. Writing exercises, support. No critiquing or workshopping. Free. Russian or Computer Room.
Lesbian Writers Group, Rochambeau Library, Hope St., Providence. Mondays 7 -- 8:30 p.m. Writing exercises, support. No critiquing or workshopping. Free. Russian or Computer Room.
Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform Temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. 942-8350. www.TempleSinairi.org. 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.
Imperial Court of RI at Prov: Male, female, drag king & queen performers raise funds for local charities. Meetings 1st Mon. of month, all welcome. PO Box 6583, Prov., RI 02904;www. icriprov.org.
Men’s Card Group: New group in formation. E-mail johninprov@gmail.com or call John 261-9715. 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 277-0075 or email gaycamping@gmx.com.
Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church: 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818. 884-5933
Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders.com or E-Mail Mixedborders@cox.net
Riverside Church (U.C.C.) 15 Oak Ave., Riverside, RI. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com
Social Organizations
St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 35 Lower College Rd., Kingston. 783-2153 www.staugustineURI.com.
Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Email Dave at BrettCornellpi4@aol.com
St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov. 353-1422
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
Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@aol.com.
St. James Church: Episcopal, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Prov. 353-2079.
Bisexual Resource Center: 29 Stanhope St., Boston, (617) 424-9595 or www.biresource.net.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard St. East side of Prov., 751-2141
Biversity Boston: Mixed-sex social network. Bimonthly brunches and other social events. http://biversity.org.
Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508-9975684.
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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. Queer Book Club. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m.
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at Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Email queerbookclub@gmail.com.
Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports. com. Email info@gaysports.com.
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.
BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www.bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2.
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” communities. www.rifrn.net RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women; email: heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie, 464-2288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI.com; www. PrideRI.com. Office at 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130 RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. www.riprimetimers.org RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone rational? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant for refreshing discussion. http:// skeptics.meetup.com/133/
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. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin bowling league: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m., Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. www.BGALBowling.com. Frank Ferri 831-6940. www.townhalllanes.com. BOWLING: BOSTON: Monday Night League, www.mnbl.net (617) 713-4832 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 5; Beantown No. G&L Invitational, www. beantownbowling.com (617) 738-0708 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 10; Beantown South G&L Invitational League, (617) 889-1552. 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 Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances/events. www.RIWA.net
RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com
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.”
HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7.
SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of S.E. Mass and RI to foster strong friendships.Semassmen-subscribe@yahoo groups.com or email moderator rlevass @yahoo.com. Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer & like-minded people. Gatherings third Sunday of each month. Email trans.queer.ri@gmail.com. T.W.I.S.T. Project: Program for gay and bisexual men in Fall River/New Bedford area. Drop-in center, referrals, condom distribution, social groups. Coffee night Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. (508) 672-0378; www.myspace.com/twistprogram. UNISONG: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.unisong. net or jlglass53@aol.com
GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 450-8682.
ICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: email gwick@kersur.net.
Gail Wickstrom
KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: Tues & Thurs evenings. Christina, 996-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club, New England’s LGBT outdoor recreation club. www. chiltern.org. Email events@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.
VegOut Rhode Island: Social group for LGBT vegetarians, vegans and friends. Potlucks, VegOutings to restaurants, and other fun. Visit www. meetup.com/vegout-ri
SCUBA DIVING: Triangle Divers: www.triangledivers.org.
WomenRIsing. Feminist Chorus. Director Nancy Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: contact@womenrisingchorus.org.
SOCCER: Boston Strikers Soccer Club www.bostonstrikers.com (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9.
Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for glbt people interested in vintage & specialty cars. www.yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com.
SNOWBOARDING: OutRyders, www.outryders. org or email brian@outryders.org.
SOFTBALL: Renaissance City Softball League. New players and boosters always welcome. 3236642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www. providencesoftball.org Beantown Softball League: (617) 937-5858, Ext. 1, www.beantownsoftball.com.
Sports
SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts.com
PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www. pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858
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SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swim-Team); www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 9375858 Ext. 9.
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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. eastcoastwrestlingclub.org, email ecwc@juno. com, (401) 467-6737 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 6
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; 866-488-7386. thetrevorproject.org.
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The Next Thing (TNT): Political & support group for queer people of color at Brown Univ. Call Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062.
victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24-hr hotline (800) 494-8100, collect calls accepted: 421-4100.
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.
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.
Youth Pride Inc./The Way Out: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13-23.Drop-in center at 743 Westminster St., Prov. 02903; M-F noon-8 p.m. The Way Out support group meets Thurs., 5 p.m. The Gender Spectrum support group meets Tues. 5:30 p.m. Call 421-5626 or email kerri@youthpride-ri.org Web: www.youthpride-ri.org.
Support Groups
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.
& Social Services 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 Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help for LGBT and straight adoptions. Betsy Alper, Jewish Family Service, 959 No. Main St., Providence. 331-54337. Foster parents needed: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 766-0900, 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 Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 7233057. 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
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Female-to-Male Support Group: Transgender peer support, information, social group. For those who identify somewhere on the trans-masculine spectrum. Regular meetings. Visit www.SNE_ FTM@yahoo.com
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Gay Fathers Support Group in RI. Tom Fronczak, LICSW, 431-2953. Fee applies. GayLab for Healthy Relationships: Learning & practicing healthy ways to socialize in safe, nonjudgmental environment in LGBT community. www.gaylab.org. Email info@gaylab.org. James, 781-762-6629 Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp.org. 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 Kathys’ 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. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Social/Discussions for gay/
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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 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: Provides loved ones of transgender people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people. Meeting location unpublished for privacy. Email 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. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties, offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263.
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Since 1982, the Rhode Island LGBTQ community has had this intelligent, informative, interesting alternative, a monthly newsmagazine put out by dedicated queer people, with event listings, a carefully maintained and extensive Resources section, and news and information from near and far, as well as stories to make you smile, cry, get angry or be proud We have ALL come a long way since 1982. If you think there is still a need for Options to exist, we encourage you to send a contribution.
happy birthday to options! Yes, I value Options and I want to help! q Cash q Check (made payable to Options) q $100 q $75 q $50 q $25 q Other: $_______ Please send to Options, P.O. Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940
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or donate online: visit us at www.optionsri.org
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