options February 2016
Discover SEXUAL THERAPY
Dating When
DAVID BOWIE:
TRANS
Gender Rebel 1947-2016
Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Community Magazine Since 1982 - FREE
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Options | February 2016
options
In This Issue:
Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982. February 2016, Vol. XXXIV, Issue 10
If David Bowie Were a Gender, That’s What I’d Be, p. 15
What is Sexual Therapy? p. 5
Trans* Health Update p. 18
4 From the Editor 5 What Is Sexual Therapy? 6 From the Publisher 6 Advertisers 8 Calendar 10 News Briefs 12 When Love Cracks 15 If David Bowie Were a Gender... 16 In My Own Little Corner 18 Trans* Health Update 20 Out on the Town
APRI Expands Services p. 27
22 Dating When Trans 24 Lesbians on the Loose 25 ACOS Introduces Nina Zanella 25 Transosaurus Rex 26 News from RI Pride 27 APRI Expands Services 28 News from SAGE-RI 29 YPI On the Road 30 Resources 38 Worth a Look
Home delivery is free! Subscribe at www.optionsri.org, email frank@optionsri.org, or write to us at our PO Box. © OPTIONS 2016. Options is published monthly. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the governing board, volunteers, or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must include a phone number or email address. Names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar, or resource listings for the March 2016 issue must be delivered by February 12.
Options | February 2016
Publisher Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Editor in Chief Jen Stevens editor@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays Copy Editors Julia Barber, Rex LeBeau, Joseph Morra, Christine Pavao, Myra Shays Graphic Design Theresa “Reese” Barzyk Photo Editor Michael Scanlon IV Contributors Kurt Bagley, Christion Battey, Adam Brooks, Joanne Bussiere, Lit Chick, Annie Cronin-Silva, Christopher Dalpe, Bradford Greer, Sally Ann Hay, Janelle Heideman, Kerri Kanelos, Rex LeBeau, Kai LoMuscio, Kira Manser, TC Rogers, Melanie Silva Photographers Jen Bonin, Rachel Howell, Julia Barber Finance Director Donny McKendall billing@optionsri.org Subscription Manager Francis Ryan frank@optionsri.org Distribution distribution@optionsri.org Advertising advertising@optionsri.org
Contact Us info@optionsri.org PO Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940 (401) 724-LGBT www.optionsri.org Cover: Graffiti wall serving as a shrine to David Bowie in Brixton, England since his death on January 10. Photo by Chris Dorney.
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From the Editor A holiday dedicated to love — it seemed like a nobrainer when I was a kid. Dressing in red, crafting Valentines, and receiving chocolates made for a low-stress yet extraspecial kind of day. Fast-forward a few decades and it’s palpable how much Valentine’s Day polarizes the haves and the havenots. If you’re in love or pursuing someone, it’s validating and inspires romantic creativity. If you’re undesirably single, it rubs salt in an open wound. And if you’re desirably single, you’re an easy target for wannabe cupids. Heaven forbid the spark has left your relationship;Valentine’s pressure hastens a make-orbreak moment of disingenuous affection or an undue split. Is it possible to remain desensitized to February 14? Some claim they don’t “believe” in Valentine’s Day, then easily adopt a new belief system once they’re in a relationship. Perhaps the especially young and old are the only ones with a chance to avoid the stigmatization of this holiday. In any case, love sure can be complicated and interesting, and February seems to have brought a heightened awareness of this to Options writers. In this issue we explore several perspectives on relationships. (If that turns you off, skip over to our Calendar of Events on page 8 to learn about an anti-Valentine’s event being co-hosted by Miss Gay RI Complete Destruction, Ms. Bisexual RI Amber Guzman, and Mr. Gay RI Richie DeFilippo.) Kira Manser, Interim Executive Director of the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, explains her role as a sexuality and relationship therapist and sheds light on how we can
change our thinking to get the most out of our relationships (p. 5). Occasional Options contributor Janelle Heideman deftly expresses her personal experiences as a trans woman. Here, she shares practical advice about venturing into the world of online dating (p. 22). Bradford Greer reports about the closing of the GLBT Domestic Violence Project, an organization that brought visibility to an unacknowledged crisis and provided support to so many victims. Greer celebrates those achievements and tells us where to turn now that this resource is no longer available (p. 12). In her monthly arts review, Worth a Look, The Lit Chick reviews The Danish Girl, a based-on-reality story of love through unprecedented transition (p. 38). After two full years on the job as editor of this fine publication, I’m feeling a lot of love for this dedicated and talented team. It’s an amazing feat that the volunteers listed in our masthead pull together and create these 40 pages each month. If you could use more love in your life, why not join us? You’re just as likely to find it here as anywhere. In Solidarity, Jen Stevens We want to hear from you. Send letters to editor@optionsri.org.
PrEP & PEP
ARE THEY RIGHT FOR YOU? PrEP
PEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals use anti-HIV medications to reduce their risk of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus. It is an additional tool for people to consider in the HIV prevention toolbox.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an HIV prevention strategy where HIV-negative individuals take HIV medications after coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected. PEP is a month-long course of drugs and must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure.
Pre = before Exposure = coming into contact with HIV Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent an infection from happening
Talk to a doctor to determine if a Prophylaxis is right for you.
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Post = after Exposure = coming into contact with HIV Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent an infection from happening
AIDS PROJECT RHODE ISLAND www.aidsprojectri.org www.men2menri.org 401-831-5522
Options | February 2016
What is
by Kira Manser, LCSW, MEd
Sexual Therapy?
I’m thrilled to be spending each day doing my dream job. I’ve been preparing for it for ten years, and I strive to perform at the best of my ability. My work has a profound impact on people’s health and happiness. My job is part clinical social worker, part sex educator. I am humbled to serve as the interim executive director of the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, a small non-profit. However, the part of my job that I’m the most in love with and the most proud of is serving as a sexuality and relationship therapist.
Sexuality is an immensely powerful force within many people’s lives. It has the ability to make us feel entirely ourselves, happy, healthy, connected, and joyful. On the other hand, sexuality brings our most vulnerable selves to the surface. Negative, abusive, or violent sexual experiences can deeply harm even the most resilient. However, within the dominant cultural narrative, sexuality is rarely treated as a complex and powerful part of our individual human experience. Instead, we encounter sexuality as the butt of a joke, or find it prescribes what we’re supposed to want or look like, which often creates expectations that most people don’t meet. The topic of sexuality is rarely discussed openly in polite company. I love being a sexuality therapist because I am deeply honored to work within an aspect of human experience that, despite being shrouded in misinformation, taboo, and silence, has the powerful ability to heal, transform, and deeply impact people’s lives. Most of the clients with whom I work come to me because their personal experience of their sexuality does not
Options 5 | February 2016
match what they believe their sexual lives should look like; this discrepancy is incredibly distressing. I counsel people because they feel they’re not having enough sex, or their partner wants sex too much, or their sex is too vanilla (or too kinky), or they can’t get a rock-hard erection every time they want one, or they don’t get wet enough— the list continues. Rachel Hills writes about this phenomenon in her amazing book, The Sex Myth. She describes a tension that has existed for hundreds of years between how individual people experience their sexuality and what is generally accepted as “normal.” To complicate it even more, most people are not able to articulate what is “normal,” but we think we’re good at identifying what isn’t normal. It’s all too easy to look at our bodies and our sexual responses and think, “Too much! Too little! Too small! Too big! Too fast! Too slow! Nobody else’s body acts like that! Why doesn’t my body do that?” Accurate information about sexuality is hard to find, and rarely shared.
relief, connection, a creative outlet, and/ or physical release. We support them in taking an individual path, and to feel normal and empowered while they’re carving out that path for themselves. The truth is that there is no normal in sexuality. So let’s stop trying to be normal and start working creatively toward finding happiness by celebrating our unique experiences of sexuality. It’s easier said than done. If you need support, The CSPH is excited to provide resources in this journey through education, community events, or therapy. q The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health is a 501(c)(3) sexuality education and training organization that works to reduce sexual shame, challenge misinformation, and advance the field of sexuality. Visit www.thecsph.org, email info@thecsph.org, or call (401) 489-5513 to connect with us. CSPH is located in The Grant Building, 250 Main Street, Unit 1, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Hours of operation Tuesday – Saturday, noon–6pm, and by appointment.
As a queer person, it is my personal calling to support the sexual health and wellness of the diverse communities within the LGBTQ spectrum. While LGBTQ people remain outside many dominant narratives, there are pervasive and powerful ideas about what is “normal” within queer sexualities and relationships. I feel that my training, experience, and connection to LGBTQ communities has prepared me to serve LGBTQ people well. So work their most
what do sexual therapists do? We with clients to help them get from sex lives and relationships what people want: pleasure, fun, stress
Options | February 5 2016
From the Publisher Dear Reader, Last month, Providence Business News reported that Providence was named the most “up-and-coming city” in the annual competition run by GayCities, the world’s largest gay travel and city guide. This is fantastic news for our community and state! Admittedly, I’m curious to know what progress Providence has made to receive this award and what benchmarks of success we’re aiming for while traveling on the up-and-coming path. GayCities states that Brown, RISD, and JWU “pull in a high percentage of open-minded, artistic, and openly gay folks, creating a friendly, diverse, and tolerant community.” I don’t disagree, but what about our thriving nonprofit community, a bustling downtown bar and club scene, New England’s only illuminated nighttime Pride parade, and a long list of talented queer artists, performers, and musicians, to name a few additional things that truly make our community one of the best? As we bask in our accomplishments, I must continue to ask, what’s next? For two years we’ve seen continued growth within our organization. Now, more than ever, Options must lay a plan for the road ahead that strategically pushes our organization and the community forward. We will continue to build this publication by investing in the quality of the magazine, cultivating new volunteers to join our outstanding team, and constantly evaluating our work while seeking ways to improve. We must continue to adapt to the changing landscape of our community’s place in society, and be sure our organization reflects progress and failure in the resources we provide and the content we share. What resource categories are missing? What editorial content are readers seeking yet not finding within our pages? We see potential to better support gay couples looking to start a family, or community members seeking a primary care physician who understands their unique needs, to name just a few. We’ll also look beyond our pages to see what Options can do to improve the lives of LGBTQ people. We’ll continue conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity, make sure that members of the community have a voice in conversations that impact them, and make a concerted effort to introduce and welcome more individuals into our vibrant community.
Onward, Kyle McKendall
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Options | February 2016
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY
Wed. 3 Rhode Island Pride Events Committee Meeting, 7pm. 1055 Westminster Street, Providence, Floor 2. A meeting to plan upcoming Pride events. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri.com or 467-2130. Fri. 5 Homegrown Comedy Night with Julee Antonellis, Ellen Moschetto, Jim Lauletta, Karen O’Donnell, and host John Kelley, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $10. For more info, www.thevillageri.com. Sat. 6 PrideFest Planning Retreat, 1-5pm. 1055 Westminster Street, 2nd floor, Providence. All are welcome to contribute to the planning of the 40th Anniversary PrideFest.
The Year We Thought About Love February 19 & 20
Sat. 6 Ten-Year Commemoration of the attack at Puzzles Lounge, 7pm. Service held at the First Unitarian Church (71 8th Street, New Bedford, MA). Features speakers involved in organizing the community response following the Puzzles incident. Service ends with a candlelight walk to A Perfect Place, the local LGBTQ youth community center (484 Pleasant Street, New Bedford). Evening concludes with live entertainment at Le Place (20 Kenyon Street, New Bedford) beginning at 9pm to celebrate the spirit and community of the Puzzles Lounge. Funds raised will benefit the South Coast LGBTQ Network. For more information, www.sclgbtqnetwork.org/puzzles. html. Sun. 7 National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. AIDS Project Rhode Island is offering special hours for free, anonymous, rapid HIV testing at 9 Pleasant Street, Providence from noon until 3pm on a walk-in basis. No blood is drawn, and results are available in 20 minutes.All are welcome. Testing available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
In My Own Little Corner February 21
Thu. 11 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. A queerproduced potpourri of entertainment. This month’s show in collaboration with the Urban Bush Women. Storyteller Len Cabral, poet Marie Michaelle, and others. $5. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook and at www. sweetlittlevarietyshow.com. Sun. 14 SAGE-RI and Amicable Church’s Body, Mind, Spirit Lenten series presents Gen Silent, 3pm. Amicable Congregational Church, 3736 Main Road, Tiverton. Free/donations accepted. Email
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sageriinfo@gmail.com for more information.
Sun. 14 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men on second Sundays. For more info, www. riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. Sun. 14 Heartbreaker’s Ball & Cabaret, 6-9pm. EGO, 73 Richmond Street, Providence. Hosted by Miss Gay RI Complete Destruction, Ms. Bisexual RI Amber Guzman, and Mr. Gay RI Richie DeFilippo. $10. For more info, www.prideri.com. Wed. 17 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Hild by Nicola Griffith. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Thu. 18 Drag Bingo: Pajama Party Bingo, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Hosted by Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Fri. 19 SAGE LGBT Café, noon-2pm. Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street, Cranston. A delicious, low-cost lunch in a gay-friendly setting sponsored by Meals on Wheels, the Department of Elderly Affairs, and SAGE-RI. Programming after lunch. $3 suggested donation for those 60 and better; $6 for all others. Reservations required: Call Paulina at 351-6700. Fri. 19 The Year We Thought About Love, 5:45pm. AS220, 115 Empire Street, Providence. Part of the Providence Children’s Film Festival, this documentary goes behind the scenes of one of the oldest queer youth theaters in America, True Colors OUT Youth Theatre. 68 minutes. Post-screening talk with associate producer Pam Chamberlain and a few young actors from the film. Free admission. Sat. 20 The Year We Thought About Love, 2pm. Avon Cinema, 260 Thayer Street, Providence. Part of the Providence Children’s Film Festival, this documentary goes behind the scenes of one of the oldest queer youth theaters in America, True Colors OUT Youth Theatre. 68 minutes. Post-screening talk with Associate Producer Pam Chamberlain and a few young actors from the film. $10/$7.50 under 18 and 65+.
Options | February 2016
Sun. 21 In My Own Little Corner, 2pm. Courthouse Center for the Arts, West Kingston. A one-man show by singer and actor Brennan Srisirikul, chronicling his journey as an openly gay disabled man and featuring songs from the musical theatre and pop music canon. Special guest Fredric S. Scheff. Musical direction by Lila Kane. Wed. 24 Rhode Island Pride Open House, 7pm. 1055 Westminster Street, Providence, Floor 2. Social gathering and discussion of community events and opportunities for involvement. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri.com or 467-2130. Sun. 28 Options Release Party, 3-6pm.The Stable, 125 Washington Street, Providence. Join Options Magazine for the release of the March issue. Volunteers needed for distribution.
MARCH
Wed. 2 Rhode Island Pride Events Committee Meeting, 7pm. 1055 Westminster Street, Providence, Floor 2. A meeting to plan upcoming Pride events. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri.com or 467-2130. Wed. 2 Lesbian/Queer Women’s Book Club, 7:30pm. First Wednesdays at the Sarah Doyle Women’s Center, 26 Benevolent Street, Providence. For more information, www. facebook.com/groups/provqueerwomensbooks. Fri. 4 SAGE-RI and RI Council of Churches presents Gen Silent, 7pm. Westminster Unitarian Church, 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich. Email sageriinfo@gmail.com for more information. Sun. 6 17th Annual RI Pride Goddess Show: Celebrating Women in the Arts, 1pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Featuring comic Jennie McNulty, Mary Day Band, Jodi Jolt & the Volt, Alejandra Blaze, Complete Destruction, The Rafters, The Tropigals, and host Karen O’Donnell. Doors noon/show 1-5pm. $20 in advance at www.prideri.com/$25 at the door. Thu. 10 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Queer-produced potpourri of entertainment featuring ventriloquist Virginia Dare, poet Jennifer Driscoll, comics Ellen Moschetto and Elena Jawitz, and musician John Fuzek. $5. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook and at www. sweetlittlevarietyshow.com.
Options | February 2016
Sun. 13 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men on second Sundays. For more info, www. riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. Sun. 13 Miss Comedy Queen RI Pageant, 8-10pm. The Dark Lady, 19 Snow Street, Providence. Presented by The Imperial Court of Rhode Island and hosted by Dowager Empress XXII Jealousy Jonz, comedian John Kelley, and Miss Gay Rhode Island 2015 Complete Destruction. Proceeds benefit Project Weber, a harm reduction program for at-risk men. $5 suggested donation. $10 contestant fee. Contact jealousyjonz@aol. com for more info or to register. Wed. 16 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon.Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Thu. 17 Drag Bingo: St. Patrick’s Day Bingo, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Hosted by Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI.
Pride Goddess Show March 6
Fri. 18 SAGE LGBT Café, noon-2pm. Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street, Cranston. A delicious, low-cost lunch in a gayfriendly setting sponsored by Meals on Wheels, the Department of Elderly Affairs, and SAGE-RI. Programming after lunch. $3 suggested donation for those 60 and better; $6 for all others. Reservations required: Call Paulina at 351-6700. Wed. 23 Rhode Island Pride Open House, 7pm. 1055 Westminster Street, Providence, Floor 2. Social gathering and discussion of community events and opportunities for involvement. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri.com or 467-2130. Regularly Scheduled Support Groups: ACOS (HIV/AIDS): youth,Tue. 4pm/gay males,Wed. 1:30pm LGBT Alcoholics Anonymous: Tue. 7pm PFLAG (parents, friends, allies): 1st & 3rd Wed. 6:45pm TGI Network (trans): 1st & 3rd Tue. 7pm/Sat. 1pm TransFamily New England: 2nd Mon. 6:30pm YPI (youth): Way Out,Thu. 4pm/Gender Spectrum,Tue. 4pm YPI (youth 13 and under): Thu. 5pm
Miss Comedy Queen RI Pageant March 13
See Resources on page 30 for more info.
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News Briefs by Adam Brooks Providence Awarded Perfect Score in HRC Equality Assessment Last month the Human Rights Campaign awarded the City of Providence a perfect score in its Municipal Equality Index (MEI). Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza expressed his pride in the city becoming one of 47 U.S. cities to receive a perfect score. “From designating all-gender restrooms in city buildings to making our healthcare policy more inclusive, I am committed to sending a strong message that Providence welcomes and values all of its employees and residents, regardless of who they love or how they identify.” The MEI’s grading system is based on 41 criteria that fall into five broad categories: nondiscrimination laws, employment policy, inclusiveness of city services, law enforcement (which includes reported hate crimes), and municipal leadership on matters of equality. Said Deputy Chief of Staff and LGBT Community Liaison Marisa O’Gara, “It’s a true privilege to work alongside a mayor who has been an incredible advocate and leader for the LGBT community, a community of which I am proud to be a member. We have more work in front of us, but today is a day to celebrate our city.” URI Seeks Transgender Narratives for Oral History Project URI’s Arts and Culture Department at the Providence campus is gathering stories regarding gender identity from local LGBTQ community members, with trans individuals being especially encouraged to participate. Coordinator Steven Pennell will transcribe the stories (anonymously or openly, depending on the individual’s preference), first to create an archive to serve as an educational resource, and eventually to produce a play. Pennell previously compiled 15 stories from trans individuals as the basis for the play Trans*, which was directed by Frank V.Toti Jr. and performed by Pennell, Cynthia Glinick, and Cody Suzuki during the Providence Fringe Festival last July. Pennell also spearheaded the LGBTQ Oral History Project from 2010 to 2012, which consisted of more than 100 taped and transcribed interviews and was made into the play The Journey Out. For more information or to share your story, email Pennell at uri.artsandculture@gmail.com. Trans Youth Volunteers Sought for Family Research Study Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School are conducting a research study of the experiences of transgender youth and their families.They are looking for teams of participants for this study who will complete a one-time survey and audiorecorded interview about family relationships, stress levels, social support, health, and health behaviors. One member of each team should be between 13 and 17 and identify with a different gender from their assigned sex at birth. The other member should be a sibling or a friend of the transgender youth, or a parent/guardian of the transgender youth. For more information, or to sign up for the study, contact the research team of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine at (617) 919-4594 or youthfamilystudy@childrens.harvard.edu.
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Influential Psychiatrist Robert Spitzer Dies at 83 Dr. Robert Spitzer, a psychiatrist who had a huge impact on the LGBT community, died last month of heart complications in his Seattle home at the age of 83. Spitzer was well known for his work on multiple editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Many gay rights activists celebrate Dr. Spitzer for his leadership in removing homosexuality from the list of mental disorders contained in the first 1973 edition of the DSM. At the time, a heated debate was sweeping the scientific community on whether or not homosexuality was an irregularity of the brain. Spitzer, when interviewed for the Washington Post, stated, “a medical disorder either had to be associated with subjective distress—pain—or general impairment in social function.” After meeting with gay activists, Dr. Spitzer had determined that homosexuality couldn’t possibly be categorized as a mental disorder if gay people were comfortable with their sexuality. “That was a major breakthrough in the profession,” said Spitzer’s wife Janet Williams, a professor at Columbia University and a co-contributor to the DSM-III, which became a best-selling book when it was published in 1980. Spitzer drew controversy in 2001 when publishing a study demonstrating that reparative therapy could cure homosexuality. He recanted in 2012, issuing an apology to the LGBT community and remarking that it was the only regret of his career. Dr. Jack Drescher, a gay psychoanalyst, told the New York Times that Spitzer’s adamancy on removing homosexuality from the DSM was a major advancement in the fight for gay rights, and remarked,“The fact that gay marriage is allowed today is in part owed to Bob Spitzer.” Providence Named Most “Up-and-Coming” City by Gay Travel Site Providence was named the most “Up-and-Coming City of 2015” in the annual Best of GayCities competition. GayCities, the world’s largest LGBT community-driven travel and city guide, also awarded titles to other cities for the Most Festive Pride, Best Drag City, Hippest Gayborhood, and Best City Overall, among other titles. There were more than 20,000 votes cast, and the nominees were selected by editors based on reviews and check-ins by its members in 224 cities worldwide this year. Providence won the up-and-coming title with 37% of the vote, beating out Salt Lake City, Albany, Milwaukee, New Haven, and Des Moines.The website stated that Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson & Wales University “pull in a high percentage of openminded, artistic, and openly gay folks, creating a friendly, diverse, and tolerant community.”
Options | February 2016
Obama’s State of the Union Address Reflects on LGBT Progress During last month’s State of the Union Address, President Obama touched on the progress that has been made towards LGBT rights in the United States. From the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the marriage equality victory, to the first-ever reference to transgender Americans in a presidential address, it’s clear that the LGBT community has made great strides during President Obama’s tenure. Obama celebrated those willing to fight for what they believe in, saying, “It’s the son who finds the courage to come out as who he is, and the father whose love for that son overrides everything he’s been taught. In fact, it’s that spirit that made the progress of these past seven years possible…and how we secured the freedom in every state to marry the person we love…I can promise that…when I no longer hold this office, I’ll be right there with you as a citizen—inspired by those voices…that help us see ourselves not first and foremost as black or white or Asian or Latino, not as gay or straight, immigrant or native born; not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans first, bound by a common creed.”
Alabama Justice Fighting Gay Marriage Roy Moore, the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, is trying to ban marriages for gay and lesbian couples in his state by handing down an order directing probate judges to stop issuing marriage licenses. Moore has stated that the Supreme Court does not have the authority to hand down decisions on gay marriage because it is subject to the laws of God, and argues that the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling applies only to the states involved in that case (Tennessee, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio), and doesn’t yet apply to Alabama. In a 2012 radio interview, Moore stated, “This is a Christian nation by the fact that 90% of the churches in America are Christian churches, and it’s certainly founded upon Christian principles.” Moore previously served as chief justice from 2001 to 2003, but had to be removed from the court system for his refusal to follow a federal ruling to remove a Ten Commandments monument that he’d placed inside the courthouse. In his first term, Moore wrote a decision giving custody of three teenagers to their heterosexual father instead of their lesbian mother, saying, “Homosexuality is an inherent evil, and if a person openly engages in such a practice, that alone would render him or her an unfit parent.” Moore also claimed that Alabama had sovereignty and could be governed by itself, but backed off the claim after legal action. All this considered, Moore was re-elected as chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in 2012.q
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Options | February 2016
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When Love
CRACKS by Bradford Greer
In 1994 Curt Rogers was in love. His boyfriend was kind, articulate, and considerate. Curt, a Harvard graduate and director of operations at a health communications company, was very happy, until the night his Prince’s behavior was anything but Charming. His boyfriend’s violent behavior escalated into an attempt to kill him. Terrified, Curt managed to get away only to discover he had nowhere to go for help and support. He was running for his life, but no shelter would admit him. Worse, there were no services to come to the aid of a terrified gay domestic violence victim. He had to find his own safety and forge his own recovery. He did just that, and learned that there were many other gay abuse victims like himself. Rogers founded and became the executive director of the Massachusettsbased GLBT Domestic Violence Project with a mission to “assist and support victims and survivors of domestic violence, focusing on GLBTQ communities; to bring about responsive public policy; and to increase access to culturally competent services.” After 22 years, this pioneering service-providing organization, which also served Rhode Islanders, has closed due to lack of funding, leaving a giant hole in the dedicated effort to provide safety, shelter, workshops, and recovery for those in our community in need of these emergency services. GLBTQ people are more likely to experience violence at the hands of our partners than our straight counterparts. Approximately 27% of gay men and
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50% of lesbians are domestic violence survivors, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline blog in June of 2012. “Same-sex partners who are abusive and controlling use all the same tactics to gain power and control in relationships as heterosexual abusive partners—physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; financial control; isolation; etc. But same-sex partners who are abusive also reinforce their tactics that maintain power and control with societal factors that compound the complexity a survivor faces in leaving a same-sex relationship. Samesex abusive partners use discrimination and rejection to control their partners, and may threaten to ‘out’ them to family members, employers, community members.”
Violence Against Women Act, including language that applied to same-sex couples.
Over the years, the Domestic Violence Project pioneered the first 24-hour GLBTQ-specific domestic violence hotline, the first GLBTQ-specific residential facility for survivors, the first high-profile outdoor advertising campaign to raise awareness, and the first federally-funded program to identify both an evidence-informed service model for GLBTQ survivors and one of the first GLBTQ domestic violence attorney programs. It was the first organization to document gay male domestic violence, and it was successful in getting GLBTQ domestic violence into the Massachusetts State budget. They led a groundbreaking discrimination lawsuit, representing a gay male survivor who was denied services at a domestic violence program. In 2013 they were instrumental in getting Congress to pass a strengthened
Do you have someone you can call if you are abused by your partner? Are you someone who friends or family can call for help? It’s important for you for make a plan for yourself. Seek counseling from an organization with experience with GLBTQ domestic violence. There are five such groups listed in the Resources section of Options (p. 30).
Domestic violence is not likely to stop on its own, no matter what the abuser says or how much they profess their love. The GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project was able to help about 650 people annually. Now they are closed. Who will continue their work? Many of their programs and services will transfer to Fenway Health. Other programs will transfer to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance and the U.S. Office of Violence Against Women. Providence-based Sojourner House runs domestic violence support groups for heterosexuals as well as GLBTQ people, and is the only place in RI that currently runs a safe house for gay men.
Twenty years ago when Curt Rogers ran for his life, there were no services in place to help him. Now attitudes have changed. People have a greater awareness and understanding of how this issue affects our community. Now, thanks largely to the efforts of the GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project, there are places to go and professionals who will listen.q
Options | February 2016
Options | February 2016
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BOWIE WERE A GENDER, THAT’S WHAT I’D BE “And I want to be free/Don’t you want to be free?/Do you like girls or boys?/ It’s confusing these days/but moondust will cover you.” - David Bowie, “Hallo Spaceboy” On his 69th birthday, David Bowie released his 25th album, Blackstar. Two days later, on January 10, 2016, he passed away. Looking around the internet, it was easy to see that his loss was hitting people hard. One of my favorite reactions was from Steve Silberman on Twitter: “Goodbye, David. You probably saved the lives of millions of gay/ trans/odd/“extraterrestrial” kids. RIP. 2:03 AM - 11 Jan 2016.” That’s the thing! David Bowie is a great and magical part of what makes it easier and more comfortable for me, and for so many other people, to be queer. He permanently expanded the boundaries of fashion, sexuality, gender, theater, and music. He set the example that it is okay to change as a human being as many times as you want and he has been doing it since the late sixties. If you are a young LGBTQ community member and you haven’t had the chance to hear David Bowie’s music and his story, trust me, it’s worth it. David Robert Jones was born to working class parents in Brixton, England. He had an older half-brother named Terry Burns who introduced him to jazz. When David was a teenager, Terry was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The disease ran in their family, and David worried that he would contract it one day. Perhaps this added to his fearlessness as an artist, musician, and performer. At the age of 9, David decided he wanted to play baritone sax for the Little Richard Band and took up the instrument. David listened to everything he could in his youth (except for country) including jazz, classical, cabaret, and even Tibetan horns. He was also heavily influenced by Kabuki
Options | February 2016
Theater and German Expressionism. When David turned 18, he had to do something to distinguish himself from Davey Jones (of Monkees fame), so he changed his last name to Bowie. In his early twenties, David Bowie worked with mime Lindsay Kemp, whom he credits with much of his stagecraft. Bowie and the bands he played with became known for their gender-bending performances. Though people made fun of them for a long time, they kept on playing.
Bowie and the bands he played with became known for their genderbending performances. Though people made fun of them for a long time, they kept on playing. Bowie released Space Oddity when he was 22 years old, just three days before a man walked on the moon for the first time. Bowie was gaining popularity. His gender expression was nontraditional throughout his career. Bowie’s first wife, Angie, suggested he accentuate his feminine side even more. In 1972, with the release of his fifth album, Bowie declared to the newspaper that he was gay (though bisexual better suited him in later years). He was in an open marriage. He wore long dresses. Quite a big deal for that time. The fifth album Bowie released was the theatrical glam rock piece The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. It was significant. This is the album where David Bowie became well known, ironically not as David Bowie, but as his androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust. His work had a large
by Kai LoMuscio impact on popular culture, and it’s been said he was an inspiration for the creation of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Bowie toured for an intense two years and then felt he was losing himself. He was also getting closer to the age at which his brother started exhibiting signs of schizophrenia. Thankfully, he didn’t experience the same fate. David Bowie went on to release 25 studio albums, star in 22 films, and become an accomplished painter. He constantly reinvented his sound and his look, though science fiction and outer space recurred as themes. Influenced by William S. Burroughs’ style of cut-up writing, Bowie sometimes wrote songs by cutting up a page of writing into lines and rearranging them. Bowie wrote experimental rock, jazz, cabaret, electronic music, and the pop music that made him well known. He is the man who wrote the song “Changes” (1971) and starred in the Jim Henson movie Labyrinth (1986). He recorded and performed through five decades. He had many lovers, two wives, and two children. David Bowie’s music is spiritual and philosophical, often about isolation and being miserable, and yet somehow his confidence in recording and performing it are comforting. I can’t imagine a time without David Bowie. I grew up listening to him on records when I was in middle school, tapes and CDs in high school and college. Today, I’m listening to him on Spotify and watching him on YouTube. I love the way he played with gender and sexuality in his work. I look forward to dancing to his music for as long as I can. Favorite Bowie movie: The Linguini Incident (1992). Favorite Bowie album: Outside (1995). q
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by Joanne Bussiere
IN MY
OWN LITTLE CORNER Throughout Brennan Srisirikul’s childhood all he dreamed of was to feel connection. He usually felt disconnected because his disability caused people to immediately see him as being different. Brennan was born with cerebral palsy, disconnecting the signal between his brain and legs. He has always experienced the world from the vantage point of a wheelchair. As Brennan matured, he felt less disabled and recognized that his position from his own little chair could allow him to become an extraordinary person by overcoming an exceptional challenge. This led Brennan to consider creating a one-man show, and the idea took hold. His inspiration will come to fruition on February 21 when he performs at the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston. This marks a return to the locale of his first professional performance in The Titanic with Poppy Champlain. Accompanied by mentor and pianist Lila Kane, Brennan will present a cabaret act entitled In My Own Little Corner. When asked what this show is all about, Brennan smiled and said the clue could be found in the lyrics of this song from Cinderella: “I know of a spot in my house, where no one can stand in my way. In my own little corner in my own little chair, I can be whatever I want to
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be.” These words became an inspiration for this work. He interweaves spoken words with his favorite theatre and pop songs, writing and singing of his journey. The show explains how the hindrance of cerebral palsy actually makes him strong. Brennan has never liked labels. The word disabled made him ask himself if he was “dissing” his abilities. Perhaps he was capable of more than he thought. Was he selling himself short? A musical theatre friend, Ali Stroker, first presented him with the phrase differently abled. This helped to frame his perception of self. It took Brennan a while to come out because he did not want yet another label. When he came out at 18, being a perceived underdog in two communities gave him motivation. Says Brennan, “I am more than my wheelchair. I am more than my sexuality. They are parts of the greater whole of me.” Throughout his life, people trying to be helpful by offering him advice ended up pointing out his limitations. He chose instead to look beyond these barriers. Being different isn’t bad; it’s a great thing. Once his school musical director asked him what he feared. He said he was worried about people talking about him. She gave him the boost he needed by
responding, “Then give them something to talk about!” This set him on course to fulfill his life’s mission: to keep the conversation going and make those connections. He asks, “What could we do if we thought we could do anything?” Rhode Island College acting teacher Nehassaiu Degannes told him, “Art and life can be whatever you want it to be.” She said that all he needed to do was change the lens through which he viewed his ability. This concept struck a chord and transformed his attitude, and because his attitude changed, so did those around him. Degannes asked him, “Don’t you wish everyone could have the experience of your classmates? [They see that] you are enough just the way you are.” Brennan is certainly well on his way to fulfilling his dream of connection— in fact, he is already there. He is being booked to give inspirational speeches, frequently travels to New York City for auditions, and is planning for a career in Los Angeles. Purhase tickets for In My Own Little Corner at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/2468687 or www.courthousearts.org.q
Options | February 2016
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Impact of New
Trans* Healthcare by TC Rogers
The Rhode Island Office of the Heath Insurance Commissioner recently declared that it is discriminatory and illegal to deny, limit, or exclude necessary health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment based solely on one’s gender identity, expression, or gender dysphoria. I spoke with various trans* rights advocates to obtain a deeper understanding of the effects of this healthcare milestone. As the community feels the joy of this monumental shift for trans* rights, individuals are seeking the services they have long awaited and Rhode Island is viewed as a safer and more supportive state. At the same time, these significant changes further highlight the need for more changes in healthcare coverage for trans* individuals. Minors are excluded from some coverage under this new declaration. Additionally, Rhode Island is in desperate need of trained medical providers to serve the needs of trans* patients.
Rejoicing Jaye Watts, LCSW, Trans* Health Program Manager at Thundermist, a board member of TGI Network, and a community advocate, emphasized that these changes in RI law support the wellness of trans* individuals and bring hope to the community. “I’m thrilled to be in a place where we have made as much progress as we have so far,” said Watts. Lauren Nocera, MSW, MPH, Associate Vice President at Thundermist Health Center and community advocate, highlighted how significant the financial barrier has been for those seeking gender-affirmation services, and how the lifting of that barrier is changing lives. Nocera knows three people who have been eagerly awaiting this day and who now
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Provisions
have surgeries scheduled. Dr. Michelle Forcier, MD, MPH, Associate Professor in pediatrics at the Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, and wellknown advocate for trans* rights, explained how these changes affect the community at large. “Fear of hate crimes, interpersonal assault and violence, and bullying may become less as the cisgender community becomes more educated, more accepting, and less tolerant of bias toward our trans* or genderqueer peers and family members,” predicted Forcier.
Challenges As many are rejoicing in RI’s new law,Robert Medeiros worries about the exclusion of gender-affirmation surgeries for his 15-yearold daughter. His daughter has identified as female for the last three years, has been through the court system to have her name legally changed, and has been under the care of medical professionals who have helped her transition. Due to her age, health insurance does not cover her gender-affirming surgeries. Nocera echoed his concerns. “With many children transitioning very young and leading very happy, well-adjusted lives, it is concerning that they have to wait until they are 18 for insurance to cover medically necessary gender confirmation surgery,” stated Nocera. Through the lens of socioeconomics, Dr. Forcier emphasized, “Kids from families of wealth and means can gain access to necessary services while kids from disadvantaged and poorer families will not have access to certain surgeries or care.” Watts also recognized the issue of exclusions for minors, and clarified: “These problematic uniform standards for care regarding minors have also [emerged] in other states. Rhode Island had the opportunity to lead on this particular point and missed the mark.” Even with better access to care, challenges
“Even with better access to care, challenges still relate to cost and affordability of transitionrelated procedures.” still relate to cost and affordability of transition-related procedures. For example, certain medical polices do not cover facial feminization surgery or electrolysis, which is an expensive procedure required before being able to receive many gender-affirming surgeries. Nocera and Watts emphasized that the inability to receive medical services such as these puts trans* individuals, and especially trans* women, at risk. Also, insurance companies often do not cover transportation to out-of-state providers.
Moving Forward Nocera declared, “In addition to further policy changes, we need to work to build the cadre of professionals with the cultural and clinical competency to care for trans* patients.” In addition, she advised that the Trans* Health Access Team at Thundermist provides primary care and is a great first step for those seeking gender-affirming medical services. Medeiros said, “There are many factors for employers and providers to understand, such as the high suicide rate among transgender teens and the opinions of medical professionals, which suggest that there are cases where performing surgery on teenagers should be considered, and before puberty, if possible.” Though more advocacy still needs to be done, hope remains and positive change continues. Forcier stated, “Many adjunct providers are more interested,more educated, and more willing to help. Additionally, there are new cadres of gynecology and urology surgeons who want to learn about how to help patients who have had surgery, need follow up, or have additional…needs.” Watts is certain that many trans* people will now seek and receive the services they have needed for a long time, some of whom did not believe that they would ever be able to get them.q
Options | February 2016
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DATING WHEN TRANS: MY STORY by Janelle Heideman for TGI Network of Rhode Island
Every year I see postings on Facebook declaring Valentine’s Day as “National Single Person Awareness Day.” And it’s true that when you are single it seems like V-Day does nothing but shine a bright light on the situation. For those in the trans community, the day can be especially fraught.The internet is rife with dating stories written by both trans people and those who date them. When I am among other trans people, the discussion often turns to dating. These discussions usually start with the question of where to find someone, regardless of who you are attracted to. (Trans and gendernonconforming people can be attracted to people of any gender.) Although most people ask this question when they are single, it is important to recognize that there are issues trans people face when dating that others usually don’t. Rarely, for instance, would someone feel the need to disclose on or before a date that they are cisgender. Rarely would a cisgender person be turned down for a date because they are cisgender. I’m sure you get the idea. Because there is already much writing and discussion about this, I am not going to rehash what others have said, or talk about others’ experiences. When it comes down to it, I’m only qualified to talk about my experiences. So this is my story. (Bonus: It has a happy ending!) Just after starting my transition I somehow convinced myself that, as a trans woman, I should be only attracted to men. I try to avoid labels like straight or gay, and said that I mostly liked men, but could see myself being attracted to a woman under the right circumstances. I had already been thinking about when and how I should disclose the fact that I’m trans, and decided to only date men I met under circumstances where the men already knew I was trans. Mostly, I met men at a club near where I lived that attracted a lot of trans women, and men who liked trans women. Later I met men online in sites set up for meeting trans people. Not surprisingly, I met a lot of men who just wanted to have sex with me because I was trans. I often felt objectified and used.
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After writing an impassioned profile about what I was really looking for in a man on a website geared mostly for trans women and male admirers, I received a response from a very nice man, with whom I began a 20-month relationship, and for whom I left my native Michigan for lovely New England. For reasons that have little to do with this subject, our relationship eventually ended. That’s when I made a fascinating discovery: I was much more attracted to women than I previously thought. Upon reentering the dating pool, I sought out women as potential partners for the first time since my transition. The question was where to find them. I tried some gay and lesbian clubs I’d heard of, but I was starting to feel a bit old for the club scene, and for some reason, very self-conscious about approaching women in that context. For that reason, most of my dating during the past several years has been initiated online through sites such as OKCupid and Match.com. Still mindful of the awkwardness of disclosure, I prominently posted in my profiles that I was a transgender woman. I would sometimes meet someone who asked what that meant and would then slip away quietly once I told them. Dating online isn’t easy. Most of my messages went unanswered. Some were answered with vehement rejections. Here’s my favorite: “I don’t date trans women and, anyways, I thought you all just liked men.” I went on a few dates, and some showed promise of a relationship, but none lasted more than a month. I did meet and date a wonderful variety of women—trans, cisgender, lesbian, bi, and pansexual women. Although it could be argued that stating up front that I was trans affected the way people saw me, I don’t regret doing it. I knew that I might attract people who just wanted me because I’m trans, but if someone was opposed to dating trans people, I would much rather know that right away. Then, one September Sunday in 2014, I received a message on OKCupid from a woman whose profile I’d looked at the day before. From her profile, I could tell she was quite attractive, had many of the same interests as I did, and was incredibly funny. I also had the impression she was highly intelligent. Her first message displayed her wit and intelligence, as did subsequent phone calls.We met in person
“IF SOMEONE WAS OPPOSED TO DATING TRANS PEOPLE, I WOULD MUCH RATHER KNOW THAT RIGHT AWAY.” about a week later and she was everything I thought she would be and more. She seemed to like me, too, and we continued to date.We have been together now for almost a year and a half, and love each other dearly.This relationship is unique in that I truly feel loved for who I am, not what I am. I was married for many years to someone who loved me despite the fact I was trans, and have been in relationships with people who seemed to want me because I was trans, but she is the only one so far who truly seems to see and love me for me. And you’d better believe I know I am fortunate to have her in my life, and that I thank the universe for her every day. To sum up: While dating is hardly ever easy for anyone, dating when trans can be even more difficult. However, I hope my story also shows that a trans person’s search for love can end happily. q TGI Network of Rhode Island is the only statewide organization providing support, advocacy, and education for the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex community (aka trans* community). Incorporated in 2011, our mission is to be a resource for TGI people navigating their lives and the medical and legal systems; to serve as a resource for professionals working with TGI people; and to serve as a liaison between the TGI and LGB communities and the community at large.Visit us at www.tginetwork.org.
Options | February 2016
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Introducing Nina Zanella Director of Development for ACOS by Christopher Dalpe We are very pleased to announce that Nina Zanella has joined AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) as the Director of Development. Nina will oversee all fundraising initiatives and revenue streams including grants, donations, and special events. Nina is a Rhode Island native, born and raised in Narragansett. She moved to Roanoke, Virginia, with her husband in May 2001 to enjoy time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the fall of 2015, Zanella and her husband decided to move back to Rhode Island to be closer to extended family. We asked her a few questions in order to introduce her to Options readers. ACOS: What would you like the Rhode Island LGBTQ community to know about you? Zanella: I have a deep passion for the LGBTQ community. One of my siblings came out right in the middle of the AIDS crisis of the early 1980s. My wonderful and loving family embraced my sibling and became staunch advocates for gay rights. Currently two members of my extended family are transitioning.Truly, this life is all about love, respect, and acceptance. I bring a genuine love of people and a passion for the ACOS mission and look forward to meeting supporters and volunteers.
management, heating assistance, and mental health and psychiatric support.ACOS also provides outreach and prevention initiatives to stop the spread of HIV, including free HIV testing, free condom distribution, and a street outreach program. There is also a speakers bureau that consists of local HIV-positive men and women who speak publicly to educate people about the disease. We are truly dependent on the support of the compassionate and generous people within the LGBTQ community to carry out our mission.We cannot do it without them! ACOS: How have you settled back into life as a Rhode Islander? Zanella: I am anxiously awaiting my husband, our two rescued dogs, and seven rescued cats [who will be] joining me. Don’t judge; I did work for the Roanoke Valley SPCA ... AIDS Care Ocean State is confident that Nina will be an excellent match for this position and a strong asset to the organization. To find ways to support AIDS Care Ocean State, contact Nina at ninaz@ aidscareos.org or call 521-3603. q AIDS Care Ocean State provides comprehensive AIDS service, supportive housing, emergency funds, and a Speakers Bureau. Located at 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. (401) 521-3603.Appointments: (401) 781-0665. www. aidscareoceanstate.org.
ACOS: What led you to a career in development? Zanella: From a very young age I knew I wanted to devote my life to serving others and contributing to the greater good. So, at first I thought I would become a nun, which is absolutely hysterical for anyone who knows me. I attended the University of Rhode Island and have been in fund development for the past 27 years. My experience includes fundraising campaigns, events, capital campaigns, grant writing, donor development, and stewardship and planned giving initiatives. I could not be more excited to devote my efforts to promoting and raising funds in support of ACOS. ACOS: How do you intend to support ACOS’ mission? Zanella: Someone recently asked me, “What does a director of development do?” And, quite honestly, I had to think about that for a minute. The role involves much more than coordinating events, writing grants, meeting with donors, and securing sponsorships. Development, at its most basic level, is about developing relationships, stewarding advocates of the cause who will, in turn, grow support for an organization. I firmly believe that each of us wants to give, whether it is through monetary support or through donations of time and talent. It’s my role to ask and make it both easy and gratifying to support ACOS. ACOS: How can the LGBTQ community support ACOS, and vice versa? Zanella: Members of the LGBTQ community in Rhode Island are some of the strongest supporters of AIDS Care Ocean State and our biggest client base. ACOS provides unparalleled and comprehensive assistance to those most affected by HIV and AIDS in Rhode Island. While we provide our clients with housing, we also provide case
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Options | February 2016
s n a i Lesb
by Annie Cronin-Silva & Melanie Silva
e s o Lo
on the
a puzzle picture of Kitty that was being showcased to the left of the stage on an easel. As the song came to a close, BB and LaDiva set the final puzzle pieces into the portrait. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. This beautiful tribute was arranged by Lysha Brock.
We have so much to look forward to in 2016! Melanie’s cousin Jaime and her fiancée Leslie will be getting married in May; our niece Taylor will graduate from high school and head off to college; Melanie turns the big 4-0 in July; and we celebrate our 15-year anniversary in November. It’s going to be a monumental, exciting, and busy year. It’s a new year and a fresh start for our social calendar.
We concluded 2015 with a farewell to a true living legend: Kitty Litter, aka Stephen Hartley. The spectacular send-off on December 20 at the Arcade and the Dark Lady in Providence was worthy of the Rhode Island icon she is. Friends, politicians, drag queens, and admirers gathered to share stories and toast the infamous drag queen who changed us all.Those gathered enjoyed a night filled with laughter, tears, and loving tributes paying homage to the self-proclaimed First Lady of Providence. As we looked around the Arcade and saw the 200+ people, we realized she is the reason for many friendships and relationships. So many of us met either at a fundraiser she was hosting or at one of the bars where she performed. She has inspired many to become more active in
Options | February 2016
the LGBTQ community. It is certain that our community—that she helped to build and continued to strengthen—will never be the same without her, and we are all better for having known her. The multitalented Charlie Hall brilliantly gifted Kitty with a painting of a wide-mouthed Kitty on canvas and asked that everyone in attendance sign it as a memento. Perhaps the greatest highlight was when Mayor Elorza presented Kitty with a Key to the City and expressed his gratitude to her for all she has done, not only for Providence, but also for the state of Rhode Island. The after-party at the Dark Lady was fit for the queen of queens, with the most notable among them performing some of Kitty’s favorite numbers as a tribute while she watched from her throne. The most poignant moment came when two of Kitty’s oldest and dearest friends, BB Hayes and LaDiva Jonz, performed “For Good” from the musical Wicked while a handful of her other friends (including us!) came up one by one to contribute a piece of
On January 10, Payton St. James and Kira Stone kicked off their first drag brunch at Milk Money in Providence. Titled “Two Wigs Over Easy,” the show was full of energy as they took turns dancing around the restaurant and making quick changes into spectacular outfits. The music choices were great and amped us up to sing along. We can’t wait to see what they do with their next drag brunch. Follow them on Facebook to see what’s in store.
Don’t miss out on all the fun. Check out the Calendar (p.8) and plan to join us for an Options Release Party where you’ll get to know the Options team. Come out, be seen, and be part of the community!q
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RI PR I D E by Kurt Bagley
JDHS PHOTOS
Rhode Island Pride is celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2016. January started off with a bang—a sold-out screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (also celebrating 40 years) with a shadow cast performance generously donated by RKO Army. Many thanks to Miss Bisexual RI 2015 Amber Guzman, who produced the event and raised $1,600 for Pride. February launches a major planning push for our 40th Anniversary PrideFest. Our annual planning retreat will take place on Saturday, February 6, from 1-5pm at the Pride office on Westminster Street.This is an opportunity for all to weigh in on the Festival. Do we go all out for our anniversary, or do we scale back in the face of rising costs and decreasing volunteers? What worked in 2015, and what didn’t? Most importantly, what theme will guide our community and keep our movement strong in the hearts and minds of our friends, neighbors, and coworkers? All applications for PrideFest are live at www.prideri. com. Fill out an entertainment application now to perform on the main stage at PrideFest; get a booth space squared away in our vendor marketplace; or get your slot reserved in the Illuminated Night Parade. The 2016 Sponsorship Packet is available to download. Why not share it with your employer, or pass it along to a company that may want to promote themselves while helping us make the 40th Anniversary PrideFest the most spectacular celebration of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community yet? Most importantly, sign up to be a volunteer! March 6 brings an outstanding lineup of women artists for our 17th Annual Goddess Show at Aurora (276 Westminster Street, Providence). Comedian Jennie McNulty is our headliner, and the show features the Mary Day Band, Jodi Jolt & the Volt, Alejandra Blaze, Complete Destruction, The Rafters, The Tropigals, and host Karen O’Donnell. For advance tickets ($20) and table reservations, go to www.prideri.com.Tickets cost $25 at the door. Mark Sunday, April 10, in your calendar for the annual Triple Crown Pageant being held at The Colosseum (180 Pine Street, Providence). General admission tickets are $20, and limited VIP and table reservations are available. Interested contestants should fill out a preliminary application by March 1 to ensure enough time to prepare.Tickets and more details can be found at www.prideri.com.q
JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPHOTOS@VERIZON.NET
Drag Entertainment and Promotion Shows featuring Rhode Island’s finest female impersonators, customized for your special event. For booking information, call 774-240-2760.
Rhode Island Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the visibility, equality, and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and provides safe space to come out, express, and celebrate all sexual identities and genders. For more information, email info@prideri.com; call (401) 4672130; or join us for a gathering in our office at 1055 Westminster Street, Floor 2, in Providence.
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Options | February 2016
APRI Expands Outreach for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day & Beyond by Christion Battey
Hourahan, APRI’s executive director. The organization offers an HIV Risk Quiz under the “Get Tested” drop-down menu on its website: www.aidsprojectri. org. APRI regularly offers free, anonymous, and rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing. Walk in to 9 Pleasant Street, Providence on Tuesdays from 4-6pm or Thursdays from 5-6:30pm; call 831-5522 ext. 3824; or email takecharge@aidsprojectri.org to schedule an appointment. We will also provide testing in the United Way 2-1-1 Outreach RV at the following sites: • 2/16: South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, 9am-noon, 747 Broad Street, Providence Gilbert Augustave, New England Tech student & APRI employee.
AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI) is partnering with National Black Leadership on AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control, the Black AIDS Institute, and other organizations to participate in National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Sunday, February 7. According to the Centers for Disease Control website, of all racial/ ethnic groups in the United States, African Americans have the most severe burden of HIV, accounting for a higher proportion of HIV infections at all stages of the disease, new infections, and deaths. The Rhode Island Department of Health reports that Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics in Rhode Island experience a disproportionate rate of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The national theme is “I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Fight HIV/ AIDS,” with a supporting theme being, “Get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated.” In observance of the day, APRI is offering special hours for free, anonymous, rapid HIV testing at 9 Pleasant Street, Providence, on Sunday, February 7, noon-3pm, on a walk-in
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basis. No blood is drawn, and results are available in 20 minutes. Anyone wishing to be tested is welcome. Testing will be available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. In addition to testing, information about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), treatments which reduce the risk of HIV infection, will be available. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which greatly weakens the immune system, increasing the opportunity for serious infections and cancers. Treatments for AIDS, and to prevent HIV from turning into AIDS, have greatly improved over the years so infected individuals receiving proper care often have normal lifespans. The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone between ages 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. “HIV testing should take place more often if you are engaging in risky behavior, such as sharing needles or engaging in unprotected sex,” said Stephen
• 2/17: Comprehensive Community Action Program, 9am11am, 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston • 2/18: Camp Street Ministries, 9am-noon, 190 Camp Street, Providence • 2/19: McAuley House, 9am11am, 622 Elmwood Avenue, Providence • 2/22: St. John the Baptist Church, 10am-noon, 69 Quincy Street, Pawtucket • 2/23: Olneyville Food Center, 9am-noon, 261 Manton Avenue, Providence • 2/24: St. Edward Food Center, 9am-noon, 1001 Branch Avenue, Providence Visit www.aidsprojectri.org for the most up-to-date Outreach RV schedule. q AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI, providing case management, various health-related services, advocacy, prevention education, and HIV and Hep-C testing. APRI’s location is 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. Call (401) 831-5522 or visit www.aidsprojectri.org for more info.
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NEWS FROM
by Sally Ann Hay
About the LGBT Café It is hard to believe that the LGBT Café will celebrate its first anniversary next month. It’s been a good year; we’ve had good turnouts for lunch and an interesting array of programs. People clearly enjoy meeting friends (new and old) and the conversation is always lively. The meals are tasty and varied, and are prepared by More Than a Meal Catering (a division of Amos House). The lunch/café program is subsidized by federal and state funds earmarked for programming aimed at older adults. This is where there has been some confusion (on our part) about who is eligible to join us. Because of the funding guidelines, the LGBT Café is open to LGBT older adults and their older friends, which is to say, people who are 60 years of age or better are welcomed and asked for a donation of $3. Disabled individuals under 60 are also eligible if they have proof of disability; they are asked to pay $6. Meanwhile, if you are eligible, do make note of the next two LGBT Cafés—February 19 and March 18 at the Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street in Cranston– and plan to join us. Reservations are crucial to ensure we have enough food for everyone, so do call Pauline (351-6700) ahead of time to reserve your seat. Spring Events SAGE-RI’s Board of Directors is busy putting the final touches on several upcoming events. “Life at the Intersection: Caring for LGBT Elders” is the title of our next training conference being held April 8. The conference will cover the complex realities of older transgender people and will look at local examples of best practices when working with LGBT adults.
Corners, or on March 4 at Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich. It’s going to be a busy spring; stay tuned for more details! Happy to Have Your Help These are exciting times at SAGE-RI, and it is easier than ever to get involved. We’d love to have your help. We are always looking for help with fundraising, event planning, identifying sponsors and programs for the LGBT Café, as well as with other tasks. Drop us a line or give us a call if you are interested.q SAGE-RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages. For information on programs or to join SAGE-RI, drop us a line at sageriinfo@gmail.com; call us at (401) 443-4451; write to us at SAGE-RI at CareLink, 1 Virginia Avenue, Suite 102, Providence, RI 02905; on the web at www.sage-ri.org, or find us on Facebook as SAGE/ Rhode Island.
“Put a Little Silver in Your Rainbow,” last year’s fundraising gala, was such fun that we are working on how to make it even more enjoyable this year. Plans are also afoot for a full-fledged membership drive. The Gen Silent Road Show continues to roll on. Catch this incredible and beautiful documentary about LGBT elders on February 14 at Amicable Congregational Church in Tiverton Four 28
Options | February 2016
don’t grow up invisible
Youth Pride Inc.
13
by Kerri Kanelos
YPI on the Road We regularly hear from youth who need our services, but they live outside of Providence and don’t have transportation to our drop-in center. Starting this spring, we are taking YPI on the road! Staff and YPI youth hope to connect with LGBTQQ youth (23 years old and under) in communities throughout Rhode Island. If you are interested in a YPI event in your area, please contact us at info@ youthprideri.org.
Thank you Hasbro, Inc.! Big thanks to the Hasbro employees who visited our drop-in center for the company’s Global Day of Joy on December 15. Volunteers decorated our space for the holidays and baked dozens of cookies for our annual youth holiday party and gift swap. Thank you for your generosity!
PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE
Seeking Committee Members Do you want to use your professional skills to help YPI? We are currently seeking new members for our committees, which include finance, marketing/communications, fund development, legislative, and a special events committee that plans our annual fundraiser. Most committees meet once a month and include tasks to complete in between meetings. For more information, please contact Kerri Kanelos at kerri@youthprideri.org. q Youth Pride Inc. provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 9-23. Our Drop-in Center is at 473 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903. Visit www.youthprideri.org, email info@youthprideri.org, or call (401) 421-5626 for more info.
Jennifer A. Minuto LGBT Legal Advocacy.
PCA is PROUD to share its new home with RI Pride and Options Magazine. Om Therapy
Clinical Therapy Services for the LGBTQQI Community
Now located at 1055 Westminster Street, Providence.
Now offering support groups, therapeutic yoga, and online services.
For appointments, call 401-272-2288. www.providencecommunityacupuncture.com
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401-497-8873 omtherapy.org Melissa@omtherapy.org
Melissa DaSilva, LICSW
Office appointments available at 1 Richmond Square, Providence.
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RESOURCES
Options originated in 1982 as the offical newsletter of the Rhode Island Gay Task Force. Editor Jos Fayette explained, “The RIGTF wants to make the homosexual community aware of their options as gay men and women in Rhode Island. And it’s only because we live, work, love, and play in this state that there are such a large number of options available to all of us.” Options has always, and will continue to print LGBTQ resources so that you can, as Fayette went on to say, “Exercise your OPTIONS today to make positive changes in your life tomorrow.” Help us help you! Email info@optionsri.org if you come across a resource listing that needs updating. New, updated, and featured resources are highlighted. Phone numbers are in the 401 area code and addresses are in Rhode Island, unless otherwise indicated.
Addiction Support Groups AA Brothers in Sobriety: Saturday 7:30pm. 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence. 751-9328. Alcohol/Drug Helpline: RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence. 24hr. (866) 252-3784. RI LGBT AA Group: Tuesdays 7 -- 8 pm Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell St., Providence, 273-5678. All are welcome. Seven Hills Behavioral Health: Addiction support services and Narcan. 1173 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, 508-
999-4159. 310 S. Main Street, Fall River, MA, 508-235-1012. Leonard Amaral, Program Manager, lamaral@sevenhills.org. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: 12-step program. Fridays at 7pm. Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope Street, Providence, side entrance, downstairs to the left. Gay, but all are welcome.
AIDS/Health Resources AFIA Center for Health & Wholeness: Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI. Free to clients. Wednesday and Thursday 12-3pm. Mathewson Street Church, 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. Contact Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 ext. 3268. info@uwri.org. www.familyserviceri.org. AIDS Action Hotline: MA only. (800) 235-2331. www.aac.org. AIDS Care Ocean State: Confidential HIV & Hep C testing, safer-sex supplies, case management, emergency funds, clinical services, assisted and supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, street outreach, ENCORE, HIV+ support groups. Speaker’s Bureau, 18 Parkis Ave., Providence. 521-3603 (call 781-0665 to schedule an appointment). www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI: Division of Family Service of RI. Case management, buddies, COBRA and dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment and referral, wellness programs, advocacy, strength training, prevention education, HIV testing. 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. 831-5522 www.aidsprojectri.org.
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AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS memorial quilt panels, panel-making programs including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people. PO Box 2591, Newport. 434-4880. admin@aidsquiltri.org. www.aidsquiltri.org. Brown University AIDS Program: Clinical trials, public policy, research, lectures, conferences, patient and community education. 121 South Main Street, Second Floor, Providence. 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu. brown.edu/Departments/BRUNAP. Community Care Alliance: Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Rhode Island. 245 Main Street, Woonsocket. 235-6092. lcohen@famresri.org. Comprehensive Community Action Programs: Medical, mental health, dental, social services, LGBT outreach. 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston. Also Coventry, Pawtucket, and Warwick. 467-9610. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case management and financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MassHealth funded for MA residents. 376 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. Contact Jenn, (508) 678-1002.
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HIV Antibody Testing: Anonymous.Free or sliding scale.RI Department of Health. Providence, Newport and other locations. 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care management for HIV/AIDS. 24hr nursing staff for treatment. 1085 North Main Street, Providence. Referrals: 782-0725. Bereavement groups: Contact John Charette, 727-7079. Main Office: 415-4200 or toll-free 800-338-6555. www.hhcri.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Road, Cumberland. 658-3992. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group: For LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems. www.caregiver.org Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor. (508) 984-7514. Partners in Learning About AIDS: Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations. North Providence office provides free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. 1006 Charles Street, Suite 5, North Providence. 484-7523. info@plaidsproject.org. www.plaidsproject.org. Planned Parenthood of So. New England: Confidential, lowcost, same-day & walk-in STD and HIV testing. Commonsense approach to health. 111 Point St., Providence. 800-230-7526. www.ppsne.org. Project Weber: Services for male sex workers. Drop-in center, support groups, HIV and Hep C testing, clean needles. 383-4888. www.projectweber.org.
Seven Hills HIV Prevention & Screening: TWIST program, HIV and STI prevention and testing,partner care.1173AcushnetAvenue, New Bedford, MA, 508-999-4159. 310 S. Main Street, Fall River, MA, 508-235-1012. Contact Leonard Amaral, lamaral@sevenhills.org. SSTAR (Stanley Street Treatment & Resources): Counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs, free and confidential HIV, HEP C, and STD testing, education, case management and support. MA and RI locations. 386 Stanley Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/HCV); (508) 324-3561. Family Healthcare Center; (508) 675-1054. www.sstar.org. Steppingstone, Inc.: Welcome Home Medical case management program. One-on-one peer support in Somerset to Wareham area. HIV support groups available. Free and open to any HIV+ person 18+. 5 Dover Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 984-7514. www.steppingstoneinc.org. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation.109 Rhode Island Road, Lakeville, MA. (508) 947-1683. www.tranquilmind.net. Thundermist Health Center: Provides HIV/AIDS services including medical care and treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment and counseling, pharmacy consultation, free and confidential HIV testing. 450 Clinton Street, Woonsocket. Contact Philip Kane. 767-4100 ext. 3516.
The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health: Education, pleasure, health, advocacy. Tues. -- Sat. 12 -- 6 and by appointment. 250 Main Street, Unit 1, Pawtucket. 489-5513. www.thecsph.org. Fenway Community Center LGBT Helpline: Support, information and referrals. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston. Open daily 6-11pm. (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-452 Foster Parents needed for newborns to age six. Visit www. chidrensfriendri.org or call Joyce, 276-4318. GLBT National Help Center Hotline: Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564.
www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org. Newport Out: LGBT website for Newport. www.newportout.com. RILGBT-News: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net. South Coast LGBTQ Network: Information & advocacy network for individuals of all ages. 774-371-0711. info@ sclgbtqnetwork.org. www.sclgbtqnetwork.org. United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 on your telephone.
Information/Education
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Nightlife The Alley Cat Providence: Downtown neighborhood bar. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 2pm2am, Sunday 2pm-1am. 19 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. Bobby’s Place: Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. SundayWednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday-Saturday 5pm-2am. 62 Weir Street,Taunton, MA. (508) 824-9997. www.bobbysplacema.com. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Providence: public/private venue for music, art, film screenings, weddings, showers, etc. RHODYWOOD@yahoo.com; 359-0192. Club Body Center: Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24hr. 257 Weybosset Street, Providence. 274-0298. www.cbcresorts.com. The Dark Lady: Downtown bar and nightclub. TuesdayThursday 9pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 9pm-3am, Sunday 9pm1am. 17 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. EGO: Providence’s newest gay nightlife performance/event space. Sunday and Thursday 9pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 10pm-3am, 73 Richmond St, Providence. 383-1208. www.egopvd.com.
Indigo Lounge: 599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry RI 02816. Breakfast buffet, specialty pizzas, T Dances, live entertainment, karaoke Thurs. Hours vary, closed Mon. www.indigopizza.com. Mirabar: Downtown bar and nightclub. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 3pm-2am, Sunday 3pm-1am. 15 Elbow Street, Providence. 331-6761. www.mirabar.com. Providence Eagle: Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. MondayThursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday-Sunday 12pm2am. 124 Snow Street, Providence. 421-1447. The Stable: Downtown video bar. No cover. Monday-Thursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-2am, Sunday 12pm1am. 125 Washington Street, Providence. 272-6950. The Village: Downtown Providence’s newest LGBT owned and operated restaurant and live entertainment venue. Lunch & dinner Wednesday through Sunday for varying hours. 373 Richmond St. 228-7222, www.thevillageri.com
Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220, Providence. 831-7171. riaclu.org. Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTQ human rights. (212) 807-8400. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com. www.amnestyusa.org. Brown University Queer Alliance: Student advocacy and support organization. queer@brown.edu. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/ HIV legal info hotline. Weekdays 1:30-4:30pm. 30 Winter Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA. (617) 436-1350 or (800) 455-GLAD. gladlaw@glad.org www.GLAD.org. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500, NY. (212) 809-8585. www.lambdalegal.org. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for LGBT causes. lawyersforequality@gmail.com. National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues. info@nlgja.org, www.nlgja.org.
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The Next Thing (TNT): Political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. 863-3062. tnt@brown.edu. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: Hate crime awareness training program. www.hatecrimeri.org. RI Socialist Action: 952-5385, adgagneri@gmail.com. Spanish: 351-3514, walsil@cox.net. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. 180 Westminster Street, 3rd floor, Providence. 222-2662 TTY: 222-2664, richr.ri.gov. Scouts for Equality: An organization composed largely of Boy Scouts of America alumni dedicated to ending the BSA’s ban on gay members and leaders. Contact Carol Crowther. ccrowther1@gmail.com. Facebook.com/riscoutsforequality. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Serving LGBT military personnel and veterans. PO Box 65301, Washington DC. (202) 328-3244. or (800) 538-7418. sldn@sldn.org. www.sldn.org.
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Religious & Spiritual All Saints Memorial Church: 674Westminster Street, Providence. 751-1747. asmcri@verizon.net. www.allsaintsmemorial.org. Amicable Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Pastor William Sterrett. Sunday 10am. 3736 Main Road, Tiverton. 624-4611. amicablechurch@aol.com, www.amicablechurch.org. Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists: robin@awab.org, www.awab.org. Barrington Congregational Church: UCC. “The white church.” Sundays 10am. 461 County Road, Barrington. 246-0111. office@bccucc.org, www.bccucc.org. Bell Street Chapel: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Rev. Margaret Weis. Sundays 10am. 5 Bell Street, Providence. 273-5678. www.bellstreetchapel.org. Beneficent Congregational Church: UCC. An Open & Affirming congregation in the heart of Providence. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman. Sundays 10am. 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. 331-9844. BeneficentChurchUCC@gmail.com, www.beneficentchurch.org. Berean Baptist Church: A safe and welcoming place for all God’s children. Sunday 10am. 474 Chapel Street, Harrisville. 568-5411. bereanbaptist@verizon.net. www.bereanri.org. Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown: LGBTQ early dementia support group. Contact Amy. Sundays 10:30am. 200 Turner Road, Middletown. 847-6181, www.middletownmethodist.com. Central Congregational Church: UCC.An Opening & Affirming Congregation. Sundays 10:30am. 296 Angell Street, Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Sundays 10am. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643. administrator@channingchurch.org. www.channingchurch.org. Charter Oak Grove ADF: An Open and Welcoming Congregation of Neo-pagan Druids in CT. charteroakadf@gmail. com, www.charteroakadf.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale: Episcopal. 1643 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln. Services 8am and 10:30am. 725-1920. office@christchurchlincoln.org. www.christchurchlincoln.org. Church of the Ascension, 390 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI 02910. Sundays at 10am. 461-5811. www.ascensioncranston.org. Church of the Epiphany: A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal
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congregation. 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. 434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org. Church of the Holy Paraclete: Independent Old Catholic. Fr. Jakob Lazarus. Sunday 9am and 6pm. 155 Douglas Avenue, Providence. 218-0706. www.holyparaclete.org. Church of the Redeemer, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 655 Hope St., Providence. www.redeemerprovidence.org. office@ redeemerprovidence.org. Rev. Patrick Campbell, 331-0678. Edgewood Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Service 10am. 1788 Broad Street, Cranston. 461-1344. office@edgewoodchurchri.org. www.edgewoodchurchri.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. 658-1506. office@emmanuelri.org. www.emmanuelri.org. First Congregational Church in Bristol: An Open and Affirming Congregation. Skip Macaulay, Interim Pastor. 281 High Street, Bristol. 253-7288. www.fccbristol.org. First Unitarian Church: A welcoming congregation. Sunday 10:30am. 1 Benevolent Street, Providence. 421-7970. admin@firstunitarianprov.org, www.firstunitarianprov.org. First Unitarian Church: Service 11am. 71 8th Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-9686. admin@uunewbedford.org, www.uunewbedford.org. First Universalist Society: UU. Welcoming congregation. Samegender weddings. 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA. (508) 5285348. fusf@verizon.net, www.fusf.org. Foxboro Universalist Church: UUA. Service 10am. 6 Bird Street, Foxboro, MA. 508-543-4002. chair@uufoxborough.org. www.uufoxborough.org. Grace Episcopal Church in Providence: 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. hello@gracechurchprovidence.org. www.gracechurchprovidence.org. Hopedale Unitarian Parish: Sundays 10:30 am. 65 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA. www.hopedaleunitarian.org, 508-473-0745. Rev. Tony Lorenzen. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation. Pastor Sandra Demmler D’Amico. 647 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2898. www.immanuellc.org. Interweave at Channing Memorial UU Church: Organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons, and their allies, confronting oppression. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643.
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Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd: A “Reconciling in Christ” congregation (Welcoming). 3383 Old North Rd., Kingston, RI. Sundays 9 am. Pastor Mary Hansen-Joyce. 789-7776; office@ goodshepherdri.org Mathewson St. Church: United Methodist. 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-8900. MathewsonStUMC@gmail.com. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. mercycomm@yahoo.com, www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church: Marriage and commitment ceremonies for all. Rev. Bob McKetchnie. 505 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org. Newman Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 434-4742. www.newmanucc.org. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Rev. Hayes and Rev. Baker. 73 Pelham Street, Newport. 849-2238. Park Place Congregational Church: 71 Park Place, Pawtucket. 726-2800. office@ppucc.necoxmail.com, www.parkplaceucc.com. The Pub Church: An Open & Affirming church that meets in a pub. Location may change. Saturday 5pm. The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. thepubchurch@gmail.com. Pilgrim Lutheran Church: An inclusive congregation. Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 1817 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. 739-2937. parishasst@pilgrimlutheranri.org, pilgrimlutheranri.jimdo.com. Pilgrim United Church of Christ: Open and Affirming. 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)-997-9086. Riverside Church: UCC.15 Oak Avenue, Riverside. Service 10am. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com. St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 15 Lower College Road, Kingston. 783-2153. Sundays 8am and 10am. StAugustinesChurch@necoxmail.com, www.staugustineuri.org. St. James Church: Episcopal. 474 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 10am. 50 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 751-2141. StMartinsNB.Secretary@gmail. com, www.stmartinsprov.org. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Welcoming Church. Monthly LGBT Eucharist. 136 Rivet Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)994-8972. stmartins1887@comcast.com, www.stmartinsma.org. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 9am.50 Park Place,Pawtucket. 728-4300. office@stpaulspawtucket.org, www.stpaulspawtucket.org. St. Paul’s Church: A welcoming Episcopal church. Sundays 9am.
2679 East Main Street, Portsmouth. 683-1164. stpaulsportsmouthri.org. St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Avenue, Providence. 272-9649.stpanda25@verizon.net. www.stpeters-standrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church: Open & Affirming. Fr. David Martins. Sunday 10:30am. 1500 Main St., W. Warwick, RI 02893. 680-9076. stocc134@gmail.com, www.saintthereseocc.org. Second Congregational Church of Attleboro: UCC. Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday 10am. (508) 2224677. office2nd@verizon.net. www.attleborosecondchurch.org. Seekonk Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. Sundays 9 and 10:30am. Rev. Joy Utter, 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. (508) 336-9355. sccucc@verizon.net. www.scc-ucc.com. Soka Gakkai: Buddhist association for peace, culture, and education. Contact for weekly meetings in Providence. 930 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. (617) 264-2000. www.sgi-usa.org. Temple Agudas Achim: Reconstructionist congregation. 901 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243. office@agudasma.org, www.agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 331-6070. info@temple-beth-el.org, www.temple-beth-el.org. Temple Emanu-El: A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin. 99 Taft Avenue, Providence. 331-1616. info@teprov.org, www.teprov.org. Temple Habonim: A warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. 2456536. office@templehabonim.org, www.templehabonim.org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform temple. Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser, 30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston. 942-8350. webmaster@templesinairi.org, www.templesinairi.org. Unitarian Church in Fall River: Sunday 10:30am. 309 North Main Street, Fall River, MA. 508-678-9700. office@unitarianchurchfr.org, www.unitarianchurchfr.org. Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven: Service 10:30am. 102 Green Street, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 992-7081. www. uufairhaven.org. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County: 27 North Road, Peace Dale. 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. uucscri@ yahoo.com. www.uusouthcountyri.org. Westminster Unitarian Universalist Church: A UUA Welcoming Congregation. 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich. 884-5933. www.westminsteruu.org.
Social Organizations Bear Providence: Monthly social events for the bear community. www.bearprovidence.com Bisexual Resource Center: PO Box 170796, Boston, MA. (617) 4249595. brc@bicresource.net www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-gender social events for Boston and the surrounding area. (617) 424-9595. biversity-subscribe@biversity.org, www.biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman Quarterly.” www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bearidentified and affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA): 56 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA. (508) 778-7744. info@cisgsya.org, www.cigsya.org. Communisong: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.communisong.net. CORISMA: Potluck get-togethers for couples from RI and southeast MA.
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corismainfo@comcast.net, www.corismagroup.org. Gay Men’s Social Group: First Tuesdays, 6 -- 9pm, Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1177 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA. Refreshments. Info: Lenny Amaral, 508-999-4159 or lamaral@sevenhills.org. Imperial Court of RI at Providence: Drag and non-drag performers raise funds for local charities. All welcome to general membership meetings on first Monday at Dark Lady, 17 Snow Street, Providence. icri.prov@gmail.com. www.icriprov.org. Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more. Monthly meetings, all welcome. Mixedborders@cox.net. www.mixedborders.com. Opera Club: Enjoy hearing and attending. Last Sunday of each month at 1pm. BrettCornellpi4@aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and non-singing volunteers welcome. Monday 7-9:30pm. Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. www.provgmc.org. Queer Book Club: 3rd Wednesday, 7pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence, queerbookclub@gmail.com.
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RI Association of Gay Professionals: Networking and philanthropy. www.riagp.com. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie. 464-2288. saphicangel120@yahoo.com. RI Pride: Open house 4th Wednesdays. Festival & Parade 3rd Saturday in June. Office: 1055 Westminster St., Providence 02903. Mail: PO Box 1082, Providence, 02903. 467-2130. info@prideri.com, www.prideri.com. RI Prime Timers: Social and networking group for older gay and bi men. Second Sunday. Call Steve, 996-3010. www.riprimetimers.org. RI Skeptics Society: Yearning to talk with someone rational? Refreshing discussion. Fourth Saturday. East Providence restaurant location. www.meetup.com/skeptics-133/. RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group. 21+. Dances & events. www.riwa.net.
SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Advocacy, education and social events for LGBT seniors. SAGE-RI at CareLink, 1 Virginia Ave., Providence, RI 02905. 443-4451. sageriinfo@gmail. com. www.sage-ri.org. SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of southeastern MA & RI to foster strong friendships. Semassmen-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com. rlevass@yahoo.com. Smart Monkey Gay Men’s Support Group. Meets twice monthly in Cranston to learn about integrity, intimacy and male roles. Write Paul (ctripaul@yahoo.com) or Steve (43dadzone@ gmail.com). South Coast Social Club for Gay & Bisexual Men: Social and networking opportunities for gay & bisexual men in S.E. Mass. www. southeastsocialclub.com. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for GLBT vintage and specialty car enthusiasts. www.yankeelcc.com.
Sports & Recreation PrideSports Boston: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area. www.pridesportsboston.com. Boston Gay BASKETBALL League: ksg.bgbl@gmail.com, www.bgbl.com. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin BOWLING League: Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Tuesday 6:30pm. 1463 Atwood Avenue, Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. Contact Frank Ferri. 831-6940.www.bgalbowling. com. www.townhalllanes.com. GALA Bowling League: Sundays 5:50 p.m., E. Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Ave., E. Providence. Season begins Aug. 30. View us on Facebook or email galabowling1990@gmail.com. FLAG (For Lesbians And Gays) FOOTBALL: Boston-based recreational football club. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Saturday mornings in the fall and spring. www.flagflagfootball.com. Boston Pride HOCKEY: www.bostonpridehockey.org. Rondeaus KICKBOXING: 272-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com. Main Street MARTIAL ARTS: Non-profit. Welcoming dojo and community center. 1282 North Main Street, Providence. 274-7672.www.mainstma.org. Chiltern Mountain Club: OUTDOOR recreation club in New England. events@chiltern.org. www.chiltern.org. Boston Gay ROWERS: Worldwide online community for gay and lesbian rowers, coxies, coaches, and race officials. www.glrf.org. Boston Ironsides RUGBY Football: www.bostonironsides.org. Providence Women’s RUGBY Club: Competitive and recreational. www.providencerugby.com Frontrunners Rhode Island RUNNING Group: Running and walking group. Newcomers welcome. Meet at the end of Blackstone
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Boulevard at Hope Street, Providence.Thursday 6pm. Contact Brian. 751-7643. bripm@cox.net, frontrunnersri@gmail.com Frontrunners Boston RUNNING Group: Morning walk/ run along the Charles River. Saturdays,10am. Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. www.frontrunnersboston.org. OutRyders SKIING: New England’s largest gay and lesbian ski and snowboard club. www.outryders.org. Boston Strikers SOCCER Club: Non-profit social organization to learn and improve soccer skills in a relaxed, congenial environment. www.bostonstrikers.com. Renaissance City SOFTBALL League: New players and boosters always welcome. www.providencesoftball.org. Beantown SOFTBALL League: Friendly competition. 27 teams in four divisions of play: competitive, intermediate, and recreational. (617) 297-7490. www.beantownsoftball.com. LANES (Liquid Assets New England SWIMMING): Fitness and/or competition. (617) 937-5858. www.swim-lanes.org. TENNIS-4-All: Boston area tennis organization. www.tennis4all.org. Cambridge Boston VOLLEYBALL Association: Players of all skill levels welcome. secretary@cbvolleyball.net www.gayvolleyball.net. Ocean State Pride VOLLEYBALL League: Adult coed indoor league following USVBA rules. No try-outs. Fee applies. Kent County YMCA, 900 Centerville Road, Warwick. ospvolleyball@gmail.com. East Coast WRESTLING Club: (617)937.5858 x6. ecwc@juno.com. www.eastcoastwrestlingclub.org.
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Students & Youth Bristol Community College The Lambda Connection: (TLC@ BCC) Robert Delaleu, Advisor; BCC-G118, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA (774)357-4056. Brown University Queer Alliance: Umbrella organization at Brown University for LGBTQ groups. 863-3062. queer@brown. edu or lgbtq@brown.edu. CCRI Triangle Alliance: an LGBTQQ student-run group at CCRI, on the Flanagan, Liston, and Knight campuses. www.ccri.edu/triangle/. LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743. Private oneto-one chat and info on local resources. Peer Listening Line: Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth. Support, info and referrals. 5-10pm. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA. (617) 267-9001 or (800) 399-PEER. www. fenwayhealth.org. Salve Regina University – The Alliance: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport. Contact: Benjamin Mead, benjamin.mead@ salve.edu
S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence. 865-1631. shepard@providence.edu. The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. (866)4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). thetrevorproject.org. University of RI LGBTIQ2: Alumni association. 874-5808. gsimonelli@uri.edu. URI LGBTQ Center: A cultural department for students, faculty and staff. Florence Badejo. 874-2894. Youth Pride Inc.: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13--23. Tues. -- Fri. 2 -- 8pm. The Way Out peer support group Thurs. 4pm. Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 4pm. Visit our website for full calendar of events. 743 Westminster St., Providence. 421-5626. info@youthprideri.org. www.youthprideri.org.
Support Groups & Social Services Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline: (617) 742-4911. TTY: (617) 227-4911. advocate@tnlr.org. Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help. Jewish Family Service, 959 North Main Street, Providence. Contact Betsy Alper. 331-5437. www.adoptionoptions.org. Child & Family Services: Counseling, young parent support, adoption, more. LGBT groups beginning July. Open six days. 66 Troy St., Fall River, MA. (508) 6765708. www.child-familyservices.org Community Care Alliance: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 2356095. www.famresri.org. Foster parents needed: For newborn to age six. 2764300. www.childrensfriendri.org. Family Service RI: Training,stipend,support provided for nurturing families. Family Service of RI. Contact Gregary Wright. 331-1350 ext. 3305. www.familyserviceri.org. Seven Hills Behavioral Health: HIV Prevention and Screening. 310 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 235-1012.T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: Offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. www.bvadvocacycenter.org. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group. Boston first Thursday 7-9pm. compassftm@gmail.com. www.compassftm.org. 36
Crossroads RI Hotline: (800) 367-2700. DayOne:Counseling&legalaidforvictimsofsexualassault/ abuse & incest. 24hr hotline. (800) 494-8100. 421-4100. www.dayoneri.org. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling relationships. 24hr free and confidential helpline. 7823990 or toll free 800-494-8100, www.dvrcsc.org. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: Support. 738 Main St. #323, Waltham, MA. (781) 333-8429. info@ gayfathersboston.org, www.gayfathersboston.org. Gay Men’s HIV+ Social Group: Third Tuesdays, 6 -9pm. Refreshments. Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1177 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA. Info: Lenny Amaral, 508-999-4159 or email lamaral@sevenhills.org. Gay Officers Action League (GOAL)/New England: Law enforcement officers (sworn & civilian), fire, rescue & publicly employed EMS. Confidential. P.O. Box 171587, Boston, MA 02117. www.newenglandgoal. org. On Facebook at NewEnglandGOAL. Gay Share: Coming Out? Gay men’s support group. No fee. Wednesday 7:30pm. Contact Tom or Mike. 3699448. info@gayshare.org, www.gayshare.org. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline and social networks for crisis and suicide prevention. 24/7. (866) 4-U-Trevor. Options | February 2016
HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group: Refreshments served. AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. 5213603. New members contact Scott. 640-3108. Kathys’ Group: Free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Partners and caregivers welcome. Meets monthly in Providence. 888-5KATHYS. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Socializing and discussions for gay, bi and curious men. Confidential. Drug and alcohol-free. 18+.Thursdays in Taunton and first Tuesdays in New Bedford. 7-8:30pm. mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com. MentalHelp.net: National directory of inpatient treatment options for those with substance abuse problems. www. mentalhelp.net/care/substance-abuse/ri/ Partner Support Group at Fenway Health: A ten-week support group with the purpose of building community and connections for anyone who identifies as non-trans, ages 18+, and is in a relationship with a trans* person(s). 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. Contact Sarah Eley, LICSW. 857-313-6551. seley@fenwayhealth.org. PFLAG (Parents, & Friends of Lesbians & Gays): Attleboro Chapter serves Southeast Mass. Third Wednesday 6:45 p.m., Second Congregational Church, 50 Park St. (side door). email pflagattleboro@gmail.com. Greater Providence Chapter serves all R.I. First Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571. PFLAGprovidence@gmail.com. www. pflagprovidence.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24hr helpline: (800) 494-8100. 467-9940. RI Rainbow Support Group: For people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Last Tuesday. 98 Rolfe Street, Cranston. 6-7:30pm. Contact Ken Renaud. 785-2100. Samaritans: 24hr hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044. 272-4044 (RI only). www. samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, bilingual (Spanish). No caller ID used. Calls blocked for safety. 861-6191 ext. 121. Sojourner House: Call for confidential support group. Support, shelter, advocacy and information for people in abusive relationships. Including specific LGBT services. No caller ID used. Outgoing calls blocked for safety. 24hr helpline. 765-3232. 8616191. www.sojournerri.org Straight Spouses: Groups and online support. www. straightspouse.org. TGI Network of RI: Support, advocacy for transgender, transsexual, gender-variant and/or intersex people. Borderlands peer group 1st & 3d Tues. and 1st & 3d Sat. of the month. Location & information: 441-5058. info@tginetwork.org. www. tginetwork.org. Trans* Partners New England: Gives romantic partners of transgender people a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships,
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and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people. First Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm. Providence. Location unpublished for privacy. partners@tginetwork.org. Trans* Youth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. info@imatyfa.org, www.imatyfa. org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www. tavausa.org. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties: Offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263. www.wrcnbc.org. q
Options is seeking a Calendar Editor and an Ad Manager. Write to info@optionsri.org to learn more. We’d love for YOU to join the team!
Nathan J. Reynolds 508-837-3972 nathan@insperiors.com www.insperiors.com
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Worth a Look by The Lit Chick
Run Jenny’s music is polished and smooth, like an aged liquor, the product of the years the band has spent together. What’s their secret sauce? “I’d like to say it’s communication,” quips lead singer and band manager Denise Troy, “but it’s whiskey.” The recent alter ego of longtime cover band Sister Funk, Run Jenny has wasted no time raking in awards since its debut in 2014. After winning Connecticut Music Award nominations for Best Rock and Best New Band, and an OutMusic Award nomination for Best Country Song, and playing in the Local Live finals at Mohegan Sun, the rocking quintet is in the running for the New England Music Awards’ Best Band in CT. Run Jenny is a natural evolution of Sister Funk.“We started developing songs that sounded more like us--more funky and edgy,” says bassist Row Clawson.
The group’s debut album, Therapy Sessions, plays like the soundtrack at your favorite dive bar, and onstage, brags drummer Kathy Steahle, “We kick ass.” Says lead guitarist Kathy Auburn, “The energy from the people and the energy you get from the interaction—it’s electric.” It’s clear their fans agree. Adds Tina “Peepa” Jean, vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and sax player, “The best thing is to connect people and to be able to affect them emotionally through song.” Download Therapy Sessions on iTunes and visit the band online at www.runjenny.com and www. sisterfunk.com for an updated tour schedule. If you like what you hear, cast your vote for Run Jenny in the New England Music Awards online at www. nemusicawards.com.
“I’ve only liked a handful of people in my life,” says Lili Elbe’s childhood friend Hans in The Danish Girl, “and you’ve been two of them.” The award-winning film tells the story of celebrated Danish painter Einar Wegener, who famously transitioned to Lili Elbe in the 1920s. The movie is a loose portrayal of Wegener’s family life and transition, as told in the bestselling novel by David Ebershoff. My lady took me to see the film on a recent date night, and although I’m not the sappy sort, I have to say I enjoyed this love story. The acting in this movie is superb. Eddie Redmayne is up for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Wegener/ Elbe, but the runaway performance was by Alicia Vikander, who plays Wegener’s plucky yet intensely tortured wife Gerda, who stands by Elbe throughout her transition and was a celebrated artist in her own right. Vikander has also been nominated for an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress) for her performance. Elbe was also one of the first transgender women to receive gender confirmation surgery, and the film dips into what medicine was like at the time. The medical and psychotherapy scenes are difficult to watch and reminded me of how far medicine has come, even if it still has a ways to go. The Danish Girl is worth a look for art film fans.The film is playing in theaters through February and will be available on Redbox DVD and Amazon beginning March 1. For more of Elbe’s story, look to the book Man into Woman, which is based on her personal writings.
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Caseworker Ryan Berg’s new book, No House to Call My Home: Love, Family, and Other Transgressions, is a devastating exposé of the child welfare system. The book details what he learned during his time as a supervisor in foster care group homes for LGBTQ teens and young adults in New York City. Berg pulls no punches, shining a spotlight on the largest percentage of homeless youth in America--LGBTQ teens of color--and making the statistics personal. “When 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ yet make up only 8 percent of the population, it’s clear the greatest struggles the queer community faces are not all oriented around marriage,” writes Berg. These are the stories that never make the covers of magazines. Stories of teens like Montana, a lesbian whose mother is too poor and mentally ill to care for her; Bella, a transgender girl abandoned by her drug-addicted mother; and Benny, a gay teen who spends all of his money on chat lines, picking up older men in the hopes of finding love. All resort to endless cycles of self-destruction—drugs, prostitution — while trying to win with a deck that’s been stacked against them. Berg ends the book with a listing of resources for LGBTQ young adults in each state and describes a program in his current home of Minneapolis that may offer an alternative for the future. No House to Call My Home is one of the most heart-wrenching books I’ve read, and I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the foster care system and its treatment of youths in transition to adulthood. Hopefully, it will lead to enough anger and resolve to make lasting changes in a system that has failed millions.q
Options | February 2016
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