Options Magazine-January 2017 by Options Magazine

options January 2017

EXPLORE THE

ARTS THIS WINTER

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THIS JANUARY

LULU’S OUTLOOK ON WINTER FASHIONS

Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Community Magazine Since 1982

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In This Issue:

Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982. January 2017, Vol.XXXV, Issue 9

Out on the Town: Holiday Edition p. 18

Bettering You to Better the World p. 12

Adoption RI: A Village Comes Together

Exploring The Arts During Winter

p. 16

p. 26

4 Publisher’s Note

18 Out on the Town: Holiday Edition

6 From the Editor

22 Gay Mens Chorus

6 Poetry by Felicia Nimue

25 Transosaurus Rex

8 News Briefs

26 Exploring The Arts During Winter

10 Calendar

28 Lulu’s Winter Outlook and Style

12 Bettering You to Better the World 30 TGI Network 15 AIDS Care Ocean State: Gratitude 31 AIDS Walk for Life 2017 16 Adoption RI: A Village

32 Resources

Comes Together

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 volunteers or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must include a phone number or email address. Names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar, or resource listings for the February 2017 issue must be delivered by January 18.

Options | January 2017

Publisher Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Interim Editor in Chief Brendan Chipley Roane editor@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays Calendar Editor Jen Stevens Copy Editors Rex LeBeau, Kyle McKendall, Joseph Morra, Christine Pavao, Myra Shays, Jen Stevens Graphic Design Theresa “Reese” Barzyk Contributors Felicia Nimue Ackerman, Christion Battey, Adam Brooks, Will Demers, Jennifer Foster, Bradford Greer, Ethan Huckel, Rex LeBeau, Lulu Locks, George Marley, Nicole Nelson, Jen Stevens, Wright Monicas Photographers Jen Bonin, Jack Hartwein-Sanchez, Lulu Locks Finance Director Will Menihan billing@optionsri.org Subscription Manager Francis Ryan frank@optionsri.org Distribution distribution@optionsri.org Advertising advertising@optionsri.org

From the Publisher Dear Reader,

Catherine Lund, DVM Sarah Mercurio, DVM

As you prepare for the year ahead by making a list of resolutions and outlining personal and professional goals, know that the team behind Options is working hard to ensure that the organization thrives in 2017. In the year ahead, we’re committed to: • Enriching the lives of LGBTQ community members by continuing to provide the highest quality resources, news, and editorial content. • Celebrating the organization’s 35th year of publishing Options by reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, and outline a plan on what work remains. We’re in the early stages of planning events throughout 2017 to celebrate this milestone. • Providing opportunity for dialogue within our pages. Contributions to the publication are welcomed and encouraged. Have something to say? Email editor@optionsri.org. As you make your list of resolutions and goals for 2017, I ask you to consider how Options can be included. • Do you own a business or know someone who does? Advertise in Options! Prices are as low as $90 per month and your ad will be published in 5,000 copies of each issue. Your investment in advertising will help grow your business and keeps us in print. • Are you on our mailing list? Are your friends and family? If not, subscribe today for free! By joining our mailing list you’ll ensure that each issue of Options arrives directly in your mailbox. Visit www.optionsri.org to subscribe. • Volunteer with us! There are many ways to support Options by donating your time. If you enjoy writing, consider contributing a story. If you are a stickler for proper comma usage, considering editing with our team. If you enjoy attending events, take comfort in administrative work, or want to contribute ideas in planning meetings, we’ve got a role for you!

Catherine Lund, DVM (401) 831-MEOW (401) 831-6369 Sarah Mercurio, DVM fax (401) 831-3964

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Options | January 2017

From the Editor Dear Reader, Over the past few months we’ve published profiles of influential community members, stories highlighting community happenings all over the state, news, and many thoughts and viewpoints on the recent presidential election. While it’s imperative that we utilize our pages for this heavy reflection, I wanted be sure that the first issue of 2017 provided a fresh start to the new year, filled with optimism and positive thoughts on our community. In this issue, we focus on the winter season that is upon us and it’s a perfect time to look back on the holiday season that has passed. We feature a special holiday edition of Out on the Town with photos highlighting December’s many toy drives and events. Bradford Greer profiles the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus and shares his thoughts on their Naughty or Nice holiday concert. Thank you to Jen Bonin and Jack HartweinSanchez for their incredible photos of these events. One of our newest contributing writers, Nicole Nelson, provides her thoughts on creating resolutions to better yourself to better the world. Will Demers shares his thoughts on how you can explore the arts through reading, cooking, movies, and music this winter at home and throughout the state. We also highlight the talented Lulu Locks, who beautifully graces this month’s cover and gives us her outlook on winter fashion and style. After a couple months of political craziness, weird outcomes, and unexpected results, I hope you’ll let this month’s issue keep your mind at ease, inspire you to try new things for the new year, and take some time to relax and unwind. While this is my last issue as interim editor-in-chief, I look forward to spending 2017 by investing my time and energy while volunteering for Options as a board member to grow the organization. I hope to see you around the office, out on the town, and supporting Options throughout 2017!

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Options | January 2017

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NEWS BRIEFS

Massachusetts Churches Withdraw Lawsuits Against Anti-Discrimination Law Four Massachusetts churches have withdrawn their lawsuits against members of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and Attorney General Maura Healey in regard to a Massachusetts transgender anti-discrimination law that was passed in July. The lawsuit arose when representatives of the church felt that that the new antidiscrimination policy would require them to allow transgender individuals to use the restrooms and changing facilities in correspondence with their gender identity, which they felt would violate their religious freedom. They erroneously believed that the new law would require them to accommodate trans people in their community outreach programs, worship services, and Sunday school classes. Attorney General Healey clarified that the law only applies to churches that are holding secular events that are open to the general public. The churches that were involved in the lawsuit -Horizon Christian Fellowship in Fitchburg, Abundant Life Church in Swansea, House of Destiny Ministries in Southbridge, and Faith Christian Fellowship in Haverhill - were satisfied with the clarification and dropped their lawsuit

by Adam Brooks

East Greenwich School Committee Passes Transgender Non-Discrimination Policy After months of hard work and rewriting, the East Greenwich school committee finally passed a transgender non-discrimination policy last month. The policy seeks to ensure a student’s comfor t and safety before, during, and after transitioning to the gender with which they identify. The committee read through the first draft of this policy in July and the second draft was reviewed in August. They considered whether or not information should be kept from the parents of transgender students. Chair of the policy committee, Matt Plain, questioned, “When there is a student that a district employee perceives as coming to them with information that they anticipate will stay confidential, what do we do?” In order to address the confidentiality issue, the committee added stipulations to the policy that states “prior to notification of any parent/guardian regarding information outlined above, district personnel should assess the degree to which, if any, the parent/guardian will be involved in the process and must consider the health, well-being, and safety of the transitioning student.” The policy, while pretty standard to other anti-discrimination policies in almost all respects, is a huge step for Rhode Island public schools.

Rex Tillerson’s Anti-LGBT, Pro-Russia History Comes Into Question The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the Council for Global Equality, and OutRight Action International have expressed concerns over Rex Tillerson’s nomination for Secretary of State. Additionally, Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline and Senator John McCain have questioned Trump’s decision as well. The ExxonMobil CEO has been said to have strong ties to Russia. A government-owned Russian television station even reported last month that Putin and other Russian representatives have “good business relationships” with Tillerson. Furthermore, the HRC, which ranks corporations on their treatment of LGBTQ employees, has given Exxon consistently poor rankings. As the CEO, much of the responsibility for those low rankings falls on Tillerson’s shoulders. Rex Tillerson’s nomination raises critical questions as to how a Trump administration plans to protect LGBTQ employees and contractors affiliated with the State Department, and ultimately whether it will continue American efforts to advance equality through U.S. foreign policy,” HRC president Chad Griffin said in a statement. In 2015, ExxonMobil implemented several anti-discrimination policies, but only after President Obama’s 2014 executive order requiring federal contractors to protect LGBTQ workers against discrimination.

Options | January 2017

Call For LGBT Public Figures to Take a Stance Intensifies

Queer Providence Youth Organization’s Office Vandalized

Last month, pop star, Troye Sivan won two ARIA awards and dedicated one to “every LGBT kid in Australia. Around that time, 13-year old Tyrone Unswor th, of Brisbane Australia, committed suicide after years of bullying. Unswor th, called derogatory names from the time he began school and even sent to the hospital by some of his tormentors, is the kind of person that Sivan has been attempting to reach out to with his music and his message. Unswor th’s death has seen the reemergence of the debate over the Safe Schools policy that Australia has been trying to implement in schools across their nation. While Sivan was accepting his award in Australia, President Barack Obama was awarding Ellen Degeneres the Presidential Medal of Honor and speaking about the power and necessity of gay public figures. “It’s easy to forget now, when we’ve come so far, where now marriage is equal under the law, just how much courage was required for Ellen to come out on the most public of stages almost 20 years ago,” Obama said. “Just how impor tant it was not just for the LGBT community, but for all of us to see somebody so full of kindness and light, remind us that we have more in common than we realize, push our country in the direction of justice.” We have come a long way, but now the pressure is on for celebrities to start, and in many cases, continue, to fight towards the cause. We need more people like Sivan and Ellen to help reach out to the Tyrone Unswor ths of the world. With Donald Trump’s presidency looming ahead of us, bigotry and hate seems to be on the cusp of becoming normal, so now is the time to push back by reaching out to the community so that no one has to fight alone.

Last month the Providence Youth Student Movement’s (PrYSM) staff entered their office space to find it ransacked with “furniture, office supplies, and eating utensils… arranged in meticulously unsettling ways; file cabinet doors and desk drawers… all left open.” The group says they found a nylon rope hanging from the ceiling, tied into a noose, and knives stabbed into the center of the table in the community room. PrYSM members decided not to go to the police with this incident. They are a community-based organization whose mission is to mobilize young queer people of color and South East Asian descent to organize collectively for social justice. Last summer PrYSM was named the honorary marshals of the 2016 Providence Pride parade but rejected it and boycotted Pride due to the fact that they didn’t believe there should be a an increased police presence at the event following the Orlando massacre. Even without notifying the police about the possible break-in of their space, PrYSM is taking this matter very seriously. “At this moment, many of our suppor ters have encouraged us to secure our space by installing cameras and an alarm system. We take this decision seriously, as heightened security measures undermine our principle of decreasing surveillance of already heavily policed groups. At the same time, the physical and emotional safety of youth and other communities who use our space is a priority. Frankly, this is a discussion that cuts to the core of what many other community organizations are grappling with: maintaining safe spaces in an era of heightened state surveillance we would love to open up this discussion to the Providence community,” the group said in a statement on their website (http://www.prysm.us/).q

Options | January 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY

Wed. 4 SalsaConSoul by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-1am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No partner needed. $15 cover, includes lessons. $10 after 10pm. For more info, facebook.com/ SalsaConSoul. Fri. 6 Dyke Night, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Lounge and DJ dance party for dykes and their friends. Donations suggested. For more info, www.auroraprovidence. com.

Street, Providence. Reading: Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Thu. 19 Options Editorial Planning Meeting. 6-8pm. Bravo Brasserie, 2nd Fl., 123 Empire St, Providence. Join the Options team as we discuss the 2017 editorial calendar. We’ll identify and prioritize topics for upcoming issues value the community’s input on these topics. Free. Cash bar and a dinner menu are available. For for information, visit www.optionsri.org.

Sun. 15 Interweave Potluck Dinner and Programming, 5:30-8pm. Parish Hall of Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham Street, Newport. Interweave is a group for LGBTQ people and allies. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Rex at 595-9068 or rex88296@yahoo.com. Wed. 18 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell

Wed. 25 - Sun. 29 First Event. An annual renowned trans-centered conference. Best Western Royal Play Hotel, Marlboro, MA. Professional training program, 1/26; counselor/ social worker program and general program 1/25 - 1/28; youth/family program 1/28 - 1/29. For information and registration, visit www.firstevent. org.

FEBRUARY

Wed. 1 RI Pride Events Committee Meeting, 7pm. All are welcome to plan upcoming events, like the Goddess Show and Triple Crown Pageant, to benefit RI Pride. Email info@prideri. com for more information.

Sun. 8 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 9963010.

Thu. 12 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment celebrating its 7th anniversary. $7. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook.

experience. No partner needed. $20 cover, includes two lessons. $15 after 10pm. For more info, facebook.com/ SalsaConSoul.

Thu. 19 Drag Bingo: Nighty Night Pajama Party Bingo, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2,000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Hosted by Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Fri. 20 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. A $3 donation is suggested for LGBT people 60+ and people with disabilities; a $6 donation is suggested for all others. Reservations required. Call Pauline at 351-6700. Sat. 21 Bachata/Kizomba Fusion Night by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-2am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of

Wed. 1 SalsaConSoul by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-1am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No partner needed. $15 cover, includes a lesson. $10 after 10pm. For more info, facebook.com/ SalsaConSoul. Thu. 9 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment. $7. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook. Sun. 12 RI Prime Timers, 4:307pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men on second Sundays. For more info, www. riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 9963010. Wed. 15 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Hissing Cousins by Marc Peyser & Timothy Dwyer. Discount if book is purchased Options | January 2017

at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Thu. 16 Cupid’s Stooopid Drag Bingo, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2,000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Hosted by Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Fri. 17 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. A $3 donation is suggested for LGBT people 60+ and people with disabilities; a $6 donation is suggested for all others. Reservations required. Call Pauline at 351-6700.

Sun. 19 Interweave Potluck Dinner and Programming, 5:30-8pm. Parish Hall of Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham Street, Newport. Interweave is a group for LGBTQ people and allies. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Rex at 595-9068 or rex88296@yahoo.com.

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/youth 13 and under: Thu. 5pm See Resources on page 32 for more info.

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Options | January 2017

Bettering You to Better the World:

RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND

By Nicole Nelson

he end of the year usually includes some alcohol, some pop music at a New Year’s Eve party, and some nondescript self-reflections which usually turn into the repudiated New Year’s resolutions. Almost all of us can agree that these resolutions are overrated and overstated. You’re probably not going to inexplicably start going to bed early every night, drop those extra 15 pounds (you’re better off with them), fully abstain from alcohol, or save half of your salary in 2017. Very often we make these plans for self-improvement out of obligation because it’s a “new year and new you” and not necessarily because we have planned or are ready to actually make changes. It takes preparation and motivation to make lasting modifications to our lives, especially when it comes to healthier lifestyle choices.

Resolutions to work out more or eat fewer carbs come from a “fix it” mentality instead of a self-love mentality. (For the record, nothing is wrong with eating bread.) Feeling the need to fix yourself is a harsh place to start off your year; instead come from a place of compassion in order to grow as a person. If you’re anything like the majority of us out here, you’ve been resolving to work on the same monotonous resolutions for years now with little result. Why not put

these commonly neglected resolutions aside this year? You’ll get back to the gym when you are feeling ready and you’ll probably eat more veggies in the summer. Instead, make this year’s resolutions more about bettering yourself mentally and emotionally in order to better your social, queer, racial, and cultural communities. Navigating this world as a member of the LGBTQ community can be glorious but it can also be dangerous, especially in the

sociopolitical climate we are living in. We have been hearing messages of solidarity and calls to band together as this new administration begins its first 100 days in office. However, it is difficult to act on social change if we ourselves are feeling lost, misinformed, or overwhelmed. Here are three resolutions to consider when looking to take better care of ourselves, get involved, or preserve safety (and sanity) as 2017 gets underway.

Options | January 2017

PrioritizeSelf-Care.

Self-care is the ability to take care of oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Very often self-care is abandoned in our daily lives when stress starts to rise. Make it your resolution to make self-care a priority, though this isn’t an easy task. Self-care is not just a pleasure-based act of getting a monthly massage, binging Netflix shows, or eating ice cream every night after dinner. Self-care also means setting boundaries for yourself, asking for help even when it’s hard, and saying no to plans or responsibilities to prevent over-commitment of your time and energy. Start small. Go for a walk at lunch, go out once a week with your partner, or if you feel that your social life has become too overwhelming, opt to make plans only on Fridays to give yourself more time on the weekend. Commonly, self-care is perceived as a selfish task. It is not. Think about the oxygen mask analogy. You are told on an airplane that in an emergency you are to put your mask on first before assisting others. They tell you to do this because if you pass out you won’t be able to help anyone; it’s the same idea with your self-care.Your mind, body and soul need to be nourished and functioning well in order for you to show up for and support others, whether that means professionally, socially or romantically. As Audre Lorde said, “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Be A Better Ally. Being an ally means recognizing the injustices in and around our communities and standing with groups of marginalized folks, queer or not. White folks working to end racism, cisgender folks working

Options | January 2017

to undo transphobia, able-bodied folks working to dismantle ableism…you get the idea.To be a good ally means you listen to the needs of those you are there to support; you make space for their voices to be heard. Do not drown out the voices of those you are advocating for with your own needs. Working on your ally skills also means learning how to admit when you screw up and apologize sincerely when you make mistakes (and you will). Learning to be a bit more humble and acknowledging when you have hurt those around you is a great skill to practice this year. Being an ally goes far beyond the LGBTQ community; allyship is just as important for combating racism as it is when promoting transgender rights, reproductive rights, or rights of folks with disabilities. Becoming a stronger ally for your own and other communities is a lifelong process and not something you will be able to cross off a list by 2018. But that’s okay. Again, start small. Listening to and advocating for our racial or queer communities could mean calling elected representatives to provide constituent opinions about legislation; calling out homophobic or racist jokes online and when among friends, or practicing saying “I’m sorry” to hold yourself a bit more accountable. It is a vulnerable spot to be in when we have offended the people we are trying to help, but is a part of being a good ally. Keep practicing those skills; being conscious takes time and effort.

Educate Yourself.

Diversify where you get your information and ask questions. Read a book by an author you’ve never read. Look through Wikipedia pages about influential people or pioneers, or read international news articles. Seek out authors, lecturers and scholars who you don’t share identities with. If you’re white, able-bodied, and cisgender read the experiences of trans folks, people of color, or those with disabilities. You could also watch documentaries or TED talks, or follow bloggers or Twitter accounts that maybe you usually wouldn’t (all from the comfort of your smart phone!). Doing one of these things each day can help us gain perspective and empathy for the world around us. Opting to remain the same, to get our information from the same sources, from the same people, can lead to close-mindedness, complacency, and stagnation. Stay curious, my friends. These resolutions of self-care, allyship, and continuing to learn all work together. You need to take care of yourself in order to help others and you need to be informed of the world around you in order to make knowledgeable decisions for yourself, your families, and your communities. Just like “typical” resolutions, these are not immune to neglect, either. As you may have experienced in the past, it is easy to give up and remain stagnant when we are pushing ourselves to make changes. Let yourself off the hook a little bit. There’s no deadline to self-care or learning; these are lifelong pursuits. You may be surprised-incremental changes can add up to a lot of personal growth and social change by next year. (Boy, do we need it.) However you decide to move forward and better yourself this year, do so with patience, commitment and perseverance. Here’s to a happy 2017! q

Staying informed and seeking out opportunities to learn during this new year is a powerful resolution. Deepening our minds and understanding of the world around us is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our communities (helps with being a better ally too). Continuing education and seeking knowledge can take many forms, which perhaps makes this resolution an easier one to tackle.

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Options | January 2017

grat·i·tude /ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/

Noun. The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

By George Marley AIDS Care Ocean State If there is a word that descirbes the atmosphere around the office at AIDS Care Ocean State, it’s ‘gratitude.’ Over the past month, ACOS has been the recipient of amazingly successful toy drives all across the state. More than 130 children, to whom ACOS provides resources to throughout the year woke up on Christmas morning in a warm house, food in their fridge, clothes on their backs, and something new and wonderful under their tree. We are so grateful for our community of supporters who have taken our children under their wing. Their Christmas wouldn’t have been possible without YOU! Thank You! We are also grateful for the support we saw from the community on World AIDS Day. Whether participating at the event at the State House, Barnes & Noblel, one of the many schools where AIDS Care Ocean State’s Speakers Bureau provided outreach, or if you just decided to wear a red ribbon, it allowed for a ray of hope on such a somber day to know that the lives we’ve lost and those still affected by HIV/AIDS will not be forgotten. As we look forward to 2017, we will continue to fight for the funding for our syringe exchange to be returned, and we again are grateful for the many community members who have made funding this program top priority. We’re also grateful for our new and continued partnerships such as the one with Providence Performing Arts Center. This year both Drag Bingo and Rent celebrate their 20th anniversary. To commemorate both occasions, ACOS and PPAC have come together to offer

Options | January 2017

special tickets to see Rent on opening night to benefit the programs at ACOS. Tickets include a cocktail reception with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres and a special meet-and-great with the cast after the show. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/ RENT2017 2017 will be both uncharted and uncertain territory. Still, with the continued support from the community here in Rhode Island, we will continue the work we do. We will continue to support our clients, provide access to care, and ensure that the quality of life for those of us living with HIV/AIDS will not be overlooked or rescinded. Here’s to 2017! May the gratitude we feel grow stronger and the lives we impact become more resilient. q AIDS Care Ocean State provides comprehensive AIDS services, supportive housing, emergency funds, and a Speakers Bureau. Located at 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. (401) 521-3603. Appointments:(401) 781-0665. aidscareos.org.

A VILLAGE CARE FOR KIDS

Comes Together to

By Jennifer Foster, Adoption Rhode Island The holiday season was much brighter for children in state foster care because of Stacy Iasimone and the staff, patrons, and friends of The Village restaurant in Providence. It was a full house on December 4 for the third annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser for Adoption Rhode Island. Fabulous hostess Jennie Talia had the enthusiastic crowd laughing, singing, and opening hearts and wallets to donate generously. In just three years, The Village Toy Drive and Fundraiser has almost tripled the money raised, while the number of toys collected has grown from hundreds to thousands. This year, Stacy launched the toy drive on the Sunday after Thanksgiving with a brunch at The Village that featured BB Hayes, Jacqueline DiMera, and Vilet. The brunch sold out in just 20 minutes. Between the two events more than 2,000 toys were collected and over $7400 was raised to bring holiday joy and year-round

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hope to hundreds of children and families whose lives are touched by foster care and adoption. Stacy’s commitment to children, especially the most vulnerable, inspired her choice to support Adoption Rhode Island. The holiday season felt like the perfect time of year to do something for children after learning about the agency’s work from Assistant Director Emily Lyon. Along with all she does to support Adoption Rhode Island, Stacy has also made AIDS Care Ocean State a priority for her fundraising. Asked what drives her efforts Stacy says she appreciates her good fortune in business and life. “This is a small community and there is always someone to help. Being surrounded by good people who feel like I do and are ready to give back makes it easy to do what we can to make a difference.” Stacy is quick to point out that this event “takes a village” to pull off, giving credit to a number of people. She notes that her staff went above and beyond, including Jonathan Root, who led a fundraising effort, at Diman Vocational High School in Fall River, and Brooke Arsenault, who was key in making the event happen. Jennie, BB, Jacqueline, Vilet, dozens of local businesses that donated raffle prizes, and, of course, the community are all on Stacy’s list to thank. But, it was her vision that has made the event a reality and she has high expectations for its continued success and growth. Darlene Allen, CEO and Executive Director of Adoption Rhode Island commented, “Every gift that we will distribute during the coming holidays will bring a message to a child that someone cares and you are not alone. Experiencing the kindness and love that filled The Village on December 4th was a much needed reminder of the good

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that can overcome the uncertainty and divisiveness that we see too much of right now.” Jennie, Stacy, and The Village staff are already making plans for next year. In fact, they may not wait until the holiday season and are considering a Christmas in July event for Adoption Rhode Island. Whatever comes next, hundreds of children and families will benefit from the tremendous dedication and kindness of The Village staff and patrons.

of foster and adopted children and their families. We provide pre- and post- adopt services to children and families, educate and advocate for a child’s right to a safe environment, and increase public awareness of the unmet needs of children and families impacted by foster care and adoption.

In February, The Village will host an information night for anyone interested in learning more about adoption and foster care, including ways you can help to prevent a teen in state care from aging out and becoming homeless. Watch Adoption Rhode Island’s website, www. adoptionri.org for date and details.q Adoption Rhode Island’s mission is to facilitate, promote, and support the permanent placement of children waiting for adoption and to improve the well-being

X-Mas Drag Bingo

Michael Slade’s

OUT

p18. “X-Mas is a Drag” Bingo 12.15 p18. Michael Slade’s Annual Toy Drive 12.11 p19. The Stable’s Annual Toy Drive 12.11 p19. Mirabar’s Toy Drive 12.16 p20. ICRI Monarch Ball 12.03 p21. Guys as Dolls Christmas Extravaganza 12.4 Photos by Jen Bonin

On the Town 18 18

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The Stable

Mirabar Toy Drive

ICRI Monarch Ball

Guys and Dolls

n e e B u o Have Y

? y t h g u a N Then chances are you were seen at the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus holiday performance of Naughty or Nice. The gaggle of nuns dressed in lipstick red raising their holiness in “I Will Follow Him” will need a group of altar boys praying for their redemption for a week.

Ed Webb lll charmed the adorable Blaine Allaire in Frank Loesser’s romantic tease: “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” The Canine Christmas Sing along was a hoot and a howl in honor of the Providence Animal Rescue League who benefited from the Friday evening performance.Also honored was music legend Leonard Cohen in the chorus rendition of “Hallelujah” nicely soloed by Frank Cirelli. “Issay, Issay,” a traditional Ethiopian Christmas song, “Prayer of the Children”, and “Be a Gift to a World in Need” were also standouts. “From a Distance” was beautifully harmonized by a quartet featuring Kevon Tucker-Seeley, Matthew Balsamo, Jonathan Beebe and Stephen Fernandes. Billy Joel’s “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” got a different twist in Artistic Director Kim Kuda’s version. But the song that took the night and brought the audience to its feet was “Imagine and Believe.” Written by Kim Kuda and beautifully led by Stephen Fernandes, “Imagine and Believe” speaks to a world without the violence and hate that instigated the Orlando Shooting. This

By Bradford Greer • Photos by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez

is the third song Ms. Kuda has written for the PGMC. The first was “Soft Little Sprinkles.” That was followed by “Out on the Bay.” a tribute to Rhode Island. There was plenty of naughty and plenty of nice for those who have found the PGMC a great way to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate. And if somehow you had forgotten where you were, the elves that came giggling and prancing up the aisle tossing Christmas bells anywhere and everywhere reminded you that you were at the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus concert. q

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Donate by mail: Send a check made payable to Options Magazine, to PO Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940. OPTIONS MAGAZINE IS A REGISTERED 501(C)(4) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. CONTRIBUTIONS TO 501(C)(4) ORGANIZATIONS GENERALLY ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THEY MAY BE DEDUCTIBLE AS TRADE OR BUSINESS EXPENSES, IF ORDINARY AND NECESSARY IN THE CONDUCT OF THE TAXPAYER’S BUSINESS. PLEASE DEFER TO WWW. IRS. GOV FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

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Give online: Visit www.optionsri.org to use our safe and secure online donation portal. Donate over the phone: Contact us at 401-724-5428 to make a donation using your credit card. 23

get tested with acos.

condoms & lube HIV & HEP C testing needle exchange

401.781.0665 aidscareos.org

557 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907

@aidscareos

NEW PLANS. NE W LOOK.

Same heart. 1-800-459-6019 www.nhpri.org 24

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Poetry

By Felicia Nimue Ackerman

A Little List

Larry and Murray

Apt to harm us, prone to grump — That’s my view of Donald Trump. Has he virtues that I’ve missed? Here’s a comprehensive list:

Larry and Murray found out they were gay In a most thrilling and wonderful way. One day it came like a bolt from above: “We’re not just friends — we are madly in love!

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Exploring The Arts During Winter By Will Demers

Although the weather here in Rhode Island has been wintry, complete with snow, rain, and windchill factors that might make you wish to stay home until April, winter can be a time for introspective indoor activities, such as exploring the arts. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a comprehensive list of what to do this winter in our little corner of the world.

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Reading Firstly, let’s focus on the home life. If reading is your thing, there’s a great website where you can get free, yes free, eBooks sent to any of your reading devices. BookBub allows you to tailor your interests: you can search books about horror, sci-fi, romance, or just about anything you’d like. They have an amazing collection of LGBT subjects, and most are free or even priced as low as $0.99. Once you download, the book is yours to keep. www.bookbub.com.

Cooking Cooking is a great way to warm up the kitchen, so my pick for a best cookbook is Cooking for Jeffrey: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. Ina Garten, the soft-spoken TV chef, shares her best recipes made for her husband of 48 years, Jeffrey, for whom she seems to always be cooking on her show. If you’re truly all thumbs in the kitchen, head over to Federal Hill in Providence, visit Chef Walter’s Cooking School, bring your partner or bestie and learn to cook the international way. There are few things more fun than learning something new with friends or family, and you’ll come away with some great memories as well as a killer recipe or two. www. chefwalterscookingschool.com.

Movies Movies are great but if your inner fan is bursting to come out, there’s Terror Con, Rhode Island’s only horror, paranormal and psychic convention. Coming to Providence in February, this convention, like Comic Con, features celebrities and vendors relating to the horror film genre, as well as paranormal investigation and psychic phenomena. www.theterrorcon. com.

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While we’re on the subject, there’s a local project of interest to film buffs: Death Drop Gorgeous, a film that according to its website, is a “campy drag exploitation film set in the seedy gay nightlife of Providence, RI.” As the film is currently in production, and seeking funds, fans can donate on www.deathdropgorgeous. com or follow the exploits on social media. If you want to get a jump on your friends, visit www.gofobo.com for advance screenings of films locally. Sign up, log in, and search for local screenings in your area. The passes are emailed to you, at which point you can print them out and bring them to the theater. Bear in mind however, that seats are first come, first served, so get there early to get the best spot and enjoy a free film at your local theater. Check out The Intervention (2016), actress Clea Duvall’s directorial debut about a Big Chill style reunion featuring familiar faces Natasha Lyonne and Jason Ritter. It explores a weekend with friends and family and some really complicated relationships.

Music Music lovers can follow groups like the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus (www. provgmc.org) for their latest concerts and events. This inclusive group has been around for years. If you are looking for more music, check out the bands, singers, groups, and theater at The Vets (www. thevetsri.com), PPAC (www.ppacri.org), and Fete Music Hall (www.fetemusic. com). Every weekend there’s something to see and hear. I recently discovered Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, thanks to a good friend, and recently saw the YouTube sensation in a concert. If you think covers of modern songs done in swing and doo-wop style is boring, check out their channel at www.youtube. com or visit the group’s website: www.

postmodernjukebox.com. If you’re dying to sing your heart out to the amazement or chagrin of friends or locals, there are plenty of places to karaoke in the local club scene, or you can rent a whole room: www.singboombox. com. Located at the Dean Hotel in downtown Providence, this venue allows you to book by the hour for smaller groups where you can sing and socialize. Booking is easy online or by phone, and it’s something different from heading to a nightclub or local bar. Not so far away in Woonsocket is the Stadium Theatre, a performing arts center featuring local and national bands, cover artists, drag performers, musicals, and educational programs. It is a fine bet for nights out. The venue also boasts theater education for children as well as adults; interested parties can sign up online www.stadiumtheatre.com/education. If some of these larger venues aren’t in your budget, Ocean State Theatre, a nonprofit professional arts organization, presents world class theater, musicals, plays, and concerts in a state of the art hall featuring professional artists and actors from New York, Boston, and all over Rhode Island. Visit www. oceanstatetheatre.org for tickets, information, and bookings. There is certainly much to do around the area and if you’re like everyone else, your smartphone or laptop will point the way for you. Just be sure you’re searching locally while you sip that tea or cocoa, and while you’re at it, why not create a group on your favorite social media website? You may find out that there are many people around you who share the same interests. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to talk shop, or are a fan of a TV show, or just want to connect with others in your field; you can always start a club of your own. Happy searching, and may spring come quickly for all of us. q

LuLu’s

Winter Outlook on Fashion

Story and Photos by LuLu Locks

I’ve always loved Providence fashion. There is so much diversity! Any day of the week, you can see some sor t of eye catching confection. In January, we get to leave a little bit of leftover holiday glam in our wardrobe, and add some deeply warm layers. What’s better than arriving at a friend’s house in an amazing coat, and then peeling on down to a more indoor friendly ensemble. July can’t do that! July is the month of naked. January is like the Scheherazade of fashion; there’s always one more story. Try not to get hung up on details, not everything needs to match. Just star t with one piece you love and build from there. Sometimes it’s that indispensable denim, other times it’s a rhinestone bracelet. I’m always mixing a little bit of formal in with my day-wear, and this photo shoot is a look at some of my favorite things about it. These photos are of a dear friend, an exciting new youthful connection, the love of my life, and myself. Each outfit is distinctly PVD style: a great mix of vintage, modern, and the model’s own. Sky is in a dress by Archetype Vintage, cap by Begin, and banana purse available at Suite Tar t Lets talk about Sky’s look for a moment. We have featured an amazing lurex, navy blue cocktail dress, with a vintage green fur bolero. The dress is sleeveless, with a high collar,

so the addition of a jacket was a natural choice. The cap is rather spectacular, in my humble opinion: new, but vintage to the core. They have been hand made, on a series of antique sewing machines, out of vintage wool. The interior is cotton lined, with a leather band. A splash of whimsy is always welcome in a handbag, you get to make a great entrance, but then choose to set it aside. If you’re ever nervous about

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getting bold with your fashion, a purse is a great place to star t and we think you’ll go bananas for this one. Vintage lambswool coat by Archetype Vintage, statement ring by Archive.

winter cheeks, it’s a total win. (To be totally fair, she wasn’t a planned addition to this shoot, she just looked so good out in the snow with that awesome coat of hers.)

For myself, I chose my favorite faux-lambs wool coat with a white collar from Rocket to Mars and red gloves. Great gloves is one investment I highly recommend. This pair features a leather hand, and suede from wrist to elbow that can be worn scrunched up, or extended to the elbow for added impact on warmth and style. New-vintage cap by Begin. No chilly day or social occasion is complete without a warm cup of cheer. q About the Author: Lulu is the owner of Suite Tart, a West Side salon, and Providence Pin-Up, a vintage styling and photography studio. She has styled performance art at the Institute for Contemporary Art in Boston, the Whitney Museum, and runway shows at New York Fashion Week, and is the director of installations for StyleWeek Northeast.

Monika, is wearing a really comfor table and approachable look: great jeans, a comfor table t shir t, and fun flats. I think we all have a version of this ensemble. The addition of a more formal element sets the whole outfit ahead. Looking warm and eye catching doesn’t have to be expensive when you choose to look to a vintage vendor.

Kathy’s look is all about casual whimsy. She star ted with a great haircut from Suite Tar t, spent all night sleeping on it, and a dash to the car peppered it with snow. The coat is traffic-stopping all on its own. All-weather exterior, with a removable wool lining, and a faux fur collar from Rocket to Mars. Though you may see something like this on a hanger and feel it’s a little over the top, when you mix a formal element with a casual T, a great rumpled haircut, and pink

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An Update from

TGI Network By Ethan Huckel

TGI Network’s mission is to be a resource for our community members as they navigate their personal and public journeys. We understand that the changing political landscape may present unforeseeable hurdles in the coming years. Last month, we mentioned that our commitment to our mission remains firm. This month, we want to extend that statement a bit. When we talk about “our community,” we are talking about a wide group of people. Cer tainly, we are talking about folks who identify as transgender, gender-nonconforming, and/or intersex, but it is important to be explicit about the intersections of identity as well. Our community is a racially diverse community. It is a community that includes immigrants. It is a community that encompasses every imaginable sexual orientation. It is a community that includes atheists and folks from all different religious faiths. It is a community of people at all different levels of the socio-economic ladder. We at TGI Network are committed to suppor ting this community. That means that we are committed not just to providing our peer suppor t groups and social events (which will remain impor tant pillars of our work) but also to advocating for the safety, health, and wellbeing of all members of our community, and to supporting the other organizations and activists working for justice in Rhode Island.

WANTED: Awesome Board Members! We’re looking for a few talented and conscientious volunteer board members to lead and strengthen our programs for the trans community. If you can contribute your time, thoughtfulness, and leadership to a monthly board meeting and a monthly committee meeting (meeting back to back on the third Saturday of every month) and are interested in exploring this oppor tunity, send us an email at info@tginetwork.org or connect with us on Facebook. q Incorporated in 2011, TGI Network of Rhode Island is the only statewide organization providing support and advocacy for the TGI community in Rhode Island and surrounding areas. Our mission is to serve the needs of the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex (TGI) communities in Rhode Island and surrounding areas through support, advocacy, and education. We seek to be a resource for TGI people navigating their life journeys as well as the legal and medical systems through our own programs and through collaboration with other organizations. In addition, we seek to serve as a resource to professionals working with the TGI community and as a liaison between the TGI and LGB communities, as well as the community at large. To learn more, please visit tginetwork.org.

Jennifer A. Minuto LGBT Legal Advocacy.

On March 4, we will come together for the third annual RI Trans* Health Conference, co-sponsored by TGI Network, Brown University’s Alpert Medical School, and Rhode Island College’s School of Social Work. The theme of the community track this year is strengthening the health of our community. The day will include time to brainstorm ways that we can come together to suppor t one another. It is our hope that we will come away from the event with clear goals for the coming year and a strategy with which to address those goals. We hope to see you there and get your suppor t. You can register for the conference via our website: www. tginetwork.org.

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AIDS WALK FOR

By Christion Battey AIDS Project RI

appy New Year Options readers! AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI) closed out 2016 in grand fashion by hosting a fabulous Holiday Par ty as well as a toy drive for our community, clients, and families who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Every child should wake up with a special toy under the tree; it is truly our generous friends and partners that help make the magic happen! We are already planning community events for 2017, most impor tantly the annual AIDS Walk for Life. This year’s walk will take place on Sunday, April 23. The walk will begin and end at the Rhode Island State House. Vendor check-in, setup, and walker registration will be from 10am-12pm. The speaking program will begin at noon with the walk kicking off at 12:30pm. It will be followed by closing remarks and a raffle you will not want to miss! We want to make the walk bigger and better and bring back the magic that it carried for many years and for that, we need you. What can you do? If you are interested in volunteering for the walk (set-up, water stations, route monitors, break-down, etc.) or are interested in being on the

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LIFE!

Walk Committee, we would love to have you and your ideas. We will be meeting the second Wednesday of each month, beginning on January 11 at AIDS Project Rhode Island, 9 Pleasant Street, Providence, at 5pm. Please join us. So star t planning your teams and themes now. Whether it is walking in someone’s memory, or dressing up in your favorite track suit, we look forward to seeing you. If you are interested in finding out how to volunteer, become a sponsor, or donate raffle prizes, we would love to hear from you. Please call 831-5522 ext. 3824. Save the date: Sunday, April 23, 2017, and FUNdraise. Details to follow! 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.

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. AddictionCenter.com: Web information guide for addiction resources nationwide. Or call 1-877-830-2915. 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, 508999-4159. 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. YPQT (Young People Queer, Trans) meeting of AA. Fridays 7:30 -- 8:30pm., Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, 250 Main St., Pawtucket. 489-5513.

AIDS/Health Resources

Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recreational and social activities. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI. Free to clients.. Wed. and Thurs. 12 -- 3pm. 134 Mathewson St., Providence. John Fruscella, 831-5522, Ext. 3835. AIDS Action Hotline: MA only. (800) 235-2331. www.aac.org. AIDS Care Ocean State: Confidential HIV & Hep C testing, safer-sex supplies, case management, emergency funds, clinical services, assisted and supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, street outreach, ENCORE, HIV+ support groups. Speaker’s Bureau, 18 Parkis Ave., Providence. 521-3603 (call 781-0665 to schedule an appointment). www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI: Division of Family Service of RI. Case management, buddies, COBRA and dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment and referral, wellness programs, advocacy, strength training, prevention education, HIV testing. 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. 831-5522 www.aidsprojectri.org.

AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS memorial quilt panels, panel-making programs including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people. PO Box 2591, Newport. 434-4880. admin@aidsquiltri.org. www.aidsquiltri.org. Brown University AIDS Program: Clinical trials, public policy, research, lectures, conferences, patient and community education. 121 South Main Street, Second Floor, Providence. 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu. brown.edu/Departments/ BRUNAP. Community Care Alliance: Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Rhode Island. 245 Main Street, Woonsocket. 235-6092. lcohen@famresri.org. Comprehensive Community Action Programs: Medical, mental health, dental, social services, LGBT outreach. 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston. Also Coventry, Pawtucket, and Warwick. 467-9610. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case management and financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MassHealth funded for MA residents. 376 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. Contact Jenn, (508) 678-1002. HIV Antibody Testing: Anonymous. Free or sliding scale. RI Department of Health. Providence, Newport and other locations. 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.

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Planned Parenthood of So. New England: Confidential, low-cost, same-day & walk-in STD and HIV testing. Commonsense approach to health. 111 Point St., Providence. 800-230-7526. www.ppsne.org. Prima CARE Transgender Clinic: Fall River, MA. Counseling, hormonal reassignment, referrals for surgery. Kishore Lakshman, MD. 508-235-0481. 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.

Information/Education 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 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.

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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. 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.

Religious & Spiritual All Saints Memorial Church: 674 Westminster Street, Providence. 751-1747. asmcri@verizon.net. www.allsaintsmemorial.org. Amicable Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Pastor William Sterrett. Sunday 10am. 3736 Main Road, Tiverton. 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. 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.net 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. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit: Independent Old Catholic. Fr. Jakob Lazarus. Sunday 9am and 6pm. 155 Douglas Avenue, Providence. 413-4821. www.holyparaclete.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 congregation. 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. 434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org. Church of the Redeemer, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 655 Hope St., Providence. www.redeemerprovidence.org. office@ redeemerprovidence.org. Rev. Patrick Campbell, 331-0678. Concordia Center for Spiritual Living: A diverse community welcoming all spiritual paths to God. Sunday Celebration 9:15am. 292 W. Shore Rd., Warwick. Rev. Ian Taylor, 732-1552. info@concordiachurchri.com. www.ConcordiaCSL.com. 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,

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and their allies, confronting oppression. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643. 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)9948972. 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) 222-

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4677. 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. United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown RI 02842. A Welcoming congregation. Sunday, 10 am. www.UCCMiddletown.org. 849-5444. Westminster Unitarian Universalist Church: A UUA Welcoming Congregation. 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich. 884-5933. www.westminsteruu.org.

Social Organizations

Bear Providence: Monthly social events for the bear community. www.bearprovidence.com Bisexual Resource Center: PO Box 170796, Boston, MA. (617) 424-9595. brc@bicresource.net www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-gender social events for Boston and the surrounding area. (617) 424-9595. biversity-subscribe@biversity.org, www.biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman Quarterly.” www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome.

groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA): 56 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA. (508) 778-7744. info@cisgsya.org, www.cigsya.org. Communisong: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.communisong.net. 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. 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. SAGERI 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. BOATING: Yankee Cruising Club, New England’s club for LGBTQ boaters. www.yankeecruising.org. yankeecruisingclub@ gmail.com. Keith (508) 423-6123. 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. FIELD HOCKEY: Teamworks Somerset, 732 Lee’s River Ave., Somerset, MA. New season every 10 weeks. (508-676-3956) info@teamworkssomerset.com GALA Bowling League: Sundays 5:50 p.m., E. Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Ave., E. Providence. Season begins in Aug. View us on Facebook or email galabowling1990@gmail.com. FLAG (For Lesbians And Gays) FOOTBALL: Bostonbased 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 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.

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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.

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. Queer & Trans Thursdays: 6-8pm. Space for LGBTQ and heterosexual youth (24 and under) of color to foster coalitionbuilding and organize to address intersections of oppressions. 669 Elmwood Ave., Rm. B7, Providence. www.prysm.us. 383-7450. 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.

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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. 3315437. 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) 676-5708. www.child-familyservices.org Community Care Alliance: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 235-6095. www.famresri.org. Foster parents needed: For newborn to age six. 276-4300. www.childrensfriendri.org. Family Service RI: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Family Service of RI. Contact Gregary Wright. 331-1350 ext. 3305. www.familyserviceri.org. Seven Hills Behavioral Health: HIV Prevention and Screening. 310 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 235-1012. T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: Offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. www.bvadvocacycenter.org. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group. Boston first Thursday 7-9pm. compassftm@gmail.com. www.compassftm.org. Crossroads RI Hotline: (800) 367-2700. Day One: Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/ abuse & incest. 24hr hotline. (800) 494-8100. 421-4100. www.dayoneri.org. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling relationships. 24hr free and confidential helpline. 782-3990 or toll free 800-494-8100, www. dvrcsc.org. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: Support. 738 Main St. #323, Waltham, MA. (781) 333-8429. info@gayfathersboston.org, www. gayfathersboston.org. 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. 369-9448. info@ gayshare.org, www.gayshare.org. LGBT Grief Support: Meets regularly at Hope Hospice, 1085 No. Main St.., Providence. Rebecca Sizelove, 415-4301. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline and social networks for crisis and suicide prevention. 24/7. (866) 4-U-Trevor. HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group: Refreshments served. AIDS

Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. 521-3603. New members contact Scott. 640-3108. Kathys’ Group: Free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Partners and caregivers welcome. Meets monthly in Providence. 888-5KATHYS. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Socializing and discussions for gay, bi and curious men. Confidential. Drug and alcohol-free. 18+. Thursdays in Taunton and first Tuesdays in New Bedford. 7-8:30pm. mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com. 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. Rape Crisis Center for S.E. Mass: New Hope, Inc. Advocacy, shelter, services for domestic abuse survivors. Hotline (800) 323HOPE. Office (508)226-4015. Project RENEW: Support, employment services, HIV prevention for male and female sex workers. Amos House, 415 Friendship St., Providence. 272-0220.Trans support group meets Thurs. Info: transoutreachpwr@gmail.com. Queer & Trans Thursdays: Space for LGBTQ and heterosexual youth (24 and under) of color to foster coalition-building and organize to address intersections of oppressions. 6-8pm. 669 Elmwood Ave., Rm. B7, Providence. www.prysm.us. 383-7450. 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. 8616191 ext. 121. Sojourner House: Call for confidential support group. Support, shelter, advocacy and information for people in abusive relationships. Including specific LGBT services. No caller ID used. Outgoing calls blocked for safety. 24hr helpline. 765-3232. 861-6191. Office 8616191. www.sojournerri.org St. Mary’s Home for Children: Sexual abuse treatment for children. 450 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Providence. www.smhfc.org. Adam Cable, 353-3900. 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, 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. 8465263. www.wrcnbc.org.q Nominated Best Erotic Boutique in U.S., AVN Awards 2012

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