Options Magazine-July 2016 by Options Magazine

options July 2016

PrideFest

Photo Recap

RI Leaders on

Trans Rights

Honoring

Orlando Rhode Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LGBTQ Community Magazine Since 1982 - FREE

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In This Issue:

Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982. July 2016, Vol. XXXV, Issue 3

Out on the Town: PrideFest Photo Recap p. 18

Orlando Gunman Murders 49 in LGBTQ Nightclub p. 13

Chris Lauth, Youth Pride’s New E.D.

4 From the Editor 5 Blood: A Poem 6 From the Publisher 6 Advertisers 8 Calendar 10 News Briefs 13 Honoring Orlando 16 Out on the Town 22 PrYSM Statement at PrideFest

Worth a Look: Stacyann Chin responds to Orlando

p. 24

p. 38

23 RI Pride Responds to PrYSM 24 15 Yrs of Trans Protections in RI 26 Youth Pride Inc.Welcomes New ED 27 Getting to Know SAGE-RI 28 ACOS: We Are Many 29 Transosaurus Rex 29 Charlie Hall Comic 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 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 August 2016 issue must be delivered by July 15.

Options | July 2016

Publisher Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Editor in Chief Jen Stevens editor@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays Copy Editors Julia Barber, Christine Pavao, Myra Shays Graphic Design Theresa “Reese” Barzyk Contributors Adam Brooks, Lisa Carcieri, The Lit Chick, Stacyann Chin, Christopher Dalpe, Mark Davis, Bradford Greer, Charlie Hall, Corinne Hill, Gwen Howard, Rex LeBeau, Kyle McKendall, PrYSM, RI Pride, TC Rogers, Myra Shays, Jen Stevens, Kim Stowell, Jaye Watts Photographers Jack Hartwein-Sanchez, Jen Bonin, George Evans Marley, TC Rogers Photo Editor Michael Scanlon IV with Brian Gay 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: Candlelight Vigil for Orlando at RI State House. Photo by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez.

From the Editor Dear Reader, With six days in between the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, targeting Latinx people at an LGBTQ club (p. 13), and the 40th anniversary celebration of the first Pride March in Rhode Island (p. 16), how does a community cope? Upon learning of the Orlando massacre, I thought back ten years; I was tending bar on Saturday nights at a popular Providence gay club called Pulse, until it was permanently shuttered when a patron was shot dead there on a Sunday night. I remember my coworkers’ recounting the terror of staying low while wondering where loved ones were when the shots rang out. This June 12, I recoiled from the devastating news, compressed my emotions into a dense stone, and buried it under the obligations of the week ahead. But media crept in, and as I read the names of the victims and saw their photos, my stone of emotions resurfaced as a lump in my throat. I was crying at my desk, as many of us were.We knew if this had happened at our Pulse – or our Dark Lady,Village, EGO, or Stable – we would have known names of the dead or injured. Our imaginations morbidly expanded to encompass previously unimaginable atrocities, and our hearts stretched to contain the sorrow of a world wondering when this trend of mass murder would end. Thankfully we had one another – our community – and multiple vigils and a festival ahead to express our complex emotions about the myriad issues surrounding this tragedy (p. 14). I wondered: Did this gunman have a community? In his final moments he claimed allegiance with one, but who really taught him, challenged him, checked in with him, and supported him? Was a lack of an accepting community the root of this action? And with no extant law to prevent this abhorrent violence, was there anything else that could have?

“If you see something, say something,” is the foremost advice given by law enforcement to assure safety in any given situation. This translates to: If you’re suspicious of someone who’s different, call the police.That message is troubling to members of the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), who were earlier named Honorary Marshals of this year’s Pride Parade for their work to end profiling by police. PrYSM rejected that distinction on stage at the annual PrideFest rally on June 18, and called for a boycott of Pride, largely due to an increased law enforcement presence at the festival (p.22). Though PrYSM’s tactics may be called into question, intersectionality is finally and rightfully permeating local LGBTQ activism. Proper homage must be paid to the trans rights victories that cascaded upon us nationally and locally toward the end of June in the areas of military service, education, basic needs, and healthcare. Longtime trans activists Gwen Howard and Jaye Watts provided this July issue with its silver lining (p. 24), and you’ll read more about these victories in the August issue.

In solidarity, Jen Stevens

We want to hear from you. Send letters to editor@optionsri.org.

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Options | July 2016

BLOOD by Mark Davis

Mine is the same as yours, Still crimson behind closed doors. Rich in character and vitality, while different in resolve and spirituality. Mine clots to others without shame, cherished identities if only in name, with divergent orientation it parts to seek safe passage by way of the heart. Yours is an atonement or a resurrection that values and seeks some self-preservation. A vessel deliberate in its divisiveness, choked by its blind single-mindedness. Yours is a dogma and a norm, a dangerous and unnatural storm. The benevolent deception that cannot recede, The many who continue to live what they believe. And so on 6/12 between 12-6, Our bloods mix. Everyone feels this heightened Pulse and recognizes which colors are false. On many hands and feet, On floors covered in sheets. The blood dries to the color of black, Absorbing the colors it now retracts. As others cling to their life, I am cut by a new knife. My blood is not good enough to give, a consequence of the way I live. So my blood will not be used for repair, and sadly cannot heal those in despair. These wounds where pride was once united, Again reveal how our colors are divided. q Options | July 2016

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From the Publisher Dear Reader, We’ve been having fun on our social media channels while testing new technologies and utilizing features we’ve never used. In partnership with Mr. Gay Rhode Island 2016, Joe Di Mauro, we launched the #KeepKissing campaign as the Pride weekend was beginning. In an effort to combat homophobia, we encouraged individuals to use social media to post photos of LGBTQ people embracing and sharing a kiss, using the hashtag #keepkissing when posting.The hashtag, serving as a searchable thread among all posts, spread throughout all major social media platforms. As tens of thousands of people lined Dorrance, Washington, and Empire streets to watch the Illuminated Night Parade, and turned to Snapchat to share photos of the event with their friends, they were greeted with an Options branded Snapchat Geofilter. These filters can be applied as a graphic design layer over a self-taken photo on a phone before the photos are sent to friends and family. As Snapchat users swiped through the available filters, something that changes based on your location, they were offered a design that made their photo look like the cover of Options. We plan on using this technology at more events, and hope you’ll partake in our Snapchat fun! Our video of the Vigil for Orlando, held at the State House, was posted on Facebook and has reached more than 29,000 people. With over 190 shares, and thousands of views, it’s clear how influential and powerful a small nonprofit can be when harnessing the power of social media. As we here at Options continue to strengthen the organization’s finances, improve the systems needed to run the organization, and publish more compelling and engaging editorial content, we are embracing new technology to see how we can reach more LGBTQ people who aren’t on our mailing list. We’re looking for volunteers who have a passion for social media, web design, and email marketing and hope that if you have an interest in these areas, you’ll contact us to work together. As the nation continues to heal after the Orlando massacre, and we mourn the loss of 49 people who were targeted, I can only hope that our community rebounds. Tensions are high, emotions unstable, and anger is prevalent. I ask you to think about where you are directing your anger. This is not the time for division within our community. We’ll get through this together.

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Options | July 2016

CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY

Wed. 6 Salsa night by TeamFusionRI, 8pm1am. 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. Sun. 10 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. 14 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment featuring comic Julie Killian, hula-hooper Rachel Lindenthal, performance artist Elizabeth Keiser, hosts Nicool and Julia, and more. $7. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook and at www.sweetlittlevarietyshow.com. Fri. 15 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. Fri. 15 Some Assembly Required, 11pm. Mirabar, 15 Elbow Street, Providence. Join Payton St. James, Kira Stone, and Khloe Glamoure for a fun-filled night of laughs and entertainment. $5 cover.

Sat. 16 Pride Volunteer Appreciation Party, 2-10pm. 432 Massasoit Avenue, East Providence.Volunteers for PrideFest 2016 and their families are invited to enjoy food, drink, and inflatable waterslides. Free. Sat. 16 Bachata/Kizomba Fusion Night 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. Wed. 20 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Mississippi Sissy by Kevin Sessums. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@ gmail.com. Sat. 23 Sheri Lynne, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri. com or 228-7222. Tue. 26 And Now, No Flip Flops?!, 7:30pm. AS220 Black Box Theater, 95 Empire Street, Providence. A one-woman show about Eliza, who is divorced from an exwife she couldn’t legally marry, and who has cross-country co-custody of their 72-pound dog. $10 at the door. Wed. 27 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. Fri. 29 And Now, No Flip Flops?!, 8:30pm. AS220 Black Box Theater, 95 Empire Street, Providence. A one-woman show about Eliza, who is divorced from an ex-wife she couldn’t legally marry, and who has cross-country cocustody of their 72-pound dog. $10 at the door.

Sat. 30-Sun. 31 Boating in Boston Harbor with Yankee Cruising Club. For more information or to join, visit www.yankeecruising.org, email yankeecruisingclub@gmail. com, or call 508-423-6123.

AUGUST

Wed. 3 Salsa night by TeamFusionRI, 8pm1am. 276 Aurora, 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. Fri. 5 Homegrown Comedy Night, 8pm.The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $10. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri. com or 228-7222. Thu. 11 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment. $7. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook and at www.sweetlittlevarietyshow.com. Sat. 13-Sun. 14 Boating in Provincetown for Carnival with Yankee Cruising Club. For more information or to join, visit www.yankeecruising.org, email yankeecruisingclub@gmail. com, or call 508-423-6123. 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 9963010. Wed. 17 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: High Desert by Katherine Forrest. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@ gmail.com. 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. 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.

Options | July 2016

Sat. 20 Bachata/Kizomba Fusion Night 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. 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.

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 30 for more info.

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Options | July 2016

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NEWS BRIEFS Rhode Island Department of Education Releases Comprehensive Transgender Policy The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) released an 11-page set of guidelines for public schools’ treatment of transgender students. The comprehensive guidelines cover everything from restroom and locker room issues to how faculty should speak with parents and guardians of trans students. Some key policies include calling a student by their preferred name, regardless of whether it’s been legally changed or not, and encouraging schools to allow transgender students to use the facilities that correspond with their gender identity. It stresses that other students’ discomfort should never be a reason to deny access to a transgender student. School faculty are expected to work with the students to “foster an understanding of gender identity and create a school culture that respects and values all students.” RIDE strongly suggests that, when renovating or building new schools, gender-neutral restrooms and changing facilities should be considered. RIDE has described best practices in striving toward acceptance of students regardless of how they identify, but individual school districts maintain the authority to decide which policies work best for them. The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) commended RIDE on providing an immensely helpful tool in protecting transgender rights within the school system. “All students deserve a supportive and non-discriminatory educational environment, and adoption of this guidance will go a long way in promoting and codifying this goal,” said RI ACLU Executive Director Steven Brown. “Treating transgender students with dignity and respect is both required under the law and the right thing to do.” Brown went on to say that it’s been at least a year and a half since the state appointed a committee to look into transgender policy and that now is the time to adopt a statewide policy. While RIDE’s guidelines have received much praise, they have been met with some criticism as well. Mike Stenhouse, CEO of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, a conservative

by Adam Brooks

policy-making group, said RIDE has created a “one-size-fits-all position that may not be compatible with the morals held by many public school families.” Providence Youth Student Movement Rejects RI Pride On June 18, during the annual RI PrideFest rally, the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM) declared a boycott of Rhode Island Pride due to an increased law enforcement presence at PrideFest, resulting in LGBTQ people of color feeling less safe. (See full statement on page 22.) The security increase was in direct response to the June 12 murders of 49 people in an Orlando gay club on Latin Night. RI Pride had named PrYSM honorary marshals for the Illuminated Night Parade, but during the rally PrYSM rejected the appointment, going on to say, “PrYSM rejects RI Pride.” With national attention recently turned to police violence, PrYSM wanted to ensure that they did nothing to support the “cops that claim solidarity with us during Pride, then beat us once the rainbow flags are lowered.” The group urged Rhode Island Pride, Mayor Elorza, and city officials to decrease police presence and surveillance of communities of color, and to provide support for other local organizations and movements. PrYSM invited attendees to an alternative Pride celebration at India Point Park, offering a welcoming place to celebrate and heal from recent instances of violence. In February, RI Pride joined the Step-Up Coalition in solidarity with PrYSM and in support of the Community Safety Act. The statement made at PrideFest came as a surprise to PrideFest organizers. New Support Available for At-Risk Transgender People Project RENEW, a group that provides services for sex workers such as HIV prevention, employment assistance, and general support, is combining with Project Weber to offer more comprehensive care

to all gender identities. The Pawtucket Citizens Development Corporation began Project RENEW in the Barton Street neighborhood of Pawtucket in 2005 to address the issue of prostitution that had persisted for decades. In September 2013, the project moved its home base to Amos House. According to the Amos House website, the move expanded the resource capacity of the project by “connecting staff to additional partners and funding sources, to provide direct services for the women including access to the 90-Day Women’s Program, the Mother-Child Reunification Program, and the job training and employment services, and to grow the ability of the project to serve clients in the largest city in the state.” Now, with the help of Project Weber, these services have become even more numerous and have spread to cover issues such as substance abuse, detox, mental health treatment, and housing.The group will offer a support group for high-risk members of the transgender community. The group will meet Thursdays at 4pm in Providence. All interested parties should contact the Transgender Outreach Specialist at transoutreachpwr@gmail.com. Pawtucket Schools Adjusting Well to Transgender Policies Almost a year ago, Hannah Rini, a 14-yearold transgender student, was told that the San Francisco non-profit program No Bully was coming to her Pawtucket school. Hannah said the best thing that could come from it would be “just being accepted for who you are – I think that’s the best thing you could ever ask for.” According to Hannah, she has faced some teasing but things seem to be looking up. Her teachers use her preferred name in class, as well as in her official documents. According to the Rini family, the school department was “fully supportive” of Hannah and did their best to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all their students.With the school year already over, it will be some time before we can see the widespread effect of the new guidelines on faculty and students, but many are hopeful that schools across Rhode Island will follow the example set by Pawtucket and Cumberland, the

Options | July 2016

latter of which was the first school district to adopt a formal transgender policy.

Rhode Island Yacht Club Excludes Lesbians A secret ballot vote to overturn the maleonly policy at Rhode Island’s century-old Westerly Yacht Club failed to reach a two-thirds majority last week, with 207 men voting for the change, and 171 men voting to keep it the way it is.Wives of male members can become associate members, who are able to run committees and organize parties, but are never given the full rights of a member. Single women and married lesbians are not admitted in any way. While gay men are allowed to join the yacht club, their husbands are not allowed to become associates. “How do I explain this to my daughters – that you can be the President, but you can’t be a member of the Westerly Yacht Club?” said associate member Danielle Hetu. Many speculate that the club’s policy remains intact because of older members’ resistance to change.

New York Launches Powerful Transgender Bathroom Campaign Last month, New York City became the first city in the United States to launch a government-led campaign to speak out against the ongoing “bathroom bill” controversy in a massive way. The New York City Commission on Human Rights created a series of print and television advertisements that will appear in subway cars, phone booths, newspapers, and social media, affirming the right of trans individuals to use the restroom or changing facility that best corresponds to their gender identity. “Look past the pink and blue. In NYC, you can use the restroom consistent with

Options | July 2016

who you are,” read the ads, featuring real trans New Yorkers. The ads were timed to coincide with the beginning of the June Pride month. “In NYC, it’s the law. No questions asked.” In addition to bringing attention to trans issues and setting New York apart from other cities that have made their intolerance public, the NYC Commission on Human Rights’ effort serves as a reminder that, since 2002, it has been illegal in New York City to discriminate against someone based on their gender identity or expression. “No one deserves to be denied access to bathrooms or discriminated against for being who they are. Every New Yorker has the legal right to use the bathroom consistent with their gender identity, no questions asked – and these powerful ads affirm this right,” said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New York City has long been a leader in the fight for LGBTQ equality, and these ads are further evidence of the city’s unwavering support of our diverse community.” Providence Journal Writes Disrespectful Article on Trans Stabbing Victim RI Future writer Steve Ahlquist recently published a story criticizing The Providence Journal for their news story entitled “Transgender prostitute stabbed in Providence, police say.” In Ahlquist’s story, trans advocates pointed out that the original story used the victim’s name and birth name in the article, which presents several issues. Ethan Huckel, board president of TGI Network of RI, said the ProJo article was “disrespectful and dangerous, because it has the potential to out her as transgender.This is not only a violation of her privacy, but, depending on her personal circumstances, could jeopardize her safety.” Some pointed out that calling the victim a prostitute was irrelevant and unfounded, as it was implied in the police report but never directly confirmed. The Journal was accused of using the term as “click bait” in order to entice more readers, and referring to the victim as a sex worker, so that the story “shifts the focus of the report away from the attack and insinuates that [the victim] is somehow responsible,” according to

Huckel. Fortunately, the story was updated to exclude the victim’s birth name. The police are working to determine whether or not this could be considered a hate crime and are searching for the perpetrator.

5K Raises Funds for Youth Pride Inc. Front Runners RI, a group of diverse LGBT walkers and runners, celebrated its 20th year by teaming up with Rhode Runner Providence to hold a free 5K for Youth Pride Inc. (YPI) last month. Rhode Runner, the athletic footwear company that has been meeting the needs of local runners for nearly 15 years, holds monthly 5K races to benefit community organizations. The groups raised $512 to support YPI, an organization devoted to providing services and support to LGBTQ youth. Announcing the Pride Center of Rhode Island The RI LGBTQ Center board has been working toward the dream of a welcoming, visible, safe, accessible space in the Ocean State, where LGBTQ Rhode Islanders can connect with the community in a variety of ways. By forming a partnership with Rhode Island Pride, the two groups move forward together in strength toward a new vision: the Pride Center of Rhode Island. This will be a place to find resources and referrals; to meet people and get support; to volunteer; to learn about our history; to go to a show, concert, or a talk about legal rights.The time for this center is long overdue, and there is no time to lose in opening its doors. The help of every member of the LGBTQ community and its allies will be needed to make it happen. Now, more than ever, we must come together to forge unity from our diversity, so that we may raise our voices together and be heard.q

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Options | July 2016

WHO’S PAYING ATTENTION? S

hortly after 2am on Sunday, June 12, Omar Mateen walked into a gay nightclub with a semi-automatic weapon and opened fire. He sprayed bullets in rapid-fire succession through the club. When he was out of ammunition, he dropped the clip, reloaded, and continued firing again and again and again. Law enforcement officials at the scene said he was calm and collected on the phone when he called them. He praised the Boston Marathon bombers. He told negotiators he had accomplices and explosives. After three hours he had murdered 49 people, injured 53 more, and traumatized over 300. Mateen himself was dead. The 29-year-old was known to speak out against gays, Jews, and other minorities. According to FBI Director James Comey, Mateen previously expressed his desire to become a martyr to FBI agents during their extensive 10-month investigation of him. At different times he claimed ties to Al Qaeda, a Sunni Muslim terrorist group. He had been known to associate with a suicide bomber from his mosque. He was on a terrorist watch list, but the case was dropped after extensive interviews and investigation. Yet a man like this was allowed to buy a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition. Who in law enforcement was not paying attention? Mateen was known to become incensed at the sight of two men kissing, yet he was also known to be a patron of Pulse, the nightclub known to be a safe space for gays and lesbians to congregate and enjoy themselves. It is possible he was also on gay chat and meeting sites. Who in his life was not paying attention?

by Bradford Greer

Islanders were paying attention but were not deterred.There was a significant police presence and security was high.The attendance swelled beyond expectation as the celebrants let it be known they would not be intimidated. While it was clear the Orlando 49 were close in our hearts, Pride XL revelers showed up with XL courage and XL pride. Even the local media gave more coverage to PrideFest than the sketchy pass-over they usually do. The Providence Journal, which usually publishes the most titillating or unusual photos of the festival, focused a bit more on ordinary citizenry celebrating love and freedom. Also, a first: a full Waterfire brought thousands of heterosexuals into downtown Providence who comingled peacefully with Pride goers. David Cicilline and Mayor Elorza made appearances at The Alley Cat and Dark Lady block party. The Mayor echoed his speech from Monday’s candlelight vigil, reaffirming his pride in our community and the state’s unity with its LGBTQ citizens. Revelers cheered. Throughout the several block parties and Waterfire, Rhode Islanders made this very clear: While they embraced the victims of Orlando, they would not be frightened into submission. They would not succumb to hate.They would overcome violence. Acceptance, tolerance and freedom would prevail at Pride XL!q

He beat his first wife, and intimidated and controlled his second wife, who is currently under investigation for a complicit part in this massacre. She went with him to purchase ammunition at Walmart, accompanied him to Pulse on at least one occasion, and admits she suspected he was planning a catastrophic event and tried to talk him out of it. Who did not have the courage to say something? His father, Seddique Mir Mateen, stated that he was horrified, and that Omar had defied Seddique’s principles as a father and a U.S. citizen. “If I had known one percent of what he was planning I would have called the FBI,” Seddique said. His father also said it was up to God to punish gay people. How much of a surprise could it have been that this conflicted man turned out to be a mass murderer?

“If you see something, say something” has been the government’s watch-word since before 9/11. Who was not paying attention? What good is paying attention if the FBI can believe subjects when they are not telling the truth and someone with as sketchy a background as Mateen can go out and purchase an assault weapon without raising suspicion? If Mateen’s motives were to intimidate the gay population across the land, he failed. Made us more careful – perhaps? In Rhode Island, the 40th Anniversary Celebration – Pride XL: Progress, Celebrate, Excel – took off in Providence with merriment and determination to rise above the tragedy. Rhode

Options | July 2016

Honoring Orlando by Bradford Greer and TC Rogers

Two commemorative events brought together Rhode Island community members to honor the victims of the 49 killed and 53 wounded in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting.The considerable attendance at these events also signified the support for the LGBTQ community at large.

e started at The Dark Lady and The Alley Cat. On June 13, almost 1000 Rhode Islanders spread a fire of hope from one candle to another and carried them in a mournful procession to the State House. In the month when we all celebrate our stripe in the rainbow, Dark Lady and Alleycat owners Buck Asprinio and Rande Diantuono, along with Anthony DeRose, organized a giant vigil to galvanize people of all races and sexual orientations to honor those who had fallen victim to yet another brutal blast of bigotry and inhumanity. Under the rainbow hues lighting the top of the State House, we lifted our voices in a solemn “Amazing Grace” dedicated to the souls who now joined the stars. Even though the 49 murdered and 53 injured in Orlando were strangers to us, they were one of us. One by one the speakers made that point. Heads began to lift, and dignity, pride, and determination became mixed with the tears. Mayor Jorge Elorza declared, “[the attack] was on all of us. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community and everyone who stands for love. Hate will not bring me down. We must remain Stonewall strong. Pride strong. We are not afraid.” Many were overcome by the occasion and the speeches. Fr. David Martin spoke eloquently, as did Joe Wilson Jr. fromTrinity Rep, who praised our work in advancing our rights and

encouraged us to keep on keeping on: to keep the struggle moving forward. The movement for equality is not only for the privileged. It is a movement for all.Vanessa Flores from PrYSM reminded us that there is still work to be done in the struggle against prejudice and bigotry, even in our own back yards.

It is heart-wrenching to think that the perpetrator of this tragedy, sick with internalized homophobia and guilt-ridden over religious conflicts and family beliefs, may have been someone in our rainbow who was unable to accept himself for who he really was. It appears he may have learned his homophobia at home. Sadly, he (who shall not be named in this article) unleashed that hatred out into the world. Do not let hate build a home in your heart. Don’t let it pick out dining room furniture, hang drapes, or make itself comfortable in the living room of your life. Hate may show up for dinner

table conversation among friends and family during this or any tragedy or injustice. But make sure it is shown the door before dessert and coffee are served. We heard again and again as we grieved for the victims and those close to them: We are better than hate. We are the love that will survive. As Anthony DeRose so powerfully declared: “No act of extremism will ever change who we are. This is our right! Do not let hate or fear take that away from us. We will hold our ground!”

- by Bradford Greer

undreds gathered at Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, on the sunny evening of Tuesday, June 14 to stand in solidarity with people across the nation, and across the world, who were mourning the murdered, and praying for the injured victims of the violence

Brenlee Nunez, Fernando Gonzale, Tyasia Briggs

Options | July 2016

in Orlando that had occurred just 64 hours earlier. During the memorial event, there were countless calls for strength and courage, and demands to halt access to guns. Speakers represented numerous faiths, causes, colors, genders, and ages, and motivated the crowd through words, prayer, and song. The event represented unity against the fear tactics used to divide society, such as prejudice against those of the Muslim faith. Well known and respected LGBTQ activist Kate Monteiro was the main organizer of the event, and in speaking of the victims, Monteiro emphasized, “They were, every single one of them, a piece of you and me.” Among the numerous poignant speakers were Governor Raimondo, Fernando Gonzale, and Eshun Mirza. Governor Raimondo spoke with her husband at her side, and assured the crowd and parents of LGBTQ youth that Rhode Islanders are – and would be – safe, and should celebrate during Pride, not cower in fear. Additionally, in an exclusive interview with Options, Governor Raimondo shared how she speaks to her children about these types of events. “What I say to my children is that Mommy is going to make sure that we have more police out there, and we are going to keep you safe, and that there are bad people in the world who hate people who are different from them, but they are wrong. And the rest of us need to stick together and stand up against that. I tell my kids: that’s what America is all about. America is about freedom – freedom of expression, freedom of religion. That’s what

we are founded on, and we need to stay true to those values.” Fernando Gonzale, representing Youth Pride Inc., told the crowd that he personally identified with the Orlando victims as a “homosexual, Hispanic immigrant,” and that this event brought him out of his comfort zone to say that “we, including the youth, have more work to do,” because this week, “being queer became about more than marriage and rights. It became about survival.” Eshun Mirza, a Muslim and a doctor at Kent hospital, was especially rousing in his advocacy for change. He gave many crucial pieces of advice. “We need to speak of love and tolerance in our homes, schools, and places of worship.… We must force our politicians to advocate for more funds for mental health issues…. and we must promote those politicians who are in favor of sensible gun control laws,” urged Mirza. The culminating feeling after this memorial was an urgency to sustain and celebrate the LGBTQ community, as well as the need to support legislation that limits access to guns. The memorial evoked a sense of strength through unity and advocacy from the diverse Rhode Island leaders who inspired the crowd. - by TC Rogers

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Orlando Vigil (p.16), Dark Lady Rodeo (p. 17), PrideFest (p. 18-19), Parade (p. 20), Dark Lady Roar (p. 21). Photos by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez (H), Jen Bonin (B), and George Evans Marley (M).

On the Town 16 16

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Options | July 2016

PrYSM’s Statement

at PrideFest

The Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM) was named an Honorar y Marshal of this year’s RI Pride parade, and so they were invited to speak on stage during the annual PrideFest rally. This is the text of the statement read by PrYSM members Helen and Charles.

ood afternoon Rhode Island Pride members, Rhode Island government officials, members of LGBTQIA communities, families, friends, and supporters.

Before we begin, we would like to acknowledge that we are standing, marching, parading, and celebrating on stolen Narragansett and Wampanoag lands. We honor the indigenous communities whose lands we are occupying.We also honor the Black and Brown communities who have experienced and continue to experience violence on this land. We are members, coordinators, and family of the Providence Youth Student Movement, also known as PrYSM. PrYSM organizes at the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation by centering youth, women, queer, and people of color leadership in our campaigns, our organization, and our communities. PrYSM mobilizes queer Southeast Asian youth, families, and allies to build grassroots power and organize collectively for social justice. Our program, Queer and Trans Thursdays, creates safe spaces for queer and trans* people of color to advocate for ourselves, support our communities, organize for political empowerment, and build community. This year, Rhode Island Pride has named PrYSM “Honorary Marshals” for the 40th RI Pride Parade. In addition, RI Pride representatives, in conjunction with Mayor Elorza, support the over-policing and increased surveillance of RI Pride. According to Options Magazine, RI Pride representatives met on Monday, June 13, with Providence Police, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence Emergency Management Association, and local business owners, “to review [their] safety plan and coordinate [their] efforts and communication,” after the Orlando mass anti-LGBTQ shooting. As a result of RI Pride and Mayor Elorza’s blatant disregard of the trauma, histories, and experiences of LGBTQ people of color with state violence, PrYSM rejects the position of Honorary Marshal. PrYSM rejects RI Pride’s tokenizing of communities of color. PrYSM rejects RI Pride. In response to a tragedy where predominantly Latinx and other people of color were murdered, Rhode Island Pride defaulted to encouraging the police and other institutions that perpetuate violence against LGBTQ people of color to violate our communities. It is telling that RI Pride chose to work with local businesses and representatives of state violence before communicating with the local and grassroots organizations that work to defend marginalized communities every day, and that RI Pride uses for its diversity shots in Pride propaganda. The roots of Pride are embedded into a history of police violence. The Stonewall Uprising of 1969, and the courage of queer and trans* people of color fighting against police forces

that continuously brutalized their communities, catalyzed the first American Pride parades of 1970. Pride is a symbol of LGBTQIA communities’ survival against forces of oppression, hatred, and destruction. We must recognize that the police and the oppression they sustain are simply extensions of the violence that took the lives of our queer siblings in Orlando, of our queer siblings overseas slaughtered by U.S. warfare, and our queer communities attacked by the same cops who claim solidarity with us during Pride then beat us once the rainbow flags are lowered. PrYSM has prioritized community safety since our inception, arising in response to gang violence that put the lives of Southeast Asian Youth at risk. PrYSM will be continuing our legacy of keeping marginalized communities safe and prioritizing the real NEEDS of communities of color. We will be boycotting Pride until RI Pride prioritizes queer and trans people of color. We are calling for: – Decreased police presence and surveillance of communities of color during RI Pride. – Financial and programmatic support of local grassroots organizations that seek to find alternatives to the police for community safety. – Rhode Island Pride must make public efforts to support LGBTQIA people facing or experiencing homelessness, to demonstrate support for our most endangered community members. – Rhode Island Pride must encourage other organizations to support the Community Safety Act, a city-wide ordinance that would protect the people of Providence against police misconduct. q

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n Saturday June 18th, Rhode Island Pride and the greater RI LGBTQ Community celebrated our 40th Anniversary PrideFest and Parade. Less than a week prior, the tragic events at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando triggered national concern amongst members and allies of the LGBTQ community and caused public safety officials across the country to ramp up police presence nationwide in response to a heightened terror alert level. Rhode Island Pride reviewed its safety plans and felt the customary level of police, hired security and volunteer safety team, would be adequate for the scope of our festival and in line with our response following the Boston Marathon bombing three years ago. Along with owners of local LGBTQ establishments, RI Pride was asked to attend public safety briefings, and in doing so was informed by City leadership that increased police presence was being mandated in response to the alert level. RI Pride never formally requested additional police presence and fully understood the concerns of the community about the likely increase in profiling that would result.We regret that we did not make our understanding clearer in our public statements. During the PrideFest Rally, the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM) denounced Rhode Island Pride for not taking into consideration the needs of LGBTQ people of color. PrYSM has a strong history of fighting to prioritize the needs of communities of color. Rhode Island Pride acknowledges that PrYSM has felt unheard and in naming them Honorary Marshal, we hoped to provide PrYSM with a platform to further a message we strongly support. In March of 2016, Rhode Island Pride endorsed the Community Safety Act (CSA) and joined the STEP-UP Coalition to help advocate for its passage. Rhode Island Pride believed we were strong allies to PrYSM and the Coalition and decries PrYSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice to speak out against us instead of communicating and working with us. Rhode Island Pride respects the message PrYSM chose to bring to the PrideFest stage and offers the following response to the demands PrYSM expressed: 1. Decreased Police presence and surveillance of communities of color during PrideFest. Rhode Island Pride did not formally request an increased police presence, nor can we afford to maintain the level that was provided and reimbursed by federal funds this year. In the future, we expect to maintain the minimum police detail legally required for our attendance numbers, as we have in prior years, supplement as needed with private security that follows our mandates, and explore alternatives to police for community safety.

Responds to PrYSM for LGBTQIA community members facing or experiencing homelessness is a goal of the Pride Center of Rhode Island. (More information to follow in the coming months as the Pride Center of Rhode Island establishes its strategic goals.) 4. Rhode Island Pride must encourage other organizations to support the Community Safety Act, a city-wide ordinance that would protect the people of Providence against police misconduct. Rhode Island Pride joined the STEP-UP Coalition in March to help advocate for the passage of the Community Safety Act. Rhode Island Pride looks forward to working with our coalition partners to pass all sections of the Community Safety Act. For more information on the Community Safety Act please visit: https:// providencecommunitysafetyact.wordpress.com/. PrYSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong message shows the need for the LGBTQIA community to take the opportunity to refocus our priorities. Rhode Island Pride has long recognized that there is a better way to serve our community, but we have lacked the capacity to move beyond our traditional programming and events. In 2015, the boards of Rhode Island Pride and the RI LGBTQ Center began conversations to determine if there was a way forward together that would strengthen our mutual goals. It was determined that a merger, forming the Pride Center of Rhode Island, and establishing a new organizational structure and a new board of directors was the best way forward. Following the approval by both boards and the membership of Rhode Island Pride last month, we publicly announced the merger during PrideFest. Our next steps are to identify community members interested in serving on the board of directors and to hold at least three community forums between July and October to help shape the goals of the Pride Center. The Pride Center of RI must serve ALL members of our community.Take a page from PrYSM and make YOUR voice heard. q Rhode Island Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the visibility, equality, and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and provides safe space to come out, express, and celebrate all sexual identities and genders. For more information, email info@prideri.com; call (401) 467-2130; or join us for a gathering in our office at 1055 Westminster Street, Floor 2, in Providence.

2. Financial and programmatic support of local grassroots organizations that seek to find alternatives to the police for community safety. Support of local grassroots organizations is a primary goal of the Pride Center of Rhode Island, which is forming through the merger of Rhode Island Pride and the RI LGBTQ Center. 3. Rhode Island Pride must make public efforts to support LGBTQIA people facing or experiencing homelessness, to demonstrate support for our most endangered community members. Providing safe space and potentially short-term housing

Options | July 2016

15 YEARS OF TRANSGENDER PROTECTIONS IN RI by Gwen Howard, Jaye Watts, and Jen Stevens On June 23, Governor Raimondo invited LGBTQ community members to join her at the State House to celebrate 15 years of protections for transgender Rhode Islanders. Governor Raimondo noted that Rhode Island is a leader on this issue, following only one state – Minnesota – in including transgender people as a class of people protected from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and credit. Raimondo chose this occasion to announce that state employees’ transition-related services would now be covered through their health insurance. As advocates celebrated, leaders on the issue were invited to speak, including State Representative Edith Ajello, a longtime champion for LGBTQ rights in Rhode Island. Representative Ajello recalled her first meeting with Gwen Howard, who Ajello now considers a dear friend. Ajello had never knowingly met a transgender person, and Gwen’s story deeply impacted Ajello, inspiring her to lead this unpopular civil rights battle in the legislature. Ajello introduced Gwen Howard, who gave the following remarks:

e would never have reached this milestone without wonderful legislative allies, and without the hard work of activists like Lauren [Nocera] and Jenn [Steinfeld] and Kate [Monteiro] and Tina [Wood]. I was only one of the many people involved, but I’d like to tell you about my impressions of that experience. I want to start by sharing something most people who were there 15 years ago probably don’t know: I was scared. When we had begun talking about the possibility of a bill, we had agreed that the number of speakers ought to be limited. This would allow the testimony to remain focused and on-point, and we reasoned that we didn’t want to overwhelm legislators. I, however, had already decided that I wanted to be one of the people to testify on the bill’s behalf.

I knew just how important it was. As we began working, I was told: “Don’t worry, this is just the first battle. We’re only getting started. It will probably take years, but we’ll get there.” That was one of my fears. Before this, I had done many things in the community: led workshops and given talks. But this was different. Even more than now, in those days, many trans people, myself included, led stealthful lives. If the wrong people were to find out about who you were, you could be fired, harassed, lose your apartment, and all done legally. In choosing to work on the law, I would be outing myself to the legislature in a public, on-the-record way. Without the protection of the very law we were working on, I was potentially jeopardizing future employment, credit, and safety. The irony wasn’t lost on me. And it was a very stressful experience. But the strangest thing happened: We succeeded. I think that one of the reasons for our unexpected success was the simplicity of the approach we took. We weren’t arguing for something new, rather, we tried to appeal to fairness and decency. On one of the days I came to the capitol to have a few informal conversations with people about the bill, a legislator came up to me and said in what almost sounded like a sarcastic tone:“While we’re at it, why don’t we start adding other categories, like maybe fat people, to the civil rights bill?” As I turned to her, I noticed that she may have had a weight problem herself, so I replied: “Being overweight isn’t a choice for a lot of people, it’s genetics or other circumstances. If people are experiencing discrimination on the basis of this physical characteristic, you’re right; it isn’t fair, and they ought to be protected, too.” She paused, then quietly walked away nodding her head. Our underlying message was simply that discrimination is wrong.

committee hearing while a representative announced that this bill, if it passed, would lead to men following little girls into the women’s bathroom. (It’s amazing how unfounded prejudices persist, even where there’s overwhelming evidence to the contrary.) Yet the bill did pass. The governor refused to sign it, but at the same time, he didn’t veto it, so it became law. I’ve always thought that it was a real measure of our low-key success that when the local newspaper carried an article on that year’s legislative session, they reported that nothing important had been enacted into law during that term. The passage of this bill had two consequences. On the one hand, for most people, nothing changed. There were no transgender demons given license to wreak havoc on unsuspecting innocents. People continued leading their regular day-to-day lives just as they always had. On the other hand, for a small segment of the population, everything started to change. Trans people could begin moving out of the shadows, and no longer needed to be quite so fearful of leading their day-to-day lives as themselves. We could finally strive to be just as mundane as everyone else. Fifteen years ago, Rhode Island was only the second state to afford transgender citizens equal rights. Rhode Island was the first state, however, to address the concerns of trans people on their own terms and not just as one of a number of other groups. Rhode Island led the nation in choosing to be fair. To have played my own small role in this effort to ensure that transgender Rhode Islanders should be treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else, is, and will always be, the most proud moment of my life. And to this state, which enacted into law the principle that I matter just as much as any other citizen, I will always be grateful.

Of course, not all legislators were reasonable. I remember sitting in one

Options | July 2016

Gwen then introduced her good friend, Jaye Watts, who addressed the crowd with this:

ifteen years ago, I was just starting to contemplate that I might be gay. I had not yet started to think about my gender. Policy work and activism were not even on my radar. I am grateful to Representative Ajello and all of the original bill sponsors, as well as the advocates, who courageously fought for the passage of this very important legislation. I see a lot of familiar faces in the room here today, but for those of you who I have not met, I want to share a little bit with you about my work. I am a clinical social worker and the Transgender Health Program Manager at Thundermist Health Center. I have spent the past eight years of my career working to further protections for the transgender community in Rhode Island. This has included streamlining access to affirming documentation such as driver’s licenses and birth certificates, access to affirming health care, and trans-inclusive health insurance. I have educated thousands of Rhode Islanders on how to improve services for the transgender community and I have personally cared for members of my community, or helped them to find services when few others were willing to do so. I am now a part of an incredible organization at Thundermist that has created a ground-breaking health program, expanding access to affirming medical care for the transgender community. Thundermist recognizes that we have a responsibility to act proactively and deliberately to address the discrimination trans* individuals face in the health care system, and address the many health disparities experienced by trans* people. I am grateful for the privilege of being able to work for, and make a difference in, this community. What I want you to know is that none of that would have been possible without this law. In 2005, I was newly out as trans and I decided to move to Rhode Island largely due to the legal protections I would have here. In January of 2006, I interviewed and was hired for a new job. This was the first time that I felt it necessary to come out as trans to my new employer. After working there successfully in what was a supportive environment, I later learned a disturbing truth. After I disclosed my identity, there were administrators who wanted to fire me, or at least rescind the offer to hire – not because I was incapable of performing my job, or unqualified – simply because I am trans. Thankfully, I was and continue to be protected by RI law. I was fortunate to be supported by my immediate supervisors and remained on the job for a number of years. My experience with that job, along with other life experiences, lead to my decision to attend the Rhode Island College Graduate School of Social Work. This was the start of my professional trans advocacy work eight years ago. I know that I would not be here today if this law was not in place to protect me. While we celebrate the anniversary of this law, I am compelled to acknowledge inequalities that continue to exist in our community and must be addressed. The 2011 U.S. Trans Discrimination survey indicated that the transgender community faces an unemployment rate that is twice the national average, and trans people of color face an unemployment rate of over 26%. Twenty-two percent of trans individuals in that study reported being harassed by the police – a number that jumps to 38% for Black trans people. So far this year, 14 trans people

Options | July 2016

in the U.S. have been murdered in hate-related crimes. Last year, we saw a total of 23 murders, which was nearly double the average number of murders that occurred in each of the previous ten years. Almost all of those murdered were transgender women of color. And while I’m proud of the role that I played in advocating to streamline access to affirming legal documents, I recognize that for transgender Rhode Islanders who are undocumented, that policy does little to help you without further legislation, or executive action, to grant access to a driver’s license in the first place. Rhode Island has been a leader in protecting the trans community. And I know that we can do better. As a transgender advocate living and working in Rhode Island I want to make sure that all Rhode Islanders know these protections exist and have been in place for a long time. I want transgender Rhode Islanders to know that they have these protections and there are avenues available to investigate discrimination complaints. I want the Rhode Island LGBTQ community to know that our community is multi-dimensional, and while we have these protections, queer and trans individuals of color are facing a complicated system of oppression in which these protections are frequently disregarded. All Rhode Islanders must continue to listen and learn from each other about what is needed for queer and trans people to feel safe in our beautiful state. Finally, I want to thank Governor Gina Raimondo for her leadership – in particular for her support of transgender -inclusive health insurance policies for Medicaid and commercial insurance plans, which have changed the lives of so many Rhode Islanders this year. My hope is that today we can celebrate an important anniversary of an essential law. And that in our celebration we will all commit to continuing to demand legal protections and social justice for all. Toward the end of a couple of weeks with some major highs and major lows for our community, this ceremony allowed advocates to come together, not for a sorrowful vigil or an exuberant PrideFest, but to honor a lasting victory, share some hugs and smiles, and receive some good news that many of us weren’t expecting.q

Serving all Faiths & Lifestyles

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Youth Pride Inc. Announces New Executive Director

hristopher R. Lauth, Assistant Director of Diversity Programs at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), has been named Executive Director of Youth Pride Inc. (YPI) by the organization’s Board of Directors. Mr. Lauth officially assumed this new role on June 27. His passion and demonstrated leadership serving the LGBTQ community will help the organization advance its mission to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ youth and young adults of our state. Mr. Lauth will be YPI’s fifth executive director since it was founded in 1992. His background includes founding and leading a gay/straight alliance from 2006-2009 in northeast Florida and significant experience in higher education, student development theory, non-profit management, and social justice education. Mr. Lauth will advance YPI’s strategic plan and guide development initiatives to better support LGBTQ youth and YPI’s future contributions in youth advocacy and education in Rhode Island.

13 13

by Lisa Carcieri

an emerging generation of strong, thoughtful, and caring leaders in a global society. Over the past year, YPI has served 850 youth in its drop-in center, provided access to food for over 300, and supported 45 gay/straight alliances in the Rhode Island school system. YPI is an affirming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and questioning young people to build community, develop connections, and be themselves. It is dedicated to the unique needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression while working to end the homophobic and transphobic environments in which they live, work and play. We also provide professional development and training for youth service workers, social service organizations and schools so that they have the information and resources to treat all youth with respect and dignity. 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.

“I am humbled and honored to be serving our Rhode Island LGBTQ youth, helping to create not only a safe space but a space that will allow our youth to show up with all of their identities fully present,” said Mr. Lauth. “Only then will we create an environment that will empower and prepare our youth to recognize their immense personal power when they live true to who they are, enabling them to become change agents in our community.” Lauth has a Masters of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, and a Bachelor of Arts in U.S. Southern Cultural History from Flagler College in Saint Augustine, Florida. YPI was founded as a support group within the YWCA of Greater Rhode Island. Having its first meeting in the Sarah Doyle Women’s Center on Brown University’s campus, it quickly outgrew the space and incorporated in 1994.Today,YPI is poised to begin a robust and exciting time in its history to help foster

Options | July 2016

Getting to Know by Corinne Hill

he LGBT elder community served by SAGE-RI is at risk. They are more likely to live alone, to be socially isolated, to not have had children who may help care for them, to be less financially sound, and to live in environments in which they are not surrounded by their LGBT peers and allies. SAGE-RI’s new board of directors recently held a retreat to spend time together and outline critical next steps as our work becomes ever more important. The first thing we did was get to know one another, where we came from, what we did, and what we do for careers, family, etc. We discussed challenges we have faced over the years being and coming out as gay – struggles with families, divorces, coming out to children, marriages much later in life, etc. One after another, board members told fascinating stories of their closeted lives, but also their lives lived as they came out. We recognized that the hardest struggles in our lives have not been because we are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. A significant part of the reason for this is because of the groundwork laid by the generation before us – the right to be gay at work, the right not to be beaten because of how we look, the right to get married. The generation of elders that stand before us have been pioneers in LGBT rights movements since the 40s, 50s, and 60s, and they are once again pioneers in LGBT rights as they face the aging process. In this society, aging is fraught with similar obstacles our elders have overcome before, and now they must do it again.

SAGE-RI Gala SAGE-RI (Services & Advocacy for LGBT 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, write to sageriinfo@gmail.com; call (401) 443-4451; send a letter to SAGE-RI c/o CareLink, 1 Virginia Avenue, Providence, RI 02905; visit www.sage-ri.org, or find SAGE/Rhode Island on Facebook.

JDHS PHOTOS

Our elders are not recognized as being LGBT by the larger society, and this failure to recognize the very heart and spirit of our LGBT elders creates a closeted, homophobic, and transphobic environment. How unfair, to have led the charge on some of the most significant gay rights movements of all time, only to be faced with the prospect of being forced back into the closet today. This is where SAGE-RI comes in. SAGE-RI works to advocate on behalf of our elders. We provide training to reduce homophobia and transphobia in the myriad people who provide healthcare and senior support services for our elders. We host the LGBT Cafe, a periodic social gathering for our elders in the community to combat the isolation that so frequently occurs for LGBT elders. We offer showings of Gen Silent to raise awareness of the experience of our aging LGBT elders and the challenges they face. We offer membership in SAGE-RI to give the community a chance to contribute and to belong. But SAGE-RI needs your help. Please consider becoming a member, or sending in a contribution. If membership or a contribution don’t work for you, participate in our events. Invite us to speak to your colleagues at work. Share our work with others. Like us on Facebook; check out our webpage. Get involved and stay involved. Thank you in advance for your generous support of SAGE-RI! q

Options | July 2016

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WE ARE

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by Christopher Dalpe for AIDS Care Ocean State

e at AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) were both honored and inspired to be a part of the festivities, fundraisers, and radical calls to action with our fellow organizers and community members during Rhode Island’s Pride week. Many had heavy hearts as we mourned our fallen family in the Orlando Pulse night club massacre. This grief is deep and has not subsided. Our community knows tragedy far too well. We know violence, and we know fear and discrimination. Our community has cried for far too many lives taken before their time.

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This grief is deep, but it’s also a reminder. Do not let it subside. Let it be a reminder to reach out to your loved ones. Let it be a reminder that each and every life is precious, and deserves respect and tenderness. Let it be a reminder that we must grow stronger, braver, and more compassionate as a community and that we must not be intimidated into acting/speaking from panic, fear, and intolerance. We are not one; we are in fact many. And that’s beautiful! We are made up of so many vibrant shapes, sizes, identities, pigments, sexualities, languages, beliefs, politics, families, privileges, and abilities. Our diversity challenges us daily, and we stand together not because we are the same – with the same priorities and stories – but BECAUSE we are different (even from one another) and there should be space for everyone as they are. We are in awe of the activism and community solidarity we’ve witnessed over the past few weeks, as people found strength to celebrate and to love while they healed. On June 12, the same day as the shooting, many found the courage to come out and attend the Skate Into Pride event in Taunton, MA supporting RI Pride and ACOS. Thank you. Thank you to our sponsors, guests, and attendees for the RI Pride Bingo on June 16 at the Riviera Bingo Hall. We were able to raise approximately $1,800 to be donated to the community in Orlando. And thank you to everyone who visited or got tested at our booth during PrideFest on June 18. Our amazing Prevention Team administered nearly 100 rapid HIV & HCV tests that afternoon.Thank you to all the staff, clients, volunteers, friends, and family who marched proudly with us during the Illuminated Night Parade.

Jennifer A. Minuto LGBT Legal Advocacy.

In the days to come, may these words ring true for each and every LGBTQI and allied Rhode Islander: “Grief is powerful. Mass grief is a force of nature. Fellow queers, for this storm, we need to build a shelter big enough for all of us. Let’s get to work.” - The Sub/Merge Crew 2016 q AIDS Care Ocean State provides comprehensive AIDS service, supportive housing, emergency funds, and a Speakers Bureau. Located at 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. (401) 521-3603. Appointments: (401) 781-0665. www.aidscareoceanstate.org.

Options | July 2016

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, 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. Young People’s Sexual Diversity meeting of AA. Fridays at 7pm at Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health, 250 Main St., Pawtucket. 489-5513.

AIDS/Health Resources AFIA Center for Health & Wholeness: Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI. Free to clients. Wednesday and Thursday 12-3pm. Mathewson Street Church, 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. Contact Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 ext. 3268. info@uwri.org. www.familyserviceri.org. AIDS Action Hotline: MA only. (800) 235-2331. www.aac.org. AIDS Care Ocean State: Confidential HIV & Hep C testing, safer-sex supplies, case management, emergency funds, clinical services, assisted and supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, street outreach, ENCORE, HIV+ support groups. Speaker’s Bureau, 18 Parkis Ave., Providence. 521-3603 (call 781-0665 to schedule an appointment). www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI: Division of Family Service of RI. Case management, buddies, COBRA and dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment and referral, wellness programs, advocacy, strength training, prevention education, HIV testing. 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. 831-5522 www.aidsprojectri.org.

AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS memorial quilt panels, panel-making programs including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people. PO Box 2591, Newport. 434-4880. admin@aidsquiltri.org. www.aidsquiltri.org. Brown University AIDS Program: Clinical trials, public policy, research, lectures, conferences, patient and community education. 121 South Main Street, Second Floor, Providence. 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu. brown.edu/Departments/BRUNAP. Community Care Alliance: Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Rhode Island. 245 Main Street, Woonsocket. 235-6092. lcohen@famresri.org. 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.

Options | July 2016

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

Options | July 2016

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.

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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 congregation. 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. 434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org.

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The Chapel of the Holy Spirit: 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. 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, 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)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. 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) 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.

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. 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: 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.

Options | July 2016

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. 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. 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) 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, 2085 N. 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.

Options | July 2016

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

Options | July 2016

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

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WORTH A LOOK In the wake of the Orlando tragedy, I wanted to use this space to share the remarks of lesbian spoken-word poet Stacyann Chin, who recently addressed the Chicago LGBTQ community at its memorial service for the Orlando victims. Chin’s words are a powerful reminder of why we should continue to be ourselves, be proud, and continue to fight for one another. Learn more about Chin in her award-winning memoir, The Other Side of Paradise. n 1997, I came to the shores of these United States of America because it wasn’t safe for me to live as an out lesbian in my own country, Jamaica. I remember landing alone, uncertain, in a tiny city called New York City. Within weeks, I fell into the arms of other feminists and activists and other LGBT people who believed in the global fight for freedom. It was here, in this country, I learned to use my words, my voice, to speak out against bigotry and prejudice and injustice and discrimination wherever it happens, whenever it happens, to whomever it happens. I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years. So much has happened in the wake of our collective struggle. LGBT people in more and more countries can now marry the love of our choosing. We can openly hold a public office, hold hands, adopt children.We are more secure in our jobs. Many of us are completely accepted by our communities. So effective has been our march toward progress, so steady has been our faith in the power of change, that we were just a little bit amused when the radical right began its new wave of shenanigans in Mississippi and North Carolina and Tennessee. We were certain good sense would prevail in this country. We were sure the world was changing faster, and we knew we would eventually win. Gun violence has never been part and parcel of the LGBT agenda. Semi-automatic weapons were never ours to argue. Even after our president, our first black president, begged the nation —13 times after 13 mass shootings — after he begged us 13 times to address this issue of gun control, as a group, it never became our fight. But when the unthinkable news of this lone gunman’s actions rippled across the airwaves, when in this, the 14th shooting since 2008, when almost 50 us — 50 of us — 50 of us became the target of one such weapon (it’s really 100 more of us became the target of one such weapon), we were shaken from our complacency, jolted from our rooted revelry, shocked to watch the deliberate marching back of progress. After 20 years of safety, my lesbian body is awake to the terror of what my

black body, my woman body, my immigrant body, has always known. These barbaric ideologies are only getting bolder and bolder by the proverbial hour. As a whole person I have never been more aware of how race and class and religion and sexuality and hate can converge into some bizarre concoction of violence and rage and prejudice and the vulnerable target of an unsuspecting crowd. These young men in a dance club, in a dance club in Orlando, were simply looking for a space to love and live and be safe and be celebrated inside the borders of a country whose history whispers the tradition: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” We are all just yearning to breathe free, in public or private. I have always wanted to follow my own heart. I imagine that’s what they wanted, too, these young people.That’s all they wanted:To be true to the drum-beating human inside their own chests. Their deaths will always be remembered as senseless. In the horror of their quiet breaths, let us begin the celebration of their lives by acknowledging that these words are never enough. No matter what we say here today, it will never be enough to tell the story of their deaths or their lives. Always, there’s always more to say about the departed. These young people whose lives will eventually become fodder for political blather and ideological arguments. These bodies lying still, not dancing, not smiling, will join the too-long list of these victims of mass shootings that happen in America.Too often, this happens in America. Too often, it has been happening in America to the most vulnerable among us. The most vulnerable among us pay the greatest price, and the rest of us are left to ask the question again and again and again, “Where, where, where does this healing begin?” In the face of 49 lives snuffed out, how do we make sense of such a senseless thing? The answer — the answer is what it has always been. We pick up the pieces of each other. As always, we turn left, we turn right, we reach behind us and we find each other, and we continue to find love. Against these crazy odds, we should revel in the unfaltering ability to be human, to hold each other, to heal each other. In sorrow we should weep and smile and celebrate the fact of our own breathing. If there was ever a year to wave that rainbow flag, this is it. This is a good year to celebrate Pride. Even if you have been

by The Lit Chick

so over it. This is a good year to be out, to be proud. This is the cornerstone of every mark of progress, and our community has always been committed to progress. So today — regardless of those who revel in this — today is no different from yesterday or tomorrow. All through the month of June, all through the years we have left to live, I dare you. I dare you, LGBTABCDQ alphabet soup, I dare you to find your flag. Find your rainbow. Find your loud. Wave your freedom proud. I dare you to speak your feelings of pride, of solidarity. I dare you from this moment to live who you are, for these 49, for North Carolina, for yourselves, for Orlando, for Stonewall and for Selma, for the LGBT community I left 20 years ago in Jamaica. For Kenya, for Uganda, for this country, for all of us. In order to heal, for every person living on this planet, we have to fight the fury of those who would rather see us dead. Let us rack against the powers that push against freedom. Let us rage. Let us rally. Let us rally against the powers that push against freedom. Let us rage, but let us also lobby for change in these gun laws and in discrimination laws. Let us fight for more spaces where all our bodies can be safe. Let us push against unjust laws that seek to turn back the hands of time. In memory of these nearly 50 dead, I dare you to live even louder, to be even more proud of who you are. Let us together lift our voices, our spirits. Let us shout out so everybody on this planet can hear the awesome power of the human heart. To choose love.To choose love. I dare you to choose love. q

Stacyann Chin

Options | July 2016

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