options June 2017
WHEN WE
R.I.S.E.
2017 Pride Celebration
Options | June 2017
Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Community Magazine Since 1982
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IN THIS ISSUE: 7
12
22 28 30 34
5 7 9 10 11 11 12 14 16 19 20 22 24 28 30 31 34 36 39
From the Executive Director Lonely Planet Hear Us Roar Celebrating Pride, Reflecting History Poetry Transosaurus Rex When We R.I.S.E PrideFest Essentials PrideFest Map Youth Voice Up From Depression Better Living Through Yoga Summer Campfire Fan-Faved Queen Born This Way Prom Glossary of LGBTQ+ Terms Take Pride in What you Read Calendar Resources
Home deliver y is free! Subscribe at www.optionsri.org, email subscriptions@optionsri.org, or write to us at our PO Box. Š OPTIONS 2017. 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 July 2017 issue must be delivered by June 8.
Options | June 2017
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Options | June 2017
From the Executive Director Last month we published the first issue of our 36th volume, marking a milestone for Options. For 35 years, month after month, community members have worked to produce this resource for you the reader. These unpaid volunteers have given countless hours to the many roles and responsibilities that are needed to keep our doors open. A complete archive of Options fills a bookshelf in our office: hundreds of issues that tell the story of our community’s evolution are packed into binders and boxes. The site of the archive itself is underwhelming and could easily be overlooked by someone as merely papers on a shelf. But, the stories they tell, coupled with the larger story of Options, evokes strong feelings from individuals who take the time to acknowledge the collection. At A Black and White Affair, our 35th anniversary event, we recognized two individuals who have truly supported our organization. Myra Shays has much influence on Options editorial direction. She is the most influential copy editor in memory. Month after month, Myra attends editing sessions. There she serves as matriarch of the copy editors, speaking with confidence on topics like proper punctuation uses and grammar. In full disclosure, I was intimidated by Myra when we first met, largely in part because of my less-than-perfect spelling, but more so because she was someone that everyone respected. The respect I have for Myra hasn’t changed, and neither has my ability to properly use a semicolon. Rex LeBeau is the volunteer that every nonprofit wants to have. Without seeking recognition, Rex is dedicated and continually offers to help with new tasks. Rex is one of the few copy editors who attends almost all editing sessions. Also, as the author and artist behind the Transosaurus Rex comic, plus spearheading all distribution efforts of Options across Aquidneck Island, Rex has been a true asset. Distribution is not necessarily the fun way to volunteer, but it is extremely important. Rex and I have had many laughs about our late-night, after work meetups in a dark parking lot where we exchange cases of Options from car to car. Rex has taught me and the entire Options team much over the past few years and I will be forever grateful for their perspective. Myra and Rex will both tell you that they don’t deserve to be recognized, but that couldn’t be further than the truth. These two individuals have given so much to the organization and deserve far more than we can give in return. Wondering what you can do to support Options? Sign up to run or walk the Gay 5K that we’re hosting on Sunday, June 11. Hosted in Roger Williams Park, this event is going to be so much fun and we need your attendance to make it a successful event. Register today at www.runthegay5k.com.
options
Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982. June 2017, XXXVI, Issue 2
Executive Director Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Managing Editor Marie Hopkins marie@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays resources@optionsri.org Calendar Editor Jen Stevens calendar@optionsri.org Copy Editors Amelia Boivin, Rex LeBeau, Myra Shays Graphic Design Theresa “Reese” Barzyk Contributors Felicia Nimue Ackerman, Matthew Boucher, Chris Cedroni, Jesse DeRita, Jennifer Foster, Bradford Greer, Robin Homonoff, Jonathan Izzard, Rex LeBeau, Brian Mills, Jen Porcelli, Scott Tayloe Photographers Jen Bonin, Ryan Clarke Finance Director Will Menihan billing@optionsri.org Subscription Manager Francis Ryan frank@optionsri.org Advertising advertising@optionsri.org
Wishing you all a safe and happy Pride! Onward,
Kyle McKendall
Contact Us info@optionsri.org PO Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940 (401) 724-LGBT www.optionsri.org Cover: Original artwork by Jonathan Izzard.
Options | June 2017
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Options | June 2017
Lonely Planet by Bradford Greer
LONELY PLANET is the poignant story of two gay friends trying to come to terms with life during a time when many of the people in their world were dying in the AIDS epidemic. This small story carried a big message of friendship and social consciousness to Providence when the Counter Productions Theatre Company’s production played at AS220’s Black Box theater for two weekends last month. Jody, masterfully portrayed by Jim O’Brien, (above left) is a man who has retreated into a world of maps and geographical facts. He stays later and later in his map store, which seems to be open fewer and fewer hours. Carl, played by Christopher Plonka, is a passionate man with a manic energy that drives him through his life, a life that has become terribly lonely as his friends die. Carl battles bitterness and disillusionment at humanity as Jody tries to figure out what Carl does for a living. Both are playfully articulate about their
Options | June 2017
thoughts and dreams. Carl notices Jody seems to have many outfits that are exactly alike. Just as a friend would, Carl badgers Jody to get out of the store, yet also enables him by bringing him food, and his mail, and by cutting his hair. Meanwhile, Jody indulges Carl’s lies about his occupations.
Lonely Planet has been on the very short list of plays I really wanted to direct since we did a staged reading of it in Ukiah, California in 1996,” says Ducharme. “The fearless exploration of the material made me excited beyond measure to work with these two extraordinary actors.”
As the story progresses, empty chairs begin to take over the store, causing tension to rise between the two men. When Jody snaps at Carl, “ I don’t want any more of your chairs!” Carl quietly points out each chair by the name of a friend who has died.
This play represented Ducharme’s second directorial effort at gay history. He directed The Imitation Game: the story of Alan Turing. Turing was the gay man who cracked the German code during WWll, was chemically castrated for being gay, and later committed suicide.
The actors shared a palpable chemistry that made their characters’ friendship convincing and rich with nuance. Michael Ducharme superbly directed this Steven Deitz play. The actors portrayed the intense drama of the AIDS era, which is never mentioned by name, and they conveyed the story with intimacy, humor, and pathos.
Accolades for Counter Productions Theatre Company for tackling their first gay-topical play, and to Branigan Duguay for the excellent lighting and set design. The importance of this play today is that the message lands squarely in the gay community. Particularly during Pride month, as we celebrate our freedom and progress, we must also accept that HIV is once again
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on the rise, particularly among young men. The best thing about the play is that the audience finds it relatable. One may not own a map store, but anyone could easily see themselves as either Jody or Carl. Actor Christopher Plonka stated: “AIDS is a disease I have not had much personal experience with. I’ve met a couple of individuals who were diagnosed but no one I was close to. As a young straight man, I know I don’t have the historical or personal context to truly understand the pain and fear of that time. But I was fortunate to have Michael and Bobby Ducharme on my side helping me understand better, and trying to maintain a truthful and respectful character that honors those who have suffered and those who still do.” Dr. Karen Tashima, Dr. Philip Chan, and Dr. Amanda Noska were present throughout the run.They opened a dialogue to focus on a part of history that cannot be forgotten. Ronald Kevin Lewis discussed his recent diagnosis, and Marc Page, HIV-positive since 1989, were also there to provide a uniquely personal perspective. The fact that AIDS is not specifically mentioned in the play is a statement concerning the intense stigma associated with the disease as it was 35 years ago. Medical research has helped not only to save lives, but also to reduce the physical characteristics that made the disease so obvious during the early and middle years of the epidemic. The extreme weight loss, facial lesions, and hair loss couldn’t be disguised in public, and because of panic, misunderstanding, and misinformation, people would move away from and physically avoid victims of the disease. Having an AIDS diagnosis was also a neon sign stating that you were gay. And at that time in history, hate and pity and fear came out loud and strong.There were those who hid (Jody). There were those who took to the streets (Carl).
considered experimental. (A new friend confessed to me that every one of his close friends had died of AIDS. All of them.) In 1992 AIDS became the number one killer of men between the ages of 25-44. Now it is considered to be only a pre-existing condition. Today, thanks to the fundraising agencies and service organizations such as ACOS and APRI, AIDS has been relegated to the back burner of public conversation. The physical manifestations that once indicated the deadly virus have disappeared. We went from the image of death personified to the promotion of health and wellbeing with the help of pharmaceutical interventions. People began to recover. During the epidemic years, light shined through the friendships and chosen families that developed. The fearless front line consisted of acquaintances and strangers. Men such as Carl came out, stepped up, and helped to raise money, bring food, run errands, and take charge, taking care of whatever and whoever needed to be taken care of. That concept still exists. APRI is relaunching its Buddy program. Playwright Steven Dietz says in his notes: “I believe our legacy is our friends. We write our history onto them and they walk with us through our days like time capsules filled with our mutual pasts. Our friends get our uncensored questions and our yet-to-bereasoned opinions. They get the very best and are stuck with the very worst we have to offer. Our friends get our rough drafts. Over time, they both open our eyes and break our hearts.We are, each of us, a living testament to our friends’ compassion and tolerance, humor, wisdom, patience and grit.
Friendship, not technology, is the only thing capable of showing us the enormity of the world.” “The title of the play,” says Christopher Plonka, “is referencing a picture of Earth prominently displayed in Jody’s store, taken from the Apollo 17 mission, which shows a planet surrounded by darkness.” It is a metaphor for Jody himself, a man who has locked himself away in his own store surrounded by the darkness of fear. Jody is the lonely planet and it’s only Carl who breaks through this loneliness. And these two men, with only each other, find the way to fight against this loneliness together as their friends pass away one by one. Sometimes Pride is a protest. Sometimes Pride is a celebration. But it is always a month of getting together with your friends, nightclub dancing, marching, drag shows, events, film festivals, concerts, dinners, and drinks. Hot men and gorgeous women seem to come out of the woodwork and the sex pheromone permeates the air. June is busting out all over and some of us come bursting out of the closet like it’s on fire. The play’s two heroes forge a friendship during a devastating time in gay history. Lonely Planet is a dramatic story about friendship that can make you laugh and still break your heart. The plot reminds us of our role in society and our participation in it. Embrace your friends. Celebrate responsibly. q
In one scene Carl wears a t-shirt that says Silence = Death. During the time when President Reagan refused to say the word AIDS, ACT UP protesters lay down in the street and drew chalk outlines around themselves to represent the bodies of the thousands who had died. The cause of death in obituaries was listed as pneumonia or complications ascribed to other illness. People had to argue with insurance companies because they refused to cover HIV medications, which were at the time
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Options | June 2017
HEAR US by Matthew Boucher, LICSW
JUNE
is Pride month: a time to celebrate our identities and connect with one another as a community. What a wonderful thing. Or is it? Why is Pride regulated to a month, when it should be a daily occurrence? Is one month a year enough for us? The answer is no. Let’s look more deeply at the topic. Our community, the LGBTQ community, is a multifaceted group of individuals who may actually differ more than we relate. We possess tremendous amounts of diversity in our ranks, whether it is racial, gender identity, gender expression, age, socioeconomic status, religion, culture, or any other factor. Intersectionality is a theory that states that overlapping identities in a group contribute to oppression and discrimination. This intersectionality contributes to our perceptions, of both the world around us and how we interact with our peers. But these differences can provide us with a wealth of knowledge for us to explore and embrace, and ultimately unite under. In reality, we seem to focus more on how of our differences create space and separation. This happens because society sometimes seems to thrive on separation and alienation. This then translates to the mistake of identifying with some while attacking others. If you doubt this, look on any of the social dating sites like Grindr and Scruff where posts routinely state, “no fats, fems, or Asians,”“not into blacks,”“no old people,” etc.
Options | June 2017
ROAR! The easiest way to create violence against a group of people is to start by objectifying them and taking away their humanity. And by feeding into this we are guilty of creating a state of self-loathing, which we project onto others. Let’s not do this among our own people. We should not be shaming each other. We should be lifting each other up.
Celebrating Pride can be a wonderful outlet to raise awareness and create comfort. It is something we should strive to do. It is important for us to acknowledge the many heroes who fought tirelessly for our rights and the ones that continue to do so, like at Stonewall. It is a time to remember the people who suffered personal tragedies in a time lacking social justice and awareness. A shocking realization of this occurred recently in a college classroom where only one out of 20 students had ever heard of Matthew Shepard. This should not be the case. It serves as an example of why it is important for us to remain visible and heard. Let’s not forget. Do not allow others to forget. Stay vocal until we are no longer separate and no longer “those people.” A colleague once said, after seeing a Pride bracelet, “My daughter loves your people, she loves your parades.” Surely he meant it in a way that was non-offensive, but in reality, statements like this intensify a state of otherness. These are the types of statements we need to fight every day so we can be proud daily.
It is equally important for us to acknowledge as a true hero any person who is brave enough to come out of the closet. Especially since we know through wonderful agencies like Youth Pride Inc., that our LGBTQ kids are at disproportionately higher risks for almost everything from homelessness, addiction, mental health difficulties, to suicide. It is important to remember the coming out process never ends. An alternate meaning of Pride is the name given to a group of lions forming a social unit. This is a great definition to unite under. This is how what we should become. A strong, brave group, comprised of individuals, that despite differences, bonds together fiercely in their struggle to survive. As part of Pride and ongoing change, what you can commit to? Can you commit to challenging any homophobic statements heard, even if it is by friends or members of the community? Can you volunteer your time to help further our community’s rights? Can you create self-affirming statements for yourself and others about inclusiveness? Can you stop using words to objectify or separate? If each one of us could do this on a daily basis, imagine the change we could create. Imagine the celebration that would ensue! q
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By Scott Tayloe
Celebrating Pride, Reflecting History At our wedding I gave a toast: “Here’s to our family and friends for coming to celebrate with us, here’s to my husband for taking this ride with me, and here’s to all of those who came before us who never had the opportunity to openly and proudly take the ride.” Pride month brings the preparation of beautiful parade floats and fun parties. It’s our chance to openly celebrate our community and have a good time along the way. While I fully recognize nothing puts a damper on a good party like talking about sad events in our history, Pride month is the perfect opportunity for us to reflect on stories of the past and even present. If we forget our history, we will forget why we fought so hard to celebrate our Pride in the first place. At the moment I’m in Austria, the birthplace of Hitler and a country whose people and culture were vastly affected by his actions. No matter where I travel for work, understanding the history and the culture of the people who call it home is always on the forefront of my mind. So when given the opportunity to visit Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s social gathering space and oasis in the Bavarian Alps on the Germany/Austria border, at first, I didn’t hesitate. I say at first because I’m always up for a trip or an excursion that will provide me with knowledge I didn’t have when I woke up that morning. It’s usually en route to the excursion that I begin to question my adventure and struggle about the visit. I’m also quite scared of heights, so asking if the excursion will be via a mountain road up to 7,000 feet probably should be asked before starting to ascend. But I digress.
We’ve reached this interesting point in our society where erasing anything ugly from history is socially acceptable, but for me it’s the history that reminds us of how far we have come. Our LGBTQ community has had moments in our past that are difficult to relive. The Stonewall Riots, the Orlando Attacks, and the continued fight for our LGBTQ community members in areas all around the globe are not pretty to recall. But putting a blinder on our past will only limit our ability to see where we came from when heading into the future. History not only teaches us about what came before us and reminds us of the past, it provides us with valuable knowledge to make the future even better. As we line up to watch our local Pride parade and raise our glasses at galas and parties, let’s not forget our history, our allies, and the people within our community that worked so hard to give us Pride. So, here’s to all of our family and friends who are supporting us today, here’s to us for not only taking the ride but holding our hands up in the air in pride, and last but not least here’s to all those who came before us who would give anything to be riding with us today. Hold your hands in the air for them and let’s celebrate that history. q Scott Tayloe is the Founder and Executive Director of Hayden’s List, a review website for the LGBTQ community, and the Vice-President of Custom Solutions at CISabroad – winner of the Innovation Award in Diversity for LGBTQ Ally Training and Travel in 2016. He lives in Ponte Vedra, Florida with his husband and their 3-year old adopted son, Hayden.
Pulling up to the tunnel of Hitler’s Eagle Nest, I knew, I was about to walk a tunnel that not too long ago Hitler and his followers walked themselves. Approaching the golden elevator, glimpses of history came to my mind. It was almost as if I could hear the sound of the footsteps in the tunnel, feel their presence in the elevator, and feeling of “Why am I here?” came over me. I’m paying to see a residence that was used to make decisions to end the lives of millions of people. I’m going to watch as people pull out their selfie sticks, smile for the camera, and post on social media. I voiced my feelings to a colleague and without skipping a beat she responded perfectly, “Yes it is strange, but you know he would hate knowing all of us were here doing this.” And she was right. As the elevator door opened there we all were, all religions, ethnic groups, and minority groups with our freedoms on what was once his private property.
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Options | June 2017
Poetry Double Trans
Options | June 2017
By Felicia Nimue Ackerman
My gender changed
Both times I heard,
At fifty-four.
“But you’re too old.”
Transition made
I answered, “No,
My spirit soar.
I’m being bold.”
My kidneys failed
You’re not too old
At sixty-nine.
When in a plight
A transplant worked
To forge ahead
I’m doing fine.
And set things right.
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On Saturday, June 17, more than 75,000 people are expected to participate in Rhode Island Pride’s PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade. “When We R.I.S.E - Rhode Islanders Standing for Equality” is the theme that the Rhode Island Pride board has chosen for the 41st annual pride celebration. Rhode Island Pride announced that, “the theme captures the urgency of cross sectional movements, while promoting unity within the LGBTQ community. It is a call to action for our community, friends, and allies to come together to resist the inequalities within our society and stress the need to rise up to defend our rights. The theme also celebrates the success that queer rights activists have already achieved while encouraging continued strength and action. When we rise, our voices will be heard, our rights will be protected, and we will celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ community in Rhode Island and Southern New England.” “As Providence continues to grow as the creative capital, we are excited to welcome thousands of visitors to the city to celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ community and experience all the amazing events and programs during RI Pride,” stated Davide Gnoato, president of the organization. He went on to say, “As part of our theme this
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year, we not only rise to celebrate, but also to reignite the fight against discrimination.” PrideFest 12:00pm - 7:00pm Access to PrideFest will be through a south entrance, where Wickenden Street and South Water Street meet, and a north entrance, where Memorial Blvd and South Water Street meet. PrideFest will feature live entertainment, a business marketplace with over 200 vendors, a kid’s zone, food trucks, a youth center, and a beer, wine, and spirits garden. Emcees Lulu Locks, Annie B. Frank, and John Kelley host this historic event. Many performers are scheduled to appear. Among them are:
DJ Ephraim Adamz, New Englandbased gay dance party guru
The Downtown Boys, Providencebased, politically conscious and bilingual punk band who have appeared in Rolling Stone Magazine, The New Yorker, and Democracy Now.
Jodi Jolt and The Volt, local high energy dance rock act on the main stage.
Options | June 2017
PRIDEFEST EMCEES
Annie B. Frank
John Kelley
Plus, singer-songwriter: Mx. Bisexual 2017: Tammy Laforest along with acoustic duo Tammy & Jeana, will appear for the first time on an additional stage that will showcase emerging performers and poets.
Stand under the historic marquee of the Providence Performing Arts Center. Spectators can watch the parade anywhere along its route beginning on Dorrance Street, or as it continues down Washington Street, to Empire Street, where it will come to an end on Weybosset Street.
Options | June 2017
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New England’s only night Pride parade is one of the highlights of the celebration with a dazzling display of floats, performing artists, marching groups, businesses, and spectators that wind through downtown Providence and culminate at the RI Pride Reviewing
The energy in the city will be electric, and there is an open invitation to everyone to participate in the weekend events that promise to transform the City of Providence into a vibrantly visible LGBTQ community If you are interested in participating in the parade or festival, please sign up online at http://www.PrideRI.com/ q
St o
Illuminated Night Parade 8pm
A S yo tre yo u wh ngt ur h e fu re y Tra lle ou ini st n po are g p te and rog nt ia wil ram l ll ea to m d yo eet u to
And, other must-see acts representing various genres and drag performers.
Lulu Locks
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PrideFest
Essentials make your Here are a few guidelines and tips to d healthy. PrideFest experience safe, happy, an
Getting to PrideFest: PrideFest takes place in the heart of downtown on South Water Street, along the Providence River waterfront. Driving: From the North or South: I-95 to exit 22A towards downtown/Memorial Blvd. Count 5 traffic lights, starting at the bottom of the exit ramp from Rt. 95. At the sixth traffic light you will see the festival entrance at the road closure at South Water Street. From the East: I-195 West to exit 2 (South Main St.). Make a left onto College Hill and then a left onto Memorial Blvd. At the next traffic light you will see the festival entrance. From the West: Take US Rt. 6 East/Rt. 10 North towards I-95. Take the downtown exit. Count 6 traffic lights to the festival entrance. GPS: 345 South Water Street, Providence. Parking: In addition to more than 40 parking lots and garages, downtown Providence has over 1,100 onstreet parking spaces. Meters cost $0.25/12 minutes and are in effect Monday-Saturday from 8am-9pm. Parking is free at all other times. Street parking is limited in the area immediately around the festival site. The Dyer Street parking lots are adjacent to the festival and are within easy walking distance from the parade route. Providence Place Mall and Rhode Island Convention Center parking lots are also just a ten-minute walk down the river. Bus: The RIPTA Bus Terminal located in Kennedy Plaza is within walking distance from the festival site. For scheduling information, visit www.ripta.com or call 7819400. Peter Pan, Greyhound, and Megabus all offer service to Providence. Train: PrideFest is just ten minutes down the riverwalk from the Providence train station which is served by Amtrak and from Boston by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter trains, though be careful to check the return schedule. Call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL or visit their web site at www.amtrak. com. The MBTA offers weekend commuter rail service to the city of Providence from Boston. Call the MBTA at 800-392-6100 or visit their web site at www.mbta.com.
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by Brian Mills
Safety Tips: The Providence Police are at the festival along with RI Pride’s Safety Team. If you have a non-emergency medical need there is a first aid tent located across from the information tent. If you have a medical or police emergency dial 911. Pride volunteers can be identified by their t-shirts and identification badges. If you need information or assistance within the PrideFest grounds please feel free to approach a volunteer. Take care of all personal belongings and be aware of those around you. Keep wallets, purses, handbags, mobile phones, and cameras secure and within sight at all times.
Many organizations, including RI Pride, will be asking for donations at PrideFest. Individuals soliciting donations for organizations should be identifiable by badges or affiliation information. If you believe that someone is panhandling or harassing our guests for money, please report the activity to a Pride volunteer. Even though PrideFest is a safe and friendly venue, we still recommend the buddy system. Spend the day with a friend, travel to and from the festival in a group, and make sure that you stay aware of your personal safety. Remember you should carry identification with you at all times. We want your Pride experience to be as safe and enjoyable as possible. Please report any concerns to RI Pride Security or the Providence Police. Trash and Recycling bins are located throughout the festival grounds. Please be responsible with your trash and keep the street as clean as possible. RI Pride is responsible for the clean up and removal of all trash from South Water Street. Please help us by pitching in. Alcoholic Beverages: A festival is a place to party, and some people like to do that with a drink. The Beer,Wine, and SpiritsTent is located adjacent to the Main Stage. Proper ID will be required to enter and to purchase alcohol.All beer, wine, and spirits must be consumed within the fenced area. Please drink responsibly.
Options || June June 2017 2017 Options
Pets are allowed on the festival grounds during the event. For everyone’s safety, please keep your pet leashed and be courteous to pick up after your animal should he or she answer the call of nature. Bicycles, skateboards, skates, scooters, and motorized vehicles of any kind are prohibited from the festival grounds for the safety of our guests. Lost & Found and Lost Children: RI Pride does not operate a lost-and-found service, but sometimes people turn in found items to the Pride information tent. Lost children should be taken to the Pride information/ security tent or to a police officer. ATMs are located on the festival grounds for your convenience. There is a transaction fee.
The RI Pride Illuminated Night Parade The RI Pride Illuminated Night Parade winds its way through the streets of Providence from the intersection of Dorrance and Weybosset Streets, makes a left on Washington Street, to turn turn left on Empire Street, then again left on Weybosset, traveling past the reviewing stand. Pride volunteers and the Providence Police work extremely hard to keep the more than 30,000 people who crowd the streets of Providence safe and happy. By following these simple suggestions you can help us help you maximize the viewing experience.
Options || June Options June 2017 2017
You must remain on the sidewalk as the Parade passes. People standing on the street are not only a safety hazard but also block the Parade from passing and slow the procession.The Parade route in front of the Providence Biltmore and near the Previewing stand on Empire Street can become very congested. Prime viewing is available all along the Parade route (Dorrance Street, Washington Street, and Empire Street) and is just as fun. Many of the city streets remain open to traffic during the Parade. Please observe all police direction and obey traffic signals and crosswalks. Do not approach floats or vehicles in the parade. Vehicles are likely to move without notice. If you are not officially registered in the P arade, please do not enter the Parade route. Keep your children safe and out of danger. Use extra caution with strollers on the parade route and hold young children’s hands. Children should not be allowed to enter the Parade route for any reason without adult supervision. We hope you have a great day with RI Pride at the PrideFest and Parade. However, even in the fun atmosphere of a festival, the Providence Police are responsible for enforcing all applicable state laws and local ordinances during the Pride event which include, but are not limited to: public decency, alcohol, controlled substances, public safety, and parking. As the event organizer, RI Pride reserves the right to decline admittance to anyone who violates the reasonable policies established for public safety, tries to gain entrance to restricted areas, or causes serious disruption to the good order of the event. Have a happy, fun, and safe Pride! q
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Rhode Island Pride’s Illuminated Night Parade Saturday, June 17 — 8:00pm Parade Route
••
Start End
Prime viewing is available all along the parade route.
•
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Parade Reviewing Stand at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Options | June 2017
Coming this Summer! JULY 5 - 23
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this live stage version of Shrek the Musical was nominated for eight Tony® Awards including Best Score and Best Book of a Musical when it originally opened on Broadway in 2008. Shrek the Musical is part romance, part fractured fairy tale and 100% irreverent fun for the whole family.
AUG 2 - 20
The internationally popular board game is now a fun-filled musical which brings the world's bestknown suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery. Comic antics, witty lyrics and a beguiling musical score make this murder investigation a real crowd pleaser! And even after the culprit confesses, a surprise twist will delight the audience! For tickets, call 401.921.6800 or visit OceanStateTheatre.org 1245 JEFFERSON BOULEVARD, WARWICK
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HAPPY PRIDE, PROVIDENCE! Mayor Jorge O. Elorza CITY OF PROVIDENCE
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Options | June 2017
Youth voice
What does it mean to have pride? What does it mean to be proud of yourself? These are questions that gay youth, struggling in their sexuality, have to consider. In actuality, these are questions that anyone exploring their sexuality at any age might be inclined to ask. The answer lies in learning to accept yourself, and first recognizing that our sexuality alone does not define us. The answer comes in self-acceptance and then finding others to share in our pride. People are not confined only to the box they check under the column of ‘sexuality’. Labels like gay, or lesbian, or bisexual, or straight, cannot, and do not, wholly define a person. To have pride and to be proud of who you are means to accept all the little quirks that make up your personalty. That’s what makes you human. This means embracing your sexuality and accepting that’s what you are, but that’s just a part of it. Maybe you enjoy building computers, or playing the flute. Maybe acting is your thing or crocheting mini beanies for your four cats; it doesn’t matter. Own it. People might judge and that’s just the nature of society, but it doesn’t mean we can let other people’s ignorance stop us from loving ourselves. That is pride. Loving yourself, fearlessly. That all sounds great, but the sexuality thing is a big deal. For me, as a teen, it’s been rough. Though I know my sexuality, and accept it, I struggle because I worry about other people’s judgment and acceptance. I worry about the box. I do feel lucky that I’ve always known myself, but I will admit it took me some time to accept it. I worry that society has some parameters about what is normal. Forget it.There is no normal. We are all different, we are all unique. Different shapes. Different sizes. Different skin tones. Different eye colors. Different interests. Everybody’s journey is different. And that is the one thing that is “normal.” It is normal to be different. That’s what makes up the amazing diversity of our planet. We shouldn’t worry about having to check off the box. It takes awhile for people to find themselves, but when they do, pride follows.
Options | June 2017
By Jonathan Izzard
So be proud of your differences. Sure, it may be difficult with some people, whether it’s family or friends, who could be uncomfortable with somebody different than what they are used to. But hey, people shouldn’t be “used to” anything. Along with pride comes learning how to express love and appreciation for yourself, because you have to love yourself before you can expect others to love you. Having a healthy sense of self-worth sets the foundation for healthy relationships. Maybe you find another person who has the same sexuality and also likes acting. Be proud together! Remember at the end of the day it’s normal to be different. It’s normal to be who you are. You have to be proud of yourself, for all of the things that make you uniquely you. If you have to check off a box, put an extra large check-mark next to the one that says “_____, and PROUD!” q Jonathan Izzard is an aspiring artist and is actively involved in theater production at his school. Jonathan has great sense of compassion and humor, and his personality doesn’t fit into any box.
Greater Providence Chapter
Giving Caring, Confidential Suppor� When You Need It Most
HELPLINE: (401) 307-1802
Monthly meetings held every first Wednesday of the month at The MET School, Unity Building, 325 Public Street, Providence, RI Parents, Families, Friends & Allies of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Community
Go to www.PFLAGprovidence.org for more information Email: PFLAGprovidence@gmail.com Like us on Facebook: PFLAG Greater Providence, RI Follow us on Twitter @PFLAGProvRI
19
Up From Depression
By Jen Porcelli
My relationship with depression and selfinjury has been ongoing for more than half of my life — seventeen years to be exact. It’s the longest relationship I’ve had, but it’s a relationship I managed to keep a secret until recently. Don’t get me wrong my close friends and family weren’t completely clueless. They had some suspicion — that tiny shred of doubt when I said “I’m fine.” They knew I was kinda-sorta casually dating depression, but they sure as hell didn’t know how serious we had become. I refused to let them put the pieces together — terrified of what their reaction would be if they knew the reality I was living in. I also wasn’t sure how to articulate what I was feeling or how to explain my selfinjurious behavior. To say depression is complicated is an understatement. The feelings of embarrassment, the self-doubt, the constant questioning — it can be overwhelming. And it comes coupled with fear. This paralyzing fear of judgment from others or even worse — the fear of finally having to own up to all of it. Yet, I craved the freedom that I knew would come from laying it all on the table. This was my constant internal struggle — a perpetual double-edged sword. Keeping it in all of the time made me feel dirty and shameful as if I was having this immoral, torrid affair. Depression and I were sneaking around behind everyone’s back and I was lying every single day. On the other hand, I was terrified that if I did open up, I would immediately be labeled or stigmatized. An open admission of my depression made
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me feel as if I was automatically branding my skin with the word “crazy” for all the world to see. It was exhausting. When I came out as a lesbian almost ten years ago, I experienced an indescribable sense of loneliness which ultimately led to a debilitating depressive episode. In a moment of desperation, I decided to confide in someone I considered a close friend. I told her about being gay, about how I felt worthless and how I used self-injury as a way to cope. I didn’t expect the words to come pouring out, but as soon as they did it was like this giant ball of yarn unraveling, exposing all the threads of secrets and pain. But when I looked up and saw the expression on her face, that involuntary look of disbelief, I wound it all back up. Had I made a mistake? She didn’t say it outright, but I got a sense she honestly just didn’t believe me. When I told her, “I’m depressed. I have depression,” I might as well have told her I had dinner with the tooth fairy or took a ride on Santa’s sleigh. It was like what I was telling her was some made up fantasy story — because how could something she couldn’t see be real? “I just don’t understand it. You don’t act depressed. You’re never even in a bad mood! What do you have to be that depressed about?” she said. Unfortunately, I let that experience determine what my relationship with depression would look like over the next few years; it remained a humiliating,
pathetic secret. I opened up looking for support, but instead felt ashamed and isolated. Somewhere hidden and locked away in the rational part of my brain, I knew one person’s reaction didn’t represent the majority. But the brain of a depressed person is not always rational. I separated myself from everyone and would go into what I refer to as my “spiral” — a place where my negative thoughts are born and begin to multiply until they completely invade my mind. It was a never-ending cycle of selfinterrogation. Was my depression just something I made up? Was this all in my head? Didn’t I realize that other people had it so much worse than I did? I was terrified of being labeled as self-centered, self-pitying, or that word that made my skin crawl with anxiety: ”crazy”. I was constantly consumed by feelings of guilt. I looked for alternative ways to cope with what I was feeling. I returned to self-injury, hoping it would provide me with a momentary sense of release. And it did. When it was over and I looked at my scarred body, the profound guilt diminished any semblance of temporary relief and the whole cycle started over again. Some days I would spend hours, literally hours, fantasizing about suicide. It wasn’t because I wanted to die; I was just sick of every day feeling like a struggle. News flash — this is a terrible way to live. I allowed depression to rule for a long, long time. So long that it felt almost impossible
Options | June 2017
to take back the reins and regain control. But I did. I wish I could tell you I had this transcendent aha! moment where I knew exactly how to get better or why I decided to try. All I know is that I had this tiny seed of hope, deep down in my gut, telling me there was a way out. I started by telling the people I loved that my depression was very real and that I needed help. And guess what? Unlike that terrible experience I had years ago, the people who love me were ready and willing to help in any way they could. I’ve realized that even if someone hasn’t gone through depression themselves, it doesn’t mean they can’t be supportive or understanding. Sharing my story and allowing myself to open up also opened up healthy dialogues about what my treatment options could be.
Being depressed can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and the idea of mapping out a plan to get help is overwhelming. Having someone (for me it was my incredible wife) to help with this alleviates so much of the burden. What I believe is also critical to remember is that depression is a disease. Sometimes there isn’t always a discernable external factor, sometimes it really is a chemical imbalance. It takes time to figure out what will work, and important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. For me, I initially decided to opt out of trying medication and looked for a more holistic approach. I did a lot of guided meditation for depression (you can literally find dozens of free meditation videos on YouTube) and started doing yoga to help reduce anxiety. Getting active may sound like the absolute last thing you can manage when you barely want to move, but forcing yourself to make that first little change is unbelievably effective. I immediately noticed an improvement in my mood when I started walking, but for me it wasn’t enough. Honestly, the idea of medication freaked me out and I didn’t want to have to rely on a pill. But I accepted that treating the symptoms of my depression, the symptoms of my disease, was my number one priority. I worked with my psychiatrist to find a medication that was right for me. It wasn’t easy and we had to try several kinds and adjust doses until I found one that worked for me. Not getting frustrated or discouraged during that process was hard, but I found being open and honest about how I felt with the person prescribing my drugs was much better than sticking with medications that made me feel worse or had side effects that didn’t work for my life.
of therapy, in my opinion, is a place where you need to be your most vulnerable and that’s not an easy thing. Luckily, with all of the technology we have access to, you can do your research on potential therapists. I felt like I was looking for a date — “Must be LGTBQ friendly, experienced with self-injurers, female, close proximity to my house”. But it’s there. I went through a few awkward first appointments and I got comfortable with being able to “dump” a therapist who didn’t feel right. Trust me, they don’t take it personally. I finally found an angel of a women from Anchor Counseling Center in Cranston. Therapy is the part of treatment that you have to work on. And work. And work. I’m working on identifying the ways of thinking that aren’t serving me. I’m focusing on leaving the past in the past and accepting that the future is unknown and that’s okay. I’m learning how to just sit with the feelings of fear and anxiety and not let them paralyze me. I’m slowly gaining back my control. This story is not to evoke sympathy or to tell you that my treatment would or should work for you or someone you know with depression. I’m sharing this with the notion that maybe it will resonate with at least one person who suffers from this disease. I used to feel like I was on an island, like there could not possibly be another human being on the planet who could relate to me. But the minute I started believing that labeling myself with depression didn’t have to be negative, the moment when I began to share my story, is when I started to meet other people who had been there. That sense of community, the idea of wearing the ‘depression’ label as a badge of honor, as something I’m overcoming and surviving — there is nothing more empowering. q
What I believe is still the most difficult but most important part of my treatment, is therapy. It was important for me to find a therapist I felt a connection with. The point
Options | June 2017
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Better Living Through
Yoga
By Bradford Greer
“I remember thinking that on my fiftieth birthday I wanted to be dancing and healthy and happy,” remembers R. Bobby Ducharme. At that time, he was hobbling on crutches from a sprained ankle at a friend’s 50th birthday party in California — not the healthy, lean, muscular man he is today. He needed a good way to start on the road to better health. He changed his eating habits, and inside of a year he had lost twentyfive pounds and had subverted sugar and carbs with food education and a new discipline: yoga. “Fitness is a lot of work,” says Ducharme. “Food is fuel. The fuel that you get to energize your body comes from the food you put into it.”
to two hours each day.
Bobby started at Eyes of the World Yoga Studio. As the years went by, he began to take a deeper interest and eventually found himself enjoying a vigorous practice of one-and-a-half
Known as the language of yoga, Sanskrit is derived from ancient Indian texts. Chanting Sanskrit mantras helps to focus and calm the mind and promotes a sense of wellbeing. As he progressed, Bobby decided to take teacher training in order to learn about the history of Sanskrit. He says he had no intention of ever actually teaching. But at the end of the course, his instructor, Tom Gillette, took him aside and pointed out that of all the students in the class, he had shown promise to become a great teacher. A seed was planted and grew in Bobby’s mind.
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Bobby began to assist at Eyes of the World. He repeated his teacher training at Kripalu Center for Yoga Health in Massachusetts. He then went three separate times to the Nosario Institute in Costa Rica to learn “self-awakening yoga” and to complete 500 additional hours of training while learning Pranasage. (Pranasage is the oneon-one combination of yoga and massage to open up the body, relax, and flex. It is particularly good for injuries.) During that long year of teacher training, Bobby and his husband Michael purchased a property in Johnston with a small building adjacent to the main house which had formerly been a physician’s practice. They gutted the building and remodeled it into a great room in which they initially hoped to host holiday dinners and parties for their large family and extended circle of friends. But with the help of sister-in-law Ann, the room hosted yoga classes instead. Soon The Heart Spot Yoga Studio was born. The Heart Spot is more than just a studio. It embodies Ducharme’s personal philosophy: a philosophy that embraces self-care through vitality, health, deep relaxation and peace of mind. In addition to an array of yoga classes ranging from beginner to experienced, Ducharme routinely hosted other teachers and disciplines in the healing arts. There is Reiki, sound healing sessions, and BreathePray-Love: a journey of conscious breathing and meditation. According to the website: “The goal of Heart Spot Yoga is to encourage and support you to nurture and love yourself as you move toward wholeness.”
traffic on Greenville Avenue is set to be closed to everyone except local residents. Meanwhile, Bobby continues to teach at All That Matters Yoga, Twisted Triangle Yoga, and Breathing Time Yoga. In his spare time, Bobby has appeared onstage at Perishable Theater, the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theater, Epic Theatre, and Counter Productions. An avid theater-goer himself, Bobby sees much of the live theater in town and regularly attends Broadway and off-Broadway shows in New York with his husband. Outside of his yoga practice Bobby, now 62, works at the Miriam Hospital as the AIDS pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program Coordinator, gathering information and doing follow-up for those who are enrolled. “It is an effort to help stem the tide of rising HIV positive results in young people. HIV infections are on the rise,” says Bobby, “The kids these days did not live through what we did and by the time they were born, the tell-tale visual signs had gone away.” It is an important part of Bobby’s philosophy to educate people toward better health. He reminds us that yoga is an effective, low-impact form of exercise that encompasses every muscle, organ, and cell. Through yoga we can bring balance to both body and mind.
You can get more information on Bobby Ducharme’s practice at www.theheartspot.com.q
Presently, it appears the Heart Spot may have to close. With new construction of the Route I-295 entrance and exit ramps going up next door to his property, local
Options | June 2017
Stanley Street Treatment and Resources Integrated primary care, mental health and substance treatment Integrated HIV, HCV and STI counseling, testing and treatment 508.324.3561 Until no one has HIV‌We are all living with AIDS Project Aware celebrates
Providence Pride 2017 #weareallchechnya
Options | June 2017
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Summer Campfire by Jennifer Foster
Imagine that the only time you are able to be in the same place with your siblings is the week you spend together at summer camp. Or, what it must be like to avoid making friends at school because it is too hard to explain that you are in foster care — that the person who picked you up today is a staff person from your group home and not your parent. So many experiences that we take for granted as part of childhood are missing from the lives of foster care kids. Too often these young people, whose lives have been tragically disrupted by trauma and loss struggle with what makes their life different.
Summer camp has the magical ability to replace feeling different with a feeling of belonging. Camp is a place where labels disappear so a kid can just be a kid. At camp, a world of adventure opens to children and teens as they make new friends, try new things, and learn new skills. For children and teens in foster care, especially LGBT youth, the long, unforgettable, fun-filled days, and treasured friendships of a week at summer camp can be life-changing. Research shows that LGBT youth are overrepresented in foster care, and more likely to be living in a group home or institutional setting instead of with a family. Without positive and steady adult connections, LGBT youth in foster care
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often experience rejection and abuse, and struggle with fears of not being accepted. Adoption Rhode Island (ARI) is committed to sending a diverse group of children and teens to camps where they are safe and affirmed. A seat at a summer campfire brings healing, hope, and lasting memories to LGBT children and teens in foster care.
than fifty children and teens to summer camp this year. It is a transformational time for them. Along with a newfound sense of freedom and days filled with activity, summer camp offers healing for LGBTQ children and teens touched by foster care, and a setting for reunions that take on a special meaning.
There is an extra special and urgent anticipation for siblings who live apart as they look forward to what may be the only week of the year when they sleep under the same roof and wake up to a day filled with fun together. At camp, every child is valued as an individual and allowed the opportunity to just be a kid.
Emily Lyon, ARI’s Assistant Director, notes, “We are committed to giving our children and teens a week or two of summer camp where acceptance is nurtured and where they are celebrated for who they are, not singled out because of a label. For our LGBT youth we are especially intent on ensuring an inclusive, welcoming and safe experience. We are proud to work with several exceptional camps that share our values. These teens face unique challenges in foster care. A week at camp gaining confidence, building resilience, and most of all having fun, can give them so much hope.”
For fostered LGBTQ youth, a week at summer camp can be life-changing. Adoption Rhode Island partners with several Rhode Island camps that offer a summer experience that brings hope, healing, and lasting memories to every camper while demonstrating a strong commitment to equality and inclusiveness. Through camp sponsorships funded by the generosity of donors, ARI will send more
Join Adoption Rhode Island for our annual Camp and Summer Experience Fundraiser and give a child or teen in state foster care a seat at a campfire and a summer to remember. Enjoy an evening on the waterfront filled with fun, food, and music at Finn’s Harborside in East Greenwich, RI on July 12, from 6 to 9PM.Tickets are $20. Visit us online at www.adoptionri.org. q
Options | June 2017
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Options | June 2017
When you could use a little face time with your health plan. Visit us at Your Blue Store.SM A place to talk local with a local team, in English or Spanish. A place where you can learn about your health plan options, take a free fitness class, or even make a payment. When you come to one of our three stores, you’ll also find a warm local welcome—just like at our network providers that proudly display our Safe Zone logo at their LGBTQ-friendly offices. It’s not what you’d expect from a health plan, but maybe you should. Visit bcbsri.com/yourbluestore
We’re proud sponsors of 2017 RI PrideFest this June…come see us!
Safe Zone Committed to providing a supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals
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HR-163467
FAN-FAVED News from ACOS
QUEEN By Chris Cedroni
Jason DaRossa is not an especially tall man. In fact, his slight frame is hiding a big personality named Goldie Schläger. Goldie was introduced to Providence at the 2017 King of Queens event on May 7 at the Colosseum nightclub in downtown Providence.
If you’re not familiar with King of Queens, it’s a competition where first-time drag hopefuls get partnered with experienced queens (in Jason’s case, Haley Star) and learn how to dance, dress, and become as fierce as possible. Then, on the night of the event, the contestants appear live before the audience and judges. Whoever outdrags the competition gets the prestigious title King of Queens.
Aly Brock, the producer and brains behind King of Queens, was certainly impressed with Jason’s fundraising, but she said she was not at all surprised. “Right from day one Jason was in it to win it,” she said. “His passion and drive to raise money for ACOS knew no bounds. He broke our fundraising records from all previous years and we cannot thank him enough.” When asked how he managed such a big success, Jason says he stayed focused.
“First I did a full social media campaign, then I sent out individual emails, and made individual phone calls. I was lucky that Apple, my employer, has a generous matching donations program, so I targeted friends and family members who I knew worked for companies that also had matching gift programs. That way, everyone’s gift goes further. And we were always promoting the event on social media. Kevin, my husband, would give updates on Facebook if I didn’t post something every day. We figured
Now it its fourth year, the contest has grown bigger and more popular. It has become one of AIDS Care Ocean State’s most popular fundraisers. While Goldie shook it with the best of them, she did not win over the judges. “I knew going into it, it was going to be a stretch, but I still wanted to win. So right from the beginning I figured I could sweep the title of Fan Favorite, which is given to the contestant who raises the most money for ACOS.” And that’s exactly what Jason/Goldie did, bringing in an astounding $18,500, which represented about 40 percent of the night’s total $48,000 proceeds.
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consistency was key, and we weren’t afraid to get creative. Haley and I came up with the idea to have a side-raffle, where every $5 donated would give you a chance to win some prizes that Haley and I collected on our own.” But that represents just part of his effort. “I thought the drag part would be easy and fundraising would be hard. It turned out to be the exact opposite,” Jason says with a laugh. In addition to fundraising, Jason spent countless hours practicing for his drag debut. For months, Jason walked around in heels, did makeup tests, lipsynched and choreographed his routine, all under the watchful eye of Haley Star. Jason’s husband was the one who came up with name Goldie Schläger, an homage to the cinnamon-flavored spirit. “Whenever Kevin and I went out with Haley she would make us drink Gold Schläger,” Jason said. Haley encouraged Jason to go with a gold dress and blond wig, creating a look that could not be mistaken.
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Leading up to the event, Jason’s story took a personal turn. He became aware of how a family member was diagnosed as HIV positive due to intravenous drug use. “It really shows that this is an issue that affects all of us, and isn’t going away. I kept thinking that if there were a needle-exchange program where my cousin lived, this wouldn’t have happened.” Jason’s comment is timely. AIDS Care Ocean State, the only organization in Rhode Island that has a needle-exchange program, is facing severe funding cuts from the state, putting the program in jeopardy. That reality that makes fundraisers like King of Queens all-the-more important.
Watching out for each other. We will help you report.
“The record-breaking amount of money raised at this year’s King of Queens,” said George Evans Marley, Director of Development at ACOS, “could not have come at a better time. Many of the federal grants ACOS receives are restricted, which means they have specific guidelines for spending. The dollars raised at an event like this are unrestricted funds which can be used directly for emergency services, program development, and can be used to fund programs in need such as our ENCORE Syringe Exchange.” Up next for Jason is continued volunteerism. He hopes to become more involved with ACOS and other local charities. “There are so many good opportunities to help, and it’s easy to get involved.” Jason reminds anyone who wants to participate in next year’s competition, “You’re going to have lots of different roles, from fundraising to rehearsing, but it’s for a good cause, and you’ll have so much fun doing it.” There is still time to enter, but hurry. According to Aly Brock, she is already hearing from people who want to join in. For those who missed this year’s King of Queens, a DVD is available for purchase at www.aidscareos.org. q
Catherine Lund, DVM Sarah Mercurio, DVM Catherine Lund, DVM (401) 831-MEOW (401) 831-6369 Sarah Mercurio, DVM fax (401) 831-3964
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Options | June 2017
Providence, RI 02906 (401) 831-6369 fax (401) 831-3964 www.city-kitty.com 400 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906
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BORN
THIS WAY
PROM By Rex LeBeau
Interweave’s annual Born This Way Prom was held April 28 at the rotunda at Easton’s Beach in Newport. Now in its eighth year, the event began with a welcome speech from the Minister, Rev. Bill Zelazny, at Channing Memorial Church, and an introduction from Jamie Bova, a member of the Newport City Council. The event had over 200 persons in attendance. A blown carousel fuse and the fact that they ran out of pizza did nothing to stop the high energy of the crowd. The dance floor was the night’s main focus, courtesy of DJ Butch, and it only halted for the evening’s entertainment. A member of the Narragansett Indian tribe performed a native “fancy-shawl dance” and the Imperial Court put on a gravity-defying show. Later, the audience crowned both a Prom King and a Prom Queen. What a beautiful night for these young LGBTQ youth and allies. Interweave is Channing Memorial Church’s group for LGBTQ people and their allies. The prom was made possible by the hard work of organizer Pam Goff and by generous donations from the Imperial Court of RI, Nikolas Pizza, and the many volunteers who worked so hard to bring it all together. A portion of the proceeds went to benefit Youth Pride Inc. This successful event will be held again next year. q
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Glossary
of LGBTQ+ W
e at Options originally created this glossary of LGBTQ+ terminology in order to help readers best describe their experiences both as individuals and as a community, and to better understand one another. We have revised it to include readers’ feedback since its first printing. We hope you find it helpful, and encourage you to send us feedback for future versions. Why not tear it out and hang it on your fridge as a year-round reference, or offer this resource to people who are challenging themselves to better understand the sexual and gender identities of all people? While this is not meant to be an exhaustive list, it’s a well-rounded introduction to the most-used terms within our diverse community.
GENERAL TERMS Advocate A person who publicly supports or defends a cause or policy; (v.) to publicly defend a cause or policy. Ally A person who advocates for a group without being part of that group. Closeted One who conceals their LGBTQ status from others (i.e., being “in the closet”). Coming Out, Coming out of the Closet Acknowledging one’s sexuality or gender identity to oneself or others. Fluidity Describes an identity that fluctuates over time; fluidity is often attached to another term, such as genderfluid or fluid sexuality. GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) A non-profit legal rights organization based in Boston, working to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.
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Terms GLAAD A U.S.-based non-governmental, media-monitoring organization founded by LGBTQ people in the media, formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Heterosexism A system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships (i.e., the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are “normal” and therefore superior). Homophobia Fear, anger, and discomfort with LGBTQ people, often directed outward at others, in cases like hate crimes, and sometimes focused inwardly as one’s own sexuality is being called into question (internalized homophobia). Human Rights Campaign (HRC) The largest national LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group and political lobbying organization. Inclusivity The act or policy of including all kinds of people and being open to everyone – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, and race – or any group who might otherwise be marginalized. Intersectionality A term coined by civil rights advocate and legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe the study of overlapping or intersecting social identities and related systems of oppression, domination, or discrimination, and how those systems interact. Invisible Minority A group whose minority status isn’t always visible, such as some disabled people and LGBTQ people. Examples include mentally ill people, transgender people who appear cisgender, and bisexuals in heterosexual relationships.
by Jesse DeRita
Kinsey Scale Also called the Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale, created in 1948 by Alfred Kinsey, Wardell Pomeroy, and others, to describe a person’s sexual orientation ranging from 0 to 6, from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual. There is also a marker of X to indicate asexuality. LGBTQ/LGBTQQIA+ An intentionally inclusive acronym to describe those who are sexual and/or gender minorities (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Ally, and other associated sexual and gender identities other than heterosexual and ciscender). Lambda The Gay Activist Alliance originally chose lambda, the Greek letter “L,” in 1970 to symbolize Liberation. The word became a way of expressing the concept “lesbians and gay males” in a minimum of syllables, and has been adopted by such organizations as Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. Outing The act of disclosing an LGBTQidentified person’s sexual orientation or gender identity without that person’s consent. Queer An umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities who are not both heterosexual and cisgender. Originally meaning “strange” or “peculiar,” queer came to be used pejoratively against those with same-sex desires or relationships in the late 19th century. Beginning in the late 1980s, queer scholars and activists reclaimed the word to establish community and assert a politicized identity separate from the gay political identity. Queer identity may be adopted by people who reject traditional gender identities, or who seek a broader, less conformist, or intentionally vague alternative to the label LGBT.
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SEXUALITY TERMS Androsexual One who is sexually attracted to males. Asexual Someone who feels no sexual attraction toward any group or person. Autosexual One who is sexually attracted to oneself. Bisexual 1. A person who is sexually attracted to both men and women. 2. A person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to persons of more than one gender. Demisexual An identity characterized by a lack of sexual attraction toward any person without a deeply emotional or romantic connection. Heterosexual A person who is attracted to only members of the opposite sex. See also Straight. Heteronormative Denoting or relating to a worldview that promotes heterosexuality as the normal or preferred sexual orientation. Homosexual A person who is attracted to only members of the same sex. See also Gay, Lesbian. Heteroflexible A sexual orientation classified as being mostly attracted to the opposite sex, but on occasion attracted to the same sex, sometimes referred to as “mostly straight”.
having or being open to having one romantic or sexual partner or relationship at a time. Pansexual A person who is able to feel attracted to any and all gender orientations and sexes. Polyamory/Polyamorous The state of loving or being open to loving more than one person romantically and/or sexually at a given time . Polyandry A marriage of a woman and two or more men. Polygamy A marriage of a man and two or more women. Polysexual A person who is attracted to multiple orientations, but not all. Same-Gender-Loving (SGL) A term coined by activist Cleo Manago to describe homosexuals and bisexuals, particularly in the African-American community. Sapiosexual Being attracted to especially intellectual people. Skoliosexual A person who is exclusively attracted to those who identify outside of the gender binary (i.e., non-binary or genderqueer). Straight See Heterosexual Sexual Orientation A person’s sexual identity in relation to the gender or sexes to which they are attracted.
Biological Sex A person’s sex as determined by anatomy, chromosomes, or hormones. Altering one’s hormonal makeup via transitioning can change a person’s biological sex. Butch An identity in which an LGBTQ person is notably and deliberately masculine in manner or appearance, especially in lesbian culture. Cisgender/Cis A term to describe those whose sex assigned at birth and gender identity are traditionally aligned. Cis man A person who was assigned male at birth and identifies as male; a cisgender man. Cis woman A person who was assigned female at birth and identifies as female; a cisgender woman. Crossdressing The behavior of dressing as the opposite sex. Drag King A female person who dresses as male, usually in an exaggerated sense, for entertainment purposes. Drag Queen A male person who dresses as female, usually in an exaggerated sense, for entertainment purposes. Femme An identity in which an LGBTQ person is notably and deliberately feminine in manner or appearance, especially in lesbian culture.
GENDER TERMS
FTM A term referring to a person transitioning from female to male.
Gynesexual One who is sexually attracted to women.
AFAB Acronym for “Assigned Female at Birth,” which is often determined by a clinician following a visual assessment of an infant’s genitalia
Gender The social and cultural constructs that signify masculinity, femininity, androgyny, and other identities outside of these categories.
Homoflexible A sexual orientation classified as being mostly attracted to the same sex, but on occasion attracted to the opposite sex, sometimes referred to as “mostly gay”.
AMAB A term meaning “Assigned Male at Birth,” which is often determined by a clinician following a visual assessment of an infant’s genitalia
Questioning The process of analyzing one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity.
Agender A gender identity classified by an attachment to no particular gender; also called non-binary
Gender-neutral Having no preference or distinction toward being male or female. Examples of gender-neutral pronouns are xe, zie, and ze, all pronounced “zee,” used in place of he or she. Hir or zir (both rhyming with “deer”) may be used in place of him/her.*
Gay See Homosexual. Usually refers to homosexual males but can also be used as a blanket term.
Lesbian A woman who is attracted to women. Metrosexual Describes a fashionable and well-groomed man living an upscale lifestyle. Can also describe a heterosexual man whose appearance or behavior does not conform to traditional masculinity. Monogamy/Monogamous
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The state of
Androgynous/Androgyny Exhibiting masculine and feminine characteristics in near equal proportion. Bigender A gender identity classified by identifying as both male and female. Binary Gender A gender identity classified as strictly male or strictly female.
Genderqueer A term meaning that one’s gender is queer, and falls outside of a normative structure. Can include non-binary gender identity, bigender, and some trans identities. Gender Binary System The classification of gender and sex into two distinct, opposite, and disconnected constructs of masculine and feminine and male and female.
Options | June 2017
Gender Confirming Surgery Also called Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS) or Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS), the term refers to the surgical interventions a person may take to transition from one sex to another.The term is often used to reference surgery on the genitals but can also include other surgeries related to transition (e.g., breast and chest surgeries, facial surgeries, hair transplants and removal, and other procedures).
gender expression, name change, hormone therapy, and gender confirming surgeries.
Gender Conformity Behavior and appearance that conforms to the expectation of one’s assigned gender (e.g., masculine men and feminine women).
Transsexual A person who moves from one gender to another via medical interventions such as hormones and surgeries. This term is falling out of favor.
Gender Expression The outward manner in which one expresses their gender identity, relative to masculinity and femininity, via choices such as hair style, clothing, mannerisms, and name/gender pronouns.
Two-spirit A modern, umbrella term sometimes used by Native American indigenous groups to describe gender-variant people.
Gender Identity The gender or absence of gender that a person identifies with.
Transphobia A range of antagonistic and or negative feelings towards transgender, transsexual, or trans*-identified persons; can be directed towards oneself (internalized transphobia) or outward towards others
* Options recommends that you ask a person what their preferred pronouns are if you are unsure. You can research to discover other gender-neutral pronouns and their uses. q
Gender Variance A departure from one’s assigned sex; the state of being gender nonconforming, transgender, or genderqueer. Intersex Describes someone whose biological sex is not strictly male or female, as related to genitalia, chromosomes, and hormones. MTF A term referring to a person transitioning from male to female. Non-binary See Agender. Non-op A transgender person with no plans to undergo gender confirming surgery. Passing, Pass A term describing a transgender person’s ability to be perceived as the gender with which they identify. Post-op A term to describe a person who has undergone sexual reassignment or gender confirming surgery or surgeries. Pre-op A term to describe a trans-identified person who desires gender confirming surgery but has not had it yet. Sexual Reassignment Surgery See Gender Confirming Surgery. Trans An abbreviation for transgender, often used by the transgender community. Trans man A transgender man; one who has transitioned from female to male. Trans woman A transgender woman; one who has transitioned from male to female. Trans* An umbrella term, like trans and transgender, to describe all people who experience any level of gender variance or are not cisgender. The use of the asterisk is meant to be specifically inclusive to all gender nonconforming people, including but not limited to agender, bigender, non-binary, and genderqueer people. Transgender A term used to describe a person who has a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth. Includes binary transgender people, non-binary, and genderqueer, among others. Transitioning The process of moving from one gender binary to another, via means of any, but not necessarily all, of the following:
Options | June 2017
get tested with acos.
condoms & lube HIV & HEP C testing needle exchange
401.781.0665 aidscareos.org
557 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907
@aidscareos
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Pride Take
in What You Read
In celebration of Pride month LGBTQ themed reading
by Robin Homonoff This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel A work of fiction inspired by the author’s own life, This Is How It Always Is is the story of Claude, a five-year-old boy who tells his parents that when he grows up he wants to be a girl. Parents Rosie and Penn want what’s best for their son but this isn’t something that they’re ready to share with everyone. Holding on to Claude’s secret proves to be difficult, and one day everything implodes. A story of transformations and change, This Is How It Always Is is about understanding life’s twists and turns, and accepting that things won’t always be as they seem. Notes on a Banana by David Leite Growing up in a family of devoutly Catholic Azorean immigrants in Fall River, David Leite’s
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childhood was unique. At a young age, he began suffering from debilitating panic attacks and fits of mania and depression that went undiagnosed until his midthirties, when his bipolar disorder was fully realized. All of this combined made coming to terms with his sexuality more difficult. In the 1980s, David briefly sought “anti-gay therapy” through Aesthetic Realism in New York, only to meet Allan, his partner of nearly 25 years. Wonderfully humorous and candid at the same time, Notes on a Banana tackles an array of highly important issues that will undoubtedly leave you in tears. All I Love and Know by Judy Frank For adult twins Daniel and Joel, two lives could not be any more different. Daniel leads a liberal, quiet, and domestic life with his partner in Northampton, while his brother Joel has taken a more observant Jewish route with his wife and
children as a news anchor in Israel. When a suicide bomber in Tel Aviv tragically kills Joel and Ilana, Daniel is named guardian of the couple’s two young children, irreparably shaking the life he’s built. At its core, All I Love and Know is a highly compelling, empathic family story about grieving, loss, and what it takes to overcome it all. Heather Mommies Newman
Has Two by Leslea
Transcending far beyond its genre, Heather Has Two Mommies is the groundbreaking children’s book that was first to depict a family unit built around lesbian couple. The book has garnered immense respect and a cult following for the way it simply and positively discusses different family structures, making it a classic to this day.
Options | June 2017
People We Hate At the Wedding by Grant Ginder When siblings Paul and Alice receive invitations to their half-sister Eloise’s wedding in London, they are judgmental. The announcement is printed on extravagantly expensive stock, and that’s only the beginning of what both know will be a gross display of riches.To complicate things, the brother and sister have a strained relationship with their widowed mother Donna, and crossing the pond for a heavy dose of her guilt isn’t what either of them needs. With its perfect blend of keen observation and biting humor, People We Hate At the Wedding has an unparalleled sensibility, making it not only one of the best books of summer but also one of the best books you’ll read this year. The New Old Me: My Late-Life Reinvention by Meredith Maran Meredith Maran’s life seemed to disintegrate before her eyes with the depletion of her life’s savings, death of a close friend, and the end of her previously happy lesbian marriage. But rather than waste away, the always talented and determined writer left her freelance lifestyle in San Francisco for a 9-to-5 job in Los Angeles to restart not only her livelihood but her life as well. The New Old Me is a witty, thought-provoking story of new beginnings. The Flood Girls by Richard Fifield This quirky and heartwarming debut is the story of Quinn, MT, population: 956. This small town has a penchant for hating newcomers (though they don’t care much for the locals either), so when Rachel Flood returns home to make amends after leaving a disaster nearly a decade earlier, everyone is wary of her intentions. But with a little self-assessment and her talent on the local softball team, maybe Rachel will be served a second chance.
Authors’ Favorites: Laurie’s Picks:
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach ZSpontaneous Combustion by David Feinberg, Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
Grant’s Picks: Someday This Pain Will be Useful to You by Peter Cameron No One Can Pronounce My Name by Rakesh Satyal
David’s Picks: A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood Maurice by E.M. Forster Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
Judy’s Picks: The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst The Master by Colm Toibin
Leslea’s Pick: 10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert
Meredith’s Picks: A Seahorse Year by Stacey D’Erasmo Just Kids by Patti Smith Pages for Her by Sylvia Brownrigg
Richard’s Picks: The Dreyfus Affair by Peter Lefcourt Truman Capote by Gerald Clarke
From sneaking copies of Judy Blume away from her childhood librarian to developing her own radio program, “Reading With Robin,” Robin is a literary influencer. Over the past 15 years she has built a devoted and passionate following. In addition to her talk show, Robin has hosted countless can’t-miss author events including her annual “Evening With Authors” and the newly minted “Point Street Reading Series.” Robin is a graduate of Binghamton University and lives in Rhode Island with her husband and their corgi. Follow Robin on Twitter @robinkall.q
Options | June 2017
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE
Thu. 1, Fri. 2 Trans*, a play created from oral histories by Frank Toti, 7:30pm. URI’s Paff Auditorium, 80 Washington Street, Providence. Free and open to the public. For more info, call 277-5206, email uri. artsandculture@gmail.com, or visit web.uri.edu/prov/arts.
Comedy with Poppy Champlin at the Village June 2
Gay Pride Sabbath June 9
Fri. 2 – Sun. 3 Providence Gay Men’s Chorus presents The Rat Pack is Back, the music of Sinatra and Friends, Fri. and Sat. 7pm, Sun. 4pm. Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main Street, East Greenwich.Tickets and info available at www. provgmc.org. Fri. 2 Comedy with Poppy Champlin and Friends, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $10. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 2287222. Fri. 2 Lust II. Providence Eagle, 124 Snow Street. Countdown to Pride at this leather/ underwear party. For more info, www.providenceeagle. com. Sat. 3 US Tennis Association New England Chapter Family Tennis Day, 4-6pm. Brown University tennis courts, 225 Hope Street, Providence. $5. For more info, email Jess at jess.motyl@prideri.com.
Retro Dance Party with Vulgarrity June 9
Sat. 3 Sister Funk Trio, 8:30pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 228-7222. Sun. 4 Trans* swim, 4-6pm. McDermott Pool, 975 Sandy Lane, Warwick. For more info, jayew@thundermisthealth.org. Mon. 5 RI PrideFest Volunteer
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Orientation, 6:30-8pm. Juice Point, 100 Fountain Street, Providence. Learn about and register for PrideFest 2016 volunteer opportunities. Refreshments served. All are welcome. For more info, www.prideri.com.
Mon. 5 Future Mondays, 8-11pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Live entertainment with Mac and Strikeback, Johnny Doubek. Free entry. Partial bar proceeds benefit Rhode Island Pride on all Mondays in June. Wed. 7 SalsaConSoul by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-1am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No partner needed. $15 cover includes a lesson. $10 after 10pm. For more info, www.facebook. com/SalsaConSoul. Wed. 7 Live Performances hosted by Mx. Bisexual 2017 Tammy Laforest, 8pm. Dusk, 301 Harris Avenue, Providence. $10 to benefit RI Pride. Thu. 8 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence.A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment. $10 to benefit RI Pride. For more info, www.facebook. com/sweetlittlevarietyshow. Fri. 9 Gay Pride Sabbath, 7:30pm.Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington. Public is welcome. Reception to follow. Myra Shays will speak on “The Evolution of a PFLAG Mom. Fri. 9 Pride Idol, 8:30pm. Mirabar,15 Elbow Street, Providence. Hosts Jen Bonin
and Miss Gay Rhode Island 2017 Viza D. Klein. With ten contestants and guest judges. $10 to benefit Rhode Island Pride. Fri. 9 Retro Dance Party with Vulgarrity, 9pm.The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 228-7222. Sat. 10 Boston Pride Parade and Festival, 11am-6pm. City Hall Plaza. Free for all ages. www.bostonpride.org. Sat. 10 Jodi Jolt and The Volt, 9pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 228-7222. Sun. 11 PVD Equality March, 1-4pm. RI State House. In solidarity with the Equality March on Washington and cities around the country. Sun. 11 Tea Dance Block Party, 4-6pm. Dark Lady, 19 Snow Street, Providence. Following the Equality March and preceding the Rainbow Flag Raising. Sun. 11 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men on second Sundays. For more info, www. riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. Sun. 11 Rainbow Flag Raising, 6pm. Providence City Hall steps. Join community representatives and officials to welcome the RI Pride season. Mon. 12 Future Mondays, 8-11pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Live entertainment and free entry.
Options | June 2017
Partial bar proceeds benefit Rhode Island Pride on all Mondays in June. Tue. 13 Vinyasa Pride Yoga Class, 6pm. PrideFest site on South Water Street Greenway, Providence. Tanya GorriaranGoodwin invites you to attend an all levels outdoor class. Bring a mat, water, and towel if needed. Donations accepted for RI Pride. Tue. 13 Trans Yoga, 6-7:15pm. West Warwick Health Equity Zone office, 1229 Main Street, West Warwick. For more info, jayew@thundermisthealth.org. Tue. 13 RI PrideFest Volunteer Orientation, 7-8pm. South Water Street Greenway, Providence. Learn about and register for PrideFest 2016 volunteer opportunities. Refreshments served. All are welcome. For more info, prideri.com. Thu. 15 Drag Bingo: RI Pride Bingo, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2,000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. $100 cash prize for best bonnet. Hosted by Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Fri. 16 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 SAGERI. 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 | June 2017
Fri. 16 & Sat. 17. Venues with two-day block parties: Dark Lady/Alley Cat, EGO, Providence Eagle, Stable, and The Village. Fri. 16 Pre-Pride Block Party with Sheri Lynn Band, 9pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. Featured performance by Frenchie Davis. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 228-7222. Sat. 17 The Meet-Uhp PVD, 8pm-2am. Alchemy, 71 Richmond Street, 2nd Floor, Providence. Latin dancing open to all levels. No partner needed. $15 cover includes lesson. For info, facebook. com/SalsaConSoul. Sat. 17 42nd Annual Rhode Island PrideFest, noon-7pm. Presented by The Village. South Water Street Greenway, Providence. PrideFest features a Kids Zone, Youth Center, over 100 vendors, a beer/ wine/spirits garden, and live entertainment. Free for all ages. Donations suggested. For more info, www.prideri. com. Sat. 17 Rhode Island Pride’s Illuminated Night Parade, 8pm. Presented by The Village. Travels North on Dorrance Street past Providence City Hall turning West on Washington Street, South on Empire Street, and East on Weybosset Street to the Providence Performing Arts Center Reviewing Stand. Free for all ages. For more info, www.prideri.com. Sat. 17 Official Pride Block Party. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. Latin pop sensation Lisa Lisa, with DJ Dena & DJ Nicole. For more info, thevillageri.com or 228-7222.
Sun. 18 Drag Brunch. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. Featuring Rhode Island’s finest drag performers. For more info and reservations, thevillageri. com or 228-7222. Sun. 18 Trans* swim, 4-6pm. McDermott Pool, 975 Sandy Lane, Warwick. For more info, jayew@thundermisthealth.org. Sun. 18 RISE Tea Dance with DJ Andy Morris, 3pm. Rooftop at the Providence G, 100 Dorrance Street, Providence. LGBTQ tea-dance atop Providence with live show at 6pm. 18+. No cover.
PVD Equality March
June 11
Mon. 19 Future Mondays, 8-11pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Live entertainment and free entry. Partial bar proceeds benefit Rhode Island Pride on all Mondays in June. Wed. 21 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: The Cosmopolitans by Sarah Schulman. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com.
42nd Annual Rhode Island Pride
June 17
Mon. 26 Future Mondays, 8-11pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Live entertainment and free entry. Partial bar proceeds benefit Rhode Island Pride on all Mondays in June. Tue. 27 Trans Yoga, 6-7:15pm. West Warwick Health Equity Zone office, 1229 Main Street, West Warwick. For more info, jayew@thundermisthealth.org.
Trans Yoga
June 27
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY
Wed. 5 SalsaConSoul by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-1am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No partner needed. $15 cover, includes lessons. $10 after 10pm. For more info, facebook. com/SalsaConSoul. Sun. 9 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men on second Sundays. For more info, www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010.
sponsored by Meals on Wheels, the Department of Elderly Affairs, and SAGE-RI. Programming after lunch. A $3 donation is suggested for LGBT people 60+ and people with disabilities; a $6 donation is suggested for all others. Reservations required. Call Pauline at 351-6700. Sun. 16 RISE Tea Dance with DJ Andy Morris, 3pm. Rooftop at the Providence G, 100 Dorrance Street, Providence. LGBTQ tea-dance atop Providence with live show at 6pm. 18+. No cover.
Thu. 13 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment. $7. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook.
Wed. 19 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail. com.
Fri. 14 SAGE LGBT CafĂŠ, noon-2pm. Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street, Cranston. A delicious, low-cost lunch in a gay-friendly setting
Sat. 20 Bachata/Kizomba Fusion Night by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-2am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No
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partner needed. $20 cover, includes two lessons. $15 after 10pm. For more info, facebook.com/SalsaConSoul. . 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 39 for complete information
q
Options | June 2017
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
Addiction Support Groups AA Brothers in Sobriety: Saturday 7:30pm. 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence. 751-9328. AddictionCenter.com: Web information guide for addiction resources nationwide. Or call 1-877-830-2915. Alcohol/Drug Helpline: RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence. 24hr. (866) 252-3784. RI LGBT AA Group: Tuesdays 7 -- 8 pm Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell St., Providence, 273-5678. All are welcome. Seven Hills Behavioral Health: Addiction support services and Narcan. 1173 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, 508999-4159. 310 S. Main Street, Fall River, MA, 508-235-1012. Leonard Amaral, Program Manager, lamaral@sevenhills.org. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: 12-step program. Fridays at 7pm. Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope Street, Providence, side entrance, downstairs to the left. Gay, but all are welcome. YPQT (Young People Queer, Trans) meeting of AA. Fridays 7:30 -- 8:30pm., Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, 250 Main St., Pawtucket. 489-5513.
AIDS/Health Resources
Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recreational and social activities. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI. Free to clients.. Wed. andThurs. 12 -- 3pm. 134 Mathewson St., Providence. John Fruscella, 831-5522, Ext. 3835. AIDS Action Hotline: MA only. (800) 235-2331. www.aac.org. AIDS Care Ocean State: Confidential HIV & Hep C testing, safersex 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, panelmaking programs including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for
Options | April 2017
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.
young people. PO Box 2591, Newport. 434-4880. admin@aidsquiltri. org. www.aidsquiltri.org. Brown University AIDS Program: Clinical trials, public policy, research, lectures, conferences, patient and community education. 121 South Main Street, Second Floor, Providence. 863-6790. brunap@ brown.edu. brown.edu/Departments/BRUNAP. Community Care Alliance: Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Rhode Island. 245 Main Street,Woonsocket. 235-6092. lcohen@famresri.org. Comprehensive Community Action Programs: Medical, mental health, dental, social services, LGBT outreach. 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston. Also Coventry, Pawtucket, and Warwick. 467-9610. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case management and financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MassHealth funded for MA residents. 376 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. Contact Jenn, (508) 678-1002. HIV Antibody Testing: Anonymous. Free or sliding scale. RI Department of Health. Providence, Newport and other locations. 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care management for HIV/AIDS. 24hr nursing staff for treatment. 1085 North Main Street, Providence. Referrals: 782-0725. Bereavement groups: Contact John Charette, 727-7079. Main Office: 415-4200 or toll-free 800-338-6555. www.hhcri.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Road, Cumberland. 658-3992. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group: For LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems. www.caregiver.org Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor. (508) 984-7514. Miriam Hospital HIV & STD Testing Clinic: For gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, Hep C, and trichomoniasis. Linking to physicians for PrEP. Wed. -- Fri. 12:30 -- 3:30. 1125 N. Main St., Providence (rear of building). 793-4715 Partners in Learning About AIDS: Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations. North Providence office provides free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. 1006 Charles Street, Suite 5, North Providence. 484-7523. info@plaidsproject.org. www. plaidsproject.org
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Planned Parenthood of So. New England: Confidential, lowcost, same-day & walk-in STD and HIV testing. Commonsense approach to health. 175 Broad Street. 800-230-7526. www.ppsne. org. Prima CARE Transgender Clinic: Fall River, MA. Counseling, hormonal reassignment, referrals for surgery. Kishore Lakshman, MD. 508-235-0481. Seven Hills HIV Prevention & Screening: TWIST program, HIV and STI prevention and testing, partner care. 1173 Acushnet Avenue, 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) 9471683. www.tranquilmind.net. Thundermist Health Center: Provides HIV/AIDS services including medical care and treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment and counseling, pharmacy consultation, free and confidential HIV testing. 450 Clinton Street,Woonsocket. Contact Philip Kane. 767-4100 ext. 3516.
Information/Education The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health: Education, pleasure, health, advocacy. Tues. -- Sat. 12 -- 6 and by appointment. 250 Main Street, Unit 1, Pawtucket. 489-5513. www.thecsph.org. Fenway Community Center LGBT Helpline: Support, information and referrals. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston. Open daily 6-11pm. (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-452 GLBT National Help Center Hotline: Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564. www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org. Newport Out: LGBT website for Newport. www.newportout.com. RILGBT-News: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net. South Coast LGBTQ Network: Information & advocacy network for individuals of all ages. 774-371-0711. info@ sclgbtqnetwork.org. www.sclgbtqnetwork.org. United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 on your telephone.
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Nightlife The Alley Cat Providence: Downtown neighborhood bar. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 2pm2am, Sunday 2pm-1am. 19 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. Bobby’s Place: Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. SundayWednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday-Saturday 5pm-2am. 62 Weir Street, Taunton, MA. (508) 824-9997. www.bobbysplacema.com. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Providence: public/private venue for music, art, film screenings, weddings, showers, etc. RHODYWOOD@yahoo.com; 359-0192. Club Body Center: Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24hr. 257 Weybosset Street, Providence. 274-0298. www.cbcresorts.com. The Dark Lady: Downtown bar and nightclub. TuesdayThursday 9pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 9pm-3am, Sunday 9pm1am. 17 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. EGO: Providence’s newest gay nightlife performance/event space. Sunday and Thursday 9pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 10pm-3am, 73 Richmond St, Providence. 383-1208. www.egopvd.com. Indigo Lounge: 599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry RI 02816. Breakfast buffet, specialty pizzas, T Dances, live entertainment, karaoke Thurs. Hours vary, closed Mon. www.indigopizza.com. Mirabar: Downtown bar and nightclub. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 3pm-2am, Sunday 3pm-1am. 15 Elbow Street, Providence. 331-6761. www.mirabar.com. Providence Eagle: Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. MondayThursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday-Sunday 12pm2am. 124 Snow Street, Providence. 421-1447. The Stable: Downtown video bar. No cover. Monday-Thursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-2am, Sunday 12pm1am. 125 Washington Street, Providence. 272-6950. The Village: Downtown Providence’s newest LGBT owned and operated restaurant and live entertainment venue. Lunch & dinner Wednesday through Sunday for varying hours. 373 Richmond St. 228-7222, www.thevillageri.com
Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220, Providence. 831-7171. riaclu.org. Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTQ human rights. (212)807-8400. Cvohs18904@ yahoo.com. www.amnestyusa.org. Brown University Queer Alliance: Student advocacy and support organization. queer@brown.edu. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline. Weekdays 1:30-4:30pm. 30 Winter Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA. (617) 436-1350 or (800) 455-GLAD. gladlaw@ glad.org www.GLAD.org. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500, NY. (212) 809-8585. www.lambdalegal.org. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for LGBT causes. lawyersforequality@gmail.com.
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National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues. info@ nlgja.org, www.nlgja.org. The Next Thing (TNT): Political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. 863-3062. tnt@ brown.edu. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: Hate crime awareness training program. www.hatecrimeri.org. RI Socialist Action: 952-5385, adgagneri@gmail.com. Spanish: 351-3514, walsil@cox.net. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. 180 Westminster Street, 3rd floor, Providence. 222-2662 TTY: 222-2664, richr.ri.gov. Scouts for Equality: An organization composed largely of Boy Scouts of America alumni dedicated to ending the BSA’s ban on gay members and leaders. Contact Carol Crowther. ccrowther1@ gmail.com. Facebook.com/riscoutsforequality. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Serving LGBT military personnel and veterans. PO Box 65301, Washington DC. (202) 328-3244. or (800) 538-7418. sldn@sldn.org. www.sldn.org.
Religious & Spiritual
All Saints Memorial Church: 674 Westminster Street, Providence. 751-1747. asmcri@verizon.net. www.allsaintsmemorial.org. Amicable Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Pastor William Sterrett. Sunday 10am. 3736 Main Road, Tiverton. 624-4611. amicablechurch@aol.com, www.amicablechurch.org. Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists: robin@awab.org, www.awab.org. Barrington Congregational Church: UCC. “The white church.” Sundays 10am. 461 County Road, Barrington. 246-0111. office@bccucc.org, www.bccucc.org. Bell Street Chapel: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Rev. Margaret Weis. Sundays 10am. 5 Bell Street, Providence. 273-5678. www.bellstreetchapel.org. Beneficent Congregational Church: UCC.An Open & Affirming congregation in the heart of Providence. Sundays 10am. 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. 331-9844. BeneficentChurchUCC@ gmail.com, www.beneficentchurch.org. Berean Baptist Church: A safe and welcoming place for all God’s children. Sunday 10am. 474 Chapel Street, Harrisville. 568-5411. bereanbaptist@verizon.net. www.bereanri.net Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown: LGBTQ early dementia support group. Contact Amy. Sundays 10:30am. 200 Turner Road, Middletown. 847-6181, www.middletownmethodist.com. Central Congregational Church: UCC. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. Sundays 10:30am. 296 Angell Street, Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Sundays 10am. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643. administrator@channingchurch.org. www.channingchurch.org. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit: Independent Old Catholic. Fr. Jakob Lazarus. Sunday 9am and 6pm. 155 Douglas Avenue, Providence. 413-4821. www.holyparaclete.org.
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Chapel Street Congregational Church UCC: Open & Affirming. 185 Chapel St., Lincoln, RI. 722-7934. www.chapelstreetucc.com. 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: 1643 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln. Services 8am and 10:30am. 725-1920. office@christchurchlincoln.org. www.christchurchlincoln.org. Church of the Ascension, 390 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI 02910. Sundays at 10am. 461-5811. www.ascensioncranston.org. Church of the Epiphany: A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. 434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org. Church of the Redeemer, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 655 Hope St., Providence. www.redeemerprovidence.org. office@ redeemerprovidence.org. Rev. Patrick Campbell, 331-0678. Concordia Center for Spiritual Living: A diverse community welcoming all spiritual paths to God. Sunday Celebration 9:15am. 292 W. Shore Rd., Warwick. Rev. Ian Taylor, 732-1552. info@concordiachurchri.com. www.ConcordiaCSL.com. Edgewood Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Service 10am. 1788 Broad Street, Cranston. 461-1344. office@edgewoodchurchri.org. www.edgewoodchurchri.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. 658-1506. office@emmanuelri.org. www.emmanuelri.org. First 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
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commitment ceremonies for all. Rev. Bob McKetchnie. 505 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org. Newman Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 434-4742. www.newmanucc.org. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Rev. Hayes and Rev. Baker. 73 Pelham Street, Newport. 849-2238. Park Place Congregational Church: 71 Park Place, Pawtucket. 726-2800. office@ppucc.necoxmail.com, www.parkplaceucc.com. The Pub Church: An Open & Affirming church that meets in a pub. Location may change. Saturday 5pm. The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. thepubchurch@gmail.com. Pilgrim Lutheran Church: An inclusive congregation. Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 1817 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. 739-2937. parishasst@pilgrimlutheranri.org, pilgrimlutheranri.jimdo.com. Pilgrim United Church of Christ: Open and Affirming. 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)-997-9086. Riverside Church: UCC.15 Oak Avenue, Riverside. Service 10am. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com. St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 15 Lower College Road, Kingston. 783-2153. Sundays 8am and 10am. StAugustinesChurch@necoxmail.com, www.staugustineuri.org. St. James Church: Episcopal. 474 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 10am. 50 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 751-2141. StMartinsNB.Secretary@gmail.com, www.stmartinsprov.org. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Welcoming Church. Monthly LGBT Eucharist. 136 Rivet Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)9948972. stmartins1887@comcast.com, www.stmartinsma.org. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 9am. 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. office@stpaulspawtucket.org, www.stpaulspawtucket.org. St. Paul’s Church: A welcoming Episcopal church. Sundays 9am. 2679 East Main Street, Portsmouth. 683-1164. stpaulsportsmouthri. org. St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Avenue, Providence. 272-9649.stpanda25@verizon.net. www.stpeters-standrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church: Open & Affirming. Fr. David Martins. Sunday 10:30am. 1500 Main St., W. Warwick, RI 02893. 680-9076. stocc134@gmail.com, www.saintthereseocc.org. Second Congregational Church of Attleboro: UCC. Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday 10am. (508) 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.
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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
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. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA): 56 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA. (508) 778-7744. info@cisgsya.org, www.cigsya.org. Communisong: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.communisong.net. Gay Men’s Social Group: FirstTuesdays,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: Bostonbased recreational football club. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Saturday mornings in the fall and spring. www. flagflagfootball.com. Boston Pride HOCKEY: www.bostonpridehockey.org. Rondeaus KICKBOXING: 272-5425. www. rondeauskickboxing.com.
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Main Street MARTIAL ARTS: Non-profit. Welcoming dojo and community center. 1282 North Main Street, Providence. 274-7672.www.mainstma.org. Chiltern Mountain Club: OUTDOOR recreation club in New England. events@chiltern.org. www.chiltern.org. Boston Gay ROWERS: Worldwide online community for gay and lesbian rowers, coxies, coaches, and race officials. www.glrf. org. Boston Ironsides RUGBY Football: www.bostonironsides.org. Providence Women’s RUGBY Club: Competitive and recreational. www.providencerugby.com Frontrunners Rhode Island RUNNING Group: Running and walking group. Newcomers welcome. Meet at the end of Blackstone Boulevard at Hope Street, Providence. Thursday 6pm. Contact Brian. 751-7643. bripm@cox.net, frontrunnersri@ gmail.com Frontrunners Boston RUNNING Group: Morning walk/ run along the Charles River. Saturdays,10am. Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. www.frontrunnersboston.org. OutRyders SKIING: New England’s largest gay and lesbian ski and snowboard club. www.outryders.org. Boston Strikers SOCCER Club: Non-profit social organization to learn and improve soccer skills in a relaxed, congenial environment. www.bostonstrikers.com. 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 Gender Equity Initiative: SafeZone & Trans* 101 training. Support, info for LGBTQ people and allies. www.ccri.edu/genderequity. CCRI Triangle Alliance: an LGBTQQ student-run group at CCRI, on the Flanagan, Liston, and Knight campuses. www.ccri.edu/triangle/. Home to Hope: Support for housing-insecure LGBT youth 13 -- 24. Crisis intervention, medical and other services. At YPI (743 Westminster St., Prov.) and Mathewson St. Church (134 Mathewson St., Prov.) varying days and times. For info/appointments: ayanna@ rihomeless.org or 484-7720.
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LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743. Private one-toone 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. 3315437. www.adoptionoptions.org. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: Offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. www.bvadvocacycenter.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.childfamilyservices.org Community Care Alliance: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 235-6095. www.famresri.org. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group. Boston first Thursday 7-9pm. compassftm@gmail.com. www.compassftm.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. Foster parents needed: For newborn to age six. 276-4300. www.childrensfriendri.org. Crossroads RI Hotline: (800) 367-2700.
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Day One: Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/ abuse & incest. 24hr hotline. (800) 494-8100. 421-4100. www.dayoneri.org. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling relationships. 24hr free and confidential helpline. 782-3990 or toll free 800-494-8100, www.dvrcsc.org. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: Support. 738 Main St. #323, Waltham, MA. (781) 333-8429. info@gayfathersboston.org, www.gayfathersboston.org. Gay Men’s HIV+ Social Group: Third Tuesdays, 6 -- 9pm. Refreshments. Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1177 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA. Info: Lenny Amaral, 508-999-4159 or email lamaral@sevenhills.org. Gay Officers Action League (GOAL)/New England: Law enforcement officers (sworn & civilian), fire, rescue & publicly employed EMS. Confidential. P.O. Box 171587, Boston, MA 02117. www.newenglandgoal.org. On Facebook at NewEnglandGOAL. Gay Share: Coming Out? Gay men’s support group. No fee. Wednesday 7:30pm. Contact Tom or Mike. 369-9448. info@ gayshare.org, www.gayshare.org. LGBT Grief Support: Meets regularly at Hope Hospice, 1085 No. Main St.., Providence. Rebecca Sizelove, 415-4301. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline and social networks for crisis and suicide prevention. 24/7. (866) 4-U-Trevor. HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group: Refreshments served. AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. 5213603. New members contact Scott. 640-3108. Kathys’ Group: Free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Partners and caregivers welcome. Meets monthly in Providence. 888-5KATHYS. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Thurs. eves. in Taunton, MA. Social support for gay, bi, and questioning men from Mass. and RI. Confidential, drug- and alcohol-free. Find us on Facebook and MeetUp. 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. 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.
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Queer & Trans Thursdays: Space for LGBTQ and heterosexual youth (24 and under) of color to foster coalitionbuilding and organize to address intersections of oppressions. 6-8pm. 669 Elmwood Ave., Rm. B7, Providence. www.prysm. us. 383-7450. Rape Crisis Center for S.E. Mass: New Hope, Inc. Advocacy, shelter, services for domestic abuse survivors. Hotline (800) 323-HOPE. Office (508)226-4015. 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. 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. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, bilingual (Spanish). No caller ID used. Calls blocked for safety. 861-6191 ext. 121. Sojourner House: Call for confidential support group. Support, shelter, advocacy and information for people in abusive relationships. Including specific LGBT services. No caller ID used. Outgoing calls blocked for safety. 24hr helpline. 765-3232. 861-6191. Office 861-6191. www.sojournerri.org
St. Mary’s Home for Children: Sexual abuse treatment for children. 450 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Providence. www.smhfc.org. Adam Cable, 353-3900. Straight Spouses: Groups and online support. www. straightspouse.org. TGI Network of RI: Support, advocacy for transgender, transsexual, gender-variant and/or intersex people. Borderlands peer group 1st & 3d Tues. and 1st & 3d Sat. of the month. Location & information: 441-5058. info@tginetwork.org. www. tginetwork.org. Trans* Partners New England: Gives romantic partners of transgender people a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people. First Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm. Providence. Location unpublished for privacy. partners@tginetwork.org. Trans* Youth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. info@imatyfa.org, www.imatyfa. org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www.tavausa.org. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties: Offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263. www.wrcnbc.org.q
NEW PLANS. NE W LOOK.
Same heart. 1-800-459-6019 www.nhpri.org Options | June 2017
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Overview
AIDS Project Rhode Island has re-introduced its Buddy Program! The program funded by the RI Department of Health is designed to provide compassionate, mental emotional and spiritual care services that will improve the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS. Companionship and understanding can be crucial to the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers will help with a myriad of medical appointments and other daily activites that often become overwhelming to handle alone.
THE
BUDDY PROGRAM IS BACK
To learn more call 401-831-5522
We are looking for Volunteers! 9 Pleasant St. Providence, RI 02906
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Options | June 2017
Options | June 2017
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Options | June 2017