options October 2016
TEN31:
Making Art Come to Life
Changes at RI
THE ROLE OF GAYS
IN GOVERNMENT:
AN INTERVIEW WITH
BRETT SMILEY
Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Community Magazine Since 1982 - FREE
Pride
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options
In This Issue:
Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982. October 2016, Vol.XXXV, Issue 6
An Interview with Brett Smiley p. 23
Publisher Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Interim Editor in Chief Brendan Chipley Roane editor@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays Copy Editors Julia Barber, Chris Cedroni, Rex LeBeau, Myra Shays, Jen Stevens Graphic Design Theresa “Reese” Barzyk Contributors Christion Battey, Erin Basler, Adam Brooks, The Lit Chick, Christopher Dalpe, Jeana DeLaire, Davide Gnoato, Bradford Greer, Charlie Hall, Christopher Lauth, Rex LeBeau, Kyle McKendall, Jen Stevens, Kim Stowell Photographers Eric Auger, Jen Bonin, Josh Edenbaum, Josh McKenney, Ryan Welch Finance Director Donny McKendall billing@optionsri.org Subscription Manager Francis Ryan frank@optionsri.org Distribution distribution@optionsri.org Advertising advertising@optionsri.org
don’t grow up invisible
Passages: Jim Seavor p. 5
Youth Pride Inc.
TEN31: Making Art Come to Life p. 18
Youth Ambassadors at YPI p. 27
4 From the Publisher
18 TEN31: Making Art Come to Life
4 Advertisers
20 Out on the Town
5 Remembering Jim Seavor
23 Brett Smiley
6 From the Editor
26 State Defunds State’s Only
6 Transosaurus Rex 8 News Briefs 10 Calendar
Syringe Exchange Program 27 Introducing YPI Youth Ambassadors 28 National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
12 Conference on Sexual Health Equity 29 Changes at RI Pride 14 Zencare: Streaming the Search for 31 Resources LGBTQ Affirming Therapists 38 Worth a Look
Home delivery is free! Subscribe at www.optionsri.org, email frank@optionsri.org, or write to us at our PO Box. © OPTIONS 2016. Options is published monthly. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the volunteers or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must include a phone number or email address. Names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar, or resource listings for the November 2016 issue must be delivered by October 14
Options | October 2016
Contact Us info@optionsri.org PO Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940 (401) 724-LGBT www.optionsri.org Cover: Brett Smiley photos by Josh McKenney of Modern Revolutions Photography
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From the Publisher Dear Reader, I’m honored to announce that Options and AIDS Care Ocean State have been chosen as the charitable recipients of the 2017 Legends Calendar. Produced and directed by LaDiva Jonz and Haley Star and featuring the work of Daniel Gagnon, the calendar showcases Providence’s drag legends. Previous themes have displayed the legends “Under the Big Top,” as mythological gods and goddesses, in their favorite Broadway productions, or as works of art for a “Night at the Museum.” This year’s calendar will be released on Sunday, November 6 at The Colosseum, located at 180 Pine Street in Providence. Tickets are $20 and include a copy of the 2017 calendar as well as admission to the most legendary drag show of the year. To purchase tickets, please visit www.aidscareos.org. The fun won’t stop in November after the Legends Calendar Release Party, so pack your suitcase and get ready for a trip of a lifetime! Once again, Kitty Litter is sailing the high seas and invites you to join her on the first annual Kitty Litter Reunion Cruise. From May 28 through June 4, Kitty and friends will sail from New York City to Bermuda on the Norwegian Breakaway. Packages as are low as $1,279 per person and monthly payments are available. A portion of proceeds from each cabin booked will benefit Options. If you’re looking to book a vacation for the spring, don’t let this opportunity to pass you by! As the organization continues to publish this resource, we have immediate needs to fill a number of volunteer positions. An advertising manger, distribution manager, writers, and copy editor roles are open and need to be filled. We’re in the process of searching for a managing editor and a creative director who have an interest in working on the production and design of the magazine. These two positions are part-time, contracted roles. Individuals who are interested in sitting on the board of directors and have experience in finance, accounting, legal affairs, development, or journalism, should consider supporting the organization. If any of these roles interest you, please reach out to me at kyle@optionsri.org.
Onward,
Kyle McKendall
Advertisers in This Issue ACOS - Drag Bingo ................................................................. 30 ACOS - Get Tested ................................................................... 37 ACOS - Monster Ball ............................................................... 13 ACOS - Red Ribbon Auction ............................................. 16 American Wallpaper Co. ........................................................... 2 Anthony’s Jewelers .................................................................... 17 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI ........................................... 22 Brass Ring Dog Treats ................................................................. 4 City Kitty .......................................................................................... 14 Cruise Planners ........................................................................... 15 Gregory’s Optical ....................................................................... 29 Insperiors ........................................................................................ 29 JDHS Photos ................................................................................. 16 Jennifer Minuto - Attorney ..................................................... 4 John DaPonte - Counselor ................................................... 19 Kellie Marcil - Realtor ............................................................... 25 Legend’s Calandar Release Party ......................................... 7 Michael O’Mara - Counselor ............................................... 17 Mister Sister Erotica .................................................................. 19 Moses Brown ................................................................................ 22 Mulholland Financial LLC ....................................................... 17 Neighborhood Health Plan of RI ...................................... 28 Plumbing by Paul ........................................................................ 37 Providence Community Acupuncture ............................ 16 Residential Properties ............................................................. 30 SERVPRO ....................................................................................... 15 Some Assembly Required .................................................... 30 St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church ............... 17 The Stable ..................................................................................... 37 The Village ...................................................................................... 39 Whole Foods Market .............................................................. 40
Jennifer A. Minuto LGBT Legal Advocacy.
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Options | October 2016
Remembering W
Jim Seavor
hen I took the helm at Options some ten years ago, I inherited a small but mighty band of editors.There was Myra Shays, Jim Faria, Steve Kagan, and a few others. And there was Jim Seavor, who recently passed away at age 80. We took our editorial responsibility very seriously, proud of our almost always typo-free issues. But there was also so much levity on those editing nights – complete with singing, witty banter and arguments about grammar – it was a very literate gang, and Jim was no slacker in that department. His knowledge of both AP style and Musical Theatre made him an important member of the group – he could be counted on to remember the words to a song as well as define a gerund. At some point, his hearing began to go – we just yelled at him. Jim had a brilliant career, and we were so fortunate to have his talent and knowledge on board after his retirement from the Providence Journal. I often said that Options could never have afforded such talented editors if we had to actually pay for them, and yet Jim (and the others) gave so freely to our little newsmagazine. He was a wonderful writer too – never using even one word more than he needed to. I remember when Jim approached me about Nicholas Knisely, who was to be Rhode Island’s new Episcopal bishop. Jim wanted to interview him for Options, but needed an introduction. I did not know Rev. Knisely either, but I offered to reach out to him, setting up an appointment for the two to meet. So humble was this man – who had interviewed Frank Sinatra and Lauren Bacall, for crying out loud – that he dared not approach a bishop without some semblance of formality.
Options | October 2016
by Kim Stowell
I will never forget the many years Jim presided over an annual church supper and drag show at Saints Peter & Andrew in Providence. Have you ever even heard of such a thing? And yet Jim pulled it off, year after year, to raise money for the church’s food pantry. The world has lost a gentle, sweet soul, the likes of whom I don’t think I will ever encounter again.Such a giant of a man with such small stature! I would recommend him for sainthood. Jim had not yet retired from ProJo when I first came to edit Options and met him. Although he was the only news professional in the room, he never threw his weight around. I loved his wry, sly sense of humor. The stories and reviews he wrote were impeccable -- there was no way to improve them. Very gradually I learned about his extensive background in radio and other media. He was a modest man. I'll always be grateful that he chose to volunteer his prodigious talents -- and warm personality -- at Options for so many years. -Myra Shays For more years than I count, Jim Seavor was a dear member of the editorial team as well as the entertainment specialist at Options. I was always conscious that I was in the presence of a respected elder who had blazed a trail for many of us to lead an out and open life. He was a wonderful, passionate man who loved the arts and his community and he always spoke thoughtfully and with great humor. I enjoyed listening to him talk and always took something meaningful away from my time with him. He will be missed. -Hugh Minor q
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From the Editor Dear Reader, As said by Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “The only thing constant is change.” These words are ones which enter my mind on a daily basis.Whether during times of good, bad, and sometimes just plain uncertainty, I remember these words, repeat them, live them. In this issue of Options, we cover stories on many changes happening now throughout Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community. We remember the life of Jim Seavor, an active member of our community who recently passed away. We look into the personal and political life of Brett Smiley, Governor Raimondo’s new chiefof-staff. We learn about Ten31 Productions, an event production company known for its living art installations, of whose owners Joe and Eric are forming a non-profit version of TEN31 so they can activate their studio for the community. We’ve also published stories discussing changes in state health and wellness issues, including the recent state defunding of Rhode Island’s only syringe exchange program, a recap on the Conference of Sexual Health Equity, and on Zencare, a new online therapy support service providing people with mental health resources.
Many changes are also present throughout our fellow
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non-profits. This month, TPI is proud to introduce their new fall ambassadors.We also hear from Davide Gnoato, interim president of RI Pride, as he discusses the non-profit’s immediate need of support and upcoming merge with the LGBTQ center, forming the RI Pride Center. Here at Options, change is underway as well. As we look to grow our board of directors and production team, we also seek to create an editorial advisory board that will ensure Options continues to be a publication covering the top stories, issues, events and resources for our community. Since 1982, Options readers’ have seen our publication change in many forms. We’ve come a long way since then, and each change made along the way has only helped us get to where we are today. If you know of anyone, or are interested yourself, in joining an editorial advisory board for Options, please email editor@optionsri.org.
Brendan Chipley Roane
We want to hear from you. Send letters to editor@optionsri.org.
Options | October 2016
Options | October 2016
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NEWS BRIEFS
by Adam Brooks
usage, and restroom and changing facility protocol, among other things. The policy under review requires that school staff not disclose information that may reveal a student’s transgender to anyone, including fellow students and parents (excluding the student’s own parents).
Kurt Bagley Resigns as President of Rhode Island Pride Longtime volunteer and board member Kurt Bagley has resigned from his role as President of Rhode Island Pride for personal reasons. In November 2013 Rhode Island Pride volunteers approved an election slate that saw the organization change hands. Rodney Davis, the former president, who had served in leadership roles since 1997, chose not to seek re-election. Then Kurt Bagley volunteered for the position. Bagley was no stranger to the organization, having joined in 2003. He was elected to the Pride board in 2006. By 2007 he was serving as vice president and treasurer simultaneously, before eventually opting to continue the year as just the treasurer. Even in his brief time off the board, Bagley continued to act as the organization’s bookkeeper and was responsible for Pride Fest logistics. Bagley’s involvement has included many triumphs for Rhode Island Pride. Boardmember Davide Gnoato is now serving as Pride’s president.
East Greenwich School Committee Reviews Transgender Policy Draft The East Greenwich School Committee is currently reviewing a draft policy that addresses transgender students in the school district. It is based on a sample policy created by the Rhode Island Department of Education. The policy will address transgender privacy, name and pronoun
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The policy has attracted some criticism as it currently stands. “When you talk about school personnel not disclosing information, with the exception of a student’s own parents, I would say that best practice is not that you would go and share the information with the parents unless the student wants you to,” said Alexis Meyer, Principal of Cole Middle School. “It’s not the adult’s prerogative to share that information.” An emphasis has been placed on the new policy making students as comfortable as possible and allowing them to express themselves in whatever way they’d like. Said committee member Matt Plain, “It’s a delicate balance because, on the one hand, once it becomes sort of part of the student record, then the parent has access to that student record, but at the same time a student might be confiding in school personnel so that student feels comfortable, but that same interaction might not exist at home….We want to have a policy, but at the same time we don’t want to have a policy that makes folks who are affected by it uncomfortable.” The policy will hopefully be fully revised and ready to be implemented sometime soon.
Andrew Winters Still Remembered for “Career of Helping” Five Years Later In early 2011, in the aftermath of URI’s silent protest by LGBT students, occupying the library to ensure the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ staff, students and faculty, participants awarded a “Certificate of Service and Admirable Citizenship,” to their adviser. The advisor was Andrew Winters, who, at the time, was serving as assistant to URI’s Vice-President of student
affairs. The students involved in the protest thought of Winter as their advocate. Weeks later, Winters received received a blistering letter of reprimand from URI administration that allegedly consisted of accusations and personal insults, and threatened termination of Winters’ position if he failed to comply with the letter’s demand of silence. Winters went on administrative leave shortly after, and by June, had left his position permanently. This year marks the fifth anniversary of Winters’ removal from URI, and university officials are still claiming that he “retired” from his position. Winters still remains silenced five years later. Since October is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month, it’s important to remember those who were victims of bullying – especially, the kind that happens outside of schoolyards and classrooms. It was Winters, who advocated most strongly for LGBT rights on campus and spoke for the students who would have otherwise been ignored. URI may have tried to erase Winters from their history, but they can’t erase his impact.
Global- UN Official to Monitor Anti-gay Violence The United Nations announced their choice last month for the first ever UN monitor against anti-gay violence. In a report circulated by the president of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), its Consultative Group, comprised of five diplomats tasked with evaluating candidates for UNHRC positions, named Vitit Muntarbhorn their top choice for the new role. Muntarbhorn, a law professor from Bangkok, has held previous UN rights positions and is more than qualified to serve as the world body’s first expert on LGBTQ protection. Not everyone is enthusiastic about this role.The UN report claims that Amr Ramadan, the UNHRC’s
Options | October 2016
Egyptian ambassador, refused to participate in the selection process. According to Ramadan, a mandate on protecting gays from violence, discrimination and abuse is “contrary to my convictions and the values I stand for” and shows “utter disregard to the principle of universality of internationally agreed human rights.” Ramadan stated that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which consists of 56 UN member states and the Palestinian Authority “shall boycott this mandate and shall not recognize its creation nor cooperate or interact with it in any form.” Many members of the UN agree that if Ramadan chooses to boycott the UN human rights expert, he should also fully resign from the UNHRC as he no longer supports the entire range of human rights. Music Director Fired From Position at Church For Being Gay Last month, Michael Templeton, Music Director at the Church of St. Mary in Providence, was fired from his position, allegedly, for being gay. After being employed by the church for five years,
Options | October 2016
anyone, and didn’t foresee his marriage causing him to lose a job.
Templeton said he was summoned by church officials for a conversation that was “bizarre, unprofessional, and inappropriate,” prior to being let go. “What I can tell you about the conversation, is that from what I’ve read, it’s consistent with other situations I’m aware of throughout the country. They say that because of the public nature of your ministry, and inconsistency of life choices, we are requiring your resignation,” Templeton told the press in a statement. Templeton said he knew that his marriage to his partner in 2015 may have ruffled some feathers in the church, but prided himself on not hiding his lifestyle from
The office of Bishop Thomas Tobin in the Diocese of Providence refused to comment on Michael Templeton’s removal from the Church of St. Mary’s, instead offering a blanket statement from the Diocese: “Any person who holds a ministerial position in the Church, as an employee or volunteer, is expected to live in a way that is fully consistent with the teachings and faith of the church. If an individual deliberately and knowingly enters in a relationship or engages in activity that contradicts the core teachings of the Church, that individual leaves the Church no choice to respond.” Many St. Mary’s parishioners expressed their sadness at Templeton’s departure, and said they missed the lively and inspiring music that he had contributed to the services.q
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER
Sat. 1 Cheryl Aruda & Dirty Blonde, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 2287222. Wed. 5 Salsa night by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-1am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No partner needed. $15 cover includes a lesson. $10 after 10pm. For more info, facebook. com/SalsaConSoul. Wed. 5 Take Back the Night, 5:30pm. Garrahy Judicial Complex, corner of Friendship and Dorrance Streets, Providence. A candlelight vigil in support of the Stanford rape survivor and survivors everywhere, and to change misogynist culture and eradicate sexual assault. For more information, contact Senator Donna Nesselbush at 276-5568, Jodi Glass at jlglass53@gmail.com, or Lauren Kelly at lkelly@dayoneri.org.
Living presents singer/songwriter Mary Ann Rossoni with special guest Loveday, 8pm. 292 West Shore Road, Warwick. $10. For more info, feliciarose.com/home, Concordia.CSL.com, or 732-1552. 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. Tue. 11 Ocean State Theatre Company’s Cabaret Club, 7:30-9:30pm. Featuring Brennan Srisirikul with Jim Rice on piano. $15 cover includes one beverage. For more info and reservations, www. OceanStateTheatre.org. Sat. 15 Bachata/Kizomba Fusion Night by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-1am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No partner needed. $15 cover includes a lesson. $10 after 10pm. For more info, facebook.com/SalsaConSoul. Wed. 19 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: The Naked Civil Servant by Quentin Crisp. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@ gmail.com.
Thu. 6 Special Comedy Show: Comic Suzanne Westenhoffer, doors 6pm/ show 6:30pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $20. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 228-7222. Fri. 7 Homegrown Comedy Night with host John Kelley, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $10. Reservations can be made at www. thevillageri.com or 228-7222. Sat. 8 Concordia Center for Spiritual
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Wed. 19 RI Socialist Action presents: “The International Struggle for LGBTQI Liberation” featuring Ann Montague, 7pm. IWW Hall, 375 Smith Street, Providence. Spanish translation available. Donations accepted. All welcome.
to best costume winner. Hosted by Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI. Fri. 21 SAGE LGBT Café, noon-2pm. Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street, Cranston. A delicious, low-cost lunch in a gay-friendly setting sponsored by Meals on Wheels, the Department of Elderly Affairs, and SAGE-RI. Programming after lunch. A $3 donation is suggested for LGBT people 60+ and people with disabilities; a $6 donation is suggested for all others. Reservations required: Call Pauline at 351-6700. Fri. 21 & Sat. 22 Ten31 presents: Night at the Haunted Museum, 7-11pm. 249 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket. Tickets $10 at www.nightathehauntedmuseum.com. Sat. 22 Infusion Carnival, 6pm-2am. Skyline at Waterplace, 1 Finance Way, Providence. Samba dancers, Latin performers, fashion runway, cocktails, live music. For more info, infusioncollections.com. Sat. 22 St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s 15th Annual Drag Show, 6pm. In memory of Jim Seavor. St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 25 Pomona Avenue, Providence. RSVP required: www.stpeters-standrews. org/272-9649. Sat. 22 Mary Day Band, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www. thevillageri.com or 228-7222. Wed. 26 RI Pride Annual Meeting, 7pm. Location TBA.This meeting will determine the new Board of Directors for the Pride Center of RI. For information, visit www. prideri.com, email info@prideri.com, or call 467-2130.
Thu. 20 Drag Bingo: Nightmare on Elmwood, 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
Options | October 2016
by Jen Stevens Wed. 9 Salsa night by TeamFusionRI, 8pm-1am. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Open to dancers of all levels of experience. No partner needed. $15 cover, includes a lesson. $10 after 10pm. For more info, facebook.com/ SalsaConSoul. Sun. 13 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men on second Sundays. For more info,www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. Fri. 28 Mysterium: The Eternal Masquerade, 7:30pm. Providence Public Library, 225 Washington Street. A one-of-a-kind arts-inspired Halloween experience featuring Ten31 and Russell Morin Fine Catering. $100. For tickets and info, www.prov.givezooks.com.
Wed. 16 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: A Cup of Water Under My Bed by Daisy Hernandez. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com.
Sat. 29 Halloween Bash with Becky Chace Band, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 2287222.
Thu. 17 Drag Bingo: “Stuff It” Thnx Givin’ Bingo, 6-9pm. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. $20 gets you in all games with over $2000 in cash and prizes awarded monthly. Bring canned food items to donate for the season! Hosted by Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz. All funds raised benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project RI.
NOVEMBER
Sat. 4 Poppy Champlin, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www. thevillageri.com or 228-7222.
Sun. 6 Legends Calendar release party, 6pm doors/7pm show. The Colosseum, 180 Pine Street, Providence. $20 donation to benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and Options Magazine, includes the 2017 Legends Calendar and admission to the most legendary drag show of the year. For tickets, www.aidscareos.org.
Options | October 2016
Fri. 18 Sojourner House’s 6th Annual Masquerade Ball: Havana Nights, 7-11pm. Providence Biltmore, 11 Dorrance Street. Featuring Chifferobe Entertainment, Flamenco Afro-Cuban band Infusion Evolution, the Tropigals, emcees LuLu Locks and Kitty Litter, Cuban food, cocktail
hour, live auction, cash bar, and a cake competition by Rhode Island Food Fights. Proceeds support Sojourner House’s Drop-In Resource Center and residential program for victims of domestic violence. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.eventbrite. com/e/6th-annual-masquerade-balltickets-26100525374. Fri. 18 Necessary Conversations: LGBT Older Adults and End of Life Concerns, 7:30am-12:30pm. University of Rhode Island, Kingston. General admission $65, students $40, CEU certificates $10. For more info, sageriinfo@gmail.com. Sat. 19 Sister Funk with Rachael Kilgour, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. $5. Reservations can be made at www.thevillageri.com or 2287222. Sun. 20 Chiltern Mountain Club’s Annual Meeting & Luncheon, 1-4pm. Mosaic Commons community room, 22 Village Lane, Berlin, MA. All are welcome. RSVP required at www.chiltern.org under “Trips.” $15 suggested contribution. For more info, contact Josiah at (617) 3063840 or board@chiltern.org. Regularly Scheduled Support Groups: ACOS (HIV/AIDS): youth, Tue. 4pm/gay males, Wed. 1:30pm LGBT Alcoholics Anonymous: Tue. 7pm PFLAG (parents, friends, allies): 1st & 3rd Wed. 6:45pm TGI Network (trans): 1st & 3rd Tue. 7pm/Sat. 1pm TransFamily New England: 2nd Mon. 6:30pm YPI (youth): Way Out, Thu. 4pm/Gender Spectrum, Tue. 4pm/youth 13 and under: Thu. 5pm See Resources on page 30 for more info.
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THE CONFERENCE ON SEXUAL HEALTH EQUITY by Erin Basler
O
n Friday, September 16, Rhode Island’s sexual health organizations gathered in Providence for the Conference on Sexual Health Equity. Organized by the Brown University AIDS program and The New England AIDS Education and Training Center, the conference highlighted the ongoing work of community organizations to promote sexual health and to foster a spirit of collaboration and empowerment among those engaged in the work. Dr. Philip Chan, the director of HIV/STD Testing and Prevention Services at The Miriam Hospital Immunology Center, defined the important facets of sexual health. Using the World Health Organization’s definition as his basis, Dr. Chan identified sexual health as: overall wellbeing, not just the absence of illness and dysfunction; respect, safety, and freedom from discrimination and violence; relevant throughout the entire lifespan; including diverse sexual identities and expressions; and recognizing the influence of gender roles, norms, expectations, and power dynamics on overall health outcomes. Dr. Chan also outlined the day’s goals as looking at new data, hearing about new health initiatives in the state, meeting new people and networking within the sexual healthcare community, and generating new ideas for how to make Rhode Island a more sexually healthy state. One vital concept in sexual health is health equity, which Thomas Bertrand, Chief of the RI Center for HIV/AIDS, STD,Viral Hepatitis and TB, defines as taking into account the needs of each person and allocating the resources based on individual need.
IN RHODE ISLAND
on substance abuse and recovery services for LGBTQ people, access to LGBTQ-friendly and competent care providers, the way sexuality isn’t addressed for seniors, particularly LGBTQ seniors, and the lack of outreach to many of the underserved ethnic communities in Rhode Island. One common thread permeated many of the organization presentations and the panel discussion: the need for funds. Many of the sexual health organizations represented work with underserved, underrepresented, and societally devalued groups from a nonprofit structure—leaving their operational budgets and services at the whims of grant funding. The question of funding ties in closely with the way sexual healthcare is provided. Without state support, low-income people are left without much-needed sexual health screenings, as seen in Rhode Island’s new HIV infection data. While the general trend in new diagnoses is decreasing, when the data is parsed out by ethnicity, Black and Latino Rhode Island residents are between five and ten times more likely to contract HIV than whites. Discussing sexual health equity crystalizes a point made repeatedly by Thomas Bertrand: In Rhode Island, we need to ask ourselves the tough and uncomfortable questions about whether it is fair to distribute equally, rather than equitably. Based on data that shows a very drastic difference in health outcomes based on ethnicity and income, the answer should be obvious. q
Rhode Island’s sexual health groups then took the podium to talk about their programs and how they are all working to increase equitable sexual healthcare in the state. Reporting were: The RI Center for HIV/AIDS, STD, Viral Hepatitis and TB; Project Weber/ RENEW; Thundermist; Sojourner House; The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health; AIDS Project Rhode Island; AIDS Care Ocean State; The Miriam Hospital STD Clinic; Planned Parenthood of Southern New England; Dr. Aidia Rana introducing the 90-90-90 RI HIV Prevention Initiative; Blackstone Valley Community Healthcare; and the Providence Community Health Centers. The speakers from each group, joined by Mr. Gay Rhode Island 2016 Joe Di Mauro, formed a panel to address audience questions. The panel identified some shortfalls in sexual healthcare in Rhode Island, including sexual education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their staff, the discrimination against gay and bisexual men around blood donation, the need for a focus
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Panel speakers are (left to right) Colleen Daley-Ndoye (Project Weber/RENEW), Joe Di Mauro (Mr. Gay RI, 2016), Stephen Hourahan (AIDS Project RI), Erin Basler (The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health), Kenneth Mayer (AIDS Care Ocean State), Helen McDonald (Sojourner House), Wayne Wohlschlegel (Thundermist), and Anthony Faccenda (Sojourner House)
Options | October 2016
Options | October 2016
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ZENCARE
by Jeana DeLaire
Streamlines the Search For
LG B TQ Affirming Therapists
M
ost of us know the stats. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, LGBTQ individuals are almost three times as likely to experience a mental health condition. Another study done by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention reports that 41% of transgender individuals attempt suicide at some point in their lifetime, compared to 4.6% from the general public. One obvious explanation is that societal and interpersonal mistreatment of LGB and especially trans identified individuals translates into a heightened occurrence of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. While there have been several studies highlighting this trend, finding help and resources continues to be a difficult process for those seeking support. This is even more the case for disenfranchised and marginalized communities who experience the added difficulty of finding knowledgeable and affirming providers, in addition to the unfortunate and misguided stigma associated with seeking mental health services. A new service created by Providence local and Brown University graduate, Yuri Tomikawa, has stepped in to help. Zencare is a new online service developed to help match those seeking services with compatible mental health providers based on in-depth search criteria. The service, which has been around for about a year in the Providence area, presents three main criteria: the quality of physician, personality attributes, and up-todate and dependable information. Whether someone is looking for a therapist specializing in a particular type of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, or substance abuse counseling, or looking for someone who is focused on particular conditions, such as eating challenges, or depression, the search for the right fit is narrowed and simplified. When I asked Yuri what motivated her to create this comprehensive and free service she said that she recognized the difficulty that she and many of her close friends experienced in finding a therapist and wanted to find a solution. She also said that she wanted the service to be as inclusive from the beginning as possible, which included the LGBTQ community. In line with this effort, all therapists who partner with Zencare go through a rigorous screening to ensure that they are not only supportive of different social identities, but can specify areas that they are knowledgeable and specialize in. Users are able to include their relevant search criteria, but they can even skim through introductory videos with
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potential therapists to gauge their personality and speaking styles, and even schedule an initial phone meeting with their prospective providers. Though Zencare is offered only in Providence right now, the site will soon service the Boston area. Yuri mentioned the enormous effort that is underway in screening Boston area providers and recording each video introduction prior to the city launch. So far the site has reported more than four hundred connection calls and emails between Providence users and providers and has likely helped many others who contact potential therapists independently after searching. Given the widespread need for this type of service, the potential for growth seems limitless and Yuri reported looking forward to offering the service beyond Providence. This service stands out among other search engines as it is developed entirely from the patient perspective and considers the unique needs of those seeking mental health resources. Offering such a tailored search engine, being able to browse photos and videos, and setting up a time for potential therapists to call the user, helps ensure added comfort in this too often difficult and stressful process of finding support. Founder Yuri Tomikawa welcomes questions and feedback via email at hello@zencare.co. In the meantime, you can check out this free and comprehensive service at www.zencare.co. q
Options | October 2016
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by Bradford Greer
TEN31:
MAKING ART COME TO LIFE
WE MAKE PRETEND is more than the motto of TEN31; it is a way of living that brings art to life and allows those who work there to breathe life into their art. And they do it with skill, creativity, respect for historical accuracy, and fun. Eric Auger and Joe Pari are the charismatic duo behind TEN31. It started informally in 2000 as a hobby/business: doing a few odd jobs and Waterfire.They are the original Gargoyles and it was from there that the seed of the company was planted, nourished, and grew into incorporation in 2003. The Gargoyles came at a time when the friends were looking for an artistic adventure. Joe was a social worker; Eric a visual merchandiser.They had seen a lot of human statues in Europe and art installations like The Eight-Foot Bride were already at Waterfire. They were trying to think of a different twist and decided on something that wasn’t quite human. They already had two sets of wings.They put the face together and decided the gentle gargoyles would be twins that protected people from evil spirits. Guided by the poetry and music of Waterfire, there was a powerful synchronicity about their performances which was not scripted. They kept each other in their peripheral vision and moved in sync with each other. That kind of otherworldly creature, together with Waterfire’s atmosphere, was a beautiful marriage, and they became a popular attraction. “Girls gushed over us. Guys thought we were the coolest thing ever, and children loved us,” said Eric. During the first years they auditioned for Faneuil Hall and began to perform there. That grew into the three public places they performed: Waterfire, Quincy Market, and King Richard’s Fair. Before they knew it, they were working every Saturday and Sunday from September through November. They started getting approached by club owners to perform in nightclubs.They did it for fun. Then it became a business. Event planners were instrumental in bringing them into the local and Boston markets. That’s when the collective started to branch out. It became a career they could choose: combining their skills with art and social work to relate to people. “It is important in our work to emotionally connect to people. It is the why we do what we do,” explains Joe.
“Now that we have scaled up to a full-time business with a payroll and studio space we don’t perform as much in the clubs, although [we appeared] at Kitty Litter’s farewell party. Mostly we work for event planners, which takes us out of Rhode Island to Boston, DC, New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle,” says Joe, “but we are anchored in Rhode Island.” They do a lot of corporate work but they also connect with the Pawtucket Arts Festival, the gay Pride Parade, the Providence Public Library, The Rhode Island Foundation, the Rhode Island League of Justice, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the Newport Preservation Society. They presented living Greek statues in Boston’s South Station during the morning rush hour to pass out literature to commuters for the Pompeii exhibit held at the Boston’s Museum of Science. They performed at the US Open where there were a lot of celebrities. Eric and Joe were bringing their gear back when Christie Brinkley stopped to tell them how amazing they were. Awestruck, Eric backed up, tripped, and fell right on top of Danny DeVito, who proceeded to get up and tell them how fantastic they were. TEN31 has done a lot of gay weddings. One of the more popular art forms is the living wine pouring station. “A couple of GrecoRomans pouring wine is very cool at cocktail hour. You know it’s a great party when there are live male or female topiary statues greeting your guests.” They produce more than living statues. TEN31 brings to life the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland story books with a charming literary accuracy that enchants yet does not mimic the romanticized movie versions. Metamorphosis is a dance
Their company is named after the date of Halloween. They started off employing friends, and gradually had to start employing other artists as well.Their skill, attention to detail, and professionalism have catapulted them into a business that is reaching beyond local events.
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Options | October 2016
ensemble that illustrates stories, and TEN31 has a live goddess suitable for every occasion. Their living mosaic representing a king and queen is an amazing work of art. Joe and Eric make as much of their costumes as they can.They do have help. In addition to other creative artists they work with, Stephanie Carey has been their studio assistant for four years. Alicia White is their studio manager and choreographer for movement and Metamorphosis. Alicia has worked with them for six years. How long have Eric and Joe known each other? “Forever,” Joe says with a laugh. They met 32 years ago in high school. “There is no one on the planet I have spent more time with then this guy.” says Joe. “It is a higher power that guides us along,” says Eric. “We share the aesthetic that pleases us both. We are and have always been in the same orbit around the same thing.” They are gay, but they are not a couple. Their coming out was a journey with their parents. It was not a horrible experience for either of them. Still, there was no local gay hang-out in Burrirville. Gays were not on TV. They didn’t know what it was like to be gay. It was not even talked about. Eric and Joe were fortunate enough to have mothers who fostered creativity in them. “Not everyone has that,” Joe observed.
efforts to fundraise and articulate the role of a public library in an age of tweeting attention spans and social media. Enter TEN31 with a dream and a plan. They will use select areas in the library to create tableaus of literary characters. Enter you, the audience, dressed in black tie or in this year’s costume theme: Arabesque or Arabian Knights. Jack, Eric and Joe described it this way: “The concept is that once a year the literary characters in the library come to life in a break in the time space continuum. What people do is walk around and see these characters and it is up to them to interact as much as they want to. Part of the magic of MYSTERIUM is that there is not a linear experience:You can come in and have a cocktail and enjoy scrumptious delights by Russel Morin Fine Catering, and if you have an adventurous spirit you can walk around and become involved. Much like the choose your own adventure books, you have to make choices. It is about the experience.” Eric’s favorite character is William Shakespeare. He loves to improvise and engage with the crowd. You can have the MYSTERIUM experience and raise money for the Providence Public Library Friday, October 26 at 7:30pm. Last year the tickets were sold out. One guest said: “It was like I was a game piece and you were moving me around the board.” For some souls MYSTERIUM has become an annual event. It has become a jewel in the crown for TEN31, whose mission is making art, making people happy, and raising money and consciousness along the way.q
They want to make sure they work with kids to help them realize that we are all creative and unlock that door. To that end, Joe and Eric are forming a non-profit version of TEN31 so they can activate their studio for the community. The emphasis would be on the healing properties of creating your own artistic experience using your imagination: to explore your sense of joy by making pretend in workshops.They have worked with children in schools, teaching them how to use their bodies to express themselves. They are hoping to work with all kinds of people to help them find a sense of personal knowledge and fulfillment. And what a better time to introduce their new studio than Halloween? TEN31 will open their studio in Pawtucket for the public to enjoy a haunted house experience that captures their brand of sophistication, polish and fun on October 21 and October 22. TEN31s biggest Halloween trick and treat will be MYSTERIUM III on October 26th. For the last two years Eric and Joe have partnered with Providence Public Library Executive Director Jack Martin in his
Options | October 2016
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OUT
20th Anniversary of Drag Bingo. September 15. Photos by Jen Bonin Bob The Drag Queen at EGO Providence September 17. Photos by Ryan Welch Rhode Island Pride’s Pride Honors. September 18. Photos by Jen Bonin.
On the Town 20 20
Options || October October 2016 2016 Options
Options | October 2016
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Options | October 2016
THE ROLE OF GAYS IN GOVERNMENT: AN INTERVIEW WITH
BRETT SMILEY by: Kyle McKendall
For many, the first few weeks of work in a job is stressful. When your office is in the Rhode Island State House, you repor t directly to Governor Gina Raimondo, and almost every decision you make will be scrutinized by journalists and the public, your performance within the first few weeks carries a heighted sense of impor tance. Nonetheless, Brett Smiley, the newly appointed chief of staff for Governor Raimondo, was gracious to open his home on a Sunday afternoon to talk with Options about his new role after just 10 days on the job. Being the first openly-gay chief of staff in the State House to recent knowledge is nothing to pass over, though it’s worth noting that the Governor’s staff is quite inclusive of members of the gay community. An overwhelming majority of her senior staff is gay, including three deputy chiefs of staff and a senior advisor. Brett chuckled while saying “there has got to be some award, we have to have the gayest senior staff [in the country].” No stranger to the local political scene or the LGBTQ community, Brett has spent the past 10 years as a resident of Providence. After an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 2014, Brett worked for Mayor Elorza’s administration as the city’s chief operating officer. His move to the Governor’s team is a role reversal, shifting from a focus on the day-to-day running of city government to a more holistic,big-picture view of the state and the Governor’s politics. “I was running the city government but not doing the mayor’s politics, and now that’s flipped. Eric Beane, the state’s chief operation officer, does the day to day operations, while I keep an eye on the bigger picture with a couple of key priorities, politics in general, and the functioning of the team.” Managing the staff, signature initiatives, and politics of the Governor’s administration all while making sure she is on track to get reelected consumes the majority of days while on Smith Street.
Options | October 2016
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Though only two weeks into the position, Brett didn’t leave the building much with most of his time spent in various staff meetings. When information is presented, he makes sure the right person within the administration gets the news. As the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Brett hopes to be the calm hand that keeps people focused on the bigger picture. Amidst the fast-paced environment and stresses of running the state and an almost 9 billion-dollar budget, he aims to “take the highs down, and the lows up.” “I’m a pretty evenkeeled, reasonably mellow guy, so in the midst all of the intensity, and all of the stress, and all of the pressure, I hope to provide a steady guidance and perspective.” Brett has spent his career fighting for progressive causes, previously sitting on the board of Marriage Equality Rhode Island which lead the successful campaign to provide gay Rhode Islanders with the right to marry. His first political campaign was in 2002 where he worked to elect what would have been the first openly-gay city alderman of Chicago. Over the past few years, Brett has had to give up many positions with various groups and boards of directors to focus on causes that are near and dear to his hear t amidst his busy schedule. Currently, he serves on the board of directors for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and The Victory Fund, working to elect LGBT leaders to “change America’s politics.” When asked if it was still impor tant to elect openly-gay politicians despite our state’s legal protections for LGBTQ community members, Brett emphatically answered yes, though commented that it’s changing. “In Rhode Island we still have some policy work to do to ensure we have protections, largely centered around the most vulnerable in our community.” Though, he warned that this is the climate here in the nor theast while the rest of the country has much work left to do. “Many states are 15 years behind us [with ensuring protections for the community]. There, it’s still straightforward: just elect gay people.” The Victory Fund is grappling with these questions as well, as they increasingly encounter races where there are multiple gay candidates running against each other. The
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group also continues to discuss the somewhat taboo topic of gay Republicans. The organization’s criteria for endorsement and suppor t are straightforward. A person must be openly-gay, pro-choice, and a viable candidate. Brett commented that “there are openly gay, pro-choice, viable Republicans, while not a lot, there are a few, and we get into spirited debates asking if the gay community is better off with that person than the super progressive Democrat. There isn’t a clear-cut, black and white answer. It depends, I think, and it’s a legitimate question to be asked.” Given Rhode Island’s progressive history with LGBTQ legislation, some wonder if the fact that Congressman David Cicilline is gay should be weighted heavily when voters decided their suppor t. In Brett’s eyes, for Cicilline, it’s a clear yes. “There are some gay members of congress who don’t want to be defined by it and don’t want to be a one issue guy. David isn’t a one issue guy, but he isn’t afraid to stand up and lead with that, and demand civil rights legislation nationwide.” In July of 2015, Congressman Cicilline introduced the Equality Act to extend antidiscrimination protections in public accommodations, house, employment, federal funding, education, credit, and jury service. The act would expand the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other existing laws to extend anti-discrimination protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity. Currently, there are 7 openly LGBT members of congress, all being Democrats. For Brett, the sentiment doesn’t apply only to Congressman Cicilline and LGBT specific legislation. “It helps to have an LGBT person in a senior place when you’re having a conversation about whether it be char ter schools or environmental protections. Because hey, we care about that too. And yes, it’s less specific, it’s not the gay perspective, although I bring that no matter what I do, but it’s the broader point of having more diverse perspectives around the table. Just like making sure we have women and people of color there, too.” “At the end of the day we can trust that we won’t be sold out by a member of community, more readily and more often, then we might by someone else who may even be super progressive and wants to be suppor tive.”
Options | October 2016
As a vocal suppor ter of Hillary Clinton, Brett was encouraging Rhode Islanders to lend their time or money to suppor t her bid for the presidency, along with other progressive Democrats who have contested races this election. “I think the gay community has a lot at stake. This is a man [Trump] who will say anything. You don’t have to look hard at history to see, in our community or others, where the vocal majority can shout down the rights of the minority. The only thing Trump seems to care about is applause and approval. And the reality is, we’re still a minority and that should be deeply troubling, because it’s clear that if it becomes popular to pick on the little guy, and ask any gay kid how that goes over, our community will be troubled.” An Illinois native, Brett’s intent was not to relocate to Rhode Island. He came to the state in 2006 to work on Charles Fogar ty’s campaign for Governor against Don Carcieri, and it was here where he met his husband, Jim Derentis, a Rhode Island native After just a few shor t months of knowing one another, their relationship took off and despite Brett’s lack of intentions to stay initially, as he puts it, he “fell in love with a Rhode Islander, and when that happens, you don’t leave.” New plans had to be made, and in the following year he put plans together to star t his own business doing campaign finance repor ting and accounting. While he’s currently removed from the business given his role within the state government, the company is working for more than 30 campaigns across the country.
While another campaign isn’t off the table for Brett and he does expect to run for public office again, it will be a few years before you see his name on a ballot. “My first priority is to get the Governor reelected and I’ll continue to scratch my public service itch this way.” While another bid for Mayor of Providence seems like a likely choice, Brett commented that “if there is another way to serve the city, as it is my love, I’d consider it. Though, I’m working hard in my current job to remember there are 38 other cities and town in the state.” Brett alone can’t shepherd the LGBT community forward, though he can cer tainly add perspective to the conversation and represent it while in the State House. As conversations continue about the direction the community is heading in, and as the Rhode Islanders and Americans alike cast their ballots on November 8, the country’s smallest state is proudly waving its pride flag as Brett serves the Governor in his new role. When asked about the future of the community, his response is one that resonates with many. “The reality is, for the gay bars, or the gay magazines, those things hold a very impor tant place in our community. It’s where you feel safe, and where you call home. While I don’t go to bars anymore, since I don’t drink and am married, there was a par t of my life where thank god they were there. And I don’t that’s changed for the new, 20-yearold.” q
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Options | October 2016
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State defunds Rhode Island’s ONLY Syringe Exchange Program by Chris Dalpe AIDS Care Ocean State lost $65,000 in current funding preventing over 50,000 needles from being disposed of properly, due to the Rhode Island legislative grant process. In July of 2016, AIDS Care Ocean State’s (ACOS) funding was not renewed by the Rhode Island legislature, causing an elimination of $65,000 in HIV prevention funding to our ENCORE (ENCORE: Education, Needle-exchange, Counseling, Outreach, and Referrals) program. ENCORE is the ONLY program in the state that provides comprehensive, holistic resources and harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, drop off and disposal for intravenous drug users. The original grant created through legislation was sponsored by Representative Eileen S. Naughton of Warwick. ACOS has reached out to our local elected officials: Governor Gina Raimondo, Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello, and President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed. At this time none of these officials have responded to validate our concerns and recognize what a significant loss this will be to our community. With letters of support from healthcare providers, community advocates, local authorities, and the community at large we are strongly urging our elected officials to reconsider, and rededicate the necessary funding to continue this program without interruption to ensure we are not putting members of our most vulnerable communities at greater risk. Currently efforts are being put forth by The RI Medicaid Office, The Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the RI Department of Health to research any other possible sources of funding. These efforts and support are encouraging and very much appreciated by ACOS. ENCORE was established in 1994.ACOS has been the leading advocate on the front line for the past twenty-two years, committed to providing our most vulnerable community members with adequate resources. In a time when the stigma of HIV/AIDS was a death sentence to those infected, we as an organization ensured EVERY community member received the same respect and encouragement they deserved.
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Our ENCORE team travels to several areas in Rhode Island and can be identified by their signature yellow ENCORE backpacks. Our syringe exchange workers require specialized training and work with populations most at risk with contracting HIV and Hepatitis C. The results are clear – AIDS Care Ocean State’s ENCORE program saves lives. Through long-lasting community relationships, we ensure each of our clients desiring treatment for their substance use are referred to our partners in care. Partners include, but are not limited to CODAC, Discovery House (Woonsocket/ Providence) and Anchor Recovery. Statewide data has shown that with the introduction of our outreach team’s initiatives surrounding syringe exchange, there has been a significant drop in new HIV/HCV infections by intravenous drug users. New HIV infection rates have dropped from 17% when the program was created to 4% through 2013 and another drop to 1% in 2015. Throughout 2015 ACOS provided services to 318 individuals, 107 new clients were enrolled in the syringe exchange/ harm reduction program. ACOS saw 780 returning clients and the total clients served in the exchange group was 944 (this includes returning clients exchanging for their friends and family, secondary exchange). Clean syringes distributed in 2015 totaled 57,783 and 43,808 were collected. This means that 43,808 used syringes were not discarded on our streets, in our parks, allowed to wash up on our state’s beautiful beaches and potentially jeopardize the welfare of our community. In addition to being the ONLY program in Rhode Island that offers syringe exchange, and disposal of used syringes, ENCORE guarantees those who are most in need in our community access to front line intervention, access to care, mental health and addiction counseling, free, anonymous, confidential HIV testing, Hep C testing, and so much more. ENCORE’s outreach workers also distribute and train individuals on how to administer NARCAN, the lifesaving drug used in an opioid overdose.
ACOS & ENCORE reach the following communities: Providence, Woonsocket, Newport, Pawtucket and Central Falls. New target locations in Narragansett and Westerly are underway for 2016. In 2015 (February thru December), ACOS distributed 108 kits of NARCAN (216 doses) to 83 unique individuals. Naloxone, sold under the brand name NARCAN among others, is a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose. Naloxone can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, and nasally and begins to reverse symptoms of an opiate overdose in as little as two minutes. NARCAN kits allow friends and family members of opiate users to provide immediate assistance in overdose situations. Of the 83 clients who received NARCAN kits, 56% were female and 44% were male. 57% stated that they had previously overdosed. Through successful training by ENCORE staff, NARCAN was administered to 25 individuals during opiate overdoses, providing lifesaving treatment. The requested renewal of $65,000 was to cover the cost of biohazard waste removal and supplies. This includes nearly 60,000 syringes we distribute every year, disposal of more than 40,000 used syringes, alcohol swabs, band-aids and our NARCAN kits. In order to provide rapid testing, the program needs lancets, spot band-aids and sharps containers. This decision to cut funding has jeopardized our community’s safety. ENCORE has established itself as the leading provider of support within Rhode Island. We work diligently with local health care providers, local police departments, and peer advocates, and have become the standard of care amongst these groups. q AIDS Care Ocean State provides comprehensive AIDS services, supportive housing, emergency funds, and a Speakers Bureau. Located at 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. (401) 521-3603. Appointments:(401) 781-0665. aidscareos.org.
Options | October 2016
Introducing 13 13
YPI
YOUTH AMBASSADORS FOR
by Chris Lauth, Executive Director, YPI School is back in session and so are Youth Pride Inc.’s autumn programs. One of the major changes for Fall 2016 is the creation of three new youth employment positions, our team of Youth Ambassadors. The Youth Ambassadors will help make a more welcoming and warm environment in our center both for new and current members.This will assist our professional staff to orient, welcome, and engage youth in our center. Duties include greeting newcomers and walking them through the intake process; providing tours of the center, including a review of our community norms; connecting all youth to programs, activities, and our support groups; and leading occasional group activities that build and foster a community of YPI youth.
These new youth positions align with my vision of greater youth ownership of their center – both in its success and the community that we build at YPI every day. Additionally, these positions are the first in a growing list that will provide our youth with practical, hands-on employment and leadership opportunities as an extension of our flagship leadership development program, OutSpoken. Our goal is to create a comprehensive leadership development program that provides youth with multiple avenues for engagement, learning and real-world experiences.
Options | October 2016
FALL 2016
Youth Ambassadors for Fall 2016:
Lukas They/them/theirs and he/him/his, with neutral titles Graduate of Johnson & Wales University I’ve been living in Providence for about three years now, and started regularly attending YPI in the Fall of 2015. Starting as an attending youth, I’ve since taken the lead for Gender Spectrum, and am currently workshopping a sexuality class with a student from the community. YPI is an organization that provides such wonderful support and an incredible network of resources to any seeking help, and I am so excited to have an opportunity to be a part of that. I hope that folks feel free to reach out to me if they have any questions or are just in need of someone to listen, be it in person or through another means.
Teneka She/her/hers Grade 11 I am energetic and love to be around people and start up new things, such as Ice Breaker 101. I love to make people feel like they are a part of something, and comfort plays a big part in it. I’m good at making people (a majority of them being youth) feel comfy in every sense
of the word. Lastly I’m good at making friendships. Keeping smiles on others’ faces, including your own, will always make any place a happier place. I’m truly honored to have a spot here and to have a chance to improve on some of the things that need improvement.
Benjamin He/Him/His Grade 11 My involvement in YPI includes applying to the board of directors, and I go there almost daily. My interests are film making, acting, editing, and directing. I love to get involved with things and interact with new people. I am super-excited to be a part of YPI as a Youth Ambassador and guide new youth to this space because I have a connection with this space personally. I am excited to meet these new youth and make them feel welcomed and happy at YPI. q
don’t grow up invisible
Youth Pride Inc. Youth Pride Inc. provides support, education and advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 23 and under. Our drop-in center is at 743 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903. Visit www.youthprideri.org, email info@youthprideri.org, or call (401) 4215626 for more info.
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DID YOU KNOW?
NATIONAL
LATINO
AIDS AWARENESS DAY
by Christion Battey - AIDS Project RI
Saturday, October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, and AIDS Project RI will host a special walk-in testing clinic from 11am-1pm at its office at 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. No appointment is necessary. There will be, free, anonymous and rapid HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis testing available. Testing will be available from Spanishspeaking counselors. More information about testing is available by calling 831-5522 ext. 3824, or emailing takecharge@ aidsprojectri.org.
• Without treatment, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Treatment for AIDS has improved greatly over the years and people with AIDS, with appropriate care, can expect to live long, healthy lives. While this information is generally known, AIDS Project RI outreach staff have found that younger people often don’t understand the connection between HIV and AIDS. • The RI Department of Health reports in a 2015 “Minority Health Facts Hispanics/Latinos” information sheet, that the “HIV rate is approximately two times higher for Hispanics/Latinos than for the state as a whole, and about four times higher than the white population.” • Earlier this year, the federal Centers for Disease Control reported that one in four Latino men in the United States who have sex with men will be HIV positive in their lifetime. q AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI, providing case management, various health-related services, advocacy, prevention education, and HIV and Hep-C testing. APRI’s location is 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. Call (401) 831-5522 or visit www.aidsprojectri. org formore info.
NEW PLANS. NE W LOOK.
Same heart. 1-800-459-6019 www.nhpri.org 28
Options | October 2016
RI PR I D E
by Davide Gnoato
In 2016, the 40th anniversary of the first Pride March in Rhode Island meant so much to so many people, bringing out not only a sense of love and community but also bringing forward prevalent issues for LGBTQ People of Color. Rhode Island Pride has always strived to be an inclusive and welcoming space to all members of the LGBTQ community and its allies. While that mission has not been as successful as one would hope, moving forward Rhode Island Pride hopes to become a space where ALL members of our community feel comfortable attending. This year Rhode Island PrideFest more than doubled last year’s attendance with over 75,000 people. With that said, it is very strange to think that this is possibly the last time we will have an article in Options as simply RI Pride. RI Pride as it exists now, is evolving to become the Pride Center of Rhode Island. The work on the merger of Rhode Island Pride and the LGBTQ Center was born of a need for greater collaboration within the local LGBTQ community.The Pride Center of Rhode Island will create a hub for the LGBTQ community to access resources and have an alternative space to congregate as an alternative to the local bar scene. Progress and planning for the Pride Center is moving quickly, so keep your eyes open for upcoming events. In order to address the needs of the RI LGBTQ community, the Pride Center of RI will hold three community forums. The first of these forums was on September 28 at Temple BethEl in Providence. The tentative dates for the remaining forums are Sunday, October 16 and Wednesday, November 16. Rhode Island Pride will hold its annual meeting on October 26, to officially approve the merger and vote in a new board of directors. If you are interested in joining the new board or reviewing a copy of the by-laws for the Pride Center of RI, contact Davide Gnoato at davide.gnoato@prideri.com. Rhode Island Pride hopes to end the 40th anniversary year strong, with a renewed push toward the $40 for 40 Years campaign. Every year PrideFest grows larger and more costly. The sponsorships are not enough to put on a safe, enjoyable, and successful festival and pay the administrative costs of the organization. Now, add to that the need to find a new, handicapaccessible space for the Pride Center of RI. We are currently operating in the greatest deficit this organization has ever had. Not only are we struggling to pay for our 40th Anniversary PrideFest, we are still paying off PrideFest 2015. I know you hear this often, but we truly need your financial support in order to have a PrideFest 2017 and provide the services and facility that our community deserves. The RI LGBTQ community has often demonstrated its strength and love when called upon, and I am very seriously
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putting out that call. Rhode Island Pride operates with a working board, a small core of volunteers, and no paid staff. Imagine what could be accomplished with the Pride Center if there were actual staff whose job it was to make all of this happen? Our community needs to take ownership of its future and help make it everything the community needs. I would like to end this message by thanking Kurt Bagley for his years of leadership and dedication to making the “Biggest Party in the Smallest State” an ever-growing success from year to year. Though he plans to remain involved, Kurt has stepped down as President of Rhode Island Pride and, in the interim, I am serving in that role. In my short time as a Pride board member, Kurt, through his tireless and often thankless efforts, has motivated me time and time again to push myself to grow and work for the community. Kurt Bagley is an inspiration. If you see Kurt, give him a hug and tell him thanks. He’s great at hugs!q Rhode Island Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the visibility, equality, and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and provides safe space to come out, express, and celebrate all sexual identities and genders. For more information, email info@prideri.com; call (401) 467-2130; or join us for a gathering in our office at 1055 Westminster Street, Floor 2, in Providence. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to RI Pride, PO Box 1082, Providence, RI 02901; or visit www.prideri.com.
Nathan J. Reynolds, CAPS Office: 401-234-6194 Direct: 508-837-3972 nathan@insperiors.com www.insperiors.com
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RESOURCES Options originated in 1982 as the offical newsletter of the Rhode Island Gay Task Force. Editor Jos Fayette explained, “The RIGTF wants to make the homosexual community aware of their options as gay men and women in Rhode Island. And it’s only because we live, work, love, and play in this state that there are such a large number of options available to all of us.” Options has always, and will continue to print LGBTQ resources so that you can, as Fayette went on to say, “Exercise your OPTIONS today to make positive changes in your life tomorrow.” Help us help you! Email info@optionsri.org if you come across a resource listing that needs updating. New, updated, and featured resources are highlighted. Phone numbers are in the 401 area code and addresses are in Rhode Island, unless otherwise indicated.
Addiction Support Groups
AA Brothers in Sobriety: Saturday 7:30pm. 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence. 751-9328. 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. Young People’s Sexual Diversity meeting of AA. Fridays at 7pm at Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health, 250 Main St., Pawtucket. 489-5513.
AIDS/Health Resources
Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recreational and social activities. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI. Free to clients.. Wed. and Thurs. 12 -- 3pm. 134 Mathewson St., Providence. John Fruscella, 831-5522, Ext. 3835. AIDS Action Hotline: MA only. (800) 235-2331. www.aac.org. AIDS Care Ocean State: Confidential HIV & Hep C testing, safer-sex supplies, case management, emergency funds, clinical services, assisted and supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, street outreach, ENCORE, HIV+ support groups. Speaker’s Bureau, 18 Parkis Ave., Providence. 521-3603 (call 781-0665 to schedule an appointment). www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI: Division of Family Service of RI. Case management, buddies, COBRA and dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment and referral, wellness programs, advocacy, strength training, prevention education, HIV testing. 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. 831-5522 www.aidsprojectri.org. AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS memorial quilt panels,
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panel-making programs including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people. PO Box 2591, Newport. 434-4880. admin@aidsquiltri.org. www.aidsquiltri.org. Brown University AIDS Program: Clinical trials, public policy, research, lectures, conferences, patient and community education. 121 South Main Street, Second Floor, Providence. 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu. brown.edu/Departments/ BRUNAP. Community Care Alliance: Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Rhode Island. 245 Main Street, Woonsocket. 235-6092. lcohen@famresri.org. Comprehensive Community Action Programs: Medical, mental health, dental, social services, LGBT outreach. 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston. Also Coventry, Pawtucket, and Warwick. 467-9610. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case management and financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MassHealth funded for MA residents. 376 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. Contact Jenn, (508) 678-1002. HIV Antibody Testing: Anonymous. Free or sliding scale. RI Department of Health. Providence, Newport and other locations. 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care management for HIV/AIDS. 24hr nursing staff for treatment. 1085 North Main Street, Providence. Referrals: 782-0725. Bereavement groups: Contact John Charette, 727-7079. Main Office: 415-4200 or toll-free 800-338-6555. www.hhcri.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Road, Cumberland. 658-3992. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group: For LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems. www.caregiver.org Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor. (508) 984-7514. Partners in Learning About AIDS: Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations. North Providence office provides free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. 1006 Charles Street, Suite 5, North Providence. 484-7523. info@plaidsproject.org. www.plaidsproject.org. Planned Parenthood of So. New England: Confidential, low-cost, same-day & walk-in STD and HIV testing. Commonsense approach to health. 111 Point St., Providence. 800-230-7526. www.ppsne.org.
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Prima CARE Transgender Clinic: Fall River, MA. Counseling, hormonal reassignment, referrals for surgery. Kishore Lakshman, MD. 508-235-0481. Project Weber: Services for male sex workers. Drop-in center, support groups, HIV and Hep C testing, clean needles. 383-4888. www.projectweber.org. Seven Hills HIV Prevention & Screening: TWIST program, HIV and STI prevention and testing,partner care.1173AcushnetAvenue, New Bedford, MA, 508-999-4159. 310 S. Main Street, Fall River, MA, 508-235-1012. Contact Leonard Amaral, lamaral@sevenhills.org. SSTAR (Stanley Street Treatment & Resources): Counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs, free and confidential HIV, HEP C, and STD testing, education, case management and support. MA and RI locations. 386 Stanley Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/HCV); (508) 324-3561. Family Healthcare Center; (508) 675-1054. www.sstar.org. Steppingstone, Inc.: Welcome Home Medical case management program. One-on-one peer support in Somerset to Wareham area. HIV support groups available. Free and open to any HIV+ person 18+. 5 Dover Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 984-7514. www.steppingstoneinc.org. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation.109 Rhode Island Road, Lakeville, MA. (508) 947-1683. www.tranquilmind.net. Thundermist Health Center: Provides HIV/AIDS services including medical care and treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment and counseling, pharmacy consultation, free and confidential HIV testing. 450 Clinton Street, Woonsocket. Contact Philip Kane. 767-4100 ext. 3516.
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 Foster Parents needed for newborns to age six. Visit www.chidrensfriendri.org or call Joyce, 276-4318. GLBT National Help Center Hotline: Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564. www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org. Newport Out: LGBT website for Newport. www.newportout.com. RILGBT-News: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net. South Coast LGBTQ Network: Information & advocacy network for individuals of all ages. 774-371-0711. info@ sclgbtqnetwork.org. www.sclgbtqnetwork.org. United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 on your telephone.
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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,
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Newport. 846-0643. administrator@channingchurch.org. www.channingchurch.org. Charter Oak Grove ADF: An Open and Welcoming Congregation of Neo-pagan Druids in CT. charteroakadf@gmail.com, www.charteroakadf.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale: Episcopal. 1643 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln. Services 8am and 10:30am. 725-1920. office@christchurchlincoln.org. www.christchurchlincoln.org. Church of the Ascension, 390 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI 02910. Sundays at 10am. 461-5811. www.ascensioncranston.org. Church of the Epiphany: A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation.1336 PawtucketAvenue,East Providence.434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit: Independent Old Catholic. Fr. Jakob Lazarus. Sunday 9am and 6pm. 155 Douglas Avenue, Providence. 218-0706. www.holyparaclete.org. Church of the Redeemer, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 655 Hope St., Providence. www.redeemerprovidence.org. office@ redeemerprovidence.org. Rev. Patrick Campbell, 331-0678. Concordia Center for Spiritual Living: A diverse community welcoming all spiritual paths to God. Sunday Celebration 9:15am. 292 W. Shore Rd., Warwick. Rev. Ian Taylor, 732-1552. info@concordiachurchri.com. www.ConcordiaCSL.com. Edgewood Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Service 10am. 1788 Broad Street, Cranston. 461-1344. office@edgewoodchurchri.org. www.edgewoodchurchri.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. 658-1506. office@emmanuelri.org. www.emmanuelri.org. First Congregational Church in Bristol: An Open and Affirming Congregation. Skip Macaulay, Interim Pastor. 281 High Street, Bristol. 253-7288. www.fccbristol.org. First Unitarian Church: A welcoming congregation. Sunday 10:30am. 1 Benevolent Street, Providence. 421-7970. admin@firstunitarianprov.org, www.firstunitarianprov.org. First Unitarian Church: Service 11am. 71 8th Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-9686. admin@uunewbedford.org, www.uunewbedford.org. First Universalist Society: UU. Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA. (508) 528-5348. 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
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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. 7897776; office@goodshepherdri.org Mathewson St. Church: United Methodist. 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-8900. MathewsonStUMC@gmail.com. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. mercycomm@yahoo.com, www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church: Marriage and commitment ceremonies for all. Rev. Bob McKetchnie. 505 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org. Newman Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 434-4742. www.newmanucc.org. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Rev. Hayes and Rev. Baker. 73 Pelham Street, Newport. 849-2238. Park Place Congregational Church: 71 Park Place, Pawtucket. 726-2800. office@ppucc.necoxmail.com, www. parkplaceucc.com. The Pub Church: An Open & Affirming church that meets in a pub. Location may change. Saturday 5pm. The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. thepubchurch@gmail.com. Pilgrim Lutheran Church: An inclusive congregation. Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 1817 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. 739-2937. parishasst@pilgrimlutheranri.org, pilgrimlutheranri.jimdo.com. Pilgrim United Church of Christ: Open and Affirming. 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)-997-9086. Riverside Church: UCC.15 Oak Avenue, Riverside. Service 10am. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com. St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 15 Lower College Road, Kingston. 783-2153. Sundays 8am and 10am. StAugustinesChurch@necoxmail.com, www.staugustineuri.org. St. James Church: Episcopal. 474 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 10am. 50 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 751-2141. StMartinsNB. Secretary@gmail.com, www.stmartinsprov.org. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Welcoming Church. Monthly LGBT Eucharist. 136 Rivet Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)9948972. stmartins1887@comcast.com, www.stmartinsma.org. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 9am. 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. office@stpaulspawtucket.org, www.stpaulspawtucket.org. St. Paul’s Church: A welcoming Episcopal church. Sundays 9am. 2679 East Main Street, Portsmouth. 683-1164. stpaulsportsmouthri.org. St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Avenue, Providence. 272-9649.stpanda25@verizon.net. www.stpeters-standrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church: Open & Affirming. Fr. David Martins. Sunday 10:30am. 1500 Main St., W. Warwick, RI 02893. 680-9076. stocc134@gmail.com, www.saintthereseocc.org. Second Congregational Church of Attleboro: UCC.
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Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday 10am. (508) 222-4677. office2nd@verizon.net. www. attleborosecondchurch.org. Seekonk Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. Sundays 9 and 10:30am. Rev. Joy Utter, 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. (508) 336-9355. sccucc@verizon.net. www.scc-ucc.com. Soka Gakkai: Buddhist association for peace, culture, and education. Contact for weekly meetings in Providence. 930 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. (617) 264-2000. www.sgi-usa.org. Temple Agudas Achim: Reconstructionist congregation. 901 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243. office@agudasma.org, www.agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 331-6070. info@temple-beth-el.org, www.temple-beth-el.org. Temple Emanu-El: A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin. 99 Taft Avenue, Providence. 331-1616. info@teprov.org, www.teprov.org. Temple Habonim: A warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. 2456536. office@templehabonim.org, www.templehabonim.org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform temple. Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser, 30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston. 942-8350. webmaster@templesinairi.org, www.templesinairi.org. Unitarian Church in Fall River: Sunday 10:30am. 309 North Main Street, Fall River, MA. 508-678-9700. office@unitarianchurchfr.org, www.unitarianchurchfr.org. Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven: Service 10:30am. 102 Green Street, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 992-7081. www.uufairhaven.org. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County: 27 North Road, Peace Dale. 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. uucscri@ yahoo.com. www.uusouthcountyri.org. United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown RI 02842. A Welcoming congregation. Sunday, 10 am. www.UCCMiddletown.org. 849-5444. Westminster Unitarian Universalist Church: A UUA Welcoming Congregation. 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich. 884-5933. www.westminsteruu.org.
Social Organizations
Bear Providence: Monthly social events for the bear community. www.bearprovidence.com Bisexual Resource Center: PO Box 170796, Boston, MA. (617) 424-9595. brc@bicresource.net www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-gender social events for Boston and the surrounding area. (617) 424-9595. biversity-subscribe@biversity.org, www.biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman Quarterly.” www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate.
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Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA): 56 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA. (508) 778-7744. info@cisgsya.org, www.cigsya.org. Communisong: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.communisong.net. CORISMA: Potluck get-togethers for couples from RI and southeast MA. corismainfo@comcast.net, www.corismagroup.org. Gay Men’s Social Group: First Tuesdays, 6 -- 9pm, Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1177 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA. Refreshments. Info: Lenny Amaral, 508-999-4159 or lamaral@sevenhills.org. Imperial Court of RI at Providence: Drag and non-drag performers raise funds for local charities. All welcome to general membership meetings on first Monday at Dark Lady, 17 Snow Street, Providence. icri.prov@gmail.com. www.icriprov.org. Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more. Monthly meetings, all welcome. Mixedborders@cox.net. www.mixedborders.com. Opera Club: Enjoy hearing and attending. Last Sunday of each month at 1pm. BrettCornellpi4@aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and non-singing volunteers welcome. Monday 7-9:30pm. Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. www.provgmc.org. Queer Book Club: 3rd Wednesday, 7pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence, queerbookclub@gmail.com. RI Association of Gay Professionals: Networking and philanthropy. www.riagp.com. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie. 464-2288. saphicangel120@yahoo.com. RI Pride: Open house 4th Wednesdays. Festival & Parade 3rd Saturday in June. Office: 1055 Westminster St., Providence 02903. Mail: PO Box 1082, Providence, 02903. 467-2130. info@prideri.com, www.prideri.com. RI Prime Timers: Social and networking group for older gay and bi men. Second Sunday. Call Steve, 996-3010. www.riprimetimers.org. RI Skeptics Society: Yearning to talk with someone rational? Refreshing discussion. Fourth Saturday. East Providence restaurant location. www.meetup.com/skeptics-133/. RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group. 21+. Dances & events. www.riwa.net. SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Advocacy, education and social events for LGBT seniors. SAGERI at CareLink, 1 Virginia Ave., Providence, RI 02905. 443-4451. sageriinfo@gmail.com. www.sage-ri.org. SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of southeastern MA & RI to foster strong friendships. Semassmen-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com. rlevass@yahoo.com. Smart Monkey Gay Men’s Support Group. Meets twice monthly in Cranston to learn about integrity, intimacy and male roles. Write Paul (ctripaul@yahoo.com) or Steve (43dadzone@gmail.com). South Coast Social Club for Gay & Bisexual Men: Social and networking opportunities for gay & bisexual men in S.E.
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Mass. www.southeastsocialclub.com. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for GLBT vintage and specialty car enthusiasts. www.yankeelcc.com.
Sports & Recreation PrideSports Boston: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area. www.pridesportsboston.com. Boston Gay BASKETBALL League: ksg.bgbl@gmail.com, www.bgbl.com. BOATING: Yankee Cruising Club, New England’s club for LGBTQ boaters. www.yankeecruising.org. yankeecruisingclub@ gmail.com. Keith (508) 423-6123. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin BOWLING League: Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Tuesday 6:30pm. 1463 Atwood Avenue, Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. Contact Frank Ferri. 831-6940.www. bgalbowling.com. www.townhalllanes.com. FIELD HOCKEY: Teamworks Somerset, 732 Lee’s River Ave., Somerset, MA. New season every 10 weeks. (508-676-3956) info@teamworkssomerset.com GALA Bowling League: Sundays 5:50 p.m., E. Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Ave., E. Providence. Season begins in Aug. View us on Facebook or email galabowling1990@gmail.com. FLAG (For Lesbians And Gays) FOOTBALL: Bostonbased recreational football club. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Saturday mornings in the fall and spring. www. flagflagfootball.com. Boston Pride HOCKEY: www.bostonpridehockey.org. Rondeaus KICKBOXING: 272-5425. www. rondeauskickboxing.com. Main Street MARTIAL ARTS: Non-profit. Welcoming dojo and community center. 1282 North Main Street, Providence. 274-7672.www.mainstma.org. Chiltern Mountain Club: OUTDOOR recreation club in New England. events@chiltern.org. www.chiltern.org. Boston Gay ROWERS: Worldwide online community for gay and lesbian rowers, coxies, coaches, and race officials. www.glrf. org. Boston Ironsides RUGBY Football: www.bostonironsides. org. Providence Women’s RUGBY Club: Competitive and recreational. www.providencerugby.com Frontrunners Rhode Island RUNNING Group: Running and walking group. Newcomers welcome. Meet at the end of Blackstone Boulevard at Hope Street, Providence. Thursday 6pm. Contact Brian. 751-7643. bripm@cox.net, frontrunnersri@ gmail.com Frontrunners Boston RUNNING Group: Morning walk/ run along the Charles River. Saturdays,10am. Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. www.frontrunnersboston.org. OutRyders SKIING: New England’s largest gay and lesbian ski and snowboard club. www.outryders.org. Boston Strikers SOCCER Club: Non-profit social organization to learn and improve soccer skills in a relaxed, congenial environment. www.bostonstrikers.com.
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Renaissance City SOFTBALL League: New players and boosters always welcome. www.providencesoftball.org. Beantown SOFTBALL League: Friendly competition. 27 teams in four divisions of play: competitive, intermediate, and recreational. (617) 297-7490. www.beantownsoftball.com. LANES (Liquid Assets New England SWIMMING): Fitness and/or competition. (617) 937-5858. www.swim-lanes.org. TENNIS-4-All: Boston area tennis organization. www. tennis4all.org. Cambridge Boston VOLLEYBALL Association: Players of all skill levels welcome. secretary@cbvolleyball.net www.gayvolleyball.net. Ocean State Pride VOLLEYBALL League: Adult coed indoor league following USVBA rules. No try-outs. Fee applies. Kent County YMCA, 900 Centerville Road, Warwick. ospvolleyball@gmail.com. East Coast WRESTLING Club: (617)937.5858 x6. ecwc@juno.com. www.eastcoastwrestlingclub.org.
Students & Youth Bristol Community College The Lambda Connection: (TLC@BCC) Robert Delaleu, Advisor; BCC-G118, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA (774)357-4056. Brown University Queer Alliance: Umbrella organization at Brown University for LGBTQ groups. 863-3062. queer@brown. edu or lgbtq@brown.edu. CCRI Triangle Alliance: an LGBTQQ student-run group at CCRI, on the Flanagan, Liston, and Knight campuses. www.ccri. edu/triangle/. LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743. Private oneto-one chat and info on local resources. Peer Listening Line: Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth. Support, info and referrals. 5-10pm. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA. (617) 267-9001 or (800) 399-PEER. www. fenwayhealth.org. Queer & Trans Thursdays: 6-8pm. Space for LGBTQ and heterosexual youth (24 and under) of color to foster coalitionbuilding and organize to address intersections of oppressions. 669 Elmwood Ave., Rm. B7, Providence. www.prysm.us. 383-7450. Salve Regina University – The Alliance: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport. Contact: Benjamin Mead, benjamin.mead@ salve.edu S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence. 865-1631. shepard@providence.edu. The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. (866)4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). thetrevorproject.org. University of RI LGBTIQ2: Alumni association. 874-5808. gsimonelli@uri.edu. URI LGBTQ Center: A cultural department for students, faculty and staff. Florence Badejo. 874-2894. Youth Pride Inc.: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ
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young people ages 13--23. Tues. -- Fri. 2 -- 8pm. The Way Out peer support group Thurs. 4pm. Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 4pm. Visit our website for full calendar of events. 743 Westminster St., Providence. 421-5626. info@youthprideri.org. www.youthprideri.org.
Support Groups & Social Services Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline: (617) 742-4911.TTY: (617) 227-4911. advocate@tnlr.org. Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help. Jewish Family Service, 959 North Main Street, Providence. Contact Betsy Alper. 3315437. www.adoptionoptions.org. Child & Family Services: Counseling, young parent support, adoption, more. LGBT groups beginning July. Open six days. 66 Troy St., Fall River, MA. (508) 676-5708. www.child-familyservices.org Community Care Alliance: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 235-6095. www.famresri.org. Foster parents needed: For newborn to age six. 276-4300. www.childrensfriendri.org. Family Service RI: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Family Service of RI. Contact Gregary Wright. 331-1350 ext. 3305. www.familyserviceri.org. Seven Hills Behavioral Health: HIV Prevention and Screening. 310 South Main Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 235-1012. T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: Offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. www.bvadvocacycenter.org. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group. Boston first Thursday 7-9pm. compassftm@gmail.com. www.compassftm.org. Crossroads RI Hotline: (800) 367-2700. Day One: Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/ abuse & incest. 24hr hotline. (800) 494-8100. 421-4100. www.dayoneri.org. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling relationships. 24hr free and confidential helpline. 782-3990 or toll free 800-494-8100, www. dvrcsc.org. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: Support. 738 Main St. #323, Waltham, MA. (781) 333-8429. info@gayfathersboston.org, www. gayfathersboston.org. Gay Men’s HIV+ Social Group: Third Tuesdays, 6 -- 9pm. Refreshments. Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1177 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA. Info: Lenny Amaral, 508-999-4159 or email lamaral@sevenhills.org. Gay Officers Action League (GOAL)/New England: Law enforcement officers (sworn & civilian), fire, rescue & publicly employed EMS. Confidential. P.O. Box 171587, Boston, MA 02117. www.newenglandgoal.org. On Facebook at NewEnglandGOAL. Gay Share: Coming Out? Gay men’s support group. No fee. Wednesday 7:30pm. Contact Tom or Mike. 369-9448. info@ gayshare.org, www.gayshare.org. LGBT Grief Support: Meets regularly at Hope Hospice, 2085 N. Main St., Providence. Rebecca Sizelove, 415-4301. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline and social networks for crisis and suicide prevention. 24/7. (866) 4-U-Trevor. HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group: Refreshments served. AIDS
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Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. 521-3603. New members contact Scott. 640-3108. Kathys’ Group: Free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Partners and caregivers welcome. Meets monthly in Providence. 888-5KATHYS. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Socializing and discussions for gay, bi and curious men. Confidential. Drug and alcohol-free. 18+. Thursdays in Taunton and first Tuesdays in New Bedford. 7-8:30pm. mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com. MentalHelp.net: National directory of inpatient treatment options for those with substance abuse problems. www. mentalhelp.net/care/substance-abuse/ri/ Partner Support Group at Fenway Health: A ten-week support group with the purpose of building community and connections for anyone who identifies as non-trans, ages 18+, and is in a relationship with a trans* person(s). 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. Contact Sarah Eley, LICSW. 857-313-6551. seley@ fenwayhealth.org. PFLAG (Parents, & Friends of Lesbians & Gays): Attleboro Chapter serves Southeast Mass. Third Wednesday 6:45 p.m., Second Congregational Church, 50 Park St. (side door). email pflagattleboro@gmail.com. Greater Providence Chapter serves all R.I. First Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571. PFLAGprovidence@gmail.com. www. pflagprovidence.org. Rape Crisis Center for S.E. Mass: New Hope, Inc. Advocacy, shelter, services for domestic abuse survivors. Hotline (800) 323HOPE. Office (508)226-4015. Project RENEW: Support, employment services, HIV prevention for male and female sex workers. Amos House, 415 Friendship St., Providence. 272-0220.Trans support group meets Thurs. Info: transoutreachpwr@gmail.com. Queer & Trans Thursdays: Space for LGBTQ and heterosexual youth (24 and under) of color to foster coalition-building and organize to address intersections of oppressions. 6-8pm. 669 Elmwood Ave., Rm. B7, Providence. www.prysm.us. 383-7450. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24hr helpline: (800) 494-8100. 467-9940. RI Rainbow Support Group: For people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Last Tuesday. 98 Rolfe Street, Cranston. 6-7:30pm. Contact Ken Renaud. 785-2100. Samaritans: 24hr hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044. 272-4044 (RI only). www.samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, bilingual (Spanish). No caller ID used. Calls blocked for safety. 8616191 ext. 121. Sojourner House: Call for confidential support group. Support, shelter, advocacy and information for people in abusive relationships. Including specific LGBT services. No caller ID used. Outgoing calls blocked for safety. 24hr helpline. 765-3232. 861-6191. Office 8616191. www.sojournerri.org St. Mary’s Home for Children: Sexual abuse treatment for children. 450 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Providence. www.smhfc.org. Adam Cable, 353-3900. Straight Spouses: Groups and online support. www. straightspouse.org. TGI Network of RI: Support, advocacy for transgender, transsexual, gender-variant and/or intersex people. Borderlands peer group 1st & 3d Tues. and 1st & 3d Sat. of the month. Location & information: 441-5058. info@tginetwork.org. www.tginetwork. org.
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Trans* Partners New England: Gives romantic partners of transgender people a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people. First Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm. Providence. Location unpublished for privacy. partners@tginetwork.org. Trans* Youth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. info@imatyfa.org, www.imatyfa.org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www. tavausa.org. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties: Offering services to victims of domestic violence. 8465263. www.wrcnbc.org.q
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WORTH A LOOK For world-renowned athlete Maria Toorpakai, living as a boy allowed her to live the life of her dreams, but threatened it as well. In her memoir, A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid from the Taliban in Plain Sight, Toorpakai tells the incredible story of how she lived her life as a tomboy, becoming a national sports star in war-torn, tribal Pakistan. “There was no in-between for girls like me who wanted to run outside and play games and sports in the open air,” writes Toorpakai.
turned pro in 2006, and became the highest ranking female squash player in Pakistan.
At seven years old, with the support of her family, Toorpakai began living as a boy. In fifth grade, she put all of her dresses in pile and burned them. At twelve, she bested all the boys in her home city of Peshawar to become a weightlifting champion. When she began playing squash, Toorpakai finally had to reveal herself as a woman. She
A Different Kind of Daughter reminds us of how much courage it can take to simply be yourself. Learn more about Toorkapai’s story in her TedXTeen talk, “Squashing Extremism,” available on YouTube.
Finding Prince Charming, Logo’s version of The Bachelor, premiered in September to mixed reviews. I found it on demand while trying to catch up on the newest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars. Hosted by Lance Bass (who else?), the show mixes princely single Robert with 13 equally handsome and diverse suitors, then adds alcohol and stirs. More than just a pretty face, Robert is a 33-year-old interior designer who recently raised almost $45,000 to paint rainbow crosswalks in Atlanta to support Georgia Pride. Although some reviewers have found the show sleepy, this trash-TV junkie, fresh from another summer of Big Brother, enjoyed the intrigue of the premiere’s “first introduction,” the personality showdown at the firepit, and the boozilicious pool party. At the end of the episode, some of The Bachelors get a tie, while the others go home to wallow in their business-casual disappointment. No matter how it ends, this first ever gay-only dating show is another step toward all relationships being accepted equally. For better or for worse, the show feels like a top-rate season of The Bachelor, in all of its kitschy, catty and teary glory. “I’m here to find the love of my life.” Of course you are, Robert. Root for him on Logo on Thursdays at 9 p.m. and catch up on past episodes at LogoTV.com.
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by The Lit Chick
For Toorpakai, looking and acting differently from other girls, made her a constant target for men and boys who wanted to see her put back in her place. She details one event after another, from bullying and shunning, to frightening physical assaults. Toorpakai has since moved to Canada, where she continues to compete and advocate for women’s equality.
“So tell me, do you always come on like this?” asks the casting director at the beginning of Barbra Streisand’s newest album. “No,” she replies, in character. “Sometimes I’m aggressive.”
How can I not write about Barbra? The Broadway and film legend is back with her thirty-ninth album, Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway. My girlfriend is a Streisand superfan, and we had the opportunity to see her perform in concert this past summer in Boston. Her voice and presence was as strong as ever, and her new album follows suit. Encore is classic Broadway with a modern twist. The album features duets with movie stars, some of whom seem like unlikely partners but perform beautifully. Anne Hathaway and Antonio Banderas are almost expected, but I was surprised to see hear duets with Seth MacFarlane (“Pure Imagination”), Melissa McCarthy (“Anything You Can Do”), Alec Baldwin (“The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened”) and Star Wars heroine Daisy Ridley (“At the Ballet”). Her duet with Jamie Foxx (“Climb Every Mountain”) is a lovely end to the album. Needless to say, Streisand has impeccable timing and respect for the material, mixing dialogue with the lyrics in a way that makes the listener feel as though they’re at the theatre watching the production. Encore is worth a listen for Broadway and movie fans alike.q
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