Options Magazine-November 2015 by Options Magazine

options November 2015

National Adoption Month:

Kids Seek LGBTQ Parents p. 14

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

How do you envision our publication evolving over the

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Options | November 2015

s we’re getting resources and information into the hands of thousands of Rhode Islanders each month, for free, 2015 has come with much success:

• subscription rates continue to climb • new volunteers continue to join our team, • and we’re printing more copies of each issue than ever before. But the financial state of Options is fragile and your help is needed. We’re not willing to let this nonprofit, one that has essentially chronicled our community’s evolution since 1982, fade away. Last month I met a woman whose 12-year-old nephew is battling depression and has thoughts of suicide as he struggles with his sexual orientation and fitting in among peers. Although handing her a copy of Options didn’t immediately fix her nephew’s challenges, I knew that it would provide her family with tools and resources to make positive and incremental improvements. While many legal battles have been won, much work remains to improve the lives of members of our community. Misunderstanding of sexual orientation and gender identity remains one of the biggest challenges in our state and country. Education around topics and issues that directly impact our community still needs to happen. We can’t do

this without you.

After 33 years, Options is still the best place to turn to for the latest happenings and quality resources in Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community. The past year has instilled confidence in the entire team, giving validity to the work we are doing, and confirming that this publication plays a vital part in our community’s evolution. We need your financial support to continue building upon the strides we’ve made in 2015 and to ensure that we can continue publishing in 2016!

Your contribution will propel us into 2016 and put us in a position to grow our services and outreach. Donating is Easy: Give Online: Use our safe and secure donation portal at www.optionsri.org. Give By Mail: Checks can be made payable to Options Magazine, PO Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940. Give By Phone: Gifts via credit card are accepted by calling (401) 724-5428 Make your gift today knowing that you’re helping Options Magazine continue to provide the LGBTQ community of Rhode Island with quality news, resources, and event listings. No other publication, local or national, has the interests of our community at the forefront of their efforts. I thank you in advance for your support and hope we can count on you to donate today. Onward, Kyle McKendall Publisher

Donations in every amount will help Options grow. You can have a direct impact on Options. Consider contributing one of the following amounts and see how it will help our readers. • $25 Covers the cost of your subscription for a year. • $50 Covers the cost of your subscription and someone else’s. • $75 Delivers 70 copies of one issue to homes across the state. • $100 Ensures that eight businesses/organizations have copies available for one month. • $250 Helps to offset our rent for one month. • $500 Pays for the design services of one issue. • $1,000 Funds the mailing of an entire issue to every reader. • Every dollar donated covers the cost of printing and mailing one issue to one subscriber.

OPTIONS MAGAZINE IS A REGISTERED 501(C)(4) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. CONTRIBUTIONS TO 501(C)(4) ORGANIZATIONS GENERALLY ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THEY MAY BE DEDUCTIBLE AS TRADE OR BUSINESS EXPENSES, IF ORDINARY AND NECESSARY IN THE CONDUCT OF THE TAXPAYER’S BUSINESS. PLEASE DEFER TO WWW. IRS.GOV FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Options | November 2015

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From the Editor Dear Reader, Those close to me know that I want to be a mother. Whenever I divulge this fact to someone new, I know exactly what I’m about to hear: “How are you going to do it?” The question always makes me a bit uncomfortable, but I understand the gut response. As a bisexual with a female partner, several options seem available. In this issue, two articles explore the many avenues same-sex couples may travel toward parenthood. November celebrates National Adoption Month, and there are thousands of children in state care in Rhode Island awaiting their forever families. (p. 14) Many of these kids are LGBTQ themselves, and/or specifically request LGBTQ parents. It’s especially difficult to find homes for children over 12, like Makayla, Haley, James, and Kenny, who volunteered to have their charming photos featured in our magazine on page 5. As homophobia in both the law and public opinion wanes, it’s no wonder foster care and adoption agencies are reaching out to Options readers. For prospective parents wishing to raise a child from birth, Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI explains the reproductive science around surrogacy, in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and reciprocal in vitro fertilization. (p.16) I know these articles will be informing my future decisions, and it’s nice to have the facts from sources speaking to an LGBTQ audience. Speaking of frequently asked questions… I was tickled to receive a surprise comic from Rex LeBeau that addresses the question dreaded by many: “Are you a girl or a boy?” (p. 26) I’m often asked what social activities there are for women around here, and as someone who’s traveled to many a gay-friendly major city, I think we’re quite fortunate in Little Rhody. Just having a lesbian-centric place like The Village, a go-to night spot that offers dinner, weekend brunches, and live entertainment, is a rarity, and women who haven’t checked it out should give it a chance. (p. 39) Options is still in search of a volunteer calendar editor (anyone interested?), so while researching local happenings this month, I noted that the Rhode Island Women’s Association has some great events planned and talented local lesbian musicians are still making their rounds. (p. 8) If all else fails, ladies should take a cue from our Lesbians on the Loose who have had no problem finding ways to whoop it up this fall. (p. 19) Many of us are mourning the sudden loss of a cherished community member—a woman who sure knew how to have fun and bring you along for the ride. Lori Shurygailo was a beloved staff member at the Dark Lady, an avid supporter of Pride, a friend to all at The Village, a karaoke queen, a costume enthusiast, an expert pastry chef, and an adventurer who enjoyed the great outdoors and a warm sunny day. It’s so clear how much she loved her friends and her community, and I believe she knew how much we loved her back.We’ll miss her always. Photos contributed by friends and family can be found on page 23. In Solidarity, Jen Stevens

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Options | November 2015

options

In This Issue:

Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community news source since 1982. November 2015, Vol. XXXIV, Issue 7

Publisher Kyle McKendall kyle@optionsri.org Editor in Chief Jen Stevens editor@optionsri.org

Adoption RI Celebrates National Adoption Month p. 14

Resources Editor Myra Shays Copy Editors Julia Barber, Rex LeBeau, Maria Phillips, Myra Shays Graphic Design Theresa “Reese” Barzyk Photo Editor

LGBT Family Planning p. 16

Out on the Town: YPI Gala pg. 21

Remembering Lori Shurygailo p. 23

Michael Scanlon IV Writers Christion Battey, Adam Brooks, Annie Cronin-Silva, Katherine Dallow, Christopher Dalpe, Shannon Doherty,

2 Contributing to Options 20 Out on the Town 4 Editor Note 23 In Memory of Lori Shurygailo 4 Advertisers 24 News from SAGE-RI 7 Letter to the Editor 26 AIDS Care Ocean State 8 Calendar 26 Transosaurus Rex 10 News Briefs 27 Youth Pride Inc. 12 Transgender Day of Remembrance 27 AIDS Project Rhode Island 14 National Adoption Month 28 Stargaze Festival 16 LGBT Family Planning 30 Resources 18 Initiative for Senior Housing 38 Worth a Look 19 Lesbians on the Loose

Home delivery is free! Subscribe at www.optionsri.org, email frank@optionsri.org, or write to us at our PO Box. © OPTIONS 2015. Options is published monthly. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the governing board, volunteers, or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must include a phone number or email address. Names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar, or resource listings for the December issue must be delivered by November 13.

Options | November 2015

Marsha Fernandez, Jodi Glass, Ethan Huckel, Kerri Kanelos, Melanie Silva, Kim Stowell, The Lit Chick Photographers Jack Hartwein-Sanchez Finance Director Donny McKendall billing@optionsri.org Subscription Manager Francis Ryan frank@optionsri.org Distribution Coordinators Kellie & Belinda Marcil distribution@optionsri.org Advertising advertising@optionsri.org

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Letter to the Editor Two police officers in my living room presented me with an ultimatum: Get into an ambulance or be arrested for disorderly conduct. Communicating hopelessness to my mother via text message had resulted in this unwelcome visit. As a transgender individual, policies segregating prisoners by genitalia are especially fear-inducing, so I chose to leave in an ambulance rather than the back of a police car. But I still felt like a prisoner. Transphobia is rampant in the healthcare industry, and I’m visibly trans*; people can tell I am transgender whether I tell them or not. Upon arrival to the [South County Hospital] emergency room, I was placed in an open area, next to a loudly beeping piece of medical equipment, my shoes were taken, and I was told to wait. Eventually nurses asked questions in a demeaning manner about hearing voices, having hallucinations, or thoughts of hurting myself, to which I replied I was not a danger to myself or anyone else. I was then told that I must take off my clothing and submit to blood and urine testing, and that I would be denied endocrine hormone drugs until I had complied. I made clear my refusal, repeated that I was not a danger to myself, and said that I would like to leave. An hour later a doctor would repeat the same questioning and again demand I strip and submit to a blood and urine analysis. Later on, a mental health professional arrived. He admitted his lack of understanding of trans*-specific concepts, stated they had no say in my treatment, and then made light of the fact my clothing hadn’t been stripped off yet. He used my former name, though I’d legally changed my gender and my name years ago. This counselor said I was to be held involuntarily for at least 72 hours. After he left, the initial nurse returned expecting me to respond to my previous name, and stated in a hostile tone, “We know all about you.” This was taking place in a non-private setting, with ER visitors looking on. At this point I insisted on accessing a toilet. On the way I passed

by a large monitor displaying my photo ID to the entire emergency department. I voiced my discomfort with this violation of privacy. Upon returning to the treatment area I was greeted by a heavy-set male nurse with a large mustache. Requesting I sit on a stretcher, he explained his plan to administer an Ativan shot, regardless of my refusal. He raised the side rails of the stretcher; I moved away, and suddenly I was tackled to the ground with his full body weight. Grabbing me by my throat, a doctor maneuvered my body to a stretcher where he crouched with his knees on my groin and chest, proclaiming, “If you were a woman you wouldn’t be acting like this.” Strangling me indefinitely, my arms and legs were placed in 4-point mechanical restraints. The doctor ordered my clothing to be cut off, and for me to be chemically restrained with a powerful anti-psychotic and sedative drug cocktail. My blood was forcibly drawn, and I was left overnight with a hospital gown loosely draped over my body. Covered with bruises, the next morning I awoke to my attending nurse threatening me with a catheter if I didn’t provide a urine specimen. With my residual slurred speech from the sedation, I requested my daily hormone medication. I was then transferred to a locked psychiatric ward to begin my observation, during which my only interaction with mental health professionals consisted of me being asked my previous name. My nights were spent warehoused in a cement room, laying in a plastic bed under a spotlight, and hearing jingling key-chains as staff peered into my open room to conduct suicide precaution safety checks every fifteen minutes. On my third day in the psych unit, a staff member called my name to begin my discharge. Without guidance or a path to move forward, I was dismissed, more traumatized than ever. I reached out to the RI Commission for Human Rights and the Federal Office of Civil Rights and these events are being investigated. - Nina Y., Matunuck

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Options | November 2015

Calendar of Events RIWA Presents Poppy Champlin November 7 November Sun. 1 Options Release Party, 3-6pm. The Stable, 125 Washington Street, Providence. Join Options Magazine for the release of the November issue.Volunteers needed for distribution. Sat. 7 Gay/Straight Alliance Conference, 10am registration. Youth Pride Inc.,743 Westminster Street, Providence. Workshop topics include student rights, gay/straight alliance organizing tips, sexual health, and more with a keynote panel and performances from local drag performers. Open mic and karaoke, 5-6:30 pm. Register in advance at www.youthprideri.org or contact jeana@youthprideri. org for more information. Sat. 7 RI Women’s Association presents Comic Poppy Champlin, 7pm doors/show at 8pm followed by DJ Sharon. Letter Carriers Hall, 174 Mayfield Street, Cranston. $5 members/$15 non-members. For more info, www.riwa.net. Sat. 7 Glove ‘n’ Boot Leather Night with Jay Falcon, 9pm. Providence Eagle, 124 Snow Street, Providence. For more info, www.fitslikeaglove. org. Sun. 8 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men. For more info, www.riprimetimers. org or call Steve at 996-3010. Sun. 8 Legends Calendar Release Party, a benefit for Options Magazine, 7:30pm show.The Colosseum, 180 Pine Street, Providence. $20 donation to Options grants access to this legendary drag show and a copy of the 2016 Legends Calendar. Performer meet-andgreet/calendar signings, 6pm. For more info, visit www.optionsri.org. Thu. 12 Shaping Sound, 7:30pm. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. Under the artistic direction of Emmy Award winner Travis Wall, Shaping Sound is an electrifying mash-up of dance styles and musical genres performed by a dynamic company of contemporary dancers. For tickets, www.ppacri.org. Thu. 12 Sweet Little Variety Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Queer-produced entertainment including comics Reece Cotton, Elena Jawitz, and Ellen Moschetto, musical performance by Sarah Rich and Invincible We, and more. $5. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook. Fri. 13 Sojourner House Masquerade Ball, 7pm. Biltmore Hotel, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence. $85. For more info, www.sojournerri. org. Sat. 14 Cheryl Aruda & Dirty Blonde, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. For more info, www.thevillageri.com.

Legends Calendar Release Party November 8 Sun. 15 Ani DiFranco, 7:30pm. Park Theatre, 848 Park Avenue, Cranston.Tickets $35, available at www.tickets.ricpa.net. Tue. 17-Sun. 22 Book of Mormon. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. A blockbuster Broadway hit from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Oscarwinning composer Bobby Lopez. Tickets from $30 at www.ppacri. org. Wed. 18 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Thu. 19 Drag Bingo: Pie Eating Contest Bingo, 7pm. The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave, Cranston. $20 gets you into all games and benefits AIDS Care Ocean State. 18+. Doors open at 6pm; Bingo starts at 7pm. For reservations, contact Chris Dalpe at 521-3603. Thu. 19 Transgender Day of Remembrance. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. Doors open at 6pm to a resource fair, ceremony at 6:30. Sun. 22 Drag Bingo: Channing Memorial Church service to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance, 11:30am. 135 Pelham Street, Newport.The names of the transgender people murdered this year will be read. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Rex LeBeau at 595-9068 or rex88296@yahoo.com. Sun. 29 Options Release Party, 3-6pm.The Stable, 125 Washington Street, Providence. Join Options Magazine for the release of the December issue.Volunteers needed for distribution. December Fri. 4 High Heels for Hope, 8pm doors/9pm show. Hope Events on Main, 1005 Main Street, Suite 1230, Pawtucket. Drag performances presented by Miss Gay Rhode Island USofA 2016 Kira Stone, with hosts Kitty Litter and Payton St. James and an Options Magazine photo booth. $10 to benefit House of Hope. Visit www.houseofhopecdc. org for more info. Fri. 4 Comic Mimi Gonzalez, 8pm.The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. For more info, www.thevillageri.com. Sat. 5 RI Women’s Association Dance, 7pm. Letter Carriers Hall, 174 Mayfield Street, Cranston. Potluck and BYOB, featuring DJ Sharon. Free to members/$10 non-members. For more info, www.riwa.net. Sat. 5 Becky Chace Band, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. For more info, www.thevillageri.com.

Options | November 2015

Transgender Day of Remembrance November 19

Becky Chace Band at The Village December 5

Wed. 9 RI Pride Annual Holiday Party, 7pm. Pride Center, 1055 Westminster Street, Providence. All are welcome to potluck in a festive atmosphere. Thu. 10 Sweet Little Holiday Show, 8pm. Aurora, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. A queer-produced potpourri of entertainment including comic Rich Hite, jazz singer Denise Moffat, and more. $5. Find Sweet Little Variety Show on Facebook. Sun. 13 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7pm. Social, dinner, and networking group for older gay and bi men. For more info, www.riprimetimers. org or call Steve at 996-3010. Wed. 16 Queer Book Club, 7-9:30pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Reading: Mislaid by Nell Zink. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more info, email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Thu. 17 Drag Bingo: Martha Stewart Craft Bingo, 7pm.The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave, Cranston. $20 gets you into all games and benefits AIDS Care Ocean State. 18+. Doors open at

BREATHTAKING RUSTIC MOUNTAIN

6pm; Bingo starts at 7pm. For reservations, contact Chris Dalpe at 521-3603. Fri. 18 Toy Drive for Adoption Rhode Island, 8pm. The Village, 373 Richmond Street, Providence. Hosted by Jenny Talia. Unwrapped toy, gift card, or cash donation suggested. Sun. Jan. 3 Options Release Party, 3-6pm.The Stable, 125 Washington Street, Providence. Join Options Magazine for the release of the January issue.Volunteers needed for distribution. Regularly Scheduled Support Groups: ACOS Tue. 4pm, (gay males): Wed. 1:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous (LGBT Group): 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 See Resources on page 30 for more info.

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Options | November 2015

News Briefs

by Adam Brooks

HRC Announces Global Corporate Coalition For LGBT Equality Workplaces On September 30, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), with the help of 12 major businesses, announced their global corporate coalition to advance LGBT equality in worldwide workplaces. The founding members of the HRC’s global corporate coalition consist of Accenture, AT&T, CA Technologies, The Coca-Cola Company, Destination Weddings Travel Group, Google, IBM, Microsoft Corp., Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Procter & Gamble, Replacements Ltd., and Symantec Corp., who collectively employ close to 1.4 million people over nearly 190 countries.The businesses have committed themselves to enforcing workplace fairness and equality for LGBT employees across their global operations. The trend of LGBT inclusivity in the corporate world is on the rise in the Americas, East Asia, and Europe. Of the coalition, HRC President Chad Griffin said,“We are proud to bring together some of the world’s largest companies to advance LGBT equality around the globe. These corporate leaders… understand that equality, inclusion, and engagement are pivotal to business success. Today, they are sending a resounding message that LGBT people are valued, they are equal, and they deserve a fair chance to earn a living and provide for their families no matter where they live.” Along with enforcing and creating nondiscrimination policies and codes of conduct for their company’s global operations, the coalition’s founding members will also have the opportunity to work with the HRC to further educate and foster employee relations.The HRC plans to help companies host LGBT workplace summits in international markets, form resource groups, and advocate for progress on LGBT rights on a global scale. Trans Activist Speaks Out On Latest Transgender Murder The LGBT community suffered another loss when 22-year-old Keisha Jenkins (pictured) was beaten and shot to death by a group of men. One arrest has been made. The death of the Philadelphia native marks the 21st death of a transgender individual in the US this year. The majority of these deaths were transwomen of color. Cherno Biko, a transgender activist, said these events indicate a national crisis. “These acts of violence are so personal; they are so gruesome. It’s like the hatred is personal in this way,” Biko said tearfully. After speaking with the family of Keisha Jenkins, Biko demanded protection for at-risk members of the LGBT community— specifically those who are trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex, as they are clearly the most at risk for violence. Biko also referenced the Black Lives Matter campaign, saying that we need to make the connection to black transgender lives. Biko has been working with the families of trans victims of violence to support their mental and financial stability and helped the Jenkins family set up a GoFundMe account (gofundme.com/keishajenkins) to raise money to cover Keisha’s final expenses. Biko is happy to support

others, but at times feels unsafe, as if she could be next in line to experience violence. “It feels like any moment I’ll be attacked or shot,” she said in a heartbreaking interview with HuffPost Live. When asked what message she would deliver to Keisha’s murderers, she said she would tell them, “That I love them. I think that it’s becoming more and more clear that that’s what we need in this world—love. Laverne Cox always [says that] justice is what love looks like out in public.” Joe Biden Endorses Transgender Military Services Vice-President Joe Biden pledged his full support of trans soldiers before thousands of gay rights activists at the Human Rights Campaign’s annual dinner on October 3. “No longer is there any question transgender people are able to serve in the United States military,” Biden announced. His declaration went further than anything the Obama administration has said before. Although Obama reportedly supports the Pentagon’s review aiming to end the transgender ban, neither Obama nor military officials have given official word that the policy will be changed. Biden won praise with the HRC and other advocacy groups for endorsing gay marriage in 2012 (ahead of Obama and Clinton) and becoming the highest elected official to support the issue at the time. Now Hillary Clinton, Senator Bernie Sanders, and other democratic candidates aim to gain LBGT voters’ support. In a statement prior to the HRC event, Clinton told a small audience,“We need to say with one voice that transgender people are valued.They are loved, and they are us.” Bryant University Assistant Coach Comes Out As Gay Last month, Bryant University’s assistant men’s basketball coach, Chris Burns, made national headlines when he came out to his players as being gay. Although several college athletes have come out of the closet in recent years, Burns is the first openly gay assistant or head coach to come out. There are nearly 3,000 Division One men’s and women’s coaches. It took 31-year-old Burns, formerly a Bryant Bulldog point guard himself, a while to open up to his team. He first told his family, then head coach Tim O’Shea, over a year ago. He recently found the courage to tell the Bryant coaching staff and athletic department, before informing the Bulldogs’ three captains, and eventually the entire team. In his coming out speech to his team, Burns spoke candidly: “There are parts of this business that lead me to believe what I’m about to tell you is not acceptable here. This is something I struggle with. It’s made me consider giving up coaching. It’s made me think I’m not supposed to be here. I’m a gay man.” He was met with a brief moment of shock by players who were caught off guard by Burn’s seemingly sudden confession, but in no time at all his words were met with hugs and encouraging words. Burns said that he could never have come out without the help of his own personal team: his family and athletic department friends, Lauren Tebsherany, Tristan Hobbes, and Mike MacDonald, who were there with him every step of the way. Close friend and co-worker MacDonald said of Chris’s coming out, “He’s doing this to be authentic to them, to take off the mask. He’s doing this so a 15-year-old can be himself. He’s 31 and done hiding, so others don’t have to.”

Options | November 2015

Rhode Island Transgender Student Named Homecoming King Kristian Barber, a senior at Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island, was shocked and honored when he was recently crowned Homecoming King. After coming out last winter as being transgender, Kristian was surprised that he was even nominated. Being announced as the King showed Barber that he has the support of not only his friends and classmates, but of the entire school. “I went up and got my crown and my eyes were really watery. I was up against two popular football players. I feel like they didn’t even have to campaign. I’m this little wallflower who has no more than ten to fifteen friends... and here I am, nominated for Homecoming King.” Though Kristian is overjoyed at the implications of a trans person being so accepted, the journey hasn’t been an easy one. Upon coming out in February, Kristian was exposed to teasing, name-calling, and bullying from classmates who felt the need to make life a “living hell” for him. Now that opinions have started to shift, the transgender senior is enjoying the acceptance and support his classmates and faculty have shown. Now, even classmates that Kristian hasn’t met come up to him in the hallway to say hi and give their congratulations. Kristian wants to ensure this is a turning point for the way LGBT students are treated. “This homecoming wasn’t just my win... it was everybody who supported me this whole time. It’s their win also.”

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Options | November 2015

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Puerto Rico’s Public Schools Announce LGBT-Friendly Dress Code In an effort to be inclusive of gay, lesbian, and transgender students, Puerto Rico’s Education Secretary Rafael Roman signed a new regulation that will allow students at all Puerto Rican public schools to wear pants or skirts as part of their uniform, regardless of their gender, without being punished. Roman’s decision has sparked some controversy and debate. The rigid former policy states that girls attending public schools in Puerto Rico are required to wear skirts as part of their uniform and boys are required to wear pants. Roman stands firmly by the new regulation. “No student can be sanctioned for not opting to wear a particular piece of clothing... that he or she does not feel comfortable with,” he said in a statement with local reporters. Christina Torres, director of a high school in Ponce, one of Puerto Rico’s largest cities, is happy this new policy was approved, but she doesn’t think the transition will go as smoothly as hoped. “Changing people’s mentality from one day to another will be hard... The most incredible thing is that young people can accept this with an open mind, but it’s the adults who discriminate.” Many critics of this new policy have accused government officials, including Roman, of attempting to strip parents of their power over their children, by acting like dictators. Roman justified his regulation by citing numerous school districts in the continental United States that have passed similar policies. He added that ultimately, the parents have the final say in what their children wear to school, as they are the ones buying the uniforms. q

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Transgender

Day of Remembrance by Ethan Huckel

Each November, we gather at the Transgender Day of Remembrance to commemorate the lives that we have lost within the transgender community to violence.Though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that this year has brought a great deal of visibility to trans* people, from primetime specials to reality shows, visibility does not equate to acceptance, understanding, or safety. On the contrary, we find ourselves facing a record number of lives lost, particularly the lives of trans* women of color. On November 19, we will gather at Beneficent Congregational Church at 300 Weybosset Street in Providence. Doors will open at 6pm for a resource fair, which will be followed by a ceremony at 6:30pm. The first Transgender Day of Remembrance was held in 1999 to commemorate the murder of Rita

Hester. Since that time, we have seen change across the nation in the form of anti-discrimination laws, anti-bullying policies, greater healthcare access, and, yes, more wide-spread visibility. However, that change has been both slow and limited in scope. Healthcare, housing, and employment disparities continue to put trans* people at risk throughout the country. Trans* people are still being murdered in record numbers, and the murderers are often not brought to justice. Charges have been filed in fewer than half of the murders of trans* people that have been reported this year. Even Rita Hesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murder remains unsolved over fifteen years later. As an LGBTQ community, the safety of each of us should be the concern of all of us. Those of us who walk through the world with greater privilege are called on to raise up the voices of those who would

be silenced. At the Transgender Day of Remembrance, we speak the names of those who have been silenced through violence in the hope that bringing their lives and deaths into the light will both honor their memories and will help to change the hearts and minds around us. We hope you will join us. q TGI Network of Rhode Island is the only statewide organization providing support, advocacy, and education for the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex community (aka trans* community). Incorporated in 2011, our mission is to be a resource for TGI people navigating their lives and the medical and legal systems; to serve as a resource for professionals working with TGI people; and to serve as a liaison between the TGI and LGB communities and the community at large. Visit us at www.tginetwork.org.

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Options | November 2015

National Adoption Month by Marsha Fernandez & Shannon Doherty

Here in Rhode Island, there are thousands of children in state care, hundreds of whom are supported in their daily lives and in their search for their perfect family by the staff of Adoption RI working alongside RI Department of Chidren, Youth & Families. You may be surprised to know that many of the children waiting to be adopted are open to, and often request, a family headed by a same-sex couple. Adoption RI also has children who themselves identify as gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual and would feel most comfortable in a home where they will be accepted. Adoption RI values all families and understands that all family constellations can provide a loving home to a child. One of those children is Kenny (left), an engaging teen who thrives on individual attention. This young person has a huge personality and warms up to you

November marks the 20th anniversary of National Adoption Month. This national celebration highlights families formed through adoption and hopes to draw attention to the more than 100,000 children nationally who are still waiting for a family to call their own.

quickly. Kenny is talkative and friendly and you can’t help seeing the charm that shines through that smiling face. Kenny loves sports and would really appreciate a family who would go to games (especially basketball) and cheer as loudly as they can. Kenny has begun writing and recording music with a local program and also volunteers at fundraising and speaking events for the program—something that provides fulfillment for many hours. This amazing honor roll student is heading into senior year. We are proud to say that Kenny was accepted into two advanced placement classes this year. Kenny’s goal is to attend college to study social work and eventually work with children who have special needs to help improve their lives. Could you be the parent or parents who can spend their time, cheering from the sidelines, and helping this dynamic individual grow? Kenny needs a family who will offer support, acceptance, and care as this wonderful teen makes decisions regarding gender identity, educational goals, and plans for the future. If you are interested in

learning more about Kenny or any of Rhode Island’s waiting children, contact Adoption RI. Darlene Allen, Executive Director of Adoption RI says, “National Adoption Month is a great time to celebrate families that were created through adoption, as well as raise awareness about the 102,000 children nationally who are still waiting for a family to call their own.This November is the perfect time to learn more through dozens of events we have planned across the state. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or adopt, you can help support the hundreds of children right here in Rhode Island in state care.”q Adoption Rhode Island’s Mission is to facilitate, promote, and support the permanent placement of children waiting for adoption and to improve the wellbeing of foster and adopted children and their families. To learn more, visit www. AdoptionRI.org.

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Family

Planning for LGBT Couples by Dr. Katherine Dallow

The LGBT community has many options for family planning. While some same-sex couples choose adoption when starting a family, others make the personal decision to try for a child who carries the genetic traits of at least one partner. For these couples, breakthroughs in the science around fertility have opened new doors. As with all couples, LGBT couples make decisions about family based on a variety of personal, religious, and socioeconomic factors. Knowing your options around fertility will help you make the best choice for you and your partner. Reproductive science has created several family planning opportunities for gay male couples. These options include

surrogacy, a process in which a woman is inseminated with the sperm of one member of the couple, then carries the pregnancy and shares genetic traits with the baby. Another option is in vitro fertilization (IVF), a procedure in which eggs from a donor are inseminated with sperm from one member of the couple through a medical procedure, then planted into a separate female carrier. This carrier births the child on behalf of the donor and his partner, but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t share any genetic traits with the baby. In the IVF process, some couples choose to utilize the eggs of an anonymous donor. However, some couples choose to select an egg donor who is a friend of the couple or a relative

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of the partner not donating sperm. For example, a couple may decide to have one partner provide sperm for IVF, and have a sister of the other partner provide eggs. This creates a baby who carries genes from both partners. IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI) provide fertility options to female couples. IUI is the most common choice among prospective lesbian parents. It is a procedure in which donated sperm are placed directly into the uterus of one member of the couple. Following insemination, the woman then carries the pregnancy and the child shares her genetic traits. Along with traditional IVF, lesbian couples also have the option to undergo reciprocal IVF, a procedure in which both partners may be involved in the pregnancy process. In reciprocal IVF, one partner donates the egg, which upon fertilization from donated sperm is surgically moved into the other partner to carry to term. As with gay couples, lesbian couples make a personal choice about utilizing a donor who is anonymous, a friend, or a relative. Any couple using sperm or eggs from a friend or relative

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should consult an attorney prior to insemination to ensure all parties are clear about parental rights. It is important that prospective parents maintain a healthy lifestyle to better their odds for fertility. When both men and women maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthful diet and limit alcohol and tobacco usage, they boost their chances for a healthy baby. For women who choose to carry a pregnancy, taking supplements, like folic acid, known to promote the health of a baby’s spine, for weeks prior to conception can improve the chances of having a healthy baby. Couples should discuss financial considerations when planning for a family. These not only include the cost of care for the child post-birth, but also the costs associated with the conception process. For example, while many insurance plans cover the cost of insemination as part of IUI or IVF, some do not cover the cost of the donated sperm itself. It is important to check with your health insurance provider to learn about what is and isn’t covered in your plan prior to collecting sperm or

eggs for implantation. Your health provider is your best source for personalized information about family planning. Having a health provider you are comfortable with makes this easier. Your provider can also connect you with a specialist in reproductive services if they are not a specialist themselves. Talking to a specialist will provide you a space to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have about the process of becoming a parent. It is also important that you have any diagnostic testing needed. Starting a family can be one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life. Knowing the full range of options available to you and your partner, and discussing the pros and cons of each with your healthcare provider, will help you feel confident about the choices you make around family planning. q Dr. Katherine Dallow is the Medical Director of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Rhode Island’s largest health insurer.

Dorothy’s Place: There’s No Place Like Home

by Jodi L Glass, AuD.

On Oct. 7, a group of us—many of whom last met in July of 2014—came together at the RI Foundation. Back in 2014 we met to discuss the possibility of creating independent living housing for LGBTQ folks over the age of 50. Now we were back to see where this project, tentatively named Dorothy’s Place, currently stood. In October, Barbara Sokoloff of Sokoloff Associates (www.sokoplan.com) came on board, offering her extensive background in housing and development throughout the state. She took all the information we had amassed over the previous several years and truly got us moving productively. This took us through meetings with RI Housing, the Providence Foundation, the City of Providence, several Providence real estate investors, and many more. We’ve discussed all kinds of plans with Congressperson Cicilline, sharing the city plans that already exist in cities throughout the country, e.g. in Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis. Our innovative model proposes opportunities for a mixedincome community, a need our initial surveys revealed. One major concern is a sense of complacency people may have since the passage of the Marriage Equality bill. It’s not our intention to fear-monger. Rather, we choose to remain mindful that homophobia did not disappear immediately. It’s difficult for many to acknowledge aging, which is no different from straight folks. Someone who has just come out at the age of 40, is essentially living their teen years now. This place is going to get built soon. We don’t have the funds yet and we don’t have the building either. But at this time, we do have the right people around the table IF we determine that the need and resources are there. What would help most right now is a more in-depth survey, so if you have the resources to help us develop it, please contact me at jlglass53@aol.com.. q

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Options | November 2015

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by Annie Cronin-Silva & Melanie Silva We have fallen in love with this autumn weather! Our cozy sweaters, hoodies, pumpkin martinis, and hot apple cider keep us comfy and fueled to remain active as the weather chills.

We witnessed the end of an era in September. Drag Bingo’s Farewell to Kitty Litter was a not-to-be-missed send-off. Kitty’s many loyal fans packed both floors of the Riviera Bingo Palace to capacity to offer hugs, love, and a fond farewell to the self-proclaimed First Lady of Providence. One table of dedicated players pasted cut-outs of Kitty’s face on lollipop sticks to wave in excitement. It was a touching tribute to the person who served as the face and voice of AIDS Care Ocean State this past decade. Kitty passed the proverbial torch to hosts Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz, who will continue Kitty’s tradition of fun and sass at Drag Bingo on the third Thursday of every month. We’re employed by Cox Communications and our workplace Diversity Week calendar was full of activities. We were honored when leaders in our company asked us to organize a meet-and-greet with Options Magazine as part of the theme day entitled “Love

Has No Labels.” Publisher Kyle McKendall came ready to showcase Options and all that we offer. Kyle especially highlighted our Calendar of community events and the meticulously organized Resources section. A coworker approached the three of us to say that her friend’s child just came out and that the parents are having a tough time and don’t know where to turn for assistance and support. She took two copies of the magazine to pass along to her friend so she can reach out to support groups such as PFLAG and Youth Pride Inc. It was a very rewarding day at work and we can’t thank Kyle enough for standing alongside us and talking with everyone. We celebrated our friend Kelley’s birthday by going horseback riding, a feat for Melanie who’s a renowned germ-a-phobe! Following that, and in need of refreshments, we ventured over to The Village for a sumptuous supper accompanied by fantastic music performed by a band called Jury. They

played everything from Janis Joplin to P!nk, and even threw in some Etta James, which primed the crowd for some good old fashioned sing-alongs. The highlight of our night came when our friend and fellow Village regular Jonathan Root joined Jury as they performed their rendition of “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner (Jonathan’s go-to karaoke song). Check out www. juryjams.com for their tour schedule. They play Indigo Lounge in Coventry on November 21. All this socializing sure stimulates the

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appetite. We were happy to attend the Options fundraiser at B.good restaurant at Garden City in Cranston. It was raining, but inside the restaurant was warm and packed with supporters. B.good generously donated 20% of all sales from 5-8pm to Options. We have to say this is one of our favorite ways to support nonprofits. All we have to do is eat dinner—so easy! It was like one giant family dinner, except no one had to do the dishes.

If you’re a regular reader of Lesbians on the Loose, you know that we enjoy stand-up comedy, so there was no way we’d miss a Comedy Connection show hosted by everyone’s favorite pink fluffy unicorn-lover John Kelley. Kitty Litter organized the event as a fundraiser for House of Hope, and clearly “brought out the big guns” with comics like John Morris, Frank O’Donnell, and Coleen Galvin on the bill.Their various comedic styles made sure there was something for everyone. We’re always grateful for a night filled with friends and laughter, and to have it all support a worthy nonprofit… what’s better than that? We would love nothing more than for you to check the Calendar for details about our upcoming release party. Come on down and meet all of us! You get an extra opportunity on November 8 when Options hosts the Legends Calendar Release Party at The Colosseum in Providence at 6pm. Come out, be seen, and be part of the community! q

OUT

Halloween Drag Bingo, Oct. 15, 2015 Youth Pride Inc. Gala, Oct. 16, 2015 Photos by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez

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Options | November 2015

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Options | November 2015

NEWS FROM by Kim Stowell

SAGE-RI is Hitting the Road! We are taking the documentary film Gen Silent on a tour of several communities in the coming months. Gen Silent is the critically acclaimed documentary by filmmaker Stu Maddux that asks six LGBT seniors if they will hide their friends, their spouses—their entire lives—in order to survive in the long-term care system. Experts in the film call it an epidemic: LGBT older people are so afraid of discrimination by caregivers or bullying by other seniors that many simply go back into the closet. Unlike any film before, Gen Silent startlingly discovers how oppression in the years before Stonewall now affects older LGBT people, and explores what is being done about it. We have shown the film twice already, at Interweave at Channing Memorial Church in Newport and First Unitarian Church of Providence. Our next showing will be on Thursday, November 12, 7-9pm at Woodridge Congregational United Church, 30 Jackson Road, Cranston. Please join us! And if you would like to arrange a showing of Gen Silent in your community, you should send an inquiry to info@sage-ri.org. LGBT Café Rocks If you missed last month’s LGBT Café, you missed out on the chance to win an AARP RealPad. For this month’s event, we will be hearing from Marisa O’Gara, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s

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LGBT Liaison.That’s in addition to a delicious catered lunch, and lots of friendly LGBT people. It all happens on November 20 at noon, at the Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street in Cranston. We suggest a $3 donation for attendees 60 or better; $6 for all others. Call Pauline at 351-6700 to reserve your seat. Membership The mission of SAGE is to serve as a leader in identifying, addressing and bringing attention to issues related to aging among members of the LGBT community; to partner with constituents, allies and other stakeholders to create a culture in which older LGBT members of the community can enjoy a high quality of life; to support aging members of the community and advocate for their rights; to foster a greater understanding of LGBT aging; and to promote positive images of LGBT life in later years. In order to accomplish this, we need the support of our community, and the easiest way to do this is to become a member. Simply visit www. sage-ri.org and click on “Become A Member.”q SAGE-RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages. For information on programs or to join SAGE-RI, drop us a line at sageriinfo@gmail.com; call us at (401) 443-4451; write to us at SAGERI at CareLink, 1 Virginia Avenue, Providence, RI 02905; or find us on the web at www.sage-ri.org, and on Facebook as SAGE/Rhode Island.

Adopt-A-Family with AIDS Care Ocean State

by Christopher Dalpe

AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) needs your help as we prepare for the holiday season. Please consider “adopting” an ACOS family this season by making a financial contribution or donating items such as nonperishable food, gift cards, toys, or clothing that is warm, new, or gently used.

emergency assistance funds support our clients during the coldest and harshest months of the year.

Adopt-A-Family for just $50 at aidscareos.org. It’s that simple, and your donation is greatly appreciated. For more information about AIDS Care Ocean State’s Adopt-a-Family campaign, or if you would like to AIDS Care Ocean State’s Adopt-A-Family program donate toys and gift cards, please contact us. q was implemented to provide support for our clients and the community during the holiday season when AIDS Care Ocean State provides comprehensive they need it the most. Started in 2008, the program AIDS service, supportive housing, emergency funds, has delivered over 100,000 toys to children in need, and a Speakers Bureau. Located at 18 Parkis Avenue, provided over 4,000 articles of warm clothing, Providence. (401) 521-3603. Appointments: (401) 781purchased over $50,000 in food vouchers, and ensured 0665. www.aidscareoceanstate.org. over $60,000 in emergency heating assistance to our clients. Long after the holiday season is over these

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don’t grow up invisible

Youth Pride Inc. by Kerri Kanelos Gay/Straight Alliance Conference, November 7 Join LGBTQQ youth and allies from across Rhode Island on Saturday, November 7 for a day of workshops, activities, and performances focused on gay/straight alliance organizing and community. This year’s conference will be held on-site at Youth Pride Inc.’s drop-in center (743 Westminster Street, Providence). Registration opens at 10am and the conference will end with an open mic and karaoke event from 5-6:30pm. Workshop topics will include student rights, gay/straight alliance organizing tips, sexual health, and more. We’ll also feature a keynote panel and performances by local drag performers. Register in advance at www.youthprideri.org or contact Jeana DeLaire, Leadership Development Coordinator, at jeana@youthprideri.org for more information. Thank You to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island!

We were fortunate to be chosen for this year’s Blue Across Rhode Island event—a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island company-wide day of community service for local non-profit organizations. Our drop-in center was visited by over 30 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI staff, who spent hours renovating our space. New improvements include freshly painted colorful walls, a brand new library for our LGBTQQ book collection, a quiet place to do homework, a computer lab, and several furniture upgrades. Thank you so much for your hard work and investment in our center.q Youth Pride Inc. provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 9-23. Our Drop-in Center is at 473 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903. Visit www.youthprideri.org, email info@youthprideri.org, or call (401) 421-5626.

AIDS Project RI

by Christion Battey, HIV Testing and Prevention Program Coordinator

Stephen Keig, APRI’s Volunteer of the Year Stephen Keig (right), a 14year volunteer at AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI), was recently presented with a plaque for his continuous support and longterm volunteerism by Executive Director Stephen Hourahan (left). Keig was diagnosed HIV+ in 1987 and developed full-blown AIDS in 1996. During his time as a volunteer camera operator for a television show called Positive Changes, he wanted to increase his volunteerism and was referred to APRI back in 2001, when it was located on West Exchange Street, years before it became a program of Family Service of RI. Despite the many changes in the world and at APRI, Stephen Keig has been a dedicated and steadfast presence.

United Way 2-1-1 Partners with APRI to Provide HIV Testing Thanks to Jay Burdick and United Way 2-1-1 for the use of their Outreach RV during two recent community HIV testing events.The RV allows us to conduct free and anonymous HIV testing in a safe and comfortable environment while traveling to different communities. 2-1-1 is the statewide resource center for information and referrals and is supported by a national network of referral experts. By dialing 2-1-1 on a telephone, people in need connect with a trained and caring call specialist who will help them find assistance through a variety of circumstances including childcare needs, mental health issues, food and heating assistance, gambling problems, and elder care services. In the event of a significant storm or natural disaster, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island supports state agencies and connects people to critical services. We look forward to many more community partnerships with United Way 2-1-1.q AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI, providing case management, various health-related services, advocacy, and prevention education. Free and anonymous HIV and Hep-C testing is offered Tuesdays from 4-6pm,Thursdays from 5-6:30pm, and by appointment. APRI’s location is 9 Pleasant Street, Providence. Call (401) 831-5522 or visit www.aidsprojectri.org for more info.

Options | November 2015

Stargaze Fest ival by Mimi Gonzalez

The third Stargaze Women’s Music Festival, produced by Lesbian Nightlife founder Beth McGurr, was held September 25-27 at the Barrington Shores Campground in New Hampshire. Participants were greeted with clear skies and nights kept warm by great DJs Reese, Superior, Lana, and Silly Syl. Ms. McGurr’s annual events include Ptown’s Memorial Day parties and the epic Boston Pride Esme Block Party. Chris Costonis, owner of the resort, is so impressed by McGurr’s productions, that he hired her to produce his “Cowboy Avenue” event earlier in the season.

featured artists. This year’s festival highlighted Kristen Merlin from The Voice, Out of Habit, and Kelly Zullo among the 16 acts, which included two trapeze artists. Melissa Ferrick headlined and brought her genuine voice, clean and driving guitar licks, and the beautifully written lyrics she’s known for. Her show

on Saturday was complete with a lesson in song-writing, something she’s teaching at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Kayaking on Barrington Lake, giant bubble-blowing, the world’s largest Light Bright, face-painting, drumming and yoga workshops, and plenty of DJ-spun dance

Stargaze gives female musicians a place to shine for an audience hungry to hear themselves represented. Acclaimed acts Adrienne Mack Davis and SisterFunk were last year’s

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events are some of Stargaze’s featured activities. Ever been to a silent disco? Lesbian NightLife puts two DJs on after the glow party and gives every participant headphones with two channels. From the outside, the only sounds heard are of dust being kicked up by dancers. From inside the headphones, the option to bounce between two spinners keep the dance floor moving. The Stargaze Women’s Music Festival is still in its beginning stage and it’s exciting to imagine what next year’s festival may bring. I found you could always warm up by a fire and wake up to find women offering breakfast. If throwing caution to the wind and pitching a tent isn’t in your stars, follow the lead of Jonta Davis, support staff to so many Lesbian Night Life and Provincetown-for-Women events, who says she’s “happy to be glamping” (glamour-camping). VIP cabins with full bathrooms and a fridge are available.

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For information about next year’s Stargaze and other Lesbian Night Life events, go to www.lesbiannightlife.com. q Mimi Gonzalez is a Michigan-based and raised, Ohio-born, Cuban-Italian American, and nationally-televised comedian, world-traveling entertainer, freelance journalist, radio host, panel moderator, and RI PrideFest emcee. Learn more at www.mimigonzalez.com.

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. Phone numbers are in the 401 area code and addresses are in Rhode Island, unless otherwise indicated.

Addiction Support Groups AA Brothers in Sobriety: Saturday 7:30pm. 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence. 751-9328. Alcohol/Drug Helpline: RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence. 24hr. (866) 252-3784. RI LGBT AA Group: Tuesdays 7-8pm. The Wellness Company,132A George M Cohan Blvd., Providence. 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.

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

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

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HIV Antibody Testing: Anonymous.Free or sliding scale.RI Department of Health. Providence, Newport and other locations. 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care management for HIV/AIDS. 24hr nursing staff for treatment. 1085 North Main Street, Providence. Referrals: 782-0725. Bereavement groups: Contact John Charette, 727-7079. Main Office: 415-4200 or toll-free 800-338-6555. www.hhcri.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Road, Cumberland. 658-3992. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group: For LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems. www.caregiver.org Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor. (508) 984-7514. Partners in Learning About AIDS: Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations. North Providence office provides free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. 1006 Charles Street, Suite 5, North Providence. 484-7523. info@plaidsproject.org. www.plaidsproject.org. Planned Parenthood of So. New England: Confidential, lowcost, same-day & walk-in STD and HIV testing. Commonsense approach to health. 111 Point St., Providence. 800-230-7526. www.ppsne.org. Project Weber: Services for male sex workers. Drop-in center, support groups, HIV and Hep C testing, clean needles. 383-4888. www.projectweber.org.

Seven Hills HIV Prevention & Screening: TWIST program, HIV and STI prevention and testing,partner care.1173AcushnetAvenue, New Bedford, MA, 508-999-4159. 310 S. Main Street, Fall River, MA, 508-235-1012. Contact Leonard Amaral, lamaral@sevenhills.org. SSTAR (Stanley Street Treatment & Resources): Counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs, free and confidential HIV, HEP C, and STD testing, education, case management and support. MA and RI locations. 386 Stanley Street, Fall River, MA. (508) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/HCV); (508) 324-3561. Family Healthcare Center; (508) 675-1054. www.sstar.org. Steppingstone, Inc.: Welcome Home Medical case management program. One-on-one peer support in Somerset to Wareham area. HIV support groups available. Free and open to any HIV+ person 18+. 5 Dover Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 984-7514. www.steppingstoneinc.org. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation.109 Rhode Island Road, Lakeville, MA. (508) 947-1683. www.tranquilmind.net. Thundermist Health Center: Provides HIV/AIDS services including medical care and treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment and counseling, pharmacy consultation, free and confidential HIV testing. 450 Clinton Street, Woonsocket. Contact Philip Kane. 767-4100 ext. 3516.

Information/Education

The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health: Education, pleasure, health, advocacy. Tues. -- Sat. 12 -- 6 and by appointment. 250 Main Street, Unit 1, Pawtucket. 489-5513. www.thecsph.org. Fenway Community Center LGBT Helpline: Support, information and referrals. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston. Open daily 6-11pm. (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-452 GLBT National Help Center Hotline: Local resources

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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. United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 on your telephone.

Nightlife The Alley Cat Providence: Downtown neighborhood bar. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 2pm2am, Sunday 2pm-1am. 19 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. Bobby’s Place: Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. SundayWednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday-Saturday 5pm-2am. 62 Weir Street,Taunton, MA. (508) 824-9997. www.bobbysplacema.com. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Providence: public/private venue for music, art, film screenings, weddings, showers, etc. RHODYWOOD@yahoo.com; 359-0192. Club Body Center: Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24hr. 257 Weybosset Street, Providence. 274-0298. www.cbcresorts.com. The Dark Lady: Downtown bar and nightclub. TuesdayThursday 9pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 9pm-3am, Sunday 9pm1am. 17 Snow Street, Providence. 272-6369. EGO: Providence’s newest gay nightlife performance/event space. Sunday and Thursday 9pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 10pm-3am, 73 Richmond St, Providence. 383-1208. www.egopvd.com.

Indigo Lounge: 599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry RI 02816. Breakfast buffet, specialty pizzas, T Dances, live entertainment, karaoke Thurs. Hours vary, closed Mon. www.indigopizza.com. Mirabar: Downtown bar and nightclub. Monday-Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 3pm-2am, Sunday 3pm-1am. 15 Elbow Street, Providence. 331-6761. www.mirabar.com. Providence Eagle: Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. MondayThursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday-Sunday 12pm2am. 124 Snow Street, Providence. 421-1447. The Stable: Downtown video bar. No cover. Monday-Thursday 2pm-1am, Friday 2pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-2am, Sunday 12pm1am. 125 Washington Street, Providence. 272-6950. The Village: Downtown Providence’s newest LGBT owned and operated restaurant and live entertainment venue. Lunch & dinner Wednesday through Sunday for varying hours. 373 Richmond St. 228-7222, www.thevillageri.com

Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220, Providence. 831-7171. riaclu.org. Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTQ human rights. (212) 807-8400. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com. www.amnestyusa.org. Brown University Queer Alliance: Student advocacy and support organization. queer@brown.edu. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/ HIV legal info hotline. Weekdays 1:30-4:30pm. 30 Winter Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA. (617) 436-1350 or (800) 455-GLAD. gladlaw@glad.org www.GLAD.org. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500, NY. (212) 809-8585. www.lambdalegal.org. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for LGBT causes. lawyersforequality@gmail.com. National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues. info@nlgja.org, www.nlgja.org.

The Next Thing (TNT): Political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. 863-3062. tnt@brown.edu. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: Hate crime awareness training program. www.hatecrimeri.org. RI Socialist Action: 952-5385, adgagneri@gmail.com. Spanish: 351-3514, walsil@cox.net. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. 180 Westminster Street, 3rd floor, Providence. 222-2662 TTY: 222-2664, richr.ri.gov. Scouts for Equality: An organization composed largely of Boy Scouts of America alumni dedicated to ending the BSA’s ban on gay members and leaders. Contact Carol Crowther. ccrowther1@gmail.com. Facebook.com/riscoutsforequality. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Serving LGBT military personnel and veterans. PO Box 65301, Washington DC. (202) 328-3244. or (800) 538-7418. sldn@sldn.org. www.sldn.org.

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Religious & Spiritual All Saints Memorial Church: 674Westminster Street, Providence. 751-1747. asmcri@verizon.net. www.allsaintsmemorial.org. Amicable Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Pastor William Sterrett. Sunday 10am. 3736 Main Road, Tiverton. 624-4611. amicablechurch@aol.com, www.amicablechurch.org. Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists: robin@awab.org, www.awab.org. Barrington Congregational Church: UCC. “The white church.” Sundays 10am. 461 County Road, Barrington. 246-0111. office@bccucc.org, www.bccucc.org. Bell Street Chapel: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Rev. Margaret Weis. Sundays 10am. 5 Bell Street, Providence. 273-5678. www.bellstreetchapel.org. Beneficent Congregational Church: UCC. An Open & Affirming congregation in the heart of Providence. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman. Sundays 10am. 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. 331-9844. BeneficentChurchUCC@gmail.com, www.beneficentchurch.org. Berean Baptist Church: A safe and welcoming place for all God’s children. Sunday 10am. 474 Chapel Street, Harrisville. 568-5411. bereanbaptist@verizon.net. www.bereanri.org. Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown: LGBTQ early dementia support group. Contact Amy. Sundays 10:30am. 200 Turner Road, Middletown. 847-6181, www.middletownmethodist.com. Central Congregational Church: UCC.An Opening & Affirming Congregation. Sundays 10:30am. 296 Angell Street, Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church: Unitarian Universalist. A Welcoming Congregation. Sundays 10am. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643. administrator@channingchurch.org. www.channingchurch.org. Charter Oak Grove ADF: An Open and Welcoming Congregation of Neo-pagan Druids in CT. charteroakadf@gmail. com, www.charteroakadf.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale: Episcopal. 1643 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln. Services 8am and 10:30am. 725-1920. office@christchurchlincoln.org. www.christchurchlincoln.org. Church of the Ascension, 390 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI 02910. Sundays at 10am. 461-5811. www.ascensioncranston.org.

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Church of the Epiphany: A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. 1336 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. 434-5012. info@epiphanyep.org, www.epiphanyep.org. Church of the Holy Paraclete: Independent Old Catholic. Fr. Jakob Lazarus. Sunday 9am and 6pm. 155 Douglas Avenue, Providence. 218-0706. www.holyparaclete.org. Edgewood Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Service 10am. 1788 Broad Street, Cranston. 461-1344. office@edgewoodchurchri.org. www.edgewoodchurchri.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland. 658-1506. office@emmanuelri.org. www.emmanuelri.org. First Congregational Church in Bristol: An Open and Affirming Congregation. Skip Macaulay, Interim Pastor. 281 High Street, Bristol. 253-7288. www.fccbristol.org. First Unitarian Church: A welcoming congregation. Sunday 10:30am. 1 Benevolent Street, Providence. 421-7970. admin@firstunitarianprov.org, www.firstunitarianprov.org. First Unitarian Church: Service 11am. 71 8th Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-9686. admin@uunewbedford.org, www.uunewbedford.org. First Universalist Society: UU. Welcoming congregation. Samegender weddings. 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA. (508) 5285348. fusf@verizon.net, www.fusf.org. Foxboro Universalist Church: UUA. Service 10am. 6 Bird Street, Foxboro, MA. 508-543-4002. chair@uufoxborough.org. www.uufoxborough.org. Grace Episcopal Church in Providence: 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. hello@gracechurchprovidence.org. www.gracechurchprovidence.org. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation. Pastor Sandra Demmler D’Amico. 647 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2898. www.immanuellc.org. Interweave at Channing Memorial UU Church: Organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons, and their allies, confronting oppression. 135 Pelham Street, Newport. 846-0643. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd: A “Reconciling in Christ” congregation (Welcoming). 3383 Old North Rd., Kingston, RI. Sundays 9 am. Pastor Mary Hansen-Joyce. 789-7776; office@ goodshepherdri.org

Mathewson St. Church: United Methodist. 134 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-8900. MathewsonStUMC@gmail.com. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. mercycomm@yahoo.com, www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church: Marriage and commitment ceremonies for all. Rev. Bob McKetchnie. 505 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org. Newman Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 434-4742. www.newmanucc.org. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Open & Affirming. Rev. Hayes and Rev. Baker. 73 Pelham Street, Newport. 849-2238. Park Place Congregational Church: 71 Park Place, Pawtucket. 726-2800. office@ppucc.necoxmail.com, www.parkplaceucc.com. The Pub Church: An Open & Affirming church that meets in a pub. Location may change. Saturday 5pm. The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. thepubchurch@gmail.com. Pilgrim Lutheran Church: An inclusive congregation. Sundays 8 and 9:30am. 1817 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. 739-2937. parishasst@pilgrimlutheranri.org, pilgrimlutheranri.jimdo.com. Pilgrim United Church of Christ: Open and Affirming. 635 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)-997-9086. Riverside Church: UCC.15 Oak Avenue, Riverside. Service 10am. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com. St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 15 Lower College Road, Kingston. 783-2153. Sundays 8am and 10am. StAugustinesChurch@necoxmail.com, www.staugustineuri.org. St. James Church: Episcopal. 474 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 8 and 10am. 50 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 751-2141. StMartinsNB.Secretary@gmail. com, www.stmartinsprov.org. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: Welcoming Church. Monthly LGBT Eucharist. 136 Rivet Street, New Bedford, MA. (508)994-8972. stmartins1887@comcast.com, www.stmartinsma.org. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Sundays 9am.50 Park Place,Pawtucket. 728-4300. office@stpaulspawtucket.org, www.stpaulspawtucket.org. St. Paul’s Church: A welcoming Episcopal church. Sundays 9am. 2679 East Main Street, Portsmouth. 683-1164. stpaulsportsmouthri.org.

St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Avenue, Providence. 272-9649.stpanda25@verizon.net. www.stpeters-standrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church: Open & Affirming. Fr. David Martins. Sunday 10:30am. 1500 Main St., W. Warwick, RI 02893. 680-9076. stocc134@gmail.com, www.saintthereseocc.org. Second Congregational Church of Attleboro: UCC. Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday 10am. (508) 2224677. office2nd@verizon.net. www.attleborosecondchurch.org. Seekonk Congregational Church: Open & Affirming. Sundays 9 and 10:30am. Rev. Joy Utter, 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. (508) 336-9355. sccucc@verizon.net. www.scc-ucc.com. Soka Gakkai: Buddhist association for peace, culture, and education. Contact for weekly meetings in Providence. 930 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. (617) 264-2000. www.sgi-usa.org. Temple Agudas Achim: Reconstructionist congregation. 901 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243. office@agudasma.org, www.agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. 331-6070. info@temple-beth-el.org, www.temple-beth-el.org. Temple Emanu-El: A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin. 99 Taft Avenue, Providence. 331-1616. info@teprov.org, www.teprov.org. Temple Habonim: A warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. 2456536. office@templehabonim.org, www.templehabonim.org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform temple. Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser, 30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston. 942-8350. webmaster@templesinairi.org, www.templesinairi.org. Unitarian Church in Fall River: Sunday 10:30am. 309 North Main Street, Fall River, MA. 508-678-9700. office@unitarianchurchfr.org, www.unitarianchurchfr.org. Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven: Service 10:30am. 102 Green Street, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 992-7081. www. uufairhaven.org. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County: 27 North Road, Peace Dale. 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. uucscri@ yahoo.com. www.uusouthcountyri.org. Westminster Unitarian Universalist Church: A UUA Welcoming Congregation. 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich. 884-5933. www.westminsteruu.org.

Social Organizations Bear Providence: Monthly social events for the bear community. www.bearprovidence.com Bisexual Resource Center: PO Box 170796, Boston, MA. (617) 4249595. brc@bicresource.net www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-gender social events for Boston and the surrounding area. (617) 424-9595. biversity-subscribe@biversity.org, www.biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman Quarterly.” www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bearidentified and affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA): 56 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA. (508) 778-7744. info@cisgsya.org, www.cigsya.org. Communisong: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.communisong.net.

CORISMA: Potluck get-togethers for couples from RI and southeast MA. corismainfo@comcast.net, www.corismagroup.org. Imperial Court of RI at Providence: Drag and non-drag performers raise funds for local charities. All welcome to general membership meetings on first Monday at Dark Lady, 17 Snow Street, Providence. icri.prov@gmail.com. www.icriprov.org. Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more. Monthly meetings, all welcome. Mixedborders@cox.net. www.mixedborders.com. Opera Club: Enjoy hearing and attending. Last Sunday of each month at 1pm. BrettCornellpi4@aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and non-singing volunteers welcome. Monday 7-9:30pm. Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. www.provgmc.org. Queer Book Club: 3rd Wednesday, 7pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence, queerbookclub@gmail.com.

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RI Association of Gay Professionals: Networking and philanthropy. www.riagp.com. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie. 464-2288. saphicangel120@yahoo.com. RI Pride: Open house 4th Wednesdays. Festival & Parade 3rd Saturday in June. Office: 1005 Main Street #1105 Pawtucket. Mail: PO Box 1082, Providence, 02903. 467-2130. info@prideri.com, www.prideri.com. RI Prime Timers: Social and networking group for older gay and bi men. Second Sunday. Call Steve, 996-3010. www.riprimetimers.org. RI Skeptics Society: Yearning to talk with someone rational? Refreshing discussion. Fourth Saturday. East Providence restaurant location. www.meetup.com/skeptics-133/.

RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group. 21+. Dances & events. www.riwa.net. SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Advocacy, education and social events for LGBT seniors. SAGE-RI at CareLink, 1 Virginia Ave., Providence, RI 02905. 443-4451. sageriinfo@gmail. com. www.sage-ri.org. SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of southeastern MA & RI to foster strong friendships. Semassmen-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com. rlevass@yahoo.com. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for GLBT vintage and specialty car enthusiasts. www.yankeelcc.com.

Sports & Recreation PrideSports Boston: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area. www.pridesportsboston.com. Boston Gay BASKETBALL League: ksg.bgbl@gmail.com, www.bgbl.com. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin BOWLING League: Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Tuesday 6:30pm. 1463 Atwood Avenue, Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. Contact Frank Ferri. 831-6940.www.bgalbowling. com. www.townhalllanes.com. GALA Bowling League: Sundays 5:50 p.m., E. Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Ave., E. Providence. Season begins Aug. 30. View us on Facebook or email galabowling1990@gmail.com. FLAG (For Lesbians And Gays) FOOTBALL: Boston-based recreational football club. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Saturday mornings in the fall and spring. www.flagflagfootball.com. Boston Pride HOCKEY: www.bostonpridehockey.org. Rondeaus KICKBOXING: 272-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com. Main Street MARTIAL ARTS: Non-profit. Welcoming dojo and community center. 1282 North Main Street, Providence. 274-7672.www.mainstma.org. Chiltern Mountain Club: OUTDOOR recreation club in New England. events@chiltern.org. www.chiltern.org. Boston Gay ROWERS: Worldwide online community for gay and lesbian rowers, coxies, coaches, and race officials. www.glrf.org. Boston Ironsides RUGBY Football: www.bostonironsides.org. Providence Women’s RUGBY Club: Competitive and recreational. www.providencerugby.com Frontrunners Rhode Island RUNNING Group: Running and walking group. Newcomers welcome. Meet at the end of Blackstone

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Boulevard at Hope Street, Providence.Thursday 6pm. Contact Brian. 751-7643. bripm@cox.net, frontrunnersri@gmail.com Frontrunners Boston RUNNING Group: Morning walk/ run along the Charles River. Saturdays,10am. Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. www.frontrunnersboston.org. OutRyders SKIING: New England’s largest gay and lesbian ski and snowboard club. www.outryders.org. Boston Strikers SOCCER Club: Non-profit social organization to learn and improve soccer skills in a relaxed, congenial environment. www.bostonstrikers.com. Renaissance City SOFTBALL League: New players and boosters always welcome. www.providencesoftball.org. Beantown SOFTBALL League: Friendly competition. 27 teams in four divisions of play: competitive, intermediate, and recreational. (617) 297-7490. www.beantownsoftball.com. LANES (Liquid Assets New England SWIMMING): Fitness and/or competition. (617) 937-5858. www.swim-lanes.org. TENNIS-4-All: Boston area tennis organization. www.tennis4all.org. Cambridge Boston VOLLEYBALL Association: Players of all skill levels welcome. secretary@cbvolleyball.net www.gayvolleyball.net. Ocean State Pride VOLLEYBALL League: Adult coed indoor league following USVBA rules. No try-outs. Fee applies. Kent County YMCA, 900 Centerville Road, Warwick. ospvolleyball@gmail.com. East Coast WRESTLING Club: (617)937.5858 x6. ecwc@juno.com. www.eastcoastwrestlingclub.org.

Students & Youth Bristol Community College The Lambda Connection: (TLC@ BCC) Robert Delaleu, Advisor; BCC-G118, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA (774)357-4056. Brown University Queer Alliance: Umbrella organization at Brown University for LGBTQ groups. 863-3062. queer@brown. edu or lgbtq@brown.edu. CCRI Triangle Alliance: an LGBTQQ student-run group at CCRI, on the Flanagan, Liston, and Knight campuses. www.ccri.edu/triangle/. LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743. Private oneto-one chat and info on local resources. Peer Listening Line: Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth. Support, info and referrals. 5-10pm. Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA. (617) 267-9001 or (800) 399-PEER. www. fenwayhealth.org. Salve Regina University â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Alliance: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport. Contact: Benjamin Mead, benjamin.mead@ salve.edu SeaQuel (Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership): a program of PRYSM. Monthly Sunday meetings. 383-7450. SeaQuel@prysm.us. www.prysm.us.

S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence. 865-1631. shepard@providence.edu. The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. (866)4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). thetrevorproject.org. University of RI LGBTIQ2: Alumni association. 874-5808. gsimonelli@uri.edu. URI LGBTQ Center: A cultural department for students, faculty and staff. Florence Badejo. 874-2894. Youth Pride Inc.: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13--23. Tues. -- Fri. 2 -- 8pm. The Way Out peer support group Thurs. 4pm. Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 4pm. Visit our website for full calendar of events. 743 Westminster St., Providence. 421-5626. info@youthprideri.org. www.youthprideri.org.

Support Groups & Social Services Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline: (617) 742-4911. TTY: (617) 227-4911. advocate@tnlr.org. Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help. Jewish Family Service, 959 North Main Street, Providence. Contact Betsy Alper. 3315437. www.adoptionoptions.org. Child & Family Services: Counseling, young parent support, adoption, more. LGBT groups beginning July. Open six days. 66 Troy St., Fall River, MA. (508) 676-5708. www.childfamilyservices.org Community Care Alliance: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 235-6095. www.famresri.org. 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 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 menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support group. No fee. Wednesday 7:30pm. Contact Tom or Mike. 369-9448. info@gayshare.org, www.gayshare.org. GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project: Support, info, shelter. 955 Massachusetts Avenue, Private Message Box 131, Cambridge, MA. (800) 832-1901. www.glbtqdvp.org. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline and social networks for crisis and suicide prevention. 24/7. (866) 4-U-Trevor.

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HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group: Refreshments served. AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Avenue, Providence. 5213603. New members contact Scott. 640-3108. Kathys’ Group: Free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Partners and caregivers welcome. Meets monthly in Providence. 888-5KATHYS. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Socializing and discussions for gay, bi and curious men. Confidential. Drug and alcohol-free. 18+.Thursdays in Taunton and first Tuesdays in New Bedford. 7-8:30pm. mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com. MentalHelp.net: National directory of inpatient treatment options for those with substance abuse problems. www. mentalhelp.net/care/substance-abuse/ri/ Partner Support Group at Fenway Health: A ten-week support group with the purpose of building community and connections for anyone who identifies as non-trans, ages 18+, and is in a relationship with a trans* person(s). 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. Contact Sarah Eley, LICSW. 857-313-6551. seley@fenwayhealth.org. PFLAG (Parents, & Friends of Lesbians & Gays): Attleboro Chapter serves Southeast Mass. Third Wednesday 6:45 p.m., Second Congregational Church, 50 Park St. (side door). email pflagattleboro@gmail.com. Greater Providence Chapter serves all R.I. First Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571. PFLAGprovidence@gmail.com. www. pflagprovidence.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24hr helpline: (800) 494-8100. 467-9940. RI Rainbow Support Group: For people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Last Tuesday. 98 Rolfe Street, Cranston. 6-7:30pm. Contact Ken Renaud. 785-2100. Samaritans: 24hr hotline for suicidal,lonely,despairing,depressed. (800) 365-4044. 272-4044 (RI only). www.samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, bilingual (Spanish). No caller ID used. Calls blocked for safety. 861-6191 ext. 121. Sojourner House: Call for confidential support group. Support, shelter, advocacy and information for people in abusive relationships. Including specific LGBT services. No caller ID used. Outgoing calls blocked for safety. 24hr helpline. 765-3232. 8616191. www.sojournerri.org Straight Spouses: Groups and online support. www. straightspouse.org. TGI Network of RI: Support, advocacy for transgender, transsexual, gender-variant and/or intersex people. Borderlands peer group 1st & 3d Tues. and 1st & 3d Sat. of the month. Location & information: 441-5058. info@tginetwork.org. www. tginetwork.org. Trans* Partners New England: Gives romantic partners of transgender people a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people.

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First Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm. Providence. Location unpublished for privacy. partners@tginetwork.org. Trans* Youth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. info@imatyfa.org, www.imatyfa. org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www. tavausa.org. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties: Offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263. www.wrcnbc.org. q

Jennifer A. Minuto LGBT Legal Advocacy.

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Worth a Look by The Lit Chick Historian and memoirist Lillian Faderman’s newest book, The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle is a masterpiece that should become required reading. Faderman, an internationally renowned scholar and two-time New York Times Notable Book of the Year author, interviewed more than 150 LGBT pioneers, politicians, military leaders, and activists for the book, which moves seamlessly from the 1940s through June 2015. The Gay Revolution is engaging and entertaining; by focusing on the personal stories of key figures, Faderman humanizes history. Starting with the 1948 dismissal of University of Missouri professor E.K. Johnston and the federally-funded witch hunts that destroyed thousands of lives, and ending with President Barack Obama’s congratulatory phone call to Edie Windsor, Faderman weaves a multi-faceted tale of our journey from society’s scapegoats to equal citizens under the law. I especially like that she doesn’t shy away from the growing pains and disagreements within the LGBT community that have perhaps shaped our history more than we realize. As for Faderman herself, she dedicates the book to her partner of 40-plus years, Phyllis Irwin, “who is--and always has been--necessary to it all.” Find and celebrate The Gay Revolution on Amazon or at Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street in Providence, home of Rhode Island’s Queer Book Club.

“We are grateful for your outrage, America, but we ask, ‘Where have you been? Where will you be, America, when this story of Matthew Shepard grows old?” So shouted a rally leader in October of 1998, following the death of Matthew Shepard, who was driven to deserted farmland, brutally beaten, and left to die by two men who claimed that homophobia made them do it. Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine, a powerful documentary celebrating the life of Shepard as told by the people who were closest to him, has made its television premiere to observe the

anniversary of his death. “For those of us who knew him, Matt’s story will never grow old, because the pain of losing him is still fresh,” says Michele Josue, who attended boarding school with Shepard, and directed the award winning film. “I know if the world knows our Matt—the real Matt—I know it won’t be able to let him go either.” Interviews, home movies, photos, and even Shepard’s own journal entries paint an intimate portrait of a man whose humanness may have been overshadowed by the media portrayals of an incomprehensible tragedy. See Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine on Logo and Logo on Demand, and learn more about the Matthew Shepard Foundation at www.matthewshepard.org.

The blue-haired Halsey, also known as Ashley Frangipane, brings haunting electro-pop/rock to her first full-length album, Badlands.The emerging artist, who named herself after a street in Brooklyn that’s an anagram of her real name, made her debut on YouTube and has risen to fame with buzz-worthy performances at the SXSW Music Festival and as an opener for Imagine Dragons on their recent tour. The openly bisexual Jersey native delivers lush lyrics about lovers of both sexes, and in the process defines her own judgment-free zone. “They think I’m insane; they think my lover is strange,” she sings on “Strange Love.” “But I don’t have to fucking tell them anything, anything.” In her newfound fame, the worldly Halsey seems reluctant to compromise her autonomy as she searches for an anchor. What I like most about her music is the precision of her lyrics. “New Americano,” the standout single, rallies a new generation around gay marriage and the American Dream, but my favorites are the introspective “Gasoline,” and “Castle,” an epic anthem that finds her kicking and screaming onto the pedestal that will inevitably be hers. Halsey is definitely worth a listen as you lounge with friends on these chilly November nights.

Options | November 2015