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Bring Them Home!
When Tiverton native Sarah Jane Correia fell in love with Emma, a Brit, they never thought their love would be affected so harshly by Sarah’s government. Pictured below with their son, they live in exile in the U.K., despite their desire to live here in Rhode Island. Read their story on page 16.
In this issue: 3 10
Lesbians on the Loose
News Briefs
6
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12 Roller Derby Lesbians
14 Understanding SCOTUS Arguments 16 Hurt by DOMA 18 TGI Network 20 RI Pride 22 Gay Professional Network 23 AIDS Project RI 24 AIDS Care Ocean State 25 SAGE/RI 26 Youth Pride, Inc.
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News Briefs Boy Scouts’ Gay Ban To Be Dropped For Youth, But Not Adults The Boy Scouts of America is proposing to partially lift its long-standing exclusion of gays – allowing them as youth members but continuing to bar them as adult leaders.
April 23, 2013:
who, as an adult, wants to continue a lifetime of scouting by becoming a troop leader?” asked HRC’s Chad Griffin. HRC has launched a petition asking its supporters, especially those who are a part of scouting, to call on their local Boy Scouts of America council to vote in favor of a national policy prohibiting discrimination against gay scouts and scout leaders. The petition can be found at HRC.org/BSA.
The proposal will be submitted to the BSA’s National Council during the May 20 meeting in Texas. Watchdog groups GLAAD and HRC have criticized the proposal as inadequate. “What message does this resolution send to the gay Eagle Scout
Trans 100
SNDA
The inaugural Trans 100 selection was released last month, the result of a collaborative effort to recognize the diversity of transgender Americans who are currently doing work to better the lives of other transgender people. The complete list can be found at www.thetrans100.com
On April 18 in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) announced the reintroduction of the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA). Despite the frequency with which students are targeted for harassment based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, there are currently no federal comprehensive anti-bullying protections. This legislation would protect students from bullying, violence, and harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The bill enjoys significant support and is being introduced with over 100 original co-sponsors.
40 Under 40 The Advocate has named 40 LGBT individuals younger than 40
LSU Football Team Tackles Homophobia in Sports
who are “accomplished leaders in politics,
After a Louisiana State University football player and coach made offensive remarks about LGBT athletes last month, other players showed they were ready to embrace openly gay athletes. A sophomore quarterback noted: “If he can play for LSU, he will play for LSU,” while a kicker stressed the importance of treating everyone with dignity: “I think the main thing is people can learn as fans, as athletes, as just people in general, just respect one another and it ends at that.”
sports, science, religion, and the arts.” This year’s list includes Alex Morse, the 24-year-old mayor of Holyoke, Mass.; Filmmaker Amir Dixon of Boston; and Justin Chenette, a 22-year-old state legislator in Maine.
More News Briefs on page 5 options
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From the Editor’s Desk
Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982
The Senate Judiciary Has Spoken Well, it’s official. On April 23, Senate Bill 28 -- Senator Donna Nesselbush’s Marriage Equality Bill -- was voted by a comfortable margin out of the Judiciary Committee, headed for a full debate and vote on the Senate floor. As Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts said moments after the vote, “Our family members and friends, neighbors and co-workers deserve to be treated fairly and protected equally under the law, and this vote marks the beginning of the final steps in our journey as a state toward extending true marriage equality to all Rhode Islanders.” This is a huge victory for the gay and
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lesbian community in Rhode Island. In a refreshing moment of levity, Sen. Nesselbush cast her vote as, “Aye. Aye, aye, aye.” There is still the matter of the Senate debate to weather, and all those in favor of marriage equality are asked to contact Rhode Islanders United for Marriage at www.RIUnited.org to pitch in and help make marriage equality a reality in our state!
Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org Writers Thomas Bertrand, Kalene Brennan, Annie Cronin-Silva, Rodney Davis, Sally Ann Hay, Kerri Kanelos, Laura Kiritsy, Maria Phillips, Jennifer Porcelli Copy Editors Dennis Bozzi, Jessica Cinquegrana, Nathaniel Zane, Brian Gay, Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Maria Phillips, Jim Seavor, Myra Shays Calendar Editor Lisé Schwartz calendar@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net
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www.optionsri.org © OPTIONS 2013. Options is published ten times each year. 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 be signed and accompanied by a phone number, but names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar or resource listings for the June issue must be delivered by May 10. Financial support is also always welcome. For a subscription, send us your name and address or subscribe online at www.optionsri.org. Moving? Send us your old address with your new address.
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News Briefs Transgender Candidates in Pakistan Hope to Spark Change
Clinton to Join Blade The Washington Blade announced last month that comedian Kate Clinton will join the paper’s roster of contributors as a regular columnist. The New England-based Clinton describes herself as a faith-based, taxpaying, America-loving political humorist and family entertainer.
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling in Pakistan gave transgender individuals the right to vote, and now some are running for office, convinced that their participation in politics will raise awareness of the plight of transgender people in the deeply conservative country. “People ask if we will win or lose in the elections. But I won when my nomination papers were submitted,” said Bindiya Rana, an openly transgender candidate running for office in Karachi.
“Let Your Freak Flag Fly” k.d. lang was officially inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in April. In addition to admitting to a lifelong crush on Anne Murray, the recording artist had this to say: “I think the fact that I’m standing here receiving this award says more about Canada than it does about me.... So I am here to tell you, my friends that it is OK to be you. It is OK to
let your freak flags fly. Embrace the quirkmeister that is inside all of us.”
CT Teen May Wear Anti-Gay T-Shirt at School A lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut said Wolcott High School student Seth Groody was allowed to wear a T-shirt that bore a slash mark through a rainbow. The other side showed a male and female stick figure holding hands above the message “Excessive Speech Day.” The ACLU said Groody wore the shirt April 19, which was designated as a day of awareness of harassment toward gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The ACLU disagrees “very strongly” with Seth’s views on gay rights, but its opinion has no bearing on his right to express those views, a spokesman said.
Marriage Bill Heads to Delaware House Floor
Gay Police Officer Featured on Boston Marathon Bombing Sports Illustrated Cover
A bill to legalize marriage for same-sex couples in Delaware is headed to the floor of the state’s House of Representatives after it easily passed a House committee in late April. The measure’s lone Republican co-sponsor, Rep. Mike Ramone, says his past support of a civil-unions bill prompted some in his district to inform him that he was going to hell.
An image featuring Javier Pagan, an openly gay police officer of the Boston Police Department (pictured far right), was captured after the Marathon explosions in April. Pagan is a member of the Gay Officers’ Action League (GOAL). He was the recipient of an Award for Excellence from Boston’s LGBT chamber of commerce in 2005. (Look for an article about GOAL in next month’s Options)
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Calendar Got a big event coming up? Let us know about it! Send your listing by the 10th of the month preceding to calendar@optionsri.org, and we’ll see that it gets into the next edition.
and 11:15 a.m. Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. See www. provgmc.org or www.pgmcspringsing. eventbrite.com.
May 1 thru 6/14 “Coming Home” – Portraits of Jewish Women. A multimedia exhibition: Jewishness, Transgender Identity, and Love. Kniznick Gallery at Brandeis University, 515 South St., Waltham, MA. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information call (781) 736-8102 or e-mail mlheur@ brandeis.edu. 1 PFLAG of Greater Providence meeting, 6:45-8:45 p.m. The Met School (Justice Building), 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571. 3 Luna’s Ladies Night, 9 p.m. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ $6 cover. Every Friday. See www. lunaspvd.com.
mother’s day brunch …with a french soul delicious dining for everyone
4 Providence Gay Men’s Chorus A Spring Sing and May Breakfast, 9:30
4 Cheryl Wheeler, 8 p.m. Common Fence Music, 933 Anthony Rd., Portsmouth. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $35. For more information and tickets call 683-5085 or go to www.commonfencemusic.org. 5 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7p.m. Social and networking for gay and bisexual men 40+. Social, dinner and meeting. www. riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 9963010. 7 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location is withheld for partic-
GAY
your host, Deb Norman
Rue De L'Espoir american bistro cooking open everyday breakfast, lunch & dinner 99 Hope St. Prov. RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 www.therue.com
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ur The THIRD Thursday of EVERY MONTH! Miss hostess, Kitty Litter Doors open at 6pm, Bingo starts at 7pm SHARP! ! The Riviera Bingo Palace 1612 Elmwood Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 $20 to play, 18+ event
Official Ball Puller, Haley Star!
Visit www.aidscareos.org for monthly themes!
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ipant privacy. See info@tginetwork.org for more information. 14 TransFamily New England, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free and confidential group meeting for parents and other family members of someone identifying as transgender, gender variant, and/or intersex. Meetings held in Providence. E-mail jewcy15@gmail.com to be added to the contact list. 14 Big Gay Al’s Bowling summer league starts, 7:15-9:30 p.m. Town Hall Lanes, 1463 Atwood Ave., Johnston. For more information and to sign up see www. bgalbowling.com. 15 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Book selection: “Ill Will” by J. M. Redman. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information e-mail queerbookclub@gmail. com. 16 It’s a Very Kitty World Gay Bingo, 6-9:30 p.m. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6; Bingo starts promptly at 7. $20 to play. 18+ event. Come dressed as Miss Kitty Litter! 18 COLAGE, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. For children, youth, and adults with one or more LGBT parent. Socializing and leadership development. The Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence. For more information e-mail vjutras5@gmail.com. 23 Melissa Ferrick at Fete Music Ballroom, 103 Dike St., Providence. 8:30 p.m. Doors open 7:30 p.m. General admission seating $18 in advance, and $20 at the door. Standing room tickets $12. See www.fetemusic.com or call 3831112 for information and to purchase tickets. 29 TransPartners New England, 6:30-8:30 p.m. A safe, confidential space for romantic partners of transgender people to explore the impact of a partner’s TGI identity on their relationship and to connect with other partners of TGI people. Meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. Contact partners@tginetwork.org for more informa-
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call (781) 736-8102 or e-mail mlheur@ brandeis.edu.
tion and meeting place.
June 1-14 “Coming Home” – Portraits of Jewish Women. A multimedia exhibition: Jewishness, Transgender Identity, and Love. Kniznick Gallery at Brandeis University, 515 South St., Waltham, MA. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information
4 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. See info@tginetwork.org
Come celebrate Miss Kitty Litter and Jeanne D’Agostino’s Birthday! Enjoy fabulous food, friends, music, drinks and more!
for more information. 5 Providence Gay Men’s Chorus presents “The Colors of Our Lives, “ 7 p.m. The Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. Tickets are $20, and may be purchased at www.pgmc.eventbrite.com or at the door prior to the concert. 7 Luna’s Ladies Night, 9 p.m. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ $6 cover. Every Friday. See www. lunaspvd.com. 8 Boston Pride Parade and Festival, 12 noon. See www.bostonpride.org for parade route and more information. 8 Providence Gay Men’s Chorus presents “The Colors of Our Lives, “ 7 p.m. The Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. Tickets are $20, and may be purchased at www.pgmc.eventbrite.com or at the door prior to the concert. 9 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7p.m. Social and networking for gay and bisexual men 40+. Social, dinner and meeting. www. riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 9963010. 9 Providence Gay Men’s Chorus presents “The Colors of Our Lives, “ 4 p.m. The Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. Tickets are $20, and may be purchased at www.pgmc.eventbrite.com or at the door prior to the concert.
Monday, June 3, 2013
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Providence Biltmore Hotel 3rd Floor Garden Terrace 11 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903 Tickets are $30 proceeds benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and The Highlander Charter School Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.aidscareos.org AIDS Care Ocean State
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11 TransFamily New England, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free and confidential group meeting for parents and other family members of someone identifying as transgender, gender variant, and/or intersex. Meetings held in Providence. E-mail jewcy15@gmail.com to be added to the contact list. 12 PFLAG of Greater Providence meeting, 6:45-8:45 p.m. The Met School (Justice Building), 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571. 13 Gay Pride Bingo, 6-9:30 p.m. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6; Bingo starts promptly at 7. $20 to play. 18+ event. 15 COLAGE, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. For children, youth, and adults with one or
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more LGBT parent. Socializing and leadership development. The Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence. For more information e-mail vjutras5@gmail.com. 15 RI Pride Festival & Nighttime Parade: “Love Forward”, 12 p.m., South Water Street, Providence. See www.prideri. com for more information. 19 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Book selection: “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily Danforth. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com. 26 TransPartners New England, 6:30-8:30 p.m. A safe, confidential space for romantic partners of transgender people to explore the impact of a partner’s TGI identity on their relationship and to connect with other partners of TGI people. Meetings are held in Providence. Contact partners@tginetwork. org for more information and meeting place. q
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Lesbians on the Loose out of the closet and out on the town!
...In which our heroes Annie & Melanie (pictured below in pink) find themselves at the hottest LGBTQ events in Rhode Island. Look for them where you see queer people coming together!
S
pring has sprung! Spring means new energy and new adventures.
We started April by attending the 2013 Triple Crown Pageant held in the Grand Ballroom at the Biltmore Hotel. If you have never been to this event, you are missing out. It was hosted by the fabulous Jacqueline DiMera and Kitty Litter, who definitely know how to organize a fantastic show. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, the Triple Crown Pageant crowns the new Mr. Gay RI, Ms. Lesbian RI and Miss Gay RI. The contestants compete in five different categories: private interview, theme costume, talent, formal wear and final question. This year the candidates were Brandon Joseph and Dion Baker for Mr. Gay RI; Brooke Arsenault and Alicia Ellery for Ms Lesbian RI; Brittany Fierce, Kelly Brooks, Ivy Deveraux, and Justus for Miss Gay RI. The theme was “Stay Tuned... A Celebration of TV Through the Years.” The contestants certainly dressed the part during the theme costume portion of the competition, when TV characters were brought to life. Everyone from Morticia from the Addams Family to Steve Urkel, Marge Simpson, Carlton from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Betty Boop, Snooki and even Honey Boo Boo graced the stage. You might be thinking this is just a frivolous pageant…. Yes, it is silly and fun, but this pageant has a deeper meaning, as the winners go on to represent the LGBT community and raise money for many organizations or charities. They bring
For more information on upcoming events, check Options’ calendar and online at http://optionsri.org/calendar. If you know of any events we should be attending, please email information to calendar@optionsri.org. XO, Annie & Melanie
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PFLAG
of Greater Providence
Invites You to Attend a Recognition Ceremony Honoring the Fifteen Years of Service, Dedication and Leadership of
Myra Shays Founder and President PFLAG of Greater Providence Chapter
ď Ł Thursday, June 6, 2013 4:00 p.m. The State Room Rhode Island State House Join us for light refreshments immediately following the ceremony.
CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS ADULTS
Depression awareness to the community at large and become spokespeople for the LGBT community.
ADHD Anxiety
All of the contestants were amazing, talented and passionate, and any one of them would have represented little Rhody well. The winners, representing Rhode Island for 2013 are:
Self-esteem Study Skills/ Time Management
Dion Baker, Mr. Gay RI;
Relationships/Intimacy
Alicia Ellery, Ms Lesbian RI; and Justus, Miss Gay RI. Congratulations to all the winners. The next year will be fast, furious, and exciting! Don’t forget that June is Gay Pride Month. The Pride festival is June 15, and RI Pride needs your help to make it a success. Get involved, contribute your time and be part of the creative process. For more information, visit www.prideri.com and click on the volunteer application. q
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John D. DaPonte, CAGS Mental Health Counselor
401.383.7647 MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED
Photography: Jack Hartwein-Sanchez may
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Providence Roller Derby Jennifer Porcelli
D
espite the 70-year history of roller derby, it was never identified as a legitimate sport until now. At first glance, derby appears to be somewhat of a spectacle. In some ways that is part of its charm. Beyond the fishnets and comical pseudonyms like “Crazy Dukes” and “Trophy Knife” are some serious hardcore athletes. The skill, tenacity and passion exhib-
ited by the women of the Providence Roller Derby league is inspiring. Providence Roller Derby was founded in 2004 and was the first all-female, flat-track roller derby league in New England. Today, the league is made up of three home teams, two traveling teams and a strong fan base throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. This non-profit organization is completely self-governed, and any money made during the games (called “bouts”) goes directly to funding the league. How does one get involved in a sport like roller derby? According to the two athletes I spoke with, it was a combination of boredom, intrigue and the desire to be surrounded by a group of kick-ass women. Liz Wong, 26 (aka Buzz AllDread, pictured at right) explained that the male-dominated field she worked in played a role in her decision to join derby. As a software engineer, Buzz was surrounded by straight male friends and was looking for a sport or a hobby that would allow her to connect with other women, both lesbian and straight. For the league’s team captain, Kristen Carey, 31 (aka Milla LowLife, shown at left), derby was
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a way for her to escape the monotony of her everyday life. She was growing tired of the same old routine and felt derby would be a way for her to satisfy her need to compete. These women may make the sport look easy, but roller derby takes an exceptional
“You can love who you want to love here and no one is going to judge you” says Milla, who credits roller derby for her decision to come out as a lesbian four months ago. amount of skill and fearlessness. “The most discouraging part is it takes a lot out of you—other relationships outside of derby may suffer, but it’s completely worth it,” says Milla. These women spend countless hours honing their skills and even commuting from neighboring states to Narragansett for practice. Amidst the stereotypes of women in hot pants and tutus throwing elbows at each other, derby requires a certain amount of athleticism and a tremendous amount of drive. When it comes to the LGBT community, the Providence Roller Derby league has an astonishing number of lesbian players. Buzz tells me there are at least “20 to 30 per cent” in the league alone. “You can love who you want to love here and no one is going to judge you” says Milla, who credits roller derby for her decision to come out as a lesbian four months ago. She candidly spoke
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...Girls on the Move! about her experience of being married to a man, having a son, but innately feeling like something was missing. She developed feelings for one of the other women players and, with the support of her team, she made the courageous decision to come out. “It was difficult to hurt people, but it’s more important for me to be myself and to be strong and happy for my son -- for him to know it’s okay to be yourself.” For those interested in getting involved in Providence Roller Derby, Buzz says it’s important to come to recruiting events, get on skates as soon as you can and as often as you can, and talk to people who are involved in it. The league offers several different teams for both beginner and experienced skaters and hosts events such as skills clinics, meet and greets and, of course, lots of bouts which you can attend. You may think you’ll never be able to move with the speed and agility of Buzz AllDread or command the rink like Milla LowLife, but don’t get discouraged. Gay, straight, young or old -- Lace up those skates and get ready to jam! www.providencerollerderby.com.
imagine... YOUR AD HERE.
advertising@optionsri.org
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Understanding the Supreme Court Arguments on Prop. 8 and DOMA Cases by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
The Supreme Court oral arguments in Hollingsworth v. Perry and United States v. Windsor made for two of the most exciting and important days in recent LGBT history. Mary L. Bonauto, the Civil Rights Project Director at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) was there. Though not one to predict outcomes in court cases, Bonauto was happy to share her analysis of the proceedings with Options readers.
ting definition applicable through the entire U.S. Code and its “singularity” in wiping out only the marriages of same-gender couples for federal purposes.
Paul Clement, the attorney hired by the U.S. House leadership to defend DOMA, argued that a “federal interest in uniformity” justifies DOMA. “His argument was that DOMA creates uniformity by treating a same-sex couple from Massachusetts like one from Oklahoma,” She’s optimistic about Bonauto explained. “Of United States v. Windsor, course, the difference bethe challenge to Section tween the two states is in Mary Bonauto 3 of the federal Defense their marriage laws, and of Marriage Act (DOMA). several justices were quick Based on the very active questioning at the to observe that the only uniform federal rule March 27 arguments, Bonauto observed at has been that the federal government defers least five justices who expressed concerns to the states’ determination of who is marabout DOMA’s constitutionality because of ried.” its “uniqueness in federal law” as a cross-cutShe added that Justice Breyer, among
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others, also questioned whether uniformity explains why the 1996 Congress singled out the marriages of same-gender couples for disrespect under federal law: Why not deny respect to marriages from states where people don’t have blood tests? Or anyone under age 18? Wouldn’t those distinctions be arbitrary? Mr. Clement had no answer. In one of the more dramatic moments, Bonauto recalled, Justice Kagan questioned whether a concern for uniformity really had anything to do with DOMA’s passage, and then read from the 1996 House Judiciary Committee Report on DOMA citing “disapproval of homosexuality” as one of DOMA’s purposes. Justice Ginsburg later spoke of “rank discrimination.” “Of course both Windsor and Perry – which challenges the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8 – are critically important, not only because they are about access to marriage and equal treatment of our marriages,” said Bonauto, “but because they will tell us so much about whether the grand promises of equal protection and lib-
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erty for all can eradicate official discrimination against LGBT people’s families.” GLAD’s marriage work continues as we seek to secure Rhode Island as the sixth New England state with marriage equality. And ever since same-sex couples began marrying in 2004 as a result of our win in Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health, we have seen first-hand how DOMA inflicts harm by treating married same-sex couples as single for all federal purposes, including for vital protections involving social security, health insurance, family medical leave, and protections for active duty military and veterans. Eradicating DOMA’s double standard is why GLAD litigated two DOMA cases of its own, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management and Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management. The cases are currently on hold, but Mary lent her substantial expertise on DOMA (along with others on the GLAD DOMA team) to the Windsor legal team by coordinating the amici curiae -- “friend of the court” -- briefs. In terms of case outcomes, the most favorable outcome is obviously a ruling striking down DOMA Section 3 in toto on equal protection grounds. Such a precedent would be a condemnation of sexual orientationbased double standards from our nation’s highest court. “It could also be a split decision where it’s four justices ruling against it on equal protection grounds and one justice striking it down on federalism grounds, but five of them agree on the invalidity of DOMA,” Bonauto theorized. “It could also be five – or more – for equal protection. We have to wait and see.” She offered a few other scenarios, including an unlikely court ruling upholding the constitutionality of DOMA Section 3. But even then, said Bonauto, there is a path forward. The law’s fate would then be in the hands of our federal lawmakers. The Respect for Marriage Act, a DOMA repeal bill, is currently pending in Congress. Yet, with the Employment and Non-Discrimination Act still pending after two decades, “the road ahead is unpredictable at best,” Bonauto added. At the same time, the justices are also
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considering whether the parties before them present a “case or controversy” that allows them to weigh in and decide the question. The Justices asked that the parties address the “jurisdiction” question because the
In terms of case outcomes, the most favorable outcome is obviously a ruling striking down DOMA Section 3 in toto on equal protection grounds. Such a precedent would be a condemnation of sexual orientation-based double standards from our nation’s highest court. Obama administration decided to stop defending DOMA in court when it came to believe the law was unconstitutional. Although the U.S. is now effectively on the same side as Edith Windsor, the New York lesbian who challenged DOMA because the federal government didn’t recognize her marriage to her late spouse and taxed that spouse’s estate, Bonauto is hopeful that the court will realize the merits of the case. “The court can find adversity, she said, “where the lower courts found DOMA unconstitutional and ordered reimbursement to Edith Windsor from the U.S. Treasury, and also because the President continues to enforce the law.” There were also arguments about whether the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG), a group of U.S. House members, had “standing” – or the legal right – to take up the legal defense of DOMA after the Obama administration stopped. That group did not act for the whole House and has no particular and personal injury, but instead
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only a general (even if passionate) interest in DOMA being enforced. Similarly, the Supreme Court is also weighing whether or not they have jurisdiction to hear Perry. The State of California did not appeal when Judge Vaughn Walker invalidated Prop 8, which banned same-gender marriage in the state, in August 2010. Like BLAG in the DOMA context, the proponents are not personally harmed by Prop 8. Moreover, private citizens do not normally have a basis for asserting the interests of the state itself. Mary noted that five justices seemed “very concerned” about whether Prop. 8 proponents should have appealed Walker’s District Court decision that the measure was unconstitutional to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld his ruling. If the Supreme Court finds that the Prop 8 proponents had no standing to appeal, the case would be dismissed, resulting in a significant victory in restoring marriage in California. Despite all the wrangling over jurisdiction at oral argument, Bonauto thinks it would be unusual for the Court to avoid the merits of both cases. “It would be quite odd, I think, for the Supreme Court to have granted review in both of these cases and then suddenly to decide that neither of them should have been before it.” The justices have now retreated to their chambers to deliberate, digest the many party and amicus briefs filed in the cases, and exchange draft opinions. There’s no predicting the outcome, though the reams of speculation and analysis that have already been written will certainly keep all of us occupied from now until we actually get a decision, mostly likely sometime in June. Stay tuned.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England’s leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression. q
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One Woman’s Quest To Bring Her Family Home
Bell Street Chapel A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Maria Phillips
A vibrant, accepting, liberal Religious community, we Celebrate diverse beliefs, support individual searches for trust and meaning, and work for social justice. We are a Welcoming Congregation, and we would love to welcome you. Join us. Worship service Sundays at 10 a.m.
All Families Welcome 5 Bell Street, Providence (401) 273-5678 www.bellstreetchapel.org
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n March, the Supreme Court heard testimony for and against overturning DOMA and Proposition 8. In reviewing the DOMA law specifically, several justices had their insights: Justice Sotomayor asked “So they [Congress] can create a class they don’t like—here, homosexuals – or a class that they consider is suspect in the marriage category, and they can create that class and decide benefits on that basis when they themselves have no interest in the actual institution of marriage as married?” DOMA proponents claim the purpose of the law was to merely “equalize” marriage laws and had no intent to promote discrimination. However, Justice Kagan found a quote in a White House report that stated the reason why DOMA was enacted was because “Congress decided to reflect on honor of collective moral judgment and to express moral disapproval of homosexuality.” Justice Kennedy questioned whether Congress had overreached its jurisdiction. In other words, Congress sought to discriminate
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against a specific group: homosexuals. It would seem, then, that DOMA’s days could be numbered. Of the 1,100 rights granted to married heterosexual couples is the right to bring a foreign spouse to the United States on a green card status that ensures the spouse may live here permanently and may seek gainful employment. However, DOMA prevents same-gender, married couples from enjoying this right, thereby forcing couples to emigrate. One such couple consists of a former Tiverton resident who is currently living in England because her wife is not allowed to live here permanently. Sarah met Emma in 2001 while they were both working at a Girl Scout camp in Kingston. By the end of the summer, they had fallen in love. Emma was a student in the United States on a student visa, which was due to expire in October 2001. Emma stayed with Sarah and her family in Tiver-
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ton until the time came for her to return to England. After Emma’s departure, it was clear to both of them that they should try to make a long-distance relationship work. It was a lot of work: emails, phone calls, letters, and visits with both of them exhausting all their vacation time to be with each other and building a relationship not only with themselves but with their families as well. Finally, in 2005, they found that the long-distance work was straining them both. They either had to move in together or end the relationship. The decision was made for Emma to come to America. So this is where everyone lives happily ever after, right? Nothing could have been further from the truth. Sarah and Emma discovered that Emma could not be granted a spousal visa because they were not a heterosexual couple. The only option Emma had to be able to live here in the United States was to apply for a student visa. Not only was this a temporary visa but the international tuition would have been a hardship. So the couple decided to live in England and begin their life there. Sarah and Emma both are gainfully employed in England, have a home and an almost three-year-old son. The only problem with the arrangement is that England does not currently allow same-gender marriage, but it does allow Sarah to live and work there, unlike the United States. On a more personal level, Emma’s family does not accept Sarah as a family member; so there is the constant strain of non-acceptance. They live in a conservative part of England where they must keep their relationship “under wraps”. In the United States, Sarah’s family accepts them as a normal family, and the support system exists here for them and their son.
Also: Star Over the Luna Pet sitting www.starovertheluna.com
Elizabeth A. Coderre, LMHC Board Certified Diplomate in Professional Counseling
Psychotherapy with Individuals, Couples and Groups Most Insurances Accepted
194 Waterman Street Providence, RI 02906
401-487-0024 401-765-4519
Know your status.
Needless to say, they are watching with great interest how the Supreme Court will deal with DOMA and Proposition 8. Coincidentally, they will be in Rhode Island for a vacation in June and may be here in the States when the Supreme Court reveals their ruling on these matters -- the icing on top of the cake! If DOMA is overturned, the path to United States citizenship is still a arduous one. They must engage an immigration attorney to handle the sea of paperwork, legal jargon, and bureaucracy that still exists even for heterosexual couples. There are also interviews and medical exams to complete the process. Luckily, their son is already an American citizen so it is only Emma who will have to endure the ordeal. But it will be worth it to emigrate to the United States where their relationship is legal, a personal support network exists for them as a family, and life may begin “…happily ever after.” q
Call AIDS Care Ocean State’s Prevention Office at 401-781-0665 to schedule an appointment for FREE anonymous and confidential HIV and HEP C testing.
Get tested. options
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TGI Network of RI - Serving the Transgender Community TGI Network Board of Directors
Incorporated in 2011, TGI Network of Rhode Island is the only statewide organization providing support and advocacy for the TGI community in Rhode Island and surrounding areas.
collaboration with other organizations. In addition, we seek to serve as a resource to professionals working with the TGI community and as a liaison between the TGI and LGB communities as well as society at large.
Our mission is to serve the needs of the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex (TGI) communities in Rhode Island and surrounding areas through support, advocacy, and education. We are a resource for TGI people navigating their life journeys as well as the legal and medical systems through our own programs and through
TGI Network provides several support groups for TGI people and their loved ones: • Group for Parents of Trans People In response to a clear community need, the Board of Directors is developing a support group for parents of transgender individuals. The regular meeting date and time
are still being decided. Meetings will likely be held in Providence. Email Molly at jewcy15@gmail.com to be added to the contact list for this group. Please share this resource with organizations or individuals that might be interested. • Borderlands - Support for Trans People Borderlands is a peer-led support group open to TGI people and to those who are exploring whether a TGI identity is a good description of their experience. Meetings are held from 7-9 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month in Providence.
For over 30 years We’ve been handing our Clients The same old Line …
“SOLD” Barrington • CumBerland • east greenwiCh • narragansett • ProvidenCe • reloCation 401.245.9600 • 401.333.9333 •
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There is no “dress code” for the meeting; come in whatever clothes make you comfortable. There is a single-stall, genderneutral restroom in the building available to anyone who would like to change clothes on-site. The meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. Email info@tginetwork.org for more information.
Options Newsmagazine’s Labor Day Weekend White Party
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We’ll be kicking off labor day weekend & closing out the summer in style right on the Newport waterfront! Wear your best whites (while you still can) at this Miami inspired, sexy & vibrant cocktail event!
Newport City Easton's Beach Rotunda on the Water Friday August 30th
• TransPartners Support Group TransPartners New England provides romantic partners of transgender people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a partner’s TGI identity on their relationships and to connect with other partners of TGI people. Meetings are held in Providence on the last Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. Contact partners@tginetwork.org for details. Visit us online at http://www.tginetwork.org. q
TAKE CHARGE! GET TESTED!
Rhode Island Pride Comedy Show Fundraiser Thursday, June 6th
FREE, painless, rapid, anonymous HIV testing. Now offering individual and couples testing.
Comedy Connection 39 Warren Ave East Providence, RI 02914
Visit: www.aidsprojectri.org
takecharge@aidsprojectri.org Call: (401) 207-8377
Save the Date! Line up: • Kitty Litter • Christina Thomas • Andrew Williams • Tammy Twotone • Mark Shea • John Kelley
Join us for an evening of laughs to support RI Pride and Pride Fest 2013! More Information & Details to Come visit www.ricomedyconnection.com or call (401) 438-8383
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Rhode Island Pride Rodney P. Davis
Pride Chooses New Theme for 2013
options Read by LGBTQ Rhode Islanders since 1982
As I write this article, the harrowing news of the bombing at the Boston Marathon echoes in my head. But there is also a subtle voice saying, “We must move forward.”
Have you made a contribution?
www.optionsri.org
P.O. Box 6406 • Providence, RI 02940
Forward is a powerful word.
Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW
Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW Counseling & Psychotherapy Counseling & Psychotherapy Insurance Accepted Insurance Accepted • Adults/Youths • Adults/Youths • Individuals • Individuals• Couples•Couples • Families• Families • Day or Evening Sessions • Day or Evening Sessions
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Love is the basis of our Pride celebration and though we have faced a slow economy, the reduction of resources and the daily grind that sometimes makes even getting out of bed difficult, it’s love that fuels our hearts, minds and bodies. RI Pride is pleased to announce it has chosen for its 2013 theme: LOVE FORWARD. It is our hope that we can reflect that theme as we move forward in the fight for full equality in all aspects of our lives. The call to action to each of us is LOVE FORWARD!
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Here in Rhode Island and in our nation we face uncertainty. Will we see marriage equality in our state or at the Supreme Court? We have the privilege of being part of a movement whose sole foundation is love. Our fight against discrimination is about protecting who we love and how we love. It’s not just intimate love between two – it’s the love we show our neighbor. It’s also the love we show a stranger. It’s about a love we show one another as a community.
how you made them feel.”
GALLERY Q enters its fifth year of showcasing art, culture and history Artists take note! One of the most exciting parts of Pride season -- outside of the festival and parade itself, of course -- is Gallery Q, our community’s “pop-up museum” of LGBTQ art, culture and history. Once again, led by Lara Sebastian, Deb Thibault and Kate Monteiro, the gallery will boast activities throughout the month designed to enlighten, entertain and educate both gay and straight communities through a program of art, film, performance and discussion. So the call for artists has begun. Go to PrideRI.com to fill out the Artist application. The Pride site and our e-newsletter will be the sources of detailed information about the schedule of events.
Spend the Weekend - RI Pride Hotel Weekend Package
As Maya Angelou said recently at her 85th birthday celebration:
RI Pride is excited to offer a very special rate of $120 for your weekend accommodations at the Providence Courtyard Marriott June 14-16.
“People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
With a great line up of events, a waterfront festival, an energy-filled nighttime parade, great restaurants and tons of shopping, NOW is the time to make your hotel reservations. Make a weekend of it and make
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Phone Reservation: call 1-888-887-7955 or 401-272-1191 and ask for reservations. Mention you are with “RI PRIDE Room Block.” For reservations online visit http://cwp.marriott.com/pvddt/ pride and enter in your check in dates and use the code: RIPRIPA
PrideFest & Parade Applications Online Deadlines are approaching. Applications are available at www.prideri.com for organizations, agencies and vendors interested in participating in the PrideFest and parade on June 15. Our easy-to-use online application system has been hugely successful and the PrideFest sold out early last year. If there are any questions please feel free to contact Pride at 467-2130.
PORTRAITS
your reservation today before the room block sells out. Deadline for all reservations is June 1.
We Need Volunteers to Make Pride a Success! How do you organize thousands of LGBTQ individuals and supporters onto South Water Street in the heart of downtown Providence? How do you keep them eating, drinking, shopping and entertained in a safe, fun, unique atmosphere? How do we coordinate one of the largest parades in Providence? In short, how do you make the RI PrideFest and the Illuminated Pride Parade happen? One answer for all those questions is clear: VOLUNTEERS. It takes over 100 of them to make this event happen. Volunteers are essential to the success of Rhode Island Pride, and working as part of our team is a great way to get involved in the RI LGBTQ Community. There are many opportunities and levels of involvement. Please go to our website at PrideRI.com and take a few minutes to fill out the form and tell us a little about your interests and talents. We’ll contact you soon to discuss volunteer opportunities. You are also welcome to attend our regular meetings at the RI Pride Center, 1005 Main Street, Suite 1105, Pawtucket, RI 02860. On the Pride website under “Events” is an upto-date calendar which will detail our Pride meetings and events. We hope to see you soon.
JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPhotos@verizon.net
JDHS Photos
Play Bingo With RI Pride Your favorite Bingo venue, the Riviera Bingo Palace in Cranston, is holding a special post-season Gay Bingo to benefit RI Pride. Come on down to 1612 Elmwood Ave. at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 13. This is not your grandma’s bingo! Rhode Island Pride 1005 Main St. #1005, Pawtucket www.prideri.com 467-2130 q
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Rhode Island Association of Gay Professionals Come On Down! Options has been a member of the RIAGP since its inception. We find it’s a great way to connect with our community. At last month’s get-together -- held at Bravo Brasserie in Providence -- we asked some of the other members to tell us about their involvement with the group. Not surprisingly, most people agreed that it was a great environment to network and make new business contacts. Said Jonathan O’Brien, a new member who joined on the spot that evening, “In a small business, networking is key. And gay people are wonderful -- we are our own best resource.” Another member mentioned the opportunity to make announcements, let the group know of updates or changes in your job or company, and get referrals. There were many, however, who said that they enjoy it on a more social level. “I like the cameraderie,” said Bob Langille. “I have belonged to the BNI (an international networking organization) and that is strictly business. This is more comfortable. It’s a nice way to socialize in the early evening.” Another benefit, according to Ed Webb, is that the members are all listed on the searchable web site. “So if someone searches for a gay doctor, for example, any doctor listed on our site is likely to come up.” Christine Cunneen echoed many previous comments, saying, “It’s wonderful having conversations with other gay professionals. We have so much in common that you might not find in your work day or with your co-workers. It’s very welcoming.” For more information on RI-AGP, visit www. riagp.com. There you will find information on upcoming events as well as membership. q
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AIDS Project Rhode Island Amy Stein
ing and exchanging information related to health/wellness and getting connected to the Rhode Island gay community.
APRI Launches www.Men2MenRI.org After six months of planning and getting input and feedback from Rhode Island men, in April 2013 AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI) launched www. Men2MenRI.org – an online health, wellness, and community resource for gay men in Rhode Island. The purpose of Men2MenRI.org is to provide a user-friendly online forum for gay men (of all ages) in Rhode Island to get access to, and provide recommendations on, local health and community information and resources. In essence it will act as virtual gay men’s community center for obtain-
Men2MenRI.org is the first-of-its-kind website in Rhode Island where gay men
can easily access information on a variety of Rhode Island-specific topics ranging from finding a doctor, coming out, volunteering, and practicing safer sex, to name a few. Other features include “Ask Dr. Phil Chan Your Health Question,” “The HIV Risk Quiz,” and a community calendar. With easy and
free access to this information, gay men will in turn be able to access friendly health care providers, learn ways to lead a healthy life, and find ways to get better connected to the gay community. One of the central features of the site is that it facilitates information sharing among men in Rhode Island. To make the website successful, APRI wants to encourage all men to consider contributing to the site by recommending a doctor, sharing their own coming out stories, asking Dr. Phil Chan a health question, and posting on the community calendar. AIDS Project Rhode Island wants to hear your feedback on the website. Please send comments to Tom Bertrand, at Thomas@aidsrprojectri.org. q
Batters Up!
You’ve tried the Rest...
Now
try the Best!
A new season of LGBTQ Softball begins May 5
Advertise in Options
to help build your business and your community! reasonable rates desirable audience discounts for non-profits
Come on out and cheer on the boys and girls of summer!
www.providencesoftball.org
724-LGBT
Renaissance City Softball League
advertising@optionsri.org options
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AIDS Care Ocean State
For a FREE subscription,
Kalene Brennan
write to:
Wish Kitty a Happy Birthday -- Birthday Hi-Tini is Here!
Options
P.O. Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940 or visit
www.optionsri.org contributions gaily accepted
Options
Read by the Rhode Island LGBT community since 1982.
Mark your calendars for this year’s Birthday Hi-Tini on Monday, June 3. Come celebrate Miss Kitty Litter and Jeanne D’Agostino’s birthday at the Providence Biltmore Hotel’s Garden Terrace. The Birthday Hi-Tini is a joint fundraiser for AIDS Care Ocean State and the Highlander Charter School. It’s the kick-off event of the summer. The party runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.aidscareos. org or at the door. There will be food, music, and delicious treats all evening long. We hope to see you all there to sing “Happy Birthday” to Miss Kitty Litter and her best friend, Jeanne D’Agostino.
Welcoming LGBT professionals and their friends
A membership organization focused on: • Shared Member Contact Information • Professional Networking • Philanthropic Causes • Member benefits n e t w o r k
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For more information please contact Frank Maher at (401) 453-9276, visit RI AGP on Facebook or by email at gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com.
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Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date about all of AIDS Care Ocean State’s fabulous events.
One Bingo Left, Oh My! The LAST bingo of the 2012-2013 Gay Bingo Season will be held on May 16 at the Riviera Bingo Palace in Cranston. To close the season, we decided to pay homage to the Self-Proclaimed First Lady of Providence, Miss Kitty Litter. May’s theme is: “It’s a Very Kitty World,” so come say goodbye to another season of Gay Bingo by dressing up as the hostess herself. This Gay Bingo season has been such a huge success thanks to our supporters, volunteers and season sponsors. We would like to thank Mister Sister, Big Gay Al’s Bowling League, Town Hall Lanes, Pelletier & Clark, GALA Bowling League, Whole Foods, PharmaHealth Pharmacy, The Stable, Amazing Intimate Essentials, the Imperial Court of Rhode Island, Providence Performing Arts Center, Gold’s Gym, the Comedy Connection, Pepsi, The Stadium Theatre, Get Magazine, Bravo Brasserie, Blaze Eastside, and Sun in the City for being our season sponsors. A very special thanks our Bingo Crew: Kalene Brennan, Alysha Brock, Keith Dube, Jeff Lema, Carol Mann, Leo Mansi, Shannon McKeever, Christine Moreau, Brett Quinn, Rayna Reis, Haley Star, Roy Warhol and Tom Wright. Also, mark your calendars for June 13 for a special post-season bingo night to benefit RI Pride. Thank you to everyone who made the 2012-2013 spectacular! q
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SAGE/RI
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Sally Ann Hay
Health Fair For ALL Ages! SAGE/RI is thrilled to invite you to Rhode Island’s first LGBT Health Fair to be held on Wednesday, May 29 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the State House Rotunda. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this event! LGBT and LGBT-affirming organizations will be on hand to provide information regarding the various aspects of LGBT health and wellbeing: health information, advocacy and support, spirituality, and wellness activities. And for those of us “of a certain age,” state and federal representatives will be there to provide information regarding federal and state health-related programs and benefits. There will also be a speaking program from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the State Room. Although details are still being finalized as Options goes to press, invitations to speak have received positive responses from Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Division of Elderly Affairs Director Catherine Taylor, and URI School of Nursing Professor Patricia Burbank. We will also welcome dignitaries from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.
already begun meeting and will be looking at ways to get more information from LGBT elders in RI about their hopes and needs regarding housing as they continue to age, to explore models in other states and to work on making the connections to gain the necessary support and resources needed as we move forward. Drop us a line sageriinfo@ gmail.com if you would like more information or would like to get involved.
Good Friends in Unexpected Places Last year, we had an epic battle last year to retain the right to be called ‘SAGE/RI’ and to become an affiliate of SAGE/USA. Now that the battle is over and the victory won, we have had many an occasion to appreciate becoming an affiliate. SAGE/USA – which came into being as the result of a large federal grant designed specifically to create a network of resources for LGBT elders in the US – keeps us informed of research and innovative programs happening across the country, hosts an annual conference of affiliates and offers a monthly conference call for all affiliates. We’ve benefitted
from these exchanges, gaining support and ideas from other affiliates and being kept up to date on important national events.
SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders) addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages. For information on programs or to join SAGE/RI, drop us a line at sageriinfo@gmail. com or find us on Facebook as Sage/Rhode Island. q
The Rhode Island legislature will be in session so here’s your chance to drop in on your representatives and to provide a visible political presence at the State House. Did we mention refreshments? Hope to see you there!
with your community
Home Sweet Home Following up on our March event about LGBT elder housing options, a dynamic ad hoc committee has formed to continue exploring the options and to work on a strategic plan for Rhode Island. The group has
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Youth Pride Inc. Kerri Kanelos
Provider List We often get requests for referrals for mental health and medical providers who are both LGBTQQ and youth competent. Staff and interns recently conducted a survey of mental health providers in the area and have compiled the results into one downloadable list. The providers on the list have either reached out to offer their services to our community or have been recommended to us by consumers. To access the list, please visit our website (youthprideri. org) and click on the “Therapy & Doctors” link under the “Resources” tab. You will find a list of over 50 mental health providers throughout the State of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
ARE YOU ON OUR RESOURCES PAGES? Is your club, organization or house of worship listed in this section of Options? Please review your listing now. Is it accurate? Kindly let us know of any necessary changes by emailing mshays@verizon.net.
We have started the process of collecting similar information about LGBTQQ youthfriendly medical providers and hope
We can serve our readers best when our listings are up to date. Thank you.
to publish a list on our website soon.
Big Thanks to Our Interns! We would like to recognize YPI’s six interns during the 2012-2013 school year: Lauren McGovern (Rhode Island College), Xylia Xiong (Rhode Island College), Connor Leary (Providence College), Molly Gray (Smith College), Alex Butler (University of Rhode Island), and Kayla Wingert (Johnson & Wales University). Youth Pride Inc. is a small organization with a small staff, and we rely heavily on the hard work of our interns. From entering data and supervising support groups to presenting workshops and connecting with youth in the drop-in center, these interns were an integral part of YPI. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. q
GREGORY’S OPTICAL
263 Wickenden Street • Providence • 401-421-4770
Face A Face L.A. Eyeworks Silhouette Olivier Peoples Alain Mikli Theo La Font
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat. 10-4 Closed Sunday
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Classified Advertising
Resources Help us help you: If you come across a resource listing that is incorrect or needs updating, please let us know! Drop a line to mshays@verizon.net.
Got an apartment to rent? Condo to sell? Looking for a housemate?
NOTE: All phone numbers are in the 401 area code unless otherwise indicated.
Send us 30 words and a check for $30, and we’ll publish it in the very next issue. Send ad to advertising@optionsri.org, and payment to P.O. Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940 • housing ads only •
AA: Brothers in Sobriety, Community Church of Prov., Wayland & Lloyd Aves., Prov., 751-9328; Sat., 7:308:30 p.m.; Central Services, info on all groups, 4388860; Lesbian and Gay, Anchor Recovery Center, 249 Main St., Pawtucket, Tues. 7:30 p.m.; Suburban Gay & Lesbian, Fatima Shrine, Rt. 126, Holliston, MA, Thurs. 8-9:30 p.m.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA
Alcohol/Drug Helpline. RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 24-hr., (866) 252-3784.
A private, romantic cottage, ideal for a couple. Enjoy our 11-acre waterfront property in one of Prince Edward Island’s most spectacular locations on the North Shore. Weekly $1000. Non-smokers please. anne2817@cox.net.
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AIDS/Health Resources
FACTS (Family AIDS Center for Treatment & Support): See AIDS Care Ocean State.
ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power), a group of individuals united in anger, committed to ending AIDS pandemic through direct action. Call Scott 640-3108. info@actupri.org. Donations welcome!
Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case mgmt. & financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MA Health funded for MA residents. Michael (508) 678-1002.
AIDS Care Ocean State (557 Broad St., Providence): case mgmt., emergency funds, mental health & nutrition support, FACTS Nursery, housing for PWAs, referrals, advocacy, ADa.m.S Clinic for adolescents, street outreach, ENCORE, education, HIV+ support groups. Sunrise Community Housing for people with HIV/AIDS. 18 Parkis Ave., Prov. 02907. 521-3603; www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI Division of Family Service of RI: Case mgmt., buddies, COBRA & dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment & referral, wellness prog., advocacy, strength training. Prevention Ed. 404 Wickenden St., Providence: 831-5522.
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Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP) Medical, mental health, dental, social services. 311 Doric Ave., Cranston. 467-9610. Also Coventry and Warwick. Sarah Bowman, LGBT Outreach. Crossroads RI Health Care Services: Free, confidential, anonymous HIV counseling & testing for homeless/at risk: Mon & Wed, 1-3 p.m., call Gloria, 5212255, Ext. 325.
AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only.
contribute advertise volunteer info@optionsri.org
Chiropractic Services: Free for unemployed HIV+ patients, Ronald P. Marsh, DC., 11 King Charles Dr., Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941.
Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.
Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: socializing with other HIV+ individuals. Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Wed & Thurs, noon to 4 p.m., at Matthewson St. Church, 134 Matthewson St., Prov. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI; free to clients. Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 Ext. 3268 or coopergo@ familyserviceofri.org.
please support this important community resource
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patient/community education. Bradford Briggs, 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu; www.brown.edu/ brunap.
Addiction Support Groups
HIV antibody testing, Anonymous: R.I. Dept. of Health, Prov., Newport and other locations, Free or sliding scale, call 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care mgmt. for HIV/AIDS. 24-hr. nursing staff for treatment. 782-0725. Bereavement Groups: John Charette, 727-7079. HPV study for gay/bi men ages 18 -- 26. Receive free HPV vaccine and HIV testing. Must be HIV-negative. Call Gail at Miriam Hospital (793-4335) or Email gyates@lifespan.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 658-3992. Jewish AIDS Task Force: Programs for HIV/AIDS and Jewish communities. 421-4111, ext. 172. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group for LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems, visit www.caregiver.org and click on groups. 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.
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, RI 02840; 434-4880; www.aidsquiltri.org; admin@aidsquiltri.org; annasworkshop@aidsquiltri.org.
Partners in Learning About AIDS (PL-AIDS) Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations, and our No. Providence office, providing free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. www.plaidsproject.org or www.plaids.org. Email info@plaidsproject.org. 305-3993.
Brown Univ. AIDS Program (BRUNAP): clinical trials, public policy, research; lectures/conferences,
Project ACT: Free Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing. Walk-in Hours: Mondays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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and 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Other hours by appointment only. 1 Washington St., Taunton, MA (508) 977-8146 Project Empower: Wellness prog. for gay, bi, questioning men in So. Coast MA. Info on HIV/STD test sites & safe sex; social/support groups, therapists & health care referrals; & more. Community Counseling of Bristol Co., MA. (508) 828-6692 or www.projectempower.com. SSTAR (Stanley St. Treatment & Resources): counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs; Free, confidential HIV, HEP C (HCV) & STD testing, education, case mgmt. and support. 386 Stanley St., Fall River, MA 02720. (508) 6795222. Project Aware (HIV/HCV) (800) 937-3610, Family Healthcare center (508) 675-1054; www. sstar.org. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more. 105 Charles Eldridge Dr, Lakeville, MA. (508) 9471683. Thundermist Health Assoc.: 450 Clinton St. Woonsocket, provides HIV/AIDS services including: medical care & treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment & counseling, pharmacy consultation, free, confidential HIV testing. Philip Kane 7674100 Ext. 3516.
Tommy’s Lounge Gay/Lesbian Night each Friday (21plus) Doors open 8 p.m. Music from 80’s, 90’s and today’s hits on the video screen. $5.00 cover. 99 India Street, Pawtucket RI 02860 T.W.I.S.T. Program Coffee Night: Coffee, light snacks served every Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. 1287 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. 508-672-0378. Union: 200 Union St. Prov. 831-5366. Video lounge, live entertainment. Sun. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Mon.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Information/Education Feminist Voices: women’s chorus. www.feministvoices. com. Fenway Gay and Lesbian Helpline: support, info & referrals for GLBT community from Fenway Community Health Ctr., Boston; (617) 267-9001 or 888340-4528, 6-11 p.m. seven days a week.
Contact the Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062. Rhode Islanders United for Marriage: Broad-based grassroots coalition working to achieve the unique protections and recognition of civil marriage for all loving couples in the state. 274-1323. Office 3 Center St., Providence. (PO Box 5883, Providence RI 02903) www.RIUnitedforMarriage.org. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri.org. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, 180 Westminster St., 3rd floor Prov. Phone: 222-2662. Fax: 222-2616, TDD: 222-2664. RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. www.RIpatients.org. RI Socialist Action: adgagneri@gmail.com. 952-5385. Español: walsil@cox.net. 351-3414
NewportOut.com: LGBT Web site for Newport, RI.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Assisting active duty service members affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. PO Box 65301, Wash., DC, 20035; (202) 328-3244, ext. 100, sldn@sldn. org, www.sldn.org.
RILGBT-NEWS: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net.
Straight But Not Narrow Coalition: Straight support for LGBT, PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 8477637.
GLBT National Help Center Hotline. Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888843-4564. www.GLBTNationalHelpcenter.org.
United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1
Be There and Be Queer! The Alley Cat/Dark Lady: 17 Snow St. Prov. 273-0951 Downtown neighborhood bars. Sun.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. http://thealleycat.net. Bobby’s Place, 62 Weir St., Taunton, MA (508) 8249997. Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.; Fri. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.-1 a.m. www.BobbysPlaceMA.com. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Prov. 575-2284. Special events space. Open mike First & Third Sat. of each month. Film screenings and other public/private events. See us on Facebook and at www.BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse.com. Club Body Center: 257 Weybosset St., Prov. 274-0298 www.clubbodycenter.com. Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24 hours daily. Club Gallery, 681 Valley Street., Providence. DJ, dancing. Deville’s: 345 South Water St., Prov. Lesbian, gay, straight, it’s all good. 383-8883, www.devillescafe. com. Luna’s Ladies Night, Fridays 8 p.m. -- 1a.m. Female performers and DJs. 276 Westminster St., Providence. www.lunaspvd.com. Providence Eagle: 198 Union St., Prov. 421-1447. Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Mega-Plex and Hush Providence: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themega-plex.com. Gay men’s bathhouse. Open 24 hours daily. Membership required. One day pass available. The Stable: 125 Washington St., Prov. 272-6950. Newly renovated downtown bar. Pool table. Sun - Thurs noon - 1 a.m.; Fri - Sat noon - 2 a.m.
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Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: discussion, games, thought-provoking and empowerment activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 4215626.
Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 831-7171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903. Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTIQ human rights. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com or 212-807-8400. Visit www.amnestyusa.org/Our Issues/LGBT Human Rights.
Religious Resources All Saints’ Memorial Church, 674 Westminster St., Providence. 751-1747 www.allsaintsmemorial.org. asmcri@verizon.net Amicable Congregational Church (UCC), 3736 Main Rd., Tiverton. Open & Affirming. Sunday worship 10:00 a.m. Pastor William Sterrett, 624-4611. Email amicablechurch@aol.com Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, email: mail@WABaptists.org. Barrington Congregational Church (UCC) “the white church”, 461 Old County Rd., Barrington. 2460111.www.bccucc.org
BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433.
Bell Street Chapel (Unitarian Universalist), A Welcoming congregation: 5 Bell St., Prov., Rev. Ann Willever. 273-5678, www.bellstreetchapel.org.
Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@brown.edu
Beneficent Congregational Church (UCC), in the heart of Providence at 300 Weybosset St. An Open & Affirming congregation since 2001. Visit us Sundays at 10 a.m. or on the Web at www.beneficentchurch.org. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman, 331-9844.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays, (800) 455-GLAD. www.GLAD.org; 30 Winter St., Ste 800, Boston, MA 02108. Green Party of RI: PO Box 1151, Prov., RI 02901; 4907602.
Berean Baptist Church, a safe and welcoming place for all God’s children. 474 Chapel St., Harrisville, RI. www.bereanri.org; bereanbaptist@verizon.net. 5685411. Worship 10 a.m. Sundays.
Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall St., Suite 1500, NY, NY 10005; (212) 809-8585, Fax: (212) 809-0055.
Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www.calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@aol.com.
Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for lgbt causes. lawyersforequality@gmail.com
Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown, 200 Turner Rd., Middletown, RI 02842. 847-6181. Ask Amy about LGBTQ Early Dementia support group.
Marriage Equality RI (MERI): Works for equal access to marriage for all. www.marriageequalityri.org or call 941-2727. 118 No. Main St., Unit 3, Providence RI 02903. PO Box 5884, Providence RI 02903 The Next Thing (TNT): political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University.
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Central Congregational Church (UCC), where we believe God is still speaking. Services Sunday, 10:30 a.m. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. 296 Angell St., East Side of Providence. 331-1960.
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www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channingchurch. org. Charter Oak Grove ADF, an open and welcoming congregation of neopagan druids in CT. www.charteroakadf.org. Email charteroakadf@gmail.com. Christ Church in Lonsdale (Episcopal), 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln. Services 8 and 10:30 a.m. www. christchurchlincoln.org. 725-1920. Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford. 434-5012. A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. www.epiphanyep.org Church of the Holy Paraclete, Independent Old Catholic; Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. 155 Douglas Ave., Providence. http://holyparaclete.org; Fr. Jakob Lazarus 218-0706. Edgewood Congregational Church (UCC) Open & Affirming, 1788 Broad St., Cranston. 461-1344. www.edgewoodchurchri.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland RI 02864. 658-1506. First Congregational Church in Bristol, an Open and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. Pastor Dan Randall, 253-7288.
Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Rev. Hayes & Rev. Baker. Open & Affirming. 73 Pelham St., Newport. 849-2238 or nccucc@newportcongregationalchurch.org. Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Pl., Pawtucket, 726-2800. The Pub Church: A church that meets in a pub! Saturdays, 5 p.m. at The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Ave. Boston. Open & Affirming. Email thepubchurch@gmail.com. Location may change.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of So. County: 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI; 783-4170 or Val 7897282. www.uusouthcountyri.org. United Church of Christ: Coalition for LGBT Concerns. 13 Steven Circle, S. Kingstown, RI 02883, Ray Bradley at 782-3871. Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church: 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818. 884-5933
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937 Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508-997-5684. Riverside Church (U.C.C.) 15 Oak Ave., Riverside, RI. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 35 Lower College Rd., Kingston. 783-2153 www. staugustineURI.com. St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov. Office of LGBT Outreach 353-1422 St. James Church: Episcopal, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Prov. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard St. East side of Prov., 751-2141
First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: County & River Sts., New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-8972, stmartins1887@aol.com.
First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. www.stpaulspawtucket.org
First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UUA Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net
St. Paul’s Church, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 2679 E. Main St., Portsmouth. 862-1466. www. stpaulsportsmouthri.org
Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. 508-543-4002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org
Unitarian Society of Fairhaven (MA): 102 Green St., Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 992-7081.
St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Ave., Prov.; 272-9649. Email.stpanda25@verizon. net. www.stpetersandstandrews.org.
Social Organizations Atheists/Agnostics: RI Atheist Society – “Working to keep Church and State separate” Welcoming all. Meets 3rd Monday of the month at an area restaurant for lively discussions among like-minded people. For info: www.RIatheist.net Bisexual Resource Center: 29 Stanhope St., Boston, (617) 424-9595 or www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-sex social network. Bi-monthly brunches and other social events. http://biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups, and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman.” Subscribe at www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and -affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate or bearsoceanstate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Agerestricted. Bridgewater State College GLBT Alumni Group: email Kenneth Hayes (‘91) khayesbbc@msn.com or visit www.bridgew.edu. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGYA): (508) 778-7744.
Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225.
Saint Therese Old Catholic Church, Open & Affirming, Sunday Mass at 10:30 p.m. at 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Fr. David Martins, 263-4296. www.saintthereseocc.org
Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. Pastor Sandra Demmler Damico (508) 2222898, www.immanuellc.org.
CORISMA: Gay and lesbian couples of RI and Southeast MA. Potluck get-togethers for couples only. For info or to be added to email list write: corismainfo@comcast.net. www.corismagroup.org
Second Congregational Church of Attleboro (UCC) Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday worship 10 a.m. (508) 222-4677, www.attleborosecondchurch.org
Defenders/Providence: Leather/Levi club, c/o PO Box 41153, Prov., RI 02940. Third Sun at 6 p.m.
Interweave at Channing UU Church in Newport, 135 Pelham St. A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons -- and their allies -- confronting oppression. 846-0643.
Seekonk Congregational Church: 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771, (508) 336-9355, Rev. Joy Utter, www.scc-ucc.com.
Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Meditation: Gay Men’s Meditation Experience. Relax and connect. Third Tues. of each month in Cranston, 7 -- 8 p.m. Tim, 944-0723. Fee applies. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our Web site: www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA, 02702 Rev. Sandra D. FitzHenry. Marriage & commitment ceremonies for all. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org Newman Congregational Church, Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Ave., Rumford, RI. 4311-4742.
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Temple Agudas Achim: GLBT-friendly, Reconstructionist cong. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman. 901 No. Main St., Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243 or www. agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: GLBT-welcoming. Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Ave., Prov., RI 02906. 331-6070 Temple Emanu-El, Sessions St. & Morris Ave., Providence. A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin, 331-1616. www.teprov.org Temple Habonim: a warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, 245-6536. www.templehabonim. org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform Temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. 942-8350. www.TempleSinairi.org.
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Fall River’s Rainbow Girls: private, moderated welcoming group for women in the Fall River Area. groups. yahoo.com/group/ Fall_River_Rainbow_Grrls. Gay Lesbian Alliance of Newport County Etc. (GLANCE): Social and entertainment events. Email glance1234@hotmail.com. Imperial Court of RI at Prov: Male, female, drag king & queen performers raise funds for local charities. Meetings 1st Mon. of month, all welcome. PO Box 6583, Prov., RI 02904;www.icriprov.org. Lesbian Writers Group, Rochambeau Library, Hope St., Providence. Mondays 7 -- 8:30 p.m. Writing exercises, support. No critiquing or workshopping. Free. Russian or Computer Room. Men’s Card Group: New group in formation. E-mail johninprov@gmail.com or call John 261-9715. Men’s Gay Camping: In RI, CT, MA. Gatherings organized for tents to RVs during Spring, Summer and Fall 2012. www.webspawner.com/users/gaycamping/index.html or call 277-0075 or email gaycamping@gmx.com.
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Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders.com or E-Mail Mixedborders@cox.net Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Email Dave at BrettCornellpi4@aol.com Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: Mon, 7-9:30 p.m., Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset St, Prov.. New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and nonsinging volunteers welcome. www. provgmc.org. Queer Book Club. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m. at Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Raging Grannies: Women of “a certain age” working toward a more peaceful, equitable society with song, humor & passion. Will sing for rallies & events. Email jlglass53@aol.com. RI Association of Gay Professionals. Professional networking and philanthropy. gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com. 453-9276 RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women. heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie, 464-2288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI.com; www. PrideRI.com. Office at 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130 RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 9963010. RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone rational? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant for refreshing discussion. http://skeptics. meetup.com/133/ RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances/events. www.RIWA.net SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) Advocacy, education and social events for RI’s LGBTQ seniors. sageriinfo@gmail.com, on Facebook: “Sage/Rhode Island.” SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of S.E. Mass and RI to foster strong friendships.Semassmen-subscribe@yahoo groups.com or email moderator rlevass @yahoo.com. Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer & like-minded people. Gatherings third Sunday of each month. Email trans.queer.ri@gmail.com. T.W.I.S.T. Project: Program for gay and bisexual men in Fall River/New Bedford area. Drop-in center, referrals, condom distribution, social groups. Coffee night Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. (508) 672-0378; www. myspace.com/twistprogram. UNISONG: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.unisong.net or jlglass53@aol.com WomenRIsing.
Feminist Chorus.
Director Nancy
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Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: contact@womenrisingchorus.org.
SCUBA DIVING: Triangle Divers: www.triangledivers. org.
Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for GLBT people interested in vintage & specialty cars. www. yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com.
SNOWBOARDING: OutRyders, www.outryders.org or email brian@outryders.org.
Sports PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www.pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858 Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports.com. Email info@gaysports.com. BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www. bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2. BOWLING: RI GALA: 6 p.m. Sun., East Prov. Lanes, Newport Ave., Bruce, 397-3803, or Bill, 828-5587 www.galabowling.com. Monday Night Women’s Bowling League, Pat 451-2188. Royal Court Bowling League: 9 p.m. Wed., Woonsocket Hill Bowl; 767-2110. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin bowling league: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m., Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. www.BGALBowling.com. Frank Ferri 831-6940. www.townhalllanes.com. BOWLING: BOSTON: Monday Night League, www. mnbl.net (617) 713-4832 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 5; Beantown No. G&L Invitational, www.beantownbowling.com (617) 738-0708 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 10; Beantown South G&L Invitational League, (617) 889-1552.
SOCCER: Boston Strikers Soccer Club www.bostonstrikers.com (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9. SOFTBALL: Renaissance City Softball League. New players and boosters always welcome. 226-7771642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www.providencesoftball.org Beantown Softball League: (617) 937-5858, Ext. 1, www.beantownsoftball.com. SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts.com SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swim-Team); www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9. TENNIS: TENNIS-4-All: www.tennis4all.org. VOLLEYBALL: Cambridge Boston Volleyball Assoc. www.GayVolleyball.net, (617) 633-2180 WRESTLING: East Coast Wrestling Club www.eastcoastwrestlingclub.org, email ecwc@juno.com, (401) 467-6737 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 6
Students & Youth Bristol Community College Gay/Straight Alliance (BCC/GSA); Steven Camara, Advisor (508) 6782811 Ext. 2391, BCC-H202, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720.
DARTS: Beantown Soft-Tip Dart League www.bsdl.org.
Brown University Queer Alliance: umbrella org. for groups. 863-3062. www.queer.brown.edu
FLAG FOOTBALL: FLAG (For Lesbians and Gays) Football www.flagflagfootball.com, (617) 937-5858 Ext. 4.
Brown University Grad Student - Med Student - Staff LGBTQ Association: queer-med-grad-members@ queer.brown.edu
FOOTBALL: Women’s professional team Northeastern Nitro. Members of the Women’s Football Alliance. Practices held in Bethel, CT. Contact Amy Manfred at amymanfred@yahoo.com or Carley Pesente at linebackergirl56@aol.com.
Brown University Staff LGBTQ Association: LGBT Resource Center: 863-3062
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Brown University LGBTQ Resource Center: 3062, e-mail lgbtq@brown.edu
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RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com
Bryant Pride: Bryant College Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Student Association. 232-6389.
GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 450-8682.
CCRI Triangle Alliance: Informal student GLBTQ group, 400 East Ave., Warwick. Call 825-1125 or www.ccri.cc.ri.edu/triangle.
HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7. ICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: Gail Wickstrom email gwick@kersur.net. KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: Tues & Thurs evenings. Christina, 996-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com MARTIAL ARTS: Main Street Martial Arts. Nonprofit, welcoming dojo and community center. Scholarships available. 1282 No. Main St., Providence. 274-7672. www.mainstma.org. OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club, New England’s LGBT outdoor recreation club. www.chiltern.org. Email events@chiltern.org. ROWING: Boston Bay Blades www.bayblades.org/boston (617) 937-5858 Ext. 11. RUGBY: Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club. www. bostonironsidesrfc.org. RUNNING: Frontrunners Rhode Island: Brian 7517643, bripm@cox.net. Frontrunners Boston www. frontrunnersboston.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 3.
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COLAGE. Support and social activities for children of LGBT Parents: Meets third Saturday of the month rhodeisland@colage.org. Coordinator Veronica Jutras (vjutras5@gmail.com) Fitchburg State College GLBT Alliance: Social support group for students. One-in-Ten and Friends, 978665-3164, sfranzemn@fsc.edu. Peer Listening Line/Fenway Community Health Ctr.: Boston. Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth; support, info and referrals. (617) 267-2535 or (800)399-PEER, 5-10 p.m. all week. RIC Rainbow Alliance: GLBT students at RI College, Fridays 12:30 -- 2 p.m, in Unity Center in lower Donovan. Office in StudentUnion 425. ricrainbowalliance2007@yahoo.com. Phone 456--8121 Roger Williams University LGBTQ & Allies group: S.A.F.E (Sexual Advocacy for Everyone): Weekly meetings in Intercultural Center; speakers, social and awareness events; Pride Week in April. Email: saferwu03@gmail.com. Facebook: S.A.F.E.
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Salve Regina University Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual Alliance (GSLBA), 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Sister Johnelle, Lucianij@salve.edu SeaQuel: Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership. Bi-weekly Sunday meetings. 383-7450. myspace.com/seaQuel; Email SeaQuel@Prysm.us S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Sq., Prov., RI 02918, E-mail pclgbt@gmail.com. 865-1631 The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, aroundthe-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. 866-4-UTREVOR; 866-488-7386. thetrevorproject.org. The Next Thing (TNT): Political & support group for queer people of color at Brown Univ. Call Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062. University of RI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer & Questioning (LGBTIQ2) association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, alumni and students. gsimonelli@ advance.uri.edu. 874-5808. Youth Pride Inc./The Way Out: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 1323.Drop-in center at 743 Westminster St., Prov. 02903; Mon.---Thurs. noon--8 p.m, Fridays 4 -- 8 p.m., Sat. 10 -- 5. The Way Out peer support group Tues., 5 p.m. Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 5:30 p.m. Ask about the 14-and-under day. Call 421-5626 or email kerri@youthpride-ri.org Web: www.youthpride-ri.org.
Support Groups & Social Services
Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group, meets in Boston First Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. www. compassftm.org, compassftm@comcast.net Crossroads RI: Hotline (Travelers Aid): (800) 367-2700 Day One (Formerly Sexual Assault and Trauma Resource Center of RI): Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24-hr hotline (800) 494-8100, collect calls accepted: 4214100. Dementia and Early Alzheimer’s LGBTQ support group at Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown, 200 Turner Rd., Middletown RI 02842. 847-6181. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling, LGBT or straight relationships. 24 hour free and confidential helpline. 782-3990. Female-to-Male Support Group: Transgender peer support, information, social group. For those who identify somewhere on the trans-masculine spectrum. Regular meetings. Visit www.SNE_FTM@ yahoo.com Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: support: E-Mail outreach@gayfathersboston.org. www.gayfathersboston.org. Gay Fathers Support Group in RI. Tom Fronczak, LICSW, 431-2953. Fee applies. GayLab for Healthy Relationships: Learning & practicing healthy ways to socialize in safe, non-judgmental environment in LGBT community. www.gaylab. org. Email info@gaylab.org. James, 781-762-6629 Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp.org.
Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline (617) 7424911. Network/LaRed. Email office: advocate@ tnir.org
Gay Officers Action League /New England (GOAL NE), gay/lesbian/bisexual law enforcement officers, sworn & civilian. Fire, rescue and publicly employed EMS. P.O. Box 587, Boston, MA 02117; www.goalne.org; info@goalne.org; (617) 376-3612. Confidential.
Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help for LGBT and straight adoptions. Betsy Alper, Jewish Family Service, 959 No. Main St., Providence. 331-54337.
Gay Share. Coming Out? Gay men’s support group Wed., 7 p.m. No fee. Call Tom/Mike, 369-9448 or www.gayshare.org; Info@gayshare.org.
Foster parents needed: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 766-0900, ext. 1213.
Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline, call 24/7 for crisis and suicide prevention. Also social networks. 866-4-U-Trevor
Foster parents needed, for newborn to age six. www. childrensfriendri.org. 276-4318
HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group at AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Ave., Prov., RI. 521-3603. Refreshments served. New members should call Scott: 640-3108
Foster parents sought: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Gregary Wright, Family Service of RI, 331-1350 Ext. 3305 Behavioral health outpatient services in Fall River area, inclusive of LGBT: S.T.E.P. (508-)235-1012; T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378 Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. Catholic Parents Outreach: Always Our Children, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Sacred Heart Convent, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA. Call Ann, (413) 736-6803. COLAGE (Children of Gays): A national movement of people with one or more LGBT parents. Social activities, education & advocacy. Meets 3rd Saturday of the month. rhodeisland@colage.org.
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Coordinator Veronica Jutras (vjutras5@gmail.com)
Kathys’ Group: free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Meets monthly in Providence. Partners and caregivers welcome. Call 888-5KATHYS. Lesbian Moms of Southern NE: discussion, support and activity list for lesbian mothers. www.topica. com/lists/LMOSNE or ForADancer63@aol.com. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Social/Discussions for gay/bi/ curious men 18+. Taunton every Thursday, and New Bedford 1st Tues. of the month, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Confidential. Drug/alcohol-free. Email mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com
PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays: Greater Providence chapter serves all of RI and Southeastern Mass.: First Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m. at Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571; www.pflagprovidence.org; pflagprovidence@verizon.net; Cape Cod: Falmouth: Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Rd., E. Falmouth. Brewster: Third Mondays, 7 p.m., First Parish U.U. Church, 1969 Main St. joann@pflagcapecod.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Info at 4679940; 24-hour helpline, (800) 494-8100. RI Rainbow Support Group for people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Meets last Tuesday of each month. 98 Rolfe St., Cranston, 6 - 7:30. Ken Renaud, 785-2100. RI Relay 711. Samaritans: 24-hour hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044 (RI only), 2724044; www.samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, LGBTQ-friendly and bilingual (Spanish). Contact Aida (amanduley@sojournerri. org) or call 861-6191, ext. 121. No caller ID is used; calls are blocked for safety. Sojourner House: Support, shelter, advocacy, info for people in abusive relationships. Call us at 861-6191 We DON’T use Caller ID; calls are blocked for safety. Straight Spouse Support: Straight spouse professional offers peer support and referrals. Jane Harris, (413) 625-6636. Email jcmalinski48@gmail.com. Straight Spouses Group: Visit www.StraightSpouse. org. for info on groups and online support. TGI Network of R.I.: Support, advocacy for Transgender, Transsexual, Gender-variant, Genderqueer & Intersex people. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Transgender Support Group: Cape Cod (508) 3624435 Trans Family New England. Group in formation for parents of transgender children. Email jewcy15@ gmail.com Trans Partners New England: Provides romantic patrons of transgender people with 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. Meetings in Providence, last Wed. of each month, location unpublished for privacy. Email partners@ tginetwork.org. TransYouth 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.
Nat. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of
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rIsd mUseUm Artist/rebel/dandy Men of Fashion now on view
The first exhibition of its kind to focus on the personalities of well-known fashionable men from the 19th century to now, Artist/Rebel/Dandy includes more than 200 objects — from bespoke clothing and innovative garments to paintings and drawings.
Artist/Rebel/Dandy is supported by the Coby Foundation, Dr. Joseph A. Chazan, Jake Kaplan’s Jaguar, the RISD Museum Associates, and the Artist/Rebel/Dandy Leadership Committee. Sartorial Anarchy #5, 2012. Iké Udé, photographer. © Iké Udé. Courtesy of Leila Heller Gallery + Iké Udé.
Museum of Art Rhode Island School of Design Providence, ri 02903 rIsdmUseUm.orG
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