options
Please take one
Rhode
Island’s
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
Community Newsmagazine
www.optionsri.org
November 2011
“We Do This Every Year” Will there ever come a year when the transgender community does not have to hold a Day of Remembrance? Kim Stowell
I
n February, a transgender woman named Tyra Trent was found dead in a vacant Baltimore home. Reports indicate the victim died of asphyxiation or strangulation.
Friends described 25-year-old Tyra as bright, loving and motivated. “She loved people, loved animals, loved to talk to anybody,” said Sandy Rawls, a close friend to Trent and the director of a transgender outreach group. Rawls, who was helping Trent pursue a GED, believes she was killed as a result of her appearance. Her family said
she was constantly tormented because of the way she looked. Police have no suspects in this case. In March, Arkansas police found the body of 25-year-old Marcel Cameo Tye along a stretch of Highway 334, with a gunshot wound to the head and evidence of having been dragged some 300 feet under a car. Tye was openly transgender, according to a friend, and was most likely approached by someone who was looking for sex. “And Continued on page 15
In this issue: 2
Scene Around Providence
6
Calendar
3
News Briefs
5 Opinion
9 A Short-Story Writer’s Dark Humor
11 It Gets Better at URI 13 In Zig’s Words 18
Project Weber
21 TGI Network 22 AIDS Watch 25
Youth Pride, Inc.
q Serving the RI LGBToptions Communityq Since 1982 november q Visit our Resources on p. 27 2011 Section q 1
q
26
SAGE
Subscriptions p. 4 q
Scene Around Providence Photos taken at Art Beat, a fundraiser for AIDS Care Ocean State, held at the Biltmore on October 21. Thanks to all who attended for supporting our community organizations!
Photos: Jack Hartwein-Sanchez
options
q
november
2011
q
2
News Briefs Rhode Island to support Marriage Equality. Please contact cjmcgregor@ prodigy.net or 508-736-3361 for complete information.
Farewell to a Good Friend Reverend Father Paul F. Paoletti, FDP, who most recently resided in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, died last month. Father Paul was one of the RI Pride honorees in 2010. He had been a member of the Metropolitan Community Church of Providence back in Father Paul the 1970’s and was honored for being one of the organizers, defenders and participants of the first Pride in 1976 in Providence, and for other civil rights actions on behalf of the LGBT community in Rhode Island. Reverend Wesley Williams, pastor of the Orleans United Methodist Church, has announced a memorial service at his church to be held on November 13 at 2:00 pm. The address of the church is 73 Main Street, Orleans, MA 02653. The phone number is (508) 255-0622 and the email address is oumc2@verizon.net. Members of the Franciscans of Divine Providence of the Trinitarian Catholic Church are planning a private memorial service for Father Paul at a later date in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The Franciscans of Divine Providence will keep Father Paul’s photo and information on its website for a period of time as a sign of our love and respect for him and for his service to God’s people while he was among us.
Gay Minister Installed at Bell St. On October 23, the Reverend CJ McGregor was installed as Minister of the Bell Street Chapel. This historic church has served the Providence community since 1875 and remains a strong advocate for social justice issues. It was the first church in
options
q
Calling all Female Football Fanatics (the kinds that play)
Additionally, the 2011 SOC reduce the rules and requirements formerly in place for transgender patients (such as living as their desired gender for one year) and instead advise “informed consent” for patients seeking treatment.
Lesbians Marry in Texas
Transgender Human Rights Campaign The Northeastern Niboard member Meghan Stabler has married tro Women’s another woman in Texas by Football Team legally declaring her gender (whose owner, as male, a development that Amy Manfred, could be considered controlives in Rhode Island) will versial because of Stabler’s hold its first tryouts of the national prominence as the 2012 season at Schenectady only known trans person sitHigh School, 1445 The Plaza, ting on the HRC board. The Schenectady, NY 12308 on lesbian couple could not leNovember 19 from 12 -- 3pm. gally marry in Texas as such. All female athletes 18 plus But by declaring male genderare welcome. Tryout fee is identity, presumably by pro$35. Please bring ID, proof of Meghan Stabler ducing a birth certificate that medical insurance and water. reflected Stabler’s gender at For more info email: toocoaches@ birth, their union is recognized by the Lone hotmail.com, amymanfred@yahoo.com, Star State. linebackergirl56@aol.com
Good News on Gender Identity and Standards of Care The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has released a revised edition of the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People (the SOC). The first edition of the SOC was published in 1979 and they have undergone five revisions since. The 2011 version recognize that “gender nonconformity in and of itself is not a disorder” and that the health and well-being of transgender individuals is negatively impacted by discrimination, stigma and prejudice. The WPATH SOC call on health professionals to advocate for policies and legislation that encourage an inclusive environment for their patients.
november
2011
GMDVP Expands Services The Boston-based Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP) has announced that they are expanding their focus to serve the entire LGBTQ community. GMDVP previously served gay, bisexual and transgender men only, providing an array of services to residents of Rhode Island and other nearby states. “We have made incredible progress,” says GMDVP Executive Director Curt Rogers, “in moving our society and the domestic violence movement to a place of acknowledging and serving male victims of domestic violence.” He adds that GMDVP has always served all victims of domestic violence - according to the 2010 GMDVP annual report, 13% of their safe home clients identified as lesbian women. Continued on next page
q
3
Continued from previous page As part of the strategic plan, the Board of Trustees also voted to explore providing sexual assault services, and has just received a 3-year $300,000 Federal contract, in collaboration with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), to provide LGBTQ culturally-specific sexual assault case management services. GMDVP expects a name change to follow in the coming months.
White House Names New LGBT Liaison The Obama Administration has appointed Gautam Raghavan to the position of Associate Director of Public Engagement in the White House Office of Public Engagement. Raghavan, who is openly gay, was one of the Pentagon officials who managed the repeal process for Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. In his new position, Raghavan will serve as the Administration’s point of contact with the LGBT community and advocacy organizations.
Methodists Support Marriage Equality In October, a group of 900 members of the United Methodist Church launched the We do! Methodists Living Marriage Equality project. We Do! is a network of clergy, individual church members, and supportive
congregations who disagree with their denomination’s ban on marriage equality and support full marriage rights for same-sex couples. We Do! released “A Covenant of Conscience” stating that “We refuse to discriminate against any of God’s children and pledge to make marriage equality a lived reality within the New York Annual Conference (NYAC), regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression.” The NYAC represents Methodist congregations between Long Island, NY and Southern Connecticut. We Do! is sponsored by Methodists in New Directions (MIND), a group working to end discrimination against LGBTQ people in the denomination. To date, MIND has secured pledges supporting marriage equality from 1,000 members of Methodist clergy in 19 states.
options Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982
NOVEMBER 2011
q
Vol. XXX, No. 9
Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org Writers Courtney Beliveau, Thomas Bertrand, Kalene Brennan, Peter Cassels, Tyler Gomes, Sally Ann Hay, Kerri Kanelos, Sara MacSorley, Emma Garrett Nelson, Joseph Siegel Copy Editors Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Emma Garrett Nelson, Maria Phillips, Myra Shays
Senate Confirms Openly Gay Federal Judge
Calendar Editor Lisé Schwartz liseschwartz@cox.net
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Alison Nathan for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The historic appointment and confirmation make Nathan the second openly gay woman to hold a Federal judgeship and the country’s third openly gay Federal judge. There was limited opposition during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, with Chair Patrick Leahy stating that there was “no question the Senate should confirm Ms. Nathan.” q
Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net General Information info@optionsri.org Advertising Kyle Marnane advertising@optionsri.org Webmaster Ken Fonzi
q
Yes, I Want Options... FREE!
P.O. Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940-6406
For a free subscription, mailed discreetly in a plain envelope, please send:
www.optionsri.org
Your Name_________________________________________ Address:____________________________ City___________________ State _____ Zip Code __________
TO: OPTIONS I want to get involved! PO. Box 6406 Please contact me at: Providence, RI 02940 email: Phone options
q
november
2011
(401) 724-LGBT
© OPTIONS 2011. 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 December issue must be delivered by November 10. Financial support is also always welcome. For a subscription, discreetly mailed, send us your name and address or subscribe online at www.optionsri.org. Moving? Send us your old address with your new address.
q
4
Letters To the editor, As you may have heard, bullying played a factor in the loss of yet another young teen. Jamie Hubley, a 15-year-old from Ottawa, Canada committed suicide on October 14. In his blog, called “You Can’t Break… When you’re already broken,” he talks about the struggles of being openly gay in high school and the bullying he has encountered. He talks about how people tell him “it gets easier” but he just thinks its “bullsh*t.” If only someone had heard his cries for help before it was too late he might still be here today. There are many great programs offering support for struggling youths out there, but it’s clear that they are not known well enough and are too few and far between. I felt I had to do something before we lose another bright soul to suicide. I have started a website (A Place to Turn: www.facebook. com/SupportAgainstBullying) for people to go and share their stories, struggles, ideas, and words of wisdom with others and to also help promote other programs already out there. My hope is for the site to become a community of people helping each other. Also, I have a list of hotlines and support lines for easy access. If someone is feeling lost, alone and struggling to see the light, I want them to have a better chance of finding a place of hope. If you or anyone you know is struggling to find the light, please visit my website and let us help you! Also if you would like to share your story or join me in this fight to stop bullying and support ALL of our youth, become a friend of my site! The most beautiful thing a person can do is be true to him or herself. Bullies make struggling youths just like Jamie Hubley feel that being their true self is not acceptable. Bullying is what is not acceptable. In Jamie’s blog he posted:
Op-Ed “Remember me as a Unicorn :3 x) Maybe in my next life Il be a flying squirrel :D I’ll fly away.” Please, help spread the word and join the fight against bullying! Help youth find the light before we lose another unicorn.
Alyssa Janice Danielson
To the editor: [In] October, Options presented its readers with a heretofore unknown word, exotify. On page 18, Kim Stowell’s article declares, “Gay Asian men are often...exotified by the larger gay community.” Huh? That sent me to one, then two dictionaries, the latter, Merriam Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (1986), Unabridged. Practically threw my back out lifting this big book. But, I figured, if it’s a word it’s got to be here. Well, no. Google did turn up one article from an independent college newspaper penned by two sophomores which introduced to the entire English speaking world an original arrangement of letters, exotify. Please ask Kim Stowell to provide definitions for any original words that [s]he may use. Better yet, use ones that already exist. Ron Marsh [Editor’s Note: We had a lengthy discussion on the topic of this particular word. Noticing that it was a term none of us had ever heard, it gave us pause. We decided, however, that it is a word that should exist, as it perfectly described that which Mr. Lam was trying to communicate. Options appreciates your eagle eye, Mr. Marsh! Maybe you will join our editing team?] q
Winters Tale Cynthia Glinnick When I graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1976 I don’t recall there being much discussion about diversity. And if there was, it certainly didn’t include gay people. The women’s movement was in full swing, and that took precedence over something as anathema as homosexuality. We did manage to find one another but it was informal and there were no support services on campus. Fast forward twenty years to 1995 and you begin to see the inclusion of gay student organizations. The University had changed with the times, but scratch the surface and you would soon see that it was mostly lip service. This is what Andrew Winters discovered then as he strove to create a welcoming atmosphere for LGBT students attending URI. After sixteen years Winters, well liked and respected by the students for being an outspoken advocate for LGBT concerns on the Kingston campus, was forced to leave his position. What happened in the intervening years appears to be nothing short of cloak and dagger. Winters, an out gay man, was hired to work for Housing and Residential Life, a position similar to ones he had held at three other major universities. Four years into the job at URI, he identified the need for a place where openly gay students could meet, talk, exchange ideas and socialize. At the same time, a fraternity had been banned from the campus for violating alcohol regulations and its house was sitting vacant and unused. He lobbied the administration for the use of the house as a safe place for gay students to gather and he won. Not coincidentally, Winters was assaulted on campus by a group of young men who identified themselves as URI students and “get out fags” was painted across the front of the defunct fraternity house. He held a vigil in Continued on page 20
options
q
november
2011
q
5
Calendar Got a big event coming up? Let us know about it! Send your listing by the tenth of the month preceding to liseschwartz@cox.net, and we’ll see that it gets into the calendar. tickets, call the church at 272-9649. Call early, as this sells out fast!
NOVEMBER
Space to Be
2
Trans Partners support group, 7-9 p.m. This group provides life/romantic partners of TGI people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a partner’s identity on their relationships and to connect with other partners. Meeting held in Providence on first Wednesday of each month. For more information and location contact partners@tginetwork. org.
2
PFLAG of Greater Providence, 6:45 p.m. The MET School Justice Building, 325 Public St., Providence. www. pflagprovidence.org or call 751-7571 or e-mail pflagprovidence@verizon.net for more information.
1376 Sq ft, stage, 13 mill windows, piano and your imagination! Practice~Teach~Meet~Perform~Play Music~Art~Meditation~Workshops
Affordable Studio Hours for Rent 401-667-7355 Studio #200 215 Shady Lea Road North Kingstown, RI
3
www.themillatshadylea.com
5
“Behind Every Good King is a Great Queen” A fundraiser for Day One Rhode Island, hosted by Ms. Lesbian RI 2011 (as Papa Razzi) and Haley Star. Comedy Connection, East Providence. Performances by Kitty Litter, LaDiva Jonz, BB Hayes, Sabrina Blaze, Papa Razzi, Miss Gay RI Victoria Starr, and more. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. For more information contact Lisa DeCesare at lisa.decesare@gmail.com Church Supper and Drag Show, 6 p.m. St. Peter and St. Andrew Church Parish Hall, Pemberton St., Providence. $12. For
10 YPI Annual Event/Fundraiser: “Stepping Up, Stepping Out,” 6:30-11 p.m. The Biltmore Hotel, Providence. Cocktails, dinner, dancing, award presentations, and a silent auction. YPI is honored to be presenting awards to the following: Founders Award: Ken Fish; Lipsky/ Whittaker Award: Options Newsmagazine; Luis Pagan Award: Noah Rory Mann. Visit http://youthprideinc.eventbrite. com to purchase tickets online or contact Kerri, at kerri@youthprideri.org, if you’d like to receive an official invitation in the mail. 10 Ani DeFranco and Melissa Ferrick at the Wilbur Theatre, 248 Tremont St., Boston. See www.ticketmaster.com for more information and tickets. 11-13 Transcending Boundaries Conference, Mass Mutual Center, Springfield, MA. This year’s keynote speaker is Kate Bornsteirn, author of “101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks and Other Outlaws.” Celebrate the diversity of gender, sex, sexuality and relationships with workshops, lectures and entertainment. Everyone is welcome, including friends, families, allies and professionals who want to support the
Continued on page 8
The French Bulldog
options
q
november
2011
q
6
options
q
november
2011
q
7
queer community. See www.transcendingboundaries.org or e-mail info@transcendingboundaries.org. 11 COMPASS meeting. New England area female to male (FTM) trans support, information and social group. For more information e-mail compassftm@comcast.net 13 RI Prime Timers – A club to aid and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Social from 4:30-5 p.m., dinner and meeting from 5-7 p.m. $20 per person. See www.riprimetimers.org. 16 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on The Square, 241 Angell St., Providence. A discount is available if the book selection is purchased at Books on the Square. Book selection: Curious Wine by Katherine Forrest. For more information, e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com.
Providing resources to the LGBT Community of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts for over 30 years.
Not listed with us?
17 Brokeback Mountain Gay Bingo. The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. sharp! $20 for all games. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Stephen Hartley at 521-3603 or stephenh@aidscareos.org. 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance, 6-8 p.m. Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell St., Providence. Candle light vigil and community forum to discuss the state of RI’s Transgender community. For more information contact Hailee Malo at haileemalo@gmail.com. 30
Providence Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday concert: Wishes, 7 p.m. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. $20.
DECEMBER 3
Providence Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday concert: Wishes, 7 p.m. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. $20.
4
Providence Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday concert: Wishes, 4 p.m. Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence. $20.
7
Trans Partners support group, 7-9 p.m. This group provides life/ romantic partners of TGI people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a partner’s identity on their relationships and to connect with other partners. Meeting held in Providence. For more information and location contact partners@tginetwork.org.
7
PFLAG of Greater Providence, 6:45 p.m. The MET School Justice Building, 325 Public St., Providence. www.pflagprovidence.org or call 751-7571 or e-mail pflagprovidence@verizon.net for more information.
9
COMPASS meeting. New England area female to male (FTM) trans support, information and social group. For more information e-mail compassftm@comcast.net
Visit our website to be included in our online directory.
11 RI Prime Timers – A club to aid and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Social from 4:30-5 p.m., dinner and meeting from 5-7 p.m. $20 per person. See www.riprimetimers.org. 14 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on The Square, 241 Angell St., Providence. A discount is available if the book selection is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information and book selection, e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com. 15 Martha Stewart Gay Bingo. The Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. sharp! $20 for all games. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Stephen Hartley at 521-3603 or stephenh@aidscareos.org. q
Paying too much
for your home/auto/business insurance?
Now you have options! Many companies • family-friendly staff same-sex couple discounts
F Flamand & Associates A L I F E A U TO HO M E A F L A C B U S I N E S S
Call Melanie today for all your insurance needs
I N S U R A N C E
55 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02888
(401)228-3500 • flamandinsurance.com
options
q
november
2011
q
8
A Short-Story Writer’s Dark Humor Peter Cassels
M
ichael Graves, a gay fiction writer, has written his first book, a collection of short stories published in September. Written mostly from a gay child’s perspective, Dirty One has already received some rave reviews. “I didn’t set out to make a collection,” Graves, a resident of Leominster, Massachusetts, told Options in an interview. “I was just writing short stories about different aspects of my childhood. They were dark and a little humorous.” Most of the stories take place in Leominster, where the author has lived all his life except for stints in Cambridge and Boston. “Oh, and L.A. for a month,” he added. “I moved back here and met my husband, also a lifelong resident. We’ve been together for nine years.” They wed not long after marriage equality became legal in the Bay State in 2004. Like much fiction, Graves’s stories are based on fact. Writing from a gay child’s perspective is unique, but it’s based on his personal experience. “I knew I was gay when I was five or six years old,” the author said. “I accepted it and never struggled with it. Everybody has a different experience. I have friends who came out at different ages, some in their thirties.” When told that his stories remind one
of the well-known gay author David Sedaris because of their dark humor, Graves confirmed that Sedaris is a role model. “Other writers who inspire me are Truman Capote and Bret Easton Ellis, who wrote American Psycho and Less Than Zero,” he added. One of his stories, “From Kissing,” is about the ignorance and fear surrounding HIV in the 1980s. The main character Butch, a sixth grader,
worries that he has contracted AIDS from tongue-kissing his friend Milo. Back then, “The only information about gay life that trickled down to me was bad
BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIPS Life Coaching for Gay Men •Discover your ideal relationship and make it a reality •Develop stronger bonds with yourself and others •”Coming Out” with confidence, the way you want to
Call Tim for more information
401-944-0723 trippleforte@netzero.com ~ www.trippleforte.webs.com
options
q
november
2011
q
9
jokes,” Graves recalled. “I distinctly remember when AIDS started. It was very clear to me about how to prevent the virus, but there was still this air of mystery.” He’s always been obsessed with his health, the author explained. His book reflects that. “The title story, ‘Dirty One’ is about a boy whose mother suffers from obsessivecompulsive disorder,” Graves reported. “It’s a theme that runs through the stories -- what it means to be dirty and what it means to be clean.” “Comb City,” the title of another story, is a euphemism for Leominster, which is still called the plastics capital of America.
That famous scene from the film The Graduate immediately comes to mind. “Back then, when it was a still big factory town, there would be these small black plastic combs to use on your hair before you had a school photo taken,” Graves said in explaining the story’s title. Pollution was a byproduct of the town’s factories. “In that story, I write about the older brother of the principal character talking about how the air you breathe is going to kill you,” he said. It’s unfair to ask a short-story writer which one in a collection is a favorite. After all, they are all the author’s children. “It
Youth Pride, Inc.’s Annual Event/Fundraiser
Stepping Up, Stepping Out! Thursday, November 10Th, 2011 6:30pm To 11:00pm The provideNce bilTmore hoTel
Reception, Silent Auction, Awards, Dinner & Dancing Honorees:
Founders Award: Ken Fish
is difficult, but ‘Sea Horse’ is a favorite because it’s about a young gentleman named George who’s 17 or 18,” Graves answered after some thought. “He desperately wants to have a child. I went into a darker place for that piece.” The story was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and the Million Writers Award. “Get this book and read it now so you can say you knew Michael Graves when (or at least you can say you knew his writing when),” wrote one critic who gave the book five stars on its Amazon.com page.
When told that his stories remind one of the wellknown gay author David Sedaris because of their dark humor, Graves confirmed that Sedaris is a role model.
Lipsky/Whittaker Award: Options Newsmagazine Luis Pagan Award: Noah Rory Mann To purchase tickets online, visit our Event Brite website: http://youthprideinc.eventbrite.com Call 401-421-5626 for more information, or if you’d like to receive an official invitation in the mail
GAY BINGO! The THIRD Thursday of every month! Doors open at 6pm Bingo starts at 7pm SHARP! The Riviera Bingo Palace 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston, RI
,
ss ste
r ho You
s Mis
ty!
Kit
Graves earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at Lesley University in Cambridge. His work has appeared in such literary journals as Lodestar Quarterly, Velvet Mafia, Jack Magazine and Cherry Bleeds. His stories have also been included in the print anthologies Cool Thing, Best Gay Love Stories 2006, and Eclectica Magazine’s Best Fiction, Volume One. Dirty One By Michael Graves Paperback, 152 pp. Chelsea Station Editions q
Reach our desirable audience.
OVER $2,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES AWARDED EACH MONTH! A FUNdraiser for AIDS Care Ocean State and AIDS Project Rhode Island! Sponsors are ALWAYS needed. Contact Stephen Hartley at 401-521-3603 or e-mail at stephenh@ aidscareos.org.
for information on advertising, contact us at advertising@optionsri.org or 724-LGBT
BINGO STARTS SEPTEMBER 15th! www.aidscareos.org
options
q
november
2011
q
10
A Simple Message for Hope It Gets Better at URI: Coming Out for Change Sara MacSorley
It all started with an idea. Christina, a member of the University of Rhode Island LBTQ Women’s Group, learned about the It Gets Better Project (www.itgetsbetter. org), a worldwide movement to show LGBT youth that life does in fact get better. The project collects stories of LGBT people who are living openly and allies who want to be a visible source of support to young people. The idea is to inspire youth to live comfortably and openly and to show that they, too, can achieve success and happiness. Christina thought the Women’s Group could produce a video to show support at
options
q
URI. The group agreed and figured they would film on their cell phones and edit using free software on one of their laptops. Little did they know what a large and powerful project they were starting. The Women’s Group raised over $10,000 for the project. Instead of filming on cell phones they were able to hire an award-winning videographer. Colorful flyers asking students, faculty and staff to participate in video interviews went out around campus and the response was staggering. More than 85 people participated in filming, resulting in over twelve hours of video
november
2011
footage. The film It Gets Better made its debut at URI on October 5 to an audience of over 900 people. President David Dooley spoke in his welcome about how proud he was to support the project and to work at an institution where “hope” was on its seal. The message of hope resounded throughout the event. The premiere-goers watched in silence as professors whose classes they had taken, students they recognized from around campus, and staff members who helped them navi-
q
11
gate college life smoothly talk about their experiences. Some were themselves LGBT community members telling stories of perseverance. Others were allies telling stories of their LGBT family members and friends. Their stories were emotional, touching, and inspiring. They all had the same positive message: no matter what you are going through now, it gets better and there are people here at URI who support you.
who have faced similar issues. They can see real examples of people they may know who are successful while being open about their identity and/or sexuality. They can see how it gets better and how they too can be loved and supported by just being who they are.
Alycia Mosley Austin, Director of Graduate Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives, participated because “she wanted to be a face of someone students could go to, someone who would be supportive, listen, and understand. There is a whole group of people here for you [at URI].”
Jennifer Specker says that she has seen URI “gradually embracing diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity” in her 25-plus years there as a Professor of Oceanography. “It’s a whole new world,” she says. Cathy Marcotte, class of 1982, also
It is important for everyone to have role models. This film allows LGBT students, staff, and faculty to see people like them
says things are different today, “not completely where they will be yet, but much, much further along the right path because of the making and showing of It Gets Better.”
It is important for everyone to have role models. This film allows for LGBT students, staff, and faculty to see people like them who have faced similar issues.
Rizzo Financial Group, LLC Accredited Domestic Partner Advisor (ADPAsm) This special designation helps financial advisors to better understand and address the unique investment planning needs of the LGBT community and same sex couples.
Guy C. Rizzo, President, Rizzo Financial Group, LLC 17 years of wealth management experience full service financial firm
Call 401-789-8833 for a complimentary financial review rizzofinancialgroup@verizon.net www.financialadvisorri.com Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC(WFAFN), Member SPIC. Rizzo Financial Group, LLC is a separate entity from WFAFN.
The students in the Women’s Group did a phenomenal job turning Christina’s idea into reality and it says a lot for the positive support on campus. Joseph Santiago, Coordinator of the URI GLBT Center, agrees. “I believe that these women have become bridges that will support the weight that future students carry with them as they find themselves on the same road,” he says. There was a real sense of community and pride at the premiere. Pride in being LGBT, and pride in being a part of the URI community. Jess Raffaele, the representative for the LGBTIQ2 Alumni Chapter, said, “I was really proud it happened at my school as an alumna and as a staff member.” Jody Lisberger, Director of Women’s Studies, was “proud that URI would put all their energy and efforts into making and showing this film. It shows how open communication is really important.” Having gotten involved with it myself, this writer knows personally that the video had an impact. The morning after the premiere, I woke up to an email from a former student. She said that seeing my story made her feel that life was okay and it helped her accept who she is. She wanted to thank me for being an inspiration. Reading those few sentences brought tears to my eyes. At that moment, I realized that I was now one of many visible supporters on campus, and that this video would have a large and lasting impact for the URI community. For questions about the URI LBTQ Women’s Group or to order a DVD of the film for only $7 plus shipping, please contact co-advisor Holly J. Nichols at hjnichols@uri.edu. q
options
q
november
2011
q
12
In Zig’s Own Words
~ PLANNING with PRIDE ~
Don’t fall into the “Gifting” Trap!
Emma Garrett Nelson
*Author’s Note: Some members of the LGBTQ community use gender-neutral pronouns. Common examples include “ze/zie,” “hir,” and “x.” Noel uses “zig” and “ziger.” There’s been a lot of talk about LGBTQ youth in the Options office lately. How do we reach them? What do they need from the older generation? We know they’re doing great things -- how can we share their story? The editor and I discussed featuring GSAs, or interviewing young leaders, and time and again, I kept repeating the same thing: “I need to sit down with Noel Puello, the youth Board member at YPI.” I’d met Noel more than a year ago at YPI, and have run into zig repeatedly since then. Noel has always impressed me, and who can resist zig’s infectious smile? And as I thought about the young leaders in our community, I knew Noel was someone we needed to recognize. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Noel on a Saturday afternoon. My story was originally about the challenges of starting a high school GSA, but as we talked, it became clear that Noel was the story: a how-to on becoming a young leader and giving back to your community. Noel Puello is a high school senior at Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) studying culinary arts, and has been a YPI board member for two years. Noel is active with a number of other organiza-
options
q
tions, and serves on the Studio Team Advisory Board at New Urban Arts. “When I started school, I was just like every other teenage high school boy, which was boring. I wanted to be loud, outspoken, I wanted to be amazing, and I wanted to be myself.” After coming out during sophomore year, Noel immediately became active with YPI. “I volunteered for everything,” zig says. One day, James Robinson (then Executive Director of YPI) asked Noel to apply for Board membership. “He saw something in me.” I asked Noel how it felt to be on the Board of such an important organization, “Being a voice there is amazing -- it’s pretty damn cool.”
Domestic Partners may pay unnecessary gift taxes due to improperly transferring and even sharing assets, such as a home. To learn about the important financial issues that uniquely affect the LGBT community, contact me to request information or set up a FREE initial consultation. Karen Melo, CFP®, ADPASM Financial Services Representative Financial Planner
(401) 432-8805 www.karen-melo.com kmelo@oceanstatefinancial.com Securities products and investment advisory services are offered by New England Securities Corp., (NES) (member FINRA/SIPC), a registered investment advisor. Branch address: 401 Wampanoag Trail #100, East Providence, RI 02915. Neither New England Securities nor its representatives offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney for guidance. SM ADPA – Accredited Domestic Partner Advisor. L0711193554[exp0712][MA,RI]
CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS ADULTS
In the 2010-2011 school year, Noel started PCTA’s first GSA because “I felt really uncomfortable at school. I couldn’t find a safe place to be.” I asked Noel about the process of starting a GSA. “It was hard,” zig said, noting that although it was easy to secure an advisor and meeting space at the school, getting permission from the principal proved challenging. Aside from scheduling conflicts, the principal was concerned about the GSA addressing topics like sex, suicide, and bullying, and they had to agree not to use any of these terms in their promotional materials, or to discuss them at meetings. By the time the GSA was approved, it was April and there were just two months left in the school year and little time to make an impact, but their participation in the Day of Silence met with
november
2011
Depression ADHD Anxiety Self-esteem Study Skills/ Time Management Relationships/Intimacy
John D. DaPonte, CAGS Mental Health Counselor
401.383.7647 MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED
q
13
a lot of support from both students and teachers. Now in its second year, the GSA has largely functioned as a support group -- although Noel hopes that more PCTA students will attend YPI’s GSA Coalition meetings -- and the group will participate in the Transgender Day of Remembrance and the Day of Silence. I was curious about the issues that impact LGBTQ youth and asked Noel about the challenges that they face from day to day. “We’ve had such a different experience, and our voices aren’t heard as much.” Noel also notes that the older generation had a much
“You find a family if the family you have is not the one you want,” says Noel, “These places -- YPI, New Urban Arts, The HUB, Youth in Action -- they’re everything to me. They make you feel like you’re one in a million.”
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
Empathic Empathic Experienced Experienced Effective Effective
harder experience that today’s youth might not truly understand, and notes that very few of zig’s peers “are actually involved in activism, or they do it maybe once a year.” Noel, a queer person of color, is also concerned with the lack of public leadership for LGBTQ people of color, and mentioned that while queer history is full of stories of brave men and women who have moved the community forward, it is also largely based on the Caucasian experience. LGBTQ youth also have the unique experience of being “cyber-bullied.” The use of the Internet to bully youth “makes it a lot worse; you can be bullied at any time. You’re being emotionally abused and you can’t get away from it.” So how does it get better? “You find a family if the family you have is not the one you want,” says Noel, “These places -- YPI, New Urban Arts, The HUB, Youth in Action -- they’re everything to me. They make you feel like you’re one in a million. And I have really amazing friends.” I asked how it was possible that zig had done so much and gained so much perspective so early in life, and Noel responded quite simply, “I just wanted to be heard, I was tired of just doing what I was told to do, I wanted to take my life in my own hands and be an individual.” q
(401)942-5093
(401)942-5093 30thYear - GLBTQ 30thBryn YearMawr -- GLBTQ Founder Haverford Colleges GSA Cornell-Ithaca GA Mawr Haverford College’s GSA Founder, Bryn
Cornell - Ithaca GA
Plumbing by Paul “We do it right in your home.”
New . Old . Big . Small . We Do It . Right .
225-0561 Licensed, Insured, Guaranteed, Honest, Clean options
q
november
2011
q
14
Transgender Day of Remembrance, cont. from p. 1 [then] they probably … noticed that [she] was a “dude” and probably took it from there and shot [her] and killed [her].” The FBI was called in to investigate whether this brutal murder could be considered a hate crime, which they determined it was not.
N
ovember 20, 2011 will mark the 13th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). Observed internationally, TDoR is a day when the transgender community, their allies and supporters gather to remember lives that have been lost in the last year to anti-transgender hatred and prejudice. TDoR is held in November to honor Rita Hesler, whose murder in 1998 prompted the first vigil in California in1999. Her murder – like so many anti-transgender cases – has yet to be solved. In fact, the murder of Angie Zapata in 2008 led to the first time anyone was convicted of a hate crime against a transperson.
The statistics are powerful in relation to the size of the population: there is an average of one transperson killed each month in the United States, and there are countless incidents of hate-based assault. It is impossible to know exactly how many, as these
crimes often go unreported because victims fear further victimization by outing themselves to the police.
bring the event back to life by organizing a small group of community members from all over the state. “I want to bring the community together, bring awareness to the bias-motivated crimes that plague our community, and instill a sense of hope for the future, letting transpeople know that, although we mourn our brothers and sisters, we do not live in fear.”
Brandon Tina, who inspired the awardwinning movie “Boys Don’t Cry,” is one of the most well known victims. The film brought the reality of transgender hate crimes to millions of people and is believed to have fueled the movement. It was released about one month before the first Salve Regina senior Evan Gallo serves on TDoR observance. Unthe TDoR committee, Despite numerous fortunately, for young and says, “In the past, transpeople this is ofthe day has been one of attempts to change it, ten the first impression respect and healing for Rhode Island law still they have about life as a both those affected and does not recognize transgender person. those who understand assault based on gender the injustices the trans This year’s event identity or expression as community faces interorganizer Jaye Watts ata hate crime. nationally. Possibly the tended his first TDoR most exciting aspect to event in 2003, a vigil this year’s TDoR event at Prospect Park on the East Side of Proviis the call to action town meeting at the end dence. “I remember feeling a sense of beof the ceremony. It will ask the community longing to a community,” he said, “but was where to go from here, and it will draw more also overcome by fear and sadness.” The Prospect Park observance is no longer held, attention to how most of these deaths go unand Watts has been unsuccessful in locating solved, and what we can do to make Rhode the organizers, but he “hopes those folks Island more trans-friendly. This year it is not will find out that the tradition continues only about healing, but also about action, and we hope people will be inspired to join and join us.” us.” In 2009, Watts launched an effort to “I think Chaz Bono’s visibility on televi-
Priscilla, Lashay, Camila, Gaurav, Miss Nate-Nate, Tyra -- Just a few of the lives lost to anti-transgender hate killings in the last year
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
options
q
november
2011
q
15
sion is a positive step in the right direction,” says Youth Pride, Inc. Executive Director Kerri Kanelos, “There are many other people who, like Chaz, are standing up against transphobia just by being visible in their communities or their work. There are academics like Jack Halberstam (author of books like In a Queer Time and Place and Female Masculinity), who not only do revolutionary work for their fields of study, but also bring visibility and hope to other transmen and transwomen who want to Jaye Watts work in academia. In music, there’s Big Freedia, a black transwoman from New Orleans who is one of the biggest upcoming names in hip-hop -- a genre of music that is often viewed as transphobic and homophobic.” “In the past ten years or so,” she continues, “I’ve witnessed an increase in discussion about gender in general, how rigid it is, and how policing gender so closely hurts
everyone. It’s a very emotionally and politically charged topic for some people; for example, the uproar over the J Crew catalogue that featured a mother who was painting her son’s toenails pink.”
ment. Sometimes I wonder how long I will be able to continue, but I remind myself that it is the least I can do for my community. I guess I keep doing it because it needs to be done.”
Planning the event is an emotional time for Watts, himself a transman. When asked about that, he said, “I take time to reflect in private prior to the actual event. I feel it over and over as we plan the event, go over details and begin to plan the program. As the day gets closer, I continually check the TDoR website; the sad reality is that the number of lives lost never stops, so programs are not printed until the last minute. By the time the actual event rolls around, I feel slightly numb and disconnected. I keep busy as a coping mechanism -- I am worrying about the itinerary, the program, the speakers and the candles… I have to remind myself every now and then to stop and just be in the mo-
TDoR will take place on November 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Bell St. Chapel, 5 Bell St., Providence. There will be a candlelight vigil with community speakers, followed by refreshments and a town hall-style meeting to engage in a relevant and hopeful discussion. All are welcome. The event is sponsored by Youth Pride, Inc. and TGI Network of Rhode Island, and volunteers are needed to bring snacks and desserts to share. For information or to volunteer, contact Jaye at JAYE@youthprideri.org. There will be other observances as well, especially on college and university campuses. Brown is hosting an event on Nov. 14, and the URI GLBT Center has indicated that they will mark the Day of Remembrance. Students and community should check with their own LGBT, Pride or Diversity offices. q
For the past 29 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 •
options
q
401.885.8400
november
• 401.783.2474 • 401.274.6740 • 800.886.1775
2011
q
16
Exciting Times at SAGE/RI SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) has a dual mission: serving the LGBT community with social events and providing education/advocacy. We’ve been busy on both fronts lately! In September, we hosted our second movie night, featuring Hope Along the Wind (a documentary about Harry Hay). A lively discussion afterward, led by Harry’s niece, Sally Hay, included sharing a story about being arrested on Moonstone Beach in the 1960’s, remembering the fear of being outed after a raid, and the personal costs of leadership in the early gay rights movement. More recently, in October, we enjoyed “An Evening Out” which was co-sponsored with YPI (Youth Pride, Inc.) -- what fun! Talent of all ages took the stage to share stories, play the piano, read poetry and to sing, and dinner gave us all a chance to talk with one another. Everyone agreed the evening should just be the first of many future shared events. We’ve had equally exciting success on our education/advocacy front. Early in October, the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) announced that SAGE/RI was one of several organizations to receive a generous WFRI grant in a highly competitive process. The funds will allow SAGE/RI to survey lesbian elders, health care agencies and providers to compile a resource directory of lesbian-friendly services, and to educate Lifespan staff to assist them in delivering quality health care to this population. The overall goal is to improve the health of older lesbians through educating and empowering them to seek quality health care while at the same time, improving the services being provided to them. Also in October, we responded to the invitations of the Alliance for Better Long Term Care and Lifespan with presentations to both the Alliance staff and Lifespan nurses at Miriam Hospital on issues of LGBT elders. Stay tuned! Be sure to join us on Facebook (SAGE/Rhode Island) or contact us at sageriinfo@gmail.com to get information about upcoming events and/or how you can be a part of our ongoing efforts to improve quality of life for older LGBT people and to have fun! q
options
q
november
AIDS Care Ocean State Adopt-a-Family Campaign For only $50.00, you can adopt a local family and ensure that they will have food, gifts for children during the holidays, along with warm clothing and heat for their homes throughout the winter months! Adopting a Family is easy!
You can adopt a family today by visiting www.aidscareos.org Or, send a check made payable to ACOS to 18 Parkis Ave., Providence, RI 02907 It’s that easy! Your donation makes the holidays a little brighter to a family in need.
PORTRAITS
SAGE Rhode Island
JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPhotos@verizon.net
JDHS Photos 2011
q
17
Project Weber By Joe Siegel
The plight of male sex workers is often overlooked by most of society. Young men who sell their bodies are subjected to physical and mental abuse, and even death. Rich Holcomb is a former sex worker who is trying to help this neglected population.
ished and sick, with ripped and unwashed clothing.” The research also showed that most male sex workers consider themselves heterosexual, only selling themselves to buy
viewed had reported having sex with as many as a dozen men per day, and he notes that these men are at an “extremely high risk” of HIV infection due to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex with “multiple anonymous partners” and needle sharing.
In the summer of 2010, Holcomb surveyed 50 men who have earned money as sex workers on the streets of Providence. Holcomb named the project “Project Weber” in honor of Roy Weber, a 19 year-old commercial sex worker who was found dead on Christmas Day 2003. Weber’s murder remains unsolved.
The sex workers were willing to open up to Holcomb and his friend James Waterman because they were former prostitutes themselves and could relate to what the men were going through.
Male sex workers work night and day on the streets of downtown, at the Amazing adult bookstores and areas around the Mega-Plex bathhouse. They x 2.275. range3.5 in age from 18 to 55.
drugs, and many want to stop using. There are other factors at play as well. “They have no home, no families,” Holcomb explained. “They don’t know how to break the cycle.”
As a teenager, Holcomb lived in Montreal, where he became addicted to crack cocaine and sold his body in order to pay for his drug habit. “I didn’t feel very good about myself,” he said, recalling that his life became a “vicious cycle” of sex and drugs.
Some of the IV drug users that he inter-
Holcomb had been sexually abused as
Holcomb first became aware of the presence of male prostitutes when a man approached him in Providence’s Kennedy Plaza when he was ten.
According to Holcomb: “One participant [had been] badly beaten and bruised from a random assault by several men the night before, and many appeared malnour-
“Experience the Excellence” Non-invasive anti-aging skin treatments Botox Dermal Fillers Juvederm Radiesse Laser Hair Removal Non-invasive Skin Tightening Remove Sun Damage Acne Treatments Rosacea Treatments Spider Vein Treatments Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion Complimentary Consultations
Ellen Scobie, R.N. certified from Allergan (makers of Botox) for training physicians and nurses
36 S o u t h C o u n t y C o m m o n S W ay , S u i t e
C -5
S o u t h K i n g S tow n • 401-782-2400 W W W .S e a m i S t R e j u v e n at i o n . C o m
options
q
november
2011
q
18
a child and had to deal with an abusive father, who taunted him about his sexuality. “I wasn’t interested in sports,” he said. “[My dad] called me faggot. I knew I couldn’t please him.”
Life on the street was a living nightmare for Holcomb, who said he was “close to dying.” After 10 years of selling his body, Holcomb realized that he needed to get his life together, so he sought treatment for his drug and alcohol addiction. “I attribute my recovery to a 12-step program and the loving support that I found with other recovering addicts who have similar stories,” Holcomb said. “I hit some obstacles with the many mainstream substance abuse treatment centers I attended that were not equipped to provide support for male prostitutes. The Pride Institute in New Jersey was helpful to me because they had staff trained and familiar with what I was dealing with.” Now 35, Holcomb is determined to offer a way out for male sex workers in Providence, many of whom travel here from other states because of the city’s sex-friendly climate. He notes Rhode Island lacks the resources needed to provide counseling and treatment for these men. He hopes to create a place that will have a drop-in center with access to HIV testing and condoms. “Stigma, personal prejudice and lack of knowledge” were cited by Holcomb as reasons for the lack of cooperation from some social service agencies. However, some organizations have offered support. The MSM task force of the Rhode Island Community Planning Group (RICPG) encouraged Holcomb’s 2010 survey. AIDS Care Ocean State has offered access to condoms, clean needles, and safe sex materials to conduct weekly outreach to male sex workers. Holcomb hopes to encourage others to find the strength to give up a destructive lifestyle. “I’m grateful to be alive and out of that lifestyle,” he added. For more information about Project Weber, go to the organization’s Facebook page. q
options
q
Individual & Couples • Solution-Focused Psychotherapy Meditation Instruction • Insurance Accepted
401-274-7225 | Providence lhandel@gmail.com
Welcoming LGBT professionals and their friends
Meditation Instruction Individual • Group
A membership organization focused on: • Shared Member Contact Information • Professional Networking • Philanthropic Causes • Member benefits n e t w o r k
november
2011
q
Linda Handel
For more information please contact
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Frank Maher at (401) 453-9276, visit RI AGP on Facebook or by email at gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com.
n o w
19
!
Op-Ed continued from page 5 front of the house, protesting this behavior, and about a year later the Rainbow Diversity House was established. In the meantime, Winters left his position in student housing and was appointed Director of LGBT Programs and Services, reporting directly to the Vice President. He brought guest lecturers to conferences and symposiums, provided trainings for Resident Assistants, took the students to other universities for related events, and facilitated open discussion groups three nights a week in a dedicated space in Adams Hall,
often paying for refreshments and such out of his own pocket. “He got people like Barney Frank to come and speak for free,” revealed Winters’ partner Don Smith, “He received accolades from the University for his work, was the recipient of the annual Diversity Award and was even nominated Employee of the Year.”
While all of this was going on, Winters was getting incident reports of on-going discrimination, harassment, verbal assaults and death threats toward gay students, which he brought to the attention of the Vice President of Student Affairs. The students, separately and unbeknownst to Andrew, brought the same concern to the Vice President. When they were met with a lack of sufficient interest, they occupied a twenty-four hour study room in the library last October to protest the harassment and discrimination of gay students on campus. They gathered 1400 signatures on a petition and demanded that the new president of the University meet with them, address their concerns and make real changes at the University. Many faculty members wrote letters to the URI President and the Board of Governors in support of Winters.
[Winters] challenged the status quo and championed the LGBT cause on a campus that once had the reputation of being the most homophobic in the country.
A month later, The Chronicle, a prestigious publication for higher education, wrote an article focused on URI and Winters’ work. Ironically, this was the point where things began to really unravel for him. Winters began to feel under attack, both professionally and personally. He had to report when he came and went and justify his comings and goings. He was told that if he didn’t like the new rules, he could look into early retirement. Fed up with how he was being treated, he filed a discrimination claim against the University, hired a lawyer and took a leave of absence. For a man who challenged the status quo and championed the LGBT cause on a campus that once had the reputation of being the most homophobic in the country (per The Advocate), who steadfastly gave of himself for students who were being harassed and assaulted, who fought for those same students to have a safe place to gather, Andrew Winters’ legacy has come to an abrupt and ignominious end. Editor’s Note: The writer was unable to get anyone from URI to comment. q
options
q
november
2011
q
20
TGI Network Courtney Beliveau
I
t is difficult to accurately estimate the number of transgender people in the United States, mostly because there are no population studies that accurately and completely account for the range of gender identity and gender expression. Estimates range from .3% to .5%, depending on the study. What is certain is that those who identify as transgender, gender-variant and intersex (TGI) need access to healthcare, legal help, support groups and advocates.
social service providers.” This is particularly important because it is often difficult to find doctors willing to treat them. “Also,” he added, “the TGI community has been trying for several years to get gender identity and expression added to Rhode Island Hate
Those who identify as transgender, gender-variant and intersex (TGI) need access to healthcare, legal help, support groups and advocates.
Trevor Beard is the new Executive Director of TGI Network in Rhode Island. He explained that TGI Network has taken over the management of programs formerly offered by Lifelines RI including the Borderlands, TransPartners New England, and Southern New England FTM peer support groups. TGI Network also provides educational programming and advocacy. TGI Network serves Rhode Island and surrounding areas. It is a resource for TGI people navigating their life journeys as well as the legal and medical systems, and collaborates with other organizations. When I asked Trevor what he saw as the most important issues facing the TGI community, he answered, “Access to safe and culturally competent medical care and
Trevor Beard Crimes laws.” In addition to his work with the TGI Network, Trevor is a Public Safety Officer. He came to Rhode Island to attend college and has been here since. I asked about his experience growing up in Northern New Hampshire. “Growing up I definitely marched to the beat of my own drum,” he said, “and I was fortunate to have parents that let me be myself. It wasn’t always easy and I was often the odd one out.
FREE
If you are interested in the support groups or other services or just want more information, visit www.TGINetwork.org or e-mail info@tginetwork.org. q
Options Subscriptions are FREE again!
Get all the news, information, places to go and people to watch... Delivered right to your door every month!
401-648-2000 Always Totally Free For Everyone q
The TGI Network website is a valuable resource that includes links to health and human services organizations, support groups, conferences and a list of camps. These camps include two geared towards kids ages 8-17. According to Trevor, “places where kids can just be themselves are incredibly important.”
Have You Heard the News?
R.I. CHAT LINE options
Through those experiences I came to value diversity of all sorts. In college, I was a member of the Multi-Cultural Student Union and was a Resident Assistant. As a Resident Assistant I was required to create programs for my residents. As often as possible my programs centered around diversity awareness. I was involved with Lifelines RI from its beginning and now have been involved with TGI Network of RI since its beginning.”
See page 4 for details
november
2011
q
21
AIDS Community Watch
Civil Union Ceremonies Senator
Donna M. Nesselbush Municipal Court Judge
401-274-7400 ext. 53 401-378-2155
If you’re looking for a spiritual home where you can be yourself... www.AreYouUU.org
Gay/Bisexual Men’s Health Alliance Formed in New England Thomas Bertrand Twenty community-based organizations and local health agencies from all six New England states have banded together to create the New England Alliance for Gay/ Bisexual Men’s Health. The mission of the Alliance is to work together to improve the health of gay and bisexual men through information sharing, peer-to-peer technical assistance, cross-state collaboration, monitoring disease rates, strengthening partnerships with government agencies, raising awareness, and conducting advocacy. A variety of challenges related to HIV and STD prevention among gay/bisexual men throughout New England, as well as disease trends, were the catalysts that brought these organizations together. For example, in Rhode Island, the number of cases of syphilis in gay/bisexual men has doubled in recent years. Additionally, while other groups have experienced decreases in reported HIV infections, the rates of newly
reported HIV infections among gay/bisexual men have remained largely unchanged. It is estimated that in 2010 gay and bisexual men represented 50% to 75% of newly reported HIV infections in Rhode Island. The Alliance has prepared its first position paper that lists its priorities in the following categories: Disease and Behavioral Surveillance, Public Awareness, Funding, Research, and Access to Care. For a copy of the position paper please contact Thomas@ aidsprojectri.org. The member agencies from Rhode Island are: AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project Rhode Island, Brown University AIDS Program, JSI Research and Training Institute, The Miriam Hospital, and Thundermist Health Center.
AIDS Project Rhode Island Thanks Supporters of the AIDS Walk for Life – 2011 By all accounts, the AIDS Walk for Life was a big success this year. It’s estimated that 400 people participated in the event on the State House lawn on the sun-filled morning of October 2. To date, the event has brought
(...from our brazen gossip department...)
Remember DeVille’s? HOLD THAT THOUGHT.
options
q
november
2011
q
22
in over $50,000 in corporate and individual contributions. A number of prominent Rhode Islanders were on hand to make remarks, including Rhode Island’s First Lady - Mrs. Stephanie Chafee, Mayor Angel Tavares, and Representative David Cicilline. One of the goals of this year’s event was to increase involvement of local high schools and colleges. The following schools had representation in the Walk in various volunteer capacities: East Greenwich High School, Tabor Academy, Wheeler School, Hope High School and Brown University. Planning for the 2012 Walk is already underway. If you have any suggestions or recommendations for next year’s Walk, please contact Tom Bertrand at Thomas@aidsprojectri.org.
options
q
AIDS Care Ocean State Also Thanks AIDS Walk Participants Kalene Brennan This year, Team AIDS Care Ocean State raised over $13,000 for the AIDS Walk For Life! Our team was composed of 34 co-workers, friends, family, board members and supporters. On behalf of the agency, we would like to send a big thank you to everyone who donated to Team ACOS. This couldn’t have been done without the help of all of our dedicated fundraisers, especially YouTube sensation Davey Wavey and his partner-in-crime Miss Haley Star. They helped to spread the word to their fans about the AIDS Walk to raise funds for Team AIDS Care Ocean State. All of the monies raised
november
2011
q
23
will go to direct client services of ACOS. In addition, we thank of all of the AIDS Care Ocean State volunteers who helped at the AIDS Walk. Your help was much appreciated by not only ACOS, but by AIDS Proj-
ect Rhode Island too. Without your help, the event would not have run as smoothly as it did!
Legends! 2012 Calendar Release Party The Legendary Ladies Return to Broadway
Celebrating 50 Years! ll a H n w o T
LANES
The lovely ladies of the Legends! 2012 Calendar will be at the Coliseum at 180 Pine Street on Sunday, November 6 for the 7th annual Calendar Release Party. Every year Legends! releases a themed calendar, and this year the theme is “Return to Broadway.” Your favorite drag queens will be dressed to the nines representing all your favorite Broadway plays and musicals. The calendars make great holiday gifts, and buy one for yourself too because they sell fast!
ends! 2012 calendar at www.aidscareos.org.
The ACOS Donation and Prevention Center has Moved! Taylor Gomes The AIDS Care Ocean State Donation and Prevention Center has moved to a new location. It is now located at our office at 557 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02907. Our Prevention Center can still be reached at 781-0665. We provide free, confidential and anonymous HIV and Hepatitis C testing. All of our testing sites are IDU and LGBT friendly. Please call to schedule an appointment to get tested today.
The lovely ladies of the Legends! 2012 Calendar will be at the Coliseum at 180 Pine Street on Sunday, November 6 for the 7th annual Calendar Release Party.
Admission for the Legends! Calendar Release Party is $20 and includes an autographed calendar from all the ladies along with a live “legendary” show that evening. All proceeds from the Legends! calendars go to AIDS Care Ocean State and Rhode Island Pride. Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m.
If you cannot attend the calendar release party, you can always purchase your Leg-
In addition, our Donation Center is now accepting winter clothing donations of all sizes for both adults and children. Items can be dropped off at our Broad Street office. To arrange a pick-up of your items, please call Keith Dube at 781-5565. We also accept donations of new or gently used furniture and household items. For more information about AIDS Care Ocean State Prevention and Donation Center, please visit www.aidscareos.org. q
Home of Big Gay Al’s Bowling League 1463 Atwood Ave. Johnston • 831-6940 options
q
november
2011
q
24
Youth Pride, Inc.
Know your status.
Kerri Kanelos
Big News—YPI Is Moving!
Wellness Programs
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
We are excited to announce that in November, Youth Pride Inc. will move from its current location on Chestnut Street to a new space on Westminster Street in Providence. The space, most recently the home of New Urban Arts, is a beautiful first-floor storefront location with a lot of character. Our food pantry will now have its own entrance and the floor plan will be much more open than our previous location. We will be located directly across the street from Classical and Providence Career & Technical High Schools, and on the same block as other youth-focused organizations, so we expect to serve even more LGBTQQ youth in the years ahead!
news comment editorial humor lifestyle calendar coming out You!
Part of YPI’s strategic plan includes creating programming that focuses on wellness and physical activity, to combat childhood obesity and to help our youth think about their lives in more holistic ways. Please spread the word that we have started a Couch to 5K program for youth called the Rainbow Runners! The team meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. We continue to offer yoga on Saturdays at 3 p.m. and meditation on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions about these programs, please contact Elana at 421-5626 or elana@youthprideri.org.
Tumblr Blog about Bullying
The passing of 14-year-old Jayme Rodemeyer, a bullied gay teen from New York who committed suicide in September, has sparked new conversations here at YPI about bullying and how youth can find positive supports. One of our youth was so moved that she wrote a blog post about it for YPI’s Tumblr page. You can read the blog post at http:// youthprideinc.tumblr.com.
For a FREE subscription, call 724-LGBT or write to:
Options P.O. Box 6406 Providence, RI 02940
info@optionsri.org
O ptions is Y our N ewsmagazine !
Youth Pride, Inc. 421-5626 www.youthprideri.org q
options
q
november
2011
or
q
25
Imperial Court of Rhode Island Photography by Jack Hartwein-Sanchez
On Sept. 25, the guys and gals of ICRI put on a show called Dueling Duets at the Mirabar, the proceeds from which went to Rhode Island Pride. Looks like a good time!
options
q
november
2011
q
26
Resources
Help us help you: If you come across a resource listing that is incorrect or needs updating, let us know. Drop us a line at mshays@verizon.net. Please note: All phone numbers are in the (401) area code unless otherwise indicated.
Addiction Support Groups AA: Brothers in Sobriety, Community Church of Prov., Wayland & Lloyd Aves., Prov., 751-9328; Sat., 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Central Services, info on all groups, 438-8860; Lesbian and Gay, Park Place Cong. Church, Pawtucket. Tues. 7:30 p.m.; Suburban Gay & Lesbian, Fatima Shrine, Rt. 126, Holliston, MA, Thurs. 8-9:30 p.m.,
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.
tioning 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.
Crossroads RI Health Care Services: Free, confidential, anonymous HIV counseling & testing for homeless/at risk: Mon & Wed, 1-3 p.m., call Gloria, 521-2255, Ext. 325.
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) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/ HCV) (800) 937-3610, Family Healthcare center (508) 675-1054; www.sstar.org.
Alcohol/Drug Helpline. RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 24-hr., (866) 252-3784.
FACTS (Family AIDS Center for Treatment & Support): See AIDS Care Ocean State.
Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.
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/Health Resources 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. AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only. AIDS Care Ocean State: 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. 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; 4344880; www.aidsquiltri.org; admin@aidsquiltri. org; annasworkshop@aidsquiltri.org. Brown Univ. AIDS Program (BRUNAP): clinical trials, public policy, research; lectures/conferences, patient/community education. Bradford Briggs, 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu; www.brown. edu/brunap. Chiropractic Services: Free for unemployed HIV+ patients, Ronald P. Marsh, DC., 11 King Charles Dr., Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941.
options
q
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.
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 767-4100 Ext. 3516.
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. Matthew 25: HIV/AIDS Ministry: Groceries, personal care products, counseling, referrals. Network with other ASOs. Mon., Wed., Thurs. 9:30-12, 1-2:30; Tues. 1-3. 781-9451. Sister Clara or Patty. 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.pl-aids.org. Email info@plaidsproject.org. 305-3993. Project ACT: Free Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing. Walk-in Hours: Mondays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 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, ques-
november
2011
Be There and Be Queer! The Alley Cat: 17 Snow St. Prov. 273-0951 Downtown neighborhood bar. 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 evenings. Open mike Wed. night, live music Friday night, short film screenings. See Web site for upcoming events. www.BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse.com. Club Body Center: 257 Weybosset St., Prov. 2740298 www.clubbodycenter.com. Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24 hours daily. Club Gallery: 150 Point St., Prov. 751-7166 Disco, karaoke, dancing, outdoor patio. Open daily, noon-1 a.m. (Fri & Sat till 2 a.m.) Chris Harris Presents Fuel @ Diesel: 79 Washington St., Prov. 751-2700. Dancing; house and guest DJs. Sun nights. Late night theme events holiday weekends. www.chrisharrispresents.com Girl Spot, 681 Valley St., Providence, at Club X on
q
27
Sat. nights. www.girlspot.com The Homestead, 124 Snow St., Providence. Mirabar: 35 Richmond St., Prov. 331-6761 www. mirabar.com. Dancing, third floor lounge, ages 18+ Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. 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. Mixx: 93 Clemence St., Prov. 421-4744. Video lounge, bar, dancing, pool table., Daily SunThurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays: Lucky Lesbian Nite Mega-Plex: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themegaplex.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. Touch Providence: All-Male Review 257 Allens Ave., Prov. All nude male strippers, bar, 18+ www.touchprovidence.com. Sun, Wed, Thurs 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 732-7740. 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.
campaign globally for LGBTIQ human rights. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com or 212-807-8400. Visit www.amnestyusa.org/Our Issues/LGBT Human Rights. BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433. Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@brown.edu 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; 490-7602. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall St., Suite 1500, NY, NY 10005; (212) 8098585, Fax: (212) 809-0055. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for lgbt causes. lawyersforequality@gmail. com 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.
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.
The Next Thing (TNT): political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. Contact the Brown Queer Alliance, 8633062.
Information/Education
RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri. org.
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 888-340-4528, 6-11 p.m. seven days a week. GayLab: outreach & education for healthy relationships. James at 781-762-6629, or info@gaylab. org or www.gaylab.org. GLBT Helpline of RI: Info and referrals to physicians, therapists, businesses, agencies, social support groups, links to call-in helplines and more. www.glbthelpline.org. NewportOut.com: LGBT Web site for Newport, RI. RILGBT-NEWS: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net. United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: HIV education discussion, games, thought-provoking activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 421-5626.
Political & Legal Groups
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: 2222664. RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. RIpatients.org or www.RIpatients.org. 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. Straight But Not Narrow Coalition: Straight support for LGBT, PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 333-6991 or (800) 843-8383.
Religious Resources Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, email: mail@WABaptists.org. Barrington Congregational Church (UCC) “the white church”, 461 Old County Rd., Barrington. 246-0111.www.bccucc.org
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 831-7171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903.
Bell Street Chapel (Unitarian Universalist), A Welcoming congregation: Rev. Jose Ballester, Minister. 5 Bell St., Prov., 273-5678, www.bellstreetchapel.org.
Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to
Beneficent Congregational Church (UCC), in the
options
q
november
2011
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. Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www. calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@aol.com. Central Congregational Church (UCC), where we believe God is still speaking. Services Sunday, 10:30 a.m. We welcome all. 296 Angell St., East Side of Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channing. Newport.uua.org. 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. Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John. 271 N. Main St., Prov. 02903. Please call 331-4622. 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. First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m. First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686. First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UUA Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. Pastor Katie Lawson, 508-543-4002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. (508) 222-2898, www.immanuellc.org. 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. Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our
q
28
www.agudasma.org.
Web site: www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA, 02702 Rev. Sandra D. Fitz-Henry. Marriage & commitment ceremonies for all. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org Newman Congregational Church, Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Ave., Rumford, RI. 43114742. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Rev. Hayes & Rev. Baker. Open & Affirming. 73 Pelham St., Newport. 849-2238 or nccucc@newportcongregationalchurch.org.
Temple Beth-El: GLBT-welcoming. Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Ave., Prov., RI 02906. 3316070 Temple Emanu-El, Sessions St. & Morris Ave., Providence. A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin, 331-1616. Temple Habonim (Reform): 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. 9428350. www.TempleSinairi.org.
Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Pl., Pawtucket, 726-2800.
Unitarian Society of Fairhaven (MA): 102 Green St., Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 992-7081.
The Pub Church: A church that meets in a pub! Saturdays, 5 p.m. at The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Ave. Boston. Open & Affirming. Affiliated with Protestant Disciples of Christ. Email thepubchurch@gmail.com. Location may change, so check blog: thepubchurch.blogspot. com.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of So. County: 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI; 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. www.uusouthcountyri.org.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937
Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church: 1395 Nooseneck Hill Rd., Coventry RI , 02818. 8845933
Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508-997-5684.
United Church of Christ: Coalition for LGBT Concerns. 13 Steven Circle, S. Kingstown, RI 02883, Ray Bradley at 782-3871.
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. 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 Defenders/Providence: Leather/Levi club, c/o PO Box 41153, Prov., RI 02940. Third Sun at 6 p.m. 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. E-mail glance1234@hotmail.com. Gay Dads Group: Meets monthly for socializing and support. E-mail serrel30@aol.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. Men’s Card Group: New group in formation. E-mail johninprov@gmail. com or call John 261-9715.
Riverside Church (U.C.C.) 15 Oak Ave., Riverside, RI. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com
Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders.com or EMail Mixedborders@cox.net
St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 35 Lower College Rd., Kingston. 783-2153 www.staugustineURI.com.
Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Call Dave, 765-0209.
St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov., Fr. Frank Sevola; Rene Perreault, Dir. of Pastoral Ministry, 353-1422
Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@aol.com.
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 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: County & River Sts., New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-8972, stmartins1887@aol.com. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. www.stpaulspawtucket.org St. Paul’s Church, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 2679 E. Main St., Portsmouth. 862-1466. www. stpaulsportsmouthri.org St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Ave., Prov.; 272-9649. Email.stpanda25@ verizon.net. www.stpetersandstandrews.org. Saint Therese Old Catholic Church, Open & Affirming, Sunday Mass at 12:30 p.m. at 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Fr. David Martins, 263-4296. www.saintthereseocc.org Seekonk Congregational Church: 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771, (508) 336-9355, Rev. Joy Utter, www.scc-ucc.com. Temple Agudas Achim: GLBT-friendly, Reconstructionist cong. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman. 901 No. Main St., Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243 or
options
q
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 likeminded 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. Bimonthly 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. Age-restricted.
november
2011
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. 484-7900 or 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 Feminist Resources Network: Free, online e-community in which you are invited to share events or highlights in your organization or just find out what’s going on in our “like-minded” communities. www.rifrn.net RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women; email: heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together
q
29
with their children. Contact Melanie, 464-2288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com
937-5858 Ext. 10; Beantown South G&L Invitational League, (617) 889-1552.
RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI.com; www. PrideRI.com.
DARTS: Bean Town Soft Tips Darts League www. bsdl.org.
RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. www.riprimetimers.org
FLAG FOOTBALL: FLAG (For Lesbians and Gays) Football www.flagflagfootball.com, (617) 9375858 Ext. 4.
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.
RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone rational? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant for refreshing discussion. http:// skeptics.meetup.com/133/
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.
RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances/events. www.RIWA.net
RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com
SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) Advocacy, education and social events for RI’s LGBTQ seniors. sageriinfo@gmail.com.
GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 450-8682.
Brown University Grad Student - Med Student - Staff LGBTQ Association: queer-med-gradmembers@queer.brown.edu
HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7.
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.
Brown University Staff LGBTQ Assn.: call LGBT Resource Center: 863-3062
ICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: email gwick@kersur.net.
Gail Wickstrom
Brown University LGBTQ Resource Center: 8633062, e-mail lgbtq@brown.edu
KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: Tues & Thurs evenings. Christina, 996-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com
Bryant Pride: Bryant College Gay/Lesbian/ Bisexual Student Association. 232-6389.
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 VegOut Rhode Island: Social group for LGBT vegetarians, vegans and friends. Potlucks, VegOutings to restaurants, and other fun. Visit www. meetup.com/vegout-ri WomenRIsing. Feminist Chorus. Director Nancy Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: contact@womenrisingchorus.org. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for glbt people interested in vintage & specialty cars. www.yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com.
OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club: outdoor recreation for men & women; Call 617-869-7958 for newsletter; PO Box 390928, Cambridge, MA 02139; www.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 751-7643, bripm@cox.net; Frontrunners Boston www.frontrunnersboston.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 3. SCUBA DIVING: Triangle Divers: www.triangledivers.org.
Brown University Queer Alliance: umbrella org. for groups. 863-3062. www.queer.brown.edu
CCRI Triangle Alliance: Informal student GLBQT group, 400 East Ave., Warwick. Call 825-1125 or www.ccri.cc.ri.edu/triangle. COLAGE. Support for children of LGBT Parents: rhodeisland@colage.org; http://www.myspace. com/colage_ri. 331-9844. Fitchburg State College GLBT Alliance: social support group for students. One-in-Ten and Friends, 978-665-3164, sfranzemn@fsc.edu. Peer Listening Line/Fenway Community Health Ctr.: Boston. Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth; support, info and referrals. (617) 2672535 or (800)-399-PEER, 5-10 p.m. all week.
SOCCER: Boston Strikers Soccer Club www.bostonstrikers.com (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9.
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
PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twenty+ gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www. pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858
SOFTBALL: Renaissance City Softball League. New players and boosters always welcome. 3236642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www. providencesoftball.org
Salve Regina University Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual Alliance (GSLBA), 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Sister Johnelle, Lucianij@salve.edu
Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports. com. Email info@gaysports.com.
Beantown Softball League: (617) 937-5858, Ext. 1, www.beantownsoftball.com.
BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www.bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2.
SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts.com
Sports
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)
options
q
SNOWBOARDING: OutRyders, www.outryders. org or email brian@outryders.org.
SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swim-Team); www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 9375858 Ext. 9. TENNIS: TENNIS-4-All: www.tennis4all.org. VOLLEYBALL: Cambridge Boston Volleyball Assoc. www.GayVolleyball.net, (617) 633-2180 VOLLEYBALL: Ocean State Pride Volleyball League meets Sundays at Pawtucket YMCA. Two leagues for varying abilities (afternoons and evenings) OSPVolleyball@gmail.com. www.volleyballri@yahoo.com YOGA for gays & lesbians. 9 a.m. Saturdays. All welcome. www/meetup.com/Gay-Meditation/. Fee applies.
november
2011
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-U-TREVOR; 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, Transgen-
q
30
der, Intersex, Queer & Questioning (LGBTIQ2) association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, alumni and students. jraffaele@advance.uri.edu. 874-4604. Youth Pride Inc./The Way Out: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13-23.Drop-in center at 171 Chestnut St., Prov. 02903; M-F noon-8 p.m. The Way Out support group meets Thurs., 5 p.m. The Gender Spectrum support group meets Tues. 5:30 p.m. Call 421-5626 or email kerri@youthpride-ri.org Web: www.youthpride-ri.org.
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/Bi/Lesbian Coming Out support Group: Facilitated meetings, social events. tjfronczak@aol. com. Fee applies. 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, nonjudgmental environment in LGBT community. www.gaylab.org. Email info@gaylab.org. James, 781-762-6629
Support Groups & Social Services Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help for LGBT and straight adoptions. Betsy Alper, Jewish Family Service, 959 No. Main St., Providence. 331-54337. Foster parents needed: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 766-0900 X1213.
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp.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
Foster parents needed, for newborn to age six. www.childrensfriendri.org. 276-4318
URI LGBTQ2
Foster parents sought: training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Gil Wright, Family Service of RI, 331-1350 Ext. 3305
University of Rhode Island lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, students and alumni. jraffaele@advance.uri.edu, 874-4604
Behavioral health outpatient services in Fall River area, inclusive of LGBT: S.T.E.P. (508-)2351012; T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378 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 justice, education & advocacy. Meets 3rd Saturday of the month, Beneficent Church (331-9844), 300 Weybosset St., Providence. Jamie Pease, rhodeisland@colage.org. www.myspace.com/colage_ri Coming Out Support Group: Monthly meetings professionally facilitated. www.meetup.com/ ComingOutRI/ Fee applies. 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) 3672700 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: 421-4100. 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. 7823990.
options
q
02117; www.goalne.org; info@goalne.org; (617) 376-3612. Confidential. 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. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline, call 24/7 for crisis and suicide prevention. Also social networks. 866-4-U-Trevor HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group at AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Ave., Prov., RI. 5213603. Refreshments served. New members should call Scott: 640-3108 Intimacy Between Men: Social support group for gay/bi men focusing on issues of intimacy and relationship. Led by Tom Fronczak, LICSW, call 431-2953 or email TJFronczak@aol.com. Fee applies. Kathy’s Group: free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Meets monthly in Providence. Partners and caregivers welcome. Call 888-5KATHYS.
LifeLines RI: For transgender, genderqueer, intersex, etc. people. Advocacy, support, education. TGI Network of R.I. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: social/discussions for gay/ bi/curious men 18+. Taunton every Thursday, and New Bedford 1st Wed. of the month, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Confidential. Drug/alcohol-free. Email mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com Nat. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues, info@nlgja.org. PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays: Greater Providence: First Wednesdays, 6:45p.m. at Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571; www.pflagprovidence.org; pflagprovidence@verizon.net; South/Central RI: www.pflagscri.org, 219-0265, epbonetti@gmail. com; Cape Cod/Falmouth: Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Rd., E. Falmouth. joann@pflagcapecod.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: info at 467-9940; 24 hr. helpline, (800) 494-8100. Samaritans: 24-hour hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044 (RI only), 272-4044; www.samaritansri.org. Sojourner House: Support, advocacy, info for people in abusive same-sex relationships. Call Jenn at 861-6191 M-F 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. We DON’T use Caller ID; calls are blocked for safety. Straight Spouse Support: RIKate6129@yahoo. 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-varient, Genderqueer & Intersex people. www.tginetwork. org. info@tginetwork.org. Transgender Support Group: Cape Cod (508) 3624435 Trans Partners New England: Professionally led group for loved ones of trans people. TGI Network of R.I. www.tginetwork.org. 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. WomenCARES: HIV/domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential. Call Patricia at 861-6191 (Sojourner House), M-F, 9-5. Calls blocked for safety. q
Resources also available online: www.optionsri.org
Lesbian Moms of Southern NE: discussion, support and activity list for lesbian mothers. www. topica.com/lists/LMOSNE or ForADancer63@ aol.com.
november
2011
q
31
Can you tell the difference between these two photos?
VS
Someone didn’t go to their company’s flu clinic. During this flu season, keep all your employees healthy by having PharmaHealth Pharmacy hold a flu clinic at your office.
Please contact:
Healthy employees lead to less time out of the office and more time being productive. options
q
november
Abby 508.207.1506
2011
q
32