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In this issue:
3 News Briefs 5 Open Letter to Trans Community 7 Calendar 10 Weddings 12 Anthony Maselli Speaks OUT 14 Religion 16 RIFF Party Photos 19 Transgender Reading List 21 Youth Pride, Inc. 23 AIDS Care Ocean State 24 APRI 25 SAGE 26 RI Pride q
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Let’s get dozens of opinions before we see one doctor. You want to know if a doctor has a good reputation within your community. We’re helping you do the research. Our new
Online Physician Reviews
online rating tool lets members rate and comment on their doctors, and search for new doctors based on others’ feedback. So even when you’re seeing a physician for the first time, you’re not going alone. To learn more, visit bcbsri.com/together.
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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News Briefs
Diverse Group of International Films Shine at Festival
By Kim Stowell
FLICKERS, Rhode Island’s International Film Festival, announced the 2013 winners in the Alternative Spirit (LGBT) Award category. There was a tie for Grand Prize: Brighton (Pierre Stefanos, UK, 2013) and Spooners (Bryan Horch, USA, 2012).
Run, Heather, Run!
Since not all US states recognize gay marriage, the military is permitting seven to ten days of paid leave, not countable against the 30 days of annual leave received by Servicemembers, "for travel to a state or jurisdiction that allows same-gender couples to be married," according to a Pentagon memorandum last month.
Also honored was Lambing Season (Jeannie Donohoe, USA and Ireland, 2012).
Veteran strategist takes helm of coalition to pass ENDA The race for Maryland governor may make history this year. If Delegate Heather Mizeur wins, she will not only be the first female governor of Maryland, but also the first openly gay official to hold elective executive office in the state. Mizuer has been in politics for almost two decades since she held her first job as a legislative director to Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II of Massachusetts in 1995, and later as the Director of State Affairs at the National Association of Community Health Centers in 1998. Matt McTighe, the gay 34-year-old veteran political strategist who served at one time as the general consultant to the Rhode Island marriage initiative, has been contracted through the fall to head the $2 million LGBT campaign known as “Americans for Workplace Opportunity.” The campaign has a singular goal: pass the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. During an interview last month, McTighe said he wanted to bring the recent success the LGBT community has seen on marriage equality to ENDA. “We can take those same proven tactics and apply them to other issues that haven’t had as much resources behind them or as much of a concerted push behind them in recent years, and see if we can get it done,” McTighe said.
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Pentagon Extends Benefits to Military Couples
Mizuer has a strong vision for Maryland and not only plans to focus on the LGBT community, but has set goals to improve in areas of health, environment, education and employment opportunities.
"This will provide accelerated access to the full range of benefits offered to married military couples throughout the Department, and help level the playing field between opposite-sex and samegender couples seeking to be married," explained Navy Lt. Comm. Nate Christensen, a Pentagon spokesman.
Social Security to Begin Payments to Gay Couples Married same-gender couples have started to receive Social Security benefits following the U.S. Supreme Court decision against the Defense of Marriage Act, (DOMA) according to an announcement from the agency. In a statement last month, Acting Commissioner of Social Security Carolyn Colvin announced that her agency is now processing “some” retirement spouse claims for same-gender couples in addition to “paying benefits where they are due.” The change is attributed to the court decision against DOMA, which Colvin said helps “to ensure that all Americans are Continued on Page 9
Please send letters, wedding, birth and adoption announcements, obituaries etc. to: editor@optionsri.org or P.O. Box 6406, Providence 02940 september
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From the Editor’s Desk This issue is packed! I hope you are sitting in a comfy chair, because you are going to want to read every last bit of it. We have devoted a good deal of space to last month’s flurry of weddings and marriage license purchases. It was so satisfying to see all the love and joy and depth of feeling expressed by so many who were finally given the right to say, “I do,” right here in the Ocean State.
We hear both sides. We endeavor to cover all the issues affecting the queer community within our pages, and consider it our responsibility to remind our readers that there is still much work to be done. But we just couldn’t resist all that love! Enjoy.
Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982
September 2013 q Vol. XXXII, No. 8 Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org Writers Kim Stowell, Hugh Minor, Christopher Dalpe, Richard Streitfeld, Amy Stein, Myra Shays, Mario Philips, Sally Ann Hay, Jennifer Stevens, Jennifer Porcelli, Joanne Bussiere Copy Editors Nathaniel Zane, Brian Gay, Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Maria Phillips, Jim Seavor, Myra Shays
Some advocates say, and rightly so, that issues around employment discrimination, HIV/AIDS and transgender rights have been overshadowed by the push for marriage equality. AIDS activists, for instance, have noted that an alarming rise in new HIV infections among gay men has coincided with a decline in the amount of attention the issue receives from LGBT organizations.
Production Chris Cedroni Calendar Editor Lisé Schwartz calendar@optionsri.org Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net
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© OPTIONS 2013. Options is published ten times each year. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the governing board, volunteers or staff. Listings are provided as a resource and do not imply endorsement. Submissions to Options must be signed and accompanied by a phone number, but names may be withheld on request. Submissions, ads, calendar or resource listings for the October issue must be delivered by September 10. Financial support is also always welcome. For a subscription, send us your name and address or subscribe online at www.optionsri.org. Moving? Send us your old address with your new address.
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An Open Letter to Rhode Island’s Transgender Community From Youth Pride, Inc. and TGI Network Over the past few years, we have seen instability in the availability of medical providers who are sensitive to the needs of trans folks, including the provision of medical transition-related care. Many providers have moved offices or out of state altogether, sending ripples of worry through our community. We were very close to entering another period of instability with the pending exit of Dr. Michael Carnathan from Coastal Spectrum Family Health in October. Over the past month, we have engaged community partners to help solve the short-term problem of replacing one provider, while also creating a more sustainable long-term solution for stabilizing culturally competent care for the Rhode Island transgender community. Youth Pride, Inc. and TGI Network are pleased to share information about two new medical care options for trans folks in Rhode Island: Dr. Michelle Forcier, Medicine-Pediatrics Clinic at Rhode Island Hospital, 145 Chapman St., Providence, RI 444-6118 Dr. Forcier is a board-certified pediatrician who has been providing an unusual array of gender- and sexuality-based health services for almost 20 years. The Medicine-Pediatrics team is very excited about expanding education and services to the Rhode Island lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. This will be a program for people of all ages that will also help train new doctors on working with trans* patients. A full explanation is on the YPI resource list (See below). Dr. Amy Goldfarb, Internal Medicine, Coastal Medical Group, 78 Baker Street, Providence, RI 02905 781-2400 Dr. Goldfarb is a board-certified internal medicine physician with 15 years of experience specializing in LGB and T healthcare as well as HIV treatment. She has worked with many trans* folks and is happy to be added to our resource list. She is a part of the Coastal Medical Group, the largest primary care group practice in Rhode Island, and the parent group of Dr. Carnathan’s office, Coastal Spectrum Family Health. Drs. Forcier and Goldfarb are accepting new patients. The available medical resource list, including additional providers who have been recommended by community members and an explanation of the exciting developments in the Medicine-Pediatrics Clinic program, can be found on the “Therapy and Doctors” page under the “Resource” section of Youth Pride, Inc.’s website -- www.youthprideri.org. If you know of any other providers who are doing this work, but are not on the list, please contact TGI Network or YPI so that we can continue to make these resources visible to the community. There are some additional partnerships and medical provider training opportunities pending which will be shared when they become available. In solidarity, Youth Pride, Inc. 743 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02940 421-5626 www.youthprideri.org
TGI Network of Rhode Island PO Box 40365 Providence, RI 02903 441-5058 (voicemail) www.tginetwork.org
Trans* is an umbrella term that refers to all of the identities within the gender identity/expression spectrum, excluding cisgender, e.g., transgender, transsexual, genderqueer and transvestite.
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Calendar Got a big event coming up? Let us know about it! Send your listing by the 10th of the month preceding to calendar@optionsri.org, and we’ll see that it gets into the next edition.
September 1 Sunday’s OUT at Christie’s, 12 noon. 14 Perry Mill Wharf, Newport. Fabulous lunch, inspired cocktails, fun atmosphere. Sponsored by NewportOut. com. Every Sunday. 3 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and/or intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one or more of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location withheld for participant privacy. See info@tginetwork.org for more information. 4 PFLAG of Greater Providence meeting, 6:45-8:45 p.m. The Met School (Justice Building), 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571. 6 Luna’s Ladies Night, 9 p.m. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ $6 cover. Every Friday. See www.lunaspvd.com. 8 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7 p.m. Social and networking for gay and bisexual men 40+. Social, dinner and meeting. See www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010 for more information. 10 TransFamily New England, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free, confidential group meeting for parents and other family members of someone identifying as transgender, gender variant, and/or intersex. Meetings held in Providence. E-mail jewcy15@gmail.com to be added to the contact list. 17 SAGE/RI presents the acclaimed documentary Gen Silent, 5:30 p.m. URI
Paff Auditorium, 80 Washington St., Providence. The film follows six Boston LGBT seniors wrestling with coming out, staying out or going back into the closet as they encounter mainstream health care systems. Refreshments, validated parking at the Convention Center parking lot, and discussion following the film. SAGE/RI members get discounted admission. For information e-mail sageriinfo@gmail.com.
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17 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and/or intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one or more of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location withheld for participant privacy. See info@tginetwork.org for more information. 18 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Book selection: Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com. 19 Luau Gay Bingo, 7 p.m. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. $20 to play. Bingo benefits ACOS and APRI. Let’s see your coconut bras and grass skirts!! 21 COLAGE, 10:30 a.m.-12 noon. The Gordon School, East Providence. A kidcentered place for youth ages 8 and up with one or more LGBTQ parent(s). To RSVP or to receive more information, e-mail Veronica at vjutras5@gmail.com. 21 Keith Munslow and The Superchief Trio, 8 p.m. A benefit concert for the RI ACLU. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,
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50 Park Place, Pawtucket (Stone Soup Coffeehouse). Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door, at www. RIACLU.org, or by calling 831-7171.
Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ $6 cover. Every Friday. See www.lunaspvd.com.
25 TransPartners New England, 6:308:30 p.m. A safe, confidential space for romantic partners of transgender, gender-variant and/or intersex people to explore the effect of a partner’s TGI identity on their relationship and to connect with other partners of TGI people. Meetings in Providence. Contact partners@tginetwork.org for more information and meeting place.
6 Sunday’s OUT at Christie’s, 12 noon. 14 Perry Mill Wharf, Newport. Fabulous lunch, inspired cocktails, fun atmosphere. Sponsored by NewportOut. com. Every Sunday.
25 ACOS ArtBeat online auction opens. See www.aidscareos.org for more information. Bid high, bid often!! 25 RI Pride Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m. Pride Center, 1005 Main St., #1005, Pawtucket. 27 Dinner & Drag with Kitty Litter, 6:30 p.m. The Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. For tickets call 762-4545 or see www.stadiumtheatre. com. 28 AIDS Walk for Life registration, 9 a.m. on State House lawn. 2.5 mile walk starts at 10 a.m. For more information contact amy@aidsprojectri.org. 29 Options distribution party, 3-6 p.m. The Stable, 125 Washington St., Providence.
CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS ADULTS
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30 Communisong presents a special concert with Holly Near, 7 p.m. First Unitarian Church, 1 Benevolent St., Providence. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $20. To purchase tickets and more information see www. communisong.net.
October
Anxiety
1 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and/or intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one or more of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location withheld for participant privacy. See info@tginetwork.org for more information.
Self-esteem Study Skills/ Time Management Relationships/Intimacy
2 PFLAG of Greater Providence meeting, 6:45-8:45 p.m. The Met School (Justice Building), 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571.
John D. DaPonte, CAGS Mental Health Counselor
401.383.7647
3 Crazy Hat Gay Bingo to benefit Youth Pride Inc., 7 p.m. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. $20 to play.
6 RI Pride Honors Gala. For more details see www.prideri.com. 8 TransFamily New England, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free, confidential meeting for parents and other family members of someone identifying as transgender, gender variant, and/or intersex. Meetings held in Providence. E-mail jewcy15@gmail.com to be added to the contact list. 13 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7 p.m. Social and networking for gay and bisexual men 40+. Social, dinner and meeting. See www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010 for more information. 15 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and/or intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one or more of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location withheld for participant privacy. See info@tginetwork.org for more information. 16 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Book selection: Ask the Passengers by A. S. King. Discount if book is purchased at Books on the Square. For more information e-mail queerbookclub@ gmail.com. 17 Halloween Gay Bingo, 7 p.m. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. $20 to play. Bingo benefits ACOS and APRI. Come in costume!! 19 COLAGE, 10:30 a.m.-12 noon. The Gordon School, East Providence. A kidcentered place for youth ages 8 and up with one or more LGBTQ parent(s). To RSVP or to receive more information, e-mail Veronica at vjutras5@gmail.com. 25 ACOS ArtBeat, 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Providence Biltmore Hotel Grand Ballroom, 11 Dorrance St., Providence. Tickets are $45. See www.aidscareoc. org for more information.
4 Luna’s Ladies Night, 9 p.m. Roots MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED
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Continued from Page 3
treated fairly and equally, with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Judge to Decide What DOMA Ruling Means For N.J. Civil Unions Law A New Jersey court case headed for oral arguments soon is among the first to test what the U.S. Supreme Court strikedown of DOMA means to states. Even though the ruling will affect only New Jersey directly, it's being watched closely for broader implications.
and themselves. New England and California schools dominated the gayfriendly list, while the South rose again on the unfriendly side of things.
PA County Grants 100th Same-gender Marriage License A suburban Philadelphia county, defying Pennsylvania’s marriage law, issued its 100th same-gender license last month, just weeks after opening the courthouse
The hearing is based on a lawsuit from two years ago, when six couples and their children argued that New Jersey's civil union law didn't fulfill a 2006 state Supreme Court ruling that said gay couples had to have the same legal protections as married couples. The civil union law was intended to give same-gender couples the legal benefits of marriage.
marriage, that marriage would have to come to us,” said Virginia “Ginny” PerrineWilson, 45, who picked up the 100th license. Thirty same-gender couples have married since Montgomery County awarded the first license July 24, their actions amounting to civil disobedience.
Major Breakthrough For California’s Transgender Community California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a groundbreaking bill to take effect on Jan. 1, 2014, which will allow transgender youth to use whatever bathroom and participate on whichever sports team they believe matches their gender identity. California’s Assembly Bill 1266 gives students in public K-12 schools the right “to participate in sex-segregated programs, activities and facilities” based on their self-identification, regardless of their gender assigned at birth. Although Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington and Colorado have adopted policies designed to protect transgender students, California becomes the first state to address the issue with a statewide law. q
New Jersey and Pennsylvania are the only states in the Northeast not among the 13 that nationally recognize it.
Princeton Review’s Annual List of Gay-Friendly and Unfriendly Colleges Rankings are based on surveys of 126,000 students about their school’s academics, administration, student body
door to gay men and women. It is unlikely the new unions will survive a legal challenge from Republican Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration. “Our philosophy has always been that we would never go to another state to pursue
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Weddings
with their marriage license in hand, I felt a sense of peace. It was a feeling like climbing to the top of a mountain and surveying the view.
Bells Will Ring
I asked them why they had chosen this day. “Because we have been waiting all of these years for today,” Diane explained. “We were not going to get married unless we could do it where we lived. It means something to be able to go to my city hall, to my church, in my state. This is where we live. This is where we have been paying our taxes. I finally feel like after all these years my city and my state have my back, too.”
By Joanne Bussiere
I arrived at Cranston City Hall a bit after noontime on August 1. As I entered the building, I was surprised to hear only the echoes of my footsteps. Somehow I expected something other than this quiet time and space on this balmy, lazy summer afternoon. I was there to meet my friends Diane Martell and Vera Toro. After 23 years of knowing each other and 18 years since their commitment ceremony, they were about to apply for their marriage license. I joined them just after their meeting with their minister to discuss their relationship and the marriage ceremony they are planning for this October. They are to be the first same-gender couple to be married in their local Episcopal church. They were both invigorated, inspired from the time spent with their minister and ready for the next step in getting married: obtaining their license. “I drove by here this morning and there was a smattering of protesters on both sides of the issue,” Diane told me. “The Westboro Church had a sign that said ‘fags cannot repent’ and the pro-equality side had a sign that said “Cranston against hate.” The quiet of this early afternoon made the protests of the morning seem far away. We ascended the dark marble stairs to the second floor of the beautiful building, to the city clerk’s office. Once inside this room, I felt even more the
Diane and Vera filled out their forms. The form has spaces for Party A and Party B. They are also given the choice of bride and groom, bride and bride, groom and groom or spouse and spouse. They selected spouse and spouse. No more “this is my partner.” We asked the clerk what the day had been like so far. She said there had been a news team there to capture the first couple for television, and after that a steady stream of happy couples flowed in and out. Some even returned to register as married. As my friends stood with me outside,
As they smiled and posed for a photo in front of City Hall, I felt tremendous gratitude for all the voices, passion and tenacity that brought us to this place and time.
Dreams That You Wish Will Come True By Jennifer Porcelli
Like so many little girls, I grew up fantasizing about my wedding. I wanted the fancy white dress and the lavish bouquets of flowers; but more importantly, I wanted that person to spend the rest of my life with me. As I got older and a little wiser, I realized I would have to abandon my unrealistic vision of the kind of wedding I wanted. Coming out as a lesbian in Rhode Island meant I probably would not be able to get married. Even if I could, I feared people would not view my
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significance of this day in our history. There was a rainbow flag sitting on the counter beside a basket of white ribbon pins. The ribbons are to symbolize support of marriage equality. I pinned one to the strap of my bag, and stood beside my friends as they declared their intentions on this, the first day of marriage equality.
As she held out the marriage license, Vera added, “This one paper replaces a two inch stack of paperwork we have sitting at home!”
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marriage in the same light as straight couples. It was a hard pill to swallow, but I chalked it up to another childhood dream that would mostly likely never come true. Then I met Ashley. We both were recovering from a string of unsuccessful relationships, and neither of us knew what to expect. It wasn’t until our first date when I glanced over at her nervously sipping her beer that I realized she was truly special. Nearly four years later, our relationship had survived the unsteady transition from our early twenties to our not-so-early twenties, and we began to see that our priorities had shifted. Like many couples our age, we felt ready to take the next steps in our commitment to each other. As we watched countless others around us get married, we slowly became aware of how unfair life felt. Would we ever be able to have our love recognized as valid in the eyes of the state where we grew up and fell in love? The day the law passed legalizing same-gender marriage in Rhode
Sue Bissell Pianist
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Island, my immediate thought was to ask Ashley to marry me. At a gettogether in front of our closest friends, I presented Ashley with a bag of seemingly miscellaneous household items and I read aloud, explaining the items one by one: “A rope to pull you up when you fall, a flashlight to help guide you through the dark times, a screwdriver to fix any problem big or small, and aspirin because I know I can be a pain. But if you’re up for it, I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you.” For tradition’s sake, I bent down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said yes and the rest, as they say, is history. Finally, that nagging childhood dream became a reality. Even though we never felt we needed a piece of paper to prove our commitment to each other, obtaining a legal marriage license validates what we have already known. We aren’t in any rush to walk down the aisle, but having the certainty that a wedding is in our future is indescribable. Ashley has allowed me to grow exponentially as an individual. She’s my best friend—the love of my life. I am beyond grateful that because of marriage equality, she will soon be my wife.
Getting Hitched Without Strings: Health Insurance & Taxes for Same-Gender Couples By Richard Streitfeld, CPA
Wow! I am still celebrating the demise of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This wonderful news puts married same-gender couples on the
same playing field as heterosexual couples when it comes to federal benefits, at least if you are in a state where marriage is legal. For most situations, this is great – you can file your taxes jointly, your partner reaps Social Security survivor benefits upon your death, and you can automatically sponsor your partner for a green card. It is expected that the IRS will treat you as married based on your residence: if the state you live in recognizes same-gender marriage, then you are considered married for federal purposes. However, experts have pointed out that the IRS recognizes common-law marriage for federal taxes no matter where a couple lives as long as their marriage was valid where entered, and INS has also used these criteria for immigration benefits (“place of celebration”—love that term). However, there are hidden complexities and, yes, even disadvantages, to being married when it comes to some tax and financial matters. Maybe not enough to keep you from tying (or untying!) the knot, but these are worth your being aware of. Take health insurance: The Great News: If you have been fortunate enough to receive employerpaid health insurance benefits for your spouse, you will no longer pay income taxes on this benefit. (Didn’t you hate that?) And if, as an employee, you were paying for your partner, you may now use any “tax advantaged” programs the employer offers. The Bad News: Under DOMA, the federal government looked at each person in a same-gender marriage individually. Now the two of you comprise a household, and an individual
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who used to qualify for Medicaid on an individual basis might no longer, if the total “household income” is too high. This can be especially significant if your partner has dependents receiving Medicaid benefits. In a similar vein, one or both of you may have qualified for the “premium tax credits” that will be available through “Obamacare” starting October 1, 2013. If married, you may both lose out if your combined income exceeds the household income threshold, which is related to federal poverty guidelines. Then Again: The Good News: Depending on their respective incomes, a couple might qualify for the tax credits as a couple, thus covering both of them, whereas only the lower wage earner may have qualified if they were single. But:
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The Bad News: Even if you meet the income criteria for the tax credits, either or both of you may be deemed ineligible if your employer offers health insurance on an individual or family basis (even if no contribution is made!).
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Such is the complicated state of health care for all families in America in 2013. The DOMA ruling itself is fresh, and federal and state agencies will be clarifying procedures over the coming months. Stay tuned.
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Speaking Out
Ending the stigma against AIDS is easy. We just have to talk about it. Hugh C. Minor IV
At this year’s AIDS Walk for Life on Saturday, September 28, speaker Anthony Maselli will call for an end to the stigma facing people living with HIV/AIDS. Maselli is an HIV educator, test counselor, and advocate spreading a message of hope and calling for an end to fear, shame and intolerance around this disease. To learn more, you can check out his blog, H Stands for Human. Over the past decade -- as treatment has become more accessible and the disease more manageable -- prevention and education efforts have practically disappeared. Despite medical advances, people are still being infected, especially young gay men who missed the first wave of the AIDS crisis and the in-yourface activities of groups like Act Up and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. It’s important that today’s gay men share their experiences and help the next generation navigate through the complicated waters of sex and relationships. “Everyone needs to be talking about HIV,” says Maselli. “It’s a community disease. Everyone is responsible for making sure that education is available and that they know and honestly share their status with their partners.” The stigma is prevalent throughout the gay community as people post on their online profiles “clean only,” implying that people living with HIV are “dirty,” rather than having open, honest conversations about their Continued on Page 20
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Bob Da Rocha, Realtor www.bobrealtor.com Cell: 774-451-4603
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Religion
as revolutionary, and likely to generate significant discussion in local dioceses, where bishops are divided over whether to accept priests who are gay but celibate.
The Pope Changed His Mind (Or did he?) By Myra Shays
“Who am I to judge?” Pope Francis’s casual comment on July 29 made frontpage headlines worldwide when he seemed to differ drastically from his predecessor in his attitude towards gay Roman Catholics, and gay priests specifically. Reporters aboard the plane taking him back from Brazil to Rome after his first foreign trip had asked him about a so-called “gay lobby” at the Vatican, reported by some Italian newspapers, with clerics blackmailing one another with information about sexual misconduct.
Indeed, the chancellor of the Diocese of Providence spoke to The Providence Journal on the very evening Francis’s words became public. The Rev. Timothy Reilly stated that Bishop Thomas Tobin, who was out of town, has repeatedly declared that the “Catholic Church has respect, love and pastoral concern for our brothers and sisters who have same-sex attraction,” and that “we pray for God’s blessing upon them....” He stressed the need for “living chastely and being resolved to a healthy, integrated lifestyle.”
The Rev. John Kiley, retired pastor of St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket, interpreted Francis’s words as meaning He replied, in part, “I have yet to find on “he isn’t going to open the doors of the a Vatican identity card the word ‘gay.’... priesthood to anyone trying to promote We must make the distinction between gayness. But others, if they’re living a the fact of a person being gay and the chaste life, are just as worthy as everyone fact of a lobby. If someone is gay and he else.” searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” He spoke in Italian Pope Francis’s style differs markedly from the ways of his recent but used the English word “gay.” predecessors. During his papal trips, Francis’s words could not have been John Paul II loved to walk to the back more different from those of Benedict XVI, of the plane and chat with reporters, who in 2005 wrote that homosexuality while Benedict responded only to a few was “an intrinsic moral evil” and “an preselected questions. Francis spoke objective disorder,” and that “men with freely to reporters for over 80 minutes deep-seated homosexual tendencies” about everything from the Vatican Bank should not become priests. troubles to his decision not to live in Vatican experts were quick to point out the Apostolic Palace. He didn’t dodge that Francis was not suggesting that a single question, even thanking the the priests, or anyone, should act on person who prompted his comments on their homosexual tendencies, which the homosexuality. church considers a sin. But the fact that The largest U.S. gay rights group, he made such comments -- and used the Human Rights Campaign, said in the word “gay” -- was nevertheless seen a statement that the pope’s remarks
“represent a significant change in tone. Still, as long as gays are told in churches that their lives and their families are disordered and sinful because of how they were born -- how God made them -- then the church is sending a deeply harmful message.” The only openly gay governor in Italy, Nichi Bendola, praised the pope for drawing a clear line between homosexuality and pedophilia. “We know that a part of reactionary clerical thought plays on the confusion between these two completely different categories.” In the only letter published in The
Soulful Celebrations
Welcoming and Affirming Lee Andrews M.A. Interfaith Chaplain/Celebrant 7 Langham Rd. Providence, RI 02906 917 414-0463 leonandrews0703@gmail.com
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Providence Journal about the pope’s remarks, a Jamestown man opined: “Perhaps it’s time for the gay clergy to come out of the sacristy closet, and give support to Pope Francis’s compassion.”
Priest Threatens Legislators, Denies Parishioner By Kim Stowell
Last month, a select group of Rhode Island legislators received an email message from Father Brian Sistare, a Catholic priest who was with St. Rocco Church in Johnston at the time. The message was sent only to those in the General Assembly who voted for samesex marriage. It read, in part: “Yesterday was a very sad day for our little State of Rhode Island. I’m still shocked that each of you took it upon yourself to take the place of God and redefine what He has established…. I’m wondering what you will do when a mother comes to you and asks to be married to her son, or a cousin wants to marry her first cousin, or when a man wants to marry two or three women, or a human being wants to marry his animal? “For those of you senators who are
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baptized Catholics, I invite you to go to the Sacrament of Confession to receive God’s Mercy and Forgiveness for your grave sin of voting against God yesterday, so you’ll be able to receive Holy Communion again in the Catholic Church. “I’m praying for each of you, that you turn back to God. I’m also going to let my Parish know exactly how you voted, so come re-election time, you will not be re-elected.” As non-profit entities, churches are forbidden to engage in political campaign activity. But it gets worse.
Celebrating 50 Years! ll a H Town
LANES
Since writing that email, Fr. Sistare has transferred to Sacred Heart Church in Woonsocket, the parish where Pierre Laveillee and Lew Pryeor had recently settled. A couple for 34 years, married in 2007 in Seekonk, Massachusetts, and devout Catholics, the two had chosen their home because of its proximity to Sacred Heart.
Home of Big Gay Al’s Bowling League
“When we moved from West Warwick, I wanted to get involved right away,” said Pryeor, a former W. Warwick City Council member. “I jumped in and helped with their annual church festival the first year. We felt happy there.”
1463 Atwood Ave. Johnston • 831-6940
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Scene Around Providence
Rhode Island Film Festival Party at The Dark Lady, Providence
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PORTRAITS
JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPhotos@verizon.net
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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.
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TRANS LIT 101 Topside Press – Venue for an Emerging Voice By Maria Phillips
Gay and lesbian literature has provided many readers great comfort and enjoyment – from coming-out stories to romantic novels to raunchy sexploits and just generally about the gay and lesbian subculture. An underrepresented voice is emerging, the transgender voice, and Topside Press is there to provide an outlet for that voice by focusing on “authentic transgender narratives” pioneering the field of transgender fiction. Co-founders Tom Leger and Riley McLeod started Topside Press in late 2010. Their first publishing venture, The Collection, won a Lambda Literary award. This past spring, they published a novel by Imogen Binnie called Nevada. It is a story of “a young trans woman living in New York trying to stay true to her punk values while working retail.” The Collection began to take shape in November 2010. They received about 400 submissions and published twentyeight stories. The Collection is not so much an anthology as it is about what will happen in the transgender culture in the future. The publishers want to present stories not only for transgender people but for everyone. Publisher Tom Leger said, “I think the best thing to come of The Collection is for it to help transgender writers relearn how to think about transness in their own writing.” Another writer, Annie Danger, sums it up: “Most books are about who trans people are; this book is about what trans people are thinking.”
You hear him reminisce about his old life and relate how he is struggling with his new identify. He is committed to his transition but has not found the courage to acknowledge his new identify and life, much to the chagrin of his girlfriend. “Black Hole” – by Providence’s own RJ Edwards – Two love stories are going on here – a trans couple and a straight couple. The link is a science experiment involving a collider and a black hole. The straight couple is preparing the experiment and half of the trans couple thinks the conclusion of the experiment will destroy the world. In fact, the story is about unrequited love. The straight couple never consummates their desire for eachother because of other romantic commitments, and the transman will not make a commitment to his girlfriend.
“Dean & Teddy” – by Elliott DeLine – A poignant tale about a trans support group and two people’s discovery that transitioning isn’t making them whole. In the beginning of the story, they are frightened to admit this because they will be acknowledging they don’t know who they are and what their destiny is. But one of them does makes this startling revelation and it makes the rest of the group uncomfortable. I was saddened by the helpless situation. The story did not do anything to ease the sadness—there was no happy ending here. The Collection can be purchased online. I purchased my copy from Amazon for my Kindle. Topside Press is always seeking new writers and material. Visit them at www. topsidepress.com for more information. q
“Ramona’s Demons” – by Susan Jane Bigelow – This story is about a transwoman named Mona who is a demon seeker and slayer. However, her powers have been weakened because she is female. As it turns out, however, her father put a spell on her that weakened her powers because he couldn’t accept her transition. In trying to save a mystical boy from demons, Mona begs her father to remove the spell he cast on her. He does, and she becomes a heroine! But she gets something even better – her father’s acceptance.
I read The Collection and found the stories well written. They showed the struggles, fears, and hopes of fellow human beings walking an emotional and mental tightrope just trying to live their lives as they were meant to be. Here are some of my favorites: “Saving” - by Carter Sickels – This story follows a transman who, with his girlfriend, returns to his childhood home to take care of his grandmother.
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Plumbing by Paul “We do it right in your home.”
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Welcoming LGBT professionals and their friends
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status and how to stay safe. Stigma leads to fear, which prevents people from getting tested, receiving treatment, and preventing others from becoming infected. The situation is worsened with the prevalence of drugs and alcohol among gay men, often leading to risky behaviors. “We need to offer more support, as a community, for gay men both positive and negative,” said Maselli. “When you make it a shameful thing, people are less likely to get tested or adhere to their medication. We have to make HIV a topic of conversation.” You can hear more from Maselli at AIDS Project RI’s AIDS Walk for Life on September 28 at 9 a.m. at the Rhode Island State House. For more information, including details on free HIV testing, visit www. aidsprojectri.org. q Continued from Page 15
A membership organization focused on: • Shared Member Contact Information • Professional Networking • Philanthropic Causes • Member benefits n e t w o r k
For more information please contact Frank Maher at (401) 453-9276, visit RI AGP on Facebook or by email at gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com.
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When Fr. Sistare came to the church, Pryeor and Laveillee were somewhat non-plussed when his first two sermons were tinged with politics. “He talked about how he didn’t like [Governor] Chafee in his first sermon, and then more stuff about the Democrats and the 99% the next week.” Pryeor asked to speak with him, suggesting that he leave politics out of his sermons. “I speak up, but I’m respectful,” said Pryeor, “but he turned around and said we could not take communion in his church anymore. I was shocked.” The couple stopped going to Sacred Heart that day, and they were understandably dismayed. “I really could have started to question my faith,” Pryeor remembered, “but then I heard what the new pope had to say, and he restored me. We have been going to church all our lives, and we’re not going to stop now. We just need to find a place that welcomes us.” (Note: Numerous Welcoming houses of worship are listed in our Resources section in the back of every issue of Options. – Ed.) q
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Youth Pride, Inc. By Kerri Kanelos
Annual Awards DinnerDance Fundraiser at the Providence Biltmore Hotel on Friday, November 1.
5626 or via email at kerri@youthprideri. org, or visit youthprideri.org
OUTSpoken
A cocktail reception and silent auction will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dinner, awards, and dancing will follow until 11:00 p.m. This year, we will be celebrating the following Youth Pride, Inc. advocates: Honorary Chair: Miss Kitty Litter Founders Award: Dr. Michelle Forcier Lipsky/Whittaker Award: Champions for Marriage Equality Luis Pagan Award: Michi Olivo Sponsorships are available at many levels, beginning at $250. Sponsors attend the event as our guests. For more information about the event, please contact Kerri Kanelos at 421-
From July 29 through August 8, several YPI youth participated in an intensive summer version of our long running leadership development program, OUTSpoken. The program had been on hiatus due to funding cuts, but thanks to support from the Department of Children, Youth & Families; Providence College’s Making a Difference Fund; and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, we were able to bring it back. OUTSpoken is designed to increase participants’ personal and cultural awareness, develop their leadership and advocacy skills, and inspire them to get involved with their communities.
Youth who participated in the summer series spent two weeks improving their ability to work in a group, identifying their individual communication and learning styles, and creating an advocacy project display for the Youth Pride, Inc. community. The final project focused on assumptions and biases about mental health and gender roles. The OUTSpoken program will return to its more traditional format this fall, running as a twelve-week series one evening a week. Contact YPI at 4215626 for details. q
For more information, please contact Kerri Kanelos at 421-5626 or via email at kerri@youthprideri.org, or visit youthprideri.org options
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AIDS Care Ocean State By Christopher Dalpe
Last Call for Participating Artists
September 19!
The 17th Annual ArtBeat Auction is just around the corner! AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) is still accepting donations of all types of art, jewelry, pottery, and photographs from local artists for ArtBeat 2013. We are also accepting donations and gift certificates from vendors and businesses. ArtBeat offers artists and vendors the opportunity to showcase their talent to a large, diverse audience. To give an item to ArtBeat 2013, or to become a sponsor, please call Stephen Hartley at 521-3603, or e-mail inquiries to stephenh@aidscareos.org.
Five Percent Day
Aloha Gay Bingo! Gay Bingo is back! Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 19, for the first Bingo of the 2013-2014 season. The theme for the kick-off bingo is Luau, so dust off that old ukulele, throw on a grass skirt and your favorite Hawaiian t-shirt and join us for another fabulous season of Gay Bingo. Remember: Gay Bingo is the third Thursday of every month. Visit us at aidscareos.org for this year’s complete list of Gay Bingo themes. There is a charge of $20 to play. This is an18+ event. Aloha, and see you on
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ACOS and Whole Foods Market at 261 Waterman Street in Providence are teaming up for a fundraising event on Tuesday, September 24. Five percent of all purchases made that day at Whole Foods will go to supporting Rhode Island’s largest AIDS organization, ACOS. Feel good about good food, and thank you for supporting ACOS! Fall Clean Out
Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW
Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW Counseling & Psychotherapy Counseling & Psychotherapy Insurance Accepted Insurance Accepted
ACOS wants your stuff! Now that it’s fall, we bet many of you have rediscovering your warmer clothing in preparation for • Adults/Youths • Adults/Youths • Individuals the colder weather. ACOS’s Donation • Individuals• Couples•Couples • Families• Families Center is now accepting donations of • Day or Evening Sessions • Day or Evening fall and winter clothing, furniture, and Sessions other household items. Our Donation Empathic Empathic Center hours are Monday, Tuesday, Experienced Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to Experienced 1 p.m. (We are closed on Thursdays.) Effective You can drop your items off at our Effective Donation Center at 557 Broad Street in Providence, or we can arrange to come and pick up your items. To schedule a (401)942-5093 pick-up, please call us at 781-5565. ACOS wishes everyone a happy fall! q 30thYear - GLBTQ 30thBryn YearMawr -- GLBTQ Founder Haverford Colleges GSA Cornell-Ithaca GA Mawr Haverford College’s GSA Founder, Bryn Cornell - Ithaca GA
(401)942-5093
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AIDS Project Rhode Island By Amy Stein
Two Veterans in Fight Against AIDS to Lead AIDS Walkers 28th Annual AIDS Walk for Life is Saturday, September 28 The 28th AIDS Walk for Life takes place Saturday, September 28, at the Rhode Island State House. Walkers will gather starting at 9 a.m. Leading them over the 2.5 mile course will be two veterans in the fight against HIV/ AIDS, Guy Abelson and Roz Rustigian. They’ve been activists since the epidemic became an identified public health crisis in the 1980s.
TAKE CHARGE! GET TESTED!
“We have lost so many friends to AIDS,” said Guy. “People keep dying; it isn’t over.” “We think that it is important to highlight the issue of HIV/AIDS because generations of kids did not live through the fear and death of the 1980s and 90s,” said Roz. “There is no comfort in being straight with regard to this disease—it can affect anyone.” The theme for this year’s event, emceed by NBC 10 anchor and health reporter Barbara Morse Silva, is “Prevention Is the Solution!” Reflecting that theme, there will be free, anonymous, rapid HIV testing available. Participants can also look forward to free chair massages, Starbucks coffee, food and other giveaways at this rain-or-shine event.
FREE, painless, rapid, anonymous HIV testing. Now offering individual and couples testing.
Visit: www.aidsprojectri.org
takecharge@aidsprojectri.org Call: (401) 207-8377
raising awareness and funds for HIV prevention and testing, and providing care for people living with HIV/AIDS. One of the ways the walk raises money is through teams, with supporters creating and donating through fundraising pages located at the official web page, www.firstgiving. com/aidswalkri/2013. “It’s kind of a competition to see who can raise the greatest amount,” said Amy Stein, the event’s manager. “As leaders of the Walk, Guy and I will not compete, but rather collaborate and hope to have the strongest team in the history of this event,” said Roz. “We’re putting a challenge out there, and hope many will try to beat us!” “AIDS Project Rhode Island is grateful for all of our individual supporters and our sponsors, including Cardi’s Furniture, the presenting sponsor, and The Miriam Hospital, the gold sponsor,” said Ms. Stein. More information about the event is available at www. aidsprojectri.org or by emailing amy@ aidsprojectri.org. q
Benefitting AIDS Project Rhode Island, a division of Family Service of Rhode Island, along with various partner agencies, the AIDS Walk for Life is the area’s largest event dedicated to
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SAGE/RI
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders
By Sally Ann Hay
Memberships are Our Lifeline!
SAGE/RI has succeeded in getting on the radar in many different arenas over the last two years – becoming better known in RI’s LGBT communities, educational networks and mainstream organizations, and to policy makers and politicians. We have been grateful for the ongoing invitations to take part in an amazing array of events that help us to fulfill our mission. This success has been a real challenge to our human and financial resources, which is why we have committed ourselves to growing our infrastructure during the coming year. We will be working specifically to expand our Advisory Committee and volunteer base, and to stabilize our financial situation. To succeed, we need your help! Please consider becoming a member of SAGE/RI – our dues are low, but the income from paid memberships is crucial, as is the actual number of them. As we approach potential funding sources, they will be looking at our numbers as an indication of our importance and support in the community. Drop us a note or give us a call (contact info below), and we will gladly send you an application. And be sure to let us know if you’d like to get more actively involved as a volunteer.
By joining SAGE/RI, you lend your support to our mission helping to provide education and advocacy on behalf of LGBT elders. Members have voting rights and are eligible for discounted rates at events.
Mixed Reviews
As part of the Flickers RI International Film Fest in August, SAGE/RI was asked to participate in a panel discussion following the presentation of Before You Know It. This 2013 documentary is so new, panelists Belle Pellegrino, Christopher Utter, Sally Hay and Bruce Thompson had not previously seen the film, which featured three gay men and the different challenges they face as they age. The consensus (between panelists and the audience) was that the film needed a LOT of editing and the soundtrack needed to be improved, but the group was mixed in their assessment of the film’s portrayal of aging while gay. While the quality of the movie rated a “meh” from most of the audience, the panelists were the stars of the night – challenging us to think about the nuances of LGBT aging vs. our straight counterparts; creativity as one of the strengths we as a community and as individuals bring to the challenge; class and gender issues within our own communities; and some of the real fears faced by LGBT elders in RI. The lively discussion – enhanced greatly by audience participation – was well worth the wait.
Gen Silent Update Many have seen this film and the reviews have been strong! In fact, Gen Silent had its RI premier as part of the RI Film Festival in 2010 and has received (and continues to receive) very positive reviews. The film follows the lives of six LGBT elders over the course of a year as they meet the challenge of coming out, staying out or going back into the closet as their lives force them to interact with mainstream health care systems. You can see a trailer about the film on You Tube – or better yet, join SAGE/RI when we present Gen Silent on Tuesday, September 17, 5:30 p.m., at URI’s Paff Auditorium (80 Washington Street, Providence.) There will be a small admission fee with a discount for current members. Refreshments, validated parking at the Convention Center garage, great company and a powerful film – sounds like a great evening! (Please note: In the last issue of Options, we offered a tentative date for this event which has changed – the film will be shown on September 17.) See you at the movies! SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages. For information on programs or to join SAGE/RI, drop us a line atsageriinfo@gmail.com, call at 5283259 or find us on Facebook as Sage/ Rhode Island. q
It Is Official WEDDING OFFICIANT
MJC3503@OUTLOOK.COM MJC3503@OUTLOOK.COM
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Rhode Island Pride By Jennifer Stevens
Honors Gala Set for Oct. 6 Save the Date! Rhode Island Pride will be celebrating the accomplishments of members of the LGBT community and their allies at its annual Rhode Island Pride Honors gala Sunday, October 6, 2013. The Pyramid of Pride, RI Pride’s highest honor, is awarded annually to an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions to our community. They have demonstrated leadership, dedication and the courage of their convictions to improve the quality of life for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
to www.pride.com for more details about this festive event. Attending RI Pride’s monthly general meeting is a great way to meet new friends and to be in the know about happenings in the RI LGBTQ world. Meetings are held at the Pride Center, 1005 Main Street, #1105, Pawtucket. Our next General Meeting will be held September 25 at 7 p.m. q RI Pride Committee 1005 Main St. #1105 Pawtucket, RI 02860 www.prideri.com 467-2130
In addition, RI Pride will also present The Spirit of Pride award to recognize an individual whose generous spirit is an example for all to follow. Stay tuned
For over 30 years We’ve been handing our Clients The same old Line …
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Resources Help us help you: If you come across a resource listing that is incorrect or needs updating, please let us know! Drop a line to mshays@verizon.net. NOTE: All phone numbers are in the 401 area code unless otherwise indicated. Addiction Support Groups
Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941.
AA: Brothers in Sobriety, Community Church of Prov., Wayland & Lloyd Aves., Prov., 751-9328; Sat., 7:308:30 p.m.; Central Services, info on all groups, 4388860; Lesbian and Gay, Anchor Recovery Center, 249 Main St., Pawtucket, Tues. 7:30 p.m.; Suburban Gay & Lesbian, Fatima Shrine, Rt. 126, Holliston, MA, Thurs. 8-9:30 p.m. Alcohol/Drug Helpline. RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 24-hr., (866) 252-3784. Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.
AIDS/Health Resources ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power), a group of individuals united in anger, committed to ending AIDS pandemic through direct action. Call Scott 640-3108. info@actupri.org. Donations welcome! 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. AGAPE/Family Resources Community Action. Case management, support, personal care items for people living with HIV/AIDS in Northern Rhode Island. 245 Main St., Woonsocket, RI 02895. 2356092. lcohen@famresri.org. AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only. AIDS Care Ocean State (557 Broad St., Providence): case mgmt., emergency funds, mental health & nutrition support, FACTS Nursery, housing for PWAs, referrals, advocacy, ADa.m.S Clinic for adolescents, street outreach, ENCORE, education, HIV+ support groups. Sunrise Community Housing for people with HIV/AIDS. 18 Parkis Ave., Prov. 02907. 521-3603; www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI Division of Family Service of RI: Case mgmt., buddies, COBRA & dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment & referral, wellness prog., advocacy, strength training. Prevention Ed. 404 Wickenden St., Providence: 831-5522. AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS Memorial Quilt panels; panel-making programs, including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people; PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 434-4880; www. aidsquiltri.org; admin@aidsquiltri.org; annasworkshop@aidsquiltri.org. 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.,
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Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP) Medical, mental health, dental, social services. 311 Doric Ave., Cranston. 467-9610. Also Coventry and Warwick. Sarah Bowman, LGBT Outreach. Crossroads RI Health Care Services: Free, confidential, anonymous HIV counseling & testing for homeless/ at risk: Mon & Wed, 1-3 p.m., call Gloria, 521-2255, Ext. 325. FACTS (Family AIDS Center for Treatment & Support): See AIDS Care Ocean State. 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. 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. 7820725. Bereavement Groups: John Charette, 7277079.
BANDING TOGETHER
HPV study for gay/bi men ages 18 -- 26. Receive free HPV vaccine and HIV testing. Must be HIV-negative. Call Gail at Miriam Hospital (793-4335) or Email gyates@lifespan.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 658-3992. Jewish AIDS Task Force: Programs for HIV/AIDS and Jewish communities. 421-4111, ext. 172. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group for LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems, visit www.caregiver.org and click on groups. Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor (508) 984-7514. 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.
LUX BOND & GREEN
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
JEWELRY WATCHES GIFTS SINCE 1898
Project Empower: Wellness prog. for gay, bi, questioning men in So. Coast MA. Info on HIV/STD test sites & safe sex; social/support groups, therapists & health care referrals; & more. Community Counseling of Bristol Co., MA. (508) 828-6692 or www.projectempower.com.
THE SHOPS AT MOHEGAN SUN 860.862.9900 LBGreen.com 800.524.7336
SSTAR (Stanley St. Treatment & Resources): counseling,
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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. Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more. 105 Charles Eldridge Dr, Lakeville, MA. (508) 947-1683. 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.
Fenway Gay and Lesbian Helpline: support, info & referrals for GLBT community from Fenway Community Health Ctr., Boston; (617) 267-9001 or 888-3404528, 6-11 p.m. seven days a week. GLBT National Help Center Hotline. Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888843-4564. www.GLBTNationalHelpcenter.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
Be There and Be Queer!
Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: discussion, games, thought-provoking and empowerment activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 421-5626.
The Alley Cat/Dark Lady: 17 Snow St. Prov. 273-0951 Downtown neighborhood bars. Sun.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. http://thealleycat.net.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 831-7171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903.
Bobby’s Place, 62 Weir St., Taunton, MA (508) 824-9997. 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.
Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTIQ human rights. Cvohs18904@ yahoo.com or 212-807-8400. Visit www.amnestyusa. org/Our Issues/LGBT Human Rights.
Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Prov. 575-2284. Special events space. Open mike First & Third Sat. of each month. Film screenings and other public/private events. See us on Facebook and at www.BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse.com.
BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433.
Political & Legal Groups
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; 8477637.
Religious Resources All Saints’ Memorial Church, 674 Westminster St., Providence. 751-1747 www.allsaintsmemorial.org. asmcri@verizon.net Amicable Congregational Church (UCC), 3736 Main Rd., Tiverton. Open & Affirming. Sunday worship 10:00 a.m. Pastor William Sterrett, 624-4611. Email amicablechurch@aol.com Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, email: mail@WABaptists.org. Barrington Congregational Church (UCC) “the white church”, 461 Old County Rd., Barrington. 2460111.www.bccucc.org Bell Street Chapel (Unitarian Universalist), A Welcoming congregation: 5 Bell St., Prov., Rev. Ann Willever. 273-5678, www.bellstreetchapel.org.
Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@ brown.edu
Beneficent Congregational Church (UCC), in the heart of Providence at 300 Weybosset St. An Open & Affirming congregation since 2001. Visit us Sundays at 10 a.m. or on the Web at www.beneficentchurch. org. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman, 331-9844.
Club Gallery, 681 Valley Street., Providence. DJ, dancing.
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.
Deville’s: 345 South Water St., Prov. Lesbian, gay, straight, it’s all good. 383-8883, www.devillescafe.com.
Berean Baptist Church, a safe and welcoming place for all God’s children. 474 Chapel St., Harrisville, RI. www.bereanri.org; bereanbaptist@verizon.net. 5685411. Worship 10 a.m. Sundays.
Green Party of RI: PO Box 1151, Prov., RI 02901; 4907602.
Ego, Providence’s newest Nightlife Performance/Event Space. Thurs. 9 p.m. -- 1 a.m., Sat. 9 p.m. -- 3 a.m. 73 Richmond St. 383-1208.
Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall St., Suite 1500, NY, NY 10005; (212) 809-8585, Fax: (212) 809-0055.
Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www.calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@aol.com.
Luna’s Ladies Night, Fridays 8 p.m. -- 1a.m. Female performers and DJs. 276 Westminster St., Providence. www.lunaspvd.com.
Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for lgbt causes. lawyersforequality@gmail.com
Club Body Center: 257 Weybosset St., Prov. 274-0298 www.clubbodycenter.com. Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24 hours daily.
Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown, 200 Turner Rd., Middletown, RI 02842. 847-6181. Ask Amy about LGBTQ Early Dementia support group.
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.
Marriage Equality RI (MERI): Works for equal access to marriage for all. www.marriageequalityri.org or call 941-2727. 118 No. Main St., Unit 3, Providence RI 02903. PO Box 5884, Providence RI 02903
Central Congregational Church (UCC), where we believe God is still speaking. Services Sunday, 10:30 a.m. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. 296 Angell St., East Side of Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch.us.
Mega-Plex and Hush Providence: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themega-plex.com. Gay men’s bathhouse. Open 24 hours daily. Membership required. One day pass available.
The Next Thing (TNT): political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. Contact the Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062.
Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channingchurch.org.
Rhode Islanders United for Marriage: Broad-based grassroots coalition working to achieve the unique protections and recognition of civil marriage for all loving couples in the state. 274-1323. Office 3 Center St., Providence. (PO Box 5883, Providence RI 02903) www.RIUnitedforMarriage.org.
Charter Oak Grove ADF, an open and welcoming congregation of neopagan druids in CT. www.charteroakadf.org. Email charteroakadf@gmail.com.
RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri.org.
Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford. 434-5012. A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. www.epiphanyep.org
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. Tommy’s Lounge Gay/Lesbian Night each Friday (21plus) Doors open 8 p.m. Music from 80’s, 90’s and today’s hits on the video screen. $5.00 cover. 99 India Street, Pawtucket RI 02860 T.W.I.S.T. Program Coffee Night: Coffee, light snacks served every Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. 1287 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. 508-672-0378. Union: 200 Union St. Prov. 831-5366. Video lounge, live entertainment. Sun. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Mon.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, 180 Westminster St., 3rd floor Prov. Phone: 222-2662. Fax: 222-2616, TDD: 222-2664.
Information/Education
RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. www.RIpatients.org.
Feminist Voices: women’s chorus. www.feministvoices. com.
RI Socialist Action: adgagneri@gmail.com. 952-5385. Español: walsil@cox.net. 351-3414
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Christ Church in Lonsdale (Episcopal), 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln. Services 8 and 10:30 a.m. www.christchurchlincoln.org. 725-1920.
Church of the Holy Paraclete, Independent Old Catholic; Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. 155 Douglas Ave., Providence. http://holyparaclete.org; Fr. Jakob Lazarus 218-0706. Edgewood Congregational Church (UCC) Open & Affirming, 1788 Broad St., Cranston. 461-1344. www. edgewoodchurchri.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 120 Nate Whipple High-
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way, Cumberland RI 02864. 658-1506. First Congregational Church in Bristol, an Open and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. Pastor Dan Randall, 253-7288.
St. James Church: Episcopal, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Prov. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard St. East side of Prov., 751-2141
First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: County & River Sts., New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-8972, stmartins1887@aol. com.
First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. www.stpaulspawtucket.org
First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UU. Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net
St. Paul’s Church, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 2679 E. Main St., Portsmouth. 862-1466. www.stpaulsportsmouthri.org
Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. 508-5434002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org
St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Ave., Prov.; 272-9649. Email.stpanda25@verizon. net. www.stpetersandstandrews.org.
Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225.
Saint Therese Old Catholic Church, Open & Affirming, Sunday Mass at 10:30 p.m. at 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Fr. David Martins, 263-4296. www. saintthereseocc.org
Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. Pastor Sandra Demmler Damico (508) 2222898, www.immanuellc.org.
Second Congregational Church of Attleboro (UCC) Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday worship 10 a.m. (508) 222-4677, www.attleborosecondchurch.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.
Seekonk Congregational Church: 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771, (508) 336-9355, Rev. Joy Utter, www.scc-ucc.com.
Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Meditation: Gay Men’s Meditation Experience. Relax and connect. Third Tues. of each month in Cranston, 7 -- 8 p.m. Tim, 944-0723. Fee applies. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our Web site: www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA, 02702 Rev. Sandra D. Fitz-Henry. Marriage & commitment ceremonies for all. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org Newman Congregational Church, Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Ave., Rumford, RI. 4311-4742. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Rev. Hayes & Rev. Baker. Open & Affirming. 73 Pelham St., Newport. 849-2238 or nccucc@newportcongregationalchurch.org. Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Pl., Pawtucket, 726-2800. The Pub Church: A church that meets in a pub! Saturdays, 5 p.m. at The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Ave. Boston. Open & Affirming. Email thepubchurch@gmail.com. Location may change. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937 Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508-997-5684. Riverside Church (U.C.C.) 15 Oak Ave., Riverside, RI. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 35 Lower College Rd., Kingston. 783-2153 www.staugustineURI.com. St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov. Office of LGBT Outreach 353-1422
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Temple Agudas Achim: GLBT-friendly, Reconstructionist cong. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman. 901 No. Main St., Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243 or www.agudasma. org. Temple Beth-El: GLBT-welcoming. Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Ave., Prov., RI 02906. 331-6070 Temple Emanu-El, Sessions St. & Morris Ave., Providence. A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin, 331-1616. www.teprov.org Temple Habonim: a warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, 245-6536. www.templehabonim.org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform Temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. 942-8350. www. TempleSinairi.org. Unitarian Society of Fairhaven (MA): 102 Green St., Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 992-7081. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of So. County: 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI; 783-4170 or Val 7897282. www.uusouthcountyri.org. United Church of Christ: Coalition for LGBT Concerns. 13 Steven Circle, S. Kingstown, RI 02883, Ray Bradley at 782-3871. Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church, a UUA Welcoming Congregation. 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818. 884-5933. LGBT weddings welcome.
Social Organizations Atheists/Agnostics: RI Atheist Society – “Working to keep Church and State separate” Welcoming all. Meets 3rd Monday of the month at an area restaurant for lively discussions among like-minded people. For info: www.RIatheist.net Bisexual Resource Center: 29 Stanhope St., Boston, (617) 424-9595 or www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-sex social network. Bi-monthly brunches and other social events. http://biversity.org.
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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 bearsoceanstatesubscribe@yahoogroups.com. Age-restricted. 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. Imperial Court of RI at Prov: Male, female, drag king & queen performers raise funds for local charities. Meetings 1st Mon. of month, at RI Pride Office, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket. All welcome. PO Box 6583, Prov., RI 02904;www.icriprov.org. Lesbian Writers Group, Rochambeau Library, Hope St., Providence. Mondays 7 -- 8:30 p.m. Writing exercises, support. No critiquing or workshopping. Free. Russian or Computer Room. Men’s Card Group: E-mail johninprov@gmail.com or call John 261-9715. Men’s Gay Camping: In RI, CT, MA. Gatherings organized for tents to RVs during Spring, Summer and Fall. www.webspawner.com/users/gaycamping/index. html or call 277-0075 or email gaycamping@gmx. com. Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders.com or E-Mail Mixedborders@cox.net Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Email Dave at BrettCornellpi4@aol.com Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: Mon, 7-9:30 p.m., Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset St, Prov.. New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and nonsinging volunteers welcome. www.provgmc.org. Queer Book Club. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m. at Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Raging Grannies: Women of “a certain age” working toward a more peaceful, equitable society with song, humor & passion. Will sing for rallies & events. Email jlglass53@aol.com. RI Association of Gay Professionals. Professional net-
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working and philanthropy. gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com. 453-9276 RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women. heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie, 464-2288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI.com; www.PrideRI. com. Office at 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130
Sports PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www.pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858
SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England) www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 937-5858. For fitness and/or competition. TENNIS: TENNIS-4-All: www.tennis4all.org.
Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports.com. Email info@gaysports.com.
VOLLEYBALL: Cambridge Boston Volleyball Assoc. www.GayVolleyball.net, (617) 633-2180
BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www. bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2.
WRESTLING: East Coast Wrestling Club www.eastcoastwrestlingclub.org, email ecwc@juno.com, (401) 467-6737 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 6
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.
Students & Youth Bristol Community College Gay/Straight Alliance (BCC/ GSA); Steven Camara, Advisor (508) 678-2811 Ext. 2391, BCC-H202, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720.
RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. Royal Court Bowling League: 9 p.m. Wed., Woonsocket www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. Hill Bowl; 767-2110. RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone ratio Big Gay Al’s Duckpin bowling league: Tuesdays 6:30 Brown University Queer Alliance: umbrella org. for nal? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant groups. 863-3062. www.queer.brown.edu p.m., Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Town Hall for refreshing discussion. http://skeptics.meetup. Lanes, Johnston. www.BGALBowling.com. Brown University Grad Student - Med Student - Staff com/133/ Frank Ferri 831-6940. www.townhalllanes.com. LGBTQ Association: queer-med-grad-members@ RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; queer.brown.edu BOWLING: BOSTON: Monday Night League, www. dances/events. www.RIWA.net mnbl.net Brown University Staff LGBTQ Association: call LGBT SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) AdResource Center: 863-3062 FLAG FOOTBALL: FLAG (For Lesbians and Gays) vocacy, education and social events for LGBTQ seFootball www.flagflagfootball.com, (617) 937-5858 Brown University LGBTQ Resource Center: 863-3062, niors. Mail address 235 Promenade St., Suite 500, Ext. 4. e-mail lgbtq@brown.edu Box 18, Providence RI 02908. sageriinfo@gmail. FOOTBALL: Women’s professional team Northeastern com, 528-3259. Facebook: “Sage/Rhode Island.” Bryant Pride: Bryant College Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual StuNitro. Members of the Women’s Football Alliance. dent Association. 232-6389. SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of S.E. Mass Practices held in Bethel, CT. Contact Amy Manfred and RI to foster strong friendships.Semassmen-subCCRI Triangle Alliance: Student & staff GLBTQ group at amymanfred@yahoo.com or Carley Pesente at linescribe@yahoo groups.com or email moderator rlevass meets on Flanagan and Liston campuses. 455backergirl56@aol.com. @yahoo.com. 6065. www.ccri.cc.ri.edu/triangle. RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support COLAGE. Support and social activities for children of genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com for transgender, queer & like-minded people. GathLGBT Parents: Meets third Saturday of the month, erings third Sunday of each month. Email trans. GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 450-8682. 10:30 -- 12 at Gordon School, E. Providence. Coqueer.ri@gmail.com. ordinator Veronica Jutras (vjutras5@gmail.com) HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockwww.colage.org/colage-chapter/colage-rhode-islandey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7. T.W.I.S.T. Project: Program for gay and bisexual men chapter/ in Fall River/New Bedford area. Drop-in center, reICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: Gail Wickstrom email ferrals, condom distribution, social groups. Coffee Fitchburg State College GLBT Alliance: Social support gwick@kersur.net. night Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. (508) 672-0378; www. group for students. One-in-Ten and Friends, 978KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: 272myspace.com/twistprogram. 665-3164, sfranzemn@fsc.edu. 5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com UNISONG: For unity through song. Non-performance Peer Listening Line/Fenway Community Health Ctr.: MARTIAL ARTS: Main Street Martial Arts. Non-profit, monthly singing session. www.unisong.net or jlBoston. Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth; supwelcoming dojo and community center. Scholarships glass53@aol.com port, info and referrals. (617) 267-2535 or (800)available. 1282 No. Main St., Providence. 274-7672. 399-PEER, 5-10 p.m. all week. WomenRIsing. Feminist Chorus. Director Nancy www.mainstma.org. Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: Roger Williams University LGBTQ & Allies group: OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club, New England’s contact@womenrisingchorus.org. S.A.F.E (Sexual Advocacy for Everyone): Weekly LGBT outdoor recreation club. www.chiltern.org. meetings in Intercultural Center; speakers, social and Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for GLBT Email events@chiltern.org. awareness events; Pride Week in April. Email: safpeople interested in vintage & specialty cars. www. ROWING: Boston Gy Rowers: www.glrf.org erwu03@gmail.com. Facebook: S.A.F.E. yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com. RUGBY: Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club. www. Salve Regina University Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual bostonironsidesrfc.org. Alliance (GSLBA), 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Sister Johnelle, Lucianij@salve.edu RUNNING: Frontrunners Rhode Island: Brian 751-
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PAGES? Is your club, organization or house of worship listed in this section of Options? Please review your listing now. Kindly let us know of any necessary changes by emailing mshays@verizon.net. We can serve our readers best when our listings are up to date. Thank you.
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7643, bripm@cox.net. Frontrunners Boston www. frontrunnersboston.org
SNOWBOARDING: OutRyders, www.outryders.org or email brian@outryders.org. SOCCER: Boston Strikers Soccer Club www.bostonstrikers.com (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9. SOFTBALL: Renaissance City Softball League. New players and boosters always welcome. 226-7771642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www.providencesoftball.org Beantown Softball League: (617) 297-7490 www.beantownsoftball.com. Serving since 1978. SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts.com
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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, around-theclock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. 866-4-U-TREVOR; 866-488-7386. thetrevorproject.org. The Next Thing (TNT): Political & support group for queer people of color at Brown Univ. Call Brown
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University of RI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer & Questioning (LGBTIQ2) association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, alumni and students. gsimonelli@advance.uri. edu. 874-5808. Youth Pride Inc./The Way Out: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 13-23. Drop-in center at 743 Westminster St., Prov. 02903; Mon.---Thurs. noon--8 p.m, Fridays 4 -- 8 p.m., Sat. 10 -- 5. The Way Out peer support group Tues., 5 p.m. Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 5:30 p.m. Ask about the 14-and-under day. Call 4215626 or email kerri@youthpride-ri.org Web: www. youthpride-ri.org.
Support Groups & Social Services Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline (617) 742-4911. Network/LaRed. Email office: advocate@tnir.org 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. 7660900, ext. 1213. Foster parents needed, for newborn to age six. www.childrensfriendri.org. 276-4318 Foster parents sought: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Gregary Wright, Family Service of RI, 331-1350 Ext. 3305 Behavioral health outpatient services in Fall River area, inclusive of LGBT: S.T.E.P. (508-)235-1012; T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378 Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 723-3057. Catholic Parents Outreach: Always Our Children, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Sacred Heart Convent, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA. Call Ann, (413) 736-6803. COLAGE (Children of Gays): A national movement of people with one or more LGBT parents. Social activities, education & advocacy. Meets 3rd Saturday of the month. rhodeisland@colage.org. Coordinator Veronica Jutras (vjutras5@gmail.com) Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group, meets in Boston First Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. www. compassftm.org, compassftm@comcast.net Crossroads RI: Hotline (Travelers Aid): (800) 367-2700 Day One (Formerly Sexual Assault and Trauma Resource Center of RI): Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24-hr hotline (800) 494-8100, collect calls accepted: 421-4100. Dementia and Early Alzheimer’s LGBTQ support group at Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown, 200 Turner Rd., Middletown RI 02842. 847-6181. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling, LGBT or straight relationships. 24 hour free and confidential helpline. 782-3990. Female-to-Male Support Group: Transgender peer support, information, social group. For those who identify somewhere on the trans-masculine spectrum. Regular meetings. Visit www.SNE_FTM@yahoo.
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Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: support: E-Mail outreach@gayfathersboston.org. www.gayfathersboston. org. Gay Fathers Support Group in RI. Tom Fronczak, LICSW, 431-2953. Fee applies. GayLab for Healthy Relationships: Learning & practicing healthy ways to socialize in safe, non-judgmental environment in LGBT community. www.gaylab.org. Email info@gaylab.org. James, 781-762-6629 Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp.org. Gay Officers Action League /New England (GOAL NE), gay/lesbian/bisexual law enforcement officers, sworn & civilian. Fire, rescue and publicly employed EMS. P.O. Box 587, Boston, MA 02117; www.goalne.org; info@goalne.org; (617) 376-3612. Confidential. Gay Share. Coming Out? Gay men’s support group Wed., 7:30 p.m. No fee. Call Tom/Mike, 369-9448 or www. gayshare.org; Info@gayshare.org.
org) or call 861-6191, ext. 121. No caller ID is used; calls are blocked for safety. Sojourner House: Support, shelter, advocacy, info for people in abusive relationships. Call us at 861-6191 We DON’T use Caller ID; calls are blocked for safety. Straight Spouse Support: Straight spouse professional offers peer support and referrals. Jane Harris, (413) 625-6636. Email jcmalinski48@gmail.com. Straight Spouses Group: Visit www.StraightSpouse.org. for info on groups and online support. TGI Network of R.I.: Support, advocacy for Transgender, Transsexual, Gender-variant, Genderqueer & Intersex people. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Transgender Support Group: Cape Cod (508) 362-4435 Trans Family New England. Gives parents/family members of transgender people a safe place to explore impact of gender identity of their loved ones, and to connect with other families. Meets in Providence 2nd Tues. each month. Location unpublished for privacy. Email Partners@tginetwork.org.
Trans Partners New England: Gives romantic partners Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline, call 24/7 for of transgender people a confidential, safe space to excrisis and suicide prevention. Also social networks. plore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on 866-4-U-Trevor their relationships, and to connect with other loved HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group at AIDS Care Ocean ones of transgender people. Meetings in Providence, State, 18 Parkis Ave., Prov., RI. 521-3603. Refreshlast Wed. of each month, location unpublished for ments served. New members should call Scott: 640privacy. Email partners@tginetwork.org. 3108 TransYouth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and Kathys’ Group: free support group for lesbians with cantransgender children ages 3-18. Info@imatyfa.org. cer or any life-threatening illness. Meets monthly in www.imatyfa.org. Providence. Partners and caregivers welcome. Call Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): 888-5KATHYS. Growing organization to address the concerns of fair Lesbian Moms of Southern NE: discussion, support and treatment of transgender veterans and active duty seractivity list for lesbian mothers. www.topica.com/ vice members. www.tavausa.org. lists/LMOSNE or ForADancer63@aol.com. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol CounMantalk of S.E. Mass: Social/Discussions for gay/bi/cuties, offering services to victims of domestic violence. rious men 18+. Taunton every Thursday, and New 846-5263. Bedford 1st Tues. 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.
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PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays: Greater Providence chapter serves all of RI and Southeastern Mass.: First Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m. at Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571; www. pflagprovidence.org; pflagprovidence@verizon.net; Cape Cod: Falmouth: Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Rd., E. Falmouth. Brewster: Third Mondays, 7 p.m., First Parish U.U. Church, 1969 Main St. joann@pflagcapecod.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Info at 4679940; 24-hour helpline, (800) 494-8100. RI Rainbow Support Group for people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Meets last Tuesday of each month. 98 Rolfe St., Cranston, 6 - 7:30. Ken Renaud, 785-2100. RI Relay 711. Samaritans: 24-hour hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044 (RI only), 272-4044; www.samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, LGBTQ-friendly and bilingual (Spanish). Contact Aida (amanduley@sojournerri.
september
2013
Got an apartment to rent? Condo to sell? Looking for a housemate? Send us 30 words and a check for $30, and we’ll publish it in the very next issue. Send ad to advertising@optionsri.org, and payment to P.O. Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940 • housing ads only •
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