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September 2012
The Endless Summer comes to an end
In this issue: 2 Lesbians on the Loose 3 News Briefs 5 Letters, Op-Ed 6 Calendar 9 2nd Story Theatre: The GOAT 11 Candidate Russ Hryzan 12 This Month in Options History
13 LGBT-Affirming Therapy 16 New at URI 17 Living with Prostate Cancer 18 SAGE 20 MERI 21 AIDS Community Watch 24 YPI 25 RI LGBT Dem. Caucus
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Lesbians on the Loose out of the closet and out on the town!
July was a blur as our social calendar filled up quickly – from celebrating July 4th with friends to Melanie’s birthday to our annual summer week in Provincetown for Girl Splash – we are still catching up on sleep! The week in Ptown was picture perfect -- blue sunny skies and warm nights. Ptown is such a symbolic destination for anyone in the LGBTQ community. We frequented several of our favorite spots as well as stopping at some new ones, like the Sage Inn and Lounge (formerly Vixen -- fond memories of seeing Melissa Ferrick there!) The transformation from the old nightclub to this fresh and modern lounge is amazing. If you go, definitely try a frozen Bellini or their Blueberry Basil Martini. The basil is grown right outside the front door on their herb wall. Delicious! Other fun stops along the trip were Local 186 Restaurant, Aqua Bar, Harbor Lounge and Patio American Grille (where Kevin was our waiter and was fabulous), and of course the Monkey Bar. During our stay in Ptown, Poppy Champlin was performing -- we didn’t get to see her, but we heard her show was hysterical. We brought our mermaid mascots, Lorelei and Leila (see photos at left) with us everywhere and they were a huge hit with the staff at every restaurant and bar. It seems as if the summer is winding down, but don’t fret; there are still plenty of activities to keep you busy in Providence, like drag brunch for example. Host Jacqueline DiMera will entertain you the first Sunday of every month at Aspire Restaurant in the Hotel Providence, 311 Westminster Street (12:30 p.m. seating for brunch). From the chandelier-lit dining room to the plush velvet booths, Aspire will surprise you with elegance, comfort, great food, yummy watermelon mojitos and charismatic drag queens. Celebrating four years of drag brunch, Jacqueline and friends are outrageous and fun as they dance, perform and chat with the customers. It is a show NOT to be missed! Be on the lookout for the Lesbians on the Loose when you’re Out on the Town. Remember it is important to show our support for organizations within our community -- hope to see you all there!
For more information on upcoming events, please visit Options’ online calendar at http://optionsri.org/calendar. If you know of any events we should be attending, please email information to calendar@optionsri.org. XO, Annie & Melanie
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News Briefs Joanne Bussiere
RI TEAM PLAYS IN THE GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES This giant annual LGBT sporting event continues to grow, with 2,404 registered players and an increase of two teams this year. Among the competitors was Rhode Island’s Providence Grind Team, a member of the C division (of which there are 52 other teams). The 2012 Gay Softball World Series, held in Minneapolis/St. Paul, began on August 13 and closed with a spectacular ceremony on August 18. We’re proud of you, Grind!
LOG CABIN TO TAKE PART IN GOP PLATFORM PROCESS At the Republican National Convention, held in Tampa in August, the four-member delegation of the Log Cabin Republicans were credentialed to attend the platform committee meeting for the first time. Log Cabin Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper led the group in pushing to remove language that affirms the passing of same-sex marriage bans through state initiatives. They also sought to strengthen the language and make it more inclusive. The National Organization for Marriage and the Family Research Council advocated opposing language.
PAUL RYAN MATCHES ROMNEY ON MOST LGBT ISSUES
PSYCH TESTING FOR TRANS PILOTS DEEMED UNNECESSARY The new medical certification guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration eliminate several rounds of discriminatory psychological testing that were once required for transgender pilots. The FAA requires thorough medical and psychological clearance for all pilots before they are allowed to fly, but transgender pilots were previously required to undergo further tests such as personality, projective and intelligence. These tests had to be financed by the pilots themselves, who faced the possibility of losing their jobs based on these additional requirements. The new FAA guidelines require only current clinical records; an evaluation from a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in transgender issues; and, if there has been surgery, a post-
FIRST OPENLY GAY FLAG OFFICER IN U.S. MILITARY
Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney are a match on most issues facing the LGBT community. The one crack in this great union thus far appears to be that in 2007 Ryan voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would have prohibited workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation (but did not yet include gender identity). Romney was once in favor of ENDA but has since change his mind. Paul Ryan has voted to ban same-sex marriage and adoption by gay couples. He also voted against repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on gays serving openly in the military.
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Less than a year after the end of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, the gay rights movement found in former Army Colonel Tammy Smith its most senior military public figure. In a private ceremony at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington’s National Cemetery, she was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Smith received the stars from her wife, Tracey Hepner.
THE DEMS AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY The Democratic National Committee (DNC) plans to add marriage equality to the platform at their convention in Charlotte September 4, when the party meets to formally confirm President Obama as their candidate. The draft language of the plank states in part: “We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples.” While affirming religious freedom, it continues, “we oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendents …. We support the full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.”
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From the Options Office Do You Care? If you can’t spare anything to support us with dollars, we are not talking to you. Please enjoy the free copy/subscription, news and information with the compliments of your community. We know times are tough. But we also know there a lot of people out there who appreciate Options -- like you, maybe? -- and could swing a contribution, but who have not made one this year. Please visit us at www.optionsri.org and make a donation online. It takes but a moment, but to Options, it means being able to keep our office open, pay our one part-
time staffer, and print, mail and distribute every month. All the volunteers listed at right will be grateful for your help with these relentless expenses. We don’t like to take this tone with you. But we know you value Options. You respect it. You get a kick out of it. Maybe you learn stuff. So show us you care -- just send the contribution, and let us get back to what we do: bringing you the news you can’t get anywhere else! - Your friends at Options
Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982
SEPTEMBER 2012 q Vol. XXXI, No. 7 Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org Writers Thomas Bertrand, Kalene Brennan, Joanne Bussiere, Jessica Cinquegrana, Lisa Eramo, Kerri Kanelos, Marguerite McLaughlin, Cathy Robinson, Jim Seavor, Jennifer Stevens, Annie Cronin-Silva and Melanie Silva Copy Editors Ronan Fitzgerald, Brian Gay, Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Emma Garrett Nelson, Maria Phillips, Jim Seavor, Myra Shays Calendar Editor Annie Cronin-Silva calendar@optionsri.org
Volunteer of the Month: Jessica Cinquegrana Have you been reading the history columns we’ve been running this year? It’s called “This Month in Options History,” and it’s a compilation of past news reports and photos from our archives. Now meet the volunteer behind it. Jessica has been poring over pages and pages of old issues of Options, pulling out what she deems to be some of the top stories from each month, and scanning photographs from boxes of archived images. I know she has really enjoyed the process, but this time she went above and beyond, pulling an all-nighter to get the column
done, while also studying for school and caring for her children.
Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net General Information info@optionsri.org
If you have not been reading the column, this is a good month to check it out -some great shots from the past, and inspiring news stories.We are so lucky to have Jessica’s spirit and energy -- she is one cool chick.
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Dear Students, The Rhode Island Students for Equality (RISE) was founded in January of 2011 with the purpose of uniting the many college and high school LGBT organizations and groups to give our youth a louder voice. With hard work, organization and passion, RISE was able to make a major impact on the marriage equality legislation that was being debated in the 2011 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly. A College Campus Rally Week was planned, and six demonstrations took place throughout the state in highly visible campus locations, which were reported on by local TV stations, newspapers and talk radio such as WPRO. When Speaker Gordon Fox announced that the marriage equality legislation would not be voted on, RISE was the first organization to act publicly, greeting him outside of his office and demanding an answer on the issue. RISE also took part in numerous rallies and protests at the State House. This is where YOU come in. We are looking for the next generation of RI students to take over RISE and continue its mission of uniting local college and high school organizations. With an email contact list, Facebook page, an established logo and name, RISE is waiting for a few strong individuals to take on this important project. I am no longer a student. Since my time with RISE, I have graduated from Johnson & Wales University, begun a career in marketing, and dedicated my time to supporting this very magazine, Options. I hope to support new RISE leadership with the transition, and give guidance on how we made RISE so successful. Please email me at kylemarnane@gmail.com if you have any questions or are interested in meeting to discuss RISE. Best of luck to all students in this upcoming school year. Be safe, make good decisions and go change the world!
Pioneering AIDS Researcher Dies Dr. Warren Winkelstein, Jr., who in 1984 began a unique, groundbreaking study that confirmed the risk factors for contracting AIDS, died July 22 at the age of 90. While his career in public health spanned decades and was marked by other significant discoveries, he was best known for the San Francisco Men’s Health Study, begun in 1984. At the time, the virus that causes AIDS had been identified, but scientists did not know what practices, sexual or otherwise, would increase the risk of infection. What made his study unique was that, to find a broad representative sampling of subjects, he recruited participants by knocking on doors and asking, rather than putting ads in newspapers and waiting for responses. The study lasted 12 years and led to about 150 articles in scientific journals. It confirmed, with solid data, that men who had the most male partners and were the receptive partner during unprotected anal sex had the highest risk of infection. It also gave important information about the incubation period of AIDS and risk factors that affected its progression. His later work proved, among other things, that air pollution could cause chronic lung disease, and that smoking was a risk factor for cervical cancer.
Kyle Marnane Chair, Rhode Island Students for Equality
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Rhode Island Democratic LGBTQ Caucus meeting, 151 Broadway, Suite 310, Providence. 272-3367. www.ridemocrats.org / bcollins@ridemocrats.org. The LGBTQ Caucus advocates for LGBTQ equality within and through the Democratic Party of Rhode Island. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. TransPartners New England. Support for loved ones of transgender people. The meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. Please email partners@tginetwork.org for more information.
AIDS Care Ocean State presents... Friday, October 19, 2012 The Providence Biltmore Hotel 11 Dorrance Street in downtown Providence
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6:45 - 8:45 p.m. PFLAG of Greater Providence monthly meeting, the Met School (Justice Building) 325 Public St., Providence, RI 02905.
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9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+, $6 cover. For more information see www. lunaspvd.com.
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Fall Afternoon Tea Dance, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. DJ Dizzy. Indigo Lounge, 599 Tiogue Ave., Coventry. 615-9600.
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5:30 – 8 p.m. ACOS Fundraiser - Fall HiTini. Trattoria Simpatico 13 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown, RI 02835.
The 16th Annual ArtBeat Auction Check out our Online Auction to bid early! The bidding starts September 10th! www.biddingforgood.com/artbeat.
6:30 to 9:30 pm LIVE and silent auction! cocktails, live band, and light dinner fare
ou oo, so y t e il b o one m o bid! We’ve g your chance t iss won’t m
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased in advance at www.aidscareos.org.
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS! options
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salads Antipasto ........................................................................ 6.99 14 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night. See Sept. 7 listing. mixed greens with red onions, olives, cucumbers,
ham, mortadella and provolone 16 Transgender Youth andtomatoes, ParentGenoa, Summit. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30cheese p.m. SponGrilled Chicken ............................................................. 6.49 sored by the Massachusetts Trans Political Coalition. For youth 24 mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and under from New England who identify with, or could fall under, and olives topped with grilled chicken Pepper Chicken .............................................. 6.49 to the label “transgender,”Lemon or youth who are in some way connected mixed greens withsuch cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions to meet the transgender youth community, as partners/friends, and olives topped with lemon peppered chicken and connect with other Spinach transgender and gender variant youth. At the ........................................................................... 6.25 summit, youth will havewiththe opportunity share ideas; walnuts, raisins and redto onions topped with learn about slices of Anjou pears or green apple their legal rights; learn about the larger transgender community; and add feta cheese .................................................................... .75 participate in writing, art and performance workshops, gender identity groups and other activities. At thes Microsoft New Children’ Menu served withEngland French FriesResearch & Development CenterChicken (NERD) in Kendall Square at One Memorial Nuggets (6) .................................................... 3.99 ............................................................... Drive, Cambridge, MA Grilled 02142.Cheese Walking distance from the Red4.99 Line: Muffin Cheese Pizza ..................................... Kendall Square T stop, English and on-site parking garage ($10 for the3.99 day). Chicken Fingers ............................................................ 6.99 Visit www.masstpc.org/events/tys to learn more.
Dessert Pizzas 18 Rhode Island Democratic LGBTQ Caucus meeting, 151 Broadway, ....................................................... Personal Small Suite 310, Providence. Apple 272-3367. www.ridemocrats.org / bcollins@ Cinnamon ........................................... 4.99 9.99 sliced apples mixed with brown sugarfor LGBTQ equality ridemocrats.org. The LGBTQ Caucus advocates and cinnamon within and through the Banana Democratic of Rhode Island. Walnut Party ............................................ 4.99 9.99 bananas mixed with crushed walnut
19 7 - 9:30 p.m. The QueerBlueberry Book Club. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Banana ...................................... 4.99 9.99 blueberries anddiscussion bananas St., Providence. Join us for a lively and/or for the socializing French Toastto .................................................. 4.99 9.99the afterward. We encourage readers buy their books at Books on eggs mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon Square, an independentCoconut bookstore, which generously hosts club Pineapple ...................................... 4.99 the 9.99 pineapples topped with coconut free. Email queerbookclub@aol.com. Cinnamon Raisin .......................................... 4.99 9.99 butter, cinnamon, and raisins topped Kick-Off. Theme for September is Material Girl with powdered sugar
19 6 – 9 p.m. Gay Bingo Gay Bingo! The Riviera Peanut BingoButter Palace& Jelly 1612.................................. Elmwood Ave.,4.99 Cranston. 9.99 with creamy peanut butter and jelly 21 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s topped Ladies Night. See Sept. 7 listing.
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AIDS Walk for Life to benefit AIDS Project Rhode Island beginning at 9 a.m. at the RI State03.30.11 House. INDIGO
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7 – 9 p.m. MERI Community Meeting. MERI Headquarters, 118 North Main St., Suite 3, Providence. 941-2727.
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26 RI Pride General Meeting at 7 p.m. in the Pride Center, 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130. 28
9pm - 12am Luna’s Ladies Night. See Sept. 7 listing.
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6:30 - 8:30 p.m. TransPartners New England, for loved ones of transgender people. The meeting location is withheld for participant pri-
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vacy. Please email partners@tginetwork.org for more information.
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6:45 - 8:45 p.m. PFLAG Greater Providence monthly meeting at the Met School (Justice Building) 325 Public St., Providence.
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7 p.m. Imperial Court of RI presents Drag Drop Soup at Chan’s in Woonsocket. Show, tickets $10, available at eventbrite. com. Benefit for Sojourner House. Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main St., Woonsocket. Email icri.prov@gmail.com for more info.
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9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night. See Sept. 7 listing.
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Comedian Poppy Champlin at Indigo Lounge. 9:00 p.m. 599 Tiogue Ave., Coventry. 615-9600.
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6 p.m. – 9 p.m. RI Pride Honors! The Pyramid of Pride, Spirit Award and parade awards will be presented. The Greenhouse at Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket.
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9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night. See Sept. 7 listing.
STEPPING UP STEPPING OUT A benefit for Youth Pride, Inc.
17 7 - 9:30 p.m. The Queer Book Club Books on the Square, Providence. 19
9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Luna’s Ladies Night. See Sept. 7 listing.
24 8 a.m. –2 p.m., SAGE/RI hosts Visible Lives: Caring for LGBT Elders, at Healthcentric Advisors, 235 Promenade St., Providence, 5th floor. Registration is $55.00. CEUs available. 22 7 - 9pm MERI Community Meeting, MERI Headquarters 118 North Main St., Suite 3, Providence. q
Friday, November 2, 2012 Providence Biltmore Hotel 11 Dorrance Street Providence, RI 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Remember
Honorary Chair: Kitty Litter Founders Award: Michael Fournier Lipsky/Whittaker Award: New Urban Arts & Inspiring Minds Luis Pagan Award: Noel Puello For more info, visit YouthPrideRI.org or call 401-421-5626. options
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2nd Story Goes for the Jugular Jim Seavor
It begins with a goat. Her name is Sylvia. This loving animal almost literally tears a family to shreds and playwright Edward Albee won a best play Tony award in 2002 for telling the story. The 2nd Story Theatre in Warren will be staging THE GOAT, or Who Is Sylvia? later this month. Brace yourselves. Albee has said his powerful play is about the limits of our tolerance; what we will permit ourselves to think about. And he pushes those limits. He gives us this model of a modern American family – father, mother and 17-year-old gay son – who sees its house of cards crumble when it learns that daddy is in love with Sylvia. And what’s more, the goat loves him. Albee says that most people don’t want to deal with anything disturbing in art. They want their art
This is a play you may want to discuss amongst yourselves or with other members of the audience.
-- some loud ones -- but there also were very disturbing moments. This is a play you may want to discuss amongst yourselves or with other members of the audience.
to be escapist. That doesn’t go over well with the playwright who calls escapist art a waste of time. In a production of THE GOAT I saw a couple of years ago, there were laughs
Last year he raised no warning flags when 2nd Story did Take Me Out with the original costumes – which in many cases meant no costumes. Shea says there is no outrage in nudity on stage. However THE GOAT is designed to outrage. Albee says he hopes that maybe it will make a few people wonder whether some of their attitudes – the things we think we believe – shouldn’t be reexamined. He believes it’s dangerous to accept
The two Eds: Shea, left; Albee right
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2nd Story’s Artistic Director Ed Shea, who is playing the father, is prepared for that. He’s scheduling discussion periods after each performance.
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something as a belief and not think about it anymore. Do plays such as Take Me Out, THE GOAT or the recent I Am My Own Wife, in which Shea played Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite who survived both Nazi and Communist Germany, mean 2nd Story is changing? Shea says that when the theater began he could never envision what it’s become: a major player in Rhode Island theater, with its own building and solid subscriber base. And the bar is continually being raised, not in terms of the acting,
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which is already high, but in a willingness to take things a bit further. Besides, controversy is not new for 2nd Story. Years ago it did Christopher Durang’s Betty’s Summer Vacation. (Google it.)
401-274-7225 | Providence lhandel@gmail.com
From Christopher Durang to Edward Albee to Tennessee Williams and Neil Simon, 2nd Story is, in Shea’s words “as eccentric as Warren itself.” 2nd Story is doing a six-play season this year. In addition to THE GOAT they’re planning Lost in Yonkers, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, An Inspector Calls (at the Bristol Statehouse), Amadeus and The Rose Tattoo. The Albee play begins with three preview performances on September 21, and runs through October 21. Tickets are $20 for previews and $25 for regular performances. 2nd Story Theatre is at 28 Market St., Warren. Phone: 247-4200. q
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Providence’s Russ Hryzan Takes on State Senator Metts Joe Siegel
Openly gay Republican Russ Hryzan is challenging veteran State Senator Harold Metts (D-Providence) in the November election. Hryzan, 31, considers Metts one of the most anti-gay legislators in the Rhode Island General Assembly. Metts has opposed marriage equality and LGBT rights. Hryzan supports marriage equality, and was shocked by what he calls the “sheer hatred” displayed by Metts when he addressed reporters on television regarding marriage equality legislation. Hryzan became interested in politics while attending Johnson & Wales University, from which he graduated with a Bachelors’ degree in Information Science and an MBA in Global Business Leadership. He now works for Pfizer Global Research and Development in Connecticut, where he serves as a Global IT Program manager. Hryzan came out as a gay man while in his 20s. His father has been supportive of his orientation and has been helping his campaign. Although he was raised an Episcopalian, Hryzan is not a devout follower of Christianity, and pledges never to insert his personal religious beliefs into legislation. “There are too many contradictions in religion,” Hryzan says. “My God loves everybody.” Hryzan grew up in Jamestown but moved to Providence 10 years ago, drawn by the diversity of the population in the city and its vibrant culture. However, he is dis-
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turbed by what has happened to his beloved city in recent years: high unemployment, foreclosures, and crime remain major problems. “Things have gone drastically downhill,” Hryzan avers. “People are losing their homes. It’s a constant state of decay.” Hryzan intends to be proactive: “I don’t want to complain. I want to take action.” He vows to be in touch with the constituents in District 6, located in South Providence. “[Metts] never walks neighborhoods. No one’s seen him,” Hryzan claims, noting Metts has never had a serious opponent. Hryzan also has pretty strong feelings about the legislators on Smith Hill. “We have a special brand of political corruption,” Hryzan alleges. “Democrats want to line their own pockets. They’re not there for the people. Nobody knows what they’re doing to help Rhode Island. We need new people. We need new ideas. We need people who have the will to get things done.” Hryzan wants to eliminate the state sales tax, which he feels is too much of a burden on people of all economic backgrounds, and hopes to change the business climate of the state as well as to maximize resources in state government. “There is room for efficiency and improvement,” he believes. Hryzan was drawn to the Republican party by their belief in limited government, and laments the “nanny state” he believes
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Hryzan was drawn to the Republican party by their belief in limited government .... “There are far too many [social] programs out there,” he stated. “[They] discourage people from being productive members of society. The government needs to be out of people’s lives.” the state is becoming. “There are far too many [social] programs out there,” he stated. “[They] discourage people from being productive members of society. The government needs to be out of people’s lives.” While Hryzan supports the concept of labor unions, he feels they have too much power. “I am pro-right-to-work,” Hryzan said. “Joining unions should be optional.” He is opposed to binding arbitration and believes teachers should be paid according to the quality of their job performance, as opposed to their longevity on the job. “Our standards need to be higher,” he says. Hryzan is optimistic about his candidacy and vows to continue to be visible in the district he calls home. “I believe I have a good chance,” he stated. For more information, go to Hryzan’s web site: RethinkRI.com. q
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This Month in Options History Jessica Cinquegrana
September 1988: Anne Marie Silvia was appointed as the new Executive Director of RI Project/AIDS. September 1990: Queer Nation held their first protest on September 5th at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston in response to a fundraiser Senator David Sholes, the former chairperson for the State Advisory Board to the Federal Commission on Civil Rights, was holding for his upcoming bid for re-election. Sholes consistently voted no on the gay and lesbian civil rights bill. September 1990: The first RI Lesbian/Gay Television (LGTV) show previewed on September 16 on the five video monitors at the Fan Club where about 70 supporters gathered for a celebration. September 1993: On September 10, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that Dr. Helen Cooksey could adopt the daughter of her partner, Dr. Susan Love. September 1993: The Triangle Foundation announced the awarding of two grants. The recipients were the Providence Public Library which received $500 to replenish and expand its collection of lesbian, gay and bisexual literature, and Options, which received $750 in a 2-to1 matching grant. Options used the funds to create a guide to Rhode Island’s gay and lesbian resources and organizations. September 1996: Biversity Providence, a social group for bisexual and bi-friendly people announced its first event, a brunch at Down City Diner. September 2000: Having avoided veto by Governor Almond, an amendment to the Act Relating to Uniform Controlled Substances became law on September 1. The “Syringe Law” made the possession of a syringe without a prescription legal and made it possible to purchase syringes from a pharmacist in an effort to prevent the spread of the HIV and hepatitis viruses in Rhode Island. September 2004: The Loft, the unique bar/dance club/swimming pool fun spot in Smithfield and a Rhode Island LGBT institution for 28 years, closed as a result of the cancellation of all 2 a.m. closing bar licenses. The change to a 1 a.m. closing made it too difficult to compete with Providence nightspots , which could stay open until 2 a.m. q
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Why LGBTQ-Friendly Therapy May Not Be Enough Lisa A. Eramo
First in a two-part series My former therapist—a soft-spoken, heterosexual psychoanalyst and quintessential “blank slate”—had always seemed relatively comfortable with the fact that I’m a lesbian. On the rare occasion that my orientation took center stage during a particular 50-minute session, she always spoke without any overt judgment. However, more than four years into my treatment, I started to talk more frequently about how my being a lesbian contributed to my generalized anxiety—the reason for which I originally sought therapy. When we reached this juncture, she didn’t quite get it. She minimized all of my experiences of oppression and aggression. She didn’t see my orientation as an important part of my identity; thus it was never incorporated into any of the work we did together. The silence surrounding this issue was all too familiar. It reminded me of the silence I often feel in a largely heterosexual world. When she refused to place a copy of Options in her waiting area simply because it might offend some people, I knew it was time to part ways.
Finding a match isn’t easy LGBTQ clients often struggle to find therapists who are truly LGBTQ-affirming and informed, says Joe Kort, Ph.D., LMSW, author of Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician. “I think this is why LGBTQ people pick LGBTQ therapists,” he says. “They don’t want to do the work. It’s a lot of work.” Marjorie Roblin, ACSW, LICSW, a clinical social worker in Providence, says growing up lesbian in a small town in New York during the 1960s gives her a unique perspective on issues of prejudice, homophobia and
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Whether you’re seeking help related to depression, addiction, coming out or other issues, there are many reasons to seek out a therapist who is culturally competent to work with the LGBTQ community. the fears related to coming out. “A lot of the issues I’ve encountered with my clients are variations on themes I’ve encountered myself,” says Roblin, who is out to any client who asks.
Must your therapist identify as LGBTQ in order to be effective? “In an academic sense, I think people can become educated and sensitive. They can even have a significant depth of understanding about something that they haven’t experienced themselves and can’t experience themselves. But by the same token, I think there are limitations,” says Roblin. “As a female, I don’t think I can ever completely understand what it’s like to be male. As a white person, I don’t think I can totally know what it’s like to be a person of color.” Aurit Lazerus, PsyD, clinical psychologist in Providence, says she sometimes tells clients up front that she’s straight in order
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to acknowledge her own hetero-normative privilege. “Then the client has an experience of someone in the majority group who understands them and makes strong statements of affirmations. I want them to know where my support is coming from,” she says. “Therapists who don’t acknowledge their own privilege to themselves as well as to their client run the risk of re-creating feelings of oppression and creating an unequal power dynamic,” she adds. However, Kort says that just because a therapist identifies as LGBTQ doesn’t guarantee that he or she will be affirming. “There’s a lot of unresolved homophobia among LGBT therapists, too,” he adds. What’s confusing for LGBTQ clients seeking therapy is that many therapists—regardless of their sexual orientation—claim to specialize in LGBTQ issues when, in fact, they may only be LGBTQ-friendly or have a few LGBTQ clients on their caseload, says Kort. “In the 90s, nobody wanted to say they saw LGBT clients. They thought it would deter people from their practice. Now, when you go to PsychologyToday.com, everybody has LGBTQ checked off [as specialties],” he says, adding that checking off a box doesn’t necessarily mean that a therapist is LGBTQinformed and -affirming. Roblin agrees. “There are a lot of therapists who say they’re gay-friendly or that they don’t have any homophobia,” she says. “Well, they may not have any homophobia that they’re aware of.” “Some therapists may be well-versed in LGB issues, but not issues related to the transgender community,” says Jaye Watts, MSW, direct services coordinator at Youth Pride, Inc. “It’s the clinician’s responsibil-
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ity to become competent in the needs of his or her clients, and then decide if they need help because something goes beyond their expertise,” he says, adding that unfortunately, many therapists are too quick to refer trans clients to other providers, which sends the wrong message.
parade may harbor some internalized homophobia. A therapist who isn’t culturally competent may simply agree with the client rather than challenge his or her beliefs, says Kort. “Internalized homophobia—the shame and the hate—are some of the big risk factors that can negatively influence an LGBTQ person’s life,” he adds.
Search for a culturally-competent therapist
Being informed also means not misdiagnosing clients with certain psychological disorders, says Kort. For example, therapists who are LGBTQ-affirming and -informed know that gay adolescence can occur at any chronological age. “To shame clients or put a different label on it like sex addiction or promiscuity or hyper-sexuality is misguided,” he says.
Whether you’re seeking help related to depression, addiction, coming out or other issues, there are many reasons to seek out a therapist who is culturally competent to work with the LGBTQ community. Therapists who are LGBTQ-affirming and -informed engage in more meaningful dialogue with clients because they understand the context in which those clients experience daily life, says Kort. They can also recognize subtle nuances that may warrant further investigation. For example, a client who criticizes other LGBTQ people for marching in a pride
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Likewise, therapists who classify open relationships among gay men as attachment disorders or intimacy disorders are misinformed, and are likely doing more harm than good. “They don’t understand the culture, and they pathologize gay men,” says Kort. Jayna Klatzker, LICSW, ACSW, clini-
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Kort cal social worker in Providence, says it’s important to be LGBTQ-affirming and to focus on an LGBTQ individual’s strengths. “If a client has experienced discrimination or bias, I would encourage him or her to evaluate the situation and what it means to them personally. Does it warrant a response? What type of response?” Likewise, when working with a client who is coming out to his or her family, Klatzker builds on her client’s strengths. “What are the more natural and strongest ways in
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Lazerus which the individual communicates? Where is the most intact connection in the family? These answers can initiate the path to sharing very important information,” she says. Lazerus says being culturally competent is an essential part of being an effective and affirming therapist. The goal is to avoid selfblame and to help the client understand his or her own identity, she adds. “Being part of a culture where you don’t get basic rights ... affects your evaluation of
Roblin yourself and how you fit in,” says Lazerus, who attended her first Pride parade in Providence this year. “The point of having affirmative therapy is to counterbalance societal shame—the feeling that something has been wrong with you.” LGBTQ youth must work with therapists who are affirming or else many of them simply stop going, says Watts. “If it turns out that the therapist isn’t the best person for them to be seeing, it’s even harder for them
Klatzker to go see someone else,” he says. YPI is currently building a referral list of LGBTQ-affirming therapists in Rhode Island. Therapists can join the list by filling out a survey on Youth Pride’s Web site available at http://tinyurl.com/cdy2bk6. The survey assesses clinicians for cultural competency in working with the LGBTQ population. Watts says he hopes to eventually have a list of at least two culturally competent therapists in each city and town throughout the state. q
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The University of Rhode Island has announced the appointment of Naomi Thompson, an administrator who most recently worked at Northeastern University, to the post of associate vice-president at URI’s Office of Community Equity and Diversity. Thompson’s offices include the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, Multicultural Center, Women’s Center and the school’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Center. She will oversee efforts to integrate diversity, equity and community into URI’s core mission, vision and strategy. She will act as liaison for the president with the presidential councils/commissions, the Bias Incident Response Team, and diversity committees throughout the university. Prior to her hire at URI, Thompson had been at Northeastern University since 1999, where she was most recently the associate director of the school’s office of institutional diversity and equity. She is also an attorney, and worked as an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, Mass, and a staff attorney for Greater Boston Legal Services. She earned her law degree from Suffolk University and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from Colgate University.
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.
The Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, and the LGBTQ Center in particular have come under fire in recent years. LGBTQ students occupied a room in URI’s library in September 2010 to bring attention to incidents of harassment and bullying of queer students on campus, and the long-time director of the center, Andrew Winters, was forced into retirement a year later, under a haze of controversy which University administrators continue in their refusal to address. q
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Living With Prostate Cancer Joe Siegel
Arthur Snow wants to spread awareness of a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of men every year. The statistics are chilling. According to recent estimates by the American Cancer Society, more than 241,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed each year, and 28,170 men will die of prostate cancer. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The disease occurs mainly in older men; nearly two-thirds are men aged 65 and older, and it is rare before age 40. In the spring of 2011, Snow was diagnosed with cancer of the prostate. He was 57 at the time. “I was surprised when [the doctor] told me [the biopsy results] were positive,” Snow recalled, even though his father and grandfather also had the disease.
The surgery was performed at Miriam Hospital in Providence. He was there for seven days, and says he felt “really lucky” about the success of the surgery. However, he was concerned about returning to an empty house. A long-term relationship had ended prior to his hospitalization. “I felt vulnerable and alone,” Snow recalled. Fortunately, his ex-partner visited him during his recuperation period. Snow is happy to report he is currently cancer-free, although there is the possibility of a recurrance. However, one of the side effects of the surgery is erectile dysfunction. Snow took drugs including Viagra and Cialis, which have not proven effective yet. It can often take a year or more for erectile dysfunction problems to disappear. Snow did find support online. He was able to chat with other men, gay and straight, who were also diagnosed with prostate cancer. He finds it is “therapeutic” for him to discuss his experience with others. He is also glad he decided to seek the services of a medical professional when he was experiencing some discomfort. A urologist prescribed antibiotics. However, the symptoms persisted, and the urologist recommended Snow have a biopsy which he believes saved his life. “If I hadn’t acted on it, I wouldn’t have found the cancer,” Snow said. “I wanted to face it.” An online prostate cancer support group can be found at http:// www.mdjunction.com/prostate-cancer. q
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Snow was given a few options for treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy were mentioned. Another option was to have his prostate removed. He decided to have the operation.
JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPhotos@verizon.net
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SAGE/RI
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Marguerite McLaughlin
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Let’s face it! The name does make a difference, as many SAGE/RI members have come to realize. Over the last 11 months, SAGE/RI, a long-time RI elder advocacy organization in the LGBT community, has been in negotiation with the national organization, SAGE-USA, to maintain our historic name. SAGE/RI, incorporated in the mid 90s, sought affiliation with the national organization but was told it could no longer continue to use the name “SAGE/RI” but would have to use a more local designation such as SAGE-Metro, SAGE-Providence, and the like.
SAGE-USA explained they no longer allowed affiliates to hold the name of an entire state. Owing to the many organizations and individuals who responded to our call for support, we submitted a 22-page brief citing the unique nature of a small state; the quirky nature of RI communities; a page
of supporter’s comments and a Google map depicting where SAGE/RI supporters lived and worked. As a result, SAGE-USA has now agreed to allow SAGE/RI to maintain its historic identity! SAGE-USA will draft a Memorandum of Understanding to add SAGE/RI as an official affiliate of the national SAGE community. The SAGE/ RI Board is pleased with the outcome and looks forward to hosting a signing event where members of the community will be invited to witness the signing of the national affiliation papers and launch SAGE/RI on the next leg of its journey. In other good news, SAGE/RI received a generous grant from the Equity Action Fund of the Rhode Island Foundation to further its work in outreach to the health-
For the past 29 years We’ve been handing our Clients The same old Line …
“SOLD” Barrington • CumBerland • east greenwiCh • narragansett • ProvidenCe • reloCation 401.245.9600 • 401.333.9333 •
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care community. SAGE/RI has provided numerous educational events for Lifespan hospitals and nursing education programs.
Welcoming LGBT professionals and their friends
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 8 a.m. –2 p.m., when SAGE/RI hosts Visible Lives: Caring for LGBT Elders, at Healthcentric Advisors, 235 Promenade St., Providence, 5th floor. Registration is $55.00. This event (which will offer CEUs for a number of health-care professions) will provide a unique glimpse into the lives of
Owing to the many organizations and individuals who responded to our call for support, SAGE-USA has now agreed to allow SAGE/RI to maintain its historic identity!
A membership organization focused on: • Shared Member Contact Information
For more information please contact Frank Maher at (401) 453-9276,
• Professional Networking • Philanthropic Causes • Member benefits
visit RI AGP on Facebook or by email at gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com.
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the elder LGBT community as well as riveting data from a recent survey conducted by SAGE/RI that sought the attitudes and behaviors of elder lesbians and healthcare providers. Join us for this fascinating and revelatory event! For information, contact us at sageriinfo@gmail.com.
FREE!
See page 4 for details.
SAGE/RI is on the move. We invite you, friends, to join our team as we take part in APRI’s 27th annual Walk for Life on Sept. 29. We’ll be announcing more details via Facebook and our email and are hoping you will 1) plan to walk with us; 2) encourage friends to walk with us; and 3) donate to our team’s effort. Our goal is to raise at least $1,000. Please let us know (at sageriinfo@ gmail.com) if you plan to walk with SAGE/ RI. We will have a rally point and our banner flying high! Our fundraising page is live and waiting for donations at http://www. firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sageri/rhodeisland-aids-walk-for-life-2012. q
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Marriage Equality RI Cathy Robinson
Marriage Equality Rhode Island would not be the organization it is without the help of many volunteers. This month’s spotlight volunteer is Josh Wolff.
would have to drive to another state just to get married! Why can’t I do that in RI where I live!?” Josh had not volunteered or worked with a campaign of any sort prior to MERI, and has gained a greater appreciation for the organization and hard work that go into a grassroots campaign to change social and political acceptance. He will continue to “volunteer with MERI until samesex couples in RI are not treated as secondclass citizens as they currently are under the civil unions law.”
A Rhode Island transplant, Josh Wolff is originally from Wisconsin and relocated here to work as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He definitely misses the vast variety and availability of dairy products and the Milwaukee Brewers. Through Josh’s position in psychology, specifically working with adolescents and college-age youth, he has seen the detrimental effect of the present anti-equality climate. “It is my hope that when I meet the love of my life, I will have the choice to be able to get married in RI. It seems silly to me that I
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To ensure this happens, MERI has launched Fight Back RI as its campaigning arm. We need YOU to help. Join us on facebook.com/FightBackRI or Twitter: @FightBackRI. q
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AIDS Community Watch Housing Action of Rhode Island
RI Coalition for HIV Prevention Formed and Looking for Members
Lifespan’s Hasbro Children’s Hospital Pedi II Clinic Miriam Hospital, Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research
Thomas Bertrand, AIDS Project Rhode Island
Planned Parenthood New England
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Pawtucket Community Development
The mission of the Coalition is to create a forum for community-based organizations and other agencies in Rhode Island to work together to prevent HIV through information sharing, advocacy, strengthening partnerships, and raising public awareness.
YWCA of Northern Rhode Island
• State House HIV Awareness Event on World AIDS Day December 1; • Development of a Rhode Island HIVPrevention Resource Guide; • Working with the Rhode Island Department of Health for the development of quarterly HIV reports; and • Supporting HIV-related conferences/forums. The Coalition meets once a month for an hour. If you are interested in joining, please contact Tom Bertrand at Thomas@ aidsprojectri.org. Here is a list of the Coalition’s current community members: AIDS Care Ocean State AIDS Project Rhode Island The Brown University LGBTQ Center Brown University Health Education
LANES
Sojourner House Youth Pride, Inc.
Home of Big Gay Al’s Bowling League
Let the Bidding Begin!
1463 Atwood Ave.
Kalene Brennan, AIDS Care Ocean State
CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS ADULTS
Johnston • 831-6940
The 16th Annual ArtBeat Auction is here. Our online auction will be open for bidding on September 10. Visit our auction at www.biddingforgood.com/artbeat to bid on your favorite items and preview the live auction items. We’ve also gone mobile, so you won’t miss your chance to bid.
Depression ADHD Anxiety Self-esteem
We are pleased to announce that Rhode Island artist Dennis Coelho is this year’s featured artist. Coelho, who has been described as a modern day Van Gogh, has generously donated one of his works to ArtBeat and will be in attendance on October 19 to discuss his aesthetic. In addition, Project Runway Season 7 finalist Jonathan Peters is donating a couture gown! ACOS is working tirelessly to bring new, exciting artists and their works to ArtBeat 2012. Please join us at our live gala event on Friday, October 19 at the Providence Biltmore Hotel. Tickets are $45, and can be purchased at www.aidscareos.org.
Study Skills/ Time Management Relationships/Intimacy
John D. DaPonte, CAGS Mental Health Counselor
401.383.7647
We are still accepting contributions of artwork, gift certificates, and other goods to ArtBeat 2012. If you would like to donate,
Brown University AIDS Program John Snow, Inc. Research and Training
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Several local agencies have come together to form the RI Coalition for HIV Prevention, and they are looking for members, either individuals or organizations.
The Coalition has established the following priorities for 2012:
Celebrating 50 Years!
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please contact Kalene Brennan at 521-3603 or email at kaleneb@ aidscareos.org.
Material Girl Gay Bingo! Bingo is back! Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 20 for the first bingo of the 2012-2013 season. The theme is Material Girl Gay Bingo and we expect to see sequins, tulle skirts, and cone bras! That’s right… dress like your favorite version of Madonna and strike a pose!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
We will be accepting reservations for parties of ten or more for the new season of bingo. Please note: a reservation does not guarantee a seating for upstairs; it is a general reservation ensuring you have seats in the bingo hall. We try to accommodate as many people upstairs as we can but sometimes we must place players half a flight down from the main level. To make a reservation, please call Kalene Brennan at 521-3603 or e-mail kaleneb@aidscareos.org.
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Want to guarantee upstairs seating? Become a sponsor! You can set up a display table to promote your business, hand out promotional materials, and call a bingo game. Monthly bingo sponsorships are just $150. To become a sponsor, please contact Kalene Brennan at kaleneb@aidscareos.org. See you on Thursday, September 20!
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ACOS Receives Grant from Equity Action Fund ACOS is pleased to announce that the agency was awarded an $8,000 grant from the Equity Action Fund of the Rhode Island Foundation. The grant will be used for our “Know Your Status” campaign. The goal of “Know Your Status” is to get the word out on the importance of getting tested for HIV and hepatitis C, with a special interest in the gay population. The “Know Your Status” campaign seeks to bring awareness, provide information, and most important, provide totally FREE, anonymous and confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing to the public. For testing times and locations, please visit our website at www. aidscareos.org or call our Prevention Center at 781-0665.
or visit www.optionsri.org
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Youth Pride, Inc. Kerri Kanelos
Join Us for Stepping Up, Stepping Out!
Youth Health Fair on September 28
Please join us in celebration of Youth Pride Inc.’s 20th anniversary at Stepping Up, Stepping Out—our annual fundraiser at the Providence Biltmore on Friday, November 2.
YPI will host a health fair for youth ages 13-23 on Friday, September 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at our drop-in center. There will be a variety of activities and resources that address youth physical and mental health needs including yoga, nutritious snacks, a variety of healthcare screenings, and doctors on site to answer one-on-one questions.
A cocktail reception and silent auction will be held from 5:30 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:
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Honorary Chair: Miss Kitty Litter Founders Award: Michael Fournier
3.5 x 2.275.
Lipsky/Whittaker Award: Inspiring Minds & New Urban Arts Luis Pagan Award: Noel Puello For more information about the event and how you or your organization can become a sponsor and earn free tickets, please contact Executive Director Kerri Kanelos at 421-5626 or email at kerri@youthprideri. org. To purchase tickets online, please visit http://youthprideri.eventbrite.com.
Each fall, YPI coordinates a committee to organize Rhode Island’s Transgender Day of Remembrance— an event held in November to memorialize those who were killed because of hatred or prejudice against transgender people, and to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community. If you would like to be involved on the planning committee for this important event, please contact Jaye Watts at 421-5626 or jaye@youthprideri.org. q
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BRUCE J. THOMPSON, Ph.D. 401 Broadway East Providence, Rhode Island PsychotherapyfgGay Men (not getting any younger?) options
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The RI Democratic LGBTQ Caucus Anthony DeRose
The Rhode Island Democratic Party LGBTQ Caucus announced today their support for pro-equality Democratic candidates for U.S. Congress and the Rhode Island General Assembly. Equal rights for the LGBTQ community has been an issue at the forefront of legislative sessions past and will continue to be in the upcoming session.
U.S. Congress Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse Rep. Jim Langevin 1st Congressional District Rep. David Cicilline 2nd Congressional District
“Our federal legislators have voiced their support for equality and today we want to demonstrate our support for them with the caucus’ endorsement,” said LGBTQ Caucus Chair Anthony DeRose. “Democratic representation at the national level is of the utmost importance for the LGBTQ community in Rhode Island because of the continued Republican efforts in Congress to prohibit our civil rights. Senator Whitehouse and Congressmen Langevin and Cicilline are fighting for our rights in Washington.
Rhode Island General Assembly Sen. Donna Nesselbush, Senate District 15 David Gorman, Senate District 33 Rep. Christopher Blazejewski, House District 2 Speaker Gordon Fox, House District 4 Rep. Scott Slater, House District 10
“Also, the RIDP LGBTQ Caucus wishes to spotlight those endorsed Democratic candidates who are engaged in a primary or are openly gay and have demonstrated they are pro-equality,” continued DeRose. “We hope that by highlighting these candidates, voters will be better informed when they cast their ballots and vote for equality.”
Michelle Bergin, House District 16 Rep. Arthur Handy, House District 18 Rep. Frank Ferri, House District 22 Jon Restivo, House District 40
It is the RIDP LGBTQ Caucus’ mission to advocate for LGBTQ equality within and through the Rhode Island Democratic Party. The LGBTQ Caucus hopes that the election will ultimately lead to equality within Rhode Island government. The RIDP LGBTQ Caucus supports the following pro-equality endorsed Democratic candidates:
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Peter Petrarca, House District 44 Rep. Patrick O’Neill, House District 59 Rep. Deborah Ruggiero, House District 74
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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 AA: Brothers in Sobriety, Community Church of Prov., Wayland & Lloyd Aves., Prov., 7519328; Sat., 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Central Services, info on all groups, 438-8860; 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) 2523784. Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.
AIDS/Health Resources Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: socializing with other HIV+ individuals. Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Wed & Thurs, noon to 4 p.m., at Matthewson St. Church, 134 Matthewson St., Prov. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI; free to clients. Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 Ext. 3268 or coopergo@familyserviceofri.org. AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only. AIDS Care Ocean State (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.
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Brown Univ. AIDS Program (BRUNAP): clinical trials, public policy, research; lectures/ conferences, patient/community education. Bradford Briggs, 863-6790. brunap@brown. edu; www.brown.edu/brunap. Chiropractic Services: Free for unemployed HIV+ patients, Ronald P. Marsh, DC., 11 King Charles Dr., Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941. Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP) Medical, mental health, dental, social services. 311 Doric Ave., Cranston. 4679610. 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. 782-0725. Bereavement Groups: John Charette, 727-7079. HPV study for gay/bi men ages 18 -- 26. Receive free HPV vaccine and HIV testing. Must be HIV-negative. Call Gail at Miriam Hospital (793-4335) or Email gyates@lifespan.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 658-3992. Jewish AIDS Task Force: Programs for HIV/ AIDS and Jewish communities. 421-4111, ext. 172. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group for LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems, visit www.caregiver.org and click on groups. Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor (508) 9847514.
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Partners in Learning About AIDS (PL-AIDS) Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations, and our No. Providence office, providing free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. www. plaidsproject.org or www.pl-aids.org. Email info@plaidsproject.org. 305-3993. Project ACT: Free Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing. Walk-in Hours: Mondays 9 a.m.4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Other hours by appointment only. 1 Washington St., Taunton, MA (508) 977-8146 Project Empower: Wellness prog. for gay, bi, questioning men in So. Coast MA. Info on HIV/STD test sites & safe sex; social/support groups, therapists & health care referrals; & more. Community Counseling of Bristol Co., MA. (508) 828-6692 or www.projectempower. com. SSTAR (Stanley St. Treatment & Resources): counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs; Free, confidential HIV, HEP C (HCV) & STD testing, education, case mgmt. and support. 386 Stanley St., Fall River, MA 02720. (508) 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.
Be There and Be Queer!
Club Gallery, 124 Snow St., Providence Deville’s: 345 South Water St., Prov. Lesbian, gay, straight, it’s all good. 383-8883, www. devillescafe.com.
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. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Prov. 575-2284. Special events space. Open mike First & Third Sat. of each month. Film screenings and other public/private events. See us on Facebook and at www.BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse.com. Club Body Center: 257 Weybosset St., Prov. 2740298 www.clubbodycenter.com. Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass
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United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: discussion, games, thought-provoking and empowerment activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 421-5626.
Girl Spot in Providence for special events. www. girlspotri.com Luna’s Ladies Night, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Fridays 8 p.m. -- 1a.m. Female performers and DJs. www.lunaspvd.com Mirabar: 35 Richmond St., Prov. 331-6761 www. mirabar.com. Dancing, third floor lounge, ages 18+ Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Providence Eagle: 198 Union St., Prov. 421-1447. Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Mega-Plex and Hush Providence: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themega-plex.com. Gay men’s bathhouse. Open 24 hours daily. Membership required. One day pass available. The Stable: 125 Washington St., Prov. 272-6950. Newly renovated downtown bar. Pool table. Sun - Thurs noon - 1 a.m.; Fri - Sat noon - 2 a.m. Tommy’s Lounge Gay/Lesbian Night each Friday (21-plus) 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. 508-6720378. Union: 200 Union St. Prov. 831-5366. Video lounge, live entertainment. Sun. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Mon.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Information/Education
The Alley Cat/Dark Lady: 17 Snow St. Prov. 2730951 Downtown neighborhood bars. Sun.Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. http://thealleycat.net.
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Feminist Voices: women’s chorus. www.feministvoices.com. Fenway Gay and Lesbian Helpline: support, info & referrals for GLBT community from Fenway Community Health Ctr., Boston; (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-4528, 6-11 p.m. seven days a week. GLBT National Help Center Hotline. Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564. www.GLBTNationalHelpcenter.org.
Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 8317171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903. Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTIQ human rights. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com or 212-807-8400. Visit www.amnestyusa.org/Our Issues/LGBT Human Rights. BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433. Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@brown.edu Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays, (800) 455-GLAD. www.GLAD.org; 30 Winter St., Ste 800, Boston, MA 02108. Green Party of RI: PO Box 1151, Prov., RI 02901; 490-7602. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall St., Suite 1500, NY, NY 10005; (212) 809-8585, Fax: (212) 809-0055. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for lgbt causes. lawyersforequality@ gmail.com Marriage Equality RI (MERI): Works for equal access to marriage for all. www.marriageequalityri.org or call 941-2727. 118 No. Main St., Unit 3, Providence RI 02903. The Next Thing (TNT): political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University. Contact the Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri.org. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, 180 Westminster St., 3rd floor Prov. Phone: 222-2662. Fax: 222-2616, TDD: 222-2664.
NewportOut.com: LGBT Web site for Newport, RI.
RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. www. RIpatients.org.
RILGBT-NEWS: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox. net.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Assisting active duty service members affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. PO Box
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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; 847-7637.
First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686. First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UUA Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net
Religious Resources 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. 246-0111.www.bccucc.org Bell Street Chapel (Unitarian Universalist), A Welcoming congregation: 5 Bell St., Prov., 273-5678, www.bellstreetchapel.org. 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. Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www.calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@ aol.com. Central Congregational Church (UCC), where we believe God is still speaking. Services Sunday, 10:30 a.m. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. 296 Angell St., East Side of Providence. 331-1960. www.centralchurch. us. Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channingchurch.org. Christ Church in Lonsdale (Episcopal), 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln. Services 8 and 10:30 a.m. www.christchurchlincoln.org. 7251920. Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford. 434-5012. A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. www.epiphanyep.org Church of the Holy Paraclete, Independent Old Catholic; Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. 155 Douglas Ave., Providence. http://holyparaclete.org; Fr. Jakob Lazarus 218-0706. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland RI 02864. 658-1506. First Congregational Church in Bristol, an Open and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. Pastor Dan Randall, 2537288.
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First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m.
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Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. Pastor Katie Lawson, 508-543-4002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org
2153 www.staugustineURI.com. St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov. 353-1422 St. James Church: Episcopal, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Prov. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard St. East side of Prov., 751-2141 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: County & River Sts., New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-8972, stmartins1887@aol.com. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. www.stpaulspawtucket.org
Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225.
St. Paul’s Church, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 2679 E. Main St., Portsmouth. 8621466. www.stpaulsportsmouthri.org
Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. (508) 222-2898, www.immanuellc.org.
St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Ave., Prov.; 272-9649. Email.stpanda25@verizon.net. www.stpetersandstandrews.org.
Interweave at Channing UU Church in Newport (135 Pelham St.) A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social wellbeing of LGBTQ persons -- and their allies -- confronting oppression. 846-0643.
Saint Therese Old Catholic Church, Open & Affirming, Sunday Mass at 12:30 p.m. at 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Fr. David Martins, 263-4296. www.saintthereseocc.org
Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our 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.
Second Congregational Church of Attleboro (UCC) Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday worship 10 a.m. (508) 222-4677, www.attleborosecondchurch. org Seekonk Congregational Church: 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771, (508) 336-9355, Rev. Joy Utter, www.scc-ucc.com. Temple Agudas Achim: GLBT-friendly, Reconstructionist cong. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman. 901 No. Main St., Attleboro, MA. (508) 2222243 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 (Reform): Rabbi Andrew Klein, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, 245-6536. www.templehabonim.org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform Temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. 942-8350. www.TempleSinairi.org.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937
Unitarian Society of Fairhaven (MA): 102 Green St., Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 992-7081.
Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508997-5684.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of So. County: 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI; 7834170 or Val 789-7282. www.uusouthcountyri. org.
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-
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United Church of Christ: Coalition for LGBT Concerns. 13 Steven Circle, S. Kingstown, RI 02883, Ray Bradley at 782-3871.
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Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church: 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818. 884-5933
Men’s Card Group: New group in formation. E-mail johninprov@gmail.com or call John 261-9715.
ders) Advocacy, education and social events for RI’s LGBTQ seniors. sageriinfo@gmail. com, on Facebook: “Sage/Rhode Island.”
Social Organizations
Men’s Gay Camping: In RI, CT, MA. Gatherings organized for tents to RVs during Spring, Summer and Fall 2012. www.webspawner. com/users/gaycamping/index.html or call 277-0075 or email gaycamping@gmx.com.
SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of S.E. Mass and RI to foster strong friendships. Semassmen-subscribe@yahoo groups.com or email moderator rlevass @yahoo.com.
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. Bimonthly brunches and other social events. http://biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups, and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman.” Subscribe at www.biwomenboston.org. Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and -affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ bearsoceanstate or bearsoceanstate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Age-restricted. Bridgewater State College GLBT Alumni Group: email Kenneth Hayes (‘91) khayesbbc@msn. com or visit www.bridgew.edu. Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGYA): (508) 778-7744. CORISMA: Gay and lesbian couples of RI and Southeast MA. Potluck get-togethers for couples only. For info or to be added to email list write: corismainfo@comcast.net. www. corismagroup.org Defenders/Providence: Leather/Levi club, c/o PO Box 41153, Prov., RI 02940. Third Sun at 6 p.m. Fall River’s Rainbow Girls: private, moderated welcoming group for women in the Fall River Area. groups.yahoo.com/group/ Fall_River_ Rainbow_Grrls. Gay Lesbian Alliance of Newport County Etc. (GLANCE): Social and entertainment events. E-mail glance1234@hotmail.com. Gay Dads Group: Meets monthly for socializing and support. E-mail serrel30@aol.com. Imperial Court of RI at Prov: Male, female, drag king & queen performers raise funds for local charities. Meetings 1st Mon. of month, all welcome. PO Box 6583, Prov., RI 02904;www.icriprov.org. 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.
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Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders. com or E-Mail Mixedborders@cox.net Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Email Dave at BrettCornellpi4@aol.com Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@ aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: Mon, 7-9:30 p.m., Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset St, Prov.. New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and nonsinging volunteers welcome. www.provgmc.org.
Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer & like-minded people. Gatherings third Sunday of each month. Email trans.queer.ri@gmail.com. T.W.I.S.T. Project: Program for gay and bisexual men in Fall River/New Bedford area. Drop-in center, referrals, condom distribution, social groups. Coffee night Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. (508) 672-0378; www.myspace.com/twistprogram. UNISONG: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.unisong.net or jlglass53@aol.com VegOut Rhode Island: Social group for LGBT vegetarians, vegans and friends. Potlucks, VegOutings to restaurants, and other fun. Visit www.meetup.com/vegout-ri
Queer Book Club. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m. at Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Email queerbookclub@gmail.com.
WomenRIsing. Feminist Chorus. Director Nancy Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: contact@womenrisingchorus.org.
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.
Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for glbt people interested in vintage & specialty cars. www.yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com.
RI Association of Gay Professionals. Professional networking and philanthropy. gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com. 453-9276 RI Feminist Resources Network: Free, online ecommunity in which you are invited to share events or highlights in your organization or just find out what’s going on in our “likeminded” communities. www.rifrn.net RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women; email: heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie, 4642288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI. com; www.PrideRI.com. Office at 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130 RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. www.riprimetimers.org RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone rational? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant for refreshing discussion. http://skeptics.meetup.com/133/ RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances/events. www.RIWA.net SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT El-
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Sports PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twentyplus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www.pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858 Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports.com. Email info@gaysports.com. BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www.bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2. BOWLING: RI GALA: 6 p.m. Sun., East Prov. Lanes, Newport Ave., Bruce, 397-3803, or Bill, 828-5587 www.galabowling.com. Monday Night Women’s Bowling League, Pat 4512188. Royal Court Bowling League: 9 p.m. Wed., Woonsocket Hill Bowl; 767-2110. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin bowling league: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m., Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. www.BGALBowling.com. Frank Ferri 831-6940. www. townhalllanes.com. BOWLING: BOSTON: Monday Night League, www.mnbl.net (617) 713-4832 or (617) 9375858 Ext. 5; Beantown No. G&L Invitational, www.beantownbowling.com (617) 738-0708 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 10; Beantown South G&L Invitational League, (617) 889-1552. DARTS: Beantown Soft-Tip Dart League www. bsdl.org.
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FLAG FOOTBALL: FLAG (For Lesbians and Gays) Football www.flagflagfootball.com, (617) 937-5858 Ext. 4. FOOTBALL: Women’s professional team Northeastern Nitro. Members of the Women’s Football Alliance. Practices held in Bethel, CT. Contact Amy Manfred at amymanfred@ yahoo.com or Carley Pesente at linebackergirl56@aol.com.
Assoc. www.GayVolleyball.net, (617) 633-2180 YOGA for gays & lesbians. 9 a.m. Saturdays. All welcome. www/meetup.com/Gay-Meditation/. Fee applies. WRESTLING: East Coast Wrestling Club www. eastcoastwrestlingclub.org, email ecwc@juno. com, (401) 467-6737 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 6
com. Phone 456--8121 Roger Williams University LGBTQ & Allies group: S.A.F.E (Sexual Advocacy for Everyone): Weekly meetings in Intercultural Center; speakers, social and awareness events; Pride Week in April. Email: saferwu03@ gmail.com. Facebook: S.A.F.E.
RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com
Students & Youth
Salve Regina University Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual Alliance (GSLBA), 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Sister Johnelle, Lucianij@ salve.edu
GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 4508682.
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.
SeaQuel: Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership. Bi-weekly Sunday meetings. 383-7450. myspace.com/ seaQuel; Email SeaQuel@Prysm.us
Brown University Queer Alliance: umbrella org. for groups. 863-3062. www.queer.brown.edu
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
HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7. ICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: Gail Wickstrom email gwick@kersur.net. KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: Tues & Thurs evenings. Christina, 996-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com MARTIAL ARTS: Main Street Martial Arts. Non-profit, welcoming dojo and community center. Scholarships available. 1282 No. Main St., Providence. 274-7672. www.mainstma.org. OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club, New England’s LGBT outdoor recreation club. www.chiltern.org. Email events@chiltern. org. ROWING: Boston Bay Blades www.bayblades. org/boston (617) 937-5858 Ext. 11. RUGBY: Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club. www.bostonironsidesrfc.org. RUNNING: Frontrunners Rhode Island: Brian 751-7643, bripm@cox.net. Frontrunners Boston www.frontrunnersboston.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 3. SCUBA DIVING: Triangle Divers: www.triangledivers.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. 323-6642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www.providencesoftball.org Beantown Softball League: (617) 937-5858, Ext. 1, www.beantownsoftball.com. SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts. com SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swim-Team); www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9. TENNIS: TENNIS-4-All: www.tennis4all.org. VOLLEYBALL: Cambridge Boston Volleyball
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Brown University Grad Student - Med Student - Staff LGBTQ Association: queer-med-gradmembers@queer.brown.edu Brown University Staff LGBTQ Assn.: LGBT Resource Center: 863-3062
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MARTIAL ARTS Main Street Martial Arts. Non-profit, welcoming dojo and community center. Scholarships available. 1282 No. Main St., Providence. 274-7672. www.mainstma.org.
The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. 866-4-U-TREVOR; 866-488-7386. thetrevorproject.org. The Next Thing (TNT): Political & support group for queer people of color at Brown Univ. Call Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062. University of RI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer & Questioning (LGBTIQ2) association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, alumni and students. gsimonelli@advance.uri.edu. 8745808.
Bryant Pride: Bryant College Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Student Association. 232-6389.
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; M-F noon-8 p.m. The Way Out support group meets Thurs., 5 p.m. The Gender Spectrum support group meets Tues. 5:30 p.m. Call 421-5626 or email kerri@ youthpride-ri.org Web: www.youthpride-ri. org.
CCRI Triangle Alliance: Informal student GLBTQ group, 400 East Ave., Warwick. Call 825-1125 or www.ccri.cc.ri.edu/triangle.
Support Groups
Brown University LGBTQ Resource Center: 863-3062, e-mail lgbtq@brown.edu
COLAGE. Support for children of LGBT Parents: rhodeisland@colage.org; http://www. myspace.com/colage_ri. 331-9844. Fitchburg State College GLBT Alliance: social support group for students. One-in-Ten and Friends, 978-665-3164, sfranzemn@fsc.edu. Peer Listening Line/Fenway Community Health Ctr.: Boston. Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth; support, info and referrals. (617) 2672535 or (800)-399-PEER, 5-10 p.m. all week. RIC Rainbow Alliance: GLBT students at RI College, Fridays 12:30 -- 2 p.m, in Unity Center in lower Donovan. Office in StudentUnion 425. ricrainbowalliance2007@yahoo.
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& 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. 766-0900, ext. 1213.
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Foster parents needed, for newborn to age six. www.childrensfriendri.org. 276-4318
munity. www.gaylab.org. Email info@gaylab. org. James, 781-762-6629
Foster parents sought: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Gregary Wright, Family Service of RI, 331-1350 Ext. 3305
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp. org.
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. 7233057. Catholic Parents Outreach: Always Our Children, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Sacred Heart Convent, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA. Call Ann, (413) 736-6803. COLAGE (Children of Gays): A national movement of people with one or more LGBT parents. Social justice, education & advocacy. Meets 3rd Saturday of the month, Beneficent Church (331-9844), 300 Weybosset St., Providence. Jamie Pease, rhodeisland@colage.org. www.myspace.com/colage_ri Coming Out Support Group: Monthly meetings professionally facilitated. www.meetup.com/ ComingOutRI/ Fee applies. Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group, meets in Boston First Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. www.compassftm.org, compassftm@ comcast.net Crossroads RI: Hotline (Travelers Aid): (800) 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. 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 transmasculine spectrum. Regular meetings. Visit www.SNE_FTM@yahoo.com Gay/Bi/Lesbian Coming Out support Group: Facilitated meetings, social events. TJFronczak@aol.com. Fee applies. Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: support: E-Mail outreach@gayfathersboston.org. www.gayfathersboston.org. Gay Fathers Support Group in RI. Tom Fronczak, LICSW, 431-2953. Fee applies. GayLab for Healthy Relationships: Learning & practicing healthy ways to socialize in safe, non-judgmental environment in LGBT com-
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Gay Men’s Life Coaching Group: Empower Your Life! 4th Friday of the month, 7 -- 8 p.m., 877 Broadway, E. Providence. 944-0723. $20 per session. Gay Men’s Meditation Group: Relax and connect! Second Wed. of the month, 7 -- 8 p.m. at Positive New Beginnings, 877 Broadway, E. Providence. Call Tim at 944-0723. $10/ session. 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 p.m. No fee. Call Tom/Mike, 369-9448 or www.gayshare.org; Info@gayshare.org. Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline, call 24/7 for crisis and suicide prevention. Also social networks. 866-4-U-Trevor HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group at AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Ave., Prov., RI. 5213603. Refreshments served. New members should call Scott: 640-3108 Kathys’ Group: free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Meets monthly in Providence. Partners and caregivers welcome. Call 888-5KATHYS. Lesbian Moms of Southern NE: discussion, support and activity list for lesbian mothers. www.topica.com/lists/LMOSNE or ForADancer63@aol.com. LBT Women’s Mediation: De-stress and express yourself! 4th Wednesday of the month, 7 -- 8 p.m., Positive New Beginnings, 877 Broadway, E. Providence. $10 per session. 944-0723. Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Social/Discussions for gay/bi/curious men 18+. Taunton every Thursday, and New Bedford 1st Wed. of the month, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Confidential. Drug/ alcohol-free. Email mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com Nat. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues, info@nlgja.org. PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays: Greater Providence: First Wednesdays, 6:45p.m. at Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571; www.pflagprovidence. org; pflagprovidence@verizon.net; South/ Central RI: www.pflagscri.org, 219-0265,
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epbonetti@gmail.com; Cape Cod/Falmouth: Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Rd., E. Falmouth. joann@ pflagcapecod.org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Info at 467-9940; 24-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, LGBTQfriendly and bilingual (Spanish). Contact Aida (amanduley@sojournerri.org) or call 861-6191, ext. 121. No caller ID is used; calls are blocked for safety. Sojourner House: Support, shelter, advocacy, info for people in abusive relationships. Call us at 861-6191 We DON’T use Caller ID; calls are blocked for safety. Straight Spouse Support: Straight spouse professional offers peer support and referrals. Jane Harris, (413) 625-6636. Email jcmalinski48@ gmail.com. Straight Spouses Group: Visit www.StraightSpouse.org. for info on groups and online support. TGI Network of R.I.: Support, advocacy for Transgender, Transsexual, Gender-varient, Genderqueer & Intersex people. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Transgender Support Group: Cape Cod (508) 362-4435 Trans Partners New England: Provides loved ones of transgender people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people. Meeting location unpublished for privacy. Email partners@tginetwork.org. TransYouth Family Allies: Support for gendervariant and transgender children ages 3-18. Info@imatyfa.org. www.imatyfa.org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www. tavausa.org. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties, offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263.
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27th Annual AIDS Walk for Life Sunday, September 23 9:00 Registration • 10:00 Walk • State House Lawn Honorary Chair: Rhode Island First Lady, Stephanie Chafee Chair: Dr. Philip Chan • Emcee: Barbara Morse Silva Providence Gay Men’s Chorus • DJ Romantic Receptions, Philip Weston Cuban Revolution & Libations Restaurant • Starbucks Healing Hands Massage Therapy Sponsors: Cardi’s Furniture, The Miriam Hospital – A Lifespan Partner, The City of Providence, McLaughlin & Moran, MetLife, NBC10, Clear Channel Communities, Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI
Join us as we walk 2.5 miles to save lives. To donate or create a team : http://www.firstgiving.com/aidswalkri options
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