Equal April 2013 by Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

Apr 2013

C O H E N

G R I G S B Y

T R U S T

P R E S E N T S

S E R I E S

sandra

Bernhard SatuRdaY

april 27 Byham ThEaTER • 8Pm

Presented in collaboration with The andy Warhol museum’s Off the Wall performance series

Box Office at Theater Square • TrustArts.org 412-456-6666 • Groups 10+ Tickets 412-471-6930 PITTSBURGH

CULTURAL

TRUST

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services AvAilAble

S THE STRAIPP’PY HOUR! BEST H Friday & Saturday, ay, Every Thursd0 cocktails & bottles Enjoy $2.5 7-11 PM! from

April Events FRIDAY, APRIL 5

First Fridays with Kierra Darshell Two Shows! 9:30PM and 11:30PM • $5 Cover

Eda Bagel returns for one night only! “The Two Women Show” Starring: Eda Bagel & Kierra Darshell SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Steel City Stonewall Democrats Endorsement Meeting 1PM • steel-city.org Like us on Facebook

1600 Smallman Street • 412.471.1400 • cruzebar.com • Open Wed-Sat 5PM-2AM

APRIL

STAY BUSY

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 4 PM Friends Bar, Squirrel Hill

11 PM The Link

G4G

Gay for Good: Pittsburgh April project gayforgood.org

FIRST FRIDAY WITH KIERRA DARSHELL

THE TWO WOMEN SHOW starring: Eda Bagel & Kierra Darshell 9:30 PM and 11:30 PM Cruze Bar cruzebar.com

16-21

Benedum Center trustarts.org

Jujubee

from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Vice Versa, Morgantown

Images courtesy of Logo TV, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Raging Stallion Studios 4

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Tease:

A Burlesque Variety show featuring Peggy DeLune

Absolute Swing

STEEL CITY STONEWALL DEMOCRATS

8-11 PM Annual Dance Fundraiser & 10th Anniversary Celebration dreamsofhope.org

8 PM Cattivo

MILITARY BALL 2013

ENDORSEMENT MEETING 1-4 PM Cruze Bar steel-city.org

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Featuring Raging Stallion Studios Star Shawn Wolfe 10-5 PM Pittsburgh Marriot North, Cranberry showclix.com

Vice Versa, Morgantown viceversaclub.com

SANDRA BERNHARD 8 PM Byham Theatre trustarts.org

STARRING LADY BUNNY

A benefit for the Animal Rescue League & Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Opera pittsburghpride.org/tickets

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CONTRIBUTORS & THANK YOU’S G. Michael Beigay is a freelance photographer and special education professional for Allegheny Intermediate Unit. He has used his photography skills while at work to provide educational tools to provide instruction to those students who have cognitive disabilities. He also has worked with a media specialist at his LGBT welcoming church to develop some multi-media productions for various activities. Michael has photographed for two publications in Pittsburgh (Cue and Whirl Magazine). He came in 4th place in a recent photography contest for VisitPittsburgh. He is the photographer and one of the hosts for Pittsburgh’s G2H2 on a monthly basis, and is excited to be a part of Equal Magazine. John Britt, proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, his BA in Political Science and did his post graduate studies in Information Systems. Mt. Washington was home for 22 years, before moving baack to his hometown, Jeannette, PA, to be closer to family. (A wise move, but my dearest friends are still in the ‘Burgh.)

Caldwell is a self-taught photographer about town who has been documenting the queer and trans community for a number of years and who has called Pittsburgh home for 6 or so years. The most exciting news in Caldwell’s life is that they will be having a small exhibition of photos in the Warhol Museum that will be opening Pride weekend of this year. Karla Doolittle is a mother, wife, writer, artist and advocate. Residing in Regent Square with husband Devon, a professional singer, artist, advocate. Her daughter, Anastasia, is an aspiring writer, photographer, advocate.

Philip Ezzo, one of the tallest men in Pittsburgh, is currently a pastry cook at the Duquesne Club downtown. He has been a writer and columnist in LGBT publications for 4 years and is happy to become a contributor for Equal Magazine. He is known for his sense of humor and charming personality. In his spare time, Philip is a chapter leader with Gay 4 Good: Pittsburgh, where he is an outreach coordinator. Stacey Federoff is a Sutersville, Pa., native, Penn State alumna, and reporter living in Park Place near Regent Square. She has written about theater for The Daily Collegian and The Chautauquan Daily as well as local news for Trib Total Media. She loves music, vinyl records, coffee, running and volunteerism. Ignacio Filippini is a Bikram Yoga Instructor since 2010. He has a past life in design and marketing strategy. He’s thrilled to be part of Equal. Roy J Gloeckl II is an aspiring voice actor/children’s author with a BA in Creative Writing, Minor in Theatre and Certificate in Children’s Literature from Pitt. Said degree does not assist in the tending of bars, but he remains optimistic. In the meantime, our intrepid writer continues to seek a rabbit hole, down which he may tumble — or a Prince who will carry him off into the sunset. Ramon Harmon has worked in the beauty industry for over ten years, as a professional hairstylist and freelance makeup artist. Ramon can also be found on stage as the drag personality Anna Steezia.

Are YOU interested in writing for Equal Magazine? Email joek@equalmagazine.com 6

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Kelly Lewis – Founder of Go! Girl Guides, Kelly is a writer, a dreamer, an avid traveler and the author of our Thailand guide. Originally from Hawaii, Kelly lived in New Zealand for a year before traversing through South America and the South Pacific. She started Go! Girl Guides in late 2010 after it came to her in a dream. Mara Rago specializes in portraits, fine art, pets, events, model portfolios, legal, and corporate photography. She has a studio in the East End of Pittsburgh and shoots in studio as well as on location. Photography is Mara’s life. It’s a passion. Capturing visions in her little black box is a gift... and, every day, she is grateful. Alicia Sophia wanted to be a writer since she was 8 years old. She has lived in 5 states in 10 years, she loves coffee, and her socks never match.

Guest contributors: John Altdorfer Erica Arvizu Jon Holmes Dr. Ken Ho Anastasia Hons-Astle Kelly Lewis Johnny Valiant

Special thanks:

Alcoa/EAGLE BNY Mellon Anna Steezia Vara Fierce Chloè LaRocha Lola LeCroix Blade Matthews Riley Rockafella Bob Kompier The Wig Company Persad The Equal Magazine Street Team

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965 Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 391-9990 Open 2 PM to 2 AM 365 days a year!

WITH LOVE

Dear Friends: Welcome to Spring and Equal Magazine’s April issue! Could it be that the snow has melted off of Mt. Washington and we are finally seeing signs of longer days and warmer nights? Our April issue is celebrating spring and the outdoors with our cover story on women in sports. We have highlighted three exceptional teams--The Pittsburgh Passion, The Pittsburgh Angles and the Steel City Roller Derby (pg 33). These woman are fierce and dedicated to their sport. Come on out and check out a game sometime! We also have a great article on some amazing women who are making a difference in our community (pg 40). Some you may know, some you may not! Our regular columns continue to be popular including “Hot Guy Reads a Book”(pg 46), our “straight ally” feature, (pg 44 ) and working out and proud (pg 24). We also have lots of great pics of your friends and neighbors out and about on the town (pgs 16 & 28). We’re also launching a new regular feature on a non-profit organization and first up is Persad Center (pg18). I had the chance to talk with two LGBT icons for this issue: first up was drag legend Lady Bunny and the PG version of the interview appears on (pg 26). I was also given a bucket list opportunity to interview the inspiring Sandra Bernhard about her independent voice in the LGBT community. (pg 14) If you look closely, we’ve snuck in a fun faux April fools article, but I’m purposely “dancing” around the subject to see if you all can find it on your own. “Mom’s” the word! There are also interesting reads on social media, how to volunteer for Pittsburgh Pride, an update on HIV/AIDS and so much more. We’ve been busy! And in case you haven’t heard, the Delta Foundation has just announced that Adam Lambert will be the headliner for Pride in the Street (pg 14)! Equal Magazine’s May/June double issue will be THE resource for all things Pittsburgh Pride and subscribing (pg 10) is the only way to guarantee that you’ll receive this issue. And it’s a great way to support our community! One thing is for sure… chances are good that we’ll experience at least one more freak snow storm in Pittsburgh this month and we all will be April fooled. But just remember, we need to go through the storm to get to the rainbow. I hope to see you all on the other side. Thank you for your support. LGBT visibility everywhere.

Joe King Editor-in-Chief 8

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WHAT PAGE IS THAT ON?

FEATURES

Q & A: When Sandra Bernhard calls...you answer!

Throw like a girl!

Wonder Women: These wonderful women

Lady Bunny- Hopping down the bunny trail to

+ Pride in the Street Headliner Revealed

Tough girls throw balls, blocks and attitude.

are writing her-story.

Pittsburgh

IN (ALMOST) EVERY ISSUE

04 Calendar of Events- What’s happening in April 12 Pride 2013-We want you as the new recruit. 16 Gay and Goin’ On- Snapshots of the community we call PIX ‘burgh. 18 Non-Profit Spotlight- How Persad helped a transgender teen 20 Youth Pride - Prom-Dress up and come out 20 Travel- You go girl. How to stay safe 22 Big Gay Map 24 Out at Work - Scott Ridenour shares the wealth 28 Caldwell- Queer linker travels underground to Alaska. 30 Perspective- How social media brought one family closer 32 Now Prance- The LGBT community in Pittsburgh do we WANT equality? 38 HIV Update- Is a vaccine on the horizon? 39 Fitness- I can’t believe it’s yoga 44 Ally- Alcoa’s Ella Kuperminc 46 Hot Guy Reads a Book Hot Guy Reads a Book And knocks them stiff

APRIL

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A subscription to Equal Magazine would make the perfect gift for you or that special someone. Plus it’s the only way to guarantee that you’ll receive it!

Publisher: The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh Board Members Gary A. Van Horn Jr. President Louise F. Stutler Vice President Brian J. Stankavich Secretary Peter J. Karlovich Treasurer Samuel C. Badger Michael G. Bartley Daniel M. Catanzaro Steven R. Herforth Jim Sheppard Emeritus Board Members Charles W. Honse

Rates start at just 73¢ an issue and help defray the cost of postage:

$10 = 11 issues ($0.91 an issue) $18 = 22 issues ($0.82 an issue) $24 = 33 issues ($0.73 an issue) Subscribe today at

pittsburghpride.wufoo.com/forms/equal-magazine-subsription 10

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William R. Kaelin Donnie R. Thinnes Charles P. Tierney

Editor-in-Chief Joe King Art Director Jonathan Fobear Advertising Director Chris Bryan Emotional Support

My gay husband Ghost writer Extraordinaire Mark Coffee Gin For questions, comments, and advertising inquiries, please email info@ equalmagazine.com EQUAL Magazine, PO Box 100057. Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

The mission of the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is to increase awareness and understanding of and improve the quality of life for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the Pittsburgh region. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are those of the advertisers ONLY. Equal accepts no liability for claims made by advertisers. All rights reserved. ©2013 Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh.

Call (412) 956-9686 for details Compensation is provided

PRIDE 2013 “How can I get involved?” “I’d like to meet more people.” “It’s important for me to give back.” Getting involved seems simple, but sometimes people just aren’t sure how to do it. You want to help. You have the time. You have some skills. Now what? There are lots of LGBT events in Pittsburgh that rely on volunteers, but without question Pittsburgh Pride is the largest. Its success is truly dependent on its volunteers, and with over 81,000 people throughout the 10 day event, you can bet that we need help making Pride happen. In fact, last year we had over 200 volunteers! “I don’t have a lot of time.” “I have a bad knee and can’t really do a lot of walking.” “I want to be ON the Pub Crawl, not PLAN the Pub Crawl.”

By Jon Holmes

The biggest thing you can give us is time. Don’t let barriers hold you back. If you’d rather be on the Pub Crawl, instead of helping with the Pub Crawl, that’s fine! There’s is a lot of work and planning before and after that needs to happen and we appreciate any help that you can give us. If you have a physical limitation, that’s not a problem! There is plenty of officetype work that we need help with such as responding to emails, making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, creating spreadsheets, and scheduling people to attend meetings. But don’t just take it from us. DJ, Zack, Tricia, and Maurita are four of our amazing Delta Foundation volunteers. At one time, they felt just like you. Read their stories to the right about how they got involved and how it’s changed their lives.

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Tricia

When I was younger, being out wasn’t as accepted and there wasn’t anywhere for me to go to meet people “like” me. I volunteer so that I can be a part of events that people can go to and feel welcome and comfortable. I want to work with others who want to make things better for the lives of LGBT people. Without volunteers, these events could not happen. To look out at Pride and see the sea of LGBT and LGBT-friendly people having a great and safe time.....it is emotional and that’s why I do it. It is a great feeling to give of yourself and time, but it’s an even better feeling knowing that you have sacrificed yourself to better the lives of others. And the extra bonus to volunteering...you meet some totally awesome people!

Zack

When I first moved to Pittsburgh seven years ago to attend Duquesne University, I had little to no knowledge on what it was to be gay in a city. I had come from a small town and was only recently out myself. Discovering several groups and organizations in the city, such as the Delta Foundation, allowed me to develop a new perspective. I did not traditionally feel that I was the “Pride” type, not that I didn’t have pride but that I simply could not see myself in pink underwear and a boa. This was an admittedly a very small-minded view and I soon realized that my reason for NOT being involved, was exactly why I NEEDED to get involved. I quickly found myself front and center at events that I never thought were my “thing,” but I’m here to tell you that they are what you make of them! Since my first volunteer event, I have had the pleasure of making some of my closest and most trusting friends. I learned that volunteering was not about getting into Pride for free, meeting guys or girls, or to do someone a favor, but rather to be a part of the wave for equality that is currently washing over our country. I’ve met individuals fighting with incurable diseases that were stronger than myself (a healthy 25 year old), and people that will call me the moment they sense I’m in any distress. Volunteering opened my eyes to a new view of the gay “scene” and has inspired me beyond imagination. Seems like a dramatic statement, right? That’s the beauty of being gay, I suppose. But don’t simply take my word for it. Take the plunge and sign up for one event during Pride. I promise that you will find yourself more enriched and with at least one more friend.

I started volunteering for Pride three years ago and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my entire life. Growing up, I never had anyone to talk to about being gay. I lived in Baltimore, but I didn’t know anything about Baltimore Pride, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, or any type of gay culture. Looking back, I really wish I would have so I wouldn’t have felt so alone in my endeavors. Pride is special because it makes people happy and lets them know that they belong. It gives you its own special sense of accomplishment when it’s all over. The people you meet and work with are people you get to know and love. We are always excited when Pride comes back around and can see each other once again. It’s really more fun than work and it all goes by very quickly. Hard work and diligence is always rewarding, but at the end of the day, the true reward is the happy looks on people’s faces and knowing that you’ve helped change people’s lives for the best and give them hope for their future.

Maurita

The first time I volunteered for Pittsburgh Pride I was about 20 years old. Seeing all of the LGBT people there showed me how many people were just like me and gave me the strength to be proud of who I was. Volunteering for me let’s me give back to the community who helped me be comfortable with myself and gives me the chance to help make that moment exist for someone else.

Ready to dive in and see what Pride is really all about it? Send us your contact information to volunteers@pittsburghpride.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/deltafoundation. We’ll get back to you and get you all set-up!

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INTERVIEW

A Voice of OUR

GENERATION By Joe King

Comedienne. Chanteuse. Feminist. Actress. Activist. These are just a few words that come to mind when you think of Sandra Bernhard. The legendary comedian is coming back to Pittsburgh for one night only in April for a night of sophisticated comedy and cabaret-style music. Sandra was recently seen on Showtime in the documentary “Why We Laugh: Funny Women” an uncensored look into the lives of women in comedy, hosted by Joan Rivers. “Why We Laugh” featured interviews and live standup performances with some of the biggest names in the business including Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Janeane Garofalo, Kathy Griffin, Judy Tenuta and Judy Gold, to name a few. Sandra draws inspiration from Lily Tomlin as a role model and personal hero. “Lily is brilliant and has always been a classically, iconic role model. She’s like me. She’s not self-deprecating at all. She has a great sense of irony and she did it all 20 years before me.“ She continued, “we are really good friends. I love her and she is someone who is very important to me.” I asked Sandra where her wit comes from, “I think everything I 14

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do comically, originally, is a reaction to being the only girl in my family. I have three older brothers, and having natural talent, I wanted to be a singer when I was little.” She continued, “I always had a funny sort of take on life and the world and I just expressed myself in a very outgoing, upbeat, fun way and that just developed as I grew up and I managed to make it a profession.” Sandra is currently developing a show based on her life in LA in the 70s, “It’s a period piece. A smart comingof-age story based on my early days when I was performing at night and working as a manicurist during the day and all the insane, (wonderful) people who I met in LA during my first five or six years there. There are so many crazy, bittersweet, funny stories that sort of captures that time. It’s really exciting.” When asked about her unique voice in the LGBT community and her responsibility as a role model Sandra added, “It’s all about women and men taking responsibility for their lives on every level and turning potentially self-destructive situations into positive situations. Most of us are head and shoulders (certainly) above so many people around the world who are struggling. It’s really our individual job and responsibility to put out a positive message of support, both within our family and within our friendships, and spin out from there and do things for

presents

the world that are positive. Chances are that if you are a member of the LGBT community, you are probably pretty smart, and you’ve probably been through more than most people emotionally. It’s a great opportunity to turn your experiences around and give back to other communities that don’t have the wherewithal that we (as gay people) do. I think it’s really important to transform our independent and individual stories into something positive.” When asked what Pittsburgh audiences can expect from her stand-up special Sandra said,” I’m so excited to return to Pittsburgh and Andy Warhol’s hometown. I just love Pittsburgh. It’s such a hip, smart, creative, working class town. The show is very topical, it is very personal, and covers all the bases of where I’m at, where the world is at, woven with some great songs, and references to modern day musical influences. It really covers all the things that my shows are known for.” She added, “I feel that I’m a better performer than I was five years ago or ten years ago. I think you should always continue to grow and get better and better when you are “in” it and loving it. I look forward to reconnecting with some local friends and I’m super jazzed to be coming back to Pittsburgh.” Sandra’s shows have been called a thrilling hybrid of standup comedy and rock’n roll, combined with a raucous mix of political satire, pop culture commentary and cabaret. I simply call her show a “must see!” Catch the fiercely original Sandra Bernhard live on Saturday, April 27th at the Byham Theater. For tickets call 412-456-6666 or visit trustarts.org.

“It’s all about women and men taking responsibility for their lives on every level and turning potentially self-destructive situations into positive situations.

ADAM LAMBERT SATURDAY, JUNE 15

at PRIDE

IN THE STREET

Liberty Ave. Downtown Pittsburgh

To purchase advance tickets, visit Pittsburghpride.org/tickets

EVENTS

What’s Gay and Goin’ on?

Photos by G. Michael Beigay Bingo with a Twist @ 5801

Steel City Bowling 16

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Equal Launch Party @ Le Mont

Animal Rescue Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s B*tches Ball @ Cruze Bar

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COUNSELING Founded in 1972, Persad Center is the second oldest licensed counseling center for the LGBT community in the nation. The organization offers a variety of programs ranging from counseling, LGBT HIV/AIDS training, to senior care and youth programs. Persad also provides transgender counseling, by assisting clients in sorting out their gender concerns, and helping them transition to their preferred gender presentation and identity.

THE JOURNEY OF BRITTANY

A Transgend Through PE er Teen Thrives RSAD’s Yo uth Program By Karla Photos by Doolittle John Altd orfer

Brittany Meixner is a 20 year old transgender individual who has been on a journey to find and understand herself and with the help of Persad, is doing just that. Like many in the transgender community, Brittany knew from an early age that she was different and being born in a male body only seemed to complicate things as she always identified as a female. The youngest of three daughters, Brittany’s parents were divorced by the time she started middle school. It was at this time when she tried to suppress feelings of being different. Once high school started, Brittany knew she couldn’t keep up the charade any longer, and at 16, finally confided her feelings to her mother. Her mother has been 100% supportive since the beginning and was upset that she hadn’t gone to her sooner. Britney also has full support of her sisters, while her father had a difficult time coping with the situation and has since started to come around. Brittany and her mother first learned about Persad when they called the hotline looking for help. After an initial intake visit where both parents were in attendance, Brittany began seeing a Persad therapist in 2008 and has been heavily involved since that time. A stand-out for Brittany was the opportunity to participate in a Transgender Psycho Education

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Persad Youth Programs:

“I’m involved in organizations and events that I otherwise would never have been able to do on my own and for that I am grateful.” Seminar, an event organized by a staff therapist that allowed attendees to share stories and experiences. It was at this event, where Brittany was able to meet and speak with other people just like her that she really didn’t know existed. Because of the experiences, training, counseling and care offered at Persad, Brittany has learned to become more comfortable with herself. “Persad has really helped me with my self-confidence and accepting myself for who I am. I’m involved in organizations and events that I otherwise would never have been able to do on my own and for that I am grateful. I attend main campus at CCAC, and am the President of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) there. I spoke on a panel at TransPride last year and this is all from the love and care shown to me through Persad. Being a part of its youth programs has not only given me the tools I need to succeed, but it’s also given me the opportunity to be there for others going through the same struggles I’ve gone with.”

they’ve arranged for a speaker from PATF to discuss issues of the day with students and co-sponsoring a book drive. Their upcoming “Glow Rave” takes place Friday, April 19 in West Hall where there will be music, refreshments and of course glow sticks!

There are a variety of programs to support, encourage, and empower LGBT youth and give them opportunities to develop their gifts and talents. These programs provide safe spaces where youth are protected from discrimination and abuse that occurs in their lives at home, school, church, and other social systems. Tuesday/Thursday Afterschool program: 4-7 PM at GLCC, 210 Grant Street, downtown Friday Night Youth Drop-In: 7-10 PM at the GLCC. For youth under 20. Closing the Gap: An opportunity for peer youth counselors help their peers and encourage them to receive counseling services when needed Youth Empowerment Project: Peers reaching out to prevent HIV and STD transmissions Street Smart: Developing skills to prevent substance abuse and HIV/AIDS Every Child: A collaborative effort to create specialized in-home services for LGBT families Counseling: Professional counseling services for LGBT parents or youth For more information about Persad’s youth services, contact Lyndsey Sickler at 412.441.9786 x 220 or lsickler@ persadcenter.org

Her involvement with the GSA has given her a lot of opportunities and events on campus including a Health Fair Day, where

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YOUTH GLSEN & GLCC team up for an LGBT Youth

Prom Night By Anastasia Hons-Astle With Spring quickly approaching, a common topic discussed in the halls at every high school is “who are you taking to the prom?” Yes, prom season is here again and the gorgeous gowns and sharp black tuxedos will be surfacing soon enough all over town. While the event can be anxious for all teens, it is especially stressful for LGBT youth. At many high schools, LGBT youth may not feel welcome but thanks to GLSEN and the GLCC, there is an alternative event called the Youth Pride Prom, where everyone is welcome regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. The theme of this year’s Youth Pride Prom is “Masquerade” and it will be held on Saturday, June 8 at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church from 6-10 PM. Open to everyone from 13-25, this year’s Youth Pride Prom is the second time that GLSEN and the GLCC have collaborated together. According to coordinator Anna Klahr, “many LGBT identifying and ally youth do not attend their own school social events, like proms and other dances, because of harassment, bullying, and in some cases non-friendly faculty and administrations. We wanted to create an event where anyone could come and feel comfortable.” The evening includes dancing, food, and professional prom pictures. Of key importance is everyone’s safety and according to Anna, “we’re committed to providing a fun, safe, 20

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alcohol and drug-free social event for young adults who wish to enjoy a traditional high school prom experience in a non-traditional way.” At press time, details were still being finalized, but we’re certain that all guests can expect to have an unforgettable “Masquerade” experience! Tickets to the Youth Pride Prom are $10 and information can be found at glsenpgh.org or pittsburghyouthprom. tumblr.com. To make a donation, contact Anna Klahr, Prom coordinator at aklahr@glsenpgh.org or https:// donate-pittsburgh.glsen.org/ youthprom nator at aklahr@glsenpgh.org. After the Youth Pride Prom and the masks come off, considering heading to any of these LGBT friendly places: Hookah Bookah, South Side Ages 18+ Open from 5 PM to 2 AM 1-888-381-8803 Fiori’s Pizza, Brookline Open until 3 AM 412-343-7788 Club Zoo, Strip District Open until 2 AM Proper dress required 412-201-1100 Arsenal Bowl, Lawrenceville Open until 2 AM 412-683-5992

HOW TO

STAY SAFE AND HAVE A BLAST ON YOUR TRAVELS

By Kelly Lewis & Erica Arvizu

Women, regardless of age or sexuality, have unique concerns when it comes to trekking the globe, but for a long time there was a void in information when it came to women-specific travel. Go! Girl Guides, publisher of the world’s first series of travel guidebooks made just for women, is here to help! Whether you’re planning on Cancun with your partner or traversing through South East Asia solo, these tips will help empower you to travel the world and give you the tools you need to stay safe. Go get em, sister! For the Love of God, Don’t Get Drunk Hands down, this is the golden rule of female travel. By all means, feel free to have a few drinks every now and then, but make sure you limit yourself so that you don’t end up a hot, sloppy mess who can’t remember where she’s going. Cool? Stay Off the Beaches at Night Always. Without exception. In most countries the police do not patrol the beaches at night, placing you in a very vulnerable position if you decide to wander to the shore after a night out in Mazatlan (or wherever). Do. Not. Do. It. Avoid Drugs Don’t you remember what happened to Claire Danes in Brokedown Palace? Avoid drugs while traveling in other countries and never transport them. Do we even have to tell you this though? You know better than that!

TRAVEL Pre-Plan While half of the fun of traveling is not having a plan, sometimes it’s good to know at least the basics: where you’re going, and where you’re going to sleep. Once you have that down, the rest is a breeze. Learn and Speak the Language There are many places where you don’t necessarily need to speak the language to get by, and other places where it will be very hard to get around without it. Speaking the local language can only help you. You’ll be able to talk to locals and get involved in conversations, learn about culture without needing a translator, effectively negotiate in markets, read menus in restaurants, find tampons and women’s clinics, get directions if you’re lost, ask for recommendations, etc. If you’re looking to get off the backpacker trail and have some adventures, speaking the language is key. Walk With Purpose If you take a wrong turn and feel unsafe in a particular neighborhood, walk with purpose towards a business or hotel to ask for directions, or, hop in a taxi. Take off your headphones if you’re listening to music. Make sure your purse or bag is zipped shut and close to your body. It’s important to remember that most people in the world are generally warm, helpful, and not out to get you, but listen to your instincts if you feel unsafe and ask for help. Please, don’t ever be that traveler who pulls out a map in the middle of the street. Duck into a nearby shop and check the map if you need to.

Ignore Catcalls As a solo female traveler, you may run into some machismo during your travels from men, such as catcalls or whistles, especially if you’re heading south. Uncomfortable? Yes, but almost always harmless. It’s best to ignore advances and continue on your way (walking with purpose, of course), but if you feel threatened at any time, head into a business or store and ask for help, or to wait for them to pass. Some useful phrases if you get stuck: A forceful ‘no.’ “Defame en paz.” Leave me in peace. “Basta.” Enough. “No me toques.” Don’t touch me. The world is a beautiful place. Don’t let fear hold you back! Go! Girl Guides has published guidebooks on Thailand, Mexico and Argentina, available in all major bookstores. For more info, check out GoGirlGuides. com and get ready to take on the world!

Don’t Flaunt It Wearing flashy, gaudy or expensive jewelry is a no-no, as is overly revealing clothing. Dress conservatively and keep your accessories to a minimum, unless it’s jewelry you’ve bought locally. Be especially aware of this while traveling through South and Central America. Go With Your Gut Feel uncomfortable or uneasy in a particular situation? Always listen to your gut instinct. You’re in charge of whom you spend your time with, how much you reveal about yourself, where you go and how you get there. Remember that a direct, but polite “no, thank you” is always in your realm of possibility.

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INCLUSION ENERGIZED BY LANXESS Corporation proudly supports diversity in the Pittsburgh region. With 13 businesses on 5 continents, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been helping our industrial partners make life, and the world, a little better in more than 3,000 ways. For more information, visit www.lanxess.com.

WORKING OUT

SHARING

THE

WEALTH By John Britt By G. Michael Beigay For the past six years, BNY Mellon, the global leader in investment management and investment services, has scored a 100 percent rating in the 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, this comprehensive Index has helped to identify trends and best practices in workplace diversity and inclusion, including the treatment of LGBT employees, clients and investors. For Scott Ridenour, the Managing Director/ Senior Project Manager at BNY Mellon, he is grateful to come to work every day and be himself. He’s also thankful to be able to participate in Prism, the company’s LGBT affinity network, which promotes an open and supportive environment in which all LGBT employees are fully included in 24

E q u a l M a g a z i n e. o rg

all aspects of corporate life.” As Scott says, “By fostering outreach to the LGBT community at large, Prism is able to contribute to the company’s growth and its role as a leading corporate citizen. If you want to attract the best talent, you need to treat everyone equally.” Living in Fox Chapel in a committed relationship, it’s common to see Scott and his partner out and about town. Whether it’s at a Shepherd Wellness benefit, or Persad event, or marching at Pittsburgh Pride, Scott is proud that his company supports these events and encourages its employees to attend or volunteer. “I’m absolutely certain that the diversity of our workforce makes us more perceptive and more creative, said Gerald Hassell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Our wealth of experience and viewpoints helps us deliver the best, most innovative solutions

to our clients. And our diversity helps ensure that every employee has every opportunity to contribute his or her best work — and to be recognized and rewarded for that performance. By opening the doors to opportunity for all our employees, everyone benefits: our company, our shareholders, our clients and, ultimately, each and every one of us.” For more information about BNY Mellon, visit bnymellon.com/diversity.

*t c ra tt e n din g t he B

Photos by Devon Toy

Thank You

Join us next year on World Spay Day! Remember that the Animal Rescue League offers many low cost spay/neuter options for your pet.

412-345-7300 • www.animalrescue.org

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CHANGE THE 25TH YEAR OF ART FOR AIDS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 • 6-11PM

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UNDERWRITERS CIRCLE PARTY

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August Wilson Center for African American Culture

Gourmet and Artful Fare by All in Good Taste Productions + complimentary cocktails. Preview some of the art and meet the artists who have donated artwork for the Auction.

NEW THIS YEAR: Electronic Bidding! Bid right from the palm of your hand on more than 200 works of art: paintings, photography, sculpture, furniture, and jewelry.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! • 888-873-7723 ext. 224 • WWW.PERSADCENTER.ORG • BENEFITS PERSAD CENTER

Equa lMa ga z ine.org

BINGO BALLS Lady Bunny hops into Pittsburgh! Lady Bunny is perhaps best known as the larger than life drag queen that put Wig Stock on the map. The blonde bombshell has been best friends with RuPaul for more than 30+ years and frequently makes guest appearances on the TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She regularly mentors real women in need of a drag makeover on RuPaul’s spin off show “Drag U.” And her lady lesson segments offer empowering tips for women on everything from hair and makeup to finding the right fitting unmentionables. Think of her 26

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TO THE WALL

Photo by Bill Erb

VERY BUNNY

By Joe King

as Violet Crawley, the dowager Countess of dragdom with brash hair and an even brassier mouth. This wise cracking, sharp-tongued queen is an underground legend and her song parodies on the web are fan favorites. She frequently hosts regular club nights in her hometown of New York City and her Emcee and Disc jockey skills are in demand across the country. And now she’s coming to Pittsburgh. Bunny plans to return to the town she spent time

in as a young child to host a master class in bingo on Sunday, April 28 when she pulls balls (pun intended) for Xtreme Bingo, a fundraiser for The Animal Rescue League and Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh. Bunny warns her fans; “This isn’t your grandma’s bingo or even your momma’s bingo!” She promises plenty of surprises. “Its racy, demented B comedy. I’m sort of outlandish and kooky, bordering on tacky. I’m like a thinner, classier Honey Boo Boo.”

Xtreme Bingo will be loud, tacky, and I hope a little suspect. Maybe we’ll have a booty bump lightning round, or strippers, or a sing-a-long! I like to have fun and I love to give the people what they want.” When asked how she keeps her legs in such great shape, her response without missing a beat was, “nightly leg lifts darling; each night I lift one leg behind each ear.” (cue rim shot sound in your head.) Lady Bunny admitted that she has recently taken to calling herself Lady Bunion after breaking her toe prior to an appearance in Miami. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to wear my signature heels when I come to Pittsburgh, but I still plan on putting on a great show even in flats, so look out Pittsburgh, let’s have a Kiki!” When asked her about plans to return to reality TV on “Drag U,” she said “nothing has been confirmed yet, but I would love it.” It’s been three amazing years and I would love to return to either show. You know, “Drag U” is a different energy because it’s not a competition. It is a more relaxed atmosphere. The drag queens are there to inspire and lift up women. It’s about empowering these

women and making them beautiful.” When asked about her take on three of Pittsburgh’s own drag queens Sharon Needles, Alaska, and Billy Porter, she said, “I’m a huge Sharon Needles fan. She and Alaska and I have the same sort of aesthetic, and we are a little kooky and demented. I know that they both are a little out there with their gimmicks. They both are just slightly off center and I respond to that because that’s who I am as well. Sharon’s so sharp and quick. I remember being introduced to her and we both bonded instantly over our love of the transgender performance artist Jane County. That Alaska is something else too, and I just love her and love watching her on Drag Race.” When asked about Alaska’s impersonation of her on the show she commented, “I haven’t seen the entire episode yet, but I sure wish I were as skinny as that bitch.” Although Bunny hasn’t yet seen Billy Porter on Broadway as drag queen “Lola” in Kinky Boots she said, “Billy Porter can sing his ass off. I met him once in New York and I will never forget it. I love that man. We met through some mutual friends on the pier in

New York and it was just a perfect afternoon. He is one sister who can sing.” She continued, “I actually have ties to Kinky Boots—the movie. When it first came out Disney hired me to go to London to give interviews about drag. I can’t wait to see the musical. Drag has come a long way. It is so much more accessible now.” Thanks to Divine, Lady Bunny, and RuPaul, drag continues to evolve and go mainstream. “Jackie Beat is Joan Rivers main joke writer on the show Fashion Police and for specialty shows like the red carpet Oscar events, so drag really is everywhere. I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” she said. So what’s next for the drag diva? She will be featured in “The Out List” an upcoming project on HBO by Ellen DeGeneres . Also look for her in RuPaul’s new video for the song “Lollipop”. Catch Lady Bunny live at Xtreme Bingo on Sunday April 28. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door at pittsburghpride.org/tickets.

“ITS RACY, DEMENTED B COMEDY. I’M SORT OF OUTLANDISH AND KOOKY, BORDERING ON TACKY. I’M LIKE A THINNER, CLASSIER

HONEY BOO BOO.”

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QUEER LINKER

The Queer Linker Photos and recap by Caldwell Linker

March roared in like a lion with an outstanding line-up of events. Things started out with an exciting show of prints by Lauren Jurysta, Eva Stulc and Katie Kaplan at The Warehouse. The temperature in the place was FREEZING but the art was HOT and everyone had a blast. Shown here, Cheryl Sedlock and Jessie Estep making the most of the temperature (1). It’s Drag Race season and there’s a show to be found almost every night. Ace photographer John Columbo caught up with Alaska at one of her Blue Moon shows (2). Speaking of drag performances, I saw one of the sickest numbers ever when Blue Moon favorite Cherri Baum teamed up with one of the outstanding new queens, Moonbaby, for a number that redefined dirty. The rumors are true, and yes, those were real worms they were eating at the end! (10) On the fashionable side of things, I caught the premiere show of Ton Cartier’s Fly Diamond Cartel decidedly queer line. Can’t wait to see what they do next (3). Bingo with a Twist with Marsha Monster Mellow at 5801 is always on my regular rounds, and one night Alaska won big! (5) Luckily she grabbed that Hot Royals calendar for me. Sharon Needles caught up on all that he has missed while away touring (4). The B*tches Ball, the Animal Rescue League fundraiser, was the biggest ever and packed Cruze Bar to the gills. While there were a lot of lovely faces, this one really grabbed my attention (6). There were lots of great performances at 6119 this month (and more to come). One particularly outstanding show was Christeene Vale (8) brought to us by VIA, Haus of Haunt, and PGH Bro Club. Everyone who was anyone was there including Chris King and Graham Shearing (7), who is finally back from the West Coast. Another fantastic show at 6119 was Light Asylum, as part of The Kelly Strayhorn’s “Sunstar Women in Music Festival”. It was an outstanding and emotion filled performance, and I hope they come back again soon (9).

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10.

6. 5.

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NEW MEDIA

Are We

Really Family?

Your cousin likes this

How Social Media is Creating Bridges Faster than we can Burn Them Your dad likes this

By Jonathan Fobear Photos by Steve and Dora Fobear Social media has changed how and what we share, how we interact and even how we come out of the closet. Coming out now can be as easy as one family member viewing your profile and seeing a full montage of your amazing technicolor gay life. But how much should you share? Do the benefits of expressing yourself online to your friends outweigh the collective eyerolls you might get from family? In this brave new world of sharing everything online, how much is TMI?

THE DARK DAYS BEFORE THE INTERNET Your aunt likes this

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My hometown was quaint. We were surrounded by corn fields on all sides and the Interstate was an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive away. We had one stoplight in the middle of town and Amish hitching posts at the grocery store. My dad and

especially my mom were very active in the church, and had designs on me growing up to be the church organist. They even bought an old church organ for our house, and signed me up for organ lessons. The Mexican side of my family was the bigger, louder, rowdier, more religious side. Wedding receptions sometimes involved cheap beer-fueled fist fights amidst Mariachi music in smoke-filled VFW halls. As a timid and artistic little gay boy, these family get togethers were more scary than fun. Honestly, even when they were calm, less smokey and alcohol-free I was still frozen with fear. All I wanted to do was go home and play with a Barbie I secretly stole from my mom, and stitch her together a new dress made out of my finest pillowcase. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all. At age 14, I came out to my parents and mom started praying a lot more. They eventually were very supportive but it was coming out to the rest of the

“Oh God” I thought. “what do I do? Why are they friend requesting me?” I was scared of being judged. family that terrified me. As I grew older and more comfortable with myself, I also thought I had less in common with my extended family. Small talk became more forced and awkward. We became more distant with every passing year.

MICHIGAN, MOVING, AND THE MAIL I moved to Pittsburgh. I came out completely and life was great. Most of my family back in Michigan didn’t have email yet so I mailed the few ones that I felt the closest to a handwritten update of my life. In it, I mentioned my new city, my completion of college, new job… and surprise: my new boyfriend! Some caring family members called me to talk about it immediately and offer soft comforting words like “They always knew!” While others that I sent the letter to I haven’t heard back from to this day. This one family reunion that I came back home for, I overheard murmurs of some family members that were my age and older that didn’t want to stand next to me in the line to get food. “You stand next to him. No, you stand next to him. I don’t wanna stand next to him.” Ouch. To be fair, at the time my hair did also have some spiky blue highlights as well. Some family members were kind to me in light of my differences. However, these were also the years where I’d be seated at a wedding table with extended family and a cousin would wryly ask if I’m dating someone, but they’d get elbowed by someone else and all giggle like my life was a joke then change the subject quickly. It was painfully obvious that the coming out letter I

sent home had certainly made its rounds.

DOCTOR, WE THINK WE HAVE THE FACEBOOK FEVER After the rise and fall of MySpace, I joined Facebook. It not only engulfed me, but also a few of my tech-savvy family. And it spread. Then, came the wave of family friend requests. “Oh God, what do I do?” I thought “Why are they friend requesting me?” I was scared of being judged. Scared my family would just gather ‘round the computer and laugh at my life, scrutinizing every last photo and post. “But wait. If my profile is public, that means they can already see everything I’ve posted. They don’t have to send a friend request if they just want to snoop around on my profile, but they still want to be friends with me anyway?” Friend request accepted! So after a few years of posting pictures of pizza soup, spicy shrimp curry oatmeal, dressed as a leaf pile, hideous unflattering faces, me at an underwear bike ride, my boyfriend and I sledding, having fun at the gay bar, dressed as a clam at a mermaid parade, and posing with drag queens, my family and I have a budding new relationship. I notice that cousins, aunts and uncles are reading, sharing and liking some of my posts. I do the same with them.

Your mom likes this

my big gay life is on full display. I don’t want to cede the ground I’ve made with them by posting leftist argumentative rants all the time, but as for my sometimes fabulous, always gay life, I want to share it. I don’t post gross pics of me groping my boyfriend or joking around about body fluids or about his body parts. Would I want to see my cousins doing that? No. The Golden Rule still applies online. If someone still has a problem with my posts then they can hide them. There is another unexpected possible effect: I see no anti-gay posts from any of my family members. It’s impossible to measure if I had anything to do with that, but It’s still an impotant positive thing to note. Being willing to share my life with them, and them sharing some of their life with me has made us family in a way that we weren’t before Facebook. We don’t always agree on everything, especially politics, but the ability to laugh or share a commonality has been key. Last year’s family reunion was the best one yet because we played in the water slide, played a game of corn hole, laughed and we all ate way too much. The moral of the story: while everyone must strike their own balance between sharing and over-sharing, take a chance and let your family in on the real you. They might just surprise you.

Through trial and error I’ve created my own personal code of conduct for posting on Facebook. Divisive political rants and antireligious posts are avoided or softened, while

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NOW PRANCE

ALLY D. “Save your tears for the tub of ice cream!” As the owner and operator of her own dance school, Ally doesn’t take any flack from the woman that pays her bills. The mom’s seem to think that fame is making her head as big as her bust, but Ally swears her bust is still bigger. She offered to show me, but I politely declined. Her prowess as a dance teacher cannot be debated, however. After leading her troupe to many producer-influenced victories, Pittsburgher’s should be proud that Ally has finally put the city on the map for something other than football and low-class behavior. Well, maybe just football.

Between the cat fights, and the sequins there's more drama than a drag show! Behind the scenes with the mother tuckers of

PRANCE MOMS

By Philip Ezzo Photos by Mara Rago

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REAL QUOTES FROM THE STARS OF LIFETIME’S HIT SHOW DANCE MOMS

MOLLY

MISTI

WILLA

SHELLY

“That’s Dr. Molly to you. I spent all this money for an education, but now I’m a stay at home Mom.”

“I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore... until next week.”

“Ally loves winners, and I’m willing to spend as much as it takes to make my daughter one.”

Until recently, Ms.--I mean Dr. Molly--was the only working mom in the group. Rumors have been circulating that Dr. Molly may have been “asked” to leave her job instead of quitting, but she refused to comment on that when I sat down to talk with her. She may be the calm and stable one, but there’s a definite reason for that. Molly would hate for me to reveal to the world that her secret is a prescription for Klonopin. Never fear, she forgets to take her pill at least once a season. She may not be from the hood, but Docta’ Molly can throw down with the rest of them.

Arguably the most vocal and outspoken of the group, Misti has threatened to leave almost as many times as her BFF Shelly. She’s got a stunning arsenal of fat jokes that she’s memorized just in case Ally ticks her off. I witnessed her cheat sheet for myself, while visiting the set. There is definitely no love loss between them. Her insults may be very grade school, but she is the youngest mom in the group, after all. Even though she is subjecting her daughter to all sorts of self-esteem issues, the show has almost paid them enough for that new nose that Misti’s been wanting.

Willa is definitely a pistol, and she even has a concealed weapons permit to prove it. She’s a real go-getter, and not above jumping from dance studio to dance studio when she doesn’t get her way. Willa seems to have settled in though, but Ally is far from impressed. It’s going to take a lot more than a fake smile, expensive gifts, and a short temper to get her daughter to the top of the pyramid. Ally swears that Willa’s all-to-frequent hair color and style changes are evidence of multiple personalities. I’ve yet to see evidence to the contrary. No matter which mode she is in, her connecting trait is ambition.

“Everyone’s replaceable.”

“I’m not a weirdo, I’m a mother.”

You’re the reason I don’t take Discover anymore.”

“Girls, what are you doing? Those legs are about as straight as Elton John!”

“Be careful no one drops a house on you!”

ALYSSA

“I’m a former disappointment to Ally, and so are my kids.” Shelly has known Ally since she was a little girl, and was even an ex-student. According to Ally, she hasn’t changed much. Being a mean girl hasn’t seemed to rub off on her girls yet, but her lack of dancing skill has. Let’s hope the alcoholism doesn’t either. We love to see Shelly bonding with Misti over cocktails though, again and again and again... It doesn’t seem to get old. I’m still holding out hope for a rehab storyline next season. She is constantly walking out on the team, but because she signed “that damn contract,” she is never gone for long.

“Second is the first to lose!”

“I want you to make applesauce outta that kid!”

“I wasn’t talking to you, disco ball.”

“They call me a suckup, and they’re right. Compromising yourself for your kids is what being a prance mom is all about.” Alyssa hates talking about her private life, so naturally she signed up to be on a weekly television show. Although she has threatened to sue almost all of the moms for bringing up her engagement to a married man, they still keep her close. She’s used to her eldest daughter being on top of the pyramid, but she hasn’t forgotten about her youngest daughter just yet. Maybe next season. As Ally’s “favorite,” she’s willing to do almost anything to keep at least one of her girls at the top of the pyramid, even if it means she has to take a little heat from the other moms. Her nose is so far up Ally’s butt, that her wedgie is jealous.

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FEATURE

By Stacey Federoff Photos by Mara Rago

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Pittsburgh women’s sports teams offer support for out players and their allies Amid national championships, new stadiums, and cheering fans, women’s sports teams like the Pittsburgh Passion, Steel City Roller Derby and Pittsburgh Angels are just three teams in town that build camaraderie and foster a positive atmosphere for gay and straight players alike.

The Pittsburgh women – who once shoveled snow from the field for winter practices and lit the field for practice with car headlights--now hold indoor practices at the Club Sport and Health in Monroeville and have a new home this season at Highmark Stadium in Station Square.

The teams – open to anyone who can pass the try-out –are full of diversity, especially since contact sports lend themselves to all body types. While rippling muscles are great, the skills that beginners develop with hard work and the help of coaches and teammates are much more important.

Owner and Head Coach Teresa Conn wants to earn this year’s national title for the City of Champions. “We want to help build our city and reflect our city any way we can,” she says. “We’ve been embraced. We’re very lucky. If you’re going to have a football team, Pittsburgh is the place to do it.”

PITTSBURGH PASSION

Last August, stepping on to the turf at Heinz Field was an honor, even if the Pittsburgh Passion were only watching the Women’s Football Alliance championships in the NFL stadium. About 800 fans attended the game between the San Diego Surge and Chicago Force, which was also broadcast on ESPN3. “It’s just a breath-taking experience and I know all the ladies felt that it was something they will always cherish,” says Veronica Burress of the Passion, which served as local hosts to the event. Founded in 2002, the Passion is entering its 11th season. In 2007, the team was the undefeated national champion of the Women’s Football Alliance, which has about 60 teams across the United States. Former Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris became a co-owner of the team in 2011.

And the hits are just as hard and the fouls just as rough as men’s sports, says 25-year-old Jessica Nelko, a second-year player with the Passion. “Half the time you won’t even know it’s a girl out there ... besides the ponytail and nowadays that’s not even a guarantee,” she says. Veronica Burress, a 41-year-old in her 8th season with the Passion, said she is encouraged by support Pittsburgh fans give the hard-working women. “You have just amazing women on this team,” she says. “You see it moving towards a more positive light … women’s football is inspiring young women to get more involved and not be afraid.” But female athletes who feel free to be aggressive, strong, and loud face the persistent stereotype that they are likely to be lesbians, especially in “masculine” contact sports.

Steel City Roller derby player Emily “Public Emily” Grey said that actually helps “open up the door” for an honest discussion at places like work where personal details are sometimes a touchy subject. She looks forward to relieving the stress of her job with an ambulance service – and Pittsburgh traffic -- at practice twice per week. “It’s so much easier to be yourself,” Emily, 31, said. “It’s not like ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ and slip up and be uncomfortable.” Passion players, who do outreach programs for schools and community groups, emphasize that all women can play sports – and do just as well as men, says Angela Baker. “We try to show the girls we can be girly, pretty girls on the sidelines, then put on some pads and go hit someone,” says the 20-year-old player in her second season with the team. A softball and basketball player at Slippery Rock, Angela saw ads in programs at sports games for the Passion that inspired her to tryout. Since age 5, she had played flag football for the Girls and Boys Club in Carnegie and also played powderpuff in high school. “The intensity is a lot greater here,” she said, as practices are held three times per week and include drills, scrimmages, or a “chalk talk” session reviews plays. As a young lesbian woman, Angela felt it was easier to come out to her teammates because of the compassionate atmosphere. “It’s not that I feel more pressure, it’s because I feel more open,” she says.

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STEEL CITY ROLLER DERBY The Steel City Roller Derby, founded in 2006, is a skater-owned and operated organization and member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, which has more than 175 teams worldwide. With good hits come only congratulations, not grudges, says Steel City Roller Derby Coach Jamie “J-Bomb” Mulvihill. About 13 new players take to the flat-track league this season as “fresh meat,” or rookies. “We take everyone at their level and build them up to be a good player,” she says. Roller derby has seen a resurgence of popularity, but is more about athleticism now than the theatrics of the 1970s, says Lora “The LorAxe” Woodward. “This is a legitimate sport. These women are working out in addition to coming out to play,” she says. Trisha “RedruM Blur” Campbell said the squads chosen this year will bring fans a fast-paced, high-intensity season, which continues through August. “As good as you are, you always need to be getting better,” she says. “Every season … I still know I have to keep working harder.”

PITTSBURGH ANGELS

This season, the Pittsburgh Angels plan to defend the 2012 USA Rugby Division II National Championship title. Coach Tony Chappie says interested women can join now to learn from the best during the lower-stakes spring season. “Now’s a good time if you’re a beginner,” he says. “(The players) have done very, very well; they’re just under the radar.” The Pittsburgh Rugby Association, including the women’s and men’s teams, owns 3 6

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Rugger’s Pub on the South Side. Founded in 1976, the Angels got their name from a lawn ornament “nicked from a nativity scene” by members, according to the team’s website. The women joined the association in 2003 as a club team and are working with the men to develop a permanent playing facility for the organization. Both teams play the football-style sport without pads or helmets and compete on the same level, says Angels’ captain Jaime Filipek.

“The games play out a little differently but the rules are the same … the guys respect us and I think that’s a big thing,” she says. Ashley “Butter” Lively identifies as straight and supports her Angels teammates because rugby itself creates a bond. “For me it’s a sense of pride that we’re a part of a sport that not many men play, much less women play,” she says. “The subculture of rugby is the most prevalent subculture that we relate to.” Jaime Filipek, one of the team’s captains,

said the camaraderie helped encourage her to come out as bisexual to her teammates. “I don’t think there’s any trouble fitting in on our team,” she says. “I think a lot of girls almost find it as an outlet if they’re coming out too.” Her teammate Meesha Gerhart says she didn’t really know where to fit in with Pittsburgh’s LGBT community, so having both straight and lesbian teammates has helped. “It was just like me talking to my sisters,” she says. “I wanted to play rugby and when I eventually did come out, it was like, ‘no big deal, can you hit someone?’” Steel City Derby Demon Chelly “Captain Crash” Johnson says all the practices, injuries and hard work are worth it. “I love that I gained 70 family members and that at the end of the day I can skate my heart out,” she says.

GO TO A GAME:

Even fans unfamiliar with the rules of the games can catch on quickly and enjoy the women’s athleticism and victories.

STEEL CITY DERBY DEMONS Romp N’ Roll, 1661 E. Sutter Road , Glenshaw April 13: vs. DC Rollergirls May 11: vs. Fort Wayne Derby Girls June 8: vs. Chicago Outfit Roller Derby July 13: vs. Philly Roller Girls August 10: vs. Ohio Rollergirls For more info, visit steelcityderbydemon.com

Veronica said she believes more women’s sports, including football will be just as highly regarded as men’s sports in the future. “We’re paving the way for a younger generation,” she says. And to the few who still don’t believe women belong on the field, court or rink unless they’re in cheerleading skirts, Angela invites them to come and see the athletes in action. “I tell them to come to a game,” she says. “We do it for the love of the game.”

PITTSBURGH ANGELS Norwin Soccer Complex, 3700 Turner Valley Road, North Huntingdon April 6: Opponent TBD April 13: vs. Philadelphia April 20: vs. Chesapeake For more info visit pghrugby.com

When Chelly first heard about roller derby, she was in awe.

PITTSBURGH PASSION Highmark Stadium, 510 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh April 6: vs. D.C. Divas April 27: vs. Columbus Comets May 11: vs. Boston Militia June 8: vs. Detroit Dark Angels For more info, visit pittsburghpassion.com

“I thought it was so badass,” she says. She bought her skates from a local Goodwill and taught herself how to skate in the four months before try-outs. Now in her second season with the team, Chelly glides around the track with her girlfriend hoisting signs in the audience and cheering her on.

OTHER WOMEN’S SPORTS TEAMS: Pittsburgh Force–women’s football pittsburghforce.net Westmoreland Roller Derby westcoderby.com Pittsburgh Puffins women’s hockey pghpuffins.com Steel City Sirens women’s hockey steelcitysirens.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

While a vaccine is on the horizon

HIV infection rates continue upward By Dr. Ken Ho Each year, about 50,000 new HIV infections occur in the United States, a statistic that has not changed since 2006. Despite efforts to promote safer sex education and expand access to condoms, the number of new infections in gay men is increasing, especially in young, black gay men. To this end, research has focused on new ways to reduce the number of new HIV infections. At this year’s “Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections” (CROI) HIV researchers, HIV clinicians, community representatives, and activists at the Georgia World Congress Center met to hear about the latest findings in HIV research. .

HOPE FOR A CURE There has been a great deal of media attention focused on the case of an infant from Mississippi who was “cured” of HIV. The mother arrived to the hospital in labor, and was diagnosed with HIV. Testing on the infant found evidence of HIV infection and medication was started within thirty hours of birth. The infant responded well, but the medication was later stopped at the request 3 8

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of the mother. In people who have HIV, the virus usually rebounds in the blood soon after HIV medications are stopped. However, in this case, doctors could not find evidence of HIV in this infant’s blood after several months. Further testing by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Mississippi concluded that no evidence of HIV infection could be found. Does this mean there is a cure? This case gives us hope that there may be one in the near future. But it remains to be seen whether these results can be repeated. Keep in mind that adults are very different from infants in that they have more developed immune systems. Infants do not have well developed immune systems (meaning fewer hiding places for the HIV virus) which may explain why this particular infant was able to be “cured” by early treatment with HIV medication. Even when people are treated with powerful HIV medication that suppresses the virus to the point where it is undetectable in the bloodstream, the virus is still able to hide out in certain cells. This is why the virus comes back after medication is stopped (and also why it is so important to take medication everyday if you have HIV). There is ongoing research to try to figure out all the different locations in the body where

the virus may hide, and how to remove HIV from these places.

TREATMENT = PREVENTION, BUT YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE MEDICINE! A 2011 study called HPTN-052 looked at heterosexual couples where one person was HIV positive and the other was HIV negative. It showed that treating the HIV positive partner with HIV medication could reduce HIV transmission by 95%. This study proved that HIV treatment is a very effective form of HIV prevention. Similarly, there has been interest in treating HIV negative people to prevent HIV, also called pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP. The iPrEX study (the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Initiative Study) followed gay men and transgender women who received either daily Truvada (a medication used to treat HIV) or a sugar pill. The results showed that Truvada reduced the rate of HIV by 44%. One of the challenges of the study was that not everyone took the medication. In people who actually had measurable levels of medication in their blood (meaning that they took some of their medication), Truvada reduced HIV risk by over 90% These results influenced the Food

and Drug Administration’s landmark decision to approve Truvada for the prevention of HIV in July 2012. Adhering to proper medication instructions continues to be a critical but elusive piece to the HIV prevention puzzle. Medications only work if people use them! The results of the recently completed VOICE study (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic) showed that neither daily Truvada nor a daily anti-HIV lubricant used vaginally, called tenofovir gel, were effective in reducing HIV infections in over 5,000 African women. Both of these products reduced HIV infections in prior studies. Further analysis revealed that less than half of the women were using the prevention products given to them. The findings suggest that we need to learn more about why people do not take their medication so that we can develop interventions that people at risk will use consistently. For example, there are studies looking at long acting injectable medications which may be effective for several weeks to months. The University of Pittsburgh is actively involved in HIV prevention research, and is recruiting and enrolling study participants for several studies. HPTN-069 is a study looking at Truvada and another medication (called Maraviroc) as pre-exposure prophylaxis in HIV negative gay men and transgender women. This study is actively enrolling and looking for volunteers. MTN-017 is a study opening soon that will assess the safety and acceptability of rectal tenofovir gel (a lubricant containing the HIV medication tenofovir) in sexually active HIV negative men. HIV research will give us information on how we can keep our community safe and healthy. Dr. Ken Ho is an Instructor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at UPMC. He is the medical director of the Pitt Men’s Study, a site principal investigator for an HIV prevention trial called HPTN-069, and is also a safety physician for the NIH funded Microbicide Trials Network. Dr. Ho’s current interests lie in HIV prevention with a focus on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis For more information about the research at the University of Pittsburgh and to find out whether you may qualify to be a part of an HIV prevention study, please call (412) 383-1313 or join our research registry at www.hivregis. pitt.edu. For information on studies for HIV-infected persons, please call 412-647-0322.

I CAN’T YOGA Shut up. Yes you can.

by Ignacio Filippini

Yoga as medicine

In Sankskrit, the language of ancient India, yoga means union -- Union of the Mind, Body and Spirit. What we traditionally think of as “yoga” in the West is really more accurately called “asana” or posture. Asana is only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga, the majority of which are concerned with mental and spiritual well-being. Asana refers to the practice of physical postures to achieve balance in the body by developing strength and flexibility. If you’ve ever said: “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga”, you’re missing the point! If that’s the case for you, that’s the very reason to do yoga! If you already spoke French fluently, you wouldn’t need to go to French class, right?

There are many benefits to a regular yoga practice. Improved posture, pain relief, and stress management are among the most relevant to our Western lifestyle. In the last 15 years or so, yoga has transitioned from an esoteric concept only understood by a small group of enlightened individuals, to a much more widely accepted and accessible form of health care practiced by everyone. In fact, medical and clinical doctors have begun to prescribe it as complimentary therapy for those afflicted with chronic disease, from fibromyalgia to depression to cancer. Doctors may not necessarily know why it helps, but the evidence is clear. Yoga makes people healthy and happy.

“I’ll never be able to look like that!” You don’t have to look like anything or anyone else doing yoga. That’s one of the great things about yoga -- it looks differently on everybody. Your practice is constantly evolving and changing so it never gets boring. The postures themselves don’t change, but with consistent practice, your relationship to the postures will. Your body becomes more flexible, stronger, and your mind more calm. Another benefit of sustained yoga practice is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is doing the best they can with the body they brought to the yoga room that day.

So, no matter who you are, get your butt to a yoga studio today and start the journey towards a better you! See you in the yoga room! And with this, I’d like to say a heartfelt “see you later” to the readers and the staff of Equal Magazine. I’m focusing on the opening my brand new Bikram Yoga studio in Mt. Lebanon this June. For more info, visit http://bymtlebo.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter for the latest updates on construction and pre-opening promotions.

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FEATURE

WONDER

WOMEN

Six powerful women effecting real change By Roy J Gloeckl II

The debate surrounding women in the workplace -why so few at the top, why is it so hard to “have it all” -- hit a new decibel level recently when the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandburg, released her book called “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.” In the book, Sandburg writes that more women need to be in 40

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leadership, and she places the responsibility to get to the top almost entirely on women themselves. In Pittsburgh, we have a host of women who are at the top and leaders in their fields. Here are five who we think are confident, ambitious, and truly making a difference.

Name: Jodi Passerrello Occupation: Owner/Operator of Wall2Wall Contracting Services which she runs with her designer and partner, Hallie Dumont Inspiration: People who work hard and strive for perfection and help push me to be the best at what I do. Girl Power at Work: “My company specializes in interior finishes, as well as kitchen and bath remodeling. I very frequently employ women because I find them to be far more meticulous in their handling of the work.” While the contracting business is male dominated, Jodi’s found that when her female clients work with female employees, they are “far more comfortable and tend to become more involved in the process. Being open about my relationship also allows me to set a great example for the LGBT community. I’ve always been comfortable with who I am and I don’t let anything hold me back in work or in life.” Advice: “Don’t be afraid!” Guilty Pleasure: Ice cream and “anything on wheels!” Celebrity Crush: Halle Berry Motto: “Work hard and play harder.” In the market for some remodeling? Check out Wall2Wall Contracting Services on Facebook!

Name: Marisa Bartley Occupation: President of the Urban League Young Professionals (ULYP) of Greater Pittsburgh and Business Development Officer, AVP at Citizens Bank Inspiration: Her mother who she says taught her “the invaluable lesson of being self-sufficient and owning [her] leadership at a young age.” Girl Power at Work: “My passion is to inspire young people to make changes in their lives and to become successful professionals as part of the ULYP. I’m proud to represent the African American community and one of my goals is to bridge the gap between my community and the LGBT community. Get involved with the Urban League Young Professionals during its National Day of Service week of community service projects April 22-27. Advice: “Choose a mentor wisely. Choose someone at least two levels above you. Create a diverse portfolio of people to advise you. Being open is also critical. Understand who you can provide with an opportunity to help out and give to, and you will get so much more back than you imagined.” Guilty Pleasure: ABC’s Scandal Motto: “Be the change.” Get more info at ulyppgh.org.

Name: Betty Hill Occupation: Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s Persad Center Inspiration: Eleanor Roosevelt and her mother, a woman who “moved quietly about the world, doing good things for others.” Girl Power at Work: “As director of Persad Center, I love how I can care for my brothers and sisters by bringing attention and responding to the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV positive community here in Pittsburgh.” This April, Persad hosts the SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders) Tea Dance, and the Art for Change fundraiser on May 13. Advice: “Pay attention to your integrity above all else.” Guilty Pleasure: Ice Cream. All flavors of ice cream. Motto: “Do the next right thing.” For more info visit persadcenter.org.

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Name: Tracy Brigden Occupation: Artistic Director at the City Theatre Company Inspiration: Her mother, Madeline Tracy Brigden, Fiction Editor of Mademoiselle from the early to mid60s. Girl Power at Work: “The worst obstacles for women in the theatre are that they typically only get to direct shows that are by/about women. For me, it is not about gender; it is about talent so I utilize a very broad placement of women at the City Theatre and choose my shows based on quality of story.” This May, check out Abigail/1702 by Roberto AguirreSacasa (writer for GLEE and Marvel Comics) dealing with the infamous Abigail Williams and the events that follow Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Advice: “Take chances. Go for it. And don’t settle as someone’s assistant.” Guilty Pleasure: The “biggest, meatiest” red wine she can find. Motto: “Down with Fox News!” For more info visit citytheatrecompany.org. 42

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Name: Vanessa German Occupation: Artist Inspiration: “[I’m] inspired by being alive…by anything that sparks my imagination; beauty, a range of curiosities, joy and my soul. My soul inspires me…and I trust my soul.” Girl Power at Work: Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1980s, Vanessa remembers a grim time: people getting sick and dying of what eventually became known as AIDS, young people falling victim to gang violence, guns in everyone’s hands. “I remember having to reckon what I wanted my life to be about because I recognized as a child that life was precious, special, and awesome (even if also hard, scary and challenging)…still awesome.” Vanessa strives to work in and through a place of Liberty, Love, Freedom and Truth. She works hard to be her “fullest, best and most courageous self” but is forgiving on the days when she feels she falls short. On those days when she feels defeated, Vanessa defiantly gathers her strength and throws herself at the next challenge and she does it “OutLoud.” “For me, this is the business of refusing to be lazy with the grace of my humanity – and this is a good thing for our human community as a whole.” Advice: “Do the thing. Even if all you’ve got is the energy to do a little bit at a time…Do.” Guilty Pleasure: BBQ pork ribs, ordering dessert first, sad songs, antiques road show, doing nothing to do everything, sweet girl crushes and “sub-par grammar for visual and POlitical effekt.” Motto: “Inspiration without action equals regret.” Upcoming performances: April 14 at the North Hills Unitarian Church, April 30 at the Children’s Museum’s Americans for the Arts Conference opening party and May 19 at the American Visionary Arts Museum.

Name: Janelle Burdell Occupation: Professional Freelance Drummer whose credits include Broadway and National Tours of Little Shop of Horrors, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast,The Shirelles, Mickey Hart and Planet Drum. Inspiration: Musician June Millington, co-founder of the Institute for Musical Arts, a multipurpose facility which features a music camp that empowers young ladies by allowing them, as Janelle put it, “to rock out !” Girl Power at Work: “Girls are taught to be quiet and reserved” and the best way to break them of this timidity is to allow them to just “hit something.” In this case, Janelle means a drum. Her non-profit project, Rhythm Games, is dedicated to empowering young women (and men) from all walks of life by using drumming as a tool for entertainment and healing, as well as personal and social change. “Believing in someone is half the battle and I believe in the young people.” Men, women, at-risk youth, even those with depression and autism feel the benefits of Janelle’s unique brand of music therapy. Not to mention, it is just fun to beat on a drum sometimes! Advice: “Do what you love, do it well, do it over & over again, and don’t pay any attention if boys tell you you can’t do something-show them how it’s done.” (Not so) Guilty Pleasure: Her udu drum. Check out some of her meditative, healing work atudugirl.com! Motto: “Passion is going to change the world and the artists have the passion.” Follow Janelle on Twitter, Facebook and janelleburdell.com.

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ALLY

ON THE WINGS OF AN

EAGLE By Alicia Sophia Photo by John Altdorfer “The women’s suffrage movement was successful because women and men who supported fairness stood shoulder-to-shoulder. The fight against Jewish defamation was successful because people of all faiths took stands against discrimination. The AfricanAmerican civil rights struggle was supported by people of all races and ethnicities.” This is the mission statement that Ella Kuperminc wrote for the Alcoa EAGLE (Employees at Alcoa for Gay, Lesbian Equality) group. And twenty-two years later, Ella and her son David continue to believe that true equality for all is on the horizon. “I brought my son to this country when he was 3 years old. It was a life-saving decision. We came as political refugees escaping antiSemitism, injustice and inequality. We came 44

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in search of freedom. Our search is not over.” Their search is not over, she said, until her son David can marry freely in this country. When her son came out to her, she was relieved that he no longer felt that he had to hide himself from her and the rest of the world. And he’s the reason she has become such a fierce advocate for equality. At Alcoa, EAGLE works to foster an engaged network of LGBT and straight employees – aptly named EAGLE Allies – who collaborate and advocate regularly in support of workplace equality within Alcoa and throughout the broader community. To date, EAGLE has 120+ active members, representing 17 states and nine countries, with 80 percent of members being nonLGBT employees. Ella, who is in charge of corporate communications, was the first straight ally to join EAGLE.

But being an ally and fighting for gay rights is obviously not just a civil rights issue, it’s also a family issue. “When a company is selling a product, the public doesn’t want to hear that is a great product from the company itself. But if you hear by word of mouth about a product, whether it’s from a neighbor or a friend, it builds instant credibility. In this instance, the product we’re selling is gay rights, and I am the neighbor that will spread the good word about gay rights and I am the neighbor giving the movement a leg up.” Ella said that she will continue to fight until her son has the same rights that every American does, because as a parent, it’s her job. Thank you Ella, for your tireless efforts. Without you and the support of our straight allies, we will never be able to win this fight!

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FACTS ABOUT ALCOA EAGLE The Pittsburgh EAGLE group was established in 2007. There are currently active EAGLE groups in 17 states and 9 countries. 80% of EAGLE members are straight allies. Alcoa has scored 100% on the HRC Corporate Equality Index for 3 years in a row.

They have been a two time finalist for the Out & Equal “Outie” award.

EAGLE has advocated in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which would provide federal protections against workplace discrimination. Company CEO Klaus Kleinfeld signed an open letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo in support of marriage equality within the state of New York.

CMY

Alcoa has been a major sponsor of Pittsburgh Pride for the past three years. Be sure to look for them at the Pride March and at PrideFest!

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HOT GUY READS A BOOK

JOHNNY VALIANT

on Knockemstiff by Donald Pollock Photo by Mara Rago At the intersection of Highways 156 and 159 in Ohio lies the real-life town of Knockemstiff. This “town” is nothing more than a few trailers, a handful of people, and a welcome sign. Now, turn this town over to Donald Pollock, and he paints a picture of a town inhabited by the worst of the worst, the kind of people that could make anyone lose faith in humanity. “Knockemstiff takes place over 30 years ago, and is a collection of short stories all revolving around the town. The characters are raw, disgusting, sad, and hilarious all at the same time, and often you don’t know whether you are laughing or crying at their fates. Pollock proudly parades his fictional reprobates for everyone to see. Whether the story is about two men in a forbidden relationship at a fisherman’s camp, or a father reliving his glory days as a wrestler while pumping up his son full steroids, it’s a hard book to keep reading. But as soon as you put it down, you want to pick it back up again and give it another go. I’ve read it three times and it doesn’t get any easier to digest, but it’s worth every cringe. “

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Get tested. Be safe. Be healthy. LOVE LIFE. If you are HIV+ with an undetectable viral load, you are less likely to transmit HIV to your partner. HIV care reduces viral load and saves lives. Let us help you get the care you need. Call 412-345-7456 for more information

information 47 lMa gaservices. z ine.org Contact us at 412-345-7456 or visit www.patf.org for 20 minute rapid testing hours and on Equa our client

PITTSBURGH, GET READY FOR...

With special guest hostess Lady Bunny!

Sunday, April 28, 2013 • 6 PM

Pittsburgh Opera • 2425 Liberty Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15222

We’ve got food, booze, a DJ, entertainment and CA$H! Tickets are $20 in advance; $30 at the door. Order online at www.pittsburghpride.org/tickets All proceeds will benefit and