Out In Maine Pride 2013

F ready for pride? get your outfits in order

p 30

F gay day getaway 24 hours in ogunquit p 20 leslie jordan comes to the coast

p 24

F call your lawmakers fight discrimination p 16 support hiv/aids work p 8 maine’s gbltq community & you | summer 2013

no longer ‘the only one’

Melissa Etheridge reflects on decades of proud activism _by Anthony Giampetruzzi | p 12

A WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION IN COOPERATION WITH SOUTHERN MAINE PRIDE THURSDAY, JUNE 13 | EQUALITY MAINE SPIRIT OF PRIDE SUMMER PARTY | OCEAN GATEWAY, PORTLAND | 6PM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 | LIFE OGUNQUIT | MAINESTREET | 8PM Featuring DJ AGA | Hosted by “Mama” Savannah Georgia Come dressed as a superhero and enter our Sexy Superhero Costume Contest! Cash Prizes!

Entertainment includes live stage shows on Mainestreet’s new stage featuring LIFE Dancers, Mizz Diveena, Betweenya Thighs, and MissE and the Red Hot and Ladylike Dancers $10 Suggested Donation SATURDAY, JUNE 15 | SOUTHERN MAINE PRIDE PARADE | CONGRESS STREET, PORTLAND | NOON SATURDAY, JUNE 15 | SOUTHERN MAINE PRIDE FESTIVAL | DEERING OAKS PARK, PORTLAND | 1PM–5PM

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 | LIFE PORTLAND | STATE THEATRE | 8PM Featuring DJ AGA | Hosted by Patrick Grey Entertainment includes live stage shows featuring LIFE Dancers, Mizz Diveena, Betweenya Thighs, and MissE and the Red Hot and Ladylike Dancers Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Purchase tickets online or at the Southern Maine Pride Festival.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Maine LIFE Events

Rainbow Business & Professional Association

PRESENTED BY:

WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

LIFE is a weekend of nightlife events, in cooperation with Southern Maine Pride and the Rainbow Business & Professional Association to benefit the Maine HIV community. LIFE raises awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS while celebrating with our friends. Join us for our 5th annual series of nightlife events featuring nationally renowned DJs and entertainment which coincide with the Southern Maine Pride parade and festival.

Special thanks to MissE of Red Hot and Ladylike dance studio for choreography and support.

Bu y T ic kets

Proceeds from Maine LIFE Events benefit HIV/AIDS research and support in Maine.

MAINELIFEEVENTS.org

out in maine | SummeR 2013 3

Out in Maine is published by Phoenix media/communications group

StePhen m. minDich Publisher + chairman

eveRett finKeLStein chief oPerating officer

PoRtLanD general manager john maRShaLL managing editor jeff ingLiS editorial design manager janet Smith tayLoR

SummeR 2013 | voL iii, no 2

contributors chRiStoPheR DaLPe, DeiRDRe fuLton, anthony giamPetRuzzi, nathan towne account executives nicoLe eLweLL, eRin eLizabeth, emma hoLLanDeR, eRic Kenney integrated media sales coordinator aDam oPPenheimeR circulations director jim DoRgan

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04 maine’S aging Lgbt PoPuLation

20 an oveRnight in ogunquit

08 Ryan white PRogRam uPDate

24 inteRview: LeSLie joRDan

12 meLiSSa etheRiDge

26 teLLy neLLy

16 fighting DiScRimination

30 beeR anD boneS

_BY deirdre fulton

_BY deirdre fulton

the Phoenix media/communications grouP

chairman StePhen m. minDich chief oPerating officer eveRett finKeLStein

_BY anthonY giampetruzzi

_BY anthonY giampetruzzi

_BY nathan towne

_BY nathan towne

THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPERS | PHOENIX mEdIA vENTuRES | mASS WEB PRINTING

_BY jeff inglis

_BY christopher dalpe

4 out in maine | SummeR 2013

When I’m sIxty-four RepoRt highlights challenges of glBt aging _By De i r Dr e F ulto n Maine is the oldest state in the nation, and it is also one of the most popular for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. According to 2010 US Census data, we have the largest population of baby boomers (30 percent) and the oldest median age (43) in the country. In addition, our state had almost 10 same-sex couples per 1000 households, ranking it sixth among all 50 states (it’s worth noting that this Census data was collected before same-sex marriage was legal in Maine, so the current numbers may be even higher).

It was all these facts, combined with a couple of troubling anecdotes, that led AARP Maine (aarp.org) to convene a group of elder service and advocacy organizations as well as educational and medical institutions to study and identify GLBT aging issues in the state. The resulting report, while by no means comprehensive —“outreach proved far more difficult than anyone imagined,” says John Hennessey, AARP Maine advocacy director — does shed light on several issues that require further investigation or action.

F

F Approximately half of survey respondents have legal documents that could protect them and their partners (such as a living will or designation of health-care and financial power of attorney).

More than a quarter have no legal documentation, and more than half have no appointed legal representation.

F Well over half of survey respondents (296 of 468) said they had concerns if they or a partner needed to reside in a long-term care facility.

When faced with the prospect of long-term care, Continued on p 6

ph otos fRom the aaRp RepoRt

F Of 468 survey respondents (of whom 43 percent identified as gay, 45 percent as lesbian, almost 6 percent as bisexual, 4 percent as queer, and just under 2 percent as heterosexual), about 64 percent reported having access to GLBT-sensitive healthcare providers in their area, while almost 30 said they were not sure. Of the 8 percent who said they did not have access to such providers, 71 percent reported having to commute more than 30 miles to reach one, indicating that access correlates with convenience and proximity.

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F Respondents seemed to feel more isolated than they are in practice. While the majority reported being socially active and connected, 23 percent also reported feeling isolated. Focus-group participants (of which there were 36, mostly lesbians) did state that while they don’t currently feel isolated in their communities, they would if they were forced to live in a non-inclusive long-term care facility.

Continued from p 4

respondents’ worries included: honoring of wills, visitation restrictions, and whether or not benefits (such as Social Security or pensions) would be received.

F A stunning 65.7 percent reported experiencing verbal harassment by a stranger, and 87 percent attributed it to homophobia. (About 10 percent of incidents were reported to the police.)

F Twenty percent reported having been physically assaulted by a stranger; 61 percent believe their attack was motivated by homophobia and six people attributed the assault to transphobia. One respondent offered this written comment: “I think all trans people need to take a self defense classes [sic] and be allowed to carry arms as the government would rather let it all go unnoticed.”

F Just over half of survey respondents would be more likely to use public assistance or social services if the agency identified itself as GLBT-friendly, while the majority (almost 86 percent) would likely choose a service provider who was trained in GLBT issues.

F About 40 percent of respondents indicated they had felt depressed for several days, which the survey authors note is “consistent with high rates of depression in the general Maine older population and could be attributed to a host of factors . . . as well as the stress of being a sexual or gender identity minority.”

the majority (86 percent) of those surveyed would likely choose a service provider who was trained in GlBt issues.

With the results of this assessment in hand, the same group of stakeholders planned to meet in early June to discuss next steps, including the need to survey health-care and social-service providers about the same issues.

Meanwhile, local agencies are taking steps to be more inclusive. The Southern Maine Agency on Aging (smaaa.org), for example, has plastered a rainbow decal on all of its doorways and recently republished its flyers and brochures replacing the word “spouse” with “partner.” In 2012, the agency hosted two cultural sensitivity trainings for directcare staff as well as management, which was “eye-opening for all of us,” says Katlyn Blackstone, director of community services. In addition, the organization recently added an “Other” box next to “Male” and “Female” on their forms.

“What we don’t have control over is what happens in facilities,” Blackstone says.

That’s where the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program comes in (maineombudsman.org). This agency, which investigates and advocates around quality-of-care and -life issues within home-care, nursing-home, and assistedliving situations, is also aware of GLBT elders’ needs. Armed with the results of the study, the Ombudsman agency also plans to establish trainings for long-term care staff.

One of the most positive outcomes of the project is the establishment of a SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders; sageusa.org) chapter in Maine; this is only the second affiliate in New England (the other is in Providence, Rhode Island). Founded in 1978 in New York City, SAGE is the oldest and largest organization in the country dedicated to its particular mission of reducing isolation, improving financial security, and supporting the quality of life for GLBT elders. It currently has offices in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago, as well as affiliates in 16 states — including, now, Maine. ^

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ReauthoRizing Ryan White The baTTle againsT hiV and aids is far from oVer _b y d e i r d r e F ul ton

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which is the third-largest source of federal financing for HIV care in the United States (after Medicare and Medicaid) and funds crucial HIVrelated services in Maine, is up for reauthorization in September.

White, a hemophiliac, died of AIDS at age 18, a few months before the first Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act was enacted in 1990. Named for him, the bill created a program, administered by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, that has over the years supported state and local efforts to provide services and case management to un- and underinsured individuals with HIV, while also attempting to expand access to related services within underserved communities.

In Maine, where there are about 1616 diagnosed cases of HIV, about $2 million in Ryan White funding per year helps pay for medications, home health care, mental health services, HIV testing, and outpatient substance-abuse therapy. According to the state’s HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Program, more than 800 people living with HIV/AIDS in Maine used medical case management or drug assistance through Ryan White grantees in 2011.

Reauthorization offers health-care providers, advocates, and patients the chance to retool this important program to fit ever-shifting public-health needs.

Since the program’s last reauthorization in 2009, however, there have been several significant changes to the national healthcare landscape: passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), release of the first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States, and scientific advances related to antiretroviral treatment. All of these developments will have an effect on how Ryan White programs are implemented at the state and community level.

A recent report issued by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit research institution that studies major health issues, identifies key questions and considerations facing policymakers as they weigh the Ryan White program’s future.

F

Given that the aCa will Greatly expand insuranCe CoveraGe and healthCare aCCess, to what extent will the ryan white proGram be neCessary post-2014?

With more than one million HIV-infected people in the United States (only one-third of whom regu-

ryan white The young aids activist died of the disease in 1990.

the affordable care act will affect hiv care at the state and local levels.

larly visit a provider), it would be hasty to assume that the ACA will obviate the need for Ryan White.

As the Kaiser report points out, most Ryan White clients today (70 percent) have public or private insurance. In Maine, just 10 percent of those within the HIV/AIDS care system are uninsured.

“This suggests that insurance coverage, on its own, is often insufficient to protect against the high cost of HIV care or to provide the range of services needed to keep people with HIV engaged in care and on treatment,” the Kaiser report reads.

“Given that the ACA will not supplant critical Ryan White services . . . the program is expected to continue to be a critical part of the HIV care system in the US going forward.” In fact, the report continues, “Given Ryan White’s unique role in the HIV response, the program is likely to act as a fulcrum of efforts to help turn the vision of an AIDS-free generation into a reality in this country.”

Meanwhile, Ryan White programs will continue Continued on p 8

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Continued from p 8

to be the only source of medical care for non-citizen legal residents as well as undocumented residents (Ryan White has always served these populations, given the compelling public health need to reduce further HIV transmissions). how will the ryan white proGram adapt to reCent researCh advanCes? Studies have recently shown that early initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) reduces the risk of HIV transmission from an HIV-positive to an HIVnegative partner by 96 percent. Early and uninterrupted ART also demonstrably delays progression of HIV disease and reduces co-occurring diseases (and death). Therefore, new federal treatment guidelines recommend antiretroviral prescription and initiation immediately after HIV diagnosis.

These exciting developments become especially relevant when viewed in the context of the HIV “treatment cascade,” a framework that highlights severe drop-offs along the HIV care continuum.

Consider this: Of those living with HIV in the United States (1,148,200), 82 percent have been diagnosed, 66 percent have been linked to care, and only 37 percent are retained in care. As a result of these “cliffs,” only 33 percent of people with HIV in the United States are on ART and a mere 25 percent are fully virally suppressed. (Maine is in the process of creating its own “treatment cascade.”)

It is critical, then, for Ryan White programs to find niche ways to support clients at every stage of this continuum, from diagnosis to treatment.

While the mainstream health-care system provides core medical services, Ryan White programs could begin to focus on “wrap-around” services that help keep people engaged in treatment.

The Kaiser report also suggests that perhaps “as the ACA more tightly integrates care and as Ryan White adapts to supplement gaps in coverage, policymakers could focus more Ryan White resources and attention on the small share of the HIV population that has disproportionate needs” such as

people with mental illness or addiction problems, or young, male, racial and ethnic minorities who continue to be at risk for HIV infection and are the only group for whom new infections are increasing. what is the best way to Capitalize on the proGress ryan white has already made?

As policymakers seek to better integrate mainstream and HIV-specific health-care services, Ryan White providers are in the position to help educate state insurance commissioners as well as public and private insurers about effective case management and optimal HIV prevention practices.

Speaking of Medicaid, however Governor Paul LePage and the state legislature decide to address Medicaid expansion could also affect Ryan White program administration here in Maine. As the Kaiser report explains, “In states that do not expand Medicaid, Ryan White will need to fill a bigger relative gap . . . This could lead to further disparities in access across the country for people with HIV.” ^

Doing their homework DiScuSSing HiV/aiDS in PoRtlanD as policymakers consider HiV/aiDS programming on the national level, one

local activist is working to increase public awareness locally. Brody Wood, a f Portland-based writer and teacher, recently launched an HiV/aiDS Study group as

brody wood

a space for people to learn about and discuss relevant issues. We spoke with Wood about this emergent project; join the conversation on the first and third thursdays of each month at Possible Studio, 155 Brackett St, Portland; find out times and more information by emailing brodyxwood@gmail.com.

about my own chronic pain from a transgender-related disability, and since i was reading a lot of other queer authors’ writing about pain and trauma, i was reading a lot about HiV/aiDS. i am HiV-negative, and really the only way i experience HiV/ aiDS is in books i read, art i look at, activism i share affinities with, and conversations that are a part of my community, namely as a queer person in Portland. So while i was in the desert and planning to be back in maine soon, a place where i see this dialogue already open, i identified that there are other people here who are just as eager as i am to teach, learn, and read books together. i know what language i use to talk about queer things, non-binary trans things, and disability things, because those are some of my experiences, but i don’t know how to talk about HiV/ aiDS, as an ally, and it’s important to me to be accountable to that, and share space with people who feel similarly. one oF the stated Goals (From your Flyer) is to learn about and disCuss “myths and FaCts” related to hiv/aids. what do you Consider to be some oF those misConCeptions? When i say “myths and facts” of HiV/aiDS, i sup-

pose what i am talking about are the ways stigma and lack of accessibility to knowledge and resources of HiV/aiDS have permeated universal discourse and productivity of justice. So i’m considering what it would look like to learn about and increase visibility of hard truths and history, which include details of struggle, legwork of activism, why it took so long for the FDa to regulate drugs, why HiV-positive people are dying differently now, and the ways that some lives and bodies are ignored or invalidated. what sort oF CurriCulum will the Group Follow? So far, the curriculum is

set until the end of July, with lessons that include basic history timelines, biology of the disease, prevention, and aiDS art activism. other lessons that some of us are excited about seeing as part of the curriculum include nutrition, medicine, disclosure politics, criminalization and competent health care. with reGard to aCtivism, do you see spaCe/need here in portland and/ or maine and/or new enGland For a Group FoCused on direCt aCtion (à la aCt up)? i think there is need for direct action in any region, because any

da Vid meiklejohn

what was the initial Catalyst For you to Create this Group? why did you think it was neCessary? i was in arizona this winter working on a writing project

region is part of the world that nurtures the misconceptions and lack of accessibility to resources that would need direct action against them to actually change. i think it’s fair to say though that direct action can mean anything. like, reading in a room together feels like direct action to me when there is intentionality, and i think that if i take that activism to other levels, it will be more effective if i’ve prepared and actually know what i’m talking about and trying to accomplish. or, there are nurses in Portland who focus on providing competent HiV/aiDS health care, and i think that is really radical and a form of direct action. in Portland specifically, direct action, however i imagine it, seems possible and necessary because there is enough discourse around radical activism, there are a lot of people open to those conversations, but there are also a lot of people who aren’t. how would you summarize your lonG-term Goals For this study Group projeCt? i’m not sure what our long-term goals are. i think our top priorities are

creating and maintaining an anti-oppressive safer space for teaching and learning, as well as accessibility, one reason why it felt important initially to work toward creating a group that is conducive to folks having different schedules, not necessarily reviewing what we’d studied the week before, etc. Both of those priorities feel like long-term goals, though, because they won’t stop being priorities for me. last week, the group began working on a giant HiV/aiDS timeline, that will thrive and become a resource, and i look forward to more ways to build archives of the resources we’ll use. i would like to really figure out what it takes to keep these conversations open and on public landscapes. _df

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No loNger ‘the oNly oNe’ Melissa etheridge reMains a gay-rights icon, but has way More coMpany than when she caMe out in 1993 _by An th o n y G i Am p et r u zzi

F

SoFter AnD GentLer but Melissa etheridge is still a powerful voice.

This year, Pride season in Maine will be capped on June 22 with a major tip to the ladies . . . and anyone who enjoys good old rock from one of the most enduring solo acts of the past 20 years.

Melissa Etheridge, almost as equally known for her lyrically confessional, raspy folk rock style as she is for her headline-capturing activist (she came out publicly in 1993) and private (her children with one-time girlfriend, Julie Cypher, were conceived with the sperm of David Crosby) life, will play the State Theatre and Maine for the first time in several years. (Two days earlier, on June 20, she’ll play the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in seacoast New Hampshire.)

Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Etheridge, it is said, picked up the guitar at the age of eight and went on to play in local bands in her teens. After finishing high school, she enrolled briefly at Boston’s Berklee College of Music but left after only one year to make her way as a performer in Los Angeles. Her bluesy vocal style riveting stage presence began earning Etheridge a strong following. Legend has it that in a chance encounter at a small club in Long Beach with music industry legend and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell she was signed on the spot.

Her audiences swelled with the release of her first, self-titled album (1988) triggering a tidal wave of fan support that broke with her fourth album, Yes I Am (1993), the massive hits “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window,” and the accompanying coming out, the same year, during an inaugural balls for President Bill Clinton.

By the late 1990s, Etheridge had released two more albums and had become the darling of the gay-rights movement. Out and proud, Etheridge (in the very good company of Ellen DeGeneres) was a rarity of her generation in that her sexuality only fueled her career.

Her personal life was, at times, the stuff of drama; a couple high-profile relationships (with Julie Cypher and Tammy Lynn Michaels, from each of whom two children were born) were fodder for the press as their ebbs and flows often mirrored the travails of gay and lesbian couples everywhere. Adoption, commitment ceremonies, marriage — you name it.

The 2000s were the runway to a more tranquil life for Etheridge. After the dissolution of both relationships, surviving breast cancer, bagging a Best Original Song Oscar for ”I Need to Wake Up“ from Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and a successful run on Broadway, Etheridge has settled into the 2010s with a new partner and best friend, a new lease on life because of her strict adherence to a wellness regimen,

Continued on p 14

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and a softer, gentler side to her music as evidenced in her most recent album, 4th Street Feeling.

Out In Maine talked with her about her upcoming trip to Maine, family, inspiration, and a quarter-century as a performer. i beLieve there iS A mAybe-not-So-rAnDom StAtiStiC thAt there Are AS mAny AS two women to every mAn in portLAnD. i’m not Sure how thAt trAnSLAteS to the GAy Set, but the LAw oF AverAGeS SuGGeStS thAt you probAbLy hAve A LArGer thAn normAL FAn bASe here AS weLL. perhApS thAt’S why you Come here oFten? I just love playing Portland! It’s such a beautiful town, and, yes, the audiences have been there for me from my very first album. I think Portland also has some awesome restaurants.

So, FAnS ShouLD keep An eye out For you? Of course. I want to check out the scene! you’D probAbLy been to portLAnD mAny timeS beFore the FirSt time i SAw you pLAy Live — whiCh wAS At the miLLennium mArCh in wAShinGton DC, in the Summer oF 2000. i GAther thAt it’S not A CoinCiDenCe thAt your AppeArAnCe in portLAnD hAppenS to CoinCiDe with priDe SeASon in mAine. AnD, AS you know, juSt A Few monthS AGo mAine beCAme the FirSt StAte in the Country to ALLow GAy mArriAGe by popuLAr vote. hAvinG been An ACtiviSt even LonG beFore thAt with onLy FitS AnD StArtS oF proGreSS throuGhout the ’80S AnD ’90S, iS it hArD For you to imAGine thAt we Seem to be rApiDLy tiCkinG oFF one StAte AFter Another when it ComeS to GAy mArriAGe? Isn’t it funny how it just blew up like that? I think that we finally realized that we didn’t want to compromise our rights or the rights of our families. The place that we’ve gotten to is a really great place. thinkinG bACk to 2000, At the time it hAD been three yeArS SinCe the DeAth oF mAtthew ShepArD ForCeD uS to tAke A reALLy CLoSe Look At hAte CrimeS; vermont hAD juSt pASSeD CiviL unionS; AnD StAteS ACroSS the Country were piCkinG up SteAm in their eFFortS to pASS bASiC CiviL-riGhtS proteCtionS For the LGbt Community. For A whiLe, your ACtiviSm SeemeD to eCLipSe your muSiC when, AmonG other thinGS, you beCAme the poSter ChiLD For the humAn riGhtS CAmpAiGn, one oF A hAnDFuL oF nAtionAL GroupS thAt were CominG into their own when it ComeS to LGbt riGhtS. iS it bitterSweet knowinG thAt you no LonGer Do — nor neeD to — hoLD thAt mAntLe? No, no, no. I am so happy. I loved being part of this history. For me, though, the very fact that I was out made me an activist!

But you’re right, it has sort of died down, and it’s certainly not what it used to be. I’m no longer introduced as “the lesbian, Melissa Etheridge.”

Um, I think we all know now! I hope we all become our own color in the crayon box. Being gay doesn’t define us; it’s a part of our diversity, and what makes us different. It will be nice to experience how this all levels out over the next few years. But, yes, whenever an LGBT person comes up to me and says thank you — it means so much to me.

keep An eye out Melissa etheridge will be checking out portland after her June 22 show.

that I’m writing and performing. I’m having a blast.

4th Street FeeLinG SeemS to FinD you in A DiFFerent pLACe, LiterALLy. whereAS you put A Lot oF who you were AnD whAt you were FeeLinG into your Former ALbumS, thiS one SeemS to be muCh more About A SenSe oF pLACe. more CALm . . . You know, I’m over 50 now and my world experience is different than it was before.

You practice and you experience and you get better.

That is what you’ll find on the new album. I’ve really dug deep musically and lyrically to talk about, yes, a sense of place, and there’s a lot of stuff on there where I’m reflecting on my past. You know, I remember when I used to think I had so many problems, and that was when everything I owned I could fit in my car. It’s really different now.

‘I’ve really trIed to only create and put out stuff that I could love forever.’

whAt’S inSpirinG you AnD your muSiC theSe DAyS? You know, I’ve been in this business for 25 years and people still come to hear me play — so, that’s inspiring.

When I go to Maine, they really come out. It’s an event, and I love playing live and sharing 25 years of songs. I do think that I’m at my peak right now with the songs

AFter ALL, your perSonAL LiFe hAS been A tAD tumuLtuouS over the pASt 15 yeArS. whAt’S GoinG on now? The relationship I’m in now is the richest relationship I’ve ever had. She was my best friend for many years, so we had the chance to get to know each other on a different level. It’s good to know that you have that before you get into all that physical stuff. You have that foundation of, “I know I can rely on this person in any way because I have had her as a friend for many years.” So, it’s the most rewarding, sweet relationship I’ve ever had.

you’ve SurviveD CAnCer AnD not So GreAt reLAtionShipS. you hAve ChiLDren who you ADore. you’ve hAD A Stint on broADwAy. you’ve won A number oF GrAmmy AwArDS AnD A CoveteD ACADemy AwArD. whAt iS your GreAt AChievement? There are so many! Seriously, I am just so grateful. My personal highlight, of course, is my children.

But, I have to say that winning the Oscar was pretty awesome. You know, being someone who grew up in Kansas who watched that glamour and star power

every year on television, knowing that you wanted to be a performer, well, getting an Oscar is the brass ring. You always wanted to just stand up on that stage and say, “I’d like to thank the Academy . . .”, so that was pretty awesome when I actually got to do it. And, it’s not just getting an Oscar; it’s the 45 seconds that you get to talk live to over a billion people. Now that’s cool. okAy, So, on the FLip SiDe, whAt irkS you? Are there Any SonGS in your CAtALoG thAt FAnS requeSt thAt juSt mAke you GroAn? You know, there aren’t. I’ve really tried along the way only to create and put out stuff that I could love forever. I think that started with the very first album when I’d have gigs and not a huge playlist and I had to play the same songs over and over and over. I realized, “whoa, I’m gonna be living with this for a long time, so I better love it.” Even “Come to My Window.” When the audience stands up and loves what they’re hearing, I have to love it. So, no, I don’t have that experience very often. you’ve been A CAnCer Survivor For more thAn 10 yeArS now. to whAt Do you Attribute your heALth oF boDy AnD minD? For me it’s about wellness. I realized that you’re really going down a black hole here if you hold out for a cure — the cure is inside of us. your portLAnD Show wAS SoLD out weekS AGo, AnD it’S poSSibLe thAt peopLe wiLL be LineD up outSiDe the StAte theAter For hourS in AntiCipAtion oF SeeinG you. whAt CAn they expeCt? The same as anywhere else: good, quality entertainment. It’s the real thing. It’s me and my band. I always figure that my audience will be made up of a lot of different people. There are the ones who have never seen me before, and they are bringing their friend because they want the friend to have the experience, and then the friend realizes that they know more of my songs than they thought they knew.

That’s the long way of saying “I’ll play the hits.” Then there are those who know the first album or “Yes I Am” word for word and that’s about it. Then there are the fans who have been to tons of shows; they are looking for some of those deep cuts, so I’ll throw those in. And, of course, I’ll play some stuff from the new album. It’s something for everybody. ^

summer 2013 | out in maine 15

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16 out in maine | SummeR 2013

Equality drivE continuEs Workplace rights fight heats up _by Je f f I n g l Is

While much has — rightly — been made of progress toward marriage equality for LGBT Americans, another, possibly even bigger, hurdle remains: workplace equality.

In 29 states, people can still be fired simply for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

Fortunately, Maine isn’t one of them — it’s one of the 21 states that protect LGBT individuals from workplace discrimination; a further 16 states protect LGB people, but not workers who identify as transgender, says Tico Almeida, founder and executive director of Freedom To Work, a national organization promoting employment equality.

To provide national uniformity, and include being L, G, B, or T on a long list of federally protected elements of identity that cannot be discriminated against in employment (with race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and disability, among others) comes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, re-introduced in Congress in April. All four members of Maine’s congressional delegation are co-sponsors; Republican Susan Collins is a lead sponsor of the bill in the Senate.

Despite having 172 co-sponsors in the House and 48 in the Senate, it faces an uncertain future, though perhaps its best chance in many years.

For Maine’s delegation, it’s a pretty straightforward issue: As Independent Senator Angus King said in a statement from his office, “No one should suffer employment discrimination for any reason, including on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Simply put, it’s entirely unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated. When it comes to the workplace, all that should matter is a person’s skills and their ability to perform the job.”

And it’s not exactly a controversial issue outside the Capitol. In a November 2011 poll done by the Human Rights Campaign, 87 percent of Americans thought discrimination against LGBT workers was already outlawed by federal statute; 78 percent thought it was illegal in their own state, including 75 percent of people in states that actually lack anti-discrimination laws. (The survey’s margin of error is 3.46 percent.)

Further, 77 percent of Americans support protecting LGBT people from employment discrimination, including 70 percent of Republicans and 67 percent of people who identified themselves as conservative.

Heck, groups usually thought to really oppose gay rights were strong backers: 69 percent of people over 65, 68 percent of people with a high school degree or less, 77 percent of observant Christians, 74 percent of born-again Christians, and 72 percent of residents of the Deep South, the poll says.

But in Congress, it’s a hot potato, 1st District

Senate action

F

Tico Almeida

senator susan Collins

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree says in an interview: “The Republican House leadership is extremely conservative. There’s just no way they would bring it up.” As a strong supporter, she’s trying to be optimistic: “I’m hoping Congress will catch up” with the wider public, she says.

With some major donors starting to withhold money from the Democratic Party because of their failure to act to protect LGBT individuals, whether through the executive order or through the killing of sponsorship for non-citizen same-sex spouses in the immigration reform package, the pressure is on President Barack Obama and the Democrats to force something to happen.

Congressional progress has been long delayed — ENDA and other bills with similar protections have been introduced repeatedly since 1974. Supporters had hoped for a Senate committee hearing in June, but may yet get one sometime in mid-July, if Senator Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat who co-sponsored the bill in the Senate, keeps his promise to discuss the bill after the July 4 holiday break. (With the Supreme Court expected to rule on the Defense of Marriage Act by the end of June, the July timing also provides an opportunity to revise the ENDA bill’s language to preserve protections in response to whatever is contained in that ruling.)

Harkin’s announcement of committee hearings gives supporters heart; so does the recent announcement by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, that he has a lesbian niece, and that he does not think she should lose her job because of her sexual identity. He has floated the possbility that the bill might come up for a full Senate vote this year, perhaps in September or October.

If that happens, and if it succeeds, as Almeida expects, it will likely be due to Collins’s hard work behind the scenes, convincing her colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, to support fairness and equality in employment.

“I think Democrats have been going too slowly on ENDA,” Almeida says, adding that Collins appears to agree, because she is pushing Dems in the Senate to keep their promises of support for gay rights. And she is convincing her Republican colleagues that ENDA is a safe, bipartisan bill that deserves their support too.

Christian Berle, FTW’s new legislative director, who was born on Cliff Island and grew up in Portland and Cumberland, calls Collins’s support for gay rights “a matter of compassion and support for common human decency.” He should know: not only a former deputy director of the Log Cabin Republicans, he has known Collins for 17 years, including interning on her 1996 campaign and twice in her DC office.

Almeida projects the bill will pass out of the Harkin-led Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee with every Democrat in support and “one to three Republicans” in favor as well, which should set it up for a good vote in the full Senate, if Reid keeps his word. “I think we can get go 60 votes and even a little bit more,” Almeida says.

HouSe inaction

Speaker of the House “John Boehner is a roadblock to ENDA — and many other things that would benefit the American people,” Almeida says. And John Kline, Continued on p 18

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A possible pitfAll a common objection to gay-rights legislation — and an excuse for stalling, revis-

ing, or outright gutting protections — is that it somehow interferes with people’s f relIgIous freedom.

But this draft of enDa goes so far toward protecting religious liberties that even the aCLu — which is primarily concerned about constitutional rights — says it is too broad. While the aCLu does support the overall bill, and its underlying principles, “we do have really serious concerns with the religious exemptions,” says Rachel Healy, communications and education director of the aCLu of maine. Counterintuitively, the rules could “provide . . . cover to discriminate against LGBt employees,” by exempting a very broad range of religious-affiliated organizations from the law.

Churches and other houses of worship would be exempt, as expected (the law couldn’t tell the Catholic Church it had to hire, or could not fire, a priest who did not conform to the Pope’s rules). But so would hospitals and universities affiliated with religious groups. and they would be allowed to discriminate in employment positions that are not at all related to religious doctrine or practice — such as cleaning staff and office workers. that level of discrimination is “a sweeping exemption that is broader than anything that’s ever been okayed before,” including for exemptions about discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or disability, Healy says. _Ji

Continued from p 16

a Minnesota Republican who chairs the House Education and the Workforce Committee, is also “ultra-conservative, anti-gay,” Almeida says. “His intention is to bottle up ENDA in committee and never have it see the light of day.”

So the normal legislative process in the House may need a kick in the pants.

Happily, there is a method for doing that. It’s called a “discharge petition,” through which, with the support of at least half the House, a bill can be pulled out of committee and directly to a vote on the House floor. With more than 170 House members already signed on as cosponsors, that leaves between 40 and 50 more members needed to support bringing it to a vote.

Almeida says the full number may not be needed; the last time this method was used successfully was with the McCain-Feingold campaign-finance reform bill, in 2002 — when the number of House members supporting the discharge petition got close to the 218 target, the House leadership reluctantly started working the bill through the committee process. Almeida projects a similar situation may happen with ENDA, so Boehner can avoid looking like he is losing control of the flow of legislation.

Pingree says such a petition would likely be more strategic and symbolic than directly effective, but she supports any effort to bring ENDA up for a vote, even in a House led by hostile opponents.

executive action

Even before Congressional movement, there is more that can be done: President Barack Obama could issue an executive order offering similar protection to more American workers.

Employees of the federal government are already protected by ENDAlike rules, created initially by an executive order from President Bill Clinton

for LGB people, and expanded by Obama to include transgender people.

The next target for an executive order is federal contractors — private companies that get government contracts and are paid in taxpayer dollars. While campaigning in 2008, Obama said he supported such a move; five years later he has yet to act on it.

It is true that most major federal contractors have protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, and that more such companies are adopting such policies all the time. But discrimination remains widespread: Williams Institute studies show that between 15 and 43 percent of GLB people have been subjected to sexual-orientation-related discrimination or harassment in the workplace, and 90 percent of transgender people report “some form of harassment or mistreatment on the job or report having taken some action such as hiding who they are to avoid it.”

It is indeed is worth celebrating the fact that at least 61 percent of federalcontractor employees “are already covered by laws or private policies protecting against sexual orientation discrimination,” and “at least 41 percent . . . are already covered . . . against genderidentity discrimination.”

But that means a stunning 11 million people — 39 percent of people working for companies that receive taxpayer dollars — are vulnerable to being fired (or passed over for promotions, or otherwise discriminated against) simply for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual — and 16.5 million — 59 percent of those workers — if they are transgender, face similar perils.

Williams Institute research says 91 percent of Americans, including 86 percent of Democrats, 70 percent of Independents, and 61 percent of Republicans support Obama issuing the executive order. With all this momentum, ENDA has its best chance in years. ^

As you enter Rí Rá, it’s easy to imagine yourself stepping back in time to the welcoming atmosphere of a traditional pub 100 years ago in Ireland.

With cozy couches, 3 fireplaces and a breathtaking view of the bay, Ri Ra is the perfect location for your wedding.

We can host up to 120 guests for a formal seated dinner or up to 200 for a cocktail-type reception.

Whether you’re looking for casual or elegant, large or small, we have everything you need to exceed your expectations! Ri Ra truly offers the most unique character and ambiance for your special day.

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20 out in maine | SummeR 2013

24 hours in ogunquit Revisit Maine’s suMMeR capital _by an th o n y gi a m p et r u zzi

stay here

shoW tunes Within

hit the sand

For many years, local travel stories extolling Ogunquit’s virtues as a destination for gays and lesbians became a bit redundant.

The area’s bars did get a spit-shine here and there, and the town continued to attract a steady stream of those with a penchant for nightlife, but, for the most part, annual improvements didn’t necessarily warrant a major heads-up to the Portland-area set.

Until now.

In fact, an early-in-the-season night away revealed that there really does seem to be a new vibe this season with major facelifts to some of our favorite haunts, a couple of new offerings for foodies, and a justification to allot a full 24 hours and some cash to a night or two away. Here’s why:

F

ConvenienCe and Cost 45 minutes with traffic and the ability to plan around the weather are strong

value propositions. Imagine living in, say, Buffalo, New York. In April, you’d have to nail down a week in July or August, shell out hundreds of dollars for even the most modest of rooms, and then pray like crazy that weather held. Forget it! In Maine, you can watch the forecast, take a vacation day, pack an overnight bag, and, within an hour, you’re freshening up for a cocktail. And then repeat . . . throughout the summer.

Carousing It’s fun and noticeably fresh all of a sudden. Let’s face it: the gay scene in Portland is all but decimated and, while many of us have adapted to the life of domesticity and endless dining that Portland now affords, our brains still tingle from the joy that only a giant disco ball can unleash. Check out the monstrous orb at Maine Street.

Coppertone See Convenience and Cost — we have the luxury of last-minute planning, so there’s absolutely no reason to get stuck on Ogunquit Beach on a rainy day. There’s an app for that.

3 pm — CheCk in

There are lots of pricey options out here, and, if you’re planning to stay for more than a night or two, you’ll definitely want to consider a destination like the Admiral’s Inn (theadmiralsinn.com).

Boasting a couple pools, gym, sauna, lounge, and restaurant, this is a great spot for a week away or a wedding — otherwise, you’re likely not getting the most bang for your buck.

For a short stay, book into the Betty Doon Motel (bettydoon.com) for a relatively comfortable bed, an unmatched location, and an immediate Continued on p 22

Ogunquit Art Association Maine’s Oldest artists’ GrOup

Exhibitions at barn GallEry

A true revolution is always an act of love.

Here’s to a joyous and celebratory Pride season.

suMMer shOws: June 29, auG 17, sept 14 art auCtiOn: auGust 3 auCtiOn preview: July 30 - auG 3

COMMunity art prOGraMs, wOrkshOps, and figure drawing cLaSSeS are avaiLaBLe. 1 Bourne Lane at Shore rd • ogunquit, Maine • 207-646-8400 M−Sat. 11−5, Sun. 1−5 www.ogunquitartaSSociation.coM • www.BarngaLLery.org

22 out in maine | SummeR 2013

place upstairs, supporting an open-air lounge area now bringing the grand total of watering holes in the complex to a whopping five. The options for imbibing are dizzying.

the outdoor Lounge at maine street

10 pm — dAnCing At mAine street

There does seem to be a method to Norm’s madness. He had the choice to either spend a fortune on celebrity DJs with big egos playing for a low-maintenance crowd in a mediocre room, or he could stick with what audiences want: competent jocks in a space that takes your breath away. After a mindboggling upgrade to sound and lights, the latter was achieved in the back room with the Maine Street dance floor now rivaling any other in New England. Even those most averse to dancing, and certainly those who thought they’d lost the urge forever, will find the transformation of this club intoxicating. Up-and-comers will think they’ve died and gone to Miami. Either way, go ahead, request Madonna — the DJs here won’t sneer at you.

10 Am — BrunCh At BACkyArd Coffeehouse And eAtery

Continued from p 20

regression to the summer-camp days of your childhood: the walls are pine and the shower stalls are tin. Because of that, the Betty Doon is not for the finicky. But why fuss? There’s plenty of parking, the balconies and outside seating areas offer up lots of opportunity to make new friends, and literally every local destination is a fiveminute or less walk. As for cost, your one-night tab midweek, even in the height of the season, won’t run much more than $150. In June, the same will run you somewhere in the $75 range. Taking into account all the dimensions of convenience, you can’t beat this deal. That said, don’t expect any frills — bring your own shampoo and soap unless you want to feel really dry at the beach the next day.

5 pm — the front porCh

Old-timers affectionately remember the days when manager Andy Seney would sit like a sentry at the top of the stairs doing a once-over of everyone who entered the piano bar. The Astroturf floors, canvas director chairs, and yellow awnings resembled a clubhouse more than a bar, and people loved the place. In the mid-2000s, Wayne Wescott took control and transformed the lounge (as well as the restaurant downstairs) into a more hip and upscale location while wisely preserving what may be the last gay piano bar in New England. It would have been hard to imagine that the Front Porch (thefrontporch.net) could ever improve, but what was revealed at the beginning of the 2013 season is a room that’s impossibly contemporary and smart. A complete renovation during the winter has yielded a relocation of the bar for better crowd control, all new furniture (no, we won’t miss those acrylic bar stools), wall-inset fireplaces, and a deeppile, anchor-motif rug rumored to cost well into the tens of thousands of dollars. Sure, that’s all great, but why start your night here?

“Climb Every Mountain.” “The Trolley Song.”

“Don’t Tell Mama.” “Seasons of Change.” “All That Jazz.” Yep, the piano is still here, and the pour continues to be the best in town.

And, if you want, you can hang around and sop up the inventive martinis with the full dinner menu, until recently only available at the

restaurant downstairs. When it comes to food, there’s nothing more consistent in Ogunquit than the Front Porch. No, the menu hasn’t changed much over the years, but who cares? The truth is, you don’t want to wander too far from the action. You could opt for Arrows or White Barn Inn, but, not for this quick trip: dining on that level is a commitment unto itself . . . and it requires clothing that won’t pack well in a duffel.

7 pm — Cornerstone ArtisAnAl pizzA & CrAft Beer

If you need a break from the show tunes, check out Cornerstone (cornerstonogt.com) conveniently located across the street from the Front Porch (and within crawling distance of Betty Doon). This new kid on the block is literally on the block at the center of town. If the gourmet stone-oven pizza and hand-crafted local or imported beers don’t grab you, the option to people-watch at this pivotal hour just might. It’s one of the only places in Ogunquit where you can enjoy dinner and drinks outside.

8 pm — A show At mAine street

For better or worse, some attempt to compare Oguquit to P’town. Please don’t. However, if you do, there’s now a venue in ton that actually comes close to the grandeur of P’town’s grande dame of entertainment complexes, Crown and Anchor. Yes, Maine Street owner Norm Paquin has gone all in with the opening of an entire new wing devoted to cabaret, comedians and various other performances (mainestreetogunquit. com). With a capacity of 150, the new showplace will host Khris Francis, Leslie Jordan, the Johanna Show, and other special performers throughout the summer.

Parallel to the stage is a full bar. Another bar is in

You could make your way down to Café Amore, but, in the interest of time and getting your coffeeand-carb fix out of the way, Backyard Coffeehouse and Eatery (backyardogunquit.com) should do the trick. First, it’s close. Second, the coffee comes to you from Bard in Portland. Third, the breakfast sandwiches are to die for. And, fourth, it actually has a “backyard” where you can enjoy your vittles. To top it off, the lunch menu boasts mouthwatering sandwiches and salads which conveniently can be packed up for the final stop on your voyage.

11 Am — ogunquit BeACh

What else can possibly be written about this strip of sand that’s been luring vacationers from all over the world for decades? It’s not only a rarity in Maine, but often finds itself on one of those super scientific top ten lists. Perhaps a recent post to tripadvisor.com said it best: “This beach deserves the awards that it has won from various sources over the past few years. Whether you’re an early riser who likes sunrise strolls, an avid sun worshiper (with or without the kids), or [you] like taking early evening walks with the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean swirling in and around your bare feet, then this is the place to experience!” ^

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24 out in maine | SummeR 2013

hear that voice again leslie JoRdan bRings his old faMiliaR face to new digs _by na th an t oW n e

In 1982, Leslie Jordan stepped off a Greyhound bus from the hills of Tennessee, said “hello” to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television shows, films, and commercials to his credit, he has become a familiar face on the entertainment scene.

Yet somehow, he’s never been to Maine.

Wisely Leslie has decided to rectify that unfortunate situation this August, when the Emmy Awardwinning actor and comedian comes to town to play three cabaret-style shows at the new MEST Live venue at Maine Street in Ogunquit.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Jordan in true Southern fashion — two strangers bonding over an iced tea. “Do you know how hard it is to order a real ice tea in this place?” he confided. “I have to tell them ‘Venti no water, no sugar, no shake!’ Tea in a cup! It’s just tea in a cup!”

Tea in a cup is the perfect way to describe the conversation that followed, as I caught up on all things Leslie Jordan and learned all about the new show he’s writing for his trip to Ogunquit.

“I’m writing a whole new show, because my current show (Fruit Fly) is more of a theater piece and requires some doing, I have so much to ship,” explained Jordan. “Ogunquit will be more of me and a mike and lovely, lovely stories I share with the audience, something perfectly suited for a cabaret. Back in the day I used to travel with my theater piece and it was so laborious and expensive. At the time I was filming 12 Miles of Bad Road with Lily Tomlin for HBO and she asked ‘Are you making money?’ and I told her it’s much too expensive to ship my stuff. Lily said ‘Oh my god, I travel with my lavalier and my turtleneck. You don’t need all the bells and whistles! Your stories will work without the bells and whistles.’ And you know what, she was right. But not about the turtleneck, I leave that to the lesbians.”

Pressed for details on his new show, Jordan spilled the beans. “I’m thinking of calling it The Show Pony because sometimes I feel like I’m just being trotted out here and there.” That’s not hard to understand: he plays about 45 cities a year. “It’s about getting older and being gay. Honey, we’ve been through everything and here we still are.”

Jordan plans on sharing some tales from his years in the biz. “My producer told me that the Will & Grace material is great but wants me to get a little more current, so I’ve got some great stories from The Help and some more recent work.”

As for his time in Ogunquit, Jordan is looking forward to it. “I’ve never been to Ogunquit but I’m very excited about performing there with new material,” he quipped between sips. “I’m a bit like a musician

F

Funnyman leslie Jordan brings a oneman show to ogunquit in august.

Jordan plans on sharing some of his numerous tales from a life in show business.

who puts together a set list. I’ve never been to Ogunquit, so I can put in a little of this, a little of that. You don’t know what will happen in Ogunquit!”

When I remarked that Sally Struthers would certainly agree, he quickly responded, “I haven’t had a drink for 16 years!

Sally Struthers was nothing compared to the trouble I would have gotten into 16 years ago. In fact, my show Like a Dog on Linoleum dealt with that subject. You know, it starts with a little crystal meth to help you dance all night long, but all of a sudden you’re still doing it but it’s like porno and your bedroom and it’s pitiful. When a dog is trying to run on linoleum there’s a whole lot of activity but it’s not getting anywhere.

Since I put the plug in the jug and got serious about everything, I’ve been blessed beyond my wildest dreams.”

There is one thing Jordan is addicted to: you. “I need an audience, I love performing,” he admitted. “A more intimate audience is where I do my best. I’m fine with my little gay following. If I could get a reality show like Kathy Griffin, perhaps I could do Madison Square Garden — but those days are coming.”

Speaking of coming attractions, I asked Jordan what he’s working on outside of his busy touring schedule. “I’ve got a sitcom in development with a six-time Emmy winner, she’s old school,” he said. “She can open some doors and is making sure my script is in order. It’s a great premise but I’ve been sworn to secrecy! I’m also trying to work with World of Wonder, the production company that works with RuPaul for Drag Race. And I would love to develop a talk show called Company’s Comin’!”

If that sounds like a lot of eggs in one basket, Jordan agrees. “The secret to Hollywood is that you throw everything against the wall and hope something sticks,” he explained.” I lost count at 12 at the number of pilots I’ve done that were never picked up. When they hire me on a pilot, I should apologize to the cast!”

Hollywood, it would seem, has poor taste. If my conversation with Jordan was any indication, the Ogunquit audience is in for a real treat. He’s not sure he’ll be invited to visit with the Bushes like Sally Struthers was, but he’s still planning on having a magical time in Maine.

“I’m completely blessed,” says Jordan. ^

LesLie Jordan | august 1-3 | at mest Live, ogunquit | reactionshows.com

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COME OUT & CELEBRATE IN STONINGTON

MAINE'S largest lobster port, with live professional theater, concerts, & dance at Opera House Arts at the historic Stonington Opera House.

www.operahousearts.org 207.367.2788

Tue, June 25th 6pm

at Maine Audubon Center 20 Gilsland Farm Road Falmouth, ME

Wed, June 26th 6pm at Old Paris Academy Building Academy Road Paris, ME

For more information, contact jen@revisionenergy.com or call 207-221-6342

26 out in maine | SummeR 2013

rainy-day watching what’s coming to the small screen this summer _by Na th aN to w Ne

F

Ah, summer in Maine. Now that we’ve finally cast aside the yoke of frigid weather, it’s time for seaside picnics, camping in the mountains, whale watches, white-water rafting, and all sorts of amazing outdoor adventures for you and the family to embark upon. Can’t you just taste the sweat? Feel the burn of the sun’s rays? Goodbye lazy weekends spent on the couch, hello adventure!

Oh please. Who am I kidding? Staying in is the new going out — it’s true! Plus you know it’s going to rain for at least 60 percent of the summer, so it’s best to have a contingency plan. And nothing says contingency like your faithful TV, always there for you. Summer TV can be a graveyard of reruns for the unprepared; therefore I’ve pulled together my top new GLBT-friendly TV picks for the season.

So crank up that air conditioning, pick up the jumbo pack of popsicles at the market, and pull out the Pride beads — it’s time to get gay with TV.

It’s OK tO be Gay The Fosters (aBC Family) | Premiered monday, June 3 @ 9 pm Apparently someone over at ABC Family programming has weaned themselves off the family-friendly teats of Disney and by the gods, we might have Jennifer Lopez to thank for it! Who knew? Yes, the gay has finally arrived on ABC Family, in this new drama about (you guessed it!) a lesbian bi-racial couple who raise diverse biological and foster children together. Sounds perfectly normal! So normal, in fact, that this show has kicked the hornets’ nest of the uber-conservative group One Million Moms, which said ABC “has lost their minds” for featuring a same-sex couple adopting children. Fiddlesticks I say! So what can you expect if you tune in? The Fosters is a one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms — Stef, a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena, a school vice-principal. They’ve built a loving family with Stef’s biological son from a previous marriage and their adopted twins. Their lives are disrupted in unexpected (and hilarious!) ways when Lena meets a hardened teen with an abusive past who has spent her life in and out of foster homes. The plucky lesbians warily welcome

Callie into their home thinking it’s just for a few weeks, until a more permanent placement can be found. While they have room in their home, whether or not they have room in their hearts for just one more remains to be seen. Don’t be worried that Jenny from the Block is going to mess this one up: The Fosters was created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige (Queer As Folk), who pull double duty as the writers and executive producers. While this doesn’t mean the show will actually follow a semblance of reality, the boys do know how to write their way out of a paper bag, so the entertainment factor should be high.

Continued on p 28

The Fosters

The Stone Mountain Arts Center brings national acts to the foothills of the White Mountains to perform in an intimate timberframe setting, serving dinner and fine wines and beer before selected shows.

Coming to the Stone mountain artS Center

June 5: Kelley Willis & Bruce robison 6: “a Little Classical Can’t hurt” 8: the Wood Brothers 14: terrance Simien & the Zydeco experience 15: rustic overtones 16: Waltzing for Dreamers Free music Series w/ gypsophilia 21: Barn Burner with girls, guns, and glory

JuLY 5: an evening with Carol noonan Solo 6: ricky Skaggs & Kentucky thunder 7: Waltzing for Dreamers Free music Series w/ the grand Slambovians 12: true Blues w/ Corey harris, guy Davis & alvin Youngblood hart 13: mavis Staples up Close and Personal 18: Lyle Lovett & his acoustic group 19: Barn Burner w/ Lake Street Dive 23: mary Chapin Carpenter & marc Cohn

W. JO MOSER GAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

25: ruthie Foster 26: marty Stuart & the Fabulour Superlatives 27: the tim gearan Band

auguSt 3: Stone mountain LiVe anniversary Show w/ irish band teada 8: Bob marley 9: Barn Burner w/ the roy Sludge trio 11: John hiatt & the Combo 15: raul malo & the mavericks 16: Lori mcKenna 17: Shawn mullins 18: nick Lowe 21: masters of the Fiddle: natalie macmaster & Donnell Leahy 23: Barn Burner w/ tricky Britches 25: Susan Werner

Your wedding day should be magical.

Jo captures the excitement and wonder of your day in 2-4 hours, allowing you to enjoy your celebration and special time with your loved ones.

28: Waltzing for Dreamers Free music Series w/ tennessee mafia Jug Band

www.stonemountainartscenter.com • 207-935-7292 695 Dugway road Brownfield, maine

WEDDINGS | PORTRAITS | NEW BEGINNINGS OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR WWW.GAYLIFEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM WWW.JOMOSER.COM • 207.329.4489

28 out in maine | SummeR 2013

Under the Dome

when it’s time to come indoors, the television can be your best friend — if you choose well.

Continued from p 26

brInG On the Gay (bOard) Games Hollywood Game Night (nBC) | Premieres thursday, July 11 @ 10 pm God help me, I can’t wait for this one! The game show genre has been in much need of a reboot ever since Match Game went off the air. (Charles Nelson Reilly, how I still pine for thee!) Hosted by my favorite lesbian, Jane Lynch, and created by one of my least favorite gays, Will & Grace star Sean Hayes, this game show teams two contestants with A-list celebrities in a cocktail party atmosphere based on Hayes’s real-life game nights. Which I’m sure weren’t all that fun but since I was never invited I’ll have to speculate on that front. And when I say A-list, I’m talking real A-list — not those loser Dlist celebs you get on other shows. (I’m thinking of

Hollywood Game Night

you, Celebrity Apprentice.) Celebrity guests signed on for this surreal fun time will include Amy Poehler, Martin Short, Jason Bateman, Matthew Perry, and Kristen Bell. (Okay, so perhaps Martin Short isn’t A-list. But he was, darlings, he was.)

Gay, but nOt In that way — what nOt tO watch Under the Dome (CBS) | Premieres monday, June 24 @ 10 pm Words fail! How shows like this make it to primetime is beyond me, but since it’s based in Maine, who could resist including it? And it is gay, though gay in that name-calling way only we gays can use.

Not gay as in same-sex gay — though who knows, there could be some of that going on under that dome. Oh that dome! Based on a Stephen King’s sci-fi novel (never a good sign), this new thriller

takes place in Chester’s Mill, Maine, which inexplicably finds itself sealed off from the rest of the world by a massive transparent dome. Yes, you read that correctly. Massive. Transparent.

Dome. As you can imagine, the town’s residents struggle to survive while also trying to uncover the truth behind the MTD and how to get rid of it. Think Lost but not as much fun, and set in Maine. I give this one three episodes tops. (Who writes this crap? Better yet, who pays for this crap? Unbelievable!)

That’s all from the Telly Nelly for now my dearest dearies, but the new fall TV lineup is right around the corner and it’s going to be fabulous! So sit tight, enjoy your summer, and I’ll see you . . . actually, you won’t see me. I’ll be far too busy watching TV at home; it’s kind of my thing. ^

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30 out in maine | SummeR 2013

Join us as we march in the Southern Maine Pride Parade!

Saturday, June 15.

Parade starts at noon, line-up at 11:30 a.m.

Sign-up here: EqualityMaine.org/March Reconnect with friends, make new ones and celebrate all the reasons our community has to be proud!