Boston Pride Guide 2013 by The Rainbow Times

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June 2013 Dear Friends: It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome as you gather for the 43rd Annual Boston Pride Week. Boston Pride is more than just a parade; it is a weeklong celebration of what makes Boston great – our diversity, our strength and our belief in equality for all. Each year, Boston Pride gives us an opportunity to promote these values to the rest of the world by standing together with our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friends and showing our pride. As Mayor, it has been my honor to lead the pride parade every year I have been in office. This may be my last year as Mayor, but I will always remain a proud supporter of Boston Pride. I am especially proud this year to have been selected as Grand Marshall of the 2013 Boston Pride Parade under our theme: “Moving Forward…Proud, Strong, United.” It reminds me that while we have made great progress toward equality here in Boston, more work lies ahead. People often asked me if it was difficult to support the LGBT community throughout my years in office. I tell them it was the easiest decision I ever made – to stand with my friends and advocate for dignity, equality and basic human rights. You make me proud and you make our city proud. Thank you for your support and friendship. I want to thank the organizers of Boston Pride for making this one of the largest all-volunteer pride festivals in the world. Please enjoy everything Boston has to offer this week and remember to always show your pride.

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Pride is “Moving Forward … Proud, Strong, United” Committee expects record breaking crowds for weeklong events By: Lauren Walleser/TRT Reporter oston Pride Week 2013 will be held from May 31- June 9 in various locations throughout the city, bringing together more organizations and record-breaking crowds than ever before. The 2013 theme, “Moving Forward…Proud, Strong, United,” was created by the Boston Pride Committee to acknowledge the accomplishments the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community has achieved while acknowledging that there is more work to be done. “In my view, Boston’s LGBT community has witnessed much adversity throughout the fight for equality over the past few decades,” said Boston Pride President Linda DeMarco. “In working together, the community has become a leader in the fight for LGBT rights. Pride Week this

year will celebrate the importance of continuing to lead this nation in the fight for equality as a united front.” The annual Flag Raising will kick off Boston Pride Week on May 31 in City Hall Plaza and is hosted by Mayor Thomas Menino. Elected officials and others who support the LGBT community will attend. Menino was also chosen as the 2013 Parade Grand Marshall through an online vote open to the entire community. “Mayor Menino is a true friend of the Boston Pride Committee, and all of the residents and visitors of our great city,” said Rob Zuromski, board member for Boston Pride. “I feel it is a great tribute to our longtime mayor, long time pride participant, and long-time advocate of the LGBTQ [community] to have him as our Grand Marshall.” Other events featured early in the week include Pride Day at Faneuil Hall, the LGBT Senior Pride Tea Dance, and the Royal Pageant. Boston Pride’s Human

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Rights and Education Committee will present “Out In Sports: Moving Forward – A Panel Discussion on LGBT People in Sports” Wednesday, June 5 at the Boston Public Library. The panel will be moderated by Patrick Burke of the You Can Play Foundation. Panelists include Steve Buckley, Boston Herald sports columnist; Caitlin Cahow, 2x medalist, Olympic U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, Boston Blades; Nevin Caple, Division 1 basketball player at Fairleigh Dickinson University and Founder of Loveathlete; Keelin Godsey, track and field coach at Williams

College; Pat Griffin, professor emerita at University of Massachusetts Amherst, founder of Changing the Game and author of Strong Women, Deep Closets; Steve Harrington, Gay Games athlete; and James Nutter of GO! Athletes. Jason Collins, the former Boston Celtic who recently came out as gay, will also march in the parade. According to Zuromski, in 2012, Boston Pride was the first Pride in the nation to have its own app that helped connect the community with the festivities. See Moving Forward on p.7

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Moving forward from p. 6 New to Boston Pride this year is the first "Pride Night at Fenway Park" to be held June 6. According to Sylvain Bruni, board member for Boston Pride, Boston Pride has partnered with the Red Sox to bring the LGBT community to Fenway Park to cheer for Pride and for the Red Sox in their game against the Texas Rangers. “This is the first time ever that an MLB team put together an official LGBT event, and we are so very proud it is happening in Boston,” said Bruni. “The Red Sox have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity. This will be big!” The Boston Pride Festival will be held Saturday, June 8 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at City Hall Plaza as the last stop for the Boston Pride Parade, which will kick off at noon in Copley Square. The Festival is the last stop on the parade route and will include entertainment, such as The Family Zones, the Main Stage Lounge, Artisan Avenue, and over 100 vendors. This year’s headliner for the entertainment portion of the festival will be award-winning musical duo Karmin, chosen by the Boston Pride Entertainment Committee.

“They are a local band who became a YouTube sensation and exploded onthe national scene over the last year,” said Bruni. “They are a very LGBT-friendly band with a large gay following.” Other events include the Boston Pride Block Party: JP Edition, Boston Pride Block Party: Back Bay Edition, and the Boston Pride Youth Dance. Bruni and Zuromski acknowledged that the theme for Boston Pride this year was chosen prior to the tragedy that occurred at the 2013 Boston Marathon. However, they also noted the theme has taken on a deeper meaning since the event. “This year, we recognize that our name, Boston Pride, symbolizes the spirit, courage and conviction of everyone connected to the City of Boston, especially in the aftermath of the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon,” said De Marco. “The outpouring of support and interest in participation in the Parade and other Pride events has been tremendous as we look forward to a fantastic week to celebrate the LGBT community.” For more information and a complete schedule of Pride Week events, please visit: www.bostonpride.org

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Representing Repr presenting ALL W h Pride With And Wishing ALL A Great Pride W eek! Week! District 2 City Councilor

BILL LINEHAN Paid for by the t Committee to Re-elect Bill Linehan

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LGBTQ community reacts to Menino’s departure By: Lauren Walleser/TRT Reporter n Thursday, May 28th, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced that he will not run for reelection after holding the position for twenty years. During his time in office, Mayor Menino has been touted as the most pro-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) mayor in U.S. history, most recently by MassEquality, who released a statement following the mayor’s announcement. “He was an early supporter of marriage equality,” said MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini. “He was an early supporter of transgender equality. He was an early supporter of programs addressing public health needs related to HIV/AIDS. And he has never been shy about using his office as a bully pulpit to encourage other political leaders to do the same.” When Boston citizens began applying for marriage licenses after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts in 2004, Mayor Menino’s office ensured their safety as they filed with the City Clerk. Most recently, Menino participated in the DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) justice rally at City Hall Plaza on March 28th, where he instructed that the rainbow flag be flown in honor of the historic Supreme Court hearings being held on Proposition 8 and DOMA. Corey Yarbrough, Executive Director of the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) and

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Joel Marshall, Chair, HBGC Board of Directors, also shared their gratitude towards Mayor Menino. “His leadership in articulating that all people deserve to be treated equally regardless of who they love helped establish Boston as one of the most LGBTQfriendly cities in the nation to live,” said Yarbrough and Marshall. “As our vision states, ‘We envision a world where Latino/a and Black LGBTQ individuals can comfortably and unapologetically incorporate themselves in their racial/ethnic community and mainstream LGBTQ community simultaneously.’ We feel that Mayor Menino also believes in this vision as his office has met with us multiple times over the years to discuss making our vision a reality.” Stephen L. Boswell, MD, President and CEO of Fenway Health, also commented on the Mayor’s vital role as an ally for the LGBTQ community. “Mayor Menino has been an incredible ally to Boston’s LGBT community from his first term as Mayor until today,” Boswell said. “His visible and vocal support of civil rights and equality for all Boston residents has helped to make this city one of the most welcoming places for LGBT people in the world. We’ll be losing a valuable ally when Mayor Menino leaves office, but hopefully our next Mayor will be equally supportive of our community.” See Mayor on p. 12

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Boston Mayoral hopefuls weigh in on LGBTQ rights, track records Candidates share track records, passions for supporting the community By: Lauren Walleser/TRT Reporter oston Mayor Thomas Menino has been touted by many as the most proLGBTQ mayor in U.S. history. As the candidates line up in the race to replace Menino—who recently announced he would not run for reelection— they shared how, if elected, they would continue to support and advance the rights of Boston’s LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) citizens. Boston City Councilor Michael P. Ross shared that throughout his personal and professional life, he has stood up for the rights of Boston’s LGBTQ community. “My mother is a 71 year-old proud and openly gay woman who has been in a committed re-

Mayor from p. 8 According to Boswell, the mayor has attended almost every major fundraiser for Fenway Health during his time in office and played a vital role in the capital campaign to build their Ansin Building at 1340 Boylston Street. “It’s hard to overestimate just how much of a positive impact his leadership has had on the overall health and well-being of Boston residents and the LGBT community in this city.” Perhaps his most publicized act of support for the LGBTQ community was Mayor Menino’s letter to Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy last year after the restaurant chain announced plans to open locations near the Freedom Trail in Boston. Because of Chick-filA’s open proclamations against same-sex marriage, Menino told Cathy the company would not be welcome in Boston. “You called supporters of gay marriage ‘prideful.’ Here in Boston, to borrow your own words, we are ‘guilty as charged.’ We are indeed full of pride for our support of samesex marriage and our work to expand freedom to all people,” Menino wrote in his letter. “There is no place for discrimination on Boston’s Freedom Trail and no place for your company alongside it.” Rebecca Haag, President and

Councilor Michael Ross lationship with her partner Sheryl for over three decades,” Ross said. “My mother taught me that we don't judge people by how they look or who they love, but rather what they do and how they treat others. This principle has guided my career in public service. If elected, I will build on the work of Mayor Menino and my CEO of AIDS Action, shared in a press release how Mayor Menino has been an advocate for people living with HIV and AIDS throughout his tenure, championing the cause even when other politicians during the time were afraid to come forward with their support. “In the mid-1980s, during the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic, City Councilor Menino advocated employing 24 fulltime outreach workers in the city of Boston to educate intravenous drug users about the risk of AIDS,” Haag said. “This was cutting edge public policy at the time. He also insisted on two community health vans to be deployed to at-risk neighborhoods to provide general health education as well as AIDS prevention information and on increasing the availability of drug treatment programs. He also pushed to implement a needle exchange program in the city.” According to Haag, the Mayor event helped raise money for a liver transplant for one of AIDS Action Committee’s employees, Belynda Dunn, when her health insurer denied payment for the transplant due to her HIV positive status. In a recent interview with WBUR Boston’s NPR, the mayor said he would “stay very engaged in Boston’s future,” after leaving office, but did not give specific details.

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own advocacy on behalf of equal rights and opportunity of our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, and loved ones in Boston.” As for direct action and participation, Ross said he has marched in the Boston Pride parade for 13 consecutive years and was one of the first elected officials in Massachusetts to support marriage equality, specifically when the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was proposed in the Massachusetts State Legislature. He said he was the original cosponsor of transgender legislation that led the way for cities and towns across the Commonwealth and for recent state legislation. He also said he has made openly gay leaders key members of his City Council office staff, including his Chief of Staff. “I learned from my father, a survivor of the Holocaust, that there is no such thing as an innocent bystander and we all have a duty to ensure the society we live in is just, equal and fair,” said Ross. “As Mayor, the pursuit of equal rights and opportunity for every citizen of Boston—including the LGBTQ community— would be a cornerstone of my administration and policies to support this principle would be my highest priority.” John R. Connolly, Boston City Councilor At-Large, said he has been a proud ally of the LGBTQ community as a city councilor.

Councilor Robert Consalvo He said he led efforts to bring the Gay Games to Boston, worked with Councilor Ayanna Pressley in support of Hate Crime legislation, and supported Transgender Awareness Week celebrations. He also served as pro bono legal counsel to the Pridelights Foundation. “It is imperative that Boston continues to lead the way in protecting individual rights and remains a supportive and safe haven for all residents in every

neighborhood,” Connolly said. “We need to ensure that acceptance is pervasive in our homes, communities, schools, and government. Vigorously defending our most fundamental rights and continuously expanding our antidiscrimination laws to protect our citizens – irrespective of race, creed or sexual orientation -must remain a priority.” Boston City Councilor Robert Consalvo said he applauds

State Rep. Martin J. Walsh Mayor Menino for his support of LGBTQ rights in Boston and joined with him in support for 11 years as a Boston City Councilor. “Early in my career I went to work in Washington, DC for the late Senator Ted Kennedy, and watching him fight so hard for the poor, the voiceless, children, the elderly, and working families laid the foundation for my idea of what public service is all about,” Consalvo said. “He taught me that government is about helping people – all people - pure and simple. I pledge to continue my high level of support for the LGBTQ agenda at the local, state, and national levels.” Consalvo said that despite criticism from opponents, one of his first acts in his first campaign for elected office was to march in the Gay Pride Parade in Boston with friends, family, and supporters. “I was an outspoken supporter of gay marriage right from the start,” said Consalvo. “I supported and worked for the passage of Boston’s ordinance to ban discrimination against transgendered persons. I proudly join in the raising of the Gay Pride flag every year on City Hall Plaza, and intend to continue that tradition if elected Mayor.” Massachusetts State Representative Martin J. Walsh said that he often talks about the fact that his vote on Equal Marriage in the Massachusetts House is the vote he is most proud of in his entire legislative career. See Hopefuls on p. 37

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YouTube sensations turned stars to headline Pride By: Emily Scagel/TRT Assistant Editor ising to fame after their cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” went viral on the Internet, pop/hip-hop duo Karmin has accomplished much in only two years. From an

appearance on Ellen to being signed to a major record label, the group shows no signs of slowing down. With over 1,200,000 YouTube subscribers and over 216,000,000 views, the future is bright for the energetic couple. Amy Heidemann, one

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half of the duo, is known for her sharp rhymes and verbal dexterity. Critics and hip-hop artists alike praise her multi-faceted vocals. Her other half, Nick Noonan, provides impressive instrumental stylings. They bring a new twist to pop and hip-hop, and are sure to exhilarate the crowd. The Boston-based group stays true to their roots, as well as their fans, and is excited to perform at this year’s Boston Pride. The Rainbow Times had an opportunity to ask Karmin a few questions about this year’s show. The Rainbow Times: The theme of Boston Pride this year is "Moving Forward...Proud, Strong, United." What does this mean to you? Can you relate to this message? Karmin: Yes -- we still consider Boston our home, and this phrase has a lot more meaning especially following the Marathon Bombings. The city did a tremendous job of pulling together and pulling through, and that has nothing to do with being gay, straight, bi, black, white or anything like that. We are all Bostonians that had to pull together and move forward. Q. What was it like to go from being an Internet sensation to performing on SNL and ap-

pearing on Ellen? How has your music and career evolved over this time span? A. Man, that was a trip. I guess it was kind of like winning the lottery -- one day you don't have anything, and the next day, 8,000 emails and a couple million YouTube hits later, Ellen is calling you. It was insane, but we're definitely proud of being able to cross over from YouTube and be able to be on shows like SNL and Ellen and have a platinum single. On the music side, we have really evolved, but also stayed very true to our roots. Our new album (first full length) has a lot of old school Karmin elements, like both of our voices present, harmonies and of course, full energetic tracks. We've also grown so much musically as well. Q. You are both from small towns. How did this impact your career and get you to where you are today? A. We both love the fact that we grew up in small towns. I think it helps us focus on the non-materialist things of life, and helps when we actually sit down and talk with people. Everyone seems to say, "Wow, you guys are REAL." Karmin on p. 22

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Karmin from p. 20 Q. What makes your music and performances unique? What do you bring to the pop/hiphop industry that people haven’t heard before? A. Well, we're a duo first of all, and Amy happens to be able to sing like Beyoncé and rap like Busta, so that by itself tends to help [laughs]! Nick is a multi-instrumentalist and we've started incorporating other instruments in the live show, like the trombone, plus we have the energy of an indie rock band. It's a lot of fun! Q. How does the LGBTQ community fit into what you represent as an artist? What does it mean to you to be headlining Boston Pride 2013? A. We're super excited to be headlining Boston Pride. I think because we're white, and we're a couple, people don't expect our music to sound the way it does, but it's true to who we are. We see the LGBTQ community being true to themselves too, and that's very inspiring for us as artists. Q.Your website says you want to “shake things up” with your original music. How do you make that happen? A. By being different and being awesome [laughs]. Just kidding

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… but seriously. Q. How do you think your debut album is being received by your fans and new listeners? Are you planning your next album? A. Our first EP "HELLO" was actually one of the most illegally downloaded releases of 2012, which is both amazing and terrible! [laughs] Regardless, that says a lot when people want to get their hands on your music. And yes, our first full length album is slated for early fall 2013. And our first single is coming out in a month!!! Q. What is the origin of the name “Karmin”? How did that come to be your band name? A. We wanted something simple, and something with meaning. “Carmen” in Latin means song, so we combined that with “karma” to get our version of “Karmin.” Q. You’ve shown that you are successful in creating your own music, despite first becoming well-known through your covers. Who would you say is your biggest influence, and how have they inspired you? A. We're inspired by different people daily. Right now it's Macklemore and his crew, but we're always inspired by a good Kanye album and lots of hip-hop,

which shows sonically in our records and also in our live performances. We of course love the Beatles as well. Who isn't inspired by them? Q. You’ve performed at pride events around the country. What can your fans expect from your Boston Pride performance? What does it mean to you to be playing at these events? A. Expect to bring ear plugs! Just kidding. Our shows always have a crazy amount of energy, dancing, white girl rapping and we've been putting a lot more musicianship into our shows lately as well. Ever since the YouTube days, the LGBTQ community has been a supporter of our music, so it means a lot to be able to give back and perform at Pride Festivals all over the country. It's very important to be a part of the movement. Not to mention they're ridiculously fun to play! Q: Other than headlining Boston Pride, what can we look forward to with your future plans? A: The first single from our new album will drop shortly after Boston Pride! Then, it's go time (smiles). To find out more about Karmin, visit www.karminmusic.com.

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*Photos provided by emcees

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*All photos provided by artists

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ZHE Gets Boston Moving By: Emily Scagel/TRT Assistant Editor oston-based band ZHE brings a unique spin to Top 40 music. Hailing themselves as a pop/rock/dance/glam band, the five members are known for their energetic live performances and are said to engage crowds until they are physically incapable of dancing anymore. Getting their start at Machine Nightclub, they have been performing consistently since 2010. Composed of Berklee College of Music students, ZHE takes music very seriously and brings all they can to their invigorating live performances. ZHE is sure to rock the stage at Boston Pride 2013 and get the crowd moving. The Rainbow Times sat with ZHE to get more details about their Boston Pride show. The Rainbow Times: Are you excited to be performing at Boston Pride 2013? What can your fans expect from your performance? ZHE: Of course. Boston Pride holds a lot of memories for us as a whole and we're glad to be back. Expect the unexpected! Q. The theme of Boston Pride this year is "Moving Forward … Proud, Strong, United." What does this mean to you? A. To me, hearing that reminds me how, even within the LGBTQ community, we can experience a lot of unpleasant judgment and discrimination even within the community itself, and there's no way we're ever going to make any progress if we continue to do so. So I think it's a good message and reminder to ourselves that we're all different but we all want the same thing. Q. What does "ZHE" mean? What is its significance to you? How did you come up with the name?

A. ZHE is a play on a genderneutral pronoun. It can mean (or even be pronounced) however you want. We honestly just liked the sound and the concept of something like that. Q. What makes you unique? How do you engage the audience? A. I don't think there are any other LGBTQ-centric rock bands out there in Boston who are willing to ‘grab life by the balls’ like we do. We like to dominate the stage and make the audience have as much fun as we do. Q. You are particularly popular among the LGBTQ community of Boston. Why do you think this is? A. I think people have a very limited view of what to expect out of music from the LGBTQ community, and I would like to think we challenge this image. We're all music school students who channel our training and influences into something exhilaratingly glamorous in a way that I feel not many other people in our position do or have done. Q. How did the band start? A: We were asked to perform at Machine nightclub two and a half years ago. We have since then taken up a residency there and are technically the "house band" now. And I can guarantee you the guys in the band will be playing better than anyone on that stage that day. Along with Karmin, Berklee will be making itself known. Q. What are the band's plans for the future? A. We are all involved in numerous projects simultaneously. We never know what the future will bring, and I kind of like it that way. For more information about ZHE and their Boston Pride performance, visit www.bostonpride.org/stage.

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Hennepin: The quiet revolution for LGBT equality, game on By: Lisa Keen/Keen News Service early every LGBT person knows about “Stonewall” – the spontaneous resistance to police intimidation of LGBT patrons at the Stonewall bar in New York City in June 1969. Relatively few know about Hennepin in May 1970. Events in both places became powerful catalysts for change in the way mainstream society treats LGBT people. Stonewall took the form of hundreds of LGBT people using riots and defiance in a major city, refusing to obey laws that were hate-motivated and discriminatory on their face. Hennepin was one gay male couple, wearing suits and ties, walking into a county clerk’s office in the Midwest and applying for a marriage license. Stonewall inspired the creation of thousands of LGBT organizations, newspapers, and communities that grew enough political strength to win elections, change laws, and insist the world under-

stand that gay people are here – “Get Used to It.” Hennepin garnered a relative lightning flash of media attention – a story in Look magazine, appearances on two nationally televised talk shows, and a summarily dismissed appeal of their lawsuit by the U.S. Supreme Court. Its specific goal –to allow same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses the same as male-female couples — appeared to fail. Now, 43 years to the month after Jack Baker and Mike McConnell walked into the Hennepin County clerk’s office and filled out an application for a marriage license, their quiet revolutionary act stands as a monument to perseverance and success. To say Richard John (Jack) Baker and James Michael McConnell were ahead of their time is an understatement. They are considered the first same-sex couple to walk into any municipal clerk’s office in the United States and apply for a

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marriage license. They were the first to sue the local clerk when their application was refused, and the first to take their lawsuit to the U.S. Supreme Court. They are also likely the first same-sex couple ever to obtain a marriage license, albeit through a sleight of name-change. According to a variety of news reports, Baker and McConnell were joined in marriage by a pastor in September 1971 after they obtained a marriage license from Mankato, Minnesota. An un-bylined “special” article in the January 7, 1973, New York

Times reported that, in addition to their initial lawsuit over the rejected marriage application, McConnell adopted Baker in August 1971 “with the goal of securing tax and inheritance advantages.” “At that time, Mr. Baker legally assumed the name Pat Lynn McConnell, while continuing to use the name Baker in his daily affairs.” Then Baker, using his newly adopted name, filled out a marriage license application with McConnell in Mankato, a small city west of Minneapolis. Hennepin on p. 31

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couple to write “a hopeful clause” to him if they knew of any gay organization that might exist in Maine. It’s not clear whether Baker and McConnell were able to help the many individual people who wrote to them, but they continued their work of knocking on doors that had previously been closed to gay people – doors that many believed could get them killed. The couple lived in a world rocked by violence over racial integration, President Nixon’s invasion of Cambodia, the Kent State shootings, and the emergence of the more raucous movement for equal protection of the law launched at Stonewall. In many states, including Minnesota, laws back then were heavily stacked against gay people and it was still illegal to engage in oral or anal sex. For whatever reasons, these two men believed in the system. They believed that they should trust the system to treat them with the same rights due to all American citizens. But despite the powerful burst forward provided by the Stonewall rebellion, many gay people at the time did not have the courage it took for

Baker and McConnell to apply for that marriage license on May 18, 1970. “The fear then wasn’t that you’d be discriminated against, that was a given,” said one Minnesota activist of the 1970s, in an article by the Associated Press last December “You were a lot more afraid that someone might come after you with a shotgun.” McConnell, in fact, lost his job at the University of Minnesota library because of the couple’s activism. But still the men forged onward. Read the rest of this story online at: TheRainbowTimesMass.com

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“On Aug. 16, 1971, Blue Earth County issued the license, and, on Sept. 3, Mr. Baker and Mr. McConnell were married in a private ceremony in Minneapolis by the Rev. Roger Lynn of the United Methodist Church,” noted the Times article. Although the Blue Earth County Attorney challenged the legitimacy of the license, a Hennepin County grand jury “found the question not worth pursuing,” and thus, left the license intact. Baker and McConnell’s actions garnered other publicity in the early 1970s – publicity that took some courage on their part, given the volatility of the time. They appeared on the Phil Donahue Show and the David Susskind Show, nationally televised talk shows. They were profiled briefly in Look magazine’s cover story on “The American Family.” Their willingness to identify themselves as gay touched many individual gays around the country. After reading about Baker and McConnell in Look magazine’s cover story, a Birmingham, Alabama, man called the telephone

operator in Minneapolis to see whether there were phone numbers for Jack Baker and Michael McConnell. It’s not that he wanted to call them, it’s that he could hardly believe there were other men in the world like him – men who loved men. “I have secluded myself in an apartment in Birmingham where I live alone away from parents and friends,” wrote the man, whose hand-written letter to Baker is part of an archive at the University of Minnesota. “You and Mr. McConnell have more guts than any man I have ever met.” He asked them to send him information about their gay political organization to “help make a new life for myself.” “At seventeen years of age, I have already experienced the deep hurt of loving one who can never possibly love you,” wrote another young man, this one from a tiny rural town in Maine who said he had attempted suicide. He couldn’t even bring himself to spell out the word “homosexual” in his letter, and he cautioned them not to include their return address on the envelope because “I’m still unable to speak at home.” But he asked the

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Hennepin from p. 29

Your neWS everY daY, Your WaY!

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“Supercharged” artist and activist inspires and empowers audience through music By: Emily Scagel/TRT Assistant Editor wanza Jones is more than a singer and songwriter―she is a fierce advocate for equality. Her anti-discrimination song, “#StopHate,” is a call to action to promote human rights and acceptance. This dynamic artist’s inspiring “Supercharged Statement” is proclaimed as the ultimate guide to motivating oneself, and her energetic dance-pop hits have earned her four spots on the Billboard charts. A Princeton University graduate, Kwanza Jones is also fully involved in the business and creative aspects of her career. Her adrenaline pumping anthems will have you dancing at this year’s Boston Pride. The Rainbow Times sat with Jones to get to know more about her activism, why she thinks we’re all “ambassadors for equality,” and to find out more about her performance this year. The Rainbow Times: How do you describe your music? What makes your music and performances unique in the

dance/pop world? Kwanza Jones: Oooooh, it’s music for superheroes and divas―or those who want to be! I write and sing anthems for the unstoppable, and I carry that passion into my performances. That’s what makes me unique. I have a special brand of energy that unites me and my audiences. We get SUPERCHARGED together and stay SUPERCHARGED forever.

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Q. What is the meaning behind “Supercharged”? How does this relate to the LGBTQ community? A. “Supercharged” is about loving yourself and knowing your power; from that knowledge comes the ability to live free and fearlessly. That’s why I love it when I hear people singing the lyrics, “I am Su-Su-SUPERCHARGED … ,” because they are acknowledging they are

strong enough, smart enough and bold enough. They are acknowledging they are powerful! This relates to the LGBTQ community because, as a whole, this community understands its power and promotes inclusion, acceptance and love. Q. What is an “Ambassador for Equality”? Why is it important to bring awareness to these issues? How do you speak out for equality? Why is it important to you personally to be involved? A. An “Ambassador for Equality” is someone who understands that equality is not for a select few, but for all. It’s someone who works to make sure that people of every gender, religion, race and sexual orientation are not marginalized. I am an “Ambassador for Equality.” I hope you are too. Yes, in the USA, we can all go to school together and yes, the Civil Rights Act was passed and yes, women can vote but there are still many areas where there is inequality based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Awareness is a necessary first step to encouraging action, and so I speak out. Kwanza on p. 34

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Kwanza from p. 33 I speak out because so many others don’t or won’t. I speak out because I believe that one voice can awaken a nation. I speak out because my voice matters, and so does yours, and together we can change the world. I speak out and help bring awareness by sharing my music and my message, including my song, “#STOPHATE”―which has been called “a powerful anti-discrimination anthem.” Personally, it’s important for me to be involved because I have family and friends who are in the LGBTQ community. But it’s more than that, I am involved because it’s a simple matter of fairness. Q. Where does your inspiration come from for your music and your messages? A. My inspiration comes from the human condition -- love, loss, adversity, and most importantly, possibility. That’s also what inspired my “Supercharged Statement.” Q. Your music videos have been featured on Logo TV. How does the LGBT community fit into what you represent as an artist?

A. Yes, Logo TV has shown me lots of love! I’m appreciative. I also appreciate the love and support I receive from the LGBTQ community. As an artist, and as a person, I represent being unstop-

core of being SUPERCHARGED. Q. Why do you think music is the best method to spread your message of tolerance, equality, and empowerment?

I speak out because so many others don’t or won’t. I speak out because I believe that one voice can awaken a nation. pable, which I also call being “Supercharged.” The LGBTQ community fits into what I represent because in the fight for equality, they will not be deterred. This community is a beautiful example of strength and resilience. These things are at the

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A. Because it’s fun! It makes you move. It makes you sing, and it makes you think. Q. The theme of Boston Pride this year is "Moving Forward...Proud, Strong, United," which seems to coincide well with your personal convictions.

What does it mean for you to be performing at this year’s Pride? Can you relate to this theme? A. I am beyond thrilled. I’m honored to perform for Boston at this year’s Pride. The theme could be my mantra because in all I do, I don’t stop. Life is about growth and connection. Given the tragic events that happened during the marathon, Boston is truly showing the world their special brand of “Boston Pride” and I’m overjoyed to be united in the cause. Q. You’ve performed at many LGBT events nationwide. What can pride goers look forward to with your performance in Boston? A. Well, I can’t give away all my secrets, but here’s a little hint, “I am Su-Su-SUPERCHARGED ... getting you Su-Su-SUPERCHARGED!“ (laughs) So get ready for some fist pumping, head bobbing, booty shaking hotness as my Gladiators and I take the stage! For more information about Kwanza Jones, visit www.kwanzajones.com.

We’re Waiting ...

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Hopefuls from p. 12 “People sometimes ask me if it was a difficult vote,” Walsh said. “It wasn’t. Sure, I received some calls from constituents who weren’t happy. But it was easy. It was clearly the right thing to do. I come from the most diverse neighborhood in Boston. In fact, the zip code I live in — 02125 — was recently named one of the most diverse in the country. I will always do all I can to protect the civil rights of all of the people of Boston.” As for his work with the LGBTQ community, Walsh says he voted for the Transgender Rights Bill in 2011. He has also

spent time with the young people at the Waltham House/Home for Little Wanderers. Most recently, he co-sponsored H. 2047, a bill to establish a commission on LGBT aging, to examine ways to better ensure the equality of access, treatment, care and benefits for LGBT older adults and their loved ones and caregivers. The Rainbow Times also attempted to interview candidates Felix G. Arroyo, Charles Clemons, Daniel F. Conley, Will Dorcena, Bill Walczak, and David Portnoy. These candidates did not respond to this reporter’s queries by publication.

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What’s the T? By: Lauren Walleser/TRT Reporter What’s the T? — a new documentary by out filmmaker Cecilio Asuncion—follows five transgender women as they live, dream and share their truth with the world while exploring their experiences and beliefs on transgender issues including transitioning, finding work, dealing with bullies and creating a community. “I knew I wanted to do a film that would be different and make a difference,” said Asuncion. “I remember seeing a young trans girl on the Anderson Cooper show and her story resonated with me in the sense that as a Gay Asian Male, I didn’t have [many] people to look up to in mainstream media. I wanted to do a documentary that young trans girls can see and know that

they can achieve their dreams as the ladies in the film have.” Asuncion said he immersed himself within the transgender community in order to find five women who all audiences would relate to in some way. Nya Ampon, the first woman we meet in the film, works at ASIASF, a San Francisco restaurant and club that supports and employs trans women. She also aspires to be an advocate and speak with college students about trans issues. “I feel that the T in the LGBT isn’t really heard that often,” said Ampon. “We have a lot of different stories.” Cassandra Cass, a well-known San Francisco performer, said she had been featured in other documentaries and almost said no to this one, but appreciated Asuncion’s unique and artistic style. “I want people to be entertained, because I think if you don’t entertain people they won’t even get a message,” said Cass. “I think when people understand something it’s hard to hate it, so I just hope it makes us more human.” In the film, Cass shares how when she first told her father she was going to be a woman, he said

she would be ugly and never find love. Years later and after viewing the film with his friends, she said she has her father’s support. “My dad really enjoyed it,” Cass said. “So I figure if a bunch of Iowa farm guys can enjoy the documentary then it should be a hit.” Rakash Armani, an experienced nurse who has also earned winning titles in the underground ballroom scene, said she was approached first for the film. “I got so sick and tired of people associating transgender women with the cliché of what they see on Jerry Springer and Maury, those silly shows, because that’s really the only time that people get to see a transgender woman on such a public platform,” Armani said. “We’re not all these sexual deviants. We’re not all just trying to go out in public and fool people.” Vi Le, a biochemistry major and vocalist who even auditioned for The X Factor, said in the film that she once considered suicide as she dealt with bullying and the trials of coming out to her parents. She said her mom is now her biggest fan and even thanked Asuncion for making the film.

This is my journey ... you have no place to judge me

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“We all have beating hearts and a brain. We all love, laugh, cry,” Le said. “I may have been born male, but deep inside I’ve always been a woman. This is my journey, and if you don’t know anything about my journey, you have no place to judge me, ever! I am just a girl in this world hoping to make my mark and find happiness just like everyone else, and always doing it with a smile! We are human, and we are diverse in infinite and ever growing ways. Be open minded and learn to respect everyone for who they are.” Mia Tu Mutch grew up in Texas and dealt with intense isolation and discrimination from her community. She is now an organizer and activist on the San Francisco Youth Commission and founded a nonprofit called Feather, which is researching ways to make transitioning more accessible to transgender people. “If you would have told me back then that I was going to grow up and live in San Francisco and have all these jobs with all these queer and trans people as coworkers, I wouldn’t believe half of the things that are happening in my life right now because it’s way bigger than my greatest dreams,” said Tu Mutch. “For me, it’s about daring to dream your biggest potential and continuing to work towards that.”

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