The Rainbow Times' February 4, 2016

2 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

A Conundrum: Clinton or Sanders The real cost of dehumanization based on differences By: Nicole Lashomb*/TRT Editor-in-Chief

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OPINIONS

here’s no doubt that the political landscape has shifted dramatically since Pres.

Obama’s first run for the oval office in 2008. Like many of you, I watched the results of the Iowa Caucus pour in on February 1 and though Hillary Clinton edged out Bernie Sanders in a near tie, the race has been narrowed to just the two of them, once Gov. Martin O’Malley dropped out of the race. In the 2016 primaries, the Democrats & liberals have a tough choice to make between what is undoubtedly a race between the nation’s most accomplished woman and a socialist. A progressive woman and a socialist.

Over the past decade and longer, the political right has used key phrases like liberal, socialist, “pro-abortion,” and so many other “sweet” talking charms as a ploy to elicit fear in the minds and hearts of the American people. They’ve raised their flags, loaded their guns, and clenched their fists while spewing a vitriolic war of words against its own people—the marginalized and most vulnerable among us, commonly used for target practice. It is the bully strategy and the abuse has reared its ugly head in the public square on the road to the white house this year more than any other I can remember.

A GOP favorite who didn’t finish first in

Iowa thankfully, Donald Trump, has publicly mocked the disabled, demeaned women, dehumanized immigrants, offended Muslims and other world religions, and offers no plan for the future with any significant substance—but he’s entertaining to watch as long as you are not in his firestorm.

Sen. Ted Cruz, who decisively won the Iowa Caucus, has been equally, if not more dangerous than Trump, for every word he speaks is cloaked in God’s name, a name he uses for his political gain while acting in direct contrast with the so-called “teachings” he claims to live by.

For some, such games have worked, as they cling to every word out of their mouth as if it were the gospel truth. But, the truth is that America has changed—it is changing—and in changing, we advance and we’ve become wiser.

According to a Gallup poll released in January, Republican support is at a historical all-time low. That is not surprising at all.

In contrast, the left has two strong candidates that have a long history of standing up for “Main Street,” as Obama first proclaimed in 2008. In nearly every poll depicting the general election results between a republican and democratic candidate, the

But, the truth is that America has changed—it is changing—and in changing, we advance and we’ve become wiser.

To read the rest of this story visit: http://wp.me/p22M41-42b

The Lord’s Prayer for LGBTQ persons of faith By: Paul P. Jesep*/TRT Columnist

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FAITH

he Lord’s Prayer can seem exclusionary, especially in its beginning. The Christian prayer, sometimes called the “Our Father,” however, is actually inclusive. It is a reflection, meditation, or conversation with the Almighty.

Most religions have a core wisdom, though each can be perverted. Christianity is no different. It sometimes has been misused to love less, judge more, and isolate and persecute those perceived as different.

This series is a modest, very basic reflection on the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a starting point. LGBTQ Christians can make the prayer their own. It welcomes you into a loving relationship with a holy, mystical presence. The prayer invites you to be spiritually empowered, liberated, and most important, unconditionally loved.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,

Consider “Father” a placeholder because the Creator cannot be limited by gender or anything else. but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6: 9-13; https://goo.gl/YLigYW).

Our Father in heaven.

Consider “Father” a placeholder because the Creator cannot be limited by gender or anything else. The Giver of Life is holy mystery. When Moses asks Eternal Light for a name, the response is “I am that I am.”

Divine breath is “our” Holy Maker, belonging to everyone. No one has a greater claim to Infinite Light. A person opposed to marriage equality isn’t given higher standing to cosmic glory. Everyone is an equally loved child of the same God, whether Kim

See The Lord’s Prayer on page 11

By: Mike Givens*/TRT Assistant Editor

I

was in the seventh grade the first time I experienced an overt act of hatred. I was in science class and asked a classmate a benign question, to which she responded, “you’re weird.” Her best friend at the time, a woefully damaged and tragic young girl who had always disliked me, caustically yelled, “Because he’s a faggot.”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I dejectedly returned to my seat and spent the rest of the class period smoldering in embarrassment, self-loathing and an incredible amount of shame.

In college, a friend of mine who lived in the dorm room next to me during summer session had a small party in his room one night with a few of his friends. I wasn’t invited so I sat in my room doing homework when I clearly heard my friend and his guests start singing a song. Though I can’t remember the words to the song, I clearly remember the song ending with “dead nigger,” and the entire group proceeded to laugh uproariously. The incident was the death knell of that friendship.

I recently turned 34 and realized the concept of “othering” has consistently been one of the bedrock experiences of my life. But it’s not just my life that has suffered from the disheartening sting of social rejection and ignorance. We’ve all experienced it, to some extent. Some of us more than others.

I’m privileged in that I’m a well-educated, cisgender male. However, my skin color, sexual orientation, and impoverished childhood all work against me in some form in my adulthood. And it’s like that for many of us. Our skin color, gender at birth, financial means, access to education, and myriad other social, cultural, racial and ethnic markers can either be a check or a minus on the interpersonal “report card” we all use to evaluate others.

I’ve been called a range of pejoratives, from “weird” to “faggy” to “nigger” to “darkie” and several other choice words.

I’ve had my skin color used as a reason why I wouldn’t be a suitable lover or partner; I’ve had my sexual orientation weaponized by others for the purpose of attacking my masculinity and worth.

Letters to the Editor [Re: Part II: The Salvation Army Fiasco, Clarified] Dear Editor, I’m religious, but not a fanatic about it.

The way I look at it is God made everyone.

Whether it’s right or wrong is his\her choice, not ours. The one thing most Christians forget is judge not lest ye be judged.

If we put more energy into loving our neighbor and less time arguing and making war, maybe our world would be a better place. There are much more important things in the world than who loves who.

I’m not gay, but I believe anyone has the...

See Letters on Page 15

I’ve been called a range of pejoratives, from “weird” to “faggy” to “nigger” to “darkie” and several other choice words.

I’ve no delusions. I highly doubt that during my lifetime I’ll see the day when we learn to accept other people for who they are, as they are. I won’t live long enough to see gay and bisexual men stop referring to those without STIs or HIV/AIDS as “clean;” a time when bisexual or transgender people

See Dehumanization on Page 15

The Rainbow Times The Freshest LGBT Newspaper in New England—Boston Based TheRainbowTimesMass.com editor@therainbowtimesmass.com sales@therainbowtimesmass.com Phone: 617.444.9618 / 413.282.8881 Fax: 928.437.9618 Publisher Gricel M. Ocasio Editor-In-Chief Nicole Lashomb Assistant Editor Mike Givens National/Local Sales Rivendell Media Liz Johnson Lead Photographers Alex Mancini Steve Jewett Reporters Al Gentile Christine Nicco Sara Brown Chris Gilmore Chuck Colbert Keen News Service

Ad & Layout Design Prizm PR Webmaster Jarred Johnson Columnists/Guest* Lorelei Erisis Deja N. Greenlaw Paul P. Jesep Natalia Muñoz* Francisco “Jimagua” Cartagena Mendez Keegan O’Brien* Mike Givens Affiliations National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association NGLCC, QSyndicate *Guest Freelancer

The Rainbow Times is published monthly by The Rainbow Times, LLC. TRT is affiliated with the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, NLGJA, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, NGLCC, and QSyndicate. The articles written by the writers, columnists, and correspondents solely express their opinion, and do not represent the endorsement or opinion of The Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners.

Send letters to the editor with your name, address and phone number to: The Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail any comment/s to the editor-in-chief at: editor@therainbowtimesmass.com. All submissions will be edited according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, LLC reserves the right not to print any or all content or advertisements for any reason at all. TRT is not responsible for advertising content. To receive The Rainbow Times at your home via regular mail, or through electronic delivery, please visit its website. The whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the sole property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and they cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s written consent.

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Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

CDC reports startling increase in the rise of STIs, stresses safe-sex practices By: Mike Givens/TRT Assistant Editor

IN THE LIMELIGHT

BOSTON, Mass.—In November, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report highlighting a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections across the country.

The nearly 200-page report, Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2014 (http://goo.gl/6a8Pjd), found that cases of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea had increased for the first time since 2006. The study reported cases of chlamydia increased by 2.8 percent between 2013 and 2014 while reports of both gonorrhea and syphilis increased by 5.1 percent and 15.1 percent, respectively, during the same timeframe.

Of especial concern in the study was the alarming increase in these infections in men who have sex with men (MSM).

“STDs affect people in all walks of life, particularly young women and men, but these data suggest an increasing burden among gay and bisexual men,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, who heads up the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, in a press statement announcing the new report.

The CDC also reported that new diagnoses for HIV/AIDS have declined, but noted that racial disparities do exist. At the 2015 National HIV Prevention Conference in December, Eugene McCray, director of the CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention

noted that diagnoses among Black and Latino men were up 24% since 2005 (http:///goo.gl/WDqcqS).

What Behaviors are Driving These Numbers?

Dr. Philip Chan, consultant medical director for the Rhode Island Department of Health, noted that one factor potentially contributing to the rise in diagnoses is that more MSM are being regularly tested.

“We have tried to encourage MSM to routinely test for HIV and other STIs which may have contributed to the increased number of cases we are seeing,” Chan said, emphasizing that increased testing amongst MSM will lead to increased STI diagnoses, particularly if men are having sex without a condom with multiple partners.

Sean Cahill, director of health policy research at The Fenway Institute in Massachusetts attributed the increase in STI diagnoses to a lack comprehensive sex education curricula in schools.

“In many school systems principals have a great deal of autonomy, so there is signif-

icant variation from school to school in terms of whether or not young people learn how to protect themselves against STDs,” Cahill said.

A lack of information on resources and safe-sex practices often causes adolescent males to believe they’re not at risk of contracting an STI or HIV/AIDS or they don’t know where, or are too embarrassed, to purchase condoms and lubricants, according to Cahill.

“We need to address sex education as well as acknowledge that many young people are sexually active and make it easier for them to access what they need to stay healthy,” he said.

Carl Sciortino, executive director of AIDS Action Committee, stressed the need for proper messaging and education on STIs, but not just for gay and bisexual men. “...STI rates are also on the rise in the general community, not just the LGBT community, which tells us our overall prevention messages that once worked are failing across the board,” he said.

According to Sciortino, lessening concerns around contracting HIV/AIDS have

driven down community demand for education and activism on safe-sex practices.

Troubling Racial Disparities Cahill said the jarring racial disparities affecting Black and Latino men with HIV/AIDS and STI diagnoses has its roots in social issues that have historically plagued communities of color. Those issues include inadequate access to health care; lower rates of health insurance; disproportionately high rates of undiagnosed STIs and HIV/AIDS; increased instances of unprotected sex; and lower adherence to HIV/AIDS treatment regimens.

Gary Daffin, executive director of the Multicultural AIDS Coalition, said these racial disparities are compounded given the insularity of many communities of color. “...people tend to have sexual relationships with people from their own race,” he said.

“Because the prevalence of HIV is greater among MSM of color, and the number of MSM of color is relatively small, the likelihood of exposure to HIV from someone in our sexual network is higher.”

Safe-Sex Practices Paramount to Prevention “...many men that have STIs, as well as HIV, do not have any symptoms, so regular testing is really important,” said Thomas Bertrand, chief of the Center for HIV, STDs, Tuberculosis, and Viral Hepatitis of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “Also, while it can be awkward, it’s important for MSM to let partners know if they are diagnosed with an STI or HIV so that their part-

See STIs on Page 15

4 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

Love and the trans person: The issues and the realities of dating us By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw*/TRT Columnist

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TRANS NEWS

t's February and Valentine's Day is coming upon us.

It's a nice hallmark holiday that celebrates the love between special ones. There are gifts, dinner dates, and romance in the air! It can be a wonderful time for some folks, but for others it can be not so wonderful. If you do not have a special one in your life the day can leave you feeling sad and alone.

As one ages it seems that the likelihood of finding that special one decreases. Yes, it does happen, but if you just ask anyone who's in the current dating scene, you just might get a negative answer to your question. After all, it's not easy to find that special one. There may be factors stacked against you such as your age, looks and your gender. Being a trans person may also be a factor.

We all know that it's not fair, but when you are trans you may be put into another dating category, apart from others of your gender.

You may or may not be desired as dating material. Yes, there are some trans people

who have found success in dating, but there are many other trans people who have not been as lucky. Although it seems absolutely unfair, the fact is that there are currently people who would never date a trans person.

Never. These people might be perfectly happy to have a trans person as a friend, but to date a trans person might be a completely different story. Why is that so in these cases?

process. To these people, dating a trans person is not even a consideration.

Secondly, maybe the person has issues with the trans person's genitals. There are many folks who are exclusively attracted to either female genitals or male genitals. If the trans person does not have the preferred genitals, the dating possibility ends right there.

Thirdly, maybe the person fears what so-

These people might be perfectly happy to have a trans person as a friend, but to date a trans person might be a completely different story.

What might be the issues that prevent someone from dating a trans person? In searching social media, talking with trans and cisgender people and learning from my own experiences, I can think of three possible scenarios why someone does not not want to date a trans person.

First, maybe the person is simply not attracted to someone who is trans. The thought of dating someone who began life as one gender but then started living as another gender may be too much for some to

ciety may think of them if they do date a trans person. The fear of them being ridiculed and labeled as queer, weird, not normal, etc. may be a huge issue for them to overcome. If they decide to stand with their trans partner, they may be ostracized by their friends and family who may not understand or accept the trans partner into their social and family circles. I have had first-hand experiences with this situation. I've dated several men who would only meet me in certain towns where no one knows them. Only one,

actually, told a few of his friends about me, but the word got around quickly in his circles. Most of his friends were not supportive at all. One of his friends asked him if he was still really seeing that “shim.”

It can be a tough situation. All my other dates never even breathed a word to their friends and family that they were dating me.

It can be a sticky situation for someone to tell their friends that their date is a trans person. I found that most men whom I dated will just simply avoid telling their friends about me. I suspect that this happens in similar cases with others.

My conclusion is that if a trans person finds that special one who is not bothered by the trans person's gender history, the trans person's genitals, and their own fear of losing family and friends, then that special one really is indeed special! I do know for a fact that these special ones are around. Yes, there are folks who do date and partner with trans people, and they have no issues with doing so. They are usually few and far between, but I love it when I hear stories like theirs.

Yes, sometimes love truly does find a way! *Deja Nicole Greenlaw is a trans woman who has 3 grown children and is retired from 3M. She can be contacted via e-mail at: dejavudeja@sbcglobal.net.

Ask a Trans Woman: Importance of visibility for the famous & not-so-famous By: Lorelei Erisis*/TRT Columnist

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PHOTO: DAVID MEEHAN

ately, I’ve been thinking a lot about visibility. I just now finished reading a marvelous and eloquent essay in defense of Caitlyn Jenner written by a later transitioning trans woman, sent to me through a mutual friend.

Sent to me precisely because I myself am visible, and this trans woman and our mutual friend felt that this was a perspective I might find useful.

In this essay, which was quite long, this trans woman essentially argues that Caitlyn Jenner is both personally atypical and broadly quite representative of older transitioners. Atypical as she is a person who is already a celebrity and is transitioning under the harsh glare of the full media spotlight.

Therefore, any mistakes she makes should be considered in that context. She is representative in that she grew up in a different era, with different mores and expectations, which shaped her views of gender and indeed of the world around her, in a way she shares with those of a similar age.

It’s actually things like this that make me feel qualified to even attempt to offer advice and guidance to my own audience. My visibility and accessibility means that I am regularly contacted by trans-identified people eager to share their story with me to offer their unique perspectives and experiences.

My social media feeds and inbox are often

THE RAINBOW TIMES DIVERSE............just like our team is OBJECTIVE..........someone has to be INCLUSIVE........no one is left behind .....That is HOW media should be.....

If by using what little privilege some of us have can save the life of our more vulnerable sisters and brothers and non-binary siblings or if we can make things just a little easier for our youth, are we not morally obligated as caring human beings to do so? so full of these messages that it can feel overwhelming. But even when I am unable to engage, I read all of it; absorb as much as I can.

If this were all, it would be a lot for anyone to take in. But I’m not merely accessible online; I’m visible and approachable in real life, in all my 6’4” punk rock pageant queen fsabulousness! As I write this, in fact, I’m sitting in a local café, getting ready to go to my current pay-the-bills job as a waitress in a diner down the street.

Between my work as a public figure and my life as a private citizen, I meet so many trans people, both out and very much closeted, and all degrees in-between. When I was recently asked by a new cisgender acquaintance if I knew such-and-such random trans person—as if we all belong to some secret society—I was forced to reply that while it’s kind of a rude question to ask most trans folks, yes, I did actually know the random trans person they were talking about. I know a heck of a lot of trans people all over the world.

It is this great wealth of networked knowledge and experience that I draw on in my

own outreach and writing. I am immensely grateful for this—honored to be so well thought of by so many.

It is my visibility that makes this all possible. I am often struck by the number of trans folks I meet who tell me that they were inspired by me in some way, to transition themselves, or to come out in the world. I can only imagine that if I with my small spotlight can inspire so many, then how many more have been lifted up and given strength by the examples of folks like Janet Mock, Laverne Cox, and yes, Caitlyn Jenner?

I think there is little doubt that, despite perhaps the occasional backlash created by the media storm around folks like Jenner, the visibility of those of us who have a spotlight is, in the main, a positive thing—especially in such a media-saturated world.

These are extreme examples, however. I think it could be reasonably argued that those of us who seek the spotlight are often outliers. Most regular folks recoil from this level of exposure. We deliberately court it.

More important, in my mind, and what I want to stress, are those trans folks who are

visible in their own smaller spheres. Trans people who are out in their workplaces and to their families—who are active in their communities.

Caitlyn Jenner might be significant in that now all of Middle-America “knows” a trans person. Someone they’ve grown up watching on television, staring at on their Wheaties boxes in the bleary-eyed morning.

But, that trans girl who works at the local coffee shop, the trans guy at your office, the non-binary person in your class; these unnamed trans people, I think, make the bigger impact in their smaller ways—much more so than Mock or Cox or Jenner. They are real, flesh-and-blood—people that you know, without any quotations around the word. And, if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that it is immensely harder to hate and fear people that you know.

These average, everyday trans people do more to demystify us than any sociology textbook or Diane Sawyer interview. These people are my heroes.

I realize we do not live in a perfect world.

In a perfect world, no one would need to be “out.” We could simply live our lives. And, for many trans people, it is still not safe enough to be out in these ways. It is a dangerous world for trans people, more so if you are a trans woman, particularly if you are a trans woman of color.

But, if you have enough privilege to risk being out; if you find the risks within the realm of acceptability by your own assessment; I cannot encourage you enough to be out in your own spheres. It may not seem like much, but every single one of us that is out and visible changes the world just a little bit. The more of us there are, the more of us that people know, the less hate and violence becomes likely.

Read the rest of this story at: http://wp.me/p22M41-421

TheRainbowTimesMass.com • The Rainbow Times • 5

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

Lauren Willford and Mason Dunn PHOTO: JEANNIE SIMMS FROM THE SAME SEX MARRIAGE PORTRAIT PROJECT SERIES

LGBTQ couples share the secrets to loving relationships and longevity CUPID’S CORNER

By: Al Gentile/TRT Reporter

As Valentine’s Day approaches, The Rainbow Times reminds readers that love is in the air.

Nelson Roman and his partner Manny Hernandez; John Trobaugh and his husband Jeroan Allison; Mason Dunn and his wife Lauren Willford; Andi Wheeler and her fiancée Meredith Munn; and Paul Fahey and his partner Benny Chan shared their secrets to a long, happy, and healthy relationship as well as some plans for the big day.

The secret ingredient When asked about the secret to a healthy relationship Roman and Hernandez, who have been together for over six months, said many ingredients go into the recipe of relationships.

“To me, the secret to any relationship begins with trust,” Roman said. “Add in some respect, genuine friendship, open and honest communication, fun, laughter, romance, and random acts of showing each other you love one another, and you should have the foundation.”

“It all begins with communication,” Hernandez added.

Fahey, who has been with Chan since July of 2014, said communication was the key to

Andi Wheeler and her fiancée Meredith Munn PHOTO: LOVE AND PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

getting through the good and bad times.

“Obviously openness and honesty is important, but just as much so are those occasions where one or both of us makes a

mistake and has to address something that can be embarrassing or painful,” he said.

Trobaugh, who has been with his husband for 25 years and has a 10-year-old son named Ryan, said acting out of love and compromise were most important.

“People say love is a verb and I believe it,” Trobaugh said. “When we were just friends and dating we made sure that our core values were in line with each other’s. We both have a strong sense of contributing to society and giving back in a variety of ways.”

PHOTO: PAUL FAHEY

Paul Fahey and Benny Chan in Truro, Massachusetts at the Highland Lighthouse

Wheeler said making space for your significant other to grow is “super important.”

“Being part of a couple is wonderful and fun, but it’s also important to grow as separate individuals,” Wheeler said. “If you hold your partner back or put your own needs on the back burner, it can hurt the relationship.”

For Dunn and Willford, who met at summer camp while in college, the “secret” is no secret at all.

“I don’t think it’s as easy as one thing, nor should it be a secret,” Dunn said. “For us, it’s been about communication, patience, and authenticity.”

Willford believes a strong relationship requires something deeper.

“One of the secrets for us is that while we are partners, we started out, 11 years ago, as friends,” Willford said.

Keeping the relationship alive “Her compassion is towards the top of my list,” Dunn said of Willford when discussing

See Cupid’s Corner on Page 12

6 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

The State of Transgender Rights: Legislation, empowerment and equality By: Nicole Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief

BOSTON, Mass.—Despite heightened transgender awareness in the U.S., largely due to reality star Caitlyn Jenner’s emergence, the reality of transgender struggles are daunting as violence and discrimination continues to surge, according to local and national officials.

“Nationally, 2015 was one the most horrific years for anti-trans violence, with numerous trans people murdered on the basis of their gender identity,” said Mason Dunn, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) and co-chair of Freedom Massachusetts. “Each of the reported murdered victims were trans women, and the clear majority were trans women of color. Racism continues to drive transphobic bias and violence, and this must be addressed in our community.”

Twenty-two transgender people were killed in the U.S. in 2015, surpassing the homicides of 2014 just six months into the year, according to a recent report by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). “[We] will continue prioritizing our communities most impacted by violence, harassment, and systemic discrimination and marginalization,” said Kris Hayashi, executive director of the Transgender Law Center (TLC), a national organization that advocates for changes in law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can be free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. “This means a robust commitment to challenging the criminaliza-

GRAPHIC: HRC

tion and policing of transgender people, particularly transgender women of color.”

According to an HRC release, “more than 115 anti-LGBT bills were introduced in at least 31 states in 2015. Because many state legislatures have provisions that allow bills to carry over into 2016 if they were neither enacted nor defeated, many of these bills are

still pending.”

Currently in Massachusetts, non-discrimination legislation S.B. 735 and H.B. 1577, An Act Relative To Transgender Anti-Discrimination, is pending, as reported by The Rainbow Times last year (http://goo.gl/zoXSDM).

“Our largest priority in 2015 was the in-

troduction and advocacy for the non-discrimination legislation,” said Dunn. “Together with other groups and lobbyists, we're working to ensure that non-discrimination protections for trans and gender nonconforming people extend to public spaces.”

Although the measure did not come up for a vote before the state legislature broke for winter break, Dunn is confident in its impetus.

“Already, we've seen great momentum in the new year, with support from all of the local professional [sports] teams: the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, and Revolution,” he said. “We've also seen great political momentum, with statements of support from the Senate President, Senator Rosenberg, the Speaker of the House, Representative DeLeo, and Attorney General Maura Healey.”

Jennifer Levi, director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders’ (GLAD) Transgender Rights Project, stressed the ramifications that such pending legislation has on issues such as healthcare and public accommodations.

“Health access remains a high priority for all transgender people whether on public or private insurance plans and also for those who are incarcerated or detained,” said Levi.

“We [the Boston-based organization] also continue our work [to obtain] equal treatment and access for all transgender people—including youth in schools, employees

See Trans Rights on Page 15

TheRainbowTimesMass.com • The Rainbow Times • 7

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

My Daughter’s Army:” Greg Hogben’s book on the blatant oppression of women The feminist author on gender equality, his love for Malala Yousafzai and Emma Watson By: Gricel M. Ocasio/TRT Publisher

T

he story and the man go hand-inhand, as depicted on the cover of Greg Hogben’s most recent book, “My Daughter’s Army.” The British author, who holds a commanding Twitter presence, is as effective in this book, as he is when he carries the message of equality for women and LGBTs via social media. Masterfully, via “My Daughter’s Army,” Hogben presents one of the most indisputable issues worldwide, obfuscated by the media and a seemingly heartless society. Through Sera's experience, Hogben portrays the ultimate form of genocide being ignored—feminicide—and does it while still exalting enlightened men as well.

“My Daughter’s Army,” places us into a world where a gifted young woman, Adam’s daughter Sera, grows to ultimately create an army to fight the feminicide that occurs in the world she sees. The book’s effectiveness is not only reflected in the way that Sera tells the stories of thousands of women, but in how her own life intertwines with them, her father and the reader. Are Sera’s experiences just like those of other feminists or could she be God’s Daughter sent to earth to fight for women’s rights? If you are not touched and moved to action by “My Daughter’s Army,” you are out of touch with the reality of women’s biggest demise and their possible future annihilation—all occurring at the hands of religion.

The Rainbow Times spoke to Hogben on the phone and via e-mail to interview the passionate writer and activist of women and

Even in the western world, issues of equality are often overlooked because many people still believe women should have a ‘subservient role’ that has been set for them by ancient books.

LGBT rights. In his distinctive British accent, Hogben explained how fighting for these rights and exposing them via social media had also yielded hatred and even threats against him. Still, his activism prevails and it now lives stronger through “My Daughter’s Army,” his masterpiece to awaken the dormant self to a call for action.

Stand-by.

The Rainbow Times: Where were you born, when did you come out and what brought you to the U.S.?

Greg Hogben: I was born and raised in Sussex on the south coast of England. I came

Forty percent (40%) of homeless youth are LGBT. I believe this is the most critical issue facing the community because it’s the most immediate. out when I was about 18. There were no fireworks or drama. Looking back now, I realize how lucky I was to have such a supportive family. I moved to New York in 2008 and then to Washington, DC in 2009.

Q: When did you start fighting for women and LGBT rights?

A: I’ve fought for LGBT rights since I was old enough to understand the implications of not being equal under the law, both in the UK and the US. Though we have made incredible strides, there are still so many issues to fight for. Thankfully, the LGBT community is not one to be complacent— and nor should it ever be. The fight for women’s rights has become more important to me in recent years as I have been exposed to the reality of the blatant, and sometimes subtle, oppression of women.

Q: Your Twitter account has over 80K followers, why do you think that is?

A: Twitter’s character limit makes you forego the usual politically correct prefaces and forces you to be blunt. It’s a hard honesty, and I think people respond well to it.

I’m not active on Twitter to force my opinion on others, just to amplify the voices of those whose opinions are often overlooked, discounted, or who aren’t being heard. I know how incredibly lucky I am to follow and to be followed by so many amazing people.

Q: Going back to “My Daughter’s Army” Is Sera's character born out of someone you know that fights for women rights with such a passion and commitment?

A: Sera’s character was inspired by the women in history who are synonymous with feminism and equal rights, many [of] whom started their campaigns at an early age.

Today, I have so much admiration for Malala Yousafzai and her work to bring education to girls worldwide, as well as Emma Watson’s commitment to the UN’s HeForShe initiative to promote gender equality.

Q: You expose so many topics that are known to and experienced by women as if you, yourself, had lived through them.

What prepared you to see women’s struggles in such a light?

A: Nothing prepared me. It troubled me, and still troubles me, more than I can possibly explain. The reality is brutal. I wish I could say that many of the stories within the book were embellished, or that I took some kind of writer’s license, but the truth is they are all based on the accounts of real women.

Q: What is the biggest obstacle to women's rights in the world? In the U.S.?

A: Religion. Until people recognize that so many of the issues stem from and are still rooted in conservative, traditional interpretations of religion, it’s going to be a struggle.

Even in the western world, issues of equality are often overlooked because many people still believe women should have a ‘subservient role’ that has been set for them by ancient books.

Q: As a member of the LGBT community, what do you think is the most critical issue this community is facing?

A: Forty percent (40%) of homeless youth are LGBT. I believe this is the most critical

issue facing the community because it’s the most immediate. It’s appalling enough that parents would abandon their children, but to throw them in the path of traffickers and those who prey on the vulnerable is unforgivable. There are outstanding organizations out there that do an incredible job protecting these kids, but they often are woefully underfunded.

Q: How long did it take you to write My Daughter's Army? Why is a book about women's rights or lack thereof important?

A: Two years. Much of that time was dedi-

See My Daughter’s Army Page 10

8 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

OUT MetroWest receives $20k grant By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.—OUT MetroWest, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and emotional well-being of GLBTQ teens in Boston MetroWest, was recently awarded $20,000 by the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation to assist with its expanding programs and staff.

“We are honored to receive this investment in our growing program,” said Jack Lewis, executive director of OUT MetroWest. “This is the largest gift we have received from a single source, and we are excited for what this means for our life-enhancing, lifesaving programs.”

According to Lewis, such a contribution has allowed the youth-based initiative to hire the organization's second full-time staff person, Julie Blazar, Director of Programs and Communications. “[Blazar] is responsible for overseeing our current programs while working to respond to requests for additional ones,” Lewis added.

“We are grateful to the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation for their focus on the evolving needs of MetroWest residents,” notes Blazar. “The Foundation’s commitment to the local community is helping us to deliver services where they are needed most.”

Just next month, the organization will expand its middle school program by adding an additional monthly meeting in Newton to its staple Framingham one.

“We are committed to continuing to meet the expanding needs of the youth we serve and are in regular discussion around the need for additional support for high school youth, in addition to underserved young adults,” Lewis said.

According to a recent release by OUT MetroWest, the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in grants to over 200 non-profit organizations providing vital supports through the community.

“The Foundation seeks to fund efforts which address an underserved need,” explains Dana Neshe, President of the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, via the release. “We are very pleased to be able to support OUT MetroWest and the programs that it offers in our communities.

These services provide a community of caring as well as much needed support to the young adults served.”

OUT MetroWest currently runs three youth programs, totaling seven meetings each month in Framingham and Wellesley, and a new program to launch on February 24th in Newton.

“We appreciate support from all of our donors,” said Lewis. “This generous gift from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation is a testimony both to the work we do in the community but also the Foundation's commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.”

To learn more about OUT MetroWest, visit www.outmetrowest.org.

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

TheRainbowTimesMass.com • The Rainbow Times • 9

10 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

The Welcoming Committee’s new project: Supports inclusivity, respect for LGBTQs By: Mike Givens/TRT Assistant Editor

BOSTON, Mass.—While living in Philadelphia, Joshua Durando felt a bit restless and decided to mix up his social life. Having volunteered to blog about a Guerilla Queer Bar (GQB) event (http://goo.gl/6YTQFS Philly Gay Calendar), he went with a few friends and said he enjoyed himself. The premise of GQB gatherings was simple: on a Friday night, LGBTQ people would “take over” a bar typically known for catering to

and now the 29-year-old is a community operations manager in the Boston office.

Co-founded in 2007 by Daniel Heller, the Boston Guerilla Queer Bar (BGQB) was a social experiment in making LGBTQ people comfortable in places that weren’t typically open to them.

“About 20 people came to our first [event], 50 at the second, but by the fifth event over 1,000 people showed up,” said Heller, 31, of Boston. Eventually, Boston Guerilla Queer

Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. “Our members were constantly moving to new places and asking us to open up shop there, and that's how we started expanding by our second, third, and now tenth city,” Heller said, noting that TWC nationally boasts 33,000 registered members, nearly 100 active volunteers, and 10 full time staff.

According to Heller, in 2015, TWC collectively hosted more than 300 events with greater than 40,000 people. In the nine years since its creation, TWC welcomes people by the hundreds to a variety of nightlife, cul-

ture, sporting and travel events.

“Bar crawls are nice every now and then, however, [attendees] love our sports events and movie screenings and additional opportunities where they can actually sit and talk to other attendees,” said Dianna Flood, 26, a New York City volunteer.

In 2016, TWC is prepared to evolve even more. In mid-January, the organization launched Project Home, an initiative to make events even more inclusive by addressing common issues that many LGBTQ people face in public situations. In its first four-month round, TWC plans to tackle three issues: safety in restrooms; equitable

To read the rest of this story visit: http://wp.me/p22M41-425

PHOTO: THE WELCOMING COMMITTEE/TWC

straight people. An e-mail listserv would send out the location and time the event was happening and anyone receiving the e-mail was more than welcome to attend.

Something about the event resonated with Durando, though.

“As a cisgender male, my pronouns were not something I had to think about often, and I remember being struck by that,” he said. “I loved that there was a community effort around making folks feel comfortable, and respecting their identity.”

He started volunteering for The Welcoming Committee, the host of the GQB events,

Bar became The Welcoming Committee, and as such, took on a role of providing accepting and inclusive environments for LGBTQ people beyond the Boston bar scene.

“A true community developed, and people wanted to see our experiences outside of bars,” said Heller, noting that events graduated from the bar scene to a Red Sox game, the Boston Pops Orchestra and even a Foxwoods Casino trip.

And the experience isn’t limited to Boston. There are nine other locales with TWC operations including Atlanta, Chicago,

PHOTO: GREG HOGBEN

About 50 LGBTQs from all over joined TWC as they ran wild all over La Concha Resort, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Alejandro Lopez, Travis Shupe, Cj Rowe, Ivan Ocampo and Ryan Caro join the gaycation.

Q: What made you think of the “standMy Daughter’s Army from page 7 cated to researching the issues as well as by” symbol for Sera's movement/legacy, identifying potential solutions. The issue of which is what you use on your Twitter women’s rights was always important to the page? story, but as I learned more, the angrier I be- A: Though I am not a religious person, I did attend Catholic school, where the crucifix came. It was difficult to find the was ubiquitous. Seeing a man balance of telling a story that is, at nailed to a cross has troubled heart, about the relationship beme since I was a kid. I always tween a father and daughter, while found it to be a graphic image at the same time raising awareness to serve as a reminder of a Mesof so many different critical issiah. I chose the stand-by symsues. bol as a modern take on a Q: Your recount of the 9/11 atfamiliar image that represented tacks through Adam and Sera's power. But rather than put a eyes and reactions sounded so face on it, it was meant to rereal. Were you there when such mind people that they had the a tragedy happened? power to change things.

A: No, but I researched, read, and Q: Where, if Sera were real, watched many accounts of those Greg Hogben do you think she'd be today in who were so that I could portray terms of women's rights? the events as accurately and genuinely as possible. But 9/11 was a seminal event and A: Social media has opened so many avI think we all experienced what happened enues for raising awareness and combating that day in our own way. There was a col- inequality, providing platforms for the lective feeling of anger and helplessness as voiceless and essential networks for people the days and weeks went on, and we all who otherwise would feel isolated. From the “It Gets Better” movement to the UN’s identify with that.

HeForShe campaign, online presence and social media can make a real difference in people’s lives. I’d like to think that Sera would harness the power of these online sisterhoods to motivate and create pressure for genuine change for women in the world, just as she did in the book.

Q: In a sense, the book commands a call to action. Was that the purpose of it?

A: I don’t see how anyone can delve into the issues, learn the statistics, and confront the horrors women truly face around the world and not feel compelled to do something about it—even if it is contributing by raising awareness. If people don’t know there’s a problem, how can they possibly fix it?

Q: What's next for you in terms of women and LGBT rights?

A: I’m committed to continue raising awareness of women’s rights and LGBT issues through social media, hopefully making the abstract concepts very real. “Equality,” “fairness,” and “justice” aren’t just high-minded ideals. They each have a million real-life stories behind them of people struggling, fighting, and, ultimately, overcoming the odds to make the world a better place. I want to bring as many of those to light to raise awareness, make the intangible real, and to share ideas for solutions.

“My Daughter’s Army” is available online via Amazon (http://goo.gl/np2r1R) and Barnes & Noble (http://goo.gl/zAQ0nU).

You can buy it digitally or in paperback formats.

TheRainbowTimesMass.com • The Rainbow Times • 11

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

By: Chris Azzopardi/Special to TRT

T

he “shred” will put you through the sweat fires of hell, but despite her extreme workouts, Jillian Michaels wants you to know she is no monster. To set the record, ahem, straight, the out fitness guru is opening the doors to her very “normal,” sometimes-emotional, not-at-all-whatyou-thought life during E!’s Just Jillian, where she laughs (you read that right) and… cries?!

Yes, that Jillian Michaels—the Butt Kicker from The Biggest Loser—cries actual human tears.

As if that revelation wasn’t enough, there were many more made during this recent chat with Michaels, who talked about her reputation being “destroyed” by The Biggest Loser, why she uses the word “fag” and how, after a long road to self-acceptance, Madonna empowered her to confront her sexuality.

Chris Azzopardi: After watching Just Jillian, a lot of people will be surprised to find out that you’re not who they thought you were.

Jillian Michaels: Very much so, yeah. Here’s what I love about it: Everyone is like, why would you do this? And they have these preconceived notions about reality shows and all this drama and, “It’s all fake and it’s all mean spirited,” and that’s not at all why I wanted to open up my life. I feel like the comedy of errors as we go about our daily routine, honestly, is quite enjoyable. And everybody has the same struggles, right?

Whether it’s in their work, marriage, family, parenting, as a friend, you go on this journey where you laugh and you cry, and hopefully you learn something with the characters on the show. For me, in my career, it’s always been “Jillian’s the fitness guru,” but the bigger conversation is using fitness as a tool to help somebody build a better life.

Q: Was being out on TV—with a family, even your partner, Heidi Rhoades, and your two children—something you ever imagined for yourself?

A: You know, it’s interesting that you ask

The Lord’s Prayer from Page 2 Davis the Kentucky clerk who denied marriage licenses to same-gender couples, or Episcopal priests and pastors of the United Church of Christ (among others) who joyfully celebrate same-gender religious marriages.

Heaven is available at this moment within a person’s soul. Our Mystical Parent is not in a faraway place. Heaven is a call to be spiritually one with God in a temporary world of boxes, distinctions, separations, and social status.

At the baptism for a child of same-gender parents, in good times and bad, the Creator is there. Eternal Flame is everywhere, always available to listen whether you’re in jail, at the office, sitting in a place of worship, or driving in the car with the radio and cell turned off. In order to hear Divine Presence find stillness and make it a routine.

Hallowed be your name.

Reflect on the sacred and perfect. It is in praise of something bigger and better than self-interest. Elevate yourself to a transcendental experience. To “fear” God is to be awed by something wonderful and

PHOTO: E!

Jillian Michaels sets the record straight, talks gay slurs, marriage

Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser to her new reality TV Show, Just Jillian, on E!

that. I know I’m sort of in that very pivotal generation, right? I’m on the younger end of Gen X, and for me, growing up gay was not cool. Gay was gross. Gay was despicable.

People said the word “faggot.” People said “dyke”—I heard that a lot in high school.

And it was very scary. I have watched as a people and as a country and a culture over the course of my teenage-into-adulthood life and I do still think there is a tremendous amount of homophobia that exists. And I’ve never been out there with my gay flag; I wanted to take an approach of, “Hey, I don’t need to win you over and I don’t need to fight with you and I don’t want to combat you.” But what I do hope is that people observe me, observe my family, and go, “Oh my god, this isn’t at all what I thought it was. This is actually pretty similar to my extraordinary. Don’t be afraid. It is a place of supreme goodness where injustice is sorted out regardless of the realities of a cold, complicated world.

It’s where a transgender man or woman who is discriminated against by members of the gay, lesbian, or bisexual community can find a safe place. The rejected and abandoned are holy and sacred, invited to explore how Eternal Light is loving and welcoming.

Divinely inspired biblical stories welcome you to ask, for example, how the story of Adam and Eve is relevant to an LGBTQ person. The story can be understood as one of awakening to a higher consciousness, both bitter and yet very sweet.

It can be a coming-of-age story.

As someone observed, we’re spiritual beings having a human experience. It’s important as spiritual beings wrestling with humanness to find the mystical in each day.

The Lord’s Prayer can help in the journey. * Paul is a corporate chaplain, seminary trained priest, and attorney in greater Albany, NY. Reach him through www.CorporateChaplaincy.biz.

family; they’re going through things that my family goes through.” And that’s always been my approach. I don’t need to make these big statements. I’m just going to live my life and my truth and hopefully as you observe that it will become a little more— and I have so much trouble with this word— normalized for people who don’t perceive it as the norm.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about you?

A: God, I mean, it’s the obvious. And I hate the obvious and I think it’s cliché, but I think people never really understood The Biggest Loser. The Biggest Loser was a life or death intervention that existed on a ticking clock on top of which you would see 45 minutes of a television show which is shot over 10 days and so you never saw what I was doing, why I was doing it, what else I was doing, the end result of what I was doing. The intentions were never displayed and it was far more entertaining to have a good guy and a bad guy, and I think some people really saw through that and that’s great; some people did not and that’s that.

But what is kind of cool about this show— and it is so appropriately named Just Jillian—is you see just me, and it’s the good, the bad, the ugly. I’m a very real person. So, for those who have idealized me, they’ll be disappointed (laughs); for those who’ve hated me all these years, I think they’ll be surprised.

Q: Do you regret doing The Biggest Loser?

A: Good question. There’s this Latin quote that I heard and it summarizes The Biggest Loser perfectly: “That which nourishes me also destroys me.” I’m super grateful for the platform I was given. Obviously I owe everything I have to that diving board, that jumping-off point. But there does come a point where you definitely overstay your welcome, where something starts to become more limiting, it starts to do more harm than it does good, and that was definitely a source of frustration for me. I don’t think it’s a secret—I have been vocal about it—but to say that I’m not grateful for the opportunity and for all it’s done for me would be obtuse, absurd and obnoxious, but I’m not gonna lie and say it didn’t also cost me a host of problems on the backend.

Now, I’m hoping this show is really just my best foot forward and the thing is, I am sarcastic and I am obnoxious but I’m also loving and I’m also passionate and I’m also caring and I’m all those things. At least now if people hate me, they’ll hate me for a legitimate reason—that I’m really excited about! (Laughs) At least they’ll hate me for a reason that’s real.

Q: And unless those tears are CGI, you cry. Quite a bit, in fact. Actual human tears, I think.

A: (Laughs) No, no, no. It’s just tear-gas shit they sprayed at me during the interviews.

Q: You’ve been called a bully to overweight people and I know that must be hard to hear for somebody who was bullied.

A: I know, I know.

Q: What does that feel like?

A: It’s a shame. For somebody who comes to an environment where they’re literally committing suicide with food, let’s cut the shit. Some of them are 400 or 500 pounds, they’re killing themselves with food and the amount of time they have left is five or 10 Read the rest of this interview at: http://wp.me/p22M41-428

12 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

at any given time any of these children/youth may be challenging to find an appropriate home for. Often times they might come with a negative view of caretakers and present as very guarded. Some children/youth have a particular type of family they would like to be placed with in regard to race, single parent homes, two-parent homes and same sex couples. Given that fact Devereux continues to seek out a diverse population so all children/youth feel welcome and comfortable in the foster homes in which they are placed.

Q: What do you look for from the foster family when placing a child?

A: We work closely with our families on making the most appropriate matches when placing a child. The families become active and critical members of the child’s treatment team. We expect that they will support the child through their treatment and provide them a consistent and loving home environment. One of the best qualities a potential foster parent can have is compassion and a willingness to hang in when things get tough. All too often children/youth are given up on because of their behaviors, despite evidence that shows that children/youth will begin to address their trauma histories and act out behaviorally in a home that makes them feel safe and secure.

Q: Approximately how many children are waiting placement? What is the average age?

A: Across Mass. and Rhode Island, on any given month, Devereux receives referrals for close to a hundred children/youth that need foster homes. Children range in age from infancy to 21. The infants we serve are typically medically involved; born ...

See Devereux, page13

their long-last relationship. “She has a never-ending well of kindness and compassion that extends to children, animals, and people.”

Willford said she loved Dunn’s work ethic and drive.

“He’s not afraid of challenges, or getting into the struggle of problem solving,” Willford said. “He’s a bit of a perfectionist, but he works hard to bring out the best in everything he puts his mind to.”

Trobaugh said the differences between he and Allison were what attracted them to each other.

“Our personalities couldn't be more different,” Trobaugh said. “I’m an artist and he is a scientist. My favorite part of my husband’s personality is his genuine inquisitive nature.”

He said Allison is prone to asking questions to get to the root cause of a problem or a bad mood or simply commit a random act of kindness.

Fahey said he admires Chan’s sense of humor and his approach to life.

“He is passionate about travel, which we

From left to right, John Trobaugh, their son Ryan (center), and Jeroan Allison PHOTO: JOHN TROBAUGH

share, and music, which we don’t,” Fahey said. “I love seeing him express that passion and share those feelings with me. I do the same with him about books and politics.”

Wheeler said she is fortunate to have a fiancée with an ability to prepare for the future.

“She’s always working to make our future together better,” Wheeler said. “She’s able to see how things will evolve and do the planning that I’m so bad at. We have such a bright future together and it’s all because of her.”

Roman agreed Hernandez’s sense of humor is important.

“He makes me laugh, smile, and always knows how to make me laugh,” he said.

Hernandez said he found Roman’s youth-

Nelson Roman and his partner Manny Hernandez PHOTO: HANNA AND MATT DEGREGORY

ful and passionate spirit the most attractive and that the personality traits were so numerous he didn't know where to begin.

“The first thing that comes to mind is Nelson’s sincere heart,” Hernandez said. “Nelson continues to wear his heart on his sleeve.

Also, Nelson has the heart of a child and like myself enjoys the simple things in life.”

Plans for the special day “We actually don’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day,” Wheeler said. “I’m a flyby-the-seat-of-my-pants type of person.”

Fahey said he and Chan have plans to go to New York City for the weekend to catch the last showing of “Allegiance,” the musical inspired by the life of former “Star Trek” star and social media personality George Takei, and have a nice dinner.

“Nothing too romantic, just time together,” he said.

For Dunn and Willford, it’s also not about one day.

“We work hard to appreciate each other all year long,” Willford said. “We do however have a tradition on February 15 of going to CVS and getting chocolates when they go on sale.”

Roman and Hernandez both said Valentine’s Day does not hold any special plans, but they said special occasions are not reserved only for one day of the year.

“Every day is Valentine’s Day for me because I have him,” Hernandez said.

“We truly love to live in the moment and try and make every day and weekend we are together special,” Roman said.

Trobaugh agreed showing the value in a relationship should not be pushed into one day.

“We do celebrate with cards and dinner, we just don’t go over the top,” he said. “For us it is more important to go over the top with comfort when the other is having a bad day or gets unwelcome news. That’s how we celebrate Valentine’s Day, all through the year!”

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.—In 2014, there were more than 400,000 youth in the foster care system, according to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS).

Currently, organizations such as Devereux Foster Care are combating this statistic locally as it seeks homes for hundreds of children and youth in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Rainbow Times recently caught up with the organization’s management to discuss what goes into the foster care process and how specifically the LGBTQ community can change the lives of those most vulnerable among us, including LGBTQ-identified youth.

TRT: Devereux has a successful foster care program that is currently seeking LGBTQ parents. Why reach out to the LGBTQ community?

Devereux: Devereux recognizes that our search for loving homes for children in foster care should be diverse. We are seeking caring, responsible and loving adults. Marital status, sexual orientation, religion and cultural backgrounds don’t define our successful foster parents. What does define them is that they are willing to commit to serving our population of vulnerable children.

Q: Do any of your foster kids identify as LGBTQ? If so, is it more difficult to find foster homes for the LGBTQ children or is it the same?

A: Some of our clients do identify as LGBTQ. At times it can be challenging to find appropriate matches for them. The foster children/youth that come into therapeutic foster care have been traumatized in some way whether sexual, physical or emotional;

PHOTO: DEVEREUXMA.ORG

Courtesy: WolfeVideo.com

By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter

Cupid’s Corner from page 5

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TheRainbowTimesMass.com • The Rainbow Times • 13

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

La homofobia hiere a todos los LGBTTs Por: Francisco “El Jimagua” Cartagena Méndez*/Especial para TRT

L

LATIN VISION

a lucha por los derechos humanos, civiles y legales de la comunidad LGBTT no ha culminado. Es importante comprender que la homofobia sigue presente en aquellos países que han progresado, incluyendo la otorgación del matrimonio igualitario. En efecto, cada vez que se gana una batalla y se adquieren derechos, el fundamentalismo recrudece su discrimen y su homofobia.

El efecto del fundamentalismo recrudecido afecta con mayor fuerza a nuestras familias, amistades y a la sociedad en general.

Actualmente hay padres y madres que rechazan a sus hijos, los agreden u ofenden cuando se enteran de la homosexualidad oculta en estos.

La homofobia posee graves consecuencias sociales, las cuales infligen en contra de la comunidad LGBTT. Entre algunos de los efectos de la homofobia en la sociedad se encuentran el suicidio en homosexuales, así como agresiones, insultos, discrimen social, familiar y laboral en contra de esta comunidad.

Las agresiones contra gays, lesbianas, transexuales y transgéneros es otro asunto que sigue sucediendo en todos los países del mundo. El discrimen por orientación sexual en el empleo, el discrimen institucional, escolar, el discrimen a los accesos de salud— todos siguen afectando a millones de miembros de la comunidad LGBTT. No puede haber espacio para dudar, que la homofobia y el discrimen aún se hallan presentes en nuestras sociedades, por lo que se deben emplear acciones orientadas a luchar en contra de estos males. La lucha por la equidad no culminará hasta que tengamos todos los derechos y las personas LGBTT, y otros grupos marginados, podamos y puedan vivir nuestras y sus vidas libremente.

Se hace necesaria la creación de nuevas campañas mediáticas orientadas a prevenir el suicidio en las personas gays. Estas campañas deben ser atractivas para la población adolescente, ya que son quienes representan un mayor número de estadísticas de suicidios por causa del “bullying” escolar y el rechazo de sus familias.

El asunto del acoso escolar ha sido fuertemente discutido en los medios de comunicación en los últimos años en Estados Unidos. El presidente de los EE.UU., Barack Obama, realizó un vídeo en la página web de la Casa Blanca como parte del proyecto It Gets Better. Por su parte, la primera dama, Michelle Obama, atribuye ese tipo de comportamiento acosador al ejemplo que dan los padres, que en la mayoría de los casos, es seguido por los hijos.

Se debe regular el discurso de odio que protagonizan a diario los líderes religiosos o moralistas que continuamente condenan a los gays. Se debe crear leyes que penalicen a quienes promueven dicho odio, el cual se traduce en agresiones, asesinatos en nuestra

Luchemos juntos por crear mejores sociedades, en dónde ser y amar no sea motivo de burlas, agresiones, discrimen o simplemente una razón para odiar.

Luchemos para que ningún adolescente piense o decida quitarse la vida por causa de la homofobia. contra y en los suicidios de los jóvenes de esta comunidad.

Las personas gays merecemos vivir en completa libertad y orgullosos de nuestra orientación sexual y nuestras relaciones de pareja. Merecemos ser tratados y tratadas con respeto e iguales oportunidades educativas, laborales y legales.

Toda persona perteneciente a la comunidad LGBTT tiene el deber moral de integrarse de alguna manera a la lucha por los derechos humanos de nuestra comunidad.

Debemos luchar por lograr mayor respeto a nuestras orientaciones sexuales. Luchemos para que ningún adolescente piense o decida quitarse la vida por causa de la homofobia.

Luchemos juntos por crear mejores sociedades, en dónde ser y amar no sea motivo de burlas, agresiones, discrimen o simplemente una razón para odiar. Debemos mantener nuestra dignidad humana y nuestros derechos en todo momento Para comentarios envíele un correo electrónico al autor: eljimagua@live.com | o vía su cuenta de red social en Twitter: @eljimagua (https://twitter.com/eljimagua). *Escritor y activista de derechos humanos de Puerto Rico. Editado por la publicadora de TRT, Gricel Martínez Ocasio.

The Rainbow Times - Mass.

DIVERSO.........como nuestro equipo OBJECTIVO...alguien tiene que serlo INCLUSIVO....sin dejar a nadie fuera Así es como la prensa DEBE ser

Devereux from page 12 drug addicted, diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome or born premature. There is a great need for foster homes for teenagers and youth with disabilities such as autism as there are not enough foster homes open to providing care to this population of youth.

A majority of the teens in need of foster care are placed in group homes where they are waiting for their foster family. Some remain in group homes until they are 18 because those families are never found.

Q: What is the average length of time that a child needs to be fostered? Can that placement turn into adoption?

A: In Mass. and Rhode Island, the average placement lasts 8-12 months. In the event the biological families are unable to achieve their service goals, the case plan may turn from reunification to adoption. Foster families are often the first to be approached about their interest in adoption if this happens.

Many foster homes do adopt their foster children.

Q: Does the agency provide support to foster parents if needed?

A. Devereux provides a high level of support to our families because we recognize that we are serving a very vulnerable population of children. A Devereux worker is assigned to each foster home and conducts weekly home visits to be able to meet with the child and family to ensure that the proper services are in place and the foster parent has the necessary “tools” to be successful. Devereux works closely with foster parents on scheduling these visits to ensure we are meeting at a time that is convenient for the family.

Devereux also offers emergency 24-hour oncall support to all foster families. Foster parents can feel free to utilize this after hours support in the event of a crisis related to their child or if they have questions that can’t wait until the next business day. In addition, Devereux workers will attend essential meetings relevant to the child with the foster parent such as IEP meetings at schools, Foster Care Reviews, and Treatment Team meetings.

Another huge aspect of the support provided to foster parents is regular and relevant training. Devereux offers monthly training

opportunities for foster parents regarding relevant topics/skills. Devereux works closely with foster parents around their development and will support external training opportunities to meet the training needs of each individual family.

Q: What have you been told is the most rewarding part of the process for foster parents? For the children?

A. Our foster parents share with us regularly that they feel so positively about the fact that they are able to support their children with feeling safe and secure in their foster home.

For some children, worrying about whether they would have their next meal or whether or not they were going to be safe were a constant part of their lives in their biological homes. Many foster parents feel rewarded by knowing that they are making a difference in the life of a child/youth. You develop a knack for celebrating the small daily successes. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child that has been exposed to things a child never should be exposed to smile because of something we may view as a minor thing such as being given a new toy or article of clothing or more simply a hug.

Q: If someone is interested in being a foster parent, what should they do now?

A. If someone has it in their heart to be a foster parent they should feel free to call one of our Devereux offices and ask questions.

All of our Devereux staff is trained to speak with inquiries. We are all committed to spreading the word about foster care. It is not our motive to recruit everyone. It is our motive to be honest and address any questions or concerns you may have about becoming a foster parent for a child in need.

Data shows that the average foster parent will have contemplated whether or not they wanted to foster 9 times before moving forward with the process. We recognize that this is a big decision. We want to provide as much information to the general public to be able to make informed decisions about pursuing this challenging yet rewarding journey of improving the lives of children.

If you are interested becoming a foster parent or have other questions about Devereux’s Foster Care Program, please visit http://goo.gl/yagAkK.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

14 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

QPuzzle: Major Tom

Across 1 Historic Stonewall event 5 Reformer Anthony 10 Top 14 Word used in dating 15 In flames 16 Lake traveled by Ohio ferries 17 Romeo or Juliet 18 Puccini opera 19 Neighbor of Mass.

20 Androgynous alter ego of David Bowie 23 Egypt and Syr., once 24 Ford flub 25 Puts in a position?

28 "Diamonds ___ a Girl's Best Friend" 29 Airport fleet 33 Childcare writer LeShan 34 Tiny balls 35 Stritch of Broadway 36 David Bowie song with the lyric "Look up here, I'm in heaven" 39 David Bowie hit of 1972 40 Use them to play Johnny Mathis records 41 Cocks and bulls 42 Chicago trains 43 A bit, informally 44 Half of a Greta Garbo monogram 45 What gay partners can walk in every state 47 List-maker Schindler 49 Curry of The Rocky Horror Picture Show

50 David Bowie role in The Last Temptation of Christ 55 Cry of Dorothy 56 Neighbor of Sudan (var.)

57 Marilyn Monroe's sexy pair 59 Hold, as an opinion 60 If ___ Walls Could Talk 61 Salt's saint 62 Doesn't rent 63 Toys that do tricks 64 Hayes of Will & Grace Down 1 Sarah Schulman novel ___ Bohemia 2 Don Juan's mom 3 R.E.M.'s "The ___ Love" 4 Source of oral pleasure 5 Lusty deity of antiquity 6 Sky sightings 7 Women who don't have sex with men 8 Where a pinball wizard might lurk 9 Moves toward 10 Queer 11 Love of Lesbos 12 "It ___ Necessarily So" 13 Doll that "came out" in 1993 21 "Jumpin' Jack Flash," to Mick Jagger 22 Actress Reese 25 Aids 26 My Own Private ___ 27 Stropped item 28 Muscle Mary's pride 30 They don't use their

mouths for talking 31 ___ fours (doggy-style) 32 Gaydar, e.g.

34 Mass transit vehicle 35 Saucer pilots 37 Straight and gay 38 Friar's affair 39 Get a load of 41 Town for fudge packers?

44 Evita's cowboy 45 Be confined to the bed, perhaps 46 They may be spitting 48 Litter critter 49 Streisand's Prince of____ 50 "That was close!"

51 Serious sign 52 Part of UTEP 53 Maupin story 54 Thompson of Angels in America 55 Rene Auberjonois role 58 Chaz to Cher

SOLUTION

TheRainbowTimesMass.com • The Rainbow Times • 15

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016

Letters from page 2 right to love, live with or marry any person that loves them back without interference from the government or religions.

How many marriages are done for financial gain? How many are done so one can gain citizenship? Some are even contractual marriages. But two people that truely love each other can’t get married? I say worry about the more serious problems in our society and let God judge us in the

Trans Rights from Page 6 in workplaces, and people in accessing public accommodations.”

Hayashi said that programs serving the transgender community are one component in combating anti-trans sentiment.

TLC’s Positively Trans initiative is critical to assist in “ending the stigma around HIV and the erasure of transgender people living with HIV in federal data and [in] strategies to combat the epidemic,” he said. Through the agency’s TRUTH campaign, he explained, trans and gender nonconforming youth are empowered to build community around telling their own stories.

Dunn noted that the MTPC will be launching its ID Project, a new way to provide assistance for those looking to change their name and gender marker on identity documents.

“The project seeks to pair community members with trained volunteers to work one-on-one throughout the name and gender marker change process,” he said.

Much to advocates’ efforts, strides have been made along the way.

“In addition to the [proposed] legislation, we were able to make a very important change to the birth certificate policies last year,” Dunn said. “It is no longer necessary to have surgery in order to change the gender marker and name on a birth certificate.”

Dehumanization from Page 2 won’t be viewed as oddities; a period when those of us who don’t need to lay on a beach at all because we’re already tan won’t be arrested, shot, beaten, stabbed, and dehumanized by police officers.

What I do have hope for, what keeps me going, is the innate desire to see myself evolve into the type of person who sees beyond those things. I’ve dedicated my adult life to social justice, to moving people from point A to point B on issues.

I’ve prided myself on that. I’ve taken great satisfaction in knowing that I’m fighting a worthy fight. But there’s a certain hubris in that way of thinking; a deeply self-centered idealism that allows the “us vs. them” mentality to consistently make “us” feel like we’ve done (and can do) no wrong, that we’re better.

But there’s a fallacy in that logic. We’re not perfect. And those of us who are progressive, liberal, socialist or any other “leftleaning” idiom, have just as much a duty to evolve and grow as the conservative, “rightwing” friends, family members, TV hosts, and voters we so often rail against.

But what does evolution look like? It’s the consistent challenging of oneself to outgrow the ignorant, hurtful lessons we learn as chil-

end. I mean kids are bringing guns to school, financial institutions actually robbed us and caused a huge economic depression and not one person went to jail for fraud or for treason. If someone causes a government to go bankrupt, I would say should be cause to try them for treason. But we bailed them out, they kept all the money they made in their personal accounts and basically laughed when they cashed our hard earned taxes. With everything we face today and tomorrow, what could possibly happen if two same-sex

And there is strength in numbers.

While Hayashi said that the TLC will continue its “critical work of challenging discrimination in employment, government, and legislative contexts” nationally, others like the MTPC and GLAD will tackle the issues locally and regionally.

Though GLAD primarily serves the New England states, the implications of its efforts are widespread and the organization is hopeful to continue to break down legislative barriers. “… We will [also] be focused on family protections, and challenging the transgender exclusion in the Americans with Disabilities Act,” furthered Levi.

It’s not over ‘til it’s over.

“We will continue to advocate in the State House, as well as in schools, businesses, health care facilities, local governments, [and more] to ensure that trans and gender nonconforming identities are treated with the respect and dignity we deserve,” Dunn emphasized.

For more information about the TLC, visit www.transgenderlawcenter.org. To learn more about the MTPC, visit www.masstpc.org or to get involved with Freedom Massachusetts check out www.freedommassachusetts.org. GLAD can be reached at www.glad.org and the HRC can be found at www.hrc.org. dren. It’s the ability to look at people like Donald Trump, Kim Davis and other backwards people who use religious dogma or sheer ignorance to justify their prejudices and hatred and viewing them as flawed human beings who need to be reasoned with, not discarded.

I once had a mentor tell me, “Never shut people out. Because if you shut them out, you’re not giving them the room to grow, to change.”

I’ve forgiven that classmate who called me a faggot; I’ve let go of the anger at the former college friend who sang about “niggers.” I’ve replaced the hatred and bitterness with a sense of solemn dedication; a commitment to never, ever let that type of malevolence rule me. Here’s hoping we all resolve to extend a graciousness of spirit to those ruled by their own insensitivities and callousness. *A graduate of the Boston University College of Communication, Mike Givens has been a social justice advocate for more than seven years. During that time he’s worked on a range of initiatives aimed at lifting up marginalized populations. An experienced media strategist and public relations professional, Michael currently devotes his spare time to a number of vital issues including racial justice and socioeconomic equity.

people got married? It certainly wouldn’t cause a nation to become bankrupt.

—Ernie Harley, Online Dear Editor, This is great to know. I’ll be getting involved and I’m glad the Rainbow Times is now in Salem too. This is formidable and now we’ll get the attention we want and i think deserve. Go Gigi!

—Jake James, Online

STIs from page 3 ners can get tested.”

Fighting HIV/AIDS through the use of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), also known as Truvada, has been pivotal in national and local preventative efforts. Though the drug has an incredibly high rate of success preventing the development of HIV/AIDS, it is not a means of protection against other STIs. “Our STD crisis was bad before PrEP so we should keep this in perspective and not demonize PrEP but acknowledge that we have a sexual health problem in this country that predates PrEP and requires us to rethink how we prepare our youth to avoid STDs and HIV,” said Cahill, noting that of the 20 million STI diagnoses in this country, 10 million of them occur amongst 15 to 24 year-olds.

Cahill recommended regular condom and lubricant use during sex and for young people to explore other forms of sex outside of anal intercourse while also reducing their

CORRECTION A story about Planned Parenthood (PP) on the January 2016 issue incorrectly stated that Planned Parenthood provided mammograms at its health centers. PP health centers provide clinical breast exams & refer patients for mammograms & specialized diagnostic tests when needed.

number of sexual partners.

“PrEP will reduce the risk of getting HIV for those who adhere to the daily regimen, and will also lead to an increase in their STI screenings as they come back for follow-up testing every few months,” said Sciortino of AIDS Action Committee.

Daffin of the Multicultural AIDS Coalition said that in the direct service work the organization does, staff and volunteers do their best to normalize sex through routine conversations with clients and that everyone should feel comfortable having conversations with their healthcare providers when discussing their sexual activities.

“If you aren’t comfortable talking to your doctor, fire her or him and find someone else,” he said.

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has a directory of LGBTQ-friendly and affirming doctors across the nation at www.glma.org.

16 • The Rainbow Times • TheRainbowTimesMass.com

Feb. 4, 2016 - March 2, 2016