The Empty Closet F ollow us on Facebook at Empty Closet News Follow us at www.twitter.com/EmptyClosetNews local, state and national news, newsmaker interviews, opinion, entertainment, columnists, event calendars, comics, and health resources number 470 a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley AUGUST 2013 er y erm

The Building of the Central Library of v o

Rochester & Monroe County was illuminated with rainbow lights e v during Pride Weekend. Inset: The Democrats’ rainbow flag at the o : Monroe County Office Building. Photos: Ove Overmyer o Ph TO Central Library not be permitted to fly from the County Office Building because honored Pride, “we have never, for any group or O ver the Rainbow: County Office organization agreed to fly a flag that represents an issue; an advo- Building didn’t cacy flag, as we call it.” Rochester celebrates Pride as – or did it? Brooks had also ignored a July 10 letter from Gay Alli- thousands take to the streets By Susan Jordan ance Acting Executive Director Monroe County Executive Scott Fearing, delivered person- By Susan Jordan July 20 Parade and Festival. recent changes in City Hall poli- Maggie Brooks did not respond ally after Brooks’ office told a to a June 3 letter from Mon- Rochester celebrated Pride Rochester Mayor Thomas S. cies as they relate to the LGBT caller who had asked her to fly 2013 and the Gay Alliance’s 40th Richards celebrated Pride Week- community and additional steps roe County Legislature Minority the flag that the County Execu- Leader Carrie Andrews, asking anniversary on the weekend of end by participating in the Pride the City is taking to promote tive would need a “written appli- July 19-21, with a spectacular Flag raising ceremony on July continuous dialogue between the that the County Office Build- cation” from the event sponsor. ing fly the Rainbow Flag on Rainbow Flag Raising ceremo- 19 and marching in the Pride community and City Hall. Prior to this, Fearing had been ny at Manhattan Square Park, Parade, as did Rochester Chief Mayor Richards said, “Forty July 19-21 in honor of Pride and told that the request had to come Rochester’s LGBT community. a Pride Parade that turned Park of Police James Sheppard and years is something to be proud from the Legislature, not the Ave. into the Yellow Brick Road, NYS Assembly member Harry of.” He announced that City Hall On July 16, after her office had event sponsor. received dozens of phone calls, a Festival featuring Pandora Bronson. City Council members has a new LGBT liaison, Molly Fearing commented, “The Boxx and other stars, a display Matt Haag, Elaine Spaull and Clifford, and also recognized the she appeared on Channel 8 to county policy seems to be very say that the County never recog- of LGBT history, an Dana Miller attended the flag RPD liaison, Investigator Kim unclear, possibly non-existent. tournament, bouts raising and the Parade, which was Rasbeck. Rochester will add gen- nizes “issue-based” community Maybe this discussion will groups. and a serene picnic at Genesee also attended by Council mem- der identity and expression to encourage clarification.” Valley Park. ber Carolee Conklin. its non-discrimination policy and The County routinely honors He went on to say, “It is sad many other community groups The Rochester Police Depart- At the Flag Raising, Mayor investigate expanding health ben- that a community leader like the ment estimated that 7,000 Richards and Matt Haag updat- efits for the transgender commu- with such recognition on their Central special occasions. On July 16, ( continues page 12) marched in and/or attended the ed the LGBT community on nity. The city is also discussing Brooks told Channel 8 News adding protections for LGBT that the Rainbow Flag repre- businesses in relation to city con- senting Monroe County’s thou- tracts. sands of LGBT taxpayers could just some people,” said Reed. Matt Haag praised Mayor She added, “I don’t know why Richards’ leadership and con- some people have problems with trasted Richards’ commitment equality. Everyone should be to equality with Maggie Brooks’ G ay alliance treated equally under the law, refusal to fly the Rainbow Flag. PARTNERSHIPS but we still have a way to go for He stated that the city will con- that to happen.” tinue to look at improving its (R ochester continues page 12) policies. If the city can add health T he Gay Alliance coverage for hormone therapy appreciates the continuing partnership of businesses and other needs of the trans com- within our community munity, Haag said, “We would who support be among the most progressive our mission and vision. communities in the country.” NYS Assembly member P latinum Level (R ainbow continues page 3) Emily Reed and Mary Giancursio. Photo: Ove Overmyer

R ochester Pride revelers take time E xcellus Contents to reflect and celebrate Editorials...... 2 By Ove Overmyer goers were dressed at the Pride Local/State News...... 3 After the Pride Parade on National/International News..... 4 Parade. Interview: Dr. Chris Barry...... 6 July 20, Mary Giancursio and “The parade was really great Pride 2013...... 7 AC Medical Emily Reed sat patiently waiting this year, and I loved all the cos- Opinion ...... 15 for friends on the Manhattan tumes and floats,” said Giancur- Shoulders To Stand On ...... 21 Square Park concrete steps over- sio. “I always look forward to Columnists ...... 22 looking the cavernous Rochester Pride events, especially the Community ...... 25 Pride Main Stage as the giant parade. It’s a great time for all to Entertainment: Give to Live...... 27 Gay Alliance: RPD meeting...... 30 30x50 foot Pride Flag waved celebrate and I’m here to support Rainbow SAGE News...... 31 swales

Logical Operations high overhead. everyone.” y Calendar...... 34 They were laughing and gig- Reed confessed that she also Classifieds...... 34

Kasha does tamm gling, impressed by the size of came to Pride this year to sup- : Proud Publisher of the crowd and reflecting on how port her LGBT friends. “I think Broadway, page 27 o State’s Oldest Lgbt Newspaper

audaciously some of the festival- everyone deserves rights, not Ph TO 2 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013 G ay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Gay Alliance Board of Trustees W. Bruce Gorman, Co-President and Secretary Emily Jones, Co-President, David Zona, Treasurer, Perspectives John Altieri, Chris Hilderbrant, Jeff Markarian, Peter Mohr, Jessica Muratore, Steve Santacroce, William Schaefer

T he Empty Closet Editor G ay Alliance Executive Director G ay alliance PARTNERSHIPS Susan Jordan Scott Fearing T he Gay Alliance stop trashing American democ- rights that some of us have won appreciates the continuing racy, Albany Democrats need to -- while we keep working for the partnership of businesses remember that they were elected rights of others. within our community to protect the civil rights of all For forty years the Gay Alli- who support our mission New Yorkers -- and not just ance has been a constant in and vision. when it is convenient and profit- Rochester. We were there to able for them. advocate for change in schools, G old Level Trans, intersex and gender- police departments, City Hall, queer people still have a long churches and every other insti- way to go to educate the cis- tution in the region when all gendered population about the they knew were ugly myths and oppression that they experience, stereotypes. We have been here ranging from legally being fired to help community members or evicted just because they are who have faced discrimination, trans to being murdered on the or needed help coming out. We street. Why all the hate and the have provided our communi- City of Rochester fear? For one thing, the Right ties with a newspaper that has dismisses medical research in reported pertinent information Absolut/Malibu GENDA, DOMA & favor of politically correct con- P ride isn’t just a that other sources would not VRA servative stereotypes that limit party print. human gender options to the Our presence has been S ilver Level Not all the news from the As I write this, I am battling binary. And many heterosexuals important, and that will not 3 Olives Roberts Supreme Court was seem determined to project their exhaustion, nursing blisters, and change. However, as the needs good in June. As LGBT Ameri- own neurotic anxiety and guilt facing a pile of stuff that needs of our communities evolve so Baccardi cans of all backgrounds celebrat- about sexuality onto the sexual to be sorted, folded and stored. must we. Coming out as LGBT ed the downfall of DOMA and and gender “outlaws” identified Yet, I am feeling energized and or ally has required each of us Prop 8, many were also outraged as The Other. elated. to embrace change in order to by the gutting of the Voting Ignorance is also a problem. Rochester Pride Weekend is become authentic, and the same Rights Act. the cause of my current condi- Recently on Facebook an ill- is true for the Gay Alliance. Barefoot Wine Racism is over in America, informed person claimed that tion. When I came out, I had to Republicans said… even though trans people have equal civil The Gay Alliance and the create a new vision of who I was. Hedonist Artisan Chocolate in 2012 they tried every possible Pride Committee began our rights already and don’t need I had to find a new way to be John’s Tex Mex ploy to keep people of color from GENDA. Maybe we’d better Pride planning with a shared myself. I had to reach deep into getting to the polls in many notify all the trans people in goal to make major changes to my heart and soul to find the states. (See Faith Matters, p. 22.) NYS and around the country how Rochester celebrates Pride. I courage to be proud of a “me” And after the Trayvon Martin who are fighting for their rights, think we met that goal. different than I, and others, had ruling in July, it has become and all the organizations sup- Was everything perfect? Of planned for. even harder to ignore the racism porting them, that they don’t course not. Will we will make So, as the Gay Alliance still deeply embedded in Ameri- need to bother. How surprised more changes next year? Of begins to make changes, the can society. and happy they will be! And course. Change is necessary. power and energy of Pride will In spite of the good news we’d better inform the New A few personal highlights of be at the heart of what we do. on DOMA, homophobia and York Times, which editorialized 2013 ROC Pride: As part of our fortieth anni- transphobia are also still alive. in favor of GENDA on June 13. The introduction of the versary we have been using the GENDA, the bill to provide No doubt they’ll want to run a ROC Pride Games; The Rain- phrase, “Empowering Pride for basic civil rights protections for retraction…. bow Riders who, dressed in rain- 40 years.” gender variant New Yorkers, Trans people and allies will bow-colored tee shirts, rode the Remember, Pride is not a passed the Assembly for the continue the struggle to make streets of Rochester, arriving in Festival, Parade, Picnic or week- B ronze Level sixth time this year. But in gender variant lives and issues Manhattan Square Park to kick end. It is a way of being. It is June, Republicans and Conser- visible. It will take time, but it off the Rainbow Flag Ceremony; about lives that are honest and Ameriprise vatives once again kept the bill can be done. The overturn of the LGBT History Pavilion; the authentic every hour of every Canandaigua from coming to the Senate floor DOMA and Prop 8 is proof free Family Fest that started the day. National Bank & Trust for a vote. Pride Festival and the amazing that even ancient prejudices can Yes, changes will come to Corning Inc. It is likely the bill would have change. The Department of giant Rainbow Flag. the Gay Alliance, and we are passed if it had been allowed Homeland Security announced In the coming months you asking for and welcoming your Equal Grounds Coffee to come to the floor. Republi- July 27 that it is reviewing green will see additional changes com- input as we implement these House & Gift House cans have blocked the American card applications denied to same ing from the Gay Alliance, for changes. But, just as we have Harter Secrest and Emery LLP democratic process to the point sex couples. The Republican we are now embarking on an for the past 40 years, the Gay where it barely exists anymore. attempt in 1996 to deny federal examination of our programs Alliance will continue to be ImageOut Another reason GENDA did recognition to LGBT families and services. the loudest, strongest voice in Jaegermeister not pass in June was because has finally been exposed for the Much has changed for the the region for the LGBT com- Kittleberger Florist and Governor Cuomo and Demo- unconstitutional ploy that it was. LGBT communities in the forty munity and we will continue crats refused to help. If Repub- Now it’s way past time to years that Gay Alliance has been to empower the pride that is in Gifts licans and Conservatives need to pass GENDA. ■ around. Simply look at the legal each of us every day. ■ Labor Federation Macy’s

8/13 New York Life Name Out and Equal NY The Gay Alliance: Address Outlandish City/State/Zip Forty years of Sky Vodka advocating for the Phone St. John Fisher E-mail Tompkins Enterprises Victory Alliance fair and equal treatment Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100-999 Champion of all people, regardless ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP ❏ Check enclosed in the amount of ______(check #______) of their sexual orientation, Please charge my credit card in the amount of ______C hampion Level To: ❏ American Express, ❏ Discover, ❏ MasterCard, ❏ Visa Credit card # ______Exp. Date: ______Mass Mutual of Buffalo gender identity or gender ❏ I would be proud to have my donation publicly acknowledged. Park Avenue ❏ Please provide me Rainbow SAGE program news (age 50 & over). Merchants Association expression. B enefits include: Subscription to The Empty Closet mailed to home or Pride @Work work, plus privileges at each level. Phone: 585 244-8640 or mail to: Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main St., Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Home delivery of Third Presbyterian Church Join us for forty more! the Empty Closet is free with your annual membership in the Gay Alliance. The Woolbright Group HCR Home Care August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 3

for gay and lesbian couples, but LGBT Giving Circle. page one for all members of the great- Projects supported by the er queer community that want grants also should keep the access to the validation and legal grant money in the eight-coun- ( Rainbow from page 1) NewsFronts benefits that marriage can pro- ty region and support the local Harry Bronson read an Assembly vide.” economy; encourage communi- James Rosenthal and Jerry cation and cooperation among resolution honoring the GAGV’s L ocal and State 40th anniversary. He said that Gebo said, “Pragmatically, the organizations, associations, Pride this year celebrated many repeal of DOMA allows access agencies, and institutions in the advances, including the NYS to Social Security benefits of community; leverage support anti-bullying law, the statewide a deceased spouse as well as from other sources and address marriage equality law and the other tax benefits provided to a need, population, or issue that defeat of DOMA. He said, “We other married couples. How- has been underserved or under- have moved in many respects ever, just as important for us are funded. toward full equality from being the emotional benefits it gives The Request for Proposal second class citizens… Merely our family. It reaffirms to our and Grant Application forms are having laws in place doesn’t mean son that our marriage and our available at www.racf.org/LGBT the fight is over… With Pride we family are not ‘less than’ in the and are due by August 30, 2013. declare that we are equal.” eyes of the government. As a Mayoral candidate Lovely discriminated class, we’ve often WY N Black Gay had to be on the cutting edge of Warren, making her first appear- Pride runs Aug. ance at an LGBT event, said that civil rights matters and it’s nice, she had changed her former anti- for a change, to think less and 1-11 here, Buffalo less about being a discriminat- gay views after making personal Black contact with some gay individu- ed class and to see our spouses, families, and lives as just part Gay Pride takes place in August, als. She said, “Talking the talk with many events here and in isn’t enough.” of the regular fabric of modern family life.” Buffalo. The opening reception The Rochester Women’s is Aug. 1 at Shea’s Smith The- Community Chorus performed Longtime Rochester activist Alan Davidson, 78, summed it atre, 658 Main St. in Buffalo, and the Rainbow Riders Color Faces in the crowd at the DOMA celebration rally in Washington from 5-10 p.m. For the rest of Guard, wearing the colors of the Square Park on June 26. Top, L-R: Eric Bellmann, Carrie Vernon. all up when he told The Empty Below L-R: Brian O’Neill and James Hansen, Alan Davidson. Closet at the DOMA celebra- the Buffalo events, see www. rainbow, brought their message mochacenter.org/wnyblackpride. of Pride from all points of the Photos: Susan Jordan tion rally in Manhattan Square Park on June 26, “Today is not The Rochester events are as compass into Manhattan Square follows: Park. The Gay Alliance’s 30’x50’ What does the vs. Lewis with the hopes that just a day of gay rights – it’s a day of human rights, a day when Aug. 8: Patio Party, Abilene, Rainbow Flag, a donation from downfall of DOMA New Jersey would recognize our 153 Liberty Pole Way, 6-9 p.m. Outlandish Gifts, flew high over- union as equal to that of our everyone can rejoice. It’s a major victory.” Aug. 9: Health Workshop, head and a flag-twirling display mean to you? heterosexual counterparts. This MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty would give lesbian and gay cou- took place. Christopher Hen- By Susan Jordan Pole Way, noon-4 p.m. nelly led the crowd in singing ples the right to the language C hautauqua to hold Pajama Jam Party, The Dip- The Supreme Court deci- ‘marriage,’ along with over 2000 the national anthem and Gay sion to overturn the “Defense LGBT conference lomat, 1956 Lyell Ave. 8 p.m.-1 Alliance Executive Director Scott laws that protect married cou- of Marriage” Act (DOMA) on on Sept. 14 a.m. Color Outside the Lines Fearing pointed out to the crowd ples. Marriage Equality was Crew. that the final Rainbow Rider, June 26 was a landmark moment voted down by the New Jersey in LGBT history. The law was An LGBT conference will Aug. 10: Takeover Party, The dressed all in white, represented State Legislature, which ruled be held at Chautauqua Institute, Clarissa Room, 293 Clarissa St., LGBT people in countries where put in place in 1996 by the that same gender loving couples Republican Party, in order to Chautauqua, N.Y., on Sept 14. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Grind Time it is dangerous or impossible to would be granted civil unions. The gathering will feature Entertainment. hold a Pride Parade. permanently prevent federal rec- “This ruling didn’t take into ognition of LGBT couples and workshops, a screening of the Aug. 11: Worship in the The next day, starting at noon account the thousands of mar- film “Gen Silent,” and a con- Park, Red Creek Pavilion, Gen- the women’s rock band unBound, families. ried lesbian and gay couples that It was found unconstitutional cert by the Buffalo Gay Men’s esee Valley Park, 1000 E. River Zumba led by Charlie Levy, and were treated unequally, although Chorus. Drive, noon-1:30 p.m., UFC the amazing Jimmie Highsmith by four federal courts before the they paid 100 percent of their Roberts Supreme Court finally Cost is $30 general and Church. Experience jazz band and more taxes and weren’t getting a break $25 seniors and students, and Cookout. Same location, groups took the stage with Kasha put an end to it once and for all. on their home, health or life A panel held at the Gay Alliance includes dinner and reception. 1:30-6 p.m. Davis and Samantha Vega begin- insurance. For many couples, See Rainbowprideconnec- ning their duties as glamorous on July 30 (after EC press time) this posed more of a barrier to discussed many of the questions tion.net, where a registration F irst-ever Black emcees. There were Family Time equality and the Defense Of form is available. activities for children, such as face people have about exactly how Marriage Act was at the center Gay Day at Darien the change, and over 1,000 new The conference directors are painting; many kids sported bal- of the injustice. For my wife Pat Collins and her wife of 36 Lake is Aug. 3 loon-wings. Around 750 people rights and responsibilities, will and me this became a reality affect them (see Empty Closet years, Judy Lawrence, who live viewed the impressive local and when we wanted to take advan- in Penfield. The MOCHA Center and national LGBT history display in News, www.gayalliance.org). tage of Saundra’s medical insur- Evergreen Health Services of the History Pavilion, located in The Empty Closet talked to ance; DOMA was written into Western New York are co-host- the former Canopies Restaurant. four local couples, who share the company’s by-laws, which LGBT Giving Circle ing the FIRST Black Gay Day The Parade kicked off at 3 their reactions here: James Han- would not acknowledge mar- accepts grant at Darien Lake on Saturday, p.m. from Park Ave. and Argyle/ son and Brian O’Neill were the riage between same-sex couples. proposals Aug. 3, in celebration of the Brunswick, heading for Emerald first couple to marry at Roch- “On June 26, 2013, the 2013 Western New York Black City, a.k.a. Manhattan Square ester City Hall in 2011. Kaelyn Supreme Court ruling against The LGBT Giving Circle Gay Pride. Park. Park Ave. and Alexander St. Rich is head of the Roches- DOMA was a victory for hun- of Rochester Area Communi- Do not miss this opportu- were lined with massive, cheering ter NYCLU, and Zach Waf- dreds of couples who would no ty Foundation is now accepting nity: Darien Lake at a reduced crowds. fle is her trans husband. The longer have to ‘work’ around grant proposals from qualified cost, buffet lunch, and hanging Awards were announced Reverend Alicia Heath-Tobey these similar challenges in order nonprofits. out with the LGBTQ communi- after the Parade had returned and her spouse Saundra Tobey- to protect the well-being of their “Our hope is that this sec- ties of Western New York. to Manhattan Square Park. The Heath are a bi-state couple, spouse and family. Although the ond round of LGBT Giving Cir- Tickets need to be purchased Muther’s Favorite Award, for the with Saundra maintaining their ruling may present new chal- cle grants will further enhance by the close of business on Fri- best float unit to incorporate the home in New Jersey (where same lenges, there is an expectation of the programs of a diverse group day, Aug. 2. Tickets are $30 for Parade theme, went to Tilt. The sex marriage is not legal) while a level playing field in the pur- of organizations and help make (B lack continues page 13) Stonewall Award, for the float Rev. Alicia serves as pastor of suit of marriage equality, and for a difference in the quality of with the most imaginative inter- the Unity Fellowship Church that we are overjoyed.” life for many in the Rochester pretation of the theme, went to here. James Rosenthal and Jerry KaeLyn Rich said, “We got region,” says Angela Bonazinga, the Center for Disability Rights. Gebo, married in 2011, are rais- married because we love each co-chair of the LGBT Giving The Rainbow Award for the float ing a child. Each couple has a other, but also because as a cou- Circle. “We expect to make an best portraying pride went to 140 different yet similar take on the ple where one partner is cisgen- even greater impact than last Alex Bar & Grill. The Commu- end of DOMA. der and one is transgender, we year.” nity Award for best marching Brian O’Neill and James wanted to be sure we had access In its inaugural year, the unit exhibiting community pride Hansen said, “The death of to as many legal protections as LGBT Giving Circle awarded went to the Flower City Pride DOMA was a great victory for possible. The SCOTUS decision grants totaling $8,750 to five Band. The Ruby Slipper Award civil rights and another step on means that, regardless of gender nonprofit organizations. for most imaginative depiction the continued journey towards identity or gender markers, all In order to qualify for a 2013 of the theme by a marching unit national marriage equality. Our couples that wish to get mar- grant, organizations must be was presented to the Rochester NY State marriage is now rec- ried in NYS can now do so and a 501(c)3 charitable organiza- Gay Men’s Chorus. ognized on a federal level which be recognized and that means a tion, serve residents in Genesee, The evening Festival fea- has great emotional and finan- lot to us. It makes the act of get- Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, tured performances by many area cial implications and the same ting married simpler for couples Orleans, Seneca, Wayne or Yates groups, including the RGMC should be available to loving where one or both partners iden- counties and have an LGBT singing the national anthem, same sex couples in every state tify as transgender or gender nondiscrimination policy in the cast of “Rent” from Black- in the country.” non-conforming. place or be in the process of TRILLIUM LOGO: Artist Brian friars Theatre, many fabulous Rev. Heath-Tobey comment- “We still have a long way to developing one. The activities O’Neill created the new logo queens including Lady D, Dee ed, “In 2002, Saundra and I go before trans people have full and programs outlined in the for Trillium Health, which was Dee DuPois and Darienne Lake, began a journey with Lamb- and equal protection in NY, but grant request need to align with officially unveiled on July 11. (R ainbow continues page 12) da Legal in the case of Harris we see this as not only a victory the mission and scope of the Photo: Kurt Brownell. 4 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

the couple met resistance from a hospital the full Senate, the House and is signed staff member who demanded their legal into law by the President. Because it is far paperwork. If they were legally married past time that all people in this country NewsFronts in North Carolina, their family would be have the freedom to work.” respected and such encounters could be GetEQUAL issued the following state- avoided. ment: “Today’s bipartisan passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act national and international ENDA passes Senate out of committee signals a strong oppor- tunity for our community to finally find committee by 15-7 vote freedom in the workplace. We are one step The Senate Committee on Health, closer to the American Dream of being Education, Labor and Pensions July 10 judged by the work we do, not who we are adopted the Employment Non-Discrim- or who we love. ination Act by a bipartisan vote of 15-7. “Just two weeks ago, the Supreme ENDA would prohibit employment dis- Court of the finally said crimination based on sexual orientation what we always knew -- that our love and gender identity in most American and our lives are equal and should be workplaces. treated equally under the law. But we “Coming on the heels of the land- can’t fully be equal if displaying our wed- mark Supreme Court marriage rulings, ding picture at work can still get us fired. today’s strong, bipartisan vote in favor We commend Senators Kirk, Hatch and of expanding workplace non-discrimina- Murkowski for their courage and their tion protections to include those who are leadership within the Republican Party in LGBT is yet another sign that the tide has supporting this bill. We also thank Sena- turned,” said Ian Thompson, American tors Harkin, Mikulski, Murray, Sand- Civil Liberties Union legislative represen- ers, Casey, Jr., Hagan, Franken, Bennet, tative. “Advocates have been working for Whitehouse, Baldwin, Murphy and War- nearly 40 years to pass these basic protec- ren for their ongoing support of this bill. tions to ensure that all American workers, Today’s vote shows extraordinary progress who stand side-by-side in the workplace -- but the work continues. We need Sena- tor Reid to bring this important bill to the Kathy Sowden and Deborah Grier and contribute with equal measure in their jobs, will stand on the same equal Senate floor for a vote as soon as possible for state employees. In his suit, Horne footing under the law. In 2013, it is com- so that work can then turn to the House L esbians are first to file of Representatives. claimed that rescinding benefits for gay pletely unacceptable to force individuals “Although we firmly oppose the reli- for Arizona civil union employees would be good for Arizona to hide who they are out of fear of losing gious exemptions in the current form tourism because doing so “furthers the their livelihood.” Back in April the small town of Bisbee, of the Employment Non-Discrimination State’s interest in promoting marriage.” The vote was bipartisan, with Repub- Arizona legalized civil unions for same- licans Orrin Hatch of Utah, Mark Kirk Act, the cries from the millions of LGBT sex couples over the loud protests of the of Illinois, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska workers seeking workplace protections are state Attorney General. On July 5 a les- ACLU challenges North joining Democrats in support for a 15 to thunderous. We are counting on leader- bian couple became the first to file. Carolina marriage ban seven margin. With the bill having had 53 ship from Senators Nelson, Pryor, and Kathy Sowden and Deborah Grier cosponsors before Hatch and Murkows- Portman as we move forward, and we will went to Bisbee City Hall to file the papers In addition to action in Pennsylvania, ki decided to vote for it, it appears to continue to hold accountable those who to recognize their 21-year relationship as a Virginia, and Illinois, the ACLU and the now have 55 votes, within striking dis- attempt to set the clock backwards in our formal civil union. The documents spell ACLU of North Carolina Legal Founda- tance of filibuster-busting levels. And country and oppose this important piece out how they want to handle some of the tion (ACLU-NCLF) announced plans to Hatch’s support, which was contingent on of legislation, such as Senator Rubio. We privileges that come with marriage, like take on North Carolina’s same-sex mar- strong exemptions for religious employers, have taken a historic step forward today, the ability to make medical decisions for riage ban: should help some other Republicans, like but we know the work will continue.” each other. The ACLU is asking North Carolina Ohio’s Rob Portman, to support the bill. National Center for Transgender Deborah Grier says, “I think it didn’t Attorney General Roy Cooper to agree The Employment Non-Discrimina- Equality Executive Director Mara Keis- feel a whole lot different but just the to allow an additional claim challenging tion Act now heads to the full Senate for ling said, “We are extremely heartened knowledge that somebody will actually the state’s ban on marriage for same-sex consideration. that the Senate HELP committee passed recognize our union of 21 years.” couples to be added to Fisher-Borne v. Statement by Tico Almeida, found- ENDA today, moving it to the full Senate Kathy Sowden says, “It’s not marriage Smith, a lawsuit filed last year in Greens- er and President of Freedom to Work: for action sometime this fall. With every 100 percent but it protects us a little more. boro in the U.S. District Court for the “Today’s vote is a monumental step for- Committee Democrat and three Repub- We’ve had friends who have had major Middle District of North Carolina that ward for gay civil rights in this coun- licans voting ‘yes,’ we are increasingly problems when one of them has been ill.” challenges the state’s ban on second parent try and an important moment in the optimistic that we will have the 60 votes Bisbee’s city attorney says because the adoption, a process by which one partner fight to end workforce discrimination. We in the Senate and move further along city wrote the documents like a contract in an unmarried gay or straight couple applaud the leadership of Senator Harkin, towards winning relief for trans people between two people, Bisbee’s civil union adopts the other partner’s biological or Senator Kirk, Senator Merkley, Senator who still face shocking amounts of job carries legal weight outside Bisbee and adoptive child. Murkowski, Senator Hatch and many discrimination.” throughout the U.S. If the Attorney General’s office does others who made today’s vote possible. The 2011 National Transgender Dis- When Bisbee first made its move, Ari- not agree to the addition of the new claim, “Taken with the Supreme Court rul- crimination Survey revealed the troubling zona Attorney General Tom Horne, who the ACLU will petition the court to allow ings last month, today’s vote shows that climate for transgender workers: 90 per- was exposed last year as an adulterer (by the claim to be added. the tide has turned and the movement cent reported facing mistreatment, harass- the FBI, no less), fired off a threatening Marcie and Chantelle Fisher-Borne, for full LGBT rights will not go back- ment or discrimination at work and more letter to town leaders. The right wing one of the couples in the case, have been wards. Those who continue to stand in than one in four lost a job because of their Center for Arizona Policy also sent Bis- together for 16 years and live in Durham. the way of the march towards the freedom transgender identity. bee a letter threatening to bankrupt the Each woman carried one of their two chil- to work, like the Republicans who voted On a July 10 conference call, transgen- town in a lawsuit if any couple is granted dren -- a 5-year-old girl and a 1-year-old against the legislation today, not only find der Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and for- a civil union. boy. They had a wedding in North Caro- themselves on the wrong side of history, mer Navy SEAL Kristin Beck expressed RELATED: Last year Horne filed a lina 10 years ago and were legally married they find themselves on the wrong side of her fear of discrimination when arriving lawsuit with the U.S. Supreme Court, in Washington, D.C. in 2011, but their the founding principles of our country – at work presenting as female: “[J]ust for demanding that Arizona be allowed marriage is not recognized by North Car- justice and freedom. We will continue this that one reason I can be fired on the spot. to repeal domestic partners insurance olina law. When their daughter was born, fight to ensure this vital legislation passes There’s no recourse for that.” She said, “I August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 5 find it hard to believe” that people could The group adds that Lembembe’s viral rebound in blood and other tissues. the day after the overturn of DOMA, lose their jobs for being transgender. She murder has been preceded by a number of One patient has been off treatment with introduced a constitutional amendment added that in “the land of the free I am attacks, unchecked by the government, on no detectable virus for approximately 15 banning same-sex marriage -- were invited not free” without the Employment Non- LGBT and human rights organizations. weeks, and the second patient for seven to speak. Discrimination Act. Lembembe’s killing follows several weeks, with similar results. However, it is More information about the Employ- attacks on the offices of human rights too soon to draw any definitive long-term P a. Attorney General ment Non-Discrimination Act, includ- defenders, including those working for conclusions. ing a list of co-sponsors, can be found equal rights for LGBTI people. On June Only one person has ever been “cured” won’t defend state here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ 26, unidentified assailants burned down of HIV: Timothy Brown, also known as marriage ban bdquery/D?d113:2:./temp/~bdpc2g::|/ the Douala headquarters of Alternatives- “the Berlin patient,” who has been HIV- home/LegislativeData.php| Cameroun, which provides HIV services free for five years after receiving similar Pennsylvania Attorney General Kath- to LGBTI people. A few days earlier on bone marrow transplants to the two new leen Kane won’t defend the state’s ban June 16, the Yaoundé office of human patients. The marrow used for Brown’s on gay marriage in court, according to rights lawyer Michel Togué, who repre- transplants, however, came from an indi- sources speaking with the Philadelphia sents clients charged with same-sex con- vidual with a specific genetic mutation Daily News: duct, was burgled, and his legal files that makes humans almost completely Multiple sources confirmed on July and laptop stolen. Both Togué and Alice resistant to HIV infection. The two Bos- 10 that Kane, who is named along with Nkom, another lawyer who represents ton patients did not receive donations Gov. Corbett as a defendant in the suit LGBTI clients, have received repeated from individuals with this mutation. to overturn the ban, plans to make the death threats by email and SMS, includ- As amfAR noted, it is unclear at this announcement at the National Constitu- ing threats to kill their children. Although point whether or not the virus could tion Center. activists have reported all of these inci- return in the two patients over time. A The American Civil Liberties Union dents, the Cameroonian authorities have previous patient in a different National filed the lawsuit, known as Whitewood v. not apprehended a single suspect. Institutes of Health study went 50 days Corbett, on behalf of 21 state residents. The HRW is urging authorities to conduct without treatment before experiencing plaintiffs are 10 couples and one widow an immediate and thorough investigation. what is known as “viral rebound”; both of who want to marry in Pennsylvania, want Lembembe contributed to the blog 76 Dr. Henrich’s patients are at or past this the state to recognize their out-of-state mar- Crimes, which notes that one of its most threshold. Further monitoring of the two riages or want equal protections granted to popular articles was “What traditional patients will undoubtedly be needed to straight married couples. African homosexuality learned from the determine the long-term effects of stem- West”. They add: cell transplants for HIV-positive individu- Queen signs bill to “That article is included in the book ation. permit British marriages From Wrongs to Gay Rights, along with Eric Ohena Lembembe “These findings clearly provide impor- his articles about Roger Mbede, who tant new information that might well Marriage equality has come to Great C ameroon gay activist was imprisoned because of an amorous alter the current thinking about HIV and Britain. The UK House of Lords gave its text message to a man; Franky Djome gene therapy,” amfAR CEO Kevin Robert final approval to the marriage equality was tortured and killed and Jonas Kumie, who were imprisoned Frost said in a statement. “While stem-cell bill July 15, on its third reading, Bloom- because they are a transgender couple; berg reports: Human Rights Watch reports that transplantation is not a viable option for anti-gay blackmailer/extortioner Albert people with HIV on a broad scale because “The upper, unelected chamber Eric Ohena Lembembe, a gay rights activ- Edward Ekobo Samba; and the homo- approved the Marriage (Same Sex Cou- ist and journalist, was found dead at his of its costs and complexity, these new phobic attack on last year’s IDAHO cel- cases could lead us to new approaches to ples) Bill without a vote in London…. home on July 15 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. ebration in Yaoundé.” Some members of the house wore pink He had been brutally tortured. Lem- treating, and ultimately even eradicating, He formerly worked as a writer and HIV.” carnations to mark the occasion.” bembe’s friends discovered his body on editor for the monthly Tribune du Citoy- The legislation had already been passed the evening of July 15 after being unable en in Cameroon. by the Commons amid opposition from to reach him by telephone for two days, -Towleroad.com FRC cancels dinner for more than 100 lawmakers from Prime and went to his home. They found his new “ex-gay” groups Minister Cameron’s Conservative Party. front door padlocked on the outside, but S tem cell transplants The bill was passed and then returned to could see Lembembe’s body lying on his The hate group Family Research the Commons, where amendments intro- bed through the window. Lembembe’s may have halted HIV in Council was to hold a dinner and recep- duced by the Lords were accepted. The friends alerted the police, who broke two patients tion to announce two new “ex-gay” orga- bill was sent to Queen Elizabeth II for her down the door. According to one friend, nizations and make “ex-gays” out as signature before becoming law. Marriages Lembembe’s neck and feet appeared to Dr. Timothy Henrich, a medical victims, and a line-up of familiar anti-gay will begin next summer. have been broken, and his face, hands, researcher with Harvard Medical School wingnuts was invited to speak. However, Pink News reports on the bill’s amend- and feet had been burned with an iron. and Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hos- the Washington D.C. event was canceled ments: Lembembe was one of Cameroon’s pital, announced in early July that two due to lack of interest, although organiz- “The amendments include a provision most prominent LGBTI rights activists. of his HIV-positive patients showed no ers blamed it on “anti-ex-gay extremism”. to hold reviews of equal pension survi- On behalf of CAMFAIDS, he collaborat- trace of the virus after receiving stem-cell (See Opinion, page 15). vor rights, humanist weddings and civil ed closely with Human Rights Watch and transplants. The event was to take place July 31, just partnerships for opposite-sex couples. At two other Cameroonian organizations, Henrich’s study was supported by over a month after the Supreme Court’s Report Stage in the Lords, the bill was Alternatives-Cameroun and the Associa- amfAR, the international HIV/AIDS landmark rulings in favor of gay rights. subject to scrutiny, and many government tion for the Defense of Homosexuals nonprofit, which issued a press release Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) was amendments were added, in order to tidy (ADEFHO), in researching and launch- with further details: to be an “honorable” attendee. “Come it up.” ing a March 2013 report on prosecutions The patients had been on long-term celebrate the lives of former homosexuals for consensual same-sex conduct. antiretroviral therapy for HIV when they and hear about their unique stories and He also participated in drafting a sub- developed lymphoma. To treat the cancer, achievements!” read the invitation. Colombian court warns mission for Cameroon’s Universal Peri- the patients underwent reduced inten- In spite of the debacle, the Fam- marriage equality law odic Review (UPR) in May 2013 at the sity chemotherapy followed by stem-cell ily Research Council’s legislative affili- must be observed United Nations Human Rights Council. transplants. Since the transplants, Dr. ate, FRC Action, has officially launched Lembembe was also a contributor to the Henrich has been unable to find any evi- two new ex-gay organizations, “Voice of Colombia’s Constitutional Court has blog “Erasing 76 Crimes” and authored dence of HIV infection. the Voiceless” and “Equality and Justice told Inspector General Alejandro Ordóñez several chapters in a book on LGBTI With support from amfAR, he con- For All.” to drop his campaign to block same- rights around the world, From Wrongs to ducted a clinical study in which his In addition to Bachman, the Heritage sex marriages. J. Lester Feder reports at Gay Rights. His organization assiduously research team withdrew the patients’ anti- Foundation’s Jim DeMint, the Liberty Buzzfeed: documented arrests, violence, and black- retroviral therapy and performed several Counsel’s Matthew Staver and Rep. Tim Ordoñez had been threatening disci- mail against LGBTI people in Cameroon. sophisticated assays looking for signs of Huelskamp (R-Kan.) -- who on June 27, (C olumbian continued page 13) 6 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013 Interview

Dr. Chris Barry Dr. Chris Barry of URMC specializes and I know she will be very supportive.” in organ transplants. He has written on As far as he knows, conservative his blog about HIV positive organ donors Republicans in the House have not and the fact that it is now seen as safe for yet targeted the bill as something they HIV positive people to donate organs to oppose, Dr. Barry said. The bill has bipar- HIV positive people with excellent results tisan sponsorship. However, The Empty – although it is still illegal in the U.S. to Closet has learned that although all major do such procedures. A bill to change that religions support organ donation, some has just passed through the US Senate individuals are reluctant to register to and is scheduled to be presented to Con- become organ donors due to a belief that gress soon. their deity wants humans to die with all Dr. Barry writes on his blog, “Ever the organs they were born with. Unfortu- since 1984, it has been illegal to transplant nately, if damaged or dysfunctional body organs from HIV+ donors. The absolute parts are not replaced, those humans are exclusion of HIV+ donors by the National definitely going to die! Organ Transplant Act was initially meant Dr. Barry said, “Potentially, the fear- to protect recipients from contracting mongering hook would be the unlikely HIV. But there is increasing evidence that possibility that an HIV negative person HIV+ to HIV+ transplantation is possible would accidentally be given an organ from with good outcomes, so there is an effort an HIV positive person. Our response is to modify the law in this regard. that with appropriate checks and balances “In South Africa, HIV+ people are in place, this would be an exceedingly not allowed to undergo dialysis as a mat- unlikely event. Importantly, whenever you ter of public health policy and so they are are able to take someone off the transplant left to die of end stage renal disease. Dr. waiting list, someone else is moved up. So Elmi Muller, a transplant surgeon, and thousands of people would get life sav- her colleagues lobbied the Hospital Eth- ing transplants and HIV negative people ics Boards and the Government Health would move up the list for HIV negative Agency to allow a pilot experiment of kid- transplants.” ney transplantation between HIV+ donors There is also the concern that some and HIV+ recipients beginning in 2009. strains of HIV are more aggressive than Their first four patients did very well, as others -- what effect would it have if an reported in a letter to the New England HIV positive person with a less aggres- Journal of Medicine, with all patients sive strain received such a transplant? surviving past one year without rejection Dr. Barry said, “The scientific argument or the need for dialysis after transplant. is that the current medical therapy we Since then, Muller’s group has report- have for HIV is so good that’s unlikely ed six more successes, with 100 percent to happen.” Strain can be determined by survival and only one patient suffering a molecular test of the virus. Viruses are a rejection episode that was successfully always mutating, so an unknown aggres- Dr. Chris Barry. Photo: Tammy Swales reversed. sive virus could pop up. In the South “In 2011, Dr. Dorry Segev of Johns African operations, however, transplant- Hopkins published a study in the Ameri- ing one strain to someone with a different The other issue and legislation here is and about 50,000 more are added annu- can Journal of Transplantation estimating strain did not cause any problems. the federal HOPE Act, which would make ally. Permitting organs from HIV-positive that 500-600 HIV+ donors could become HIV positive transplant recipients it legal for HIV positive people to donate donors to be used for transplant in HIV- available each year for transplantation would have to have a robust immune sys- organs in the first place. infected patients with liver or kidney fail- to HIV+ recipients if the ban on HIV+ tem and very low levels of the virus, so Dr. Barry said, “I think the HOPE Act ure could save as many as 1,000 people donors was lifted. There remain concerns organ transplants are not for everyone. As is very exciting legislation which will help each year. As organs from HIV-infected about different HIV strains acting more Dr. Barry noted in an EC article he wrote save and improve the lives of thousands, donors would only be transplanted to aggressively in HIV+ recipients and the last year, people with HIV do almost as both HIV positive and negative.” The bill HIV-infected transplant candidates, the remote possibility of accidentally trans- well in organ transplant procedures as the is slated to be presented in Congress soon. waiting time for HIV-infected people who planting an HIV+ organ into an HIV- general population, and better than the It is House bill HR698, and EC readers accept HIV-infected organs would most recipient, but there is a growing consensus population over 60. “With all the anti- are again encouraged to contact their rep- certainly decrease, as would the general that allowing HIV+ donation to HIV+ rejection meds, the virus doesn’t become resentatives and urge their support for the waiting list for uninfected people await- recipients would benefit the public good. re-activated. It would still be present in HOPE Act. ing transplants. Donor organs are precious resources, and the blood, however, so the patient would The HOPE Act directs the Depart- any intervention that would allow poten- need to continue their HIV meds as well UPDATE: House committee ment of Health and Human Services and tial recipients to be removed from long as the others,” Dr. Barry said. the Organ Procurement Transplant Net- waiting lists should be welcomed. He said, “My tagline is that transplan- approves HOPE Act work (OPTN) to develop and institute “On June 17, 2013, The US Senate tation works, and works very well, even in The House Energy & Commerce standards for research on HIV-positive passed the HIV Organ Policy Equity HIV positive recipients. And organ dona- Committee on July 17 approved the organ transplantation and permits the (HOPE) Act by a unanimous vote. The tion saves lives. It’s important for everyone HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, Secretary to permit positive-to-positive HOPE Act would permit HIV+ donor to consider organ donation.” H.R.698. transplantation if it is determined that the organs to be transplanted into HIV+ New York State is the 48th lowest out The bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. results of research warrant such a change. recipients. It also amends federal criminal of 50 states in organ donations. “This is in Lois Capps (D-CA) would lift a federal The Secretary would be required to direct law regarding HIV transmission, thereby large part because of the difficulty of reg- ban on the donation of HIV-positive OPTN to develop standards to ensure clarifying that HIV+ donation to HIV+ istering,” Dr. Barry commented. “There organs to HIV-positive recipients, mak- that positive-to-positive transplantation recipient transplants should no longer be is legislation to change that, but the NYS ing it possible for researchers to study the does not impact the safety of the organ banned. The House bill, H.R. 698, is Department of Health is blocking the safety of such procedures. transplantation network. sponsored by Congresswoman Lois Capps bill in the NY Senate which would turn The bill passed the Senate in June. The Centers for Disease Control issued (D-CA) and Congressman Dr. Michael online registration over to a private not- “The HOPE Act represents sound draft Public Health Service Guidelines in Burgess (R-TX). for-profit, because they fear job loss. The public health policy,” said HRC legislative September of 2011 that recommended “Passage of the HOPE Act would ben- Department of Health runs the Donate director Allison Herwitt. “The action by research in this area, but noted that feder- efit thousands of transplant candidates Life registry, so they blocked the bill in the House Energy & Commerce Com- al law has blocked this important research awaiting transplant, both HIV+ people a Senate committee at the last moment, mittee is a major step forward in removing from taking place in the United States. who could receive HIV+ donor organs although there is bipartisan support in an outdated barrier which impedes access The United Network for Organ Sharing, and HIV- people who would enjoy shorter Albany for non profit registration. The to lifesaving transplants for persons living which manages the nation’s organ trans- waiting times for HIV- donor organs. In Department of Health may ultimately do with HIV and AIDS.” plant system, and over 40 other patient addition, passage of HOPE would dem- online registration, but as of today they Today, more than 100,000 patients and medical advocacy organizations have onstrate that our society is a dynamic have not moved forward with that.” are actively waiting for life-saving organs endorsed the HOPE Act. ■ and intelligent one, responding to medical Currently, to register as an organ advances and appropriately amending leg- donor, anyone can go to the Department islation to maximally benefit our citizenry. of Health website, but they must print out “Please consider contacting your Con- the form, fill it out and mail it in. Appar- gressional Representative (the House of ently that is too much trouble for a lot of Representatives’ switchboard is (202) 225- people, and a large part of the reason why 3121) to encourage support for H.R. 698, New York ranks 48th in the country. The HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) The NYS legislation, which would Act.” ensure that a not for profit take over Dr. Barry told The Empty Closet, “I online organ donor registration, is NY bill hope it passes. It’s difficult to say. I think S.5046. Dr. Barry urges people to contact it’s really important to garner support for their senators and assemblymen and ask this bill. I called Louise Slaughter’s office that they support this bill. August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 7

The Rainbow Flag raising in Manhattan Square Park took place July 19. Outlandish donated the 30x50 flag to the Gay Alliance. Most photos this page: Ove Overmyer

Emcee Kasha Davis and Pride organizer Michael Lill with Grand Marshals Zahra Langford and Jennifer Posey.

Honorary Grand Marshals Patti Evans and Whitey LeBlanc.

Rainbow Riders arrive. Photo: Jill Frier

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Emcee Kasha Davis. Samantha Vega was co-emcee. Photo: Jill Frier er y erm v O e Ov : to o h P er y erm v O e : o Ph TO Ov er y erm v O frier e Zach Waffle and KaeLyn Rich. : jill

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The Pride Picnic took place in on July 21. All photos: Ove Overmyer DJ Hector ruled the Roundhouse.

First place picnic site design winners: “Oz on the River” by Kate Sweeney and Philip Andrew Rawleigh. L-R: Zebulon Hounslea, Gia Boersma, Philip Andrew Rawleigh, Kate Sweeney, judges Michael Gamilla and Thomas Warfield. August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 11

Some scenes from the History Pavilion. Photos: Ove Overmyer ImageArt in the parade. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Alden Bashaw marches with Equality Rochester. Photo: Bess Watts 12 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

the first two weeks in July from angry in writing and cited the policy prohibit- Rochester Pride Picnic Sunday morning at page one Monroe County residents, both gay and ing Legislative Staff from flying the flag. Genesee Valley Park. Johnson said, “It’s straight, Brooks declared a “Gay Alliance “The deputy then stated that the flags important to celebrate Pride every year, Day” but still refused to fly the Rainbow needed to be removed or the Democratic but 2013 has special significance for us (R ainbow from page 3) Flag. Staff would be arrested. Democratic Staff because I feel like we are entering a new Bette Midler tribute artist Donna Maxon, The Rochester Central Library was indicated the deputy would need to go era of acceptance. The level of oppression Pandora Boxx fresh from her emcee gig at illuminated with rainbow lighting for the ahead with the arrest, at which time the I used to feel has drastically improved. We the NYC Pride Rally and her successful entire Pride Weekend, July 19-21, while deputy went to the windows and forc- are better off simply on the basis of a fairer one-queen show, “Lick This Boxx,” which the Gay Alliance’s giant Rainbow Flag ibly removed the flags. The deputy was federal tax structure. I feel less burdened, recently ran off-Broadway, and 98.PXY’s flew at Manhattan Square Park, unfurled informed that a new flag would be put and I can’t tell you how much more opti- headliner DEV. in a ceremony on July 19. Rochester up, to which he said the Democratic mistic I am about our country moving Those who had survived the revels of Mayor Tom Richards, NYS Assembly Chief of Staff would be arrested if the in the right direction when it comes to Saturday night turned up on Sunday after- member Harry Bronson, City Council flag went back up. The new flag has been equality.” noon at Genesee Valley Park for the Pride members Dana Miller, Matt Haag and flying since approximately 2:30 p.m. and Rochester resident John Parker told Picnic, a community institution since the Elaine Spaull, as well as mayoral can- neither the County Executive nor the The EC that Pride is very important to 1970s. Around 2,000 attended. First prize didate Lovely Warren attended the flag Sheriff has asked for the new flag to be him for a variety of reasons. “What Pride in the picnic site decorating contest went raising. removed.” means to me is coming out here to enjoy to “Oz On the River” by Kate Sweeney & Although County Executive Brooks The second flag was not removed. The my brothers and sisters without fear and Phil Rawleigh, while second place went to had denied permission for the Rainbow first flag had been confiscated because, to think how times have changed and “ROC Pride Games” by Chris Woodworth Flag to fly at the Monroe County Office Democratic staff was told, there is an how far we have come since the ‘80s. I also and Becky Abplanale and third prize to Building, several members of the Dem- ordinance that bans attachments to the love the fact that we are in a city park cel- “RGMC” by Daryl Killingsworth and ocratic caucus nonetheless put a rain- building which might cause damage, and ebrating Pride and that we have so much Keren. bow flag in their window at the County the second flag was not removed because support from city officials — especially After weeks of humidity and heavy Office Building on July 19. the authorities had determined that the Mayor Tom Richards.” ■ rains, the weather cleared on Saturday by County Legislator and Democratic flag was not “causing damage” to the 1 p.m. and the LGBT community enjoyed Minority Leader Carrie Andrews issued building. ■ sunlight and a cool breeze – it was a gor- a statement: ‘Since the County Execu- geous weekend in Oz! ■ tive has refused to fly the Rainbow Pride Flag, we felt it was important that we lead by example and show our friends in ( Rochester continued from page 1) the LGBT community that we appreciate Dennis O’Brien, an East End resi- (Central continued from page 1) their contributions. While we certainly dent and a staffer for the Monroe Coun- County Executive refuses to accept that hope the flag will one day fly in front of ty Legislature Democratic Caucus, was LGBT families are more than a politi- the County Office Building, we’re going mingling with political types and elected cal issue.” to continue doing whatever it takes to officials near the festival vendor tables late Democrats in the County Legislature treat everyone in our county with dignity Saturday afternoon. The group paused have released the letter sent on June 3 to and respect.’” to reflect on how far the LGBT commu- Maggie Brooks (a Republican), asking The flag was quickly confiscated by nity has come these past few years and that the County fly the Rainbow Pride a Monroe County sheriff’s deputy who recapped recent history highlighting the flag to honor Gay Pride Week and the threatened staffers with arrest. fact that DOMA fell June 26 and mar- 40th anniversary of the Gay Alliance of “The events of this afternoon rep- riage equality advocates are stacking up the Genesee Valley. Democrats said they resent a clear violation of the notion of legislative wins all across America. They had hoped that the June 26 ruling from separation of powers in government and also talked about Maggie Brooks denying the Supreme Court, overthrowing the they are an affront to our hardworking the gay community the right to fly the 1996 anti-gay legislation known as the LGBT friends and neighbors,” Demo- Pride Flag in front of the Monroe County “Defense of Marriage Act” or DOMA, cratic Leader Carrie Andrews said. “The Office Building, the place where O’Brien might spur the County Executive to County Executive may not support the works. finally recognize this important part of LGBT community, but we do and we O’Brien told The EC, “At the parade, the Rochester community. have the right to express that by flying I proudly walked with City Council- “It’s no secret that this administra- the Rainbow Pride Flag outside our offic- man Matt Haag’s team. And, I think it’s tion has fought against marriage equal- es. Although they were able to remove the very important for straight allies to show ity,” Democratic Leader Carrie Andrews flags using the sheriff’s department, the everyone that we appreciate LGBT con- (D-Rochester) said on June 26. “But with LGBT community can rest assured that tributions — it’s part of our community’s today’s ruling and public opinion clearly we will not be bullied. A new Rainbow identity. I have always loved Pride events, favoring equality, the time is right for the Pride Flag is now proudly flying outside and wouldn’t miss this for the world. County Executive to change her position our office. How can you go wrong? A big parade, and be on the right side of history.” “At approximately 12:45 p.m. this great entertainment, plenty of food, good In 2008, the New York Court of afternoon Democrats put the flags out- weather and friends. That’s a winning Appeals ruled that Monroe County had side their office windows. By 1:20 p.m. combination in my book.” illegally denied a same-sex couple health the County Executive’s Administration Among many topics, O’Brien and his benefits. Despite a widespread commu- ordered a Sheriff’s Deputy and mainte- circle of friends were discussing the effects nity outcry, the County Executive fought nance worker to enter the Democratic of DOMA’s downfall, and how local against providing equal benefits, expend- Office without permission. LGBT families are seeing themselves in ing thousands of taxpayer dollars (includ- “After entering, the Sheriff Deputy a whole new light. The repeal of DOMA ing LGBT taxpayers) on what ended up told the Democratic Chief of Staff that and the right to marry seemed to be on a futile effort. Fortunately, this decision, the flags would have to be removed the minds of many people during Pride Martinez vs. Monroe County, resulted in because, he claimed, the County Exec- weekend this year. a landmark ruling that helped pave the utive’s Communication Department “I’m still trying to get a handle on how way for marriage equality in New York did not approve of it first. Democrats this affects my marriage and my family — State. informed the deputy that the Legislature but I do know this,” said Rochester resi- Democrats have requested that the is not under the purview of the Coun- dent T. Judith Johnson, who married her Rainbow Pride Flag be flown during ty Executive or her Communications wife MaryAnn Sanford four years ago. “It Pride Week in years past, but those Department. Democrats indicated they feels real good to be out and proud.” requests have all been ignored by County would consider the request to remove the The EC caught up with Johnson and Executive Brooks. After extreme pressure flag if the County Executive requested it Sanford as they unpacked their car at the August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 13

sion, went into a special session of its state ing justice for all people. months, the district attorney, Human local legislature on July 1 to push through an The letter is signed by: Rights Office, Office of the Mayor of and state omnibus abortion bill designed to regu- All Out, American Civil Liberties Reykjavík, and City of Reykjavík chief late 37 abortion clinics out of existence. Union, Believe Out Loud, BiNet USA, administrative officer propose amend- ( Black from page 3) But the 2013 session will come to a Bisexual Resource Center, Center for ments or the termination of the collabo- the park admission, buffet lunch, and close without any significant action to Black Equity, CenterLink: The Com- ration agreement between Reykjavík and parking. Both the MOCHA Center and impose safeguards on the 74 facilities munity of LGBT Centers, Consortium Moscow, in cooperation with the Minis- Evergreen Health Services are provid- in the state that contain at least 10,000 of Higher Education LGBT Resource try for Foreign Affairs.” ing a bus from each of the sites. The bus pounds of ammonium nitrate. Professionals, Equality Federation, Fam- will leave each site at 11 a.m. and depart Lawmakers in Austin have a handy ily Equality Council, Freedom to Work, G ay Dutch tourists are Darien Lake at 7 p.m. The MOCHA excuse for punting on new fertilizer reg- Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Net- arrested in Russia Center price for the Park Admission, Buf- ulations: That would be intrusive. State work, Gay-Straight Alliance Network fet Lunch and Bus is $35. Tickets must Sen. Donna Campbell, the Republican (GSA Network), GetEQUAL, GMHC, Russian officials arrested three Dutch be purchased and picked up at Evergreen who helped to shut down Democratic GLAD, GLAAD, Harvey Milk Founda- tourists on July 22 under the country’s Health Services, MOCHA Center Buf- Sen. Wendy Davis’ filibuster of the abor- tion, Human Rights Campaign, Immigra- new anti-gay “propaganda” ban. falo or MOCHA Center Rochester, 107 tion bill on procedural grounds, told the tion Equality, Lambda Legal, Movement GayNZ reports: Liberty Pole Way. New York Times that lawmakers should Advancement Project, National Black The Dutch trio are the first tourists For more on WNY Black Gay Pride be wary of monitoring chemical plants Coalition, National Center for Lesbian to be told they have ‘violated the rules of events in Rochester, see the article in this more closely because there’s “a point at Rights, National Coalition of Anti-Vio- stay’. They were arrested in Murmansk, issue and the August calendar, page 34. which you can over-regulate.” lence Programs, National Gay & Lesbian and Gay Star News says unconfirmed For more information on Darien Because why try to prevent giant Chamber of Commerce, National Gay reports suggest they were helping gay Lake Day and to purchase tickets: Ever- explosions when you could be all up in and Lesbian Task Force, National Minor- activists in the city protest Russia’s posi- green – Life Changes Program – Dana women’s parts? As usual with Republi- ity AIDS Council, National Queer Asian tion on human rights. They have been McKnight, 716-847-0212; dmcknight@ cans, freedom is for the powerful. -Posted Pacific Islander Alliance, Out & Equal told they have broken the law of ‘non- evergreenhs.org; The MOCHA Center by Laura Clawson on Daily Kos Workplace Advocates, PFLAG National, traditional sexual relations’ propaganda Buffalo, DeMarkis Bonner, 716-852-1142 The Trevor Project, Trans Advocacy Net- among children, which was signed into x19; [email protected]; The LGBT coalition sends work, Transgender Law Center, Trans law by President Vladimir Putin last MOCHA Center Rochester – Barba- open letter: Trayvon People of Color Coalition. month. ra Turner, 585-420-1400 x14; bturner@ A hearing was scheduled for July 22. mochacenter.org. deserved justice I ndiana school district The Russian LGBT Network is providing A coalition of 35 national LGBT rights settles with bullied, legal assistance. national groups have issued a joint denouncement Patriarch: gay marriage bringing of the Zimmerman verdict. Via press expelled gay teen apocalypse and international That wasn’t the only bit of anti-gay release: Darnell “Dynasty” Young, the An Open Letter: Trayvon Deserves news out of Russia on July 22. Patriarch openly gay Indianapolis teen who was Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox (Colombian from page 5) Justice expelled after bringing a stun gun to We cannot begin to imagine the con- Church and a strong supporter of the plinary action against any official who school to defend himself against bul- “propaganda” bill, told parishioners this took up this authority. tinued pain and suffering endured by lies, subsequently sued Indianapolis Pub- Trayvon Martin’s family and friends. We morning that same-sex marriage is leading His case was based on the fact that the lic Schools for discrimination, restriction to the end of the world. court’s ruling did not specifically say that stand in solidarity with them as they con- of free speech, and negligence, alleging tinue to fight for justice, civil rights and According to News.com.au, he said: couples can “marry,” nor did it directly that school officials did nothing to pro- “This is a very dangerous sign of the apoc- change the law. Instead, it gave congress closure. And we thank everyone who has tect him. pushed and will continue to push for jus- alypse ... It means people are choosing a until June 20, 2013 to change the law to According to WTHITV News, Young path of self-destruction,” Patriarch Kirill give equal rights to same-sex couples. The tice. has agreed to settle for $65,000. Trayvon Martin deserves justice and told churchgoers at Kazan Cathedral in 2011 ruling only gives the power directly The proposed settlement filed July Moscow’s Red Square. to judges and notaries because congress his civil rights. We support the organi- 9 in U.S. District Court in Indianapo- zations and community leaders who are Fierstein calls out Putin failed to act, and ambiguity in the rul- lis also calls for the school district to Finally, in a just published New York ing left it unclear whether they will call urging the federal government to explore remove all references of Darnell “Dynas- every option to ensure that justice is Times op-ed, Harvey Fierstein took on these unions “marriages” or something ty” Young being expelled from school Vladimir Putin and his homophobic poli- else entirely. served for Trayvon and that his civil rights are honored and respected. But our work from the 18-year-old’s academic record. cies, writing that the Russian president On Friday, the court rejected Ordoñez’s The agreement still must be approved by “has declared war on homosexuals. So far, petition for it to clarify that it did not does not end there: we will honor Tray- von Martin by strengthening our com- a judge. the world has mostly been silent.” intend to open marriage to same-sex Young also told WTHITV in a tele- He concludes: “Mr. Putin’s campaign couples. And Constitutional Court Presi- mitment to end bias, hatred, profiling and violence across our communities. phone interview that “he’s pleased with against lesbian, gay and bisexual people dent Jorge Iván Palacio sternly warned the settlement,” and that “he plans to is one of distraction, a strategy of demon- Ordoñez to “observe the determinations We represent organizations with diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- use the money to launch an anti-bullying izing a minority for political gain taken of this Court and monitor their strict and magazine. straight from the Nazi playbook. Can we timely compliance.” gender constituencies. Our community has been targets of bigotry, bias, profil- -Towleroad.com allow this war against human rights to go Feder notes that the Court has still unanswered? Although Mr. Putin may not clarified the murky wording of their ing and violence. We have experienced the heart-breaking despair of young peo- I celand cuts ties with think he can control his creation, history 2011 ruling. LGBT activists, however, are proves he cannot: his condemnations are taking their message to Ordóñez as a very ple targeted for who they are, who they Moscow over gay ban are presumed to be, or who they love: permission to commit violence against positive sign. gays and lesbians. Last week a young gay RELATED: Same-sex marriage is Rashawn Brazell, Lawrence King, Ali While many nations have formally Forney, Brandon Teena, Brandon White, denounced Russia’s ban on “gay propa- man was murdered in the city of Volgo- legal in the South American nations of grad. He was beaten, his body violated Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Matthew Shepard, Marco McMillian, ganda,” Reykjavik is doing something Angie Zapata, Sakia Gunn, Gwen Araujo about it. with beer bottles, his clothing set on fire, and countless others. According to the contract between his head crushed with a rock. This is most T exas regulates women’s Every person, regardless of race, reli- Reykjavik and Moscow drawn up in 2007, likely just the beginning. bodies, not factory gion, sexual orientation or gender identity, the cities were going to cooperate on fam- “Nevertheless, the rest of the world remains almost completely ignorant of safeguards must be able to walk the streets without ily issues. But now, a statement from the fear for their safety. Justice delayed is jus- city council reads: “In light of the devel- Mr. Putin’s agenda. His adoption restric- Texas, whose lax regulatory climate tice denied and in the words of Dr. Mar- opments concerning the affairs of gay, tions have received some attention, but it has come in for scrutiny in the aftermath tin Luther King Jr. “a right delayed is a bisexual and transsexual people that have has been largely limited to people involved of the deadly West fertilizer factory explo- right denied.” We honor Trayvon by seek- taken place in Russia over the last few (Gay Dutch continues page 14) 14 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

cause to believe the company violated Title national VII of the Civil Rights Act: and international “The investigation revealed that Charg- ing Party was subjected to derogatory gen- der-based comments that were frequently ( Gay Dutch from page 13) made by both co-workers and supervisors. in international adoptions. Both Charging Party and witness inter- “This must change. With Russia about views revealed that Respondent’s manage- to hold the Winter Games in Sochi, the ment failed to take corrective action despite country is open to pressure. American and being fully aware of the harassment Charg- world leaders must speak out against Mr. ing Party was being subjected to. This lack Putin’s attacks and the violence they foster. of corrective action enabled the harassment The Olympic Committee must demand and offensive atmosphere to continue.” the retraction of these laws under threat of “We applaud the EEOC for conduct- boycott.” ing such a thorough investigation and Read more: http://www.towleroad. interviewing so many witnesses to the com/#ixzz2ZmzPkOYC anti-transgender harassment,” said Tico Almeida, President of the LGBT organiza- E mployer harassment tion Freedom to Work. “Coming just a few months after the EEOC issued its historic violated trans woman’s decision that transgender people are pro- PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 740 Marshall rights, EEOC says tected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the EEOC’s reasonable cause determina- Road, Rochester, NY 14624 from 1 to 3pm. Questions? Call: 585-244-8640 Freedom to Work and Lambda Legal tion in this case is, to our knowledge, the and leave a message, or e-mail: [email protected] - Join us! have reached a settlement on behalf of a first time in history that the EEOC has transgender woman employed by a govern- investigated allegations of anti-transgender ment contractor in Maryland. harassment and ruled for the transgender The woman filed a complaint with the employee. This case shows that the EEOC Equal Employment Opportunity Com- takes very seriously its role in protecting mission (EEOC) and alleged that she was LGBT Americans’ freedom to work.” subjected to physical and verbal harass- “Slowly but surely, we are gaining recog- ment in the workplace over a two-year nition of the rights of LGBT employees, but period. Co-workers also allegedly made this case shows that employers and employ- For Men & Women comments such as “tranny,” “drag queen,” ees need laws that spell out gender identity and “faggot.” After conducting an investi- and sexual orientation protections specifi- Cuts • color • highlights gation, the EEOC issued a September 2012 cally, to help prevent discrimination in the 1462 Monroe Ave. 271-3610 letter with a determination of reasonable ( Employer continues page 16) August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 15

people from the disastrous year 2013 has Manning was arrested May 29, 2010 In my book, Bradley Manning has been for such programs. This has included and spent the next year in Quantico, Vir- done better service to his country than the closing of Exodus International and ginia in solitary confinement. He was those who would follow orders they know Opinion the group’s former poster boy, John Paulk, deprived of clothing, not allowed to sleep to be immoral and illegal. Manning has coming out. or lean against the wall, and denied read- followed the international mandates given The two new “ex-gay” organizations, ing material or exercise – in other words by the Nuremberg trials after WWII E- x Gay Pride Month gets Voice of the Voiceless and Equality and he was tortured. Manning’s treatment – when soldiers or citizens witness war cancelled… Justice for All (the lobbying arm) are sparked a probe by the United Nations crimes they have a legal and moral obli- front groups for the International Heal- Special Rapporteur on torture, Juan Men- gation to try to stop them. That is what By Wayne Besen, Truth Wins Out ing Foundation, a for-profit therapy cen- dez, who issued a statement saying that Bradley Manning has done and that is Truth Wins Out laughed at the can- ter founded by Richard Cohen, a “sexual PFC Bradley Manning’s treatment had why he is fighting for his life. He needs cellation of “Ex-Gay Pride Month 2013” reorientation life coach,” who was per- been “cruel and inhuman.” our help. by the newly formed group, Voice of the manently expelled from the American Partially in response to public outcry, Now that you know, what can you do? Voiceless (VOV), which announced it was Counseling Association in 2003 for mul- on April 21, 2011 Bradley was moved It is important to act because the Military putting the kybosh on a fancy gala it had tiple ethics violations. He is known for from Quantico to Fort Leavenworth, KS Judge Col. Denise Lind will rule soon and planned with the Family Research Coun- his alarming fits of anger and bizarre where his conditions greatly improved. she thinks no one is watching. This is a cil on July 31. techniques that are widely mocked on the His Court Martial is underway right dangerous situation. The event had sought to portray “ex- Internet and in the media. This includes now in Fort Meade, Maryland. The main- 1. Don’t take my word for it - search gays” as victims and had invited Rep. having clients sit on his lap while he stream media has blacked out coverage of “Bradley Manning,” find “Collateral Michele Bachmann, R-MN, and other caresses them, or having them smash a the trial. There is no electronic media Murder” on YouTube and watch it, go to members of Congress to attend the benefit. pillow with a tennis racket while irately allowed in the courtroom. But regular www.bradleymanning.org and find out There was never going to be an actual screaming the name of a parent. citizens and a few journalists have been more specifics. “Ex-gay Pride Month” because ex-gays Truth Wins Out is a nonprofit organi- showing up, most of them international. 2. Sign the Stand with Bradley peti- are as rare as the Dodo bird. They simply zation that fights anti-LGBT extremism. While he has pled guilty to releasing tion online: http://www.standwithbrad. could not find real “ex-gays” to participate TWO specializes in turning information information, he is fighting the charge of org/ and had to cancel to save face. This was into action by organizing, advocating and “Aiding and Abetting the Enemy.” The 3. Donate to the defense fund: https:// nothing but a desperate publicity stunt fighting for LGBT equality. prosecution states that because Al-Qaeda co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default. intended to revive a failing industry that could read Wikileaks, Manning helped aspx?wid=38591 has repeatedly embarrassed anti-gay orga- Who is Bradley them. But this is a ridiculous argument 4. Submit your photo to the “I Am nizations…. given that in the internet age Al-Qaeda Bradley Manning” campaign: iam.brad- VOV’s Christopher Doyle offered Manning? can read anything – the New York Times, leymanning.org unsubstantiated charges of “anti-ex-gay By Maria Scipione the London Times, even The Empty 5. Talk to your friends, write a letter to extremism” as his reason for terminat- During this year’s Pride Parade I car- Closet. Does that mean whistleblowers the editor, have a house party, be creative ing the much-ballyhooed event. Accord- ried a sign with the Veterans for Peace can never expose the wrong doing of gov- – but get the word out. ing to Doyle, “Due to some anti-ex-gay and Iraq Veterans Against the War that ernments in the press? 6. Attend the court proceedings at extremism that has occurred since we said “Proud to Blow the Whistle on The following are two quotes from an Fort Meade. Manning’s lawyer, David first announced Ex-Gay Pride 2013, the War Crimes – FREE BRADLEY MAN- online chat with Manning about why he Coombs, recently issued a statement July 31 Lobbying Day on Capitol Hill NING.” leaked the information: thanking all of Bradley’s supporters for and Evening Dinner/Reception at the Many people were supportive: chant- “If you had free reign over classi- their efforts, and especially those who Family Research Council has had to be ed, gave a thumbs-up, thanked me, yelled fied networks… and you saw incred- have attended the court proceedings. In a moved and postponed to an undisclosed “YEAH”. But more people looked at me ible things, awful things… things that military trial with little public transparen- location in September. The harassment and had no idea who Bradley Manning is belonged in the public domain, and not cy, the more public supporters who partic- has caused several security threats which and no idea what my sign was about. on some server stored in a dark room in ipate as observers and activists, the better. has forced us to change plans, and that is Bradley Manning is a 25-year-old Washington DC… what would you do?” Bradley Manning has risked his life unfortunate.” gay man, who is a Private First Class “God knows what happens and freedom because he believed in our We challenge Doyle to come forward Army Intelligence analyst. He stands 5’2”, now. Hopefully worldwide discussion, right to know. We need to support him and release the names of LGBT activ- weighs 105, blonde hair, blue eyes, and debates, and reforms… I want people to and get the charge of “Aiding and Abet- ists and organizations that have allegedly is brilliant. He joined the Army in 2007 see the truth… because without informa- ting the Enemy” dropped. If we don’t, this tion, you cannot make informed decisions young man may spend his entire life in jail jeopardized his organization’s security. after his father threw him out of his home ■ Until concrete allegations are made, we for being gay. And he is, in my opinion, a as a public.” for telling the truth. can only assume Doyle is making an hero like Daniel Ellsberg (who leaked the excuse for his organization’s abject failure Pentagon Papers in 1971). to produce a viable Ex-Gay Pride Month Manning was deployed to Iraq in event. 2009. He released the video “Collateral Doyle is downgrading his effort and Murder” to Wikileaks in 2010. The video rebranding it “Ex-Gay Awareness Month.” shows the killing of unarmed civilians and This way, he can pretend there are legions two Reuters journalists by a US Apache of so-called ex-gays in press releases, with- helicopter in Iraq. He was very disturbed out actually proving they truly exist. by the war crimes he witnessed and he According to Doyle: “...We believe it is knew that the American people were necessary not only to hold events in July being kept ignorant of them. for Ex-Gay Pride, but also to declare Sep- He also leaked Army field reports tember as the First Annual Ex-Gay Aware- from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars as ness Month. Ex-Gay Awareness Month in well as US diplomatic cables. He did this September will be a time to reflect on the to inform the people of the United States discrimination and marginalization that what their government was really doing. former homosexuals and ex-gays experi- These leaked documents (smuggled out ence in the public at large. It will also in a Lady Gaga CD case) have illuminat- provide some much needed exposure to ed the true number and cause of civilian students in secondary schools and col- casualties in Iraq, along with a number of leges across the country to learn about the human rights abuses by US-funded con- plights, challenges, and tribulations facing tractors and foreign militaries, and the ex-gays in our culture.” role that spying and bribes play in inter- The VOV event was intended to revive national diplomacy. This was a moral and the failing “ex-gay” industry and distract courageous act. 16 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

was dancing with a male, when a woman gays living in Jamaica. In January 2011, license application. In any case, the recent- national at the party recognized him and told other (J-FLAG) recorded fifty-one incidents of ly approved reform of the state’s criminal and international patrons that he was not a woman, but a attacks against LGBTs including, home code will, starting July 1, 2014, drop the male. One of the men at the party accosted invasions, physical assaults and mob attacks. crime to a Level 6 felony, punishable by a the teen and conducted a search where he Employer In June 2012, members of the Jamaican maximum of 18 months in prison and a ( from page 14) discovered that the teen was not a female. LGBT community reported that eight gay potential fine of up to $10,000. first place,” said Greg Nevins, Supervising A mob then descended on the teen and men had been murdered in the prior three The law also penalizes clergyman, Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal’s chopped and stabbed him to death, before months. judge, mayor, city clerk or town clerk-trea- Southern Regional Office in Atlanta. “We dumping his body in bushes along the The organization has also emphasizes surer who solemnizes a marriage between need action by the 113th Congress to pass Orange main road.” the lack of report being made by victims of two people of the same gender. Those who the Employment Nondiscrimination Act Furthermore, the Jamaica-Gleaner homophobic attacks due to fear of future conduct a gay marriage ceremony can be (ENDA), and even more immediately, Presi- reported that “a number of explosions were attacks or abuses, especially from the police charged with a Class B misdemeanor, pun- dent Obama should sign the executive order heard and the police were summoned. They officers, who often refuse to take or docu- ishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine banning LGBT discrimination by compa- discovered Jones’ body on the roadway, ment self-identified gay victims incidents. of up to $1,000. nies that profit from federal contracts. That with multiple stab wounds and a gunshot When will our gay brothers and sisters executive order should have broad support wound.” No arrest has been made. be free from bondage and persecution? U .N. launches global across the political spectrum, since federal The brutal killings and public execution How much more innocent blood will be dollars should neither fund discrimination of gay, lesbian and transgender Jamaicans is shed before the government step in and LGBT rights campaign nor go to employers whose personnel and a disheartening reality for many who live in protect the lives of GAY Jamaicans? the open and shadows. In December 2010, The office of the United Nations High productivity suffer because discrimination Besides the killing and beating of Commissioner for Human Rights on July and harassment are tolerated.” the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals homosexuals, Jamaica is a violent and dan- and Gays (J-FLAG) called for a thorough 26 unveiled a global LGBT rights cam- Although denying admission of any gerous country. We cannot stand by and paign at a meeting in South Africa. wrongdoing, the government contractor investigation of a case in which the body of watch the culprits and anti-gay lynching a reported cross dresser was found with stab The campaign is called Free & Equal. agreed to re-publicize its non-discrimina- mobs to get away with murder. Something The multi-pronged campaign — announced wounds in St Andrew. However, the murder needs to be done. Dwayne Jones deserves tion policies and conduct anti-discrimi- at a news conference in Cape Town — will remains unsolved due to a lack of interest justice. nation and anti-harassment training at its include videos and public-service announce- facility, including a focus on transgender demonstrated by the investigation team and ments distributed through social media, and other LGBT issues. In light of the police authorities due to the victim’s sexual- I ndiana couples applying constructive steps taken to move past this ity and lifestyle (gay). a new website, a series of fact sheets, and episode by this contractor, and because our The lack of respect and protection for for license may face engagement by celebrities well-known in emphasis is on a systemic resolution to the the life of gays living in Jamaica demon- three years in prison different regions of the world. problem of LGBT discrimination in feder- strates a systematic and cultural preju- ‘‘Changing attitudes is never easy... It al contractor workplaces, Freedom to Work dice and hatred for homosexuals and the According to an Indiana politics blog, begins with often difficult conversations,’’ and Lambda Legal are not publicizing the air they breathe. The government and its any gay couple in that state who applies for said Navi Pillay, the high commissioner name of their client or this particular gov- leader Prime Minister Portia Simpson con- a marriage license faces up to three years for human rights. ‘‘And that is what we ernment contractor. tinue to disregard the interest, safety and in prison. want to do with this campaign. Free & the right to life of gay, lesbian, and trans- A 1997 state law declares it a Class D Equal will inspire millions of conversations gender Jamaicans. felony to submit false information on a among people around the world and across M ob brutally slays The punitive laws of Jamaica, such marriage license application or lie about the ideological spectrum.’’ 17-year-old trans as the Offences Against the Person Act the physical condition, including gender, There were multiple reasons for choos- Jamaican at party (Buggery law) which criminalizes the act of a marriage license applicant. Two men ing South Africa as the news conference of consensual anal sex between gay men, or two women seeking to marry inevitably venue. It is Pillay’s home country, and is By Dwayne Browne, Minority Insight and public demonstration of homosexual- would trigger the law, as the state’s elec- a leading nation on a continent where dis- On July 22, Dwayne Jones, a Trans- ity, mandates up to 10 years in prison with tronic marriage license application spe- crimination and violence against LGBT gender otherwise known as “Gully Queen” hard labor, along with the moral concept of cifically designates “male applicant” and people is widespread. and “Dwayne Gagastar Trensetta,” was normality, empower and motivate anti-gay “female applicant” sections for gathering The UN office notes that the campaign shot and stabbed to death in the Irwin civilians and mobs to attack, beat and kill required background data. is being funded by “outside contributors” community, St James. gays, as well as rape lesbians. It’s not known how often Hoosiers, and should therefore “skirt objections” According to Iriefm news report, “the Clearly, over the past years, we have gay or straight, are prosecuted for sub- from UN member states opposed to LGBT 17-year-old was dressed as a female and seen the abuse of the rights and dignity of mitting false information on a marriage rights. ■

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T here’s NOTHING like your support! Thank you for helping to make Roc Pride 2013 the best ever! Pi r de Committee Michael Lill, Pride Chairperson Evelyn Bailey, Kelly Clark, Scott Fearing, Jeanne Gainsburg, Christopher Hennelly, Peter Mohr, Kellie Ronald, Steve Santacroce, Bill Schaefer, Lora Thody, Jillian Wilton, Lyjha Wilton History Pavilion Chairs Jamie Allen, Michael Dauteuil, Jeff Fowler, Gerry Szymanski, Tara Winner, Bruce Woolley S ub Committee Members Jeff Allen, Zayne Austin, Jason Ballard, Sam Brett, David Chappius, Pat Cloonan, T here’s Jen Dawson, Jodie Dawson, Liz Doyle, Cody Gardner, Joe Murphy, Leonides Ortiz, Ed Popil, N o Place Jean Thibodeau, Brigid Waterhouse L ike S ponsors (In order of sponsorship level) Trillium Health, Logical Operations, Reed Eye Associates, Entercom Marketing 98PXY, Pernard Pi r de Ricard USA, Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, City of Rochester:Communications Bureau, Bachelor T here’s Forum, Lake Beverage, Three Olives/Proximo Spirits, Empire Merchants North Proximo Spirits, John’s Tex-Mex Eatery, Southern Wine & Spirits, Upstate NY, Yelp, Shoulder to Stand On/Video History, Nocon & N o Place Like Associates - Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc, Roc and GV Area Labor, Rochester Victory Alliance, Avenue Pub, Friends of Matt Haag, Pride at Work, Canandaigua National Bank, Friends of Lovely Warren, ImageOut, Park Avenue Merchants Assoc, Richards For Mayor, Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP, , , R ochester Highland Contractors S upporters Arlene’s Costumes, Chris Beato, Bill Gray’s Iceplex, Boulder Coffee and all the bartenders, New York State Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Luis Burgos, Commissioner of Recreation and Youth Services and his staff, Greg Cooper, Crazy Dog Tees - Eric Marshal, Tom DeBlase, Dignity/Integrity, Dorschel Auto Group, Edibles, Equal Grounds, Flex, Frog Pond, Genesee Co Op Federal Credit Union, City Councilmember Matt Haag, Marc Hamilton of Hamilton A-V, Inc., DJ Hector, Hollywood Bob, Home Depot (Penfield and Henrietta), Jines Resturant Inc, Kittleberger Florist, L&M Lanes, Lake Beverage - Tom Santini, Bob Lang, Zarha Langford, Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project of Binghamton, Athena Lill, Marshall Street Bar and Grill, Jennifer Mathews, Gloria Matos, Lambda , Mayfields Bar, Terry McEntee, Mighty Mike, Kyla Minx, Monroe County Foster Care Homefinding Unit, Monroe County Law Enforcement Association, Montessori School of Rochester, Moondog Sound - Greg Bennett, Jim Moran, Murphy’s Law, Jamie Mykins, NAPA Auto Parts, Nolan’s Rental Inc. - AJ, Debbie and the crew, One Restaurant and Lounge, Outlandish, Parkleigh, Pearl Nightclub - John Slater, John Picone from the City of Rochester, Jennifer Posey, Matt Povlock, Andrew Pramuk, PrintRoc, Justine Pruss, Red Diamond Dry Ice and CO2 Corp, Carl Refici, Special Events Operations Manager City of Rochester Margaret Reichert, City of Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards, Roc City Rickshaw - Jack Eisenschmid, Roc City Roller Derby, Rochester Police Department, Rochester Women’s Chorus, Rundel Memorial Library - Gene Siembor and staff, Rural Metro, Chief James Sheppard, Sonny B’s Deli, Spot Coffee, Sugar Mountain Bake Shoppe, Tilt Nightclub and Bill Levy, Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies, Pride Alliance, Kitty VanBortel and Van Bortel Ford, Lisa Vecoli, Verdad Investigations & Protection, Inc., City Councilmember Lovely Warren, Wegmans School of Pharmacy, Wegmans, Libby Woodruff, Chris Woodworth, Zak’s Avenue Entertainment Blackfriars Theatre presenters from Rent, Pandora Boxx, Megan Carter, DJ Mr Davis, Kasha Davis, Bill DeBlase, Chastity Dee, Lady Dee, Deelicious, Miss Gay New York Arianna Demont, Dev and crew, Christina Dipolato, Deedee Dubois, Vanity Faire, Grancrew, DJ Hector, Jimmie Highsmith Experience, Kenny “the thrill” James, Miss Gay Pride Rochester Veronica Lace, Darienne Lake, Charlie Levin, Notorious LEZ, DJ Neill MacLeod, Donna Maxon, Taylor Mayde, DJ NickL, Pride Performance Ensemble - Color Guard, Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus, Destiny Spice, DJ Todd Spicer, Spiritus Christi Choir, Gemini Stone, Ryder Strong, unBound-Band, Samantha Vega

Key Volunteers and Leaders John Altieri, CD Baginski, Karen Barber, Jeff Christensen, Greg Cooper, Bill DeStevens, Patti Evans, Brad Flower, Ed Freedman, JessieLee Gibson, Michael Goings-Benjamin, Bruce Gorman, Emily Jones, Susan Jordan, Amanda Kelley, Robin Khakpour, Zahra Langford, Whitey LeBlanc, John Lukach, Cynthia Marshal, Lance McPhee, Jessica Muratore, Joe Muratore, Ove Overmyer, Jennifer Posey, Renee Proia, Robert Rogers, Craig Ronald, Kevin Santiago, Gregg Soucie, Jenna Vanas, Anne Wakeman, Matt Wakeman, Kat Wiggall, Courtney Williams, David Williford, David Zona, Eric Zukauskas

V olunteers Paul Allen, Helen Alongi, Kaelen Austin, James Avery, Jim Avery, Melissa Backus, Stefan Baer, Sarah Baginski, Jess Barnhart, Teresa Beard, Ashley Behnke, Philip Benier, David Bergmann, Catherine Billitier, Tara Bird, Keturah Bixby, Joey Blaze, Greg Blessing, Chris Bopp, John Braun, Jill Bryson, Laura Buttiglieri, Nick Callara, Angela Caprarotta, Alice Carver-Kubik, Stacie Catteau, Adrianne Chesser, Stan Clark, Courtney Clement, Matthew Coles, Jena Colon, Marilyn Colon, Marianne Conheady, Richard Connett, Jayda Cooke, Greg Cooper, Pam Cornish, Diego Correa, Sue Cowell, Peter Cuccaro, Terri Cvetan, Chris Dailey, Caryn Davis, Stephanie Dawson, Howie Decker, Jessica Decker, Joey DeGraff, Fran DeNardo, Nick Dennie, Joe DiFiore, Jamie DiMarco, Julia Dippel, James Doell, Natasha Drake, Faye Dundas, Josh Dunham, Kylie Dunning, Kevin Eich, Jillian Evans, Aidan Evans, Elizabeth Fey, Heather Fields, Alicia Fioco, Hayden Freedman, David Frier, Jill Frier, Nan Fry, Aaron Gallant, Joanne Gallichio, Melissa Gallison, Michael Gamilla, Amy Garnish, Allison Garth, Deb Gerlach, Emme Gibson, Judy Glaubinger, Todd Gordon, Jen Goodman, Aaron Gorelick, Kala Gorelick, Shimona Gorelick, Emma Gorman, Maryjane Green, David Gruttadauria, Nicole Hair, Valerie Hall, Gary Hallinen, Kerry Hanratty, Cat Hardesty, Blanche Harling, Emma Hartzell, Richard Hasley, Katie Head, Denise Herrera, Dustin Hilton, Andrew Hinkley, Andre Hiscock, Kristen Hocker, Rachel Hollar, Gina Holloway, Pete Horrocks, Walter Huebscher, Deborah Hughes, Claire Hunsinger, Bruce Ingersoll, Ruth Ives, Sarah Ives, Debra Jimenez, Regina Johnson, Marya Kaszubinski, Chris Kelley, Samantha Kelley, Joe Kelly, Mike Kelly, Darrell Killingsworth, Sam Knarr, Cee Kohler, Tara Laine Ramirez, Christopher Laley, Christine Lamagra, Alicia Lane-Outlaw, Susan Lane-Outlaw, Danielle Laurange, Robyn Lavergne, Bekka Lebowitz, Steve Levin, Katherine Lewis, Ana Liss, Crys Lucero, Mindy Lull, Danny Maffia, Jeff Markarian, Aidan Markham, Wanda Martinez, Andra Martusciello, Jennifer Mathews, Dennis Mazur, Lisa McIntire, David McLuckie, JoAnne Metzler, Nathaniel Mich, Leann Michael, Aiden Mikhail, Ivellise Millan, Wendy Miller, Deb Mohr, Cristin Monahan, Deborah Monette, David Mooney, Robert Morales, Karen Morris, Matt Morris, Marium Mull, Raine Mull, Evelina Muller, Joe Nardone, Joseph Nolan, Stephanie Nugroho, Konnor O’Bara, Jojo Oberholtzer, Deb Oppenheimer, Meredith Orioli, Kristen Pallen, Reid Papke, Angelica Paucar, Jacquie Payne, Rachel Peller, Manny Pena, Todd Perkins, Desiree Pernaselci, Tony Perri, Shira Peterson, Ana Polashenski, Maya Polashenski, Pam Polashenski, Michael Posato, Ron Pratt, Audet Price, Salvatore Priore, Thomas Privitere, Oliver Puente, Carly Pulver, Myrna Ramirez Laine, Migdalia Ramos, Todd Ranous, Ashley Rath, Michelle Reaves, Dustin Redinger, De-Von Richardson, Michael Riley, Kim Rizzo, Kiree Robinson, Tom Rodwell, Timothy Rollins, Kyle Ronald, Diane Root, Pocho Roque, Andre Ross, Kieran Sahasrabudhe, Jacob Sajinyan, Dezii Santa, Ramil Sapinoro, BJ Scanlon, Gloria Schaaft, Freyda Schneider, Terry Schwartz, Ellen Schwertfeger, Jenna Scott, Mo Seraji, Kim Smith, Abby Snelling, Anne Snelling, Hannah Snelling, Sean Soper, Jeremy Southern, Tim Southern, Dakota Spencer-Berry, Shelly Stam, Keith Stanley, John Tellgren, Leah Terrigino, Sean Thody, Serena Thody, Christopher Thompson, Rollins Tim, Raul Torres, MJ Tower, Jennifer Travet, Dominica Tubiolo, Afzal Ullah, David Valentine, Gabe Vazquez, Geeana Vazquez, Mike Viavattine, Tommy Vincent, Jessica Wallace, Thomas Warfield, Kymm Watts-Jensen, Brooklynn Welden, Nicole Wenzel, Jonathan Wetherbee, Jamie Whitbeck, Sally Whitbeck, David Williford, Lorraine Woerner, Jonathan Wolfinger, Carrie Wolford, Dani Wright, Tristan Wright, Greg Young, Owen Zacharias, Sara Zacharias, Amy Zhan, Neka Zimmerman, and all of the volunteers who helped with Festival decorations! With almost 450 sponsors, supporters and volunteers we know that we have probably forgotten to thank some people. Please know that we appreciate all of your support and we apologize in advance for any errors or omissions on this list. T hank you! August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 21

S houlders To Stand On apologizes Shoulders to Stand On Four members of our community were inadvertently excluded from the Vinnie–Vickie Cup History Panel that on the basis of sexual orientation. visible, and most of all BE PROUD of was hung in the History Pavilion at - To assist, financially or otherwise, on who you are and BE PROUD of your Manhattan Square Park during Pride: a temporary basis, those whose civil rights Rochester LGBT community! Vinnie Cup 2007: Todd Plank have been or may have been violated. Shoulders To Stand On recognizes and 2008: Ove Overmyer - To educate and advise members of celebrates these Shoulders of Giants on Vickie Cup 2007: Kay Conheady the public of their civil rights by means of which we stand, and thanks the Shoulders 2008: Emily Jones conference, publications, lectures, news- I would greatly appreciate it if any- of Giants in the future – YOU – for con- one who knows who the Vinnie-Vickie papers, radio, television and other form of tinuing to make the vision of equality and winners were for the years 1993, 1995 communication. justice for all a reality. and 2001 through 2006, would please - In no event shall this corporation contact Shoulders To Stand On at 244- take any action which would constitute H istory Corner 8644. the practice of law by a corporation. Once the names for those years These six mandates provided the Gay A monthly newsletter of the Univer- have been thoroughly researched, a Alliance with guidance and direction sity of Rochester Gay Liberation Front, new panel will take its place in the col- for the next 40 years. The Gay Alliance August 1973: lection. in 1973 laid the foundation for the suc- SUN 3 AUG: “GAY TOWN MEET- My sincere apologies to those whose cess of the 2013 Gay Alliance Programs: ING” Deciding issues, priorities, direc- names were excluded. ■ Educational/Outreach Program, Speak- tions and policy for Gay Alliance. GAY ers Bureau Program, Intergenerational ALLIANCE CENTER, 812 Brown St., (Youth and Seniors) Program, Library/ 7:30 p.m. Archives Program, Shoulders To Stand SUN 12 AUG: “GAYS AS PAR- On Program, Rochester Pride and The ENTS” Natural, adoptive and foster chil- S houlders To Stand On: Empty Closet newspaper, which is the dren in the gay home. GA CENTER 812 Giants oldest continuously published newspaper Brown St., 7:30 pm. in print in the country. SUN 19 AUG: “YA AIN’T GOTTA By Evelyn Bailey The Gay Alliance has been the incu- READ TO USE THE LIBERRY” A “If I saw further than other men, it bator for many community organiza- sampling of music, art and readings In was because I stood on the Shoulders of tions, agencies and groups by providing our GA Library. GA CENTER, 812 giants.” -Sir Isaac Newton non-profit status under the Gay Alli- Brown St., 7:30pm. In 1973 there were many GAY giants. ance “umbrella”, financial support, meet- SUN 26 AUG: “DRAG, MALE AND No one thought of themselves in those ing space, and leadership. A partial list FEMALE IMPERSONATION” A vid- terms, but in fact their vision and concept includes Rochester Rape Crisis Center, eotape production and other things con- of a future of equality and justice gave Dignity/Integrity, Rochester Gay Men’s cerned with a popular gay subculture, GA birth to the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Chorus, MOCHA, Team Rochester (Gay Center, 812 Brown St., 7:30 pm. Valley. Olympics), Image Out Film Festival, Dig- August 15, 1973: Our 2013 Honorary Pride Grand Mar- nity/Integrity, RATFA (Rochester Area Vietnam War: The United States shalls, Whitey LeBlanc and Patty Evans, Task Force on AIDS), Rochester Women’s bombing of Cambodia ends. along with Michael Robertson, William Chorus, Rochester Transgender Group, August 28, 1973: “Monster Mash” Glave, Vince DiSchino, Howard Cullen, Just Us Geezers, ACT Up, Gay Political goes gold. John Cook, Jay Baker and others, had a Caucus, Log Cabin Republicans, Empire vision to create a 501c3 corporation whose 1973: year of “Jesus Christ Super Star” State Pride Agenda, AIDS Rochester, and Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock”. Cost purposes as stated in the Gay Alliance GLSEN, PFLAG, Out & Equal Finger papers of incorporation were the following: of a gallon of gas: 40 cents. Cost of a Lakes Affiliate, Greater Rochester Gay dozen eggs: 45 cents. “To research the potential for gay libera- and Lesbian Business Forum, Marriage tion and to secure and to maintain for per- Equality New York. sons of homosexual orientation, the same The Gay Alliance has also been a rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of hap- training ground for many political icons, piness as proclaimed in the Declaration of such as Tim Mains, Bill Pritchard, Harry Independence and guaranteed by the Con- Bronson and Sue Cowell. stitution. The corporation shall endeavor As the Gay Alliance celebrates its to improve constantly the quality of life for 40th Anniversary, the Shoulders of Giants persons of homosexual orientation and all that it stands on are many. The vision other peoples through education. The cor- remains -- equality and justice for all, a poration shall endeavor to provide a place world where we all can enjoy same rights for community and conference for all those of life, liberty and the pursuit of happi- who recognize the imperative of gay libera- ness. Today the Gay Alliance Board – tion and human liberation. Co-Presidents Bruce Gorman and Emily - To secure by lawful means any and Jones, Treasurer Peter Mohr, and Board all rights and services due and owing to Members David Zona, Jessica Muratore, persons of homosexual orientation or oth- John Altieri, Jeff Markarian, Chris Hil- ers for whom these rights and services debrandt and Bill Schaefer – are charged have been denied, restricted or condi- with maintaining the vision and creat- tioned because of sexual orientation. ing a future of equality and justice for all - To provide financial assistance to any members of the Rochester community. person, party or organization who seeks Be a part of this extraordinary journey to secure for itself or for others by law- – volunteer, become a sustaining donor, ful means, whether through the courts, join the Gay Alliance, get involved, raise administrative agencies, or otherwise, your voice for justice and equality, speak civil rights for those discriminated against out against homophobia, come out – be 22 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

issue of race in America by throwing the C onundrums Fisher v. University of Texas back to the T he Race for Rochester lower courts for reconsideration. The present-day argument against Mayor: Dirty Laundry Columnists employing race-conscious admission poli- Exposed cies as a pedagogical benefit for diversity is being usurped, at least in Texas, with By Ove Overmyer debates that class-conscious admission I know most The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers policies would best achieve racial diver- of you are prob- are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the sity. The Texas Top Ten Percent Plan ably familiar with Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. purports to accept 10 percent of all high the old expression school graduating class to their universi- about the 800 lb. ties. This policy works well, so alleges the elephant in the G rowing Up And then you realize you can cut the state. But Texas omits telling you why: room. And, when it crap and change your perspective. I’m their neighborhoods and high schools are comes to the May- My Home Town: A Zen astonished and a bit ashamed to realize as unabashedly segregated in 2013 as they or’s race this year, Lesson how long it’s taken me to get a handle on were in 1954 when the historic Supreme some clarity needs to be brought to the things, to stop making myself unhappy Court Brown vs. Board of Ed. ruling, discussion to figure out how we got to By Eric Bellmann over what’s lost. The answer was there all deemed segregated schools unconstitu- where we are today. Driving along the time. tional. I’m going to share with you what most Clinton Avenue Change, which one frequently resists, is On June 25, the Court hit with anoth- insiders will not publicly talk about. Call North to my bar- above all else, inevitable. Nothing remains er hard blow. In a 5-4 vote from a glaring- it Democratic dirty laundry. I will offer bershop I passed the same. Everything changes. It’s the one ly ideologically divided court, the lifeline my unfiltered perspective on this race, Hoeltzer Street. As thing you can bank on. Embrace it. Move and heart and soul of the historic 1965 and I do it knowing full well it does not a kid I took piano towards change with curiosity. I’ve decid- Voting Rights Act was gutted. come without risk. lessons in a build- ed it’s the only choice that allows me to The Court ruled that Section 4 of the It’s no secret the local Democratic ing on that street, live, perhaps even to thrive. VRA is outdated. Section 4 historically Party is cracked in two this election cycle a building that also I like the renovation of the Culver protected African Americans and other (at least until Primary Election Day). housed the Arena Theater. Road Armory. I’m working on coming disenfranchised people of color. The rul- With that being said, I will give you some I wasn’t good at piano. I never prac- to terms with the new East Avenue Weg- ing contests a fictive post-racial premise insight on why that is the case and what ticed and dreaded the weekly Saturday mans. The damn rooster is going to take that racial minorities, especially in the you may want to consider before Demo- lessons. But I liked the building because extra energy. The renovated Dryden The- South, no longer confront discriminatory crats cast their votes this September. from the second level I could peek into ater at The Eastman House is delightful. barriers to voting. At the time, the 1965 First of all, Lovely Warren is no doubt the performing space below. It was my And, glory of glories, the Tom Otterness VRA applied to nine states in South — a well-meaning, passionate public servant, first awareness of theater. The building is sculpture at MAG is thrilling. There’s Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Loui- but this election was never about her to long gone, of course. The local arts orga- more life in the expanded shops surround- siana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas begin with. You cannot discuss Lovely nization The Arena Group took its name ing the Public Market. and Virginia. Warren’s political life without referencing from that theater. Man, all it takes to be happy is to But voter suppression is alive and well her mentor, NYS Assemblyman David I have spent a lot of time mourning shift one’s thinking from what’s wrong to today. Gantt. They are politically constructed what’s disappeared from the city I grew what’s right. Being in the now, being alive Just last year, Florida deliberately from the same cloth. This election is all up in and returned to in my later career in the moment is what every Zen teacher reduced days available for early voting, about her boss’s super-ego and his inabil- years. On the way to the barbershop I pass encourages us to embrace. making it difficult for voters to cast their ity to get what he thinks is rightfully his. the boarded up building that once was All things considered I’m fortunate ballots who relocated to different counties Gantt is only thinking about his legacy the RKO Palace Theater. It was a magi- to have this insight. I have that sense, within the state. and trying to keep what political capital cal, cavernous building with wide marble that awareness, in matters concerning the And in Maryland, the 2010 guber- he has left in a sometimes too long con- steps leading down to an elegant men’s progress and evolution of gay equality. All natorial Republican candidate Bob troversial public service career. room. A kid could pretend to be Scarlett the changes have delighted me. Why not Ehrlich “hired a consultant who advised The 71-year-old NYS Assemblyman O’Hara walking down those stairs! extend that hopefulness to every aspect that ‘the first and most desired outcome knows his days are numbered, and he That shell is but a block further along of life? is voter suppression,’ in the form of hav- is really anxious about getting his sur- from where the stylish, “moderne” Para- I write this one or two days before the ing ‘African-American voters stay home.’” rogates into positions of power. He has mount Theater used to be, a space that’s Supreme Court ruling on DOMA will be As a member of one of the early gen- been working on getting one of his staff now a parking garage. There were other announced. What changes lie ahead? erations to benefit from the gains of the people to run the mayor’s office for a very movie palaces downtown, too: Lowe’s, Email: [email protected] African American civil rights movement long time — almost exclusively to the leg- which stood where Xerox has erected its of the last century, these rulings hit hard. islative detriment of city residents. On a bland corporate head quarters. F aith Matters Many of us in the LGBTQ community spring day when the NYS legislature was It’s tedious to list what’s gone: are outraged. But a GLAD board member trying to pass the budget in Albany, Gantt Edward’s, The National, B. Forman, Black, gay and living in and beloved ally to Greater Boston knows was politicking in Rochester on Warren’s Scrantom’s, Sibley’s, Mc Curdy’s, Wool- a Voting Rights, NO! Gay the reality of voter suppression first hand. behalf. worth’s and Neisner’s, facing one another Marriage, YES! World “This ruling was an enormous setback Back in March of 2013, there was a across Main Street. These were the places for the hard fought for civil rights gains of nasty little war of words between two of you haunted, hung out at if you were a kid By Rev. Irene the past. My home state of Alabama is one the most powerful Democrats in the state who took the bus to music lessons (which Monroe of those states that continues to try and -- Gantt and Assembly Majority Leader you frequently skipped) or to the dentist I now have block voting access, but those efforts has and Monroe County Party Chair Joe who had his office in the Sibley Tower had ample time been substantially hampered by the pro- Morelle of Irondequoit. Building, or just felt like being “down- to recover—from visions contained in the VRA,” Jo Davis It wasn’t too long ago that Monroe town”. Many of those establishments, both shock and wrote in an email blast. County’s Democratic Party stood side by along with the Rundell Library and The in awe—from the While many of us would like to think side in support of Tom Richards. In Feb- Baptist Temple, had well trafficked men’s Supreme Court’s voter suppression only happens in the ruary of 2011, most key politicians stood rooms. All gone. historic decisions South, let me disabuse you of the notion, by him when Richards announced he was Passing decades in the same city makes announced in the with the scores of counties and municipal- running in a special election for mayor. it inevitable to know and mourn what final week of June. ities in the North, like NYC, the Bronx Things seemed uncharacteristically unit- has changed, what has been lost. A classy My awe moment is Wednesday, June and my borough of Brooklyn, that was ed, or at least for a while. ‘50s style pharmacy on Main Street at 26. It was a great day for me as a lesbi- also covered in the 1965 VRA, and will Gantt reveals his true feelings Plymouth Avenue, which should have an American. Historic decisions in both now be greatly impacted. In a live March 22 interview with been landmarked, ended up as a Chinese Windsor v. United States and Holling- If the Court thinks the VRA is outdat- WROC-TV News 8, Gantt said Morelle restaurant, now its parking lot. A cluster sworth v. Perry were announced. Not only ed it only needs to read Huffington Post cut a deal that “now” would be Warren’s of rickety buildings that housed a news was DOMA finally struck down, but, blogger Judith Brown Dianis’ “Top 10 time in exchange for their earlier support stand and public bathroom is now the so too, were the anti-gay proponents of Voter Suppression Moments of 2012” that of Richards. “Now again we’re being told Kennedy memorial, a ghastly swirl of Proposition 8. overwhelming affected people of color. ‘you gotta wait’ after a commitment was metal, serving no aesthetic end. In a 5–4 decision the progressive and The Supreme Court rulings force made,” said Gantt. “The commitment Things that were eventually were no moderate justices of the Supreme Court LGBTQ people of color, like myself, to was made by Joe Morelle and the Demo- longer. Times change. Progress. The inner ruled Section 3 of DOMA to be uncon- reside a bifurcated reality in terms of full cratic Party and now we get to the door loop took out great hunks of the old Third stitutional, declaring it “a deprivation of civil rights protections. and they tell us we gotta wait. We’re tired Ward. Mansions along East Avenue disap- the liberty of the person protected by the With advances such as hate crime of waiting.” peared. RIT left downtown. Fifth Amendment.” Finally all same-gen- laws, the repeal of the military’s “Don’t News 8’s Tina Shively asked for clarifi- The ultimate heartbreak came when der married couples will be afforded the Ask, Don’t Tell,” the legalization of same- cation of his use of the word “we”. I went on one of my biannual shopping same 1,000 plus federal protections and sex marriage in many states, DOMA Gantt explained, “The black commu- expeditions to Sym’s near The Dome benefits as opposite- gender couples. struck down, Prop. 8 overturned, and nity -- so let me make that clear. There’s in Henrietta, only to discover a hole in The proponents of Prop. 8 were finally with homophobia viewed as a nation- no doubt about that, that’s always been the ground. By the time I told a friend told to cease and desist, meaning they no al concern, the LGBTQ movement has the case.” (He says that as if we never we should go to Sym’s in Buffalo it had longer have legally a homophobic leg to come a long way since the first Pride elected a black mayor before. We did -- declared bankruptcy and was no more. I stand on in terms of their anti-gay and marches four plus decades ago. Many note twenty years ago we elected a guy named had reached the end of the road: there’s obstructionist antics to appeal lower court the perceived distance the LGBTQ com- Bill Johnson.) nothing left. Then Midtown was demol- rulings. California same-gender couples munity has traveled in such a short histor- In a phone interview with News 8, ished. no longer have to do an anxious and cau- ic time — from a disenfranchised group Morelle responded, saying, “The whole It’s not an unusual reaction to sigh tious walk to the altar worrying about on the fringe of America’s mainstream notion is preposterous. Everyone who and wring one’s hands over loss. Maybe at state rulings yo-yoing them around. to a community now on the verge of full knows David Gantt knows that’s just a subconscious level it reflects diminish- My shock moments are Monday, June equality. But not all members of our com- David Gantt being David Gantt. It’s what ing options, loss of choices, sadness over a 24 and Tuesday, June 25. munity have crossed the finish line. we’ve come to expect. And David knows landscape that changes, offers less beauty, On Monday, the Court, in a surpris- Will the LGBTQ community help he has to create some distractions in the future, adventure. ing 7-1 ruling, sidestepped the hot-button those of us, like me, left behind? campaign because Tom Richards has been August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 23 a remarkable mayor.” Warren has a big gay problem of the best mayors we could have possibly ents and trying to parse the vote by using Gantt’s admission is quite revealing To be clear, the primary difference hoped for. In my opinion, judged on the identity politics. Their actions and voting — but anyone who knows David Gantt between pro-LGBT political activists and basis of his job performance, his ability to record tell voters all they really need to knows he is still fighting a 20th Centu- the Gantt camp is that equality folks don’t build relationships, bring diverse people know about their personal and political ry fight in a 21st Century world. David throw our Democratic coalition partners together and assessing his overall govern- leanings. Gantt can only see the world through his under the bus or exclude anyone at the mental acumen, this race should be no In conclusion, please don’t lose your racial lens. Maybe that style worked for expense of a few. In Gantt’s never ending contest. focus while the campaigns fight it out. him early in his career, but I feel a new search for tax dollars to benefit his narrow If anything, this election should pri- When you sort through all the rheto- day has already dawned and the commu- agenda, many Rochester area folks get marily be about vision and the ability ric, what remains is the notion that this nity we live in has moved beyond that. marginalized in the process and he could to govern; we should put secondary talk is really not about the candidates at all. I’m not implying that Mr. Gantt was care less. Gantt and Warren have written of race, status, regionalism or identity This election is about you and me and an incompetent legislator or that we don’t off gay people, including LGBT folks of politics off to the side. Despite the iron- whether or not everyone will thrive and have race issues in Rochester -- in fact color, for a very long time, and have not ic Gantt and Warren shortcomings on grow as a community. Think about that he was very effective earlier in his career yet come to the realization that we matter equality issues, it is my hope voters will for a moment. Please do yourself and your and we do live in a world of white rac- in electoral politics or that we even exist. also look at several other issues that tell a loved ones a favor — make sure all your ism and privilege. However, it also goes It doesn’t have to be that way. Frankly more complex narrative. voices are heard on Primary Election Day, without saying that David Gantt evolved speaking, when it’s all said and done, his- The fact is Mayor Tom Richards and vote on Tuesday, Sept. 10. into one of the most divisive public offi- tory will not be kind to them. has been the total package. I know this cials in recent memory, often delineating At the Eastside Democratic Caucus from personal experience. As a LGBT A Few Bricks Short respect for people by using conversational meeting in March, candidate Warren city employee and democratically elected overtones riddled with racial and eth- was asked whether or not she supported union official who negotiates collective The Buzz nic references. Not only can he be per- overturning DOMA and supported the bargaining agreements, I have worked By David Hull sonally offensive to his constituents, he notion of marriage equality in general. with four different mayors and dozens of Living in the can be downright hostile to anyone who She replied bluntly, “If it’s the law in city council persons spanning 16 years. I country for many approaches him. New York State, then as a lawyer, I guess represent thousands union workers who years now has cer- I will spare you the details of my ugly I would have to support it.” Not exactly live and work in the City, and I can hon- tainly made me visits to Gantt’s Albany office with War- a ringing endorsement the Democrats in estly say that in my opinion, we have never more aware of nat- ren by his side when I was his constituent the room wanted to hear. As a matter of had a better leader than Tom Richards. ural and seasonal years ago. Suffice it to say, one particular fact, there were some who openly gasped Unlike his opponent, he has a great changes around me. time he personally insulted me, and every- at her remarks. As a result, she only gar- working relationship with the business It used to be all I one in his outer office, by saying, “I don’t nered six out of the possible 78 votes from community and the private sector and had to know about listen to people who look like you or act the 23rd Legislative District, the majority public sector trade unions. Richards has seasonal changes was “don’t wear white like you.” vote going to Tom Richards. already demonstrated a vision and ability after Labor Day” and “no matter how cold And let’s not forget one other impor- Asked the same question the week after to improve public safety, balance budgets, a summer night gets; socks with sandals is tant fact — David Gantt has never sup- at another designation meeting, Warren create private sector jobs and improve our always a faux pas”. ported any Democratic pro-equality changed her direction as she told the 24th educational efforts through literacy, sup- But now, living in a rural, farm- legislation in the history of his state leg- LD committee members, “I don’t believe porting our libraries and facilitating open ing community, I’m much more attuned islative career and everyone in his camp government should tell people who to communication with the RCSD. He is to the natural world around me – early must be held accountable. I would expect love.” All I can say is, how politically con- already doing this job. Just look at his frosts, too much precipitation, too little this oppression from Conservatives — venient to change your opinion after you record. It speaks for itself. Rochester is precipitation, infestation of corn borers not Democrats. To name just a few bills, realized you made a huge political miscal- going places. (gross little insects that destroy sweet the Gantt camp voted against SONDA culation underestimating the overwhelm- And, right now, he is partnering with corn) and low ground water levels. I feel in 2002, the Dignity For All Students ing Democratic support for equality. City Councilman Matt Haag to champi- like I could be a reporter for the Farmer’s Act, Marriage Equality several times and Warren made an appearance at the on a policy improving workplace equality Almanac! GENDA. What more do you need to Rochester Pride Flag Raising Ceremony for LGBT people, while every indication “This is David Hull reporting for the know? on July 19, stating that she has changed would tell us his opponent would not be Farmer’s Almanac. The woolly bear cater- A dismal anti-equality record her negative opinion of LGBT people, and as supportive. Every time I’m around him, pillars are especially large this year indi- Now you might ask, why am I bring- one has to wonder, if it wasn’t an election he is without a doubt always the smartest cating a cold winter and I’m noticing a ing this up now and how does it affect year, would she have made the effort? guy in the room and respects everyone at build-up of cumulonimbus clouds in the the Mayor’s race? Well, let me explain. Gantt and Warren have possessed the the table. Western sky, which could bring drastic You would think elected officials should notion of controlling the mayor’s office The irony here cannot be overstated. changes to the weather for tonight. Also, have the common decency to use courtesy for a very long time. With that idea in For the Warren campaign to promote Kohl’s is having a shoe sale this weekend and respect when talking to constituents, mind comes the political realization that an inclusive “we the people” platform is that should be fabulous!” even if you fall into different ideological every Democratic mayor since Bill John- just political hogwash and laugh-out-loud No, that won’t ever happen. Actually, categories, but that never really crosses son has been a supporter for full equal funny. LGBT people and our allies are I don’t know anything about caterpillars the mind of this hostile, crusty curmud- rights and a champion of LGBT issues. smarter than that. And to be perfectly or clouds and my husband rarely lets me geon. Voting anti-equality is one thing, This is illustrated by the fact that the City honest, it is offensive to suggest other- go to shoe sales anymore. Besides, the but poking your finger in someone’s eye is of Rochester has passed more inclusive wise. For two local Democrats who have Farmer’s Almanac is an annual periodical, another matter altogether. policy language changes as any other pro- such a great desire to make Rochester a not a hip radio station, so the whole idea I think of Gantt and Warren role play- gressive municipality in the nation, as well better community, you would think they won’t work. ing as “good cop” and “bad cop.” And as implementing domestic partner ben- would have learned by now how to use However, I do know about one espe- this observation is more about policy than efits dating back to 1994. She also knows more diplomacy when offending constitu- cially interesting and disturbing event in behavior — because in the final analysis that no Democratic candidate can win the Gantt and Warren relish political the- office of Mayor without the pro-equality atre and think they are “righting wrongs” Democratic Committee voter base, the while most thoughtful observers may see LGBT community and our allies, or the them as legislative profilers. Moreover, labor vote. Her numbers to victory must Warren must take some responsibility include new voters not identified, other- when it comes to Gantt’s anti-equality wise she cannot win. voting record while working for his office Mayor Tom Richards: A partner in all these years. She can’t hide from that good government record. As for her relationship with work- Even if you dismiss everything I have ing families and local labor unions, let’s said previously, one thing you have to just say everyone’s with the Richards admit is that in such a short period of camp for a very good reason. time, Tom Richards has proven to be one 24 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

(Columnists continued from page 23) focus on trying to end to war, famine and ative farm. own evolving space. Recently vacated the natural world. It’s called Colony Col- disease and hope that Sean Hayes’ new Loved the farm and its story. I was by my ex, that room is now painted lapse Disorder and it’s affecting honeybees TV series will be a success. Then, perhaps, very impressed by choices for sustain- BRIGHT BOLD yellow, a shouting color all over North America. Bees that help the bees will return. ability. Horses pull wagons. Oxen pull that muffles leftover memories. A room farmers to pollinate crops have been dis- Otherwise, my husband tells me the plows. (“Quaint” popped into my ethno- waiting. appearing, apparently, leaving the hive in only hope for a good cherry crop from our centric mind.) But animals do not need “It is my honor to be with you. You the morning and never returning. No one trees next spring will be for me to dress in gasoline (an expensive pollutant of land, are all delicate; I can feel it.” Saul’s voice knows where or why they go. And because a giant bee costume and skip through the air, water). And those animals, as well as recalled my attention, back to Cuba, back of this, bee communities are falling apart, garden pollinating the cherry blossoms rapidly-reproducing rabbits, produce loads to his creative energy, to his worktable, all beekeepers are losing money and farmers with my… well, oh, let’s say; my finger. of non-chemical fertilizer. his brushes poking out of their pots and aren’t getting enough of their crops polli- And nobody wants to see that! Being an ever-attentive traveler, I had mugs and canisters, waiting for him. And nated resulting in smaller harvests. For more information on this prob- questioned Maria. “I see no cats, but I I then realized. Art is his companion. The worst part is that no one seems lem Google Colony Collapse Disorder notice your dogs. Do they have jobs?” Lesson to embrace. My yellow room to really understand why this disorder is and you’ll get the entire “buzz” about the Smiling, she explained “Yes, the dogs, will be my studio. Art will be my com- occurring. Some theories are air pollution, situation. who know all 162 of us, work at night. panion. climate change or agricultural insecticide Contact David at [email protected] As our alarms. We do have cats. They are [email protected] poisoning. Any one of them makes sense. hanging around the kitchen, waiting for The world certainly is becoming more C leaning My Closet our organic mice.” I nspiritual polluted. The summer and winter weather W s itnes ing The farmers achieve sustainability You are more than a has been very strange the last couple of with natural solutions. They plant a row years. And I always wonder what the heck By Meredith of corn between primary crops because number those farmers are spraying on their crops Elizabeth Reiniger hungry insect pests prefer corn. They spread piles of plant materials between By Rev. Dr. Sha- when they have to wear the full white I came out in ron Jacobson body suit with headgear just to drive the Cuba. That was avocado trees to make sun dried com- post. They utilize large box containers We had just fin- tractor that pulls the liquid insecticide not the primary ished healing har- sprayer. The reason for Colony Collapse reason for the trip. for their worm-workers to make humus fertilizer. As an urban farm, they have bor last night. I Disorder could be any one of these theo- Just another swing was feeling spiritu- ries or perhaps a combination of all three. of that closet door no transportation costs… they sell to neighborhood residents at a reasonable ally fulfilled that I, however, have a theory of my own – opening again and we had been able to and as usual, I think I’m correct. I theo- again. price. Lesson to remember: the sustain- provide healing to rize that the bees are returning to their Out-from-the-closeting occurred so many people. At mother ship. That’s right; honeybees are before the trip, when the east coast direc- able farm project was not going back to old days. It is going conscientiously the same time, I was physically exhausted, actually alien drone creatures sent from tor of Witness for Peace assumed that I my body ached from the rain, my eyes another planet to observe life on Earth. It was the intimate partner of my male travel forward. Especially amazing to me was being itched from my allergies, and every cell in makes perfect sense! companion. I had to disabuse her of that my being just wanted to crawl into bed. I remember learning back in elemen- heterosexual assumption. I eased into the welcomed into the lecturers’ homes. Who invites twenty-two foreigners into It had been a marvelous and enriching tary school that, according the laws of revelation. No, I explained, we live in dif- day and then one of my healing staff said aerodynamics, bees should not be able to ferent houses. (Which, I certainly realize their living room? Cuban persons eager to tell their stories. Cubans who appre- something, which just made the whole fly. It has something to do with their wing does not discount the possibility of drop- day a little brighter. “I really like your hair size to body size ratio and how fast they in bed frolics.) ciate the power of person to person conversations. People who know that like that.” are able to beat their wings. Bees should I zeroed in: “We are frugal friends of All I could do was take a deep breath not be able to take off at all. Since the laws forty-three years with fixed incomes and the personal is political. I knew my government had creat- and say “thank you.” The funny thing of aerodynamics work for flamingos and flexible plans. Willing to share a room.” was that I have wanted to shave it all off hummingbirds and bats and mosquitoes, (Rumble in my head: Ready, set, OUT!) ed a complex blockade to prevent free trade with Cuba. Had learned how the again, but Zoe has been encouraging me then why not for bees? “Actually,” (for a breath or two, I perform to let it grow. Well, obviously, there’s something guesswork… her words, her tone… do USA, for many years, has been treat- ing Cuba as though it were a wayward I had to stop for a moment and think different about bees. There’s something LGBTIQQ always experience wariness?) about why I had to breathe first. Then it almost alien about bees if you know what … “actually, I am a lesbian.” She missed child, punished until it agrees to obey Uncle Sam. hit me, that it was her compliment and I’m saying. I can prove it. Just apply my not a beat: “Oh, then I will have to cancel the look in Zoe’s eyes that had reminded simple, infallible C.B.A. test. That’s the the wedding suite in the dormitory.” Until I visited their Caribbean island, I could not have understood me that what makes us beautiful is not a abbreviation for “Comic Book Alien” test. Once we two upstate delegates arrived number on the scale which says you are It will prove my theory immediately. at Havana’s Martin Luther King Jr. Cen- what dire consequences, surely exacer- bated by their own government, Cuban the ideal weight or you are underweight, Here’s how it works – in the comic ter, speculation surfaced. Probably because overweight, or as my medical records say, books Batman is just a regular, human, we were housed in the building with mar- persons suffer. Yes, there is great depri- vation during this “Special Period.” morbidly obese. What makes us beauti- earthling from Gotham City and he can’t ried couples. Oh, and spent eleven days ful is who we are in this world. fly. Superman is an alien from another in one dorm room together. In the same But they still have their close-knit fam- ilies, their paradise island, and “now, in I was having a conversation with one planet and… he can fly! Now humans, BEDroom. Oh that. of my spiritual partnership clients one according to the laws of aerodynamics Soon enough, the word popped out of this moment” they can still laugh. Does Cuba have socialism? Com- day. At the end of our conversation, she and the fact that we lack wings, feathers one delegate’s lips. Husband. “Is your hus- said, “You are the most beautiful woman and hollow bones, are not able to fly. But band ready to board the bus?” Many ears munism? Powerful labels. (And have we LGBTIQQ persons not felt the I have ever met.” At 350 lbs., this is not Superman can fly. And why? Because he were waiting. Raising my voice to assure something I hear everyday. I remember is an alien. everyone’s lesson-learning, I addressed a force of Limitation by Label?) Like all labels, wicked words that obscure pos- asking her what made her see me that So, if bees are not suppose to be able to busload of straight people: “Oh no. I way. The look on her face was priceless. fly there must only be one obvious reason stopped collecting husbands long ago. I sibilities. What I witnessed in Cuba was people doing their best to create “Seriously? You are the most amazing and it is as clear as that big red S on Super- am a lesbian.” soul. You are the most beautiful human man’s chest – bees are aliens. And they’ve A lesbian ready to explore another the right thing... for the land, others, the self. being I have ever met.” been on Earth observing us for thousands social justice issue. A visitor ready to learn It is moments like that, which remind of years – as far back as ancient Egypt! about Cuba’s realities. An able elder will- Farmer Maria cannot get netting to cover fields of seedlings. Artist me how easy it is for those of us who are But now bees are disappearing. Why? ing to commit ten 13-hour days listening not the “ideal weight” to buy into the Well, I’m not sure, but (what a surprise!) to Cuban persons. In the heat. Saul cannot buy drawing pencils. Pot- ter Ophelia has limited glazes. Doctor notion that we are not beautiful because I have a theory about it. It is one of either Have to admit that it was a challenge. of what a scale says. The reality, however, two things. Glad to report that my wide-brimmed hat Rojas cannot procure medicines need- ed for her patients. For all Cubans, is that we are more than a number on a One, the bees have finished their and full-body linen drapings successfully scale. When I step on a scale at the doc- observations and they are leaving the produced Portable Shade. Neither exhaus- supplies are expensive or non-existent. Food is rationed. Wages are low. Spir- tor’s office, all it tells me is a number. planet in an orderly fashion because the tion nor bugs took me away from educa- It does not tell me anything more than war ships from their home planet are tional experiences planned by the Witness its are high. In Cuba, spirits are willing to fly. that. It does not tell me about my capac- approaching to destroy the Earth. for Peace coordinators. ity for life. It does not measure my hap- Or, Earth is in such bad shape with The power of those experiences was Ophelia Sotolongo had been an archi- tect. Until she asked herself “what am I piness. It does not measure the feeling pollution, war, famine, disease and the our face to face meetings. Some persons… my friends and clients have when they abysmal fall line-up of TV shows, that the a journalist, an historian, and King Cen- doing with my life?’ She quit. Changed her career to “potter.” Then she spent walk into the spiritual space my wife and bees know it’s a hopeless cause and they’re ter’s coordinator of solidarity with the I have created. just giving up and returning home. U.S. …presented an overview of Cuba’s five years building her kiln on her small front patio. Her potter’s bench I have never gotten on a scale and had So, whether you accept my theory or past, its transitions, its future. Other it say, “I really like your hair like that.” the theory of those experienced, educated helpful Cuban citizens invited us to their is a two foot by three foot table at the foot of her bed. Lesson to internalize: I have never gotten on a scale and had scientists, it seems the solution is really the workplace… a center for senior adults and it say, “Thanks for taking the time to same. It’s up to us. We either clean up our a doctor’s neighborhood clinic, both part we make our own heaven or hell. Artist Saul Serrano Serrano shared listen to me and showing me compas- act or the bees are gone. We have to work of Cuba’s national health care system, and sion.” I have never gotten on a scale and to control pollution and insecticide use, a visit to Maria’s urban, organic, co-oper- his life, his home, his artwork with us. He is a peasant farmer, born in the had it pray with me in a time of need or fields. Encouraged by his parents to encourage me to persevere when I was pursue his schooling, he became an art going through a challenging time in life. professor. Recently, at 60, he retired to I have never gotten on a scale and had it dedicate time to his own art projects. say thank you. I felt a connection. We came from We live in a time when others may parents willing to help us take a step say or do things in an attempt to make up from their humble beginnings. Both one feel as if they are more or less wor- teachers, we are now ready to give endless thy in the world based on a number a days to our creativity. machine gives you. So remember this. Surrounded by artist’s tools, materi- You are more than just a number. You are als, finished and just-started pieces, my more than you evaluate yourself to be. thoughts drifted across the ocean to my You are the beauty which flows from your August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 25 soul. You are the gifts the Infinite Pres- LGBT, you are apparently predisposed to ence blessed you with. You are who you this destiny. were created to be and are in the process Abrahamic-based intolerance towards of becoming. You are the life force, which the LGBT population is, sadly, noth- Community flows out of and through you. You are the ing new. But what is relatively new (and strength, grace, mercy, wisdom, and com- what can be controlled), is the LGBT passion you demonstrate and share with population’s reaction and response to this others. You are the one who was created hatred. One would think (or hope) that a Find the friends, fun, and common interests you’re looking for through by love, in the image of love, to be and demographic that is demonized for being the various groups listed here. share love with all other reflections of love true to themselves would respond to this in the world. intolerance with wisdom, patience and If you need to weigh something in love. What I am seeing is anything but. your life, weigh the love that you produce I have only recently become acquaint- Dignity-Integrity musicians and allies, of all skill levels. in the world each day. Weigh the love you ed with a growing group of individuals We welcome musicians on any traditional have for yourself. You are not a number on who call themselves Gays Against God. D-I Rochester meets weekly at 5 p.m. band instrument, flags, baton twirlers and a scale; you are more than any scale can Taking a look at this group’s mission at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. volunteers. ever measure. statement, the assertions made are strong Fitzhugh St., corner of Broad St. We have The summer season will include per- and clearly state a stark hostility towards the following services and activities for the formances at Rochester Pride, the annual What’s Bothering not only Christianity, but all religions month of August 2013. Breast Cancer Walk in October and other around the world. Gays Against God 1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing community events. During the summer Brandon? states that “…we are GLBT people at Service, with music. we have primarily marching and pep band What if God was Gay Like war with religion…”, and that they “… 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy performances, so it is an easy time to join counter-act the control and fear-based of the Word, with music. the band… and join the fun! Us? brainwashing techniques…” of religious 3rd Sunday: Quiet Episcopal Mass in Flower City Pride is a member of the By Brandon W. groups in order to eventually “…elimi- the Chapel. Lesbian and Gay Band Association. As Brooks nate religion within our lifetime….” 4th Sunday: Evening Prayer, followed such, our members are eligible to perform Driving to My, my, such high hopes they have. by a Potluck Dinner! at LGBA events, as some did for the 2009 work this morning, Looking past the obvious general- Our Potluck theme for August is Obama Inauguration. I was pleasantly izations and unrealistic goals of this “Wrapping up the Summer”. Okay, we’re For more information, email us surprised to see a group, I would like to address how these still playing with words and food. This at [email protected] or you can very large rainbow statements and sentiments are essentially time we’ll make our own wrap sandwich- leave a message for us by calling (614)806- flag hanging from identical to those made by anti-gay reli- es. There should be plenty of tasty fillings 3820. Please leave your phone number or the Third Presby- gious groups. These statements are also or wraps available. Bring your favorite and e-mail address. terian Church on fear-based, commanding, and perpetuate share it with everyone else. No time to East Avenue. This flag, a symbol of hatred not only towards religious groups, cook or shop? Just ask a friend or two and LORA LGBT Pride and unity, hung prominently but also back at the LGBT population. join us for food and fun! amongst the dark grayish-brown bricks of These messages reaffirm the idea that Our garage sale at the end of June was The L.O.R.A. Coffee Social is the church, positioned facing the street for “God Hates Fags” by stating that LGBT a moderate success, in spite of the tor- held on Monday nights at 7 p.m. at all to see. Presumably for Rochester Pride persons cannot, and should not, be reli- rential rains. We plan to have another Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Family, Week, I was quite pleased to see a church gious in any way. one “some day” this summer… when the friends and allies are welcome! actively affirming and welcoming LGBT This emphasizes the destructive force weather forecast is fine, we’ll put out a Contact Person: Cathie Timian. More persons into the religious world, and ulti- that religion can fuel, while completely sign… watch for it and plan to shop and info: www.l-o-r-a.com; Email: info@l-o- mately, into the world of God. neglecting to mention the many pos- save! r-a.com. I often cringe when thinking about sible positives that religion can cultivate. Fr. Michael Nicosia’s visit on July 7 the interface between religious groups And they have the nerve to talk about was fantastic. It was great to see him actu- O ut & Equal and the LGBT population. I cringe for brainwashing. By focusing only on the ally do all he’s been called to do… preach, two reasons; one being that many reli- negatives of religion, and how religion celebrate, serve and bless. We all enjoyed Join us at our Second Thursday Net- gious groups (who almost always assert a in any form can only bring negativity to catching up with his life in Denver, espe- working Event on Aug. 8 at Excellus “God is Love” message) are vehemently LGBT persons, Gays Against God’s (a cially learning that he married his partner BlueCross BlueShield, 165 Court St. from anti-gay, and two being that the common supposed gay-friendly and gay-oriented in June (civil unions in Colorado were just 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. reaction of LGBT persons to this hate is, group) message for LGBT persons echoes made legal). There will be complimentary hors well, more hate. Whether or not one is that of the Westboro Baptist Church; Calendar Keepers: Save a spot on your d’oeuvres and wine/beer selections with religious is really none of my concern. God doesn’t love you, and it’s because calendar for our Labor Day Picnic, Sun- a $5 donation to benefit Rainbow SAGE What is of my concern, and should be you’re gay. day, Sept. 1 following the 5 p.m. service. and a 50/50 raffle and prizes, also to ben- one of the concerns of the LGBT popula- In the words of Cher Horowitz, “As Later in September there will be a special efit Rainbow SAGE. tion at large, is what kind of message this if!” fifth Sunday presentation on transgender Free parking is available in the BCBS gives our children, as well as the LGBT As a gay American, I have the free- issues. In October we’ll be celebrating our underground garage, with the entrance youth demographic. dom to choose and practice (or not to 38th anniversary. located at 20 Woodbury Blvd., across Having been raised in the Roman practice) whatever religion, faith, belief- You can call the Hotline at 585-234- from Merkel Donahue. Please note: Park- system or sect I like. These anti-gay reli- 5092 or check our website for updates on ing at the city owned Court Street garage Catholic tradition myself (and by turn- ■ ing on my television, radio and com- gious factions as well as Gays Against services and activities. is not free. puter), I have become acquainted with God seem to have forgotten this idea; the many hateful and discouraging mes- that in America all people have the free- EMPIRE BEARS sages concerning and directed toward the dom to practice whatever religion they choose to practice (or not to practice). Summer’s half over! Quick, enjoy LGBT population. Some religious groups yourself! The BEARS have been trying. indirectly (and infuriatingly) state their I am disheartened to hear that some LGBT persons have arranged themselves We went to Hillside Campground for position on homosexuality with phrases a Bear weekend with old friends. Then like, “We don’t hate the person; we hate into a group that chooses to address anti- gay religious hatred with anti-religious Jones Pond Campground had a Bear the Sin.” Leviticus 18 is often quoted as weekend attended by many area bears. “proof” of God’s stance on gays, whether gay hatred (try saying that five times fast), especially when there so many more Have you been camping this summer? or not this is indeed a mistranslation. There’s still time. Check out their web- Others seem to be more direct and con- positive ways of showing disapproval for anti-gay religious fervor. sites. cise in their sentiments: “God Hates Rochester Pride weekend was fun. Pic- Fags.” Whether or not we as LGBT per- sons should choose to be atheist is not nics and parties make the summer. We’re The majority of religious messages still going to movies in the cool dark of with which I am presented are over- the question; my question is why must we completely deny the validity of reli- The Cinema. Every Wednesday we eat whelmingly anti-gay, anti-LGBT and supper at 6 at The Wintonaire. How’s anti-woman. But these messages go gion in any form in order to combat religious intolerance towards LGBT per- your summer going? Join the BEARS for beyond just my adult ears; they are heard some fun. by children as well. Straight and LGBT sons? Must we truly establish our reli- children. These messages come from gious beliefs in reaction to the hate-based a place of fear and uncertainty, which doctrines of anti-gay religious groups? Fo l wer City Pride so easily can manifest into intolerance, Questions regarding biblical interpre- Band hatred and demonization, really for any tations, translations or mistranslations, demographic or group. belief or disbelief I’m sure could go on With our musical season in full swing, These messages perpetuate the idea forever. But in the meantime let us all it’s still a great time to join us! that LGBT persons are “Godless”, that take a page from our religious scriptures The band is open to all adult LGBT we do not believe in God, or that we on kindness towards others, and actively hate God as much as God supposedly (and genuinely) practice them. Not on hates us. It tells our adult and youth our friends and loved ones, but on those LGBT brothers and sisters that there is who really need it: our adversaries. something so terribly wrong with us, Questions, comments or critique? that we must forego any attempt to forge Please feel free to e-mail the author at a meaningful relationship with God, as [email protected]. ■ our attempts will not be reciprocated. It tells LGBT persons that we are incapable of believing in or seriously considering a religious following or faith, as it is not made for us. We do not fit, and there- fore we should stop trying to fit. Forget the choice to be happily atheist; if you’re 26 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

The Avenue Pub 38 Year Landmark in the Gay Community

The Avenue Pub 522 Monroe Avenue 585-244-4960 August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 27 Arts & Entertainment

Meranto and JCC donating the use of the theatre for free.” As far as the message of the evening, Michael said, “I think it’s important to educate. People feel AIDS is over and something in the past. It’s important to understand there’s still a need for preventive action. Beyond that, there are individuals who still need care, and it’s also important to remember those who were lost, as well as celebrate them. That’s why I was quick to say yes when I was asked to do this. “Trillium Health will be working with Kasha and Diane to let them know what key points to emphasize. We will have lighthearted songs but also serious ballads, for instance ‘Louder Than Words’ from Tick Tock Boom: ‘Actions speak loud- er than words.’” “None of us could have imag- ined that HIV and AIDS would be with us 30 years after the initial cases were discovered,” said Steven Price, senior direc- tor of Community Health Ini- tiatives at Trillium Health. “We are now able to offer messages of hope, however, because medical advances enable people engaged P andora Boxx to star in episode of gay in HIV care to live long, pro- ductive lives. Events like ‘Give dramedy “People You Know” to Live Rochester’ keeps HIV/ Orchard Winfield Productions has announced that Pandora Boxx AIDS visible in our community, and Steve Hayes have signed on to play Adora Jarr and Patrick Carter,

ales reminding us of our history and

w respectively, in the new gay dramedy “People You Know.”

S compelling us to continue the y Pandora is a break-out star of RuPaul’s Drag Race and was “Miss m battle against HIV.” Congeniality” of the second season. Entertainment Weekly named am Michael said, “It’s going to : her “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Pandora created the stand-up be a fun and entertaining eve- o comedy show “Lick this Boxx!,” which recently ran off-Broadway. She

Ph TO ning T for a good purpose.” Kasha emceed the NYC Pride rally, sharing the stage with Layd Gaga. She added, “I look forward to any also performs other shows around the world. In People you Know Epi- opportunity for a free glass of sode 3, she plays a washed-up has-been drag queen schlepping drinks wine – and singing and dancing at a gay bar. Kasha Davis, Diane Chevron with friends – any excuse to get “Pandora is THE comedy queen, and in ‘People You Know’ she out of the house and away from plays a twisted parody of herself – to hilarious degree! She’ll steal every to host benefit concert housework!” scene she’s in!” says series co-creator Baltimore Russell, who plays Venue: JCC Hart Theatre, By Susan Jorday the performers. Monty in the show. 1200 Edgewood Ave., Roches- Steve will play Patrick Carter in a recurring role for Episodes 3 and Broadway is coming to Roch- “Give to Live Rochester” ter, NY 14618; 585-461-2000. ester! “Give to Live Rochester,” was first produced by Roch- 6 of “People You Know.” Steve is a three-time MAC award winner and Tickets: $15, available at the a long-time veteran of the NY stage. He is best known for his perfor- featuring an all-star cast, takes ester-based performers Michael JCC box office (585-461-2000) the JCC Hart Theatre stage Sat- Ciaccia and Laura Marron in mances in the films Trick and Big Gay Musical. He hosts his own web or at www.jccrochester.org start- show Steve Hayes: Tired Old Queen at the Movies. urday, Aug. 17, with proceeds summer 2010. The new show ing July 19. benefiting Trillium Health (for- is again a showcase for local “People You Know” is a new media series that exposes the ambi- On Social Media: tions and relationships of a tight-knit group of friends in the city that merly AIDS Care) in Roches- performers who share a love for facebook.com/givetolive.roches- ter and Broadway Cares/Equity theater and a passion for raising never sleeps. Episode 1 is complete, and filming began on July 8 for tergivetoliverochester.blogspot. five new episodes. All six episodes are slated for release fall 2013. ■ Fights AIDS, based in New York awareness about the continuing com ■ City. AIDS crisis. General admission is $15, Jeff Clair, Danielle Colombo, which includes the reception Dresden Engle, Robyn Fazio- before the performance, featur- Lasser, Erin Koch, Brian Max- ing an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, well, Matthew Mayne, Lauren G eva hosts “Fight with Love” desserts, coffee, etc. McDonough, Janine Mercan- revue benefit Aug. 2-4 Rochester actress Diane detti and Bethany Rahn, as well Chevron and “Internation- as Ciaccia and Marron, will per- will host “Fight With al Celebrity Housewife” Mrs. form. All performers are donat- Love,” the annual musical theatre revue to benefit Kasha Davis will emcee, as local ing their work. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, in the Geva stars perform pop and Broadway The concert will take place Nextstage Aug. 2–4. tunes. at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Com- Now in its seventh year, “Fight With Love” Kasha told The Empty Clos- munity Center’s Hart The- stands as a symbol of the commitment of local et, “I’m looking forward to host- atre, which has been generously youth in the theatre community to use their art to ing this with Diane Chevron. donated for the event by Ralph combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We’re friends but have never Meranto, artistic director at the “Fight with Love 2013” is an endeavor that has actually performed together.” JCC CenterStage. The activi- been taken on with love, courage, and a compas- Co-producer and perform- ties begin at 6 p.m. with the sionate eye on rhythm and musicality. The vision er Michael Ciaccia said, “We reception and a silent auction, for “Fight With Love” is to take the emotional have show tunes and are put- which will include gift packages journey of people with AIDS and tell their story ting together songs. Our arrang- from area businesses and Broad- through an exhilarating combination of song and er Marc Cataldi is writing an way memorabilia from Tony®- dance. This year’s production showcases some of arrangement inspired by ‘Glee’.” nominated shows. Rochester’s brightest and most talented young art- Kasha said, “I am doing an Michael said, “We have a slew ists, each telling the story with vitality and eager- out the Northeast such as Point Park University, adaptation of ‘Hello Dolly’ -- of auction items, like tickets to ness. The show allows a wide audience to connect Pace University, The College at Brockport, SUNY now it’s ‘Hello Kasha,’ with sev- ‘Me and Jezebel’ with Kasha at and relate to those affected by AIDS in both the- Fredonia State, Fordham University, Cincinnati eral male dancers. I’m going to Blackfriars. There will be lots of matic and pragmatic ways. Now in its seventh year, Conservatory of Music and University of Buffalo. improvise the lyrics!” Broadway memorabilia and local “Fight With Love” is continuing to fight for people Featuring songs from such popular musicals There are 15 people in the gift certificates, like for Trata who suffer from AIDS by telling their stories and as West Side Story, Rent, Side Show, Sweet Charity, cast and they have been plan- (The New Restaurant At The raising awareness. Brooklyn, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, ning the event for three months Armory), Good Luck and more.” Young performers are drawn from area high Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, Godspell, Fol- and rehearsing since July 8. A Kasha pointed out, “One of schools with many local performers home on sum- lies and Newsies, “Fight with Love” acts as an avenue three-piece band will accompany the biggest donations was Ralph mer vacation from attending colleges through- (Ga ev continues page 28) 28 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

NYC ’s High Line gets a little bit gayer By Out.com Editors mural “Waking” (which is in the perma- “scum,” “fucked up”). As self-described at while strolling by? The gay art duo Gilbert and George nent collection of the Guggenheim Bil- “living sculptures,” they insist they live “With all the talk today about urban will bring a version of their 1984 man- bao) that shows various sizes of the gay their whole lives as art; they’re prone life and gay marriage,” High Line Art filled mural to Manhattan’s High Line. art duo surrounded by men and boys in to rude jokes, are rarely seen dressed in curator Cecilia Alemani told the New The High Line will get a little bit flamboyant makeup and clothing. anything but matching suits or apart York Times, “it seems even more appro- gayer this fall when the billboard adja- Gilbert & George’s signature style from one another, and keep slavishly to a priate now.” cent to the elevated park — that has coalesced in large, brightly colored photo peculiar daily schedule. The High Line Billboard will exhibit hosted other queer artists such as pho- montages, often backlit to resemble Although the original artwork seemed the bold work from September 3 through tographer Ryan McGinley — exhibits stained glass and incorporating button- massive, at approximately 36-feet wide, October 1, but we already wish it would a version of Gilbert & George’s 1984 pushing symbols (swastikas, crucifixes, the billboard is 75-feet in length, so does be a permanent feature. ■ photographic, stained glass-simulating roses, flags) and provocative text (“cock,” that mean we’ll get more boys to marvel

(Ga ev continued from page 27) with streams running through,” remarked East Ave. on Sept. 7. year’s event was a huge success for both for audience members to both be enter- Schaefer. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will Trillium Health and the Rochester com- tained and challenged by the material. The campsites are as diverse as the feature a variety of musical entertainment, munity. We plan on making it even bigger All proceeds from “Fight With Love” campers. From the most primitive tent food, drinks, and auction items. The and better this September.” will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity sites to a ranch house with all the accom- event-planning committee is comprised of This year’s entertainment will include Fights AIDS, a national organization pro- modations of home, Jones Pond caters to several volunteers from the Greater Roch- Krypton 88, Trinidad and Tobago Steel viding assistance to those struggling with anyone with a taste for the outdoors. ester area. Chris and Lisa Cove, longtime Drum Band, drag performances, and HIV/AIDS all over the country. Over The campground boasts many ame- supporters of Trillium Health, will serve music by DJ Naps (Mike Napoli). Funds the past six years, “Fight With Love” has nities including an in-ground swimming as honorary chairs alongside James Wolk raised at this event will benefit compre- raised over $18,000 for Broadway Cares/ pool with deck, pond, shower house, café, and William M. Valenti, M.D., co-found- hensive medical care, including HIV spe- Equity Fights AIDS. lounge, barn, campfire pit, and memorial er and staff physician. cialty care and research, as well as new This benefit offers the unique chance garden. “HIV has not gone away and neither programs such as LGBT and women’s to experience a production that emerged Campers travel from as far as Texas has the White Party,” says Valenti. “Last health. completely from the talent and leadership and Florida to visit Jones Pond. “This year of Rochester youth. Geva has donated we’re tapping into the Canadian market,” their space for the performance. Donated Schaefer remarked, “People don’t know desserts will be sold at intermission for the what Jones Pond is in Toronto.” charity, showcasing some of Rochester’s The new owners have easily distrib- best sweets, and great prizes will be raf- uted their workload, as they each possess fled off including gift certificates to area their own expertise. McCormick finds eateries, tickets to area theatres and items himself in a financial role while Schaefer from Broadway Cares. is more adept in operational functions. Performance schedule: Friday, Aug. 2 “We have picked up Doug and Steve’s at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. and model,” said Schaefer. “They had very 7p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. Ticket separate, distinct responsibilities.” Prices: $10. Group rates for groups of According to McCormick, the biggest 15 or more are available. Reservations: challenge as owners of the campground 232-Geva or www.gevatheatre.org. Loca- is prioritizing the needs of the camp- tion: Fielding Nextstage, Geva Theatre ground and campers while staying within Center, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester, a strict budget. The couple has developed NY 14607. ■ a strong line of communication with the seasonal campers, aiding them in making these difficult decisions. Jones Pond’s future Both Schaefer and McCormick agree that the tradition requires commitment. looks bright “We need to keep the tradition of Jones By Darren W. Plunkett Pond, at the same time putting our spin Nestled in the hills of Genesee Valley on things,” Schaefer commented. in Western New York, Jones Pond Camp- A current template for success is the ground provides its all-male campers with themed weekends. “Themes attract cer- an escape from city life. tain groups such as bears, leather men Opened in May 1990, Jones Pond has and cowboys,” said McCormick. “These given gay men an outdoor getaway. In the are some established things that will never beginning, the campground had many change.” trials, but with the recent tenure of own- “The infrastructure is here,” Schae- ers Doug Bachman and Steve Allen, Jones fer added, “now we just want to build on Pond became a highlight of many WNY that.” summers. Now the campground’s future With fresh ideas and a respect for tra- looks even brighter with its recent sale to dition, McCormick and Schaefer have a Canadian couple. ventured down the path to a successful Matt McCormick and Bryan Schaefer future at Jones Pond Campground. If you have renounced the 9 to 5 drudgery for haven’t checked it out yet this summer, something simpler, yet challenging. The there is still time! A llison Snyder-Nichols shows work at former VP of Customer Service and VP of Equal=Grounds this month Human Resources have been Jones Pond White Party returns to campers for nearly 20 years. Now they are Century Club Sept. 7 The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds is pleased to present “Pins and Paper,” new work by in charge. Allison Snyder-Nichols, during the month of August. The opening reception is Aug. 2 The campground lies on over 120 Rochester’s White Party, a fundraising at 7 p.m. acres of diverse landscape and showcases event to benefit Trillium Health (formerly Allison is back at Equal=Grounds for her second show. Her mixed media work over 170 campsites. “You have every- AIDS Care), will return to the historic includes collage, paper cuts and painting, among others. Gallery director Beth Bloom thing from open fields to wooded areas Century Club of Rochester located at 566 says, “Allison’s work is cheerful and a delight for the eyes.” August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 29

Guests should wear their best white Directorship,” says ImageOut attire. Tickets and event sponsorships Board Chair, Paul Allen, about the are currently available for purchase. For appointment. “John has been a volun- more information or to purchase tickets teer, member and supporter of ImageOut for Rochester’s White Party, visit Tril- for a very long time, so he really under- Travel lium Health’s website at: www.Trillium- stands our culture. In addition to his HealthNY.org. proven skills as a fundraiser in a similar- For current updates on event details, sized organization, he has tremendous visit the official website: www.Rochester- knowledge and appreciation of Roches- sWhiteParty.com. ter’s LGBT and arts and cultural com- munities. His experience will bolster our fundraising activities and bring profes- sionalism to our volunteer-run organiza- tion.” For Allen, the hire represents a crown- ing achievement of ImageOut’s three-year strategic plan, which was developed using a Capacity Building Grant from the Arts and Cultural Council for Greater Roch- ester. Williams is a longtime Rochester resi- dent and was Principal Attorney Editor with Thomson Reuters prior to his second career in fundraising. He will commence his role at ImageOut on Aug. 12. P arty at Black Gay Pride! Western New York Black Gay Pride John Williams. Photo: Annette Dragon will feature many events here and in Buf- falo. The opening reception is Aug. 1 at Shea’s Smith Theatre, 658 Main St. in John Williams is named Buffalo, from 5-10 p.m. Buffalo events: as ImageOut’s first www.mochacenter.org/wnyblackpride. Development Director The Rochester events include Aug. 8: Patio Party, Abilene, 153 Liberty Pole John C. Williams has been hired by Way, 6-9 p.m.; Aug. 9: Pajama Jam Party, ImageOut LGBT Film & Video Festival The Diplomat, 1956 Lyell Ave. 8 p.m.-1 for the newly created position of Develop- a.m. Color Outside the Lines Crew; Aug. ment Director. 10: Takeover Party, The Clarissa Room, John brings six year of fundraising 293 Clarissa St., 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Grind experience and a proven track record of Time Entertainment; Aug. 11: Cookout success as a fundraiser for Literacy Vol- Red Creek Pavilion, Genesee Valley Park, unteers of Rochester and Garth Fagan 1000 E. River Drive, 1:30-6 p.m. Dance. He also serves as Vice President Also, the MOCHA Center and Ever- of Professional Advancement for the Gen- green Health Services of WNY are co- esee Valley Chapter of the Association of hosting the FIRST Black Gay Day at Fundraising Professionals. Darien Lake on Saturday, Aug. 3. See “John is the ideal person for page 3 article for full information on this newly created Development events, tickets, etc. ■

A dirondack Road Trip grapes from vineyards all over the United States. For a small fee you can taste seven Part One different wines and keep the wine glass By Merle Exit as well. I love white wines. www.adiron- Adirondack Park covers a huge amount dackwinery.com of land in the northeastern part of New On our way back to the hotel, we York State and includes a number of lakes. stopped at Barkereater Chocolates located My road trip began in Queens and on day on Route 28, where they create their own 1, we arrived in the town of Glens Falls for chocolate bars, truffles and items such as lunch at Celia’s Table. I had a chicken pot- a dark chocolate covered “Reese’s” with a pie soup with sweet potatoes and added chocolate and peanut butter filling. www. turkey stuffing and cranberry compote. barkereaterchocolates.com www.celiastable.com That evening we dined at Basil and We then went to the Hyde Collection, Wicks, also located on Route 28. The res- an art museum and historic house located taurant looks more like a lodge with “Ameri- at 16 Warren Street. The collection is of can” cuisine. www.basilandwicks.com over 3,300 objects that span the history We headed for Gore Mountain Farm of Western art with photos, paintings and to see some overly cute alpacas. Farm sculptures. www.hydecollection.org. is owned by Barry Finer and Virginia We stayed at the Copperfield Inn and French. Sheared like sheep, the wool pro- Resort in the town of North Creek. Large duces a much warmer and “non-itchy” comfortable rooms, with great amenities piece of clothing that feels more like cash- including a microwave, wet bar and refrig- mere. Tour is free, products sold at gift erator. Free continental breakfast, exercise shop. www.goremountainfarm.com room and outdoor pool. There are two Nearby Gore Mountain is next on restaurants, Lorenzo’s and Trappers Tav- the list. Located at 793 Peaceful Val- ern, home to a large moose head over the ley Road, in North Creek, we arrive and fireplace, said to have been shot by Teddy board a gondola to near top where several Roosevelt. www.copperfieldinn.net. ski slopes are located. Off season you can Lake George Village was the destina- hike, mountain bike, mini-golf, and more. tion for the next day. Adirondack Pedal www.goremountain.com Cab took us around for a tour. There is no Continuing north to the town of Spec- charge as you simply tip the driver what ulator and Lake Pleasant, where Lake you think the ride is worth. www.adiron- Pleasant Lodge is located on the main dackpedalcab.com road with a view of the lake. Michael We were first taken to the docks along Welch is the manager who lives on the Lake George for a lunch cruise aboard the property. More than a motel looking Lac du Saint Sacrament, It was quite a venue with clean and comfy rooms each relaxing tour of the lake. www.lakegeorg- having a fridge and microwave. Take out a esteamboat.com canoe or rent a kayak nearby. It’s all about The pedal cab then took us to Adiron- relaxation, so take the time to sit in the dack Winery located on Main Street. This gazebo or spend a cool evening around the company makes their own wines with fire pit. www.lakepleasantlodge.com ■ 30 G ay alliancethe empty closet new• the gay aslliance fo ofr the augugenesee valleys t• n umber2013 470 • AUGUST 2013

RP D Chief Sheppard The youth themselves will write the script, holds public safety which must be educational in some way. As director, I challenge them – ‘What forum at the Gay do you expect the audience to learn from Alliance Center that?’ Then our expectation is that at the end of camp they will put on a public By Ove Overmyer, Staff Reporter, Empty performance, for family, friends and the Closet News general community. That is scheduled More than 50 concerned citizens for Saturday. Aug. 24, the day after camp gathered at the Gay Alliance Commu- officially ends. For time, directions and nity Center for a town hall style meeting updates, see our website. on June 26 with Rochester Police Chief “There will also be a daily swim, a James Sheppard to discuss the events sur- nature hike, and a rope course, but for the rounding a recent homicide and to explore most part we’ll be working on getting the ways the media, police and community production together.” ■ can better communicate. This meeting was instigated by Chief Sheppard, who personally asked local leaders if he could speak directly to the LGBT community. Sheppard was accom- panied by Investigator Kimberly Rasbeck, who introduced herself as the Rochester Police Department’s LGBT liaison. Most of the discussion focused on the sudden death of Fatima Woods, who was mur- TOWN MEETING: RPD Chief James Sheppard met with the LGBT community on June Youth dered May 30. 26 at the Gay Alliance to discuss the Fatima Woods murder and other issues. L-R: Other topics that were raised included Rev. Tom Decker (Open Arms MCC), Scott Fearing (GAGV), Chief Sheppard, Investi- G ay Alliance questions about the media and its rela- gator Kim Rasbeck, Bruce Smail (MOCHA Center). Youth Program tionship with the police department. A Rochester teen is accused of fatally stab- fatally stabbed. He also added there was tragedy have sparked a new and neces- The Gay Alliance Youth bing Woods, who pleaded not guilty June no conclusive evidence or any reason to sary dialogue about LGBT public safety 20 in City Court. suspect this was a hate crime. issues. The police department, the media program empowers today’s Vincent Walters, 16, of Driving Park “I think there’s definitely a degree of and our community all have to be more teens to meet today’s Ave., is facing one count of second-degree understanding of the difference of the responsible to each other and learn from challenges! It provides a safe murder in connection with the slaying challenges that he faced in this case but each other. What a senseless crime.” space to explore their identity, that occurred outside a Tenth Ward gas ultimately he’s also protecting informa- make friends, build community, station about 4 a.m. on May 30. Walters tion so when they do go to court they can Y outh summer camp gain life skills, become a leader was remanded to the Monroe County Jail support the case,” said Bruce Smail, exec- without bail. utive director of the MOCHA Center. runs Aug. 12-24 in and have fun! Woods, 53, who identified as trans- The Gay Alliance, The MOCHA Cen- Mendon; register now gender, was stabbed twice in the torso, ter and the faith community are presently Gay Alliance Youth and was found by police near the entrance looking to work with the Rochester Police By Susan Jordan Program is on to the gas station’s convenience store, Department to reestablish an LGBT anti- Gay Alliance Youth Group members, summer hiatus. located at 780 Dewey Avenue. Woods was violence consortium. Most attendees at LGBT youth and allies can register now taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and the town hall meeting thought this was an for a two-week summer day camp at the Jewish Community Center’s Camp Sisol Youth Summer Camp was pronounced dead within the hour, effort worth exploring. is Aug. 12-24 according to City Court documents and Chief Sheppard added, “Sometimes in Mendon. local press reports. the police and media can be stupid. But This marks the second year for the For information: Throughout the grieving process, the meeting directly with you should be seen Gay Alliance’s Out Loud Out Proud 244-8640 or www. family felt like it wasn’t getting answers. as an effort to move in the right direction. Summer Camp. Last year the camp ran gayalliance.org/ Among their questions, they wanted to This is a great opportunity for all of us to for five weekdays, one of which was spent events/youth know more details of the crime and educate ourselves on how we can better at Camp Sisol. This year the GAGV has partnered with the JCC to run a camp whether it rose to the level or met the serve each other.” Gay Alliance expectations of a hate crime. Attendees One concerned citizen asked the Police featuring social action theatre on 10 week- days, entirely at Camp Sisol. Community Center were also visibly upset by the media’s por- Chief, “How do you get people to come Auditorium Theater Bldg, trayal of Woods. Reports often fumbled forward?” Sheppard replied, “We can’t do Camp begins Aug. 12 and runs on with exact pronouns and descriptions of this alone. We need your help and I don’t weekdays until Aug. 24. It is $100 for the 875 E. Main Street, 1st Floor her personhood. Chief Sheppard openly need snitches. When a certain line has full two weeks, which includes transpor- Rochester, New York 14605 admitted that only one local news station been crossed, it has to be unacceptable to tation, lunch, snack, etc. Scholarships are Phone: 585 244-8640 “got it partially right.” you. You have to call us and tell us what available. Participants must commit to the Chief Sheppard also stated that it you know. You have to act and then we full 10 days. The camp is for LGBT and Check out our weekly appeared that just before the slaying, will respond.” allied youth entering 9th through 12th programs descriptions Woods was involved in a dispute with “One thing is for certain, Fatima did grade. To register, go online to www.gay- and special events: www. a woman on Finch Street. Several other not die in vain,” said Tom Privitere after alliance.org and scroll down under Youth gayalliance.org/events/youth people “got involved” and Woods was the meeting. “Her senseless death and this to find the application form. To apply for a scholarship, indicate that on the applica- tion form or call Kelly Clark at 244-8640. Campers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the GAGV Center to depart by bus for the camp, returning around 4:15/4:30 p.m. Kelly Clark said, “What we’ll be doing is social action theatre. It’s a peer educa- tion model that uses the experiences of the on participants to create performances that D educate the audience – and the youth. Groups come together and start talking GAR about their lives, in this case focusing on T he Gay Alliance LGBT issues. In telling their stories, a theme emerges and that’s typically what On-Line Resource we go with. The theme could be parents, Directory (GARD) working with their GSAs in school, bully- ing, etc. Then we’ll take that theme and The online community tool begin to create skits or scenarios and will providing local, statewide and national resources, 24/7 at: DOMA OVERTURN: Happy people gathered at Equal=Grounds on June 26, the day act some things out – ‘What happened DOMA was declared unconstitutional. L-R: Courtney Michie, Rep. Harry Bronson, when the bully did that? Show me what www.GayAlliance.org Denise Finnerty, Zach Waffle, KaeLyn Rich, Jo Meleca Voigt, Chris Meleca Voigt, Car- it looks like.’ rie Vernon, Scott Fearing. “From there we start writing the script.

T he Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley: is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are safe, thriving and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBT people, to affirm their identities, and to create an atmosphere where the diversity of our community can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. 875 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 4 Phone: (585) 244-8640 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Web: www.gayalliance.org E-mail: [email protected] Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm Board Co-Presidents: Emily Jones, Bruce Gorman Acting Executive Director: Scott Fearing Director of Intergenerational Programs: Kelly Clark Outreach: Jeanne Gainsburg Database: Kat Wiggall Book keeper: Christopher Hennelly of the Genesee Valley The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan Graphic Designer: Jim Anderson Empowering pride for 40 years E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (585) 244-9030 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030 August 2013 •G numberay 470alliance • gay alliance of the new genesee vsalley f • other empty augu closet st 2013 31

SAGE Art Tour On Sunday, Sept. 8, Gay Alli- ance Executive Director Scott Fearing will join members of Rain- bow SAGE on a visit to Roches- ter’s most unique venue to view and experience art, ARTISAN- works. “I’m looking forward to spend- SAGE PAGEbecause we have forgotten that ing the afternoon with SAGE First Sunday Euchre Rainbow Sage Annual we belong to each other. -Mother members,” said Fearing. “I am Yep, you read that right! Euchre Picnic Teresa thrilled that our SAGE program is is still going strong at Rainbow Rainbow Sage is bringing back The more connections you now adding evening and weekend SAGE. The first Sunday of every our infamous annual picnic. The and your lover make, not just programs for the LGBT popu- month we get together to play, have date is Saturday, Aug. 24 from between your bodies, but between lation who are over 50, but still fun and just be together. 12-5 p.m. and the location this your minds, your hearts, and your working.” Our next first Sunday euchre will year is Powder Mills Park at the souls, the more you will strength- The tour will be free, but reser- be on Sunday, Aug. 4. The time is Wadhams Lodge. Powder Mills en the fabric of your relationship vations are required because the 3 p.m. and the location is South Park is located at 154 Park Road, and the more real moments you number of tickets is limited. Roch- Wedge Planning Committee Build- Pittsford, southeast of Rochester. will experience together. -Barbara ester based coaching and consult- ing, 224 Mt. Hope Ave. Put it on Enter the park from Route 96 de Angelis ing firm McArdele Ramerman has your calendar and we hope to see South of Bushnell’s Basin near Never forget the three powerful graciously donated the tickets for you there. Interstate 490. resources you always have avail- this special SAGE tour. Please bring a dish to pass. able to you: love, prayer, and for- Anyone interested in attending Rainbow Sage Yoga We will supply the hamburgers, giveness. Feelings are not facts. should leave a message for SAGE Come join our new yoga instruc- hot dogs, drinks, paper products -Abraham Low at 585-244-8640 ext 31. ■ tor Thomas Sommerville every and condiments. Please RSVP to Tuesday and Thursday from 11 to our newest volunteer Jessie at jes- 11:30 a.m. for great chair yoga. [email protected] so we Right now we have up to 10 people know how much food to bring. If and there is always room for more. you can, let her know the dish you Please note, there is a $3 plan to bring as well. fee for yoga. Location is at our But wait, there’s more! We are Senior Center in the Gay Alliance also bringing back our brown bag Community Room, first floor of auction, so bring a bag with an the Auditorium Theatre, 875 East item inside (in good shape please) Main St. As always, use the back to auction off to raise money for entrance at the corner of College the Gay Alliance. It’s going to be and Prince Streets. a summer time blast so see you there and RSVP soon. Senior Center Wit and Wisdom (or Wit- Welcome to our Senior Center. less and Wizen) We are no longer open on Mon- August Calendar – Rainbow SAGE at The Center days but are now open every Tues- By Jonathan Wolfinger The Center is open for adults 50+ Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-3. day and Thursday from 11 a.m.-3 [email protected] Yoga every Tuesday and Thursday 11-11:30. Hot Lunch $3 (suggested). Did you know that the month p.m. Come and join us. The loca- Tuesday, August 6 tion is Gay Alliance Community of July was named after Julius Yoga 11-11:30; Lunch 12 noon. POTLUCK. Speaker from Alzheimer’s Center, first floor, Auditorium The- Caesar? It is a little known fact Association. Come hear about Alzheimer’s and what we can do to keep it at bay. atre Building, 875 East Main Street. that Julius Caesar developed the Thursday, August 8 Please use the parking lot back world’s first Miracle Ear and hear- No Yoga Today. Lunch 12 noon. POTLUCK PICNIC. Come join us for a entrance off of College and Prince ing aid franchise. He got start- picnic potluck at noon at Ontario Beach Park. We will supply the hamburgers Streets and just follow the signs. ed and got his inventory after and hot dogs. Please bring a dish to pass. his famous speech -- “Friends, Sign-up is required at Senior Center! P rogram Partner Romans, countrymen -- lend me Tuesday, August 13 your ears.” Yoga 11-11:30. Lunch 12 noon. BROWN BAG. Join us as we go on a field The Declaration of Indepen- trip to George Eastman House and have a brown bag lunch in the gardens. dence did not go into effect until Sign-up is required at Senior Center! August 2, when most of the del- Thursday, August 15 NO YOGA TODAY. 11 a.m. field trip and lunch provided by Maplewood egates signed it. Happy 2nd of YMCA. Come see what their community center has to offer. Sign-up is August! required at Senior Center! Two antennae meet on the roof Tuesday, August 20 of a bar, fall in love, and get mar- Yoga 11-11:30. Lunch 12 noon. POTLUCK. Game Day. Bring your favorite ried. The ceremony wasn’t so hot board game, card game, any game you’d like to play. but the reception was great. Thursday, August 22 What is a flibbertigibbet, a nin- Yoga 11-11:30. Lunch 12 noon. BROWN BAG Meet at Red Cross Building for nyhammer, and a dingus? yoga and cooking class. Audet is going to show us how to make Fried Green Which of the following words Tomatoes -- then we will watch the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”. do you find most euphonious? Saturday, August 24 Aardvark, elysian, or crapola? SAGE Picnic, Powder Mills Park, 12-5 pm. Can you translate this German Tuesday, August 27 tongue twister: Wir Wiener Wash- Yoga 11-11:30. Lunch 12 noon. POTLUCK. It is our July/August Birthday T he Gay Alliance Party! We’re celebrating with cake decorating, balloons, and much more. frauen wuerden weisse Waeshe Library & Archives Hours: Thursday, August 26 Every Wednesday: 6-8pm washen, wenn wir wuesten, wo Yoga 11-11:30. Lunch 12 noon. BROWN BAG. Scrapbooking/Crafts – have Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1-3pm waermes Wasser waere. (Email me any pictures that tell a story? Come learn how to share their story through the 875 E. Main Street, First Floor your answers and win a prize and cutting craft of scrapbooking. 585-244-8640 acknowledgment in this column!) If we have no peace, it is 32 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

Volunteer Legal Services Project public. All services free and confidential. Multi- CNY Depression Bi-Polar Support (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org. 1 cultural and bilingual staff. 33 Chestnut St., The Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance of West Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY second floor. Hours 8:30-5pm, Monday-Friday. Central New York Support Group Adult Group Resources 14614. Free legal services for low-income HIV 262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free anonymous meets the third Thursday of every month from positive clients. No criminal cases. Appoint- HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tuesdays, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at SAGE Upstate, 431 E. Fay- ments are scheduled at area medical provider Wednesdays 1-4pm, provided through NYS- ette St, Syracuse, NY 13202. The Youth Group Check our monthly and ongoing calendar locations or by calling 295-5708. DOH. Thursdays 1-4pm at Aenon Baptist meets the second Monday of every month from as well as the community section for more Church, 175 Genesee St. 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Transitions Living Services, groups and events. For further information, Trillium Health 420 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. call the Gay Alliance at 244-8640 or visit: Trillium Health is the leading provider of HIV/ Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, www.gayalliance.org. And send us your AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Prevention and Primary Care. information. Lakes. On-site services include HIV testing and Provides Medical Case Management, Mental TRANSGENDER limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Spe- Health, Primary Care, HIV Counseling and Test- Rochester Trans Group cialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. ing (using rapid testing) Hepatitis C rapid test- Social/educational group for gender variant BISE XUality Satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. Trillium ing and services, Educational Presentations, people and friends. Last Saturday, 3-5pm, Health is also a leader in providing services and and access to other Jordan Services. Preven- GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. resources education to members of the LGBT community. tion and Primary Care is a walk-in program; no 244-8640. www.rnytg.org AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisex- Contact Information: Website: www.trillium- appointment necessary. Office Hours are Mon- Volunteer Legal Services Project uality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual healthny.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., day thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org.1 Network; Bi Café; Bi Definition: Milwaukee; Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545- information call (585) 423-2872; fax (585) West Main St. Suite 500, Rochester, NY BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP); 7200, Health Services After Hours: 585-258- 423-2876. Website www.jordanhealth.org. For 14614. Free legal services for low-income cli- Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual Women’s 3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): more information, call the Program Manager ents seeking a name change. Other legal ser- Network; ComBIne - Columbus, Ohio; Dallas/ 585-275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. Finger Charlie Lytle,(585) 423-2872. vices for low-income clients include family law Fort Worth Bi Net; Fenway Health’s Bi Health Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, issues, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Tier CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline Program; Los Angeles Bi Task Force; New York 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a hearings, wills and advance directive docu- Area Bisexual Network; Robyn Ochs’s site; Office: 122 Liberty St. Box 624, Bath, NY ments for clients with serious illnesses. 14810 607-776-9166. The Health Outreach day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network; The Bi address: [email protected]. Writers Association; The Bisexual Resource Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Center (email [email protected]) 14605; 585-454-5556. Fair Housing Enforcement Project Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm, Gay Alliance of Monroe County Community Center, 875 E. Main St. 1st floor. Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Ages 13-18. 244-8640 CULTURAL Referrals to physicians and service agencies. 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. housing discrimination on basis of race, orien- Genesee Valley Gender Variants Rochester Women’s Community Chorus tation, HIV status, etc. Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar). Victory Alliance [email protected] University of Rochester Medical Center. One of Public Interest Law Office of Rochester Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services Guys Night Out www.thergmc.org several research sites worldwide that comprise Social group for transmen. Third Saturdays, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site to HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilin- gual advocates available. All civil cases except 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguys- conducts research vaccine studies sponsored [email protected] deaf services by National Institutes of Health (NIH). 585-756- divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to Advocacy for Abused Deaf Victims 2329; www.vaccineunit.org. someone in PILOR. 454-4060. Mailing address: c/o ASADV, P.O. Box 20023, Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo Women’s health Rochester, NY 14602. 24-Hour Hotline: ASAD- Threshold Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing [email protected]; VP: 866-936-8976; TTY/ and counseling. (716) 847-0328 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585- FAX : 585-232-2854. third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confiden- 487-3300. Specializing in breast health, diag- tial HIV, STD testing and General Health Care, Westside Health Services nostic breast imaging and treatment and Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf ages 12-25. Sliding fee scale, no one denied, Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. mammography outreach and education. (LRAD) most insurances accepted. Mon., Wed., Fri. (254-6480); Woodward health Center, 480 Meets second Saturdays, 6-9pm. For location, 9am-5pm; Tues., Thurs., 9am-7pm; Sat. Genesee St. (436-3040). HIV/AIDS services, Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester information: [email protected] 10am-2pm. www.ThresholdCenter.org support, more. 840 University Ave.; 585-473-8177; www. bccr.org; email: [email protected]. Breast Cancer Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance Center for Health and Behavioral Training McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Coalition provides support services that include RIT/NTID student group.

R ochester Ongoing Calendar AA/NA Support Group for Parents who have lost Mny o da Children FRIY DA Meetings L.O.R.A. – Coffee Special First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, Gay Men's AA meeting Monday Nights – 7 pm, Equal Grounds. Fam- Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Gene- Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. Every week there are four regularly ily, Friends & Allies Welcome! Contact Person: see Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. scheduled GLBTI AA and two inclusive Cathie Timian. More info: www.l-o-r-a.com; Email: GLBTQI Motorcycle Group [email protected] COAP NA meetings in Rochester. Come Out and Play. Wednesday game nights. Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations. Born That Way 8-11 pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. [email protected]; 467- Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Group. 7pm, [email protected]. 6456; [email protected]. First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 Meigs St. Rochester Rams General Meeting T suesday Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654-7516. 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, SATURY DA Narcotics Anonymous Lilac Squares 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Rochester Rams Bar Night Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This Gay Square Dance Group, Mondays, 7pm, Brothers Keeper Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 140 Alex Bar. To reserve space: 467-6456; is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who Support group for men over 30. Third Wednes- 670 University Ave. 271-6930 have a desire to stop using. Although it is not [email protected]. days, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Lib- specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is wel- erty Pole Way. 420-1400 Rochester Trans Group Free syphilis testing Social/educational group for gender-variant coming to people of all sexual orientations and Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. 442- gender identities, as well as to anyone who is HIV+ Mixed Men’s Group people, friends. Last Saturdays, 3-5 pm, GAGV affected by HIV and AIDS. 2220. Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Rochester Historical Bowling Society Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, Gay Alliance Youth 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. We dnesdays 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) Wednesdays, 3:30-7pm, Gay Alliance Youth rochesterfrontrunners.org. New Freedom/New Happiness Group HIV Positive Men’s Support group Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. first floor. 244-8640 x 13. Empire Bears Potluck Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to Every Monday, 5pm, Trillium Health Center for 2nd Saturdays, Youth Center, 875 E. Main, 1st 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of Positive Living, 259 Monroe Ave. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers floor, Prince St. entrance. 6:30pm greet; 7pm din- the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. ner. Bring dish to pass. www.empirebears.org. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House park- www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Cross Dresser Support Group and Winton, then walk five minutes south ing lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Gay Alliance Library & Archives, First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Wed. 251-2132; [email protected] meeting. All issues – as they relate to our alco- Steps Beyond Stems holism/addiction and recovery – are fair game. Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Guys Night Out 289 Monroe Ave. Empire Bears GNO, social group for transmen, now meets on Fisr day Equality Rochester Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at The Win- the second Saturday of the month, @ 1pm @ 2nd Mondays, 7-8:30 pm, Equal=Grounds. tonaire. www.empirebears.com Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Gay Men’s 426-0862; [email protected] Saturday Night Special Gay AA 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and Ts hur day Men and women. Open meeting. addicts T uesday Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay • Men’s meeting Concerns Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) • Handicapped accessible L.O.R.A. – Knitters Group 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. [email protected] This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you Everyone Welcome! 3rd Tuesday of the Month. 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 Sophia’s Supper Club are shy about meeting people or speaking up in 7pm – 10pm. FREE. Cross Roads Coffee- Gay Alliance Library & Archives a group, you will find this meeting particularly house, 752 South Goodman St. Contact Per- David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Tuesday & First and third Saturdays. http://www.inspiritu- al.biz/online-spiritual-evolution-gro/ warm and inviting because everyone gets their son: Cathie: 585.313.3037; Email:ctimian Thursday. 1-3pm, First floor, 875 E. Main St. turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meet- @l-o-r-a.com; Website: www.l-o-r-a.com 244-8640 ing often runs long, so plan on more than the Gay Alliance Library & Archives Queer Radical Reading Group Syunda usual hour. David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Tuesday & First and third Thursdays, 7pm, Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians Thursday. 1-3pm, First floor, 875 E. Main St. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. And Gays (PFLAG) S aturdays 244-8640. Pride at Work Third Sundays, 1-3 pm, Community Center at Saturday Night Special Charlie’s Group First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. the Gay Alliance, first floor, 857 E. Main St. 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. 2nd Tuesdays. Monthly peer-facilitated support off Thurston Rd. 426-0862. 244-8460; [email protected]. Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does group for married men who have sex with men. GLOB&L (Gays & Lesbians of Bausch & Rochester General Assembly not go by the church on weekend evenings. Confidential, free. For time, place: email: char- Lomb). Sundays, Flying Squirrel Community Center, Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East [email protected]. Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 confer- 285 Clarissa St. and Winton, then walk five minutes south Rainbow SAGE ence room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: Unity Fellowship Church (uphill) on Winton. Senior Center, 11am-3pm, Gay Alliance Center, 338-8977 Sundays, 1:30 pm, Lutheran Church of Peace, • Open meeting, all are welcome, “straight- 875 E. Main St., 1st floor. 125 Caroline St., 14620. 520-6188. friendly” Gay Alliance Youth • Mixed men and women MOCHA Youth Drop-In Thursdays, 3:30-7pm, Gay Alliance Youth Cen- Dignity-Integrity • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, ter, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, first 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; basement 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 floor. 244-8640 x 13. 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal open discussion. MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic Coming Out Being Out Youth Support Group Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Tues- start the week, followed by potluck supper. days, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420- 6:30-7:30pm; ages 13-18 Gay Alliance Youth Sn u days 1400 Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, Open Arms Metropolitan Community first floor. 244-8640 x 13. Step in the Right Direction Church 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alli- Women’s Community Chorus 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 10:30am, 271-8478 Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Down- Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus ance Church) This is an NA meeting that is town United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous open to all addicts who have a desire to stop Street. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 St. Luke’s/St. Simon Cyrene Church, using. Although it is not specifically a gay-ori- ented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all Free confidential walk-in HIV testing 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8pm, 232-6720, Weekly. Free HIV Testing Closed meeting sexual orientations and gender identities. Each 9am-7pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, Trillium Health, week features a reading from NA literature, fol- 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 Men’s Cooking Group lowed by discussion. Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664. Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Rochester Gay Men We dnesday Thursdays, 6:30-7pm, Ages 13-18, Gay Alli- Civil Rights Front ance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, Rainbow SAGE Ruby Slippers Every Tuesday, 5pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the (Prince St. entrance). 244-8640 ext 13. Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront.wordpress.com Wednesdays, 5:45 pm, Callan-Harris Physical Fitzhugh Street stop on Main Street at the Coun- Therapy, 1328 Universty Ave. Out & Equal Second Thursdays ty Office Building and walk south one block. Identity Group Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and The Identity Group is for LGBT identified indi- Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outand- addicts viduals who have a developmental disability equal.org • Men’s meeting diagnosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4 Genesee Valley Gender Variants • NOT handicapped accessible pm at ARC Health Services (2060 Brighton- 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by Henrietta Townline Rd. 14623). The goal of the [email protected] open discussion. group is to provide a safe space to discuss identity issues, share personal experiences and Rainbow SAGE increase self-esteem. The group is facilitated Senior Center, 11am-3pm, Gay Alliance Center, by Delaina Fico. LMSW. For more information, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor. please contact Delaina Fico at dfico@arcmon- roe.org or 585-271-0661 ext. 1552. Gay Alliance Board of Directors Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 New Freedom New Happiness AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. 34 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013

August SUNY DA 11 WNY Black Pride Worship in the Classifieds Park. Red Creek Pavilion, Genesee Valley Park, 1000 E. River Rd., noon-1:30 pm. Unity Fellowship Church. Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words WNY Black Pride Cookout. Red is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad THURSDAY 1 Creek Pavilion, Genesee Valley Park, and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Roch- Lughnasad, Lammas. Ancient Celtic 1:30-6 pm. ester, New York 14605. harvest fire-festival. Sacred tree: hazel. Dignity Integrity Roman Catholic Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance. The WNY Black Gay Pride. Opening Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm, deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We reception, 5-10 pm, Shea’s Smith Theatre, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will 658 Main St., Buffalo. For more Buffalo Fitzhugh St. events, see www.mochacenter.org/wny- accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will blackpride. MONY DA 12 be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. Out Loud Out Proud GAGV Youth The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that FRIDAY 2 Summer Camp. Runs 10 weekdays at may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own “Fight With Love.” Benefit for Camp Sisol, Mendon, through Aug. 24. box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Social action theatre; youth-written pro- Geva Nextstage, 75 Woodbury Blvd. 7 duction performed for public Aug. 24. . ANNOUNCEMENTS Bill 585-204-0632 or cell 304-517-6832. pm. Aug. 3, 2 and 7 pm; Aug. 4 5 pm. Bus leaves 8:30 am from Auditorium Cen- Hate to paint or clean gutters? Tickets $10. Group rates for groups of 15 Children’s Ministry thriving at I have ter parking lot; returns c. 4:15 pm. $100 tall ladders! Dale’s Pleasure Painting and or more available. Reservations: 232-Geva for 10 days, scholarships available. Call Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church for toddlers to ‘tweens. Join us for Gutter Cleaning has very reasonable rates or www.gevatheatre.org. Kelly Clark at 244-8640 or go to www. for painting year-round and gutter clean- Opening reception for Allison Sny- gayalliance.org. vibrant, inclusive, progressive worship on Sundays at 10:30am. 740 Marshall Road ing in the spring or fall. 585-576-5042. der-Nichols show at The Gallery @ Email [email protected]. Equal=Grounds, 7 pm. THURSDAY 15 off Chili Avenue. [email protected] Empty Closet deadline for Septem- (585) 271-8478. Martin Ippolito master electrician. S aturDAY 3 ber. 244-9030; [email protected]. Cash paid for CDs, DVDs & Blu- Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable WNY Black Pride at Darien Lake. SATURY DA 17 Rays. Highest prices in Rochester. Free TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. See page 3 585-266-6337. “Give to Live Rochester.” Benefit pick up. Call 465-8643. SUNY DA 4 for Trillium Health, Broadway Cares/ SERVICES ROOMMATE WANTED Dignity Integrity Episcopal Mass/ Equity Fights AIDS. General admis- Man to Man Rubdown. Relax with Seeking employed housemate to Healing Service, with music. 5 pm, St. sion is $15, including reception before this experienced, fit, healthy. middle-aged, share large suburban home. All conve- Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. the performance. Emcees Kasha Davis, non-smoking GWM. Central location. niences, near expressways. Call 266-4582. Fitzhugh St. Diane Chevron; cast of local stars per- Private home. Incalls/outcalls. Reasonable FOR SALE OR RENT THURSDAY 8 form Broadway hits and more. Auction rates. cell#585-773-2410 or home#585- Park Ave. area: 284 Westminster Rd. WNY Black Pride Patio Party, of Broadway memorabilia. JCC box office 235-6688 or email:magichands@rochester. This beautiful turn of the century colo- Abilene, 153 Liberty Pole Way, 6-9 pm. (585-461-2000) or at www.jccrochester. rr.com nial is 3557 square feet with four bed- Out & Equal Second Thursdays Net- org starting July 19 Ask questions. Established life coach rooms, four 1/2 baths with an updated working. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, SUNY DA 18 opens your direction about goals, ques- kitchen w/ hardwood floors. Spacious 165 Court St. from 5:30- 7:30 pm. Dignity Integrity Quiet Episcopal tions, issues using classic tarot symbology living room, dining room, family room FRIDAY 9 Mass in the Chapel. . 5 pm, St. Luke’s and and fascinating, confidential discussion. and a third floor bonus room. The master WNY Black Pride Health Work- St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. $65 hr. in your home/office. kivawyan- bedroom has its own bath and sunroom. shop, [email protected] It boasts a three-car garage and city size MOCHA Center, 107 Liberty Pole S aturDAY 24 Wedding Space and clergy servic- in-ground pool, three porches and a deck Way, noon-4 pm. SAGE Picnic 12-5 pm, Wad- es available. Celebrate your special day WNY Black Pride Pajama Jam for your enjoyment. The backyard has a ham Lodge, Powder Mills Park. jes- at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Party, patio and is very private. Stirling/Ruggeri The Diplomat, 1956 Lyell Ave. 8 [email protected]. Church 740 Marshall Rd. off Chili Ave. 473-7763. pm-1 am. Color Outside the Lines Crew, SUNY DA 25 [email protected] (585) 271-8478 Apartment for Rent: $525 per month, SATURDAY 10 Dignity Integrity Evening Prayer, fol- Handyman: Simple repairs or full ren- one bedroom, heat included. Off street WNY Black Pride Takeover Party, lowed by a Potluck Dinner (wrap sand- ovations, no job is too large or small. Car- parking for one car. No pets. 520 Mon- The Clarissa Room, 293 Clarissa St., 10 wiches). 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s pentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Interior & roe Avenue -- above the Avenue Pub. See pm-2 am. Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Exterior. 35 years experience. Call Alan & bartender to schedule an appointment. ■ August 2013 • number 470 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 35

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Bed & Breakfast Rochester, New York 14605 © 2013, All rights reserved. Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertising that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will “get” that particular person if you patronize the establishment advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homo- phobic will be refused; advertisements from organizations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti-gay will also be refused. All political advertisements must contain infor- mation about who placed them and a method of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or “attack” advertisements, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose interest the ad is being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival product, or in the political area, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out sup- posed flaws and to persuade the public not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet maintains, within legal boundaries, neutrality regarding products, political candidates and parties. However, “attack” ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence that the information in the ad is true do not further in any way the objectives and policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, includ- ing the primary tenet that The Empty Closet’s purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community and to provide an impartial forum for ideas. Submissions: For publication, submit news items, ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, photographs or art by mail or in per- son to The Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. Design services for non-camera ready ads are available for a fee. ([email protected]) Publication Information: The Empty Closet is published 11 times a year (Decem- ber and January combined) by The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approxi- mately 5000 copies of each issue are distributed during the first week of the month, some by mail in a plain sealed envelope. The publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles is not an indication of the sexual or affectional orientation of that person or the members of that organization. For further informa- tion, please write to The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emp- [email protected]. The Empty Closet is the official publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and national gay- related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from the local gay community; to help pro- mote leadership within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate. Part of our purpose is to maintain a middle position with respect to the entire community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consid- eration the views of all – women, men, people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessar- ily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney. Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other con- tributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the edi- tor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605; e-mail: [email protected]. The online edi- tion of EC is available at www.gayalliance.org. 36 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 470 • AUGUST 2013