Rainbowtimesnews.Com F R E E ! Pride ‘08: Northampton Pride & Marriage Makes a Word of Ainbow Imes Trans Pride Unite Difference

Year 2, Vol. 19 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 The www.therainbowtimesnews.com F R E E ! Pride ‘08: Northampton Pride & Marriage makes a word of ainbow imes Trans Pride unite difference. T p. R p. 18 17 Your LGBT News in Western MA, the Capital District of NY, Northern CT, & Southern VT 8 Freeheld: OSCAR NOMINEE exclusive! P. 3

SUIT DISMISSED OVER SCHOOLS' SAME-SEX TEACHING P. 4

FELLOWSHIP for AFRICAN-AMERICAN LGBT CIVIL RIGHTS P. 6

CUPID AIN’T STUPID: VALENTINE’S GIFT IDEAS P. 8 NY COURT: OUT-OF-STATE SAME-SEX MARRIAGES VALID P. 22 Photo by: Heidi Gutman 2 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Opinions The Controversial Couch TRT’s 1st Year Anniversary: $ for you Lie back and listen. Then get up and do something By: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief resolution pictures of anything LGBTQ relat- to be without the other half; property ed. Photos or videos could come from a vari- By: Suzan Ambrose*/TRT Columnist RT's 1-Year Anniversary is here and of husbands; ‘till death do us part— ety of sources such as an event, an LGBT cou- never wanted to be a wife. A to celebrate it, we want to get you and it seemed they took that part lit- ple, yourself, your trans life in transition— partner, a girlfriend? Sure. involved in it. We want to publish erally, upon the mere utterance of the T before and after pictures—a special moment, Lover, better half (and a few I phrase! your videos, photos and more. The official 1- a moment in which you captured discrimina- other loose terms) are all better descriptions, Year Anniversary happened on February 1, The American Heritage dictionary defines tion, a rally, your coming out story, your trans for me anyhow, of what ‘relationship' means. 2008. However, we want more of it than just ‘wife’ as a woman married to a man. And journey, your story as the mother, father, And you wouldn’t believe the grief I catch a one-month celebration. with that sort of definition, you can see why daughter or an LGBT member, etc. If you for it. With enormous PRIDE, your support and some of us were never hip to using the word. have a story, we want to let our readers know “She’s your wife! Why don’t you call her lots of hard work from our family, friends and For so long, too many women stayed home, about it! It is how we will help connect with your wife?” they bellow, friends and strangers allies, we are proud to say that we have made giving up their careers, taking care of the chil- our community that surrounds us. We are alike. Disbelieving I won’t jump at the oppor- it! This year, we want more from you! What is dren, waiting for their Kings of the Castle to seeking photos and videos from our quad- tunity to assimilate. in it for you? Let me explain. come home and complete them. They were state area of coverage (Western MA, the It appears now that gay people are allowed We want you to submit your LGBTQI pho- nothing without their man. Capital District of NY, Northern CT and to marry in Massachusetts; we are somehow tos (only photos with permission, that you “Wife” can conjure up feelings of being Southern VT). Simply tell us what makes also expected to conform to the exact same have taken) and videos* along throughout the nothing more than property, subservient, your story unique! Let the contest begin. stereotypical labeling as well. To which I say: next 3 months; March 2008 through May someone having dominance over another; * All photos and videos should be sent to edi- “please don’t rush me.” If you’re over 30, it’s something many of my straight friends 2008. If your photo is selected, we will pay not like you ever thought being married to you $25 and publish it with appropriate cred- [email protected]. Once you seemed to submit too eagerly, casually. Many submit your photos and videos, you waive all someone (gay) you loved was ever going to of us don’t want it to be like that, so eager to it in TRT, on TRT’s website, in our electronic be an option in your lifetime. So you never e-newsletter, The Pony Express, etc. If your of the rights to it/them and they will become be so casual; giving up your last name, your went there in your mind. Hardly. Perhaps as identity, and the very thing that defined who video is selected, you will receive $50 and be the property of The Rainbow Times, LLC. much as you thought wishing on a star would given video credit as it is played on our web- Please understand that we can run the photos, you were, all the years of your existence. actually give you your wish. You know what Poof, you’re a wife now. site. videos, etc., anytime we may choose, and that I’m saying. All photo submissions must be large, high you will always receive credit for your work. But what’s in a name, anyhow? In our com- And as a result of that, certain parameters munity, we’ve gone through quite a few name were formed about the type of relationship Read more Trans Opinions on Page 12 & 19 changes in labeling. First, we were referred to gays and lesbians were “allowed” to have. just as gay, then gay and lesbian, then came And yet, we still went to support our hetero the bisexuals. Now it’s the GLBT community, Love, Rights … and the Course of our country friends as they did the deed, solemnly swear- with straight allies, and a few extra conso- ing to be wedded wives or husbands forever By: JM Sorrell*/TRT Columnist two should run together, but nants added on every year that even the most and ever, Amen. politically-correct activists can be unaware y the time you read this, our presi- it is unlikely. S/he will It only took that simple oath of wed lock (is make a strategic choice, no of! Maybe we should be called the alphabet dential primary will have taken that a double entendre?) to turn some of my soup group … “Mmm, mmm, good …!” doubt. Someone conserva- Bplace. Perhaps there are clear nomi- favorite wild and crazy, independent-thinking, Being categorized verbally as dykes on tive. White. Male. I’m nees for November in the Democrat and freedom-loving friends into W.I.V.E.S. Never bikes, fags in drag and lots of other labels, can already mad about it. Gore Republican parties. With the time lapse from seem comical to us now, but these same words my column submission to print to distribu- chose Lieberman! John Letters to the Editor J.M. the JP were often deadly in years gone by. We’ve tion, I am writing this one week prior to the McCain would have been a fought against what some of these labels have Dear Editor, February 5th primary. Kucinich is out, and I less Republican choice. Kerry should have made us feel like, the boxes chosen Howard Dean to put some life and I didn’t like the Colton Ford pictures hope the Party finds a role for him as a moral See Couch on Page 23 leader within their ranks ala Howard Dean. bones into his campaign. because I thought they were too provoca- Clinton or Obama (one seems to be the like- Think about the dream team (okay, at least tive. I felt offended by them. ly candidate) will have challenges in a gener- relative to what we have). She has the expe- Joanne L. , Northampton, MA The Rainbow Times al election. The Republicans will really enjoy rience, the proven resilience, the diplomatic Dear Editor, 351 Pleasant St., #322 skewering Clinton every chance they get, and savvy. He has the youth and the openness of Kudos on a great interview with Colton Northampton, MA 01060 they will tiptoe more softly by saying that someone who has not yet been dragged down Ford! I enjoyed the issue. It really called www.therainbowtimesnews.com Obama is a great guy but has no experience. into the sell-your-soul vortex. our attention because of the photos. [email protected] Both candidates have made mostly support- Rob M., Albany, NY [email protected] Dear Editor, Phone: 413-204-8959 • Fax: 866-310-8512 Misogyny is alive and well in politics. When Clinton makes definitive The Colton Ford photo on the cover was NY: 518-391-2617 hot! The interview was good, but I wish that Publisher Columnists: statements, she is seen as harsh, and when she responds to the boys your writer would’ve asked him more ques- Gricel M. Ocasio Dr. Renee Lang about what they are up to, she is seen as weak. Even Obama seems to do tions. Thanks and great job on TRT. Editor-In-Chief Jennifer Dexter Tyrone M., Hartford, CT Nicole Lashomb Suzan Ambrose Dear Editor, Writers: the man-to-man thing by responding more to Bill than to the actual can- Distribution Who in their right mind would write some- Lindsay Wilson Ben Peterson thing positive about Ron Paul? Has Suzan J.M. Sorrell Misogyny is alive and well in politics. ive statements about a variety of LGBT rights Ambrose done her homework about this Sales Associates: (notably believing in federal legislation for Webmaster: When Clinton makes definitive statements, guy? I found her column obnoxious and SJ Seymour Jarred Johnson she is seen as harsh, and when she responds to social security for partners, health insurance, lacking. and job protection). Marriage is a sticking the boys about what they are up to, she is seen John C., Northampton, MA The Rainbow Times is published by The Rainbow Times, as weak. Even Obama seems to do the man- point, but neither wants to be part of prevent- LLC. The articles written by the writers, columnists, and to-man thing by responding more to Bill than ing progress on this front. They still have their Dear Editor, correspondents express their opinion, and do not repre- to the actual candidate. Of course, who knows heterosexist lens with the paradox of real Loved the article by Lindsay Wilson, sent the endorsement or opinion of The Rainbow Times, belief systems about fairness. Time and expo- LLC or its owners. To write letters to the editor, please about the strategy on either end of that? It “Standards of Care: A witty view of a trans- send your letters, with your name, address and phone does not feel right. sure would move them along, I hope. formation. What a great job of Tobias number to: The Rainbow Times (address shown above), Racist attacks are no longer an acceptable Keep your passports up to date in case of Davis. Martha S., Easthampton, MA or e-mail any comment/s to the editor at: social norm, but the Republican marketing emergency (any of the Republicans winning). Dear Editor, [email protected]. All submissions will be edited according to space constraints. The people will find ways to feed the fears of Media coverage of the Republican primary in I liked reading something about straight South Carolina lithely pointed to Huckabee v. Rainbow Times, LLC reserves the right not to print any white Americans about the possibility of a allies and how they can help with our strug- or all content, or advertisements for any reason at all. black president. It will all be subliminal as McCain as those voters choosing between gle. The article’s content helped me explain TRT is not responsible for advertising content. To much of the corporate advertising we experi- fundamentalist beliefs and pro-war senti- things better to my sister who supports me, receive The Rainbow Times at your home via regular ence. ments. Am I the only person who thinks these but didn’t have a clue about what things to mail, or through electronic delivery, please visit our are insane choices?! website. The content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the I have moved on to wondering who will be do as an LGBT ally. sole property of The Rainbow Times and it cannot be the VP running mate. Given the split, these See Country on Page 4 Vivianne R., Pittsfield, MA reproduced at all without TRT’s consent. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 3 More Opinions & News The Legacy Lives On: Oscar Nominee Freeheld Cynthia Wade’s film with a Purpose

By: JM Sorrell/TRT Writer A: I’d like to address the content and inten- A: I have been working with several leading Thanks to TRT, I had the unique privilege to tion first. I always envisioned this as a short groups and foundations to understand major watch and review an advance copy of documentary, and that is not always as count- votes, and I have learned that there will be Freeheld last April. I spoke with the filmmak- ed by the industry as full-length documen- eight to nine breakthrough states during this er and met with her when she held a screening taries. I experienced some disbelief from the election year. Issues range from domestic at Pleasant Street Theatre for her northeast industry. I knew it was much more effective in partnerships to marriage equality. If we can premiere (see TRT, May 2007). We met again the ten weeks I spent with Laurel to edit for win the Oscar, there will be many more in November at the Northampton Independent the 38 minute length rather than padding it to events. I have deferred my own salary for two Film Festival, NIFF, where the film was be a longer film. It can so easily be used for years. I have to keep the staff going and pay shown and we exchanged emails while Wade educational purposes. myself. We need to do targeted screenings in was at Sundance in January waiting for the I have shown this film in 26 states and seven these states. Right now, staff is here without news. countries for a total of 50 screenings, and I benefits because they believe in the story. It From the beginning, I knew this film was have faithfully used it to talk about issues of would be a missed opportunity not to be able powerful on many levels. In 38 minutes, equality. People are too exhausted after 75-90 to fully realize this film’s impact and poten- Wade shows us the lives of Laurel Hester and minutes for a good Q&A. Honoring the short tial. Stacie Andree. Hester was a retired New film has been important. It was a long shot. I This is not just for the gay community. Jersey police lieutenant who, upon learning had to be willing to take the financial risk. There needs to be a hybrid audience. I worked she was dying of lung cancer, wanted to This Oscar nomination is to fully realize with the Mormon community last summer. ensure that her partner would receive her pen- Laurel’s dream. Every film has its own path, The woman who underwrote the Salt Lake sion benefits. The Documentary Short gives and a film such as this has tremendous poten- City release had left the church and come out us an insider’s look into the last 10 weeks of tial. as lesbian. She saw the film in California, and Hester’s life, the struggle for equal treatment For me, having passed 20 years of filmmak- CYNTHIA WADE felt it was important to bring it to Salt Lake under the law, and the supporting characters ing, it has been incredibly difficult to raise Photo by: Heidi Gutman City. I had three days of screenings there. who provide us with hope that most people money. It is often very lonely with your own and Laurel, people can understand the issue of Domestic benefit rights are a huge issue. The want to do what is right. vision and a long road to realize it. I have equality. It is helpful in opening other peo- mayor is for it; others are against it. Most of I interviewed Wade by phone on January been just a loner out there. This nomination is ples’ eyes. the underwriter’s friends came. Couples 28, 2008. an amazing nod from the industry. It’s an Q: Why are you raising money and how will stayed for discussion. JM: Congratulations on your Oscar nomina- enormous honor and a dream. it be used? See Freeheld on Page 4 tion! You worked very hard for this. When we My life is the same. I am still sending out PR, spoke last spring, you were beginning to pre- figuring out how to pay staff, etc. miere the film across the country. Describe Q: Your day to day life is still the same?! Are this process. you in shock? CW: It’s been really just a testament to A: Yes, it has not really sunk in. A week from everyone not getting distracted from what the today [on February 4], there will be an Oscar film would mean in terms of the election year luncheon for all nominees in LA. I know this timing and the necessity of setting this stage. sounds weird, but I’m really worried about Many states will have same-sex ballot meas- what to wear. This is not something I am used ures this year. I feel really satisfied that I fol- to. Not to stereotype, but I am very grateful lowed up on everything I told Laurel I would that so many gay men have been helping me do. with this. Q: What was the first thing you did when you Q: How does this help you to fulfill Laurel heard the news? Hester’s dreams? A: I squealed and gave my husband a HIGH A: The election year timing was by design. I FIVE. He was with me taking care of the girls made a promise to Laurel to use the film as a [Wade’s daughters]. It was 2:30 a.m. in Utah way to leverage the awareness. With the at the Sundance Film Festival. Oscar nomination, we can do this exponen- Q: How did Stacie and Dana and others close tially. On nomination day, we got 6,000 hits to Laurel take the news? [on our web site] from 47 countries. We can- A: Everyone was on pins and needles. They not underestimate the power of it. all said they had restless sleep. Stacie was one Q: Art can change social norms. How can of the first people I called, and she was happy and will this film serve in this way? and proud. The night before she re-found A: Individual communities take small steps. something of Laurel’s in the house that she A woman from Kansas just e-mailed me; she had forgotten about. A body chill went did not realize that, as a heterosexual, she had through her and she realized it [the Oscar so many more rights than lesbians and gay nomination] would happen. men. With an ordinary couple such as Stacie Q: What does the nomination mean for you as a filmmaker and for the content and intention Scholarships for LGBT students? of the film? Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring and hope to meri- Remember, torious students who are marginal- ized due to sexual orientation, gender you saw it expression or gender identity. TRT For more info. visit: here first! www.pointfoundation.org/ 4 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com In ‘The Name of God’ Court upholds dismissal of suit over schools' same-sex teaching BOSTON (AP)—A federal appeals court on children's elementary school classrooms. depicted a gay family. Joseph and Robin when the school imposes no requirement that Thursday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit Tonia and David Parker of Lexington sued Wirthlin joined the suit after a second-grade the student agree with or affirm those ideas, or filed by Lexington parents who objected to school officials in April 2006 after their son teacher read the class a story about two even participate in discussions about them,'' same-sex families being discussed in their brought home a book from kindergarten that “Public schools are not obliged to shield individual students from ideas Freeheld from page 3 The national public radio affiliate held an I am friends with the filmmakers who are in which potentially are religiously offensive, particularly when the school hour-long interview with me. competition with me. Ours has the strongest imposes no requirement that the student agree with or affirm those ideas, or Also, the chaplain at DePaul University ties to immediate social issues in this coun- was moved. This is a very Catholic place. try. even participate in discussions about them,'' the court said in its ruling. Other Catholic universities were invited to Q: Will you attend the Academy Awards cer- come because the chaplain thought it was emony?[believing that the writers’ strike will princes falling in love. the court said in its ruling. important. be over] In a ruling last week, the 1st U.S. Circuit Jeffrey Denner, an attorney for the parents, Q: Have you experienced any negative feed- A: Yes, I will attend. Court of Appeals agreed with a judge who said they were disappointed with the ruling back? Q: What are you working on now? ruled in February 2007 that parents' rights to and are considering appealing to the U.S. A: No, and I have been waiting for it. A: Nothing right at this moment since we exercise their religious beliefs are not violat- Supreme Court. Shelter Dogs [Wade’s HBO documentary have morphed into a PR agency from a film ed when their children are exposed to contrary “Normally, when kids are taught certain about an animal rescue shelter that both company. I just directed a commissioned ideas in school. things, they believe it to come from on high,” places and euthanizes dogs] slammed me documentary for a pediatric hospital in “Public schools are not obliged to shield Denner said. “I think this influences the way with animal activists. I had to get a security Phoenix. individual students from ideas which poten- they think in very, very direct ways and guard for some of the screenings. I thought I am considering two themes for my next tially are religiously offensive, particularly becomes functionally indoctrinating to them.” this would be the same. It has not happened. film. Death row-based is possible, or it Q: What did you like at Sundance? could be an immigration-themed film. N.H. lawmaker withdraws bill to curb civil unions A: I only saw two films because I was so Q: How can we—as leaders and activists— CONCORD, N.H. (AP)—A bill to bar New favor of adopting a civil unions law that just busy preparing for the Academy Award nom- help you? Hampshire from recognizing same-sex unions took effect. A: By blogging and having a presence on the inee announcement. I met with potential fun- outside the state has been unexpectedly with- The civil unions law recognizes civil unions ders. I saw a film called American Soldier: A Internet. A donation towards our election drawn. and same-sex marriages contracted outside Recruiter. I had shot some of the film [Wade outreach is much appreciated. Go to our web State Rep. Maureen Baxley—who opposed New Hampshire as civil unions under the teaches advanced cinematography courses at site: www.freeheld.com. You can sign up for the bill— told the House Judiciary Committee state's law. The bill would have prohibited the New School]. I liked that it was a non- a future DVD that will be released this sum- at the start of a hearing recently that the spon- that. The bill faced long odds of passing this judgmental way to show how the world’s mer. It will have extras and additional sors had asked her to request that the House year. best sales person does this with high school footage. On the drop-down menu under students. “Contact,” there are instructions for tax- kill the bill. The Legislature had fought over The Catholic Diocese of Manchester sub- Also, I saw a Boston-based film called deductible donations through our fiscal the same issue last year and rejected it in mitted testimony supporting the ban. Secrecy. It is about the movement towards a sponsor, Women Make Movies. Also, you secretive government in this country. My can help by keeping the awareness and buzz Country from page 2 friend is the filmmaker. alive. Finally, who in their right heart would vote chooses based on his own bias. See his web Q: Have you seen the other Doc-Short con- Note: The conversation ended when I told for Ron Paul? He is anti-choice (refers to site. Much of his rhetoric is about the needs of tenders? Cynthia that in my 25+ years of activism, she fetus murders and overturning Roe), anti- individuals rather than groups. As a privi- A: Yes, I have seen the doc-short con- is the ally I am most moved by. Her journey immigration (secure the borders now!), leged white heterosexual male, perhaps he tenders. They are all beautifully-shot films. is far from over in terms of commitment to believes in church and state (noting that the does not have to worry about group affiliation full equality, secular Left is anti-Christian), he “seeks Jesus since he is de facto in the power group. His knowing the Christ’s guidance in all that he does (sound principles are counter to any form of cooper- power of her too familiar?),” he believes that all Americans ative existence. This is so bad that I can hard- film, and have a right to bear any arms (including ly think about it. To express support for Ron spending her assault weapons, and not restricted by psychi- Paul is irresponsible when our country and the own resources atric assessment), he is against all stem-cell world are in such precarious states. to raise aware- research, and he is against any measure of The course of history and the health, liberty and lives of many are on the line. This is seri- ness about affirmative action as it applies to race and gender. ous business. LGBT rights. Paul is yet another extreme example of * J.M. Sorrell is a Justice of the Peace and an Support her and exploiting religion without a true spiritual elder advocate. She uses humor as a defense the film, every- practice. He claims to want government out mechanism regularly, but she finds it particular- one. of our private lives, but if you review my ly challenging as applied to global politics these short list, it is obvious that he picks and days. Vote, please. Change is necessary.

EN STREET C GRE AFÉ 64 Green Sreet Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 413-586-5650 Hours of Service Wine & Cheese Bar: Every night from 5 p.m. Lunch: Monday-Friday, 12-2 p.m. Dinner: Every night from 5 p.m. Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Private dining rooms available for parties of 8 to 50 guests. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 5 Featured Business Green Street Café: Rising like the Phoenix

By: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief p.m., and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. - 2 Initially launching in 1991 and temporarily p.m. No reservations are needed. closing for 8-months during 2007, Green The Green Street Café is located at 64 Street Café has been born again, according to Green Street in Northampton, Mass. For more the restaurant’s founder and co-owner. information or to arrange your private reser- “We closed down on Feb 28, 2007 and re- vation, call 413-586-5650. opened in October of that same year, renovat- “Wear jeans or dress up, everything goes,” ed some, and added a wine and cheese bar that said Sielski. sits 20 people. It runs every night from 5- midnight, no reservations needed,” said John Sielski, Co-owner, Green Street Café, Northampton, Mass. Want to have Sielski and Jim Dozmati, co-owner and life- long partner of 31 years, husband of 3 years, your business claim that the most important service they offer is the quality of their products. showcased in TRT? “The quality of the food is the most important thing here,” said Sielski. “Everything that we do here is because of the food. We grow Call 413.204.8959 our own vegetables; we’re organic. We’re well staffed in the kitchen. Everything that we Photo by: N. Lashomb or 518.391.2617 do emanates from the kitchen, which Green St. Café continues to have a very successful Wine and Cheese Bar that sits 20 people and goes emanates from the garden.” on all night long. The Green St. Café is located at 64 Green St., Northamptpon, Mass. A 40-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Sielski says that the flavor of the food is what According to Sielski, Green Street Café ties with 8 – 50 guests. Accommodations to continues to keep him excited about this busi- caters to private functions for the business reserve the entire restaurant, which seats 90, TRT ness. Food selections at the Green Street Café community and general public too. can also be arranged. range from Root Vegetable Rinotlo to Steak, “At times, small groups of professionals “We have great flexibility because we have Duck and Lamb. In addition to the food selec- will have meetings and presentations here or a large space,” said Sielski. The one ... tion, a wide variety of wines are also avail- people reserve different rooms for parties,” The hours of operation for the Green Street The only. able, the wine list offering 23 options. said Sielski. Café are as follows: Lunch: Monday-Friday Private dining rooms are available for par- 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., Dinner: Every night from 5 6 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Queer News: Take Action Lambda Legal Announces Fellowship for African-American LGBT Civil Rights 'Lambda Legal announces the Garner color, and to increase the diversity of attor- "Tyron Garner didn't set out to be an In September 1998, sheriff's deputies burst Fellowship as it prepares to celebrate the fifth neys working in the movement for LGBT activist," said Lambda Legal Executive into a Houston, Texas, apartment where anniversary of Lawrence and Garner v. Texas, rights by mentoring law students who intend Director Kevin Cathcart. "But he had the Garner was having sex with John Lawrence. the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, in to focus on those issues within the African- courage and conviction to stand up to an Both men were arrested and charged with vio- June 2008.' American community. The Garner Fellowship unjust law. Because of his challenge to the lating the Texas Homosexual Conduct Law. New York—Lambda Legal is proud to will address the intersection of LGBT dis- Texas sodomy law, the U.S. Supreme Court They eventually appealed their case, announce the establishment of the Tyron crimination and racism, sexism, and poverty recognized that love, sexuality, and family Lawrence and Garner v. Texas, to the U.S. Garner Memorial Fellowship for African- that affects African-American LGBT commu- play the same role in gay people's lives as Supreme Court, where Lambda Legal's victo- American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and nities. they do for everyone else. His struggle will ry swept away sodomy laws remaining in 13 Transgender Civil Rights, named for one of The fellowship committee is looking for have a lasting impact for all of us, gay or states, and vindicated the constitutional right the men in Lambda Legal's landmark lawsuit candidates who have first-hand understanding straight, who value our constitutional rights." to privacy between consenting adults. that overturned existing sodomy laws across of the issues that affect communities of color The fellowship is a tribute to Garner, an To apply to the Tyron Garner Memorial the United States. and have experience working with LGBT and African-American man, who died in 2006 at Fellowship please visit: http://www.lambdale- Through the program, Lambda Legal hopes HIV issues within the African- American the age of 39. gal.org/about-us/jobs/attorney/tyron-garner- to extend its current work serving people of communities. Lawrence and Garner v. Texas Background: memorial-fellow.html NY Post runs offensive lesbian headline, newspaper has history of anti-gay slurs The New York Post today ran a story about an for journalistic standards. ongoing criminal trial with the outrageous The Post’s decision to describe the subject of this article using the To contact the staff involved in this article, and offensive headline "Evil Lesbian Mom write to: Laura Italiano, Reporter, New York Left Toddler to Die Slow Death: DA." phrase “evil lesbian”—when it clearly would not highlight the orien- Post; [email protected]; or Michelle The Post’s decision to describe the subject Gotthelf, Metro Editor, New York Post, mgot- of this article using the phrase “evil les- tation of a heterosexual suspect—is the latest incident in the [email protected] bian”—when it clearly would not highlight paper’s long, documented history of anti-gay slurs. To read the article, go to: the orientation of a heterosexual suspect—is www.nypost.com/seven/01252008/news/regio the latest incident in the paper’s long, docu- nalnews/evil_lesbian_mom_left_toddler_to_d mented history of anti-gay slurs. In addition, the story used the gratuitous online version of the headline to reflect the ie_slo_736158.htm “The Post does it again,” said Rashad and sensationalistic term "lesbian lovers." reality that the suspect's sexual orientation is For more information about this article and Robinson, GLAAD’s Senior Director of After GLAAD contacted editors at the New irrelevant to the facts of the case. Tell the Post other similar articles, please visit: Media Programs. “Yet another inflammatory York Post, its representatives refused to you will not tolerate its continued disrespect www.glaad.org. irresponsible headline designed to defame an change the offensive headline on its website. entire community rather than inform the GLAAD strongly urges you to contact the Film in Contention for “Best Documentary Short Subject” Oscar story.” New York Post and demand that it change the Los Angeles—The Gay & Lesbian Alliance terms with losing one another. Against Defamation (GLAAD) recently con- “Freeheld shows the power that personal gratulated director Cynthia Wade and produc- stories have to change hearts and minds and to er Vanessa Roth on the nomination of their move a community to action,” said GLAAD film, Freeheld, for an Academy Award®in the President Neil G. Giuliano. “Though the category of “Best Documentary Short film’s impetus was the discrimination gay and Subject.” This is the first Oscar® nomination lesbian couples face, it is ultimately about the for Wade and Roth. triumph of spirit and how a community came Freeheld documents the struggle of New together to do the right thing.” Jersey Detective Lieutenant Laurel Hester in The telecast of the 80th Annual Academy her effort to transfer her pension to her Awards® is scheduled for Sunday, February domestic partner, Stacie Andree. With less 24 on ABC. than six months to live as cancer spreads to The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against THE HONORABLE her brain, Laurel battles the Ocean County Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to pro- J. MARY SORRELL Freeholders, her elected officials, to give to moting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclu- ] Stacie what heterosexual married couples sive representation of people and events in the A MEMBER OF OUR TRIBE JM the JP receive automatically. The film captures both media as a means of eliminating homophobia the very public and urgent dispute with the and discrimination based on gender identity Have you met the Freeholders, as well as Laurel and Stacie’s and sexual orientation. For more information, intensely private struggle as they come to please visit www.glaad.org. LOVE of YOUR LIFE? All couples, odd and beautiful, deserve to be recognized.

My commitment is to serve each and every couple to meet your unique needs, from simple to large weddings (and everything in between).

Secular, spiritual, inter-faith, and couples I have not yet imagined should call me! Peace, JM

Also serving heterosexual couples. “Some of my best friends ...”

413.427.4153 • email: [email protected]

JUSTICE LGBTQ OF COUPLES THE PEACE SERVING www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 7 Local Business Events & Accomplishments Local roofer gains recognition for For the love of Women: Feb. 9th Winter Gala for Lesbians & friends Roof Recycling Program Adam Quenneville Roofing keeps the With his unique recycling program, The area’s premiere event for lesbians benefiting the Women’s environment in mind on every job Quenneville purchased a dedicated dump Fund of Western MA truck that his team fills on each job. His ded- Springfield, MA—Adam Quenneville, of icated recycling driver then hauls the thou- Easthampton, MA— This year’s For The Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM), a Adam Quenneville Roofing, was recently fea- sands of pounds of waste to a recycling center Love of Women benefit gala will be held on foundation that supports women and girls tured in a national publication for his unique in Connecticut. Saturday, February 9, at 8:00 p.m., at The throughout the four counties.To date the gala environmentally-friendly recycling program. “With my own truck, I figured I could take Clarion Hotel in Northampton, MA. An esti- has raised more than $100,000 from over mated 350 lesbian women and friends will 1,000 lesbians and their allies to benefit the come together to celebrate the lesbian com- Women’s Fund, which is dedicated to The materials that Quenneville recycles are used as a base for asphalt munity’s commitment to creating social advancing philanthropy that promotes social change for women and girls. Last year this and economic equality for all women and roads and as filling in sewer and pipe lines. “In the end, it costs a little more premiere event for lesbians sold out so we’ve girls in Western Massachusetts . “The funds for the company to recycle all the waste, but I just felt like it was the right gone to a larger venue to accommodate the raised support grantees and programs that numbers expected. help create a world where all women and thing to do for my customers and for our environment,” Quenneville said. Invitations are in the mail for this spectac- girls can thrive. When the lives of women ular evening that will feature sweets and and girls improve, entire communities are With the program, Quenneville recycling the this trash anywhere I wanted, and with all the savories, mix and mingle, cash bar, a raffle, lifted up,” comments Executive Director thousands of pounds of debris created by focus on the environment, I thought we could and two dance floors with hot tunes spun by Carla Oleska. every roof replacement his company per- use it to make a difference. Last year alone, DJ Thonsey Keopanya. There will also be a The event is generously underwritten by forms. we recycled over three million pounds of roofing,” Quenneville said. quieter “down tempo” room with couches area business sponsors whose support for the “Your average home has about 10,000 pounds of roofing come off when you replace The materials that Quenneville recycles are for those seeking relaxing conversation. For the Love of Women gala demonstrates a roof,” Quenneville said. “I knew there had used as a base for asphalt roads and as filling One of the most popular raffle prizes this their commitment to creating a community to be a better solution to get rid of that waste in sewer and pipe lines. “In the end, it costs a year is a Caribbean cruise vacation for two, celebration while also promoting the mission than just dumping it in a landfill.” little more for the company to recycle all the donated by Olivia, a cruise and travel organ- of the Women’s Fund. Quenneville found a “green” solution and waste, but I just felt like it was the right thing ization catering to lesbians. Also on the raf- Event admission is $40 per person by pre- his company has been gaining attention for it to do for my customers and for our environ- fle docket is a weekend getaway at an inn, a registration only, which can be made by con- ever since. Recently, he was featured in The ment,” Quenneville added. spa indulgence, and more. A downloadable tacting Julie Holt , Office Manager, WFWM, Compass, the official magazine of Success Customers interested in recycling their version of the invitation is also available at at 413-529-0087 x 10. Call by February 1st. Group International, an organization of suc- existing roof and having a brand new roof www.womensfund.net. The event is wheel- Special room rates are available at the cessful business owners across the United installed with Adam Quenneville Roofing can chair accessible. Clarion Hotel upon reservation. States and Canada of which Quenneville is a contact Quenneville at 413-536-5955. The event is a benefit for the Women’s member. 8 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com QueerValentine Ideas Cupid Ain’t Stupid: Valentine’s gifts that’ll getcha some By: Mikey Rox* Urvashi; and “25 one basket, but what about your b@(($? An er flies in Rio Grande years of amalgamation of the all-over body tattoos the domes- Let his package shine like the midday sun in Hairstyles.” For that worn by Japanese tic United swimwear by BoyRio ($39.99-$54.99, gregarious guy, the organized-crime States. www.boyrio.com). third installment in syndicate, The Savings Andrea Meyerson’s Pairing daring prints Yakuza, Baskit’s include with flattering fits, series on gay this Arizona-based comics, Laughing new Body Art line $300 on company’s concept Matters… The Men features low-rise companion draws on the exuber- ($24.95), combines briefs ($21) con- travel ance of South stand-up with can- structed of 180gram (flight sav- American style, did interviews of cotton, while the ings are inspired by Brazil's today’s most fagu- Baskit Beauties $75 per breathtaking beach- lous funnymen, boxer brief collec- ticket with es, to create fresh, including Bruce tion ($22-$24), craft- the Vilanch, Alec Mapa, Bob Smith, Scott distinctive designs ed from the same required that’ll make a splash Kennedy, Andre Kelly no matter where he touts his tan. Aptly pro- and Eddy Sarfaty. quality material, pays homage to World War purchased II-era U.S. Air Force bombers and their pinup of two tick- viding more coverage than the bemoaned He So Horny bikini while leaving less to the imagination girl-painted fuselages. Also available in ’08: ets; mem- Set his heart—or at least his A bronze-green boxer brief with contrasting bers have access to this savings twice); 2,500 than standard square-cuts, these “sunga” style neck—on fire with handcrafted suits—like the scorching Carmen Racer in jewelry by Cruz Azur vermillion orange trim ($18); a low-rise brief AAdvantage bonus miles; and discounts and red—combine the spirit of summer with an (www.cruzazur.com). At 16-inch- with white cotton body and mesh pouch special offers from program participants, such athletic aesthetic guaranteed to turn up your es long, the Austin Smolka- ($20); and the Lucky 7s swim bikini, inspired as Budget and Alamo rental cars, Samsonite, temperature. The added bonus? What goes on, designed rosary with baroque by LeMans’ race cars ($34). Gentleman, start SkyMall, Ticketmaster, Wyndham Hotels & must come off. cross ($75), symbolizing life and your engines! Resorts, and more. Just remember to pack Live, Love, Laugh health, is made of 925 sterling lightly. You’ll want to preserve your energy Spread Your Seed Add more dandy to your domestic partnership silver, accented by a red resin for the many ways he’ll thank you. with side-splitting DVDs from Ariztical stone at its center. The Italian Enhance the environment and impress your Entertainment (www.ariztical.com). On Kate horn or “cornu” ($90), intended sweetie by having a redwood seedling planted Heart Songs Clinton: 25th Anniversary ($19.95), the veter- to protect the wearer from the in his or her honor. For a donation of $50 or Pour some wine and snuggle up to singer- an performer celebrates a quarter-century of evil eye and bring good luck, is 1.5-inches more to Save-the-Redwoods League songwriter Ron Morris’ “Boyfriend and Other queer comedy with political satire, witty one- long by 1.2-inches wide and die cast in red (www.savetheredwoods.org), you can give a Sides of Love” (www.ronmorrismusic.com), liners, and celeb cameos by Lily Tomlin, resin topped with 925 sterling silver. True, gift that’ll last more an intimate pop-folk EP that covers the five Melissa Etheridge and Billie Jean King. this isn’t what he picked out from Cartier, but than 2,500 years as facets of amore: loving, longing, laughing, what does he expect? Homo shouldn’t have Extras include one-on-one chats with the leg- the League collabo- loneliness and, of course, murder. The endary lesbian comedienne; “Kate on Manhunted behind your back. rates with California album’s eponymous first single hinges on the Katrina”; “Bushes and Dykes”; a backstage Baskit Case pass with Clinton and her partner of 19 years, State Parks to culti- edge of hopeless romanticism while capturing They say you shouldn’t put all your eggs in vate and plant your the playful waiting seedling. Once ger- for a lover’s return minated, the saplings with several incar- are then returned to nations, including the same forest from remixes by The which the seed origi- Freemans, People nated. Save-the- Theatre, and Redwoods League delivers a commemorative V*I*R*G*O. card and photograph of an ancient redwood Along with the title forest to the recipient to showcase the gift, track, the disc also and dedicated trees will support reforestation includes “Masterpiece of Why,” a preview efforts in California. Until, of course, they all track from Morris’ upcoming full-length CD, go up in flames. But, as Janet Jackson would True Stained Lies; a boys-will-be-boys ver- say, “That’s the way love goes.” sion of the late composer Hughie Cannon’s classic “Frankie and Johnny,” and a cover of Perk Up “We All Sleep Alone,” made famous by the Though not as exciting as joining the Mile incomparable Cher. Which you probably High Club, American Airlines’ TrAAvel Perks know by heart. program ($129, annually; * Who is Mikey Rox? Who gives a #@$&! But traavelperks.com/home/rainbow.jsp) offers you can visit him at www.myspace.com/rox- discounts on destinations anywhere the carri- mikey. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 9 10 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Queer Health News & More Sleep: The most important Cure for other problems By: Dr. Renee Lang*/TRT Health Columnist increased risk of obesity. Obesity in turn Prescription med- exist. Commonly used supplements include Most of us experience a bout of insomnia at increases an individual’s risk for diabetes, ications for insom- magnesium, calcium, melatonin and 5HTP. If some point in our lives. Whether caused by heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, nia allow an indi- taking magnesium or calcium use the citrate an acute stress or done deliberately to cram cancer and respiratory problems. Obesity vidual to fall asleep or glycinate forms. 5HTP and melatonin for an exam, insomnia affects our state of itself causes 17% of cancer deaths. but may interfere should be used under the guidance of a quali- health the next day. Individual episodes of Chronic insomnia also causes hormone with deep, restora- fied practitioner. insomnia don’t appear to cause long-term imbalances that cause or contribute to PMS, tive sleep. In addi- Common herbal remedies include valerian, health problems. menopause symptoms, fatigue, depression tion, many of them passionflower, skullcap, and lemon balm. However, frequent episodes of insomnia do and anxiety, irritability, decreased sex drive, may be addictive Some individuals experience a paradoxical contribute to multiple negative effects on the and thyroid disorders. During a typical health physically or emo- effect from valerian resulting in increased body. Insomnia is defined as an inability to night, levels of melatonin, growth hormone, tionally. None of anxiety or insomnia. Take a trial dose initial- fall asleep, inability to maintain sleep, waking and serotonin increase in the body. These DR. RENEE LANG them treat the ly during the day on a day when you’re not up too early (less than 7 hours), or restless or hormones promote restoration and regenera- underlying causes of required to operate machinery. Lemon balm poor quality sleep. The optimal amount of tion. Insomnia often increases levels of the insomnia. Instead I recommend seeking help may cause a negative effect on thyroid hor- sleep per night falls between 7 – 9 hours. stress hormone cortisol and high cortisol lev- from a naturopathic doctor or qualified holis- mone levels and should not be used in those Chronic insomnia, insomnia lasting longer els, stimulated by stress and thoughts of the tic practitioner. with hypothyroid except under the supervi- than 30 days, causes or contributes to weight day, cause insomnia. The following diet and lifestyle suggestions sion of a qualified practitioner. gain, hormone imbalance, fatigue, mood dis- The release of cortisol decreases or inhibits promote proper sleep. As always, when using herbal remedies use orders, and decreased ability to deal with the release of serotonin, melatonin, and • Get regular exercise 5 days per week includ- only the highest quality herbs from reputable stress. In addition, insomnia may contribute growth hormone. Serotonin is one of the key ing weight bearing and cardio. companies and get dosage advice from a qual- to thyroid dysfunction, increased blood pres- hormones that regulate mood, appetite, pain, • Learn stress management techniques includ- ified practitioner. sure, cancer, diabetes, and pain. and the sense of well-being. Decreased levels ing deep breathing, reframing, or meditation. Insomnia affects millions of people each A recent study demonstrated that women due to insomnia cause depression, anxiety, • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption in year. If you experience insomnia do not who slept 5 hours or less per night weighed fatigue, irritability, and contribute to PMS and general and especially within two hours of ignore it. Seek help from your doctor or a almost 5.5 lbs more than women who slept menopause. bed. local naturopathic doctor. When treated you more than 7 hours. Individuals getting fewer Consistent, adequate, and restful sleep must • Avoid caffeine and sugar before bed. will experience a much more rewarding and than 7 hours of sleep per night have an be obtained for optimal wellbeing and health. • Check prescription medication for side enjoyable life. effects and caffeine. * Dr. Renee Lang is the owner of Pioneer • Avoid taking stimulating nutrients after 4 or Naturopathic Medicine in Northampton and Finding You the RIGHT One, Not Just Anyone 5 p.m. including carnitine and B vitamins. in Brattleboro, Vermont. Submit your ques- In addition to the above diet and lifestyle tion to Dr. Lang at TRT’s website (Health recommendations, multiple natural remedies Section). We understand ... • It’s hard to meet the right Pride & Joy Celebrates 16 Years person. NORTHAMPTON, discounts, surprise author appear- • You are busy and want MA—On Saturday, ances and more—come say hello • Personal, Discreet, matches chosen just for you. 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(413) 665-3218 • massmatch.com • [email protected] Queer Cinema You Can’t Miss! Vivere (Lesbian) the needs of his family in first-time director Jonah Genre: Drama, Romance; Rating: Not yet rated Markowitz’s unsentimental and well-acted gay Distribution: Limited Release surfer romance. Director: Angelina Maccarone Filthy Gorgeous: The Trannyshack Story Starring: Hannelore Elsner, Esther Zimmering, (TRANS) Kim Schnitzer, Egbert-Jan Weeber, Tygo Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not yet rated Gernand; Release Date: 02/29/08 Distribution: Limited Release Notes: Premiered at 2008 Palm Springs Director: Sean Mullens International Film Festival Release Date: 00/00/00 Synopsis: The lives of three troubled women Synopsis: This documentary looks at the "gender intersect one fateful Christmas Eve and become delusionists" of San Francisco's infamous club inextricably linked in this touching exploration of Trannyshack. Francesca, Eva and Gerlinde—three lost souls Four Letter Word, A (Lesbian, Gay) on the run. Genre: Comedy, Romance; Rating: Not yet rated Shelter (Gay) Limited Release; Director: Casper Andreas; Genre: Drama, Romance; Rating: Not yet rated Distributor: Embrem Entertainment Distribution: Limited Release Release Date: 03/01/08 Director: Jonah Markowitz Notes: Premiered at 2007 Miami Gay and Starring: Trevor Wright, Brad Rowe, Tina Lesbian Film Festival; Synopsis: Luke (Archer) is Holmes, Jackson Wurth, Ross Thomas always looking for the next hot guy -- until he Release Date: 03/21/08 meeets Stephen (David), who makes him consid- Notes: Premiered at 2008 Palm Springs er monogamy for the first time. Meanwhile, International Film Festival Marilyn (Virginia Bryan) is busy planning her Synopsis: An unexpected attraction to his best wedding -- until her female AA sponsor confess- friend’s older brother forces Zach, a handsome artist and surfer, to reconcile his own desires with es her feelings for her. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 11 12 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com QPolitics & More Opinions Some gay activists frustrated as issues linger on sideline of 2008 campaign By: David Crary/AP National Writer rights themes, said the gay community's votes The president of the largest national gay- that the campaign rhetoric is dominated by NEW YORK (AP)—Few constituencies are are up for grabs—to any candidate who seeks rights organization, Joe Solmonese of the overarching issues—the economy, Iraq, as eager for the Republican Party to falter this them boldly. Human Rights Campaign, is upbeat about the health care—that virtually all voters, includ- political season as gay-rights activists. Yet as “They're all saying they're the ones for campaign. His group co-sponsored a televised ing gays, agree are paramount. they observe the Democratic presidential change—and one thing this country needs forum last August in which the Democratic “These campaigns are driven by polling campaign and the rest of the electoral land- change on is having a president who's for candidates addressed gay-rights topics, and he data,” he said. scape, their high hopes often are mixed with marriage equality,” Chasnoff said. “Instead, believes most gays and lesbians remain enthu- Beyond presidential politics and the Florida frustration. there's silence.” siastic about the Democratic field despite ballot measure, some activists point to other Even as they expect to support whichever Kerry Eleveld, news editor of The Advocate, some impatience. developments as reasons for optimism. For Democrat gets the presidential nomination, a prominent gay-oriented news magazine, Solmonese also sees an easing of anti-gay example, a grass-roots group, the National many activists are disappointed that the three drew a distinction between activists with rhetoric across the political scene—a contrast Stonewall Democrats, is working to boost the leading contenders rarely mention gay-rights major national gay-rights groups and local to 2004 and 2006 when voters in more than 20 number of gay and lesbian delegates at the topics unless responding to a question. activists without ties to Washington power- states approved measures to ban gay mar- Democratic National Convention. Spokesman “They don't want to broach civil unions, mar- brokers. riage. John Marble said the goal is to have more riage, equalizing benefits for same-sex cou- “The grass-roots activists are upset that the “Among those people who use the politics of than 320 such delegates out of a total of ples,” said Jennifer Chrisler, head of the candidates haven't been more out there, espe- fear, there's typically an element of American 4,049; that would be up from 282 gay dele- Family Equality Council, which supports gay cially on the issue of same-sex marriage,” she society that's put forward as a wedge issue, gates in 2004. and lesbian families. “The vast majority of said. “The lobbyist activists think in terms of and in this election it's illegal immigrants,” The long-term hope is that these gay delegates politicians don't lead, they follow.” electability. They're always going to be a little Solmonese said. “It doesn't seem to be us.” stay active in politics. Debra Chasnoff, a San Francisco filmmaker more practical and give more leeway to the Matt Foreman, executive director of the whose documentaries often explore gay- candidates.” National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, noted Realistic New Year Resolutions: It is what I intend to do this year, unlike before By: Deja Greenlaw*/TRT Columnist all? Or, have you been good? finally do it! ter with it. I'm not sure exactly how I dealt Looking back at past New Year’s, I remem- Of course I never with it except for slowly accepting that I was t's February already. It seems like New ber making my New Year's resolutions. When kept that resolution. "different" from the other children. Year's Eve was just a couple of weeks or I was a child every year my number one reso- Year after year, I I imagine that some Gays and Lesbians just so ago. I'm glad that the winter period is I lution every single year was to not wear would break it in a might have had similar resolutions trying to going fast, but I hope it slows down as the women's clothes. Yes, every year I was going matter of days, "straighten out" their lives. And I know how warmer weather finally starts arriving. Time to "straighten out" and be a boy/man and this sometimes hours. I lonely and confusing that can be. And, to sure does fly and we have been recently enter- compulsion to wear pretty dresses and make- just couldn't go on make a New Year's resolution to "correct" it tained by the Presidential race and the football up was getting in the way-After all, I was a without my "girl just sets your self up for certain failure year playoffs but we are still in the currently ten- boy and I rejected the idea of being a "sissy" fix." I was inexplica- after year. To experience failure so early, year der, young life of year 2008. And, speaking of and later on of being a "girlie man". Yes, bly addicted to dress- after year, just adds to the low self esteem. which, I have a question for all of you. How every year was the year that I would stop this ing and being a girl DEJA NICOLE GREENLAW What a way to start the New Year! are you doing with keeping up with your New crazy, embarrassing "habit" and start becom- and I was confused Now I make kinder, gentler resolutions or Year's resolutions? Broke any? Broke them ing a man. Yes, this was the year that I would and ashamed and mad at myself for once none at all. If I do make them, I think to see if more breaking my #1 resolution. I knew I was they are attainable. in over my head, I just didn't know how deep. This year, I didn't really make any, but, I Now I look back and I see how wrong I was will try to watch my weight, to take good care I imagine that some Gays and Lesbians just might have had similar resolutions trying to "straighten out" their lives. I know how lonely and confusing that can be.

to even think that I could "straighten out" but of myself, to treat myself well, and to further I had no information or support back then. I explore and teach non-trans people about www.seriosmarket.com thought that I was all alone with this problem transgender people. Even if all I do is to have and that there was no one like me in the whole them [non-trans people] see me doing all the “Where customers are friends & friends are customers.” world. I didn't dare ask anyone or tell anyone "normal" things that everyone does ... go to about my "problem," because I was afraid the market, run errands, go to shows, con- what might have happened. I envisioned my certs, dinners, clubs etc. Just being an active Family Owned & Operated since 1950! parents being ashamed and my friends and part in society. I don't have to change every- relatives looking at me funny. And for a boy one's mind. I would be happy if I can change Groceries • Deli • Fresh to admit that he really is a girl was just simply just a few. Fruits & Vegetables out of the question back then. It was not easy dealing with this "problem" especially when * Deja Nicole Greenlaw is an active member of DAILY SPECIALS TO GO you are starting school and you are learning UniTy, a Springfield, MA Transgender group. about society and the gender expectations. I She is now female and has transitioned in her Quality Meats admit that it was pretty tough trying to deal job at 3M after working there for 15 years as with this at the tender age of 5 years old. As male. She is a father of three adult children and Old Fashioned Service the years went by, I got a little better and bet- believes in being out and visible as Transgender. since 1950! STORE HOURS: Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. WE DELIVER Sun.: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

65 State Street • Northampton, MA Phone: 413-584-2633 • Fax: 413-585-9756 www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 13 QEntertainment The Enchantress: Idina Menzel casts another spell on queers with her new CD By B. Voss Hopefully, by the time they A: [Laughs] No. Especially For more information on Idina Menzel visit: She defied gravity in Wicked, but now do, I won’t be playing because we’re always travel- www.idinamenzel.com. Idina Menzel’s I Tony-winning Broadway belter Idina Menzel Elphaba’s grandmother. ing, so being home togeth- Stand (Warner Bros.) is out now. is defying expectations with her intimate and But it was such a coup er is really rare. heartfelt pop album, I Stand. Still floating to be asked to do the Q: It must get old to from the previous night’s surprise appearance Rent movie, having always have your gay TransAmerican Love Story been in the original friends drooling at Splash, New York’s premiere gay dance LOGO’s new trans dating reality show is club, the Long Island-born Enchanted star cast 10 years earlier. I over him. on! The lovely trans entertainer actress and examined her queer career path and explained never expected that to A: Oh, that’s okay, why she’s over the moon for her gay fans. happen, so I struck because let’s just activist Calpernia Addams will choose from Q: When did you first feel love from the gay gold. I’m proud of say that we’ve seen eight eligible men to finally stay with the man community? what we did, but you each other at our of her dreams. A: When I played a sexy gay performance can’t please everyone. best and our Alec Mapa hosts this groundbreaking and artist in Rent, I got a lot of letters from young Q: What made you worst. But what frolicsome elimination dating show. The people coming out who liked being portrayed want to work with pro- I love about transgender bachelorette, Calpernia, finds in a very fierce and strong way. ducer Glen Ballard on him is that he’s herself in a modern day fairytale as she's Q: Were you concerned about being typecast your new a really good being wooed by the dashing men. With the as a hypersexual lesbian? album? morning per- help of her trans best friend Andrea and a A: I never worried about that at all. I just A: Well, he son. He’s not parade of challenges and dates, Calpernia wanted to do good material. This week we co-wrote grouchy. I’ve whittles down her group of suitors in hopes of found out Rent was closing in June, and it’s “Man in had boyfriends finding her prince charming. been pretty emotional. I’ve been looking the in the past who For more information about the show: back, thinking about how it touched my life. Mirror,” needed their That’s where I met my husband [Taye Diggs]. you alone time in the www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/transameri- I got to spend time with Jonathan Larson know. I morning, but can_love_story/series.jhtml before he passed away. It set a tone for how I was also a Taye always want to be and how I want to experience life. huge wakes up happy. It taught me to embrace every moment and Alanis Q: Your new Women’s appreciate what’s given to me. That show was Morissette single “Brave” a real gift. fan, but it was begs the ques- Bowling Q: Coincidentally, your first film role was as about more than tion: What are League a bridesmaid in the lesbian comedy Kissing her music; I loved hearing you afraid of? Jessica Stein. about their process of working together. Like A: I’m ashamed of this, but I’m afraid of peo- Any women who might like bowling, or A: I only had one line: “Are you a lesbian?” me, she came from a different world—the ple not liking me. I so want to be liked. I put want to have a "league of their own" then But yeah, Taye thinks there’s something to it. young pop scene in Canada—but she really my heart and soul into this album, and hope- please join our women's bowling league, Q: Did you anticipate how much your charac- wanted to write her own music. He was fully my core audience will take this leap with FMI, please contact: [email protected] ter Elphaba in Wicked would resonate with patient and worked with her a long time. me. the gay community? Likewise, he wasn’t threatened by my versa- A: No, I just knew it was something special tility, which often happens when people want that I wanted to be a part of, but I totally to pick one road, one direction. We found a understand why. That’s what I love so much cohesive style, but he allowed all my influ- about the gay community: They’re outspoken ences to come into play. and not afraid to celebrate their individuality, Q: How does it feel to perform your own and that’s what Elphaba is searching for. material? Q: Just when one thought Wicked couldn’t A: It’s a nice change, but it’s scarier to sing get any gayer, Tracy Young came out with a your own songs. You can’t hide behind green killer club remix of “Defying Gravity.” makeup—it’s just you out there. A: Defying gravity—I mean, what better Q: You named the album after the track “I words to describe partying in a club till two in Stand.” What exactly do you stand for? the morning? Like the dance remixes of A: When I was writing that song I thought, “Gorgeous”—I love the fact that my music Who am I? What do I believe? What do I con- can take on a different incarnation in the tribute? I’m not the type of person who gets clubs. The idea of people dancing to my up on her soapbox and preaches about poli- music is really unbelievable to me. tics. Would I like to be eventually? Sure, and Q: Last year you performed “Defying I hope that I can help change the world in Gravity” at New York’s Heritage of Pride some important way. And I don’t really know Dance on the Pier and at the White Party in how I feel about God and spirituality, but I Palm Springs. still pray every day. I guess I stand for people A: It’s very important to me to connect to my who are lonely, because I have a good life and gay audience because they’re the most sup- I know I still feel lonely a lot. I feel really portive—and they also have the best taste. awkward and strange in my body sometimes, [Laughs] So it was an honor. and I wanted people to know that. Q: Your costar and fan Amy Adams said that Q: Tell me about “Gorgeous,” which is shap- she had to pester you quite a bit before you ing up to be another gay anthem. finally sang “Defying Gravity” with her on A: For me, “Gorgeous” is about Romeo and the set of Enchanted. Why did it take you so Juliet. It’s about Taye and Idina—a Black man long to give in? with a White woman. It’s about two lovers of A: I loved Wicked, but I was excited to be in the same sex. It’s about loving who you want a movie, finally doing something else for a to love despite what anyone may think. change! [Laughs] It was also six in the morn- Q: How does Taye feel about you releasing ing while we were getting our makeup done, love songs based on your relationship? and she’s fluttering around me singing the A: He knows as an actor and an artist that we Glinda lines! always take little germs of ideas from our per- Q: Does the backlash against the Rent film sonal lives and then embellish them. It’s a make you hesitant to be involved with the very intimate and personal album, yet I also inevitable Wicked film? use my imagination. A: I would love to play Elphaba on film, but Q: Does coming home to that hunk ever get I don’t think they’re even close to making it. old? 14 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Gay Traveling Out of Town: Visit Hong Kong, China By: Andrew Collins* tional attitudes Kowloon. Hotels in Hong Kong can be expensive, as omprising an of China and Neighborhoods many of the high-end properties cater largely archipelago of even old-school of significance to free-spending business travelers, but if Cmountainous Britain largely to gay visitors you're willing to spend a few hundred dollars islands and a similarly pre- prevail. In this include the per night, you'll find some astoundingly fabu- cipitous peninsula extend- sense, gays and fast-paced, if lous properties. Leading the pack is the mag- ing from the China main- lesbians in Hong somewhat nificent Mandarin Oriental, whose plush land, Hong Kong is one of Kong tend to be tawdry, neon- rooms and suites are outfitted with every the world's most spectacu- more discreet lit streets of imaginable creature comfort. Try to book an larly beautiful cities. It's also one of the and, in many Tsim Sha Tsui upper floor with a harbor view, although those Pacific Rim's hottest destinations for gays and cases, closeted, in Kowloon, facing the city's colorful skyscrapers are per- lesbians, fans of fashion and gourmet dining, than in most where you'll fectly wonderful. Restaurants such as Pierre freewheeling investors and entrepreneurs, and major Western find a number (helmed by 3-star Michelin chef Pierre devotees of luxury hotels. Nearly all of the cities. of gay saunas Gagnaire) and the Mandarin Grill attract world's leading hotel chains have outposts in For visitors, and karaoke foodies, while scenesters couldn't possibly this famous trading port at the mouth of the shopping and bars; and the visit Hong Kong without stopping for a mar- Pearl River Delta. dining rank neighboring tini at the swank M Bar, a 25th-floor lounge From 1842 through 1997, Hong Kong was a among the Lan Kwai with incomparable skyline vistas. British colony. In the decade since the United favorite local Fong and Soho The nearby Ritz-Carlton is a clubby, low- Kingdom handed this prosperous territory pastimes. Hong sections of keyed, and intimate property with just 216 back to China, Hong Kong has continued to Kong isn't quite Hong Kong rooms and a cloistered, serene pool and sun- enjoy great popularity as a center of business the bargain retail Island's city deck with great views of downtown skyscrap- and trade as well as retaining its status as a destination it center (an area ers. Enjoy the lavish high tea presented daily major tourist destination. was years ago, commonly in the swank cafe just off the lobby, or plan a Now one of two "special administrative but the territory referred to as dinner here at Toscana, which serves superb regions" of China (the other being the nearby is still rife with "Central" by contemporary Italian food. island of Macau, which until 1999 had been a both sleek locals). On the east edge of Central Hong Kong, in upscale shop- The Central the Wan Chai district, the Grand Hyatt is dis- colony of Portugal), Hong Kong nevertheless Central Hong Kong's modern skyscrapers soar above one of the maintains its own distinct identity. This terri- ping centers and district is the tinct for its magnificent setting on the edge of world's busiest harbors. Photo by: Andrew Collins tory of about 7 million people has its own cur- quirky, discount part of Hong the harbor. There are few tall buildings around rency ($1 U.S. equals about 7.80 Hong Kong and specialty markets. It's quite fascinating to Kong that's depicted most often on postcards it, which means that rooms enjoy knockout dollars as of this writing), law enforcement, stroll through the Flower Market in Kowloon, - its gleaming skyscrapers fringe the harbor views of the water and Kowloon as well as the legal system, and customs and immigration or to explore the clothing stalls of Stanley front and are set against the backdrop of lush city center. This is a star in the gay-popular policies. Automobile traffic follows British Market on the south side of Hong Kong Victoria Peak. It's here that you'll find most of Hyatt brand, with some of the most lavishly road rules, and even though Hong Kong is Island. the city's top hotels and restaurants. Lan Kwai decorated rooms imaginable. Don't miss the technically part of China, North American In terms of sightseeing, there's quite a lot to Fong and Soho are on the western side of 11th-floor outdoor pool, which is the city's and British citizens do not require visas for see and do, and Hong Kong is an easy place to Central and can be easily reached from most largest - it adjoins the beautiful Plateau Spa, entry, as they do when they cross the border navigate (by cheap and efficient subway lines, hotels on foot or by quick and inexpensive which is an exceptional choice if you're seek- into China. ferry boats, taxis, and buses). Hong Kong cab rides. This hip and trendy area abounds ing a spa treatment while in town. On the Although the overwhelming majority of Island is laced with sculpted bays and beauti- with gay and gay-friendly bars, discos, tapas Kowloon side, top upscale hotels include The Hong Kong residents are of Chinese descent, ful beaches, some of them with gay follow- restaurants, late-night cafes, fashion bou- Peninsula, a grand dame dating from the visitors to Hong Kong will encounter a large ings - notably Gold Coast Beach, off Castle tiques, and the like. It's a hilly area laced with 1930s, and the Island Shangra-La, a regal, population of Westerners - not just Brits but Peak Road, and Middle Bay, off South Bay narrow streets, but it's perfectly safe for centrally located beauty with fine views of the also other Europeans, as well as Americans Road. No visit here is complete without tak- exploring even if you're unsure exactly where harbor and several excellent restaurants. and Australians. In the major commercial and ing the tram to Victoria Peak, which rises to go (if in doubt, take a cab to the intersection Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find tourism-driven neighborhoods, most signs nearly 2,000 feet above the city center and on of Hollywood Road and Wyndham Street, the truly memorable accommodations for under and menus are written in English and clear days affords panoramic views of the ter- heart of Soho). $200 a night here, and Hong Kong is without Cantonese (the territory's official language), ritory and surrounding waters. Also set aside The neighborhood's top gay club is any gay-oriented guest houses or B&Bs. In and most residents and employees speak at time to visit the massive Tian Tan Buddha Propaganda, which is hidden down an alley Kowloon, the Eaton Hotel is a perfectly least some English. In fact, there are parts of statue, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and just off a stairwell below Hollywood Road. respectable option - it's affordable and cen- Hong Kong that appear so heavily influenced - if you're a fan of amusement parks - Hong This is a hot spot for tourists and moneyed trally located, right by the Temple Street by the West that, for better or for worse, you Kong's own giddy outpost of Disneyland. locals who don't mind the exorbitant cover Night Market and close to gay nightlife. On may feel as though you're not in Asia at all. Just keep in mind Hong Kong's sometimes charge and steep drink prices. Also popular Hong Kong Island, a decent mid-priced In comparison with other Asian cities, Hong sultry, semi-tropical climate when planning a for late-night clubbing is Drop, which pulls in option is the Metropark, a pleasant hotel near Kong has a fairly visible and well-organized visit. The territory can be wet and even a mostly under-30 crowd. Opened in early Victoria Park, a 10-minute cab ride from gay community, with an LGBT social and cul- stormy. Fall through winter is the best time to 2007, the gay video lounge Volume is a must Soho. tural scene that has grown steadily in recent visit, as temperatures run from the 60s to the on the gay nightlife circuit. It's a sleek, mod- One mid-priced option close to Central's years. This is in part because the city is such 70s, and the air is drier and fresher. From ern space with colorful and cushy lounge seat- gay nightlife action does truly stand out, how- an international business and leisure hub, but about May through early September, howev- ing, and DJs spin some of the best music in ever. The fashionable Ice House apartment- also because attitudes toward gays and les- er, the region becomes inundated by excruci- the city. Another good bet is Works, whose hotel - whose rooms have kitchens, free high- bians are steadily becoming more favorable atingly humid and wet weather, with highs black walls and dim lighting feel a bit dated. speed Internet, and sizable sitting areas - is a throughout the Pacific Rim. Still, the tradi- near 90 degrees and day after day of heavy Nevertheless, this is actually a quite trendy wonderful little find. There are just 30 units, rainfall. guy's hangout. Other worthwhile gay estab- which are available on a nightly, weekly, or Hong Kong dangles off the lishments include 2M Bar, an intimate gay monthly basis. This is the perfect choice if tip of southeastern China like a and lesbian cocktail bar just down the hill you're planning an extended stay, which can barnacle. Most of the territory from Hollywood Road, and New Wally Matt make good sense given all there is to see and is made up of the Kowloon Lounge, a long-running pub in Kowloon just do in this dynamic, emerging gay hub of East Peninsula and two major a block off Nathan Road. Asia. islands just to the south, Hong Club 97 is a snazzy mixed gay/straight spot Kong Island and Lantau Island with more of a "family" following early in the * Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay (home to the major internation- evening, especially on Fridays, for happy Guide to the USA and eight additional travel al airport). Visitors focus most hour. Straight and gay hipsters also mingle at guides. He can be reached care of this publication of their time in Hong Kong's Solas, a sleek lounge, and at Finds, an ultra- or at [email protected]. city proper, which consists of trendy spot in SoHo with outstanding Asian- the northern tip of Hong Kong cum-Scandinavian food and a smartly dressed (To see the Complete Black book, see Island and the southern tip of crowd. www.therainbowtimesnews.com). www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 15 Queer Organization News NY: Lambda Legal Seeks to Strike Down Decision The Night Owl The best LGBTQ Clubs in our Disrespecting Canadian Marriage of Same-Sex Couple Gayborhoods! Check ‘em out! 168 York Street 'For the sake of clarity and this couple of 45 the lower court decision in accordance with The New York Supreme Court, which is the Central & Western, MA New Haven, CT years, it’s important for the court to reverse New York state law and overwhelming public first level court in New York, ruled against Blu the lower court decision in accordance with policy respecting out-of-state marriages of Funderburke. Lambda Legal immediately 105 Water Street Bar New York state law and overwhelming public same-sex couples." Governor Spitzer, filed an appeal. During the appeals process, Worcester, MA 254 Crown Street New Haven, CT policy respecting out-of-state marriages of Comptroller DiNapoli, Attorney General the Department of Civil Service agreed to Club Car same-sex couples.' Cuomo and many other state officials and pri- extend benefits to same-sex spouses of public 64 Water Street Gotham Citi Cafe New York, NY — In oral arguments recent- vate entities respect marriages of same-sex employees under the New York State Health Worcester, MA Church & Crown Streets ly, Lambda Legal urged the New York couples that are validly performed elsewhere Insurance Program, citing "legal and policy New Haven, CT Supreme Court, Second Department, to fol- in accordance with well-established New concerns" with its prior policy denying recog- DIVA'S 492 Pleasant St. Partners Cafe low the marriage recognition rule and reverse York law. nition. Northampton, MA 365 Crown Street a lower court ruling denying recognition of Duke Funderburke was a teacher in the The argument seeks to reverse the court's New Haven, CT Duke Funderburke's Canadian marriage to his Uniondale Union Free School District in prior decision against Funderburke because, Hob Knob partner of over four decades, Brad Davis. Nassau County for 25 years before retiring in while the benefits issue has been resolved, the 234 Chestnut Street New York Clubs Springfield, MA "In the midst of this lawsuit the Department 1986. He married his life partner in a ceremo- lower court's decision creates confusion about Water Works Pub of Civil Service came into line with New York ny in Ontario, Canada. When Funderburke the status of the couple's marriage and of State The Pub 76 Central Ave. state law by changing its policy and recogniz- requested that his retirement health benefits law and should be wiped from the law books. 382 Dwight Street Albany, NY Springfield, MA ing Mr. Funderburke's marriage," said Susan be extended to his spouse, just as benefits are Susan L. Sommer, Senior Counsel, is Club Phoenix Sommer, Senior Counsel at Lambda Legal. extended to other married retirees, the school Lambda Legal's lead attorney on the case, MB 348 Central Ave., "The lower court's decision in this case is an district refused. Funderburke v. The New York Department of 40 Grafton Street Albany, NY 12206 outlier, out of synch with other court deci- In 2006 Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on his Civil Service, Uniondale Union Free School Worcester, MA sions on the issue and the policies of State and behalf arguing that New York law requires District et al. Jeffrey S. Trachtman and Joey's Bar 664 2nd Ave., Troy, NY local government officials. government entities to respect valid marriages Norman C. Simon of the law firm, Kramer Sin City 350 Worthington Street 518-237-4846 For the sake of clarity, and this couple of 45 performed out-of-state, including marriages Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP are co-counsel Springfield, MA years, it's important for the court to reverse of same-sex couples performed in Canada. on the case. Oh Bar Connecticut 304 Lark Street, Albany, NY HRC urges participation in diversity initiative: “Equality Forward,” first step to learn Triangles (518) 463-9004 66 Sugar Hollow Road more about the lives of African American, Latino and Asian Pacific GLBT people Danbury, Connecticut Fuze Box Bar WASHINGTON—The Human Rights “Whether we are black, Latino/a, Asian “We need people to participate and make 12 Central Avenue, Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest Pacific Islander, Native American, Arab, sure gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and Chez Est Albany, NY 458 Wethersfield Ave. questioning people of diverse racial and eth- (518) 432-4472 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil mixed race, or white, we all should be Hartford, CT rights organization highlighted recently a respected and valued for who we are,” said nic backgrounds are heard,” said Vu. Clinton St. Pub nationwide survey, “Equality Forward,” part Vu, chief diversity officer. “We come from To participate in the Equality Forward ini- Polo Club 159 Clinton St., of a comprehensive listening project to learn many different backgrounds, but are stronger tiative, visit www.hrc.org/issues/equalityfor- 678 Maple Avenue Schenectady, NY 12305 more about the lives of African American, when we all come together to fight discrimi- ward.asp For a Spanish language version, Hartford, CT 518-377-8555 Latino and Asian Pacific Islander GLBT peo- nation based on our skin color, gender identi- visit: www.hrc.org/issues/8356.htm. To learn ple. The launch of Equality Forward by ty, or who we love. Together, we can move more about Chief Diversity Officer Cuc Vu, 168 York Street Cafe HRC’s Diversity Department includes quali- equality forward.” visit:www.hrc.org/about_us/6090.htm . tative and quantitative research, community To make sure the survey reaches deep into The Human Rights Campaign events and diversity workshops, already communities nationwide, HRC is organizing Foundation respects the privacy underway. a grassroots effort led by the organization’s of survey participants. All sur- “The GLBT community is as diverse as volunteers and members to engage face-to- vey responses are strictly confi- America—this is an opportunity to reach out face with African American, Latino and Asian dential. No individually-identifi- and listen to a wide able infor- range of opinions from “We come from many different backgrounds, but are when we all mation will people throughout the stronger be sold or country,” said Human come together to fight discrimination based on our skin color, gender shared with Rights Campaign outside indi- President Joe identity, or who we love. Together, we can move equality forward.” viduals or Solmonese. “The infor- entities. You mation collected in this must be at survey will be used as a resource by GLBT Pacific Islander GLBT people at work, at least 18 years old to participate. organizations nationwide.” home, at places of worship and in the many For the latest updates visit the In 2007, the Human Rights Campaign creat- different ways in which we come together in HRC blog, ed the chief diversity officer position and our communities. The results will help shape www.HRCBackStory.org. introduced Cuc Vu to lead the department. As HRC’s legislative agenda in 2008, as well as The Human Rights Campaign is chief diversity officer, Vu reports directly to its diversity and educational outreach pro- America’s largest civil rights HRC president, Joe Solmonese. grams. organization working to achieve On January 28th, Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. made an gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans- appearance at Springfield College, Springfield, MA to address Nurse practitioner joins cardiology practice of Dr. Mark Casey gender equality. By inspiring and the nation’s economy. Clinton entered the stage as full-house of NORTHAMPTON—Casey disease and heart failure. She engaging all Americans, HRC students, faculty and visitors, from throughout the region, wel- Fowler, a nurse practitioner says she “works closely with strives to end discrimination comed her to campaign theme songs, “Taking Care of against GLBT citizens and realize who holds certification in Dr. Casey to provide optimal a nation that achieves fundamen- Business," “Working Nine to Five,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High acute care nursing, has joined supervision of patients who are tal fairness and equality for all. Enough.” Photo by: Gus Noffke (Read more about Noffke, p. 18) the cardiology practice of M taking medications to control ark Casey , M D. blood pressure, heart failure 1 in 4 GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER adults say As a nurse practitioner, and coronary artery disease to they have switched products or service providers BECAUSE they Fowler assists in the manage- ensure appropriate assessment, found a competing company that SUPPORTS CAUSES that BENE- ment of patients with coro- CASEY FOWLER referral and follow-up.” FIT the GLBT community. nary artery disease, valvular Nurse Practitioner Source: Witeck-Combs Communications/HarrisInteractive, Sept. 2007 16 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com LGBT Announcements TRT PRIDE Calendar from MA, NY, CT & VT! (MA) UNITY is a Transgender support group of each month; 6-8:30 p.m.; Provided by Project film! FMI: www.lmfct.org/. RSVP to (MA) February 16, GLBT INSPIRATIONAL which meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of H.O.P.E., a program of the AIDS Council of [email protected] or 860-525-7777. FREE SEMINARS: Inspirational seminars honoring our each month at Baystate Hospital, 3300 Main Northeastern New York. Testing offered at the admission! community. Join us on February 16th for our one Street in Springfield, Ma.; and on the 4th CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany. FMI: 518- (NY) Feb. 8; MOVIE NIGHT showing: “Get On day 'reclaiming your connection' seminar in 462-6138. Sherborn, MA. FMI: Sue Call 978-257-8003 or e-mail Thursday at the Blue Moon Coffee Roaster locat- the Bus”; CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany, NY [email protected] ed at 715 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA. FMI: LGBTQ TEA DANCE AT DANCE NORTHAMPTON. 7:00 PM, FREE! Get on the Bus follows several Deja 860-604-6343 or Keri 413-364-1749. Second Sunday of every month; 3-6 PM; $8 Black men on a cross country bus trip to the (NY) Feb. 16; PROGRESSIONS CONCERT (includes lesson at 3:00) FMI: www.dan- Million Man March. SERIES: ADRIANNE; CDGLCC, 332 Hudson (MA) SOCIAL GROUP FOR LESBIANS; We cenorthampton.com . (VT) February 8; POTLUCK OPEN HOUSE: 6 Ave, Albany, NY. 8 PM, 7:30 Doors; $12, $10 stu- always meet on the first and third Friday's of the p.m. Potluck, Jason & Jade’s new place in dents with ID. For reservations or information (NY) OUT DANCING (for the LGBTQ communi- month. For information call 413-687-2065 Bellows Falls. FMI: please call 518.462.6138, x.11 or email progres- ty); every Wednesday evening; 7 to 8 p.m.; [email protected]; (802) 579-9447. [email protected]. (MA) EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC) is Saratoga SAVOY, 7 Wells St, Saratoga Springs, NOW available without a prescription at all NY. FMI: 518-587-5132. http://saratogasavoy.home- (VT) February 9; LGBT CONTRA DANCE: 7-10 (VT) February 16; BEAR POTLUCK: 6:30 p.m.; Tapestry Health Services sites. (413) 586-2539. stead.com/files/outdancing.html p.m., Montague Grange, Montague MA. This is the Menspace. Potluck for bears and fanciers! not a Men’s Program event, but local men carpool Bring a dish to share. Call Alex for details, 802- (CT) Every Sunday; ALL LGBT YOUTH to the (MA) MATURE LESBIAN SUPPORT GROUP; and attend. FMI: www.lcfd.org and click on 254-4444. Rainbow Room; at the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Group for women 55+ meets monthly at the Western Massachusetts Dances, or call Arlene at Health Collective; from 3-6 p.m.; 1841 Broad (VT) Feb. 16; FEARLESS PUPPY ON Northampton Council on Aging at 240 Main St., at 860-749-3863 or Eleanor at 413-247-9604. Street, Hartford, CT; for LGBT youth and allies. 21 AMERICAN ROAD is a true story so amazing 6 p.m.; second Monday of each month. & younger. (MA) Feb. 9; LGBTQ CONTRA DANCE at the that it reads like a fantasy; Everyone’s Books on Montague Grange; Caller: Tim Van Egmond; Elliot St. 3-5 pm; Book signing. (MA) DISCUSSION GROUP FOR LESBIANS (MA) TransForming Families – Transgender Music by Brendan Taaffe and Karen Alexelrod. 40+ meets every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 Support Group; Parents, partners, children and (VT) February 17; TRANSGENDER SUPPORT: 7:00-10:00 p.m.; Cost: $10-$7 ($5 with student p.m. at the Stonewall Center at UMass. This is a their transgender loved ones. Wednesdays, 7:30 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Meeting in Brattleboro the third ID) FMI: Call 413-247-9604 or 413-586-9610 or warm and welcoming group of intelligent women. – 9 p.m. in Hadley. FMI: www.transformingfami- Sunday of every month. Not a Men’s Program www.lcfd.org/westma event. FMI contact Benjamin Robin: robin@ben- Information email to: [email protected] lies.org or 413-522-0522 (CT) Feb. 9, 2008, GAY BINGO; 7:30 p.m.; jaminrobin.net (MA) Free Breast Cancer Services; Cooley (MA) OLDER LESBIAN DISCUSSION GROUPS; Hartford Marriott Rocky Hill, 100 Capital (CT) February 17; MARRIAGE MAKES A Dickinson; Women can select therapy services Amherst/NoHo Area. New members accepted on Boulevard; Rocky Hill, CT; $20; Over $500 in WORD OF DIFFERENCE; 6:30 p.m.; @ Norwalk; such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, therapeutic space-available basis. If enough interest, new cash and prizes; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour; Triangle Community Center; 16 River Street. FMI: touch, healing music, healing touch, Reiki, Reiki, groups may form. FMI: 413-247-3257 or 413-253- Cash Bar/Concessions http://www.lmfct.org/. RSVP to Peggy Huddleston’s Prepare for Surgery, Heal (CT) Feb 10; MARRIAGE MAKES A WORD OF [email protected] or 860-525-7777. FREE 3049. Faster™, self-hypnosis/guided imagery and ther- DIFFERENCE; 6:30 p.m.; @ New Britain; CCSU admission! (VT) MEN'S SUPPORT GROUP; Any male 18 or apeutic massage by CD employees that hold cer- Founders Hall in the Davidson Administration (VT) February 18; FEARLESS PUPPY ON older; Support group not a therapy group. Free. tifications in these therapy techniques. FMI” 413- Bldg. Join us for a reception, view the 43-minute AMERICAN ROAD is a true story so amazing Every Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Brattleboro, VT. 582-2424. film, and meet the director and featured couples that it reads like a fantasy; Kipling’s on Elliot St. 8- (MA) EAST COAST FEMALE-TO-MALE FMI: 802-258-3914. in the film! It will be an evening you won’t soon 10 p.m. book signing/reading, and the music of GROUP (ECFTMG); 2nd Sunday of every month (MA) JOIN EMAIL GROUP FOR LGBT PAR- forget. For all information go to www.lmfct.org/. Kathleen Simms! ENTS in the Pioneer Valley area at from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. FMI: 413.584.7616 or RSVP to [email protected] or 860-525-7777. (VT) February 20; FEARLESS PUPPY ON http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbt_parents_pio- email: [email protected]. FTMs or SOFFAs FREE admission! who have never come to one of the meetings AMERICAN ROAD is a true story so amazing neer_valley/ for exchanging information, chatting (MA) Feb. 10; LGBTQ TEA DANCE AT DANCE should call and introduce themselves to Bet that it reads like a fantasy; The Book Cellar on about our families, and organizing get-togethers NORTHAMPTON; also held the second Sunday before attending. Meetings are open to ALL mas- Main St. 5 p.m. book signing. and play-dates. of every month; 3-6 p.m.; $8 (includes lesson at culine-identified, female-born persons, our signif- (VT) February 20; FEARLESS PUPPY ON (MA, NY, CT & VT) DISCRIMINATION 3:00) FMI: www.dancenorthampton.com The icant others, family, and allies. AMERICAN ROAD is a true story so amazing BECAUSE YOU ARE QUEER? Call The February lesson will be Cha-cha. (VT) Third Sunday of Every Month; in Brattleboro, that it reads like a fantasy; The Mole’s Eye Café Rainbow Times, 413-204-8959; 518-391-2617. (MA) February 10. "TRANSCEND" MEETING. Open to anyone whose identity or expression 8-probably @ 11 p.m. BENEFIT for CAN (NY) Bisexual Brunch; First and third Sundays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.; South Congregational Church, doesn't fit neatly into the gender binary, (Citizen’s Awareness Network) book signing, of the month, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Rainbow Pittsfield, MA. Monthly support/social group meet- including transpeople of all genders and sexual short reading, more. Cafe, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany. FMI: Viktoria ing for the Trans community. Sponsored by orientations. FMI: Benjamin Robin: robin@ben- (VT) February 21; BOOK CLUB: 7 p.m.; 518-438-6315. BSCC. FMI call the Infoline: 413-822-7268 (new jaminrobin.net Menspace. Book is THIS THING CALLED (NY) Bagel Bunch; Tuesdays; 10:30 a.m.; Older number!). (NY) Ask-A-Lawyer Legal Clinic: Serving the COURAGE, short stories by J.G. Hayes. Call gay men’s social and discussion group. (VT) February 10; CANDLEPIN BOWLING: 2 Curtis at 254-2400 Bruegger’s, Hannaford Plaza, Central Ave., LGBT community Geri Pomerantz, Esq. and Anne p.m., at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley, (MA) February 23; HIKE/CROSS-COUNTRY Albany. Reynolds Copps, Esq.; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; FREE legal consultations to the LGBT community. Memorial Drive, Shelburne Falls, MA. Visit SKIING, SNOWSHOE TREK; Noon. Meet at (NY) Capital Pride Singers; Mondays @ 7 p.m.; Appointment only. FMI: 518.432.4188. www.shelburnefallsbowling.com for directions. back of Price Chopper parking lot in Lee, and car LGBT/LGBTaffirming; mixed chorus; St. No ‘net access? Give Alex a call at 802-254- pool to hike in Monterey. Dress for the weather (VT) February 7; CORE GROUP: 6 p.m. Andrew’s, Episcopal Church, 10 No. Main St., 4444. and conditions. This is not a strenuous hike. Potluck, 6:30pm Group Discussion, at the Albany, 12203; FMI: 435-4636. (MA) February 11; FREE LIGHT TECH Menspace. Help guide the Men’s Program. Join (MA) February 23; CONCERT OF BACH, (NY) Capital District Prime Timers; Provides WORKSHOP: 7-9 p.m.; Greene Room us for potluck and then conversation about the HANDEL AND TELEMANN; UMASS Concert social, cultural, and recreational opportunities for Productions. Memorial Hall, 198 Main Street , program. We’re actively seeking new members. Hall; FMI: 1-800-999-UMAS or 545-2511. mature gay and bisexual men. 21+. FMI: jalli- Monson, MA 01057,FMI: (413)668-7284. (VT) February 23; QUEER CARNIVALE; Dance [email protected] or CDPT 595 New Loudon (CT) Feb 7 & 8; VAGINA MONLOLOGUES fea- (VT) February 12; OUR FUTURES: 7 p.m., at Party for the LGBTQ Community; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Rd #202 Latham NY 12110 turing Janie Nicole Dunn (GNO Executive Director) and Deja Nicole Greenlaw (UniTy and the Menspace. This is an ongoing discussion Red Roof Inn (formerly Quality Inn), Putney (NY) Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Men COS Board Member and GNO Moderator)!! group for men who are interested in talking about Road, Brattleboro VT. $5 Admission. Support Group; Mondays; 7 p.m.; Support group Chater Oak Cultural Center, Hartford, CT. Benefit the various aspects of our future lives as gay for GBT men; CDGLCC @ 332 Hudson Avenue in (MA) February 25; NORTHAMPTON PRIDE for women's issues. $15.00 per ticket. Limited men. All welcome. FMI: Alex at [email protected] Albany. FMI: Q Diamond at (518) 462-6138 or MEETING: 6 p.m. Come and check out how you seating. Sells out quickly. to join the our_futures Google listserv. [email protected]. can get involved with this year’s Pride March and (MA) BENEFIT EVENT FEATURING THE (VT) February 13; BEAR NIGHT: Doors open at Rally. FMI: [email protected] or call (NY) Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Support ILLUSTRIOUS KATE BORNSTEIN; Feb. 8 2008; 5 p.m., the Ceilidh House, Westmoreland NH. 413.586.5602. Group; every other Tuesday; 7 p.m.; Meet at 7 p.m.; Weinstein Auditorium at Smith College; Doors open at 5pm, DJ music begins at 7:30pm, CDGLCC at 332 Hudson Avenue in Albany. FMI: (MA) February 25-28; OPEN AUDITION FOR Tickets: $5/Smith College students, $7/ students, and the pub will be open until midnight. Not a Q Diamond at (518) 462-6138. “HOLES” BY LOUIS SACHAR; Casting for 2 $10/general public. Benefit for Bet Power, Men’s Program event. Women 40-70’s; 1 Man 40-70’s; Appointment (NY) Youth Group; Friday nights; 7 p.m.; 332 founder and facilitator of the East Coast Female (VT) February 15; SPIRITUALITY: 7 p.m., the only. Call 413-668-7284l; greeneroomproduc- Hudson Ave. in Albany; Group offers peer support to Male Group. FMI: [email protected] Menspace. This month we will be discussing the [email protected] to LGBT& questioning individuals ages 13-19. A (CT) Feb. 8; MARRIAGE MAKES A WORD OF topic of SPIRITUALITY & THE BRAIN. Open dis- supportive environment for LGBTQ youth and (VT) February 29; GAYME NIGHT: 7 p.m., DIFFERENCE; 6:30 p.m.; New Heaven @ ACES cussion group, all welcome. If you would like to their straight allies. FMI: Q Diamond (518) 462- Howie’s in Chesterfield, NH. Bring your favorite Center for the Arts, Arts Hall, 55 Audubon Street. receive a copy of the SPIRITUALITY & THE 6138. game, and a snack to share if you’d like. Gayme Join us for a reception, view the 43-minute film, BRAIN article, contact Alex at [email protected] night is always lots of fun! (NY) Confidential HIV Testing; first Wednesday and meet the director and featured couples in the or 254-4444.

Submit your non-profit calendar event/s* to [email protected] or [email protected] *Certain restrictions apply. Small for-profit events/groups, 35 words or less, are considered for a small fee. Large/for-profit events are not considered. All submissions appear online. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 17 Connecticut Connection Marriage Makes a Word of Difference: HELP WANTED IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT New Film on Marriage Equality Premieres Across CT Emmy award-winning filmmaker Fran co-produced and co-directed One Nation Rzeznik of Guilford, Connecticut has created Under God, a feature length documentary that a compelling film, Marriage Makes a Word of challenges the reparative therapy movement Difference, which portrays the personal strug- and the assertions that homosexuality is a cur- gles and political challenges of Connecticut’s able disease. same-sex couples and their families who are Anne Stanback, Executive Director of Love fighting for the freedom to marry. The film, a Makes a Family, said, “Fran is a remarkably project of the Love Makes a Family gifted filmmaker who is deeply committed to Foundation, will premiere in New Haven, marriage equality for same-sex couples. She New Britain, and Norwalk beginning on has created a film that will profoundly impact February 8th, coinciding with National anyone who sees it. The film will contribute Freedom to Marry Week. significantly to the public discussion on mar- The film chronicles the stories of six riage equality in Connecticut.” Connecticut couples and their families—sev- Marriage Makes a Word of Difference eral have been in committed relationships for Premieres: Looking for LOVE? Turn to the PERSONALS on page 23 more than a decade. But, despite their dedica- NEW HAVEN: Friday, February 8th at 6:30 tion to each other, they continue to be denied p.m. at ACES Center for the Arts, Arts Hall, the respect, dignity, and legal protections that 55 Audubon Street CT Neighborhood Organizations marriage provides. Through compelling inter- NEW BRITAIN: Sunday, February 10th at AIDS Testing: www.guardinhealth.org Runaway Switchboard: (773) 880-9860Connecticut views and archival and “slice of life” footage, 6:30 p.m. at Central Connecticut State Gay Father’s Group: (203) 938-2881Hartford Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF): 135 Marriage Makes a Word of Difference cele- University, Founders Hall in the Davidson Community Center: (860) 724-5542CT Freedom to Marry Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105 - 860.247.6090 Info. and brates our common humanity, and shows why Administration Building Coalition: (203) 791-9553Love Makes a Family: www.lmf- Referral program: (800) 479-2949 or Greater Hartford marriage equality is a fundamental civil right. NORWALK: Sunday, February 17th at 6:30 ct.org (860) 525-7777Married Lesbian Support Group: 524-0601 - Statewide women's rights organization working Fran Rzeznik is an Emmy award-winning p.m., Triangle Community Center, 16 River [email protected] (203) 430-9227 to end discrimination and hate crimes; provides free legal filmmaker who has written, directed and pro- Street Married Men’s Bisexual Support Group of Hartford: information and referral to the LGBT community. (860)264-5605Metropolitan Community Church of New XX Club (Twenty Club): Rev. Cannon Jones - 45 Church duced a wide variety of commercial projects Come to the reception, view the 43-minute Haven: (203) 397-2312New Haven Gay & Lesbian Street Hartford , CT 06141-0387 - (860)646-8651 - Povides including social commentary documentaries, film, and a discussion will follow. Meet the Center: www.nhglcc.org; (203) 387-2252 knowledgeable info., and ongoing peer support to trans- reality television series, and feature films. She director, Fran Rzeznik, and the couples fea- PFLAG Danburry: www.pflag.org; (203) 797- sexuals. 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 2 -5 p.m. has worked in both the New York and Los tured in the film. For all information go to 4743Connecticut ’s Kids: (203) 256-8414 connecticuT View (cTView): A Transgender social and Angeles markets. www.lmfct.org. Free admission. Senior Lesbians Happily at Play (SLAPHAPS): Kathy support club, for the TV, TG, TS, CD, both male and Fran’s awards include three Cable Ace To schedule a screening of Marriage Makes (203) 929-8113 female. Monthly meeting in New Haven as well as e-mem- Awards for original programming, two Emmy a Word of Difference at your school, organiza- True Colors CT: www.ourtruecolors.org; (888) 565- bership, and more. A no dues club, with all the frills; Awards from NBC Sports for her editing on tion, church/synagogue or civic group, con- 5551National www.transgender.org/ctv/ NFL Live and the ’92 Barcelona Olympics, tact Carol Buckheit at Love Makes a Family at and three Los Angeles Local Emmy Award [email protected] or 860-525-7777, x313. Meet new friends in CT, have a great time, see page 24 nominations for original programming. She 18 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com QReviews Pride ‘08: Northampton Pride & Trans Pride unite By: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief about any assistance or collaboration that may “If you have a business and want to market It is that time of year again and be offered to Trans Pride. to our community, a vendor space is a great Northampton Pride is getting ready to bring At this point in time, Northampton Pride is way to do so!” said Shaw. what could be the best Pride March and Rally on schedule with its operations, but is still Any groups who would like to participate in since its commencement 27 years ago. seeking local entertainment submissions. this years’ March need to register to be able to However, this Pride season also calls upon the “We are now taking vendor applications and participate. community to reflect upon the struggles of all ads for our Official Pride Program & “This will be the last year that we accept members of our LGBT community as the first Resource Guide,” said Shaw. “We are also in groups in the parade who have not pre-regis- annual Trans Pride Rally is also launched, the process of choosing our entertainment and tered,” she said. “Our website has a contin- according to a Northampton Pride Committee speakers for the rally, so we're open for more gent form [and] folks can download it and member. submissions of interested performers, come- print it out.” “The Pride Committee has been working dy, drag, slam poetry, etc.” Shaw urges those who are not on the According to Shaw, each year the stage line Northampton Pride’s Dykes on Bikes. This year, Northampton Pride mailing list to sign up for diligently over the past several months to Northampton Pride takes place on May 3, 2008. assemble a March and Rally that will hopeful- up is different and this year Pride hopes to a free subscription on their website, ly supersede last year’s Pride events,” said expand the kid’s area by having the stage pro- www.northamptonpride.org, to stay up-to- grammed the entire time. Major sponsors are would like more folks to volunteer as peace date on Pride news. Gricel M. Ocasio, Northampton Pride keepers for the parade!” Committee Member and Publisher of The currently being solicited. For more information about Northampton “There may be parts of the adult stage that Shaw said that Downtown Northampton Pride or how you can get involved, call 413- Rainbow Times, Northampton, Mass. businesses have already been solicited to have “Northampton Pride seeks to bring out and will be rated for parents so that they can 586-5602 or 877-743-3627 or visit its website decide whether they want their children pres- more involvement and tables at the vendor online at www.northamptonpride.org. unify our LGBT family in Western Mass. and area. beyond. However, there is an urgent need for ent at that area. We'll have adequate warning information and education about our Trans if that is the case,” said Shaw. Photographer finalist in Best College Photo Contest family members and their struggles going into Northampton Pride is seeking volunteers Gus Noffke, a 21-year-old ends. When he graduates in June this Pride season as the first Trans Pride event for the day of the event as well as prior to the from Wisconsin Rapids, WI, is 2008, Noffke plans to move back gears to kick off.” festivities. now a contract photographer to Minneapolis, MN, to establish Northampton Pride is working cooperative- “We are always open to welcoming more with The Rainbow Times. his own wedding and portrait ly with the Trans Pride steering committee to help,” Shaw said. “Some tasks are specific Noffke attends the Hallmark business while attending graphic help them promote their event, according to and can be done with minimal time. Other Institute of Photography and is design school. Melinda Shaw, Chairperson, Northampton [tasks] require more commitment and time. a finalist in the Best College We welcome Gus to The Pride, Northampton, Mass. Shaw said that a Anyone interested in volunteering in whatev- Photography Contest. He also Rainbow Times and wish him liaison who attends both committee meetings er capacity can contact me at info@northamp- works part time at Okemo good luck in the upcoming con- will communicate with Northampton Pride tonpride.org. I can tell you that we definitely Mountain Resort on the week- GUS NOFFKE test. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 19 LGBT Local News Power: It’s time for Trans Pride 2008 will be participating in full force at Noho apart or competitive with Noho Pride. We are at the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969. Even By: Bet Power* am a transman and one of the founders Pride and, in fact, Trans Pride has been in not separatists. Trans Pride is needed as an though one in three lesbians and gays are gen- on the steering committee of the first- communication with Noho Pride about sever- addition to the primarily L and G Pride der-nonconforming and experience discrimi- ever New England Transgender Pride al matters. We are encouraging transpeople to because we now find ourselves in a position nation in the workplace, housing, and public I march in Noho Pride and transpeople and of fighting for our lives. What I mean is that, accommodations not because of who they March and Rally, to be held in Northampton, MA on June 7, 2008. Some have asked why LGBIQ allies to march in Trans Pride. at this point in U.S. history, at the highest sleep with but because of how they appear we need another march and rally a month Yet, in my heart I know that Noho Pride has level of gay and lesbian leadership – the and behave, the Gay Rights Movement after Noho Pride and wonder why the trans- not been "enough" in the sense that the trans Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and its front formed in the early 1970s largely disenfran- gender community is starting a march of its chised queers whose gender expression/iden- own. tity differed from normative “straight look- Speaking for myself, I also had to, at first, “What I mean is that, at this point in U.S. history, at the highest level of gay and ing/acting.” Even today, we who have taken on the new term “transgender” but who have consider the importance of not appearing to lesbian leadership—the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and its front man Barney Frank— "secede" from Noho Pride. Certainly, as the been active participants in “Gay Rights” from person who first got Noho Pride in 1993 to it is a fact that transgenders have been devalued and thrown off the Rainbow the start witness the pressure to assimilate, as include our T community in the title of the gender-normative lesbians and gays achieve march and in the rally programming, I have freedom train; this despite the over 300 LGBT organizations that form United ENDA.” more acceptance in white, mainstream socie- been an integral part of Noho Pride over the ty. years. I have marched in every Noho Pride —Bet Power One argument heard from HRC supporters march, including the first in 1982. I have been is that “transgenders” are too new a commu- a speaker at Noho Pride four times, I have nity—or that we have nothing to do with les- served twice on the Noho Pride steering com- community's agenda and needs have been man Barney Frank—it is a fact that transgen- bians and gays—and that we can be left mittee, and I developed with Lisa Downing peripheral at Noho Pride rallies. This is not so ders have been devalued and thrown off the behind and, at some future point, still win our the LGBT history exhibit shown at Historic much a criticism of our local Pride rally but a Rainbow freedom train; this despite the over rights. Untrue—and how ironic and sad. This Northampton in 2006 for the 25th Noho reflection of how transgender needs have 300 LGBT organizations that form United is a total denial of our leadership role in Pride. Even more, I have collected and pre- been relegated marginal status nationally – ENDA. In the end, HRC will have the most sparking the “Gay Rights Movement” to served the literature, history, and art of not just symbolically are we the last initial in clout in whose civil rights are won because of begin with, and an erasure of our value with- LGBTs since 1977 and make it accessible to the “LGBT” Movement. the way it turns the wheels in moving and in and without the lesbian, gay, bisexual com- the community at the Sexual Minorities Our pending transgender civil rights legisla- manipulating US Congresspersons and munities, as well as our worth as human Archives, a national collection that I house tion in MA, CT, and federally (ENDA, Hate Senators, led through Rep. Frank. beings deserving of equal rights now. This and which I am honored to curate. Crimes bill) has not been a central focus at Gender non-conforming queens were the type of oppression by a powerful segment of However, for the last two or three years of LGBT Prides. Our consistent problems in get- first “queers” to rebel in the U.S. when we the gay community has gone on since experiencing our trans community only com- ting hired and keeping employment without stood up to police at Compton’s Cafeteria in Stonewall – nearly 40 years – far too long! We ing together every November to observe the suffering the financial consequences of dis- San Francisco in 1966. Drag queens, cross- must stand up against this now. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), I crimination have not been voiced enough, dressers, transsexuals, and gender non-con- See Trans Pride on Page 21 increasingly had the sense that we transgen- much less solved. Our difficult access to vital forming lesbians and gays played the lead role ders may be getting mired in a sense of vic- healthcare has not been addressed. The mur- tim-hood rather than empowerment and derous violence against us has not been con- activism for change – including legislative, sidered enough to effect its resolution through social, and economic change. I started speak- Hate Crimes legislation. The list of our crucial ing up at the TDORs about the need for needs as transpeople goes on and on. Transgender Pride, knowing that in San Equal marriage has taken center stage, not Francisco and New York City, Transgender only at Noho Pride but also at many Prides Pride marches and rallies have been held for around the country. Of course, I wholeheart- the past nearly five years. So, I believe it is edly support equal marriage, but transgenders time for Transgender Pride in New England have survival needs across the board that are and I hope that we can help spark a new not getting aired to the extent where we are national Transgender Civil Rights Movement. demanding (and by "we" I mean the LGBTIQ This march is not a separation from Noho Movement as well as Ts) that real progress be Pride at all. All of us working on Trans Pride made for us in this state and nationally. support Noho Pride. The trans community We simply need more "air time." Trans Pride is in addition to Noho Pride, not

CAROL WILLIFORD BOOKKEEPING PLUS

ACCOUNTING and TAX SERVICES 4 Stanley Street Easthampton, MA 01027 Phone/Fax: (413) 529-0889 • E-mail: [email protected] 20 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com QueerWood Deep Inside Hollywood: Where are they now? By: Romeo San in the first place), and has become the comic Vicente* of choice among many queer fans. According Where Are They Now? Chad Allen Knows... Kath and Kim Try to Griffin, the only thing that may change in Gay men are known—sometimes correctly, Out an American the new season is the introduction of uniforms sometimes wrongly so—for their love of Accent for her staff; otherwise, it'll be open season on actresses of a certain age. And while the cul- Translating a hit show Hollywood, as usual. No matter what hap- tural reasons for that connection are deep and from another country pens, expect hilarity to ensue when the new plentiful enough for a book or five on the sub- can be tricky. For episodes air later this year. ject, the fact remains that the actors in ques- every hit like Queer as tion still need to work. So what better place Folk or Ugly Betty, there's a Coupling or a Driving Cross-Country in the Fagbug for them to do their job than in a gay-themed failed Absolutely Fabulous pilot that no one A documentary film can spring up from the project? Enter Margot Kidder (Superman), ever sees. But the hit Australian comedy Kath oddest of circumstances. Take Erin Davies' Sean Young (Bladerunner), and Morgan & Kim (a sort of down-market Ab Fab) has experience. An Albany, N.Y., college student Fairchild (Flamingo Road), all of whom will proven popular on U.S. cable and is a cult hit with a rainbow sticker on her late-model VW have a new opportunity to entertain their with queer audiences, so an American remake Beetle, she discovered that the car had been devoted queer followings when they guest in is on the way. Its pedigree is solid: Cool indie vandalized with the words "fag" and "u r gay" two upcoming Donald Strachey mysteries, Ice star Selma Blair (A Dirty Shame) and in red spray paint. Instead of having it repaint- Blues and On the Other Hand, Death. The Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon will ed, she instead decided to hit the road and films, starring Chad Allen as Strachey, have play the off-kilter pair, and the pilot's being SELMA BLAIR document her experiences on a 58-day cross- both wrapped and will feature at least one of directed by Freaks and Geeks' Paul Feig. With That's the burning issue at stake as Bravo country tour. Called simply Fagbug, the the women—Kidder—in a lesbian role. Look the right creative tone and marketing (aka greenlights a fourth season of Kathy Griffin: resulting documentary does what more formal for both to air later in 2008 on Here TV. pandering to queer audiences), the finished My Life on the D-List. Not to worry, however studies could never do—expose the enemies product could be, like Betty, another gay —the self-and-everyone-else-deprecating and allies of gay America by presenting * Romeo San Vicente recently solved the mys- household staple. comedian hasn't suddenly started lunching everyday homophobia to random strangers tery of his own popularity with men: It turns with Renee Zellweger. But she's seen her and recording their reactions. The movie out that he's devastatingly handsome. He can Kathy Griffin: The Show Remains the Same stock go way up since D-List began airing should hit the film-festival circuit sometime be reached care of this publication or at What happens when a Hollywood D-lister's (even as her controversial Emmy win speech later this year, but don't expect a coinciding [email protected]. career rises to the level of a C- or B-lister? angered people who never watched the show trend in vandalized cars to gain much traction. www.therainbowtimesnews.com Diva Las Vegas 2008: AIDS Foundation of Western Mass.’11th Annual Masquerade Ball Join The Pony Express On January 25th, the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts (AFWM), celebrated its 2008 Masquerade Ball at the Log Cabin. Hundreds of attendees showed to support the Foundation’s mission and to be the spectators of a grand entertainment show whose pro- ceeds went to HIV/AIDS. Besides the great show by a cast of wonderful performers, those present could enjoy the wonderful food by the Log Cabin, the cash bar, entering a 50/50 raffle, and bid on a Silent and Live Auctions. At the end of the night, as Kevin Leeman was passing on the Chair “tiara” to Michael Kusek, he Photos by: Tim Palmioli announced next Pathology Associates each were donating year’s theme for $10,000.00 to next year’s event was the high- the event, which light of the night. will be: Fire and The Masquerade Ball was created in 1997 Desire. The to raise money for people with HIV and announcement AIDS. In 1999 was the first year that the that Baystate Masquerade Ball became affiliated with the Health, the Log Cabin and New England AIDS Foundation of Western MA. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 21 Local Releases & More Rough Gods: An evening with photographer Michael Alago New York based photographer Michael a series of Q Puzzle: “HOT, HOT, HOT” Alago will present photographs depicted in stark male his recently released book rough gods on portraits that is Friday, February 15, at Pride & Joy, 20 Crafts still ongoing. Avenue, Northampton. The reception will This collection begin at 7pm, and is free to the public. Due to of friends, the mature themes of his photography, this models and event will be limited to those who are age 18 bodybuilders and older. indeed boast Michael Alago has worked in the music the musculari- industry for nearly two decades as producer ty, tattoos, and and talent scout. Known and respected by attitude that most of the major labels for his expertise in a define this variety of musical genres, Alago discovered particular Metallica and worked with a diverse group of male subset, MICHAEL ALAGO artists that includes Michael Feinstein, but the images Photo by: Michael Alago Johnny Rotten, White Zombie and Nina also bear Simone. Alago left the music business in the Alago’s distinctive stamp of irreverent heat. summer of 2003 to concentrate on another For more information on this event, call life-long passion—photography. Working ini- Pride & Joy at 585-0683. tially with a Polaroid camera, Michael began Trans Pride from Page 19 For too long transgenders have been look- its ugly head at the very height of the nation- ing to lesbians and gays to carry forward our al Washington, DC-belt gay and lesbian trans agenda for equal rights in the workplace, movement. How painful it was to watch the housing, healthcare, education, and in the congressional session on ENDA, on C-SPAN. public/social arena. But HRC and Barney I sat there literally in tears and alternately Frank have perhaps recently taught us a real yelled at the television. life, real hard, stinging lesson: that no one will HRC and Barney Frank do not surprise me; hand us our rights. Transpeople must demand I've seen this coming for many years. Still, it our rights ourselves. hurts like hell. It does teach me though, that I In addition, there is a real need to educate must hold my head up and FINALLY speak the general public in Northampton, New up for my own human rights instead of wait- England, and nationally about who we trans- ing for gays and lesbians to do so. Somehow, people are as human beings. We are valuable, because I have personally given over 30 years Across worthy and interesting, talented humans – not of my energy to lesbian and gay history and 1 Initiated phone sex Down freaks or stereotypes. This is the work that a causes, I thought they would reciprocate and 5 Haul ass 1 Gomer's mail service public Transgender Pride march will do. It do the same for us Ts ... but alas, not really the 10 Salty white stuff from the Greeks 2 Gaza Stripper, e.g. 14 Wife in Rilke's homeland will show us as humans, as speakers, as enter- case or not enough for what we truly need. 3 When doubled, Mork's good-bye 15 Top-notch tainers in our own right. We will not be hid- Power is never given to an oppressed group; 4 Theater type 16 Shape of George Frenn's track den from view to the extent that we are, as a rather, it is seized. 5 Dairy Queen orders 17 Hamlet, for one 6 Fairy tale hag community, at Noho Pride. With new, height- It's an interesting time in queer history. Yes, 18 Screenwriter John, of The Aviator ened visibility at Transgender Pride, the local the rainbow movement will proceed united, I 7 Diana of The Avengers 19 Do-overs for Billie Jean 8 Tyler Perry's Diary of ___ Black Woman community will get to learn, see, hear, and believe—LGBTIQ—at the same time that T 20 Hot lust for 47-Across? 9 Scrotum of a porn star? know who we are. rises up and strengthens itself and works like 23 Daily fee at the Boatslip Resort 10 Shakespearean manuscript I still want to believe in a united LGBTIQ hell for its own progress and civil rights. This 24 "___-hoo! Fellas!" 11 "If ___ I Would Leave You" rainbow community. This is at the soul of the is what is coming for us in the decade ahead. 25 Prospectors may jump them 12 Jodie Foster's Little Man ___ Sexual Minorities Archives I continue to cre- At least, I truly hope so. 28 Where truckers park their bottoms 13 South Park's Big Gay and others ate every day. However, it has become I hope you will join us in supporting Trans 30 Sometime label of David Bowie 21 A Streetcar ___ Desire increasingly clear to me that transgenders Pride and voicing our needs for trans civil 33 Controversial path for same-sex partners 22 Signal that goes either way must rise up more visibly now, that we need a rights, equal justice, respect, and acceptance 34 Aida solo 25 Oh! Calcutta! group of actors? vehicle to lift up our transpeople: a protest of by the national LGBT Movement and local- 35 Goal for Sheryl Swoopes 26 The sky, for some being discarded by HRC, an outcry against ly/regionally by the general public. It's time to 36 Hot glances from 47-Across? 27 How two hearts may beat the injustice of being publicly tossed out of emerge as a proud, valuable, important part of 39 Fey of 30 Rock 28 Pithy, like Quentin? ENDA, an outcry against dehumanizing the community. Visit 40 Pain in the derriere 29 Melissa Etheridge's "___ It Heavy" stereotypes about us, an end to being diag- www.transpridemarch.org, live on February 41 Any song by Johnny Mathis 30 Crucifixes nosed as mentally ill instead of being 1. 42 Hot time for Colette 31 Newswoman Roberts acknowledged for the worthy true selves we * Bet Power is the Director and Curator of 43 Gather, after spilling one's seed 32 Recesses for Rev. Spahr are, and an end to the murderous violence the Sexual Minorities Archives, a national 44 Acts like Albert, in The Birdcage 34 Architecture, to Philip Johnson against us. collection of LGBTI literature, history, and 45 West of Hollywood 35 Like a gun you don't want to shoot off How will we ever get statewide legislation art since 1974, located in Northampton, MA. 46 James Dean's ___ of Eden 37 Some swordsmen passed to protect us without a march dedicat- He is also the founder of the East Coast FTM 47 Hot cross-dressers? 38 Screw (up) 53 Sounds from the Giant set ed specifically to this issue and others? We Group (ECFTMG). Meeting since 1992, 43 Butt 54 Capital of Margaret Cho's ancestral home transpeople sit back too much and wait for the ECFTMG was the first all-FTM organization 44 Mauresmo's serves that are out 55 What Edith Piaf regretted 45 Stroke with an upright stick gays to sweep us along with them in ENDA on the East Coast. 57 Doesn't feel up and then are surprised when transphobia rears 46 Fit out 58 Words to a shy partner 47 Baudelaire's liver 59 Drag queen's stocking shade 48 Hang out 60 Prefix with tubbies 49 Charles Laughton played this emperor Support the advertisers who 61 Straight men fear to drop them in the shower 50 Naked Maja painter support our communities! 62 Good with the hands 51 Easy partner 52 Feudal slave Are YOU paying attention? 53 Where wrestlers lie together 56 Fruitcake TRT now also in NY! Solution of Puzzle on Page 22 22 • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Queer Voices from NY Lesbian Notions: What we already know, what they need to learn By: Libby Post* to reason with our independent-minded 22- The Democrats, while not quite ready to say better themselves, or they can be threatened 've always known year-old, who has it in his mind that we "yes" to same-sex marriage, do recognize our by them and try to clamp down on personal that we same-sex should go back to the medieval barter system relationships, our families, and our children, freedom even more. Icouples were hap- and forgo our present monetary system.) and want to give us the same protections that In the end, it all comes down to how well pier than our opposite- "It all comes down to greater equality in the they enjoy as married straights. we will all play in the sandbox that is our sex counterparts. relationship," said Green, who is also a The Republicans? Well, even Rudy Giuliani nation. Will we throw sand at each other for Maybe it has some- nationally recognized researcher in both fam- (who may not even be in the race by the time generations to come, or work together to build thing to do with us liv- ily issues and LGBT relationships. "Research you read this) is rolling back on his commit- something new that shows just how loving, ing up to that "gay" shows that lesbian and gay couples - by virtue ment to LGBT rights and domestic-partner committed, and caring we all can be? moniker. Maybe it's because we come togeth- of being composed of two partners of the protections. * Libby Post is the founding chair of the er with such a strong bond that as couples we same gender - have a head start in escaping Tell Mike Huckabee that our relationships Empire State Pride Agenda and a political can weather the possibility of our family, the traditional gender-role divisions that make are just like his marriage and you'll get the commentator on public radio, on the Web, friends, and neighbors rejecting us. Maybe it's for power imbalances and dissatisfaction in hyperbole of a Southern Baptist minister and in print media. She can be reached care because as youngsters we all played nicely in many heterosexual relationships." wrapped in a presidential candidate's rhetoric. of this publication or at the sandbox, and as adults we know how to Over at the University of Illinois, Urbana- They're fighting words to Mike, who has built [email protected]. share. Champaign, a study comparing same-sex cou- his political career demonizing us, trashing A slew of new studies have come out of late ples with opposite-sex couples was also done. our relationships, denying our families, and NY: Out-of-state that don't use my precise analytic reasoning, It found that we were similar to straight cou- signing legislation that refuses us our rights. same-sex marriages but they do show the brighter side of lesbian ples in many ways. All the couples, straight When asked in a recent Beliefnet interview and gay male relationships. and gay, had positive views of their relation- about imposing a biblical interpretation on the valid, court says Studies done by academics at UC Berkeley, ships, but those in more committed relation- U.S. Constitution, Huckabee said, "Well, I The Associated Press University of Washington, Colorado State ships (gay or straight) resolved conflict better don't think that's a radical view, to say we're Rochester, NY—A state University, and Alliant International than straights who were just dating. And, for going to affirm marriage. I think the radical appeals court has ruled that University in California were reviewed by just a little Sapphic icing on the cake, lesbian view is to say that we're going to change the a gay couple's marriage Robert-Jay Green, Ph.D., executive director couples worked together especially well. definition of marriage so that it can mean two in Canada should be rec- of the Rockway Institute, a national center for According to the study's lead author, Glenn men, two women, a man and three women, a ognized in New York. LGBT research and public policy based at I. Roisman, Ph.D., same-sex relationships are man and a child, a man and an animal." The Appellate Division of Alliant. not "atypical, psychologically immature, or There you have it—Huckabee thinks our state Supreme Court last week He concludes that there are two key factors malevolent. Compared with married individu- lives and love are the same as polygamy, reversed a judge's ruling in 2006 that that promote healthier lesbian and gay rela- als, committed gay males and lesbians were pedophilia, and bestiality. tionships and that even show straights how to not less satisfied with their relationships." Show Mitt Romney these studies, and he'll Monroe Community College did not do it better. OK, so we have a leg up because we gen- flip-flop so many times trying to get a posi- have to extend health benefits to an 1. We're flexible about our gender roles. (I der-flex, don't mind doing tasks that tradition- tive, negative, and middle-of-the-road take on employee's lesbian partner. might be butch, but I certainly don't mind ally the other gender might do, and are gener- them that no one will know what he's talking Patricia Martinez, a word processing being a femme in bed and hitting the sheets ally happy in our relationships. We cherish about—which actually just may be his cam- supervisor, sued the school in 2005, argu- first.); and 2. We divide parenting and house- our families just like straights. We want to paign strategy. ing that it granted benefits to heterosexu- hold tasks equally. (My partner Lynn cooks, I protect each other. We value our partners. These studies show us in a positive light - al married couples but denied them to do the dishes. She does the laundry, I clean Using these studies as context for the presi- perhaps, at times, more positive than our Martinez and her partner, Lisa Ann the cat boxes. We both tear our hair out trying dential race, we definitely see our lives being straight counterparts. Our candidates and cul- Golden. drawn down party lines. ture can either learn from these findings and The couple formalized their relation- Q Puzzle Solution from P. 21 ship through a civil union ceremony in Workplace Discrimination: NYC asks compa- Vermont in 2001. They were married in nies to end sexual orientation discrimination Canada in 2004. The college refused to add Golden to By: Clare Trapasso include the Employees' Retirement System, the health care benefits Associated Press Police Pension Fund, Fire Department because its contract with Pension Fund, Teachers' Retirement System NEW YORK (AP)— City officials on the Civil Service recently called on two dozen companies that and Board of Education Retirement System, Employees Association did have collectively received billions of dollars have more than $110 billion in holdings. not address benefits for of local pension investments to ban workplace About $2.2 billion of that is invested in the same-sex partners. Since then, discrimination based on sexual orientation targeted companies. the contract has been enhanced to extend and gender identification. Several of the companies targeted by the benefits to an employee's domestic part- City Comptroller William Thompson and comptroller said they already have policies in ner. the New York City Pension Funds asked these place that bar discrimination based on sexual companies to amend their policies, but have orientation and gender identification. The State Supreme Court Justice Harold no plans to withdraw investments if the com- companies named by Thompson included Galloway dismissed Martinez's lawsuit The Healing Way panies do not comply. ExxonMobil Corp. and AK Steel Corp. in August 2006, saying that the state does “This is a huge message for the rest of cor- “It's never been our policy to discriminate not recognize same-sex marriages. Dr. Renee Lang, ND porate America that companies need to begin in regard to sexual orientation or gender iden- However, the appellate judges deter- Naturopathic Doctor to talk about non-discrimination policies for tity,” said AK Steel spokesman Alan McCoy. mined that there is no legal impediment the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender “It was simply not specifically spelled out in in New York to the recognition of a Serving 2 locations: community,” said Daryl Herrschaft, director our equal opportunity policy statement.” same-sex marriage. 16 Armory St., #9 The New York Civil Liberties Union Northampton, MA 01060 of the Workplace Project at the Human Rights ExxonMobil strongly believes that is has a Phone: 413.582.0303/Fax: 413.582.0355 Campaign. “You can't foster an inclusive fair policy in place when it comes to work- called Friday's ruling a victory for fami- work environment without having basic pro- place discrimination. lies, justice 200 Clark Ave. Singles NY? Brattleboro, VT tections in place for every employee to feel “We have policies that have zero tolerance and human Phone: 802-254-4369 that they're protected from discrimination on for discrimination or harassment specifically rights. NY Local Listings! the job.” referencing sexual orientation,” said Check out p. 15 www.thehealingway.net New York City's five pension plans, which ExxonMobil Corp. spokesman Alan Jeffers. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Feb. 7 - March 5, 2008 • 23 Queer Sports & Q Classifieds The OutField: Sweating, and Seeking Bliss By: Dan Woog* suffered kidney failure, and his heart was eat- resilient," he notes. "We go through so much Bliss. Some people ing away at itself. in our lives. It takes a lot to come through it seek it through med- Nearing 40 years old, Bergland made a deal all optimistic and determined. But if we exer- itation; others with himself. He would never again push his cise daily, we'll have great stamina, tenacity, through chemicals or body that hard. But he wanted to share his stress reduction, sense of purpose, kinship, sex. Christopher experiences—to show others how to use exer- and drive." Bergland finds bliss cise, strength training, stretching, nutrition, Bergland says The Athlete's Way was not through sweat. sleep, behavioral modeling, and neurobiology written for a gay audience. However, it was Bergland sweats a to attain the blissful state he had luxuriated in also not written with straight readers in mind. lot. He has won three for so long. Thankfully, we mortals don't have "That's part of the problem with marketing Ironman competi- to run up mountains or bike like Lance this," he says. "I tried to make the message tions. Each Ironman Armstrong to do it. universal, but people who are struggling with includes a 7.2-mile A man of extremes, Bergland sequestered sexuality issues will definitely understand swim, 336-mile bike run, and 78.6-mile run. himself in a Provincetown cottage to write his what I'm trying to say." That's equivalent to swimming the Hudson book. "The first four months were romantic," Bergland says he was pressured not to come River from Ground Zero all the way north to he says. "I wrote 4,000 pages, and had three out in the book. "I was going to de-gay it - to Grant's Tomb; hopping on a bike and pedaling feet of manuscript. Then everyone left for the write in a 'don't ask, don't tell' kind of way. I down to the old Confederate capital of winter. I had been so consumed with what I was being really cautious about pronoun use. Richmond; then running all the way out to the was doing, but finally I realized I had to be Then I just said, 'Screw it.' I ended up with University of Virginia at Charlottesville, two plugged in to people. I was so isolated, as an quotes I'm really proud of. I'd call it 'post- hours by car. athlete and a person." gay.'" Bergland has also completed three So he changed direction. Revising The Meanwhile, Bergland has more things on Badwater Ultramarathons. Covering 135 Athlete's Way: Sweat and the Biology of Bliss, his mind than helping sedentary people find miles and three mountain ranges from the he added an emphasis on the importance of bliss through exercise and positive attitudes. depths of California's Death Valley to the connecting with people in everything we do. He recently had a daughter, with a female heights of Mt. Whitney, in temperatures— He realized that "people who exercise all the friend who is also an Ironman athlete. we're talking July —of up to 130 degrees, the time disconnect from the world. My goal is to "Mirabel is beautiful and thriving," he says Badwater is the most demanding and extreme be in the trenches with humanity. The whole of his daughter. "Fatherhood is the most running race on the planet. idea behind this book is to help people find amazing thing. I can't even begin to describe Just reading his accomplishments makes bliss as both individuals and part of a collec- CHRISTOPHER BERGLAND it. It's just incredible." you want a massage. But there's more: tive society. There's a strong spiritual compo- boarding school, and felt asexual all through Christopher Bergland has discovered one Bergland holds the Guinness world record for nent to it, but it's very practical. It's a way to college—owes a lot to exercise. "It gave me more path to bliss. most distance covered on a 24-hour treadmill: gain the optimism, resilience, and intensity of confidence and strength," he says. "It can do * Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer 153.76 miles. That's equal to running six an athlete, while making exercise a sense of the same for anyone. All animals seek pleas- coach, gay activist, and author of the "Jocks" marathons in a day. He did it as a fundraiser joy. Sweat becomes a symbol of striving for ure and avoid pain. If you make fitness pleas- series of books on gay male athletes. Visit his for a youth AIDS organization, but the effort excellence. It can be applied to any dream or urable, you'll seek it more." website at www.danwoog.com. He can be almost killed him. goal you aspire to achieve." He is particularly adamant at what physical reached care of this publication or at Soon after, Bergland spent four days in a Bergland—who battled depression as a activity can do for gay men. "We are very [email protected]. hospital. His muscles were breaking down; he teenager, drank heavily for two years at LGBT STATS - WHY ADVERTISING IS SO IMPORTANT! Couch from Page 2 they’ve put us in, because they didn’t different. And although we are granted (most 78% OF GAY AND LESBIAN ADULTS & 77% OF HET- describe us, or who we were. And I’d like to of) the same rights and protections under the EROSEXUALS are likely to consider a BRAND that is known to PRO- make the same argument for how we refer to Constitution, and we may be very, very simi- our partners, wedded or not. lar to our hetero brothers and sisters, we are VIDE EQUAL WORKPLACE BENEFITS for all of their employees, includ- Many of us love using the word “wife” or still a tribe unto ourselves. The things we ing GAYS & LESBIANS. “husband” to describe our other halves. I have experienced, suffered, or kept hidden for Source: Witeck-Combs Communications/Harris Interactive, Feb. 2007 know it gives a great many couples such joy, so long, give us a unique perspective. And perhaps a deeper sense of pride and commit- perhaps a deeper understanding of the lan- PERSONALS ment, to publicly exclaim their bond. 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