Protest in a Pandemic COVID-19 Hasn't Stopped Protests Against Problems Created out of Changes Caused by the Virus, As Well As Issues That Predate It

Home , Comedian (character), Heat Wave (comics), LazyTown

Vol. 3, Iss. 2 Aug/Sept 2020 MAGAZINE

CenterlineConnecticut's LGBTQ+ Magazine A Publication of the New Haven Pride Center

Protest in a Pandemic COVID-19 hasn't stopped protests against problems created out of changes caused by the virus, as well as issues that predate it

ALSO INSIDE: • How does intersectionality affect safety? • The Age of the Kings: Drag Kings make a mark on local stages • LGBTQ+ Programming: A Shift in Venue... and Values? • Resource Listings for the Bi+ Community CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 1 PAGE PAGE 30 22 photo by Megan McGory-Gleason Contributed photo In This Issue Bi+ Resource List The Age of the Kings The Bi+ community can be more isolated A diverse array of Drag King performers have due to the challenges in finding resources; been participating in the drag community our resource guide should help provide a in Connecticut. Get to know five of those starting point towards what's out there. 4 talented entertainers. 22

Protest and the Pandemic Shift in Venue... & Values? For those working on the front lines to COVID-19 has forced a variety of in-person create change, the COVID-19 pandemic has group meetings and entertainment to shift added a new wrinkle, but hasn't stopped online. That's had both positive and negative their work from moving forward. 12 impacts on the LGBTQ+ population. 32 PLUS: Viewpoints, Photo Spreads, Local Info, Poetry and MORE!

MAGAZINE Editor in Chief and Designer Joshua O'Connell Editor Patrick J Dunn Contributors: John D. Allen, Centerline Mel Cordner, Linda-Cristal Young, Centerline Magazine is published six times a year by the New Haven Pride Lucy Gellman, Adrian Huq, Maia Center. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher Leonardo, Megan McGory-Gleason, or of Centerline but of the writers. We welcome a variety of viewpoints Ala Ochumare, Miranda Rector, and encourage submissions. Complete or partial reproduction of any Alan Veloz, Karleigh Webb advertisement, news article, feature or photography without written Cover photo: Karleigh Webb consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send advertising inquiries to [email protected] ©2020 New Haven Pride Center. Printed by TCI Press 2 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 photo: Megan McGory-Gleason

FRONT AND CENTERLINE Joshua O'Connell A Different World Hello again - it's been awhile. When I and other last sat down to write this column it was community January, and what has now been a world- members to changing pandemic was still new, seemingly cover a variety impacting a different part of the world. of viewpoints from various corners of our By the time we looked to assemble what LGBTQ+ community. would've been our March issue, we realized We've always had a mission of telling our that many of the venues where a magazine community's stories, many times through like Centerline would be distributed were their own words, and so we're excited to closing down. We made the tough decision expand our mission in this way. to pause the magazine. This issue, I've compiled resources that The New Haven Pride Center, under are designed to assist the Bi+ community. whose purview the magazine is published, Over the last year I've led the Pride center's shifted directions nearly instantly to provide Bi+ Social and Discussion Group, one of virtual services in a socially distant world, three groups in Connecticut available to the while surveying our community and finding Bi+ community, and have gotten to know food insecurity to be a critical concern. a number of amazing individuals in recent That led to the launch of our Food years who are dedicated to expanding Pantry program, which has fed hundreds resources, many online but some in person of families. That program, which is slated to as well. continue to the end of August, has been the As we've done for women and the trans cornerstone of our response in this newly community in previous issues, we hope uncertain world. this list of resources will help those who are The return of Centerline is not a return to looking for some support, information, or normal, per se, but for us a way to continue recommended reading. And if you know to document what's happening in our of a resource that we left out of our list, community. don't hesitate to email me at centerline@ Mel Cordner returns this issue, looking at newhavenpridecenter.org - the resources changes in our community when it comes are being shared among the various group to entertainment, resources and more, and leaders. how virtual conversations and events have Within these pages you'll find queer impacted the accessibility of resources. poetry written as part of a recent program, a There are some who benefit, and some look at protesting during the pandemic, how who don't, by the changes from in-person intersectionality impacts safety, a look into gatherings to virtual ones. the Drag King community and the unique You'll notice that we have more perspective they bring, and pictures from Viewpoint pieces in the magazine this issue. events that took place before the pandemic: We're not a news publication, but news The Yale Cabaret Theatre Dragaret, and the inevitably impacts what we do, and we're Dorothy Awards. launching a broader viewpoint program that We're excited to be back, and hope you're extends not only here in print, but to a set staying safe. We'll see you in September with of blogs that will be maintained on the New our annual Pride issue, but in the meantime Haven Pride Center's website. we hope this issue helps provide you with The Pride Center's program officers will some of the best of what's happening in our be collecting content from themselves community. CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 3 RESOURCES Events and Information for the Bi+ Community by Joshua O'Connell GROUPS Bisexual+ Discussion Group (4th Wed, 7p) The Bisexual+ community Bisexuals and Allies (1st Based in Middletown, is, based on many surveys of Thurs, 7:30p) the Bisexual+, Biromantic+ the population, the largest Bisexuals & Allies of Queer, & Questioning, portion of the LGBTQ+ Fairfield County (BAFC) is a Discussion and Support community. That doesn't nonjudgmental support and Group is held every Fourth mean the resources have social group for all bisexual/ Wednesday of the month. kept pace. non-monosexual folks in the For the foreseeable While resources certainly Fairfield County area and future we are meeting via exist that are agnostic to any their allies, hosted via the zoom. Bring your topic of one part of our community, Triangle Community Center. discussion or just listen. a lot of resources have Members include people People of all ages, developed over time for the who identify as bisexual, religious backgrounds, gay and lesbian communities, pansexual, queer, fluid, no ethnicities/races, genders and more recently for the label, asexual, or otherwise, & gender presentations Bi+ and Trans communities, as well as straight, gay, and (including cis, genderfluid, many of which started as lesbian allies (friends and intersex, nonbinary, trans, grassroots initiatives. family). The group welcomes etc.) are all most sincerely Many of the resources people of all genders, welcomed to attend. have shifted online as a including cisgender, Info: www.meetup.com/ result of the COVID-19 transgender, gender non- Bisexual-Discussion-Group pandemic; as such, it's worth conforming, androgynous, checking in as things may genderqueer, and other Bisexual+ Social Group change over time. gender identities. (4th Sat, 1:30p) This is, like any, an BAFC seeks to build a Hosted at the New incomplete list, but hopefully stronger bi+ community Haven Pride Center, the gives some helpful starting and to increase the visibility Bisexual+ Social Group points for those seeking and support of all who offers a social atmosphere resources, whether groups fall under the bisexual to facilitate conversation, or online. umbrella term. Closeted getting to know you, and If you're aware of another or out, monogamous more. The group straddles resource not covered here, or polyamorous, all are the line between a social we'd love to hear about welcome to join as long as group and a discussion it! Email centerline@ long as other members of group. newhavenpridecenter.org the group are treated with The group is meeting and we'll incorporate it in respect and compassion. via Zoom, but will return to a future list of resources Info: www.ctpridecenter. the New Haven Pride Center published online or in org when it is safe to do so. the print version of the Info: www. magazine. newhavenpridecenter.org 4 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 8th Annual Bisexual Book Awards Winners Each year the Bi Writers ROMANCE: TIE MYSTERY Association announces the • All the Better Part of Me • Blood & Bitcoin by L.A. winners and finalists of the by Molly Ringle, Central Witt, Independently Bisexual Books Awards. Avenue Published Launched in 2013, the goal was to recognize books • Out of the Shade by S.A. • Burying the Dead by with bisexual/pansexual/ McAuley / Independently Georgette Gouveia, JMS fluid characters and content. Published Books The association has been • Red, White & Royal Blue POETRY working since 2006 to by Casey McQuiston, • A Sand Book by Ariana ensure a place for bisexual St. Martin’s Griffin / Reines, Tin House Books books. Macmillan • turn around BRXGHT Winners are bolded. • Return by Rowan Shaw, XYXS by Rosebud Ben- NON-FICTION Independently Published Oni, Get Fresh Books • From Psychoanalytic EROTIC FICTION • Why I Never Finished Bisexuality to Bisexual • Lot’s Wife: An Erotic My Dissertation by Laura Psychoanalysis: Desiring Retelling by Rosalind Foley, Headmistress Press in the Real by Esther Chase, Under Hill Press Rapoport, Routledge PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR • Three For All by Elia • Routledge • Under the Bisexual Winters, Cecaelia Press Umbrella: Diversity of • Simon & Schuster • We Three: One and One Identity and Experience BI WRITER OF THE YEAR edited by Corey E. and One Makes Three by Lara Zielinsky, Supposed Flanders, Routledge {authors alphabetically Crimes MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY by last name} • In the Dream House by SPECULATIVE FICTION • Sarah Blake, Naamah, Carmen Maria Machado, [BI-FI/SCI-FI/FANTASY/ Riverhead Books / Graywolf Press PARANORMAL/HORROR/ Penguin Random House ETC.] • Sorted by Jackson Bird, • Monster of the Week by • Rosalind Chase, Tiller Press / Simon & FT Lukens, Duet Books / Lot’s Wife: An Erotic Schuster Interlude Press Retelling, Under Hill Press FICTION • Shatter the Sky by • Attraction by Ruby Rebecca Kim Wells, • Corey E. Flanders editor, Porter, Text Publishing Books for Young Under the Bisexual Readers/Simon & Umbrella: Diversity of • Naamah by Sarah Blake, Schuster Identity and Experience, Riverhead Books / Routledge Penguin Random House TEEN/YOUNG ADULT FICTION • Casey McQuiston, Red, • Northern Lights by • Deposing Nathan by White & Royal Blue, Raymond Strom, Simon & Zack Smedley, Page St. Martin’s Griffin / Schuster Street Kids Macmillan • Red at the Bone by • Monster of the Week by • Rebecca Kim Wells, Jacqueline Woodson, FT Lukens, Duet Books / Shatter the Sky, Books for Riverhead Books / Interlude Press Young Readers / Simon & Penguin Random House Schuster • The Mover by JC Garton, • Small Silent Things by Riversong Books / Sulis To see previous honorees, as Robin Page, Harper International well as other events by the Perennial/HarperCollins Bi Writers Association, visit http://www.biwriters.org

CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 5 New Haven Pride Center on YouTube Centerline editor-in-chief and Pride Center Bi+ Social Group facilitator Joshua O'Connell interviewed Bi+ author and activist Zachary Zane during a pride month live chat. To watch the replay, search "A Conversation with Zachary Zane" on YouTube.

ONLINE RESOURCES Association, founded in Bisexual Resource 2006, aims to ensure a Bisexual+ Connecticut Center place for bisexual books, A free and open group on This nonprofit was and offers the annual Facebook for local Bisexual+ founded in the 1980s and is Bisexual Books Awards, to community members to one of the longest running ensure representation and chat, get to know each other organizations focused recognition of Bi+ books and and make friends. specifically on the Bi+ themes. This year's award Search "Bisexual+ community. Among other winners and finalists can be Connecticut" on Facebook resources on their website found inside this article. are a listing of national Info: www.biwriters.org New York Area Bisexual and local Bi+ groups, Network handouts that can be used Bisexual Bloggers Since 1987 #NYABN (New as resources in community This Facebook group York Area Bisexual+ Network) centers and for Bi+ groups, encourages sharing of Bi+ has been providing places and reports/research that authorship and information, where ALL people on the they've compiled from regardless of resource, from Multiple gender-attraction various sources. books to blogs to podcasts Spectrum (#MSpec) as well Info: biresource.org to video content. just plain old Bi-friendly Info: www.facebook.com/ #Gay, #Lesbian & "Straight- The American Institute BiBloggingCentral But-Not-Narrow" Allied of Bisexuality folx can keep themselves This organization features Bisexuality-Aware informed about Bi-inclusive a variety of Bi+ focused Professionals Directory stuff, as well as where to content, information about This list of resources is gather and interact in the various influential and designed to connect those New York City Tri-State Area, various Bi+ people, aiming seeking Bisexual+ aware (including Manhattan the to help with visibility, a professionals in a variety Bronx, Brooklyn Queens, resource library with plenty of categories with those Staten Island, Long Island, of information, and options seeking their services. New Jersey, Connecticut, on how you can get involved. The listings are organized Westchester County and the Info: bi.org/en geogrpahically for easier Lower Hudson Valley). discovery. Info: www.facebook.com/ Bi Writers Association Info: https://www.bizone. NYAreaBiNet The Bi Writers org/bap/locate.php 6 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 7 VIEWPOINT The Government’s War on the Trans Community by Maia Leonardo assigned at birth was not. physiological differences,” One could argue, of course, neglecting to note that one Since the beginning of that forcing hundreds of of the plaintiffs of the lawsuit the Trump administration, thousands of trans students won a race against one the government’s war on into the wrong facilities of the trans athletes days LGTBQ+ and specifically constitutes discrimination after the lawsuit was filed. trans people has only and harassment, but that In May, the Department of accelerated. From fighting probably wouldn’t stop Education issued a letter the rights of trans students an administration built specifically in regards and athletes to “religious on discrimination and to the Connecticut case liberty” protections in harassment. but applicable generally health care and housing, The Trump attacks saying that Title IX explicitly this administration has on trans students have does not allow for trans shown itself to be the most extended to those students’ inclusion in sports. The trans-antagonistic in recent participation in sports. letter continued to refer to memory. It certainly gives In January of this year, trans women as “males” the Reagan administration the administration filed and described athletics watching gleefully as many a brief in support of an with trans participants thousands of gay and trans Idaho law that singled out as “coeducational.” This Americans suffered and trans women, preventing lawsuit is still winding its died from AIDS a run for its them from participating in way through the courts, money. women’s sports, with the but the Supreme Court’s Just over a month brief stating, essentially, that recent ruling on Title VII as after Inauguration Day, on trans women are a threat to it related to LGBTQ+ people February 23, 2017, the Trump women’s sports. This notion, was narrow and kept the administration rescinded though unscientific, is at the door open for an unfavorable guidance dating to the root of this and following ruling on a case about trans Obama administration that actions to hurt trans athletes. stated that students should athletes. Another way the Trump have access to bathrooms In March, the administration is making and locker rooms consistent administration filed a brief trans peoples’ lives worse with their gender identity, in support of a lawsuit filed is through its sanction of making trans students’ here in Connecticut by three discrimination on the basis safety at school dependent cisgender girls, where trans of “religious liberty.” In June, on school districts and athletes can participate the administration rolled states. The Department of in teams that match their back another Obama-era Education later clarified gender identity, challenging rule, this one prohibiting the guidance, saying the state’s inclusive policy. discrimiination on the that while discrimination The filing calls the trans girls basis of gender identity and harassment of trans at the heart of the lawsuit in health care, citing students was prohibited, “biological males” and the Religious Freedom separating bathrooms by sex repeatedly mentions “real Restoration Act and 8 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 New Haven Pride Center New Haven Pride Center celebrating this as a victory for civil liberties. Another “victory for MIDNewY HaEven APridRe Ce nRter EPORT civil liberties” occurred in early MIDYEAR REPORT July, when the Department of Housing and Urban Development MIDYEAR REPORT issued guidance that allows INVESTED IN VISUAL NINETY ONE ARTISTS 11 for religiously-affiliated single- INVESTED IN VISUAL $ 2,732 TOTAL NARINTEISTTYS O &NE ARTISTS 11 DOLLARS sex shelters to turn people ASPRETAISKTESR &S PERFORMING $ 2,732 TOTAL away based on trans status. SPEAKERS VAISRUTIASLTS 27 $ 2,765 IDNOVLELSATREDS INVESTED IN PERFORMING 11 INVESTED A leaked memo from HUD NINETY ONE ARATRITSISTTSS 27 $ 2,73625 $9T,O5T7A2L contains “tips” for identifying a ARTISTS & SPEAKERS $ 4,075 SPEAKERS 53 $DO9L,L5A7R2S transgender woman, including 91 PSEPREFAOKREMRINSG 2573 $ 4,075 INVESTED ARTISTS $ 2,765 being tall, having facial hair, and 91 $9,572 having an Adam’s apple. This VIRTUAL ARSTPEAKERS $ 4,075 guidance is designed to allow 3 53 9VTOIRUTRUS1AL ART ARTISTS shelters to discriminate against 3 FEATURED VTIORUTURASL 41 ARTISTS trans women, putting lives in YOUTH EVENTS 24 FEATURED danger. What civil liberty is VIIRRTTUUAALL ART 41 YOUTH EVENTS 24 VTIORUTRUASL 3 66 OVARETISRTS more important: the right to be TOTAL 11 FEATURED a bigot or the right to be safe in PVEIRRTFUOARLMANCES 6VIRT6UAL 4O1VER VIRTUAL 2141 TOTAL 15,000 healthcare and housing? VYPOEIRRUTFTUOHR AEMLVA ETNNACTLESKSS VEIVRETNUTASL 15,0VIE0W0S & PANELS 16 EVENTS The Trump administration is VIRTTUUAALL TALKS 66 OVVEIEWRS TOTAL far from the first violently anti- & PANELS 116 PERFORMANCES VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH LGBTQ+ administration the United 15,000 VIRTUAL TALKS EVENTS MREFNETRAALL HVSEIAELWTHS States has been under. How was & PANELS 16 RHEOFUESRINAGLS this state-sanctioned bigotry MOST HAOSSUISSITNAGNCE combated before? In the 80s, FRMEOQSUTE NT MAUNSESNEIMTSAPTLAO NHYCEMAEELNTTH REFERALS while the Reagan administration 475 UBENNEEMFPILTOSYMENT VIRTUAL CASE FRREEQQUUEESNTTS was at best ignoring the AIDS 4MAN7AGEME5NT HBFOEONUDES FINITGS VIRTUAL CASE REMQOUSETS TS ASSISTTAANNCCEE crisis, activists did advocacy work HMOAUNRSA GOEFMFERNETD FOOD HOURS OFFERED FREQUENT UASONSCSEIMATPALLNOCYEMENT at the local, state, and federal 475 BSUENPPEOFIRTTS levels, and organizers with groups VIRTUAL CASE REQUESTS SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FSOUOPDP ORT like ACT UP conducted dramatic HOURS OFFERED ASSITANCE direct actions to bring attention SOCIAL to the scope of the problem. 200-3SUP0POR0T The example of those who came 2IND0IVI0DU-AL3S/0WE0EK before us and our experiences INDIVIDUALS/WEEK now tell us two things: one, that 105 22060,0-03O0+ 0lbs when it comes to forcing change INDIVIDUALS/WEEK 1HOUS0E HOLD5S SIGNED UP 26,0O0F FOO+O Dlbs and holding those in power accountable, people power and HFORU SOEU RH OFLODOSD SPIRGONGERDA UMP GIVOEFN F OAOWDAY sustained action gets results, and 1FOR 0OUR FO5OD PROGRAM 26 G,I0VE0NO A+W lAbYs two, that any reform won under STAFF NEWO FH IFROEOD HOUSE HOLRDEST SEINGTNIOEND UP+1 the current system can easily be F1O0R O0UR% FOSOTADF PFR OGRAM N GEIWV EHNIR AEWAY overturned. 100%RETENTION +1 INCOMING The rest of the LGBTQ+ SUCCESSFUL +1 NINECWO MHIINRGE TRANSITIONS TTAOF WF ORK 1 NNEEWW HHIIRREE community needs to stand SFRUOCMCE HSOSMFEUR LREETSEUNLTTIIONNG ++1 NEW T1R0AN0SIT%ION TO WORK 33 with trans people and get loud FINR OZMER HOO DMIES RRUEPSTUILOTNING NVINOECWLOUMNITNEGERS and militant to hold the Trump IONF ZSEERROV IDCIESSR.UPTION 33 SOUF CSCEERSVSICFUESL. +1 V2N0OE0LW+U H NHOTIURREESE ROFS administration’s feet to the fire TRANSITION TO WORK V20O0L+U NHTOEUERRSI NOGF and work toward building a more FROM HOME RESULTING NEW IN ZERO DISRUPTION 33 VOLUNTEERING equitable and just society. DATA FOR MARCH -V JOULYU 2N02T0EERS OF SERVICEDSA. TA FOR MARCH - JULY 2020 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 WWW.NEWHAVENPR2ID0E0CE+N HTEORU.ORRSG OF 9 WWW.NEWHAVENPRVIDOELCEUNNTETRE.OERRGING DATA FOR MARCH - JULY 2020 WWW.NEWHAVENPRIDECENTER.ORG YALE CAB DRAGARET Local Show Yale Dragaret is a fabulous and fierce opportunity for the Yale School of Drama community to come together and explore gender through performance art. The local show features community performers rallying together to help fundraise for the Yale Cabaret Theatre.

Photos by Linda-Cristal Young

10 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 11 Photo by Karleigh Webb Actions like this one on June 29 have led to action among state and municipal lawmakers. Efforts continue to push for more protections, even during the pandemic.

RIGHTS FIGHT Protest and the Pandemic

Despite COVID, the summer of 2020 has with Hartford-based Black seen some of the most sustained street Americans Undivided said of the death of George Floyd heat in over 50 years, but will it stay hot? at the hands of police. “I was angry as a black person to by Karleigh Webb nation’s leadership seemed see black people lynched by Historians may look to tone-deaf. The office chatter police to see black people 2020 and conclude that became Zoom and skype killed by police.” it was a year where truth calls as commute traffic What followed since melded with dystopian thinned, and malls and has been a groundswell of fiction. restaurants grew empty. open protests mixed with a The main player took But the already-bizarre bloom of collective action the stage in force with the script twisted sharply on online even as the COVID coming spring. COVID-19 a Minneapolis, Minnesota crisis intensifies. To longtime consumed the globe and the street on May 25. Hartford activist Kamora news cycle. The mounting “I wanted to go out into Herrington, the pandemic death toll was a constant streets and scream and just in a sense prepared many ticker amid our society cry,” Marcus Blackburn, a for the moment to spark a coming to a dead stop as the young, black, queer activist movement. 12 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 “COVID created a place where we had to sit, contemplate and think. When that day happened, everyone knows about George Floyd in real time as it happened,” Herrington noted. “Instead of being out on Memorial Day we were at home contemplating what we saw.” What has followed is marches, rallies, sit-ins and jammed highways across the nation and the world that reminded some of the national turmoil throughout 1968. Locally, thoughts of what happened to the Floyds, Breonna Taylors, Photo by Karleigh Webb Ahmaud Arberys, and Tony IV Staklo speaks at May 30 Cancel The Rent McDades have melded demonstration. with this state’s response to the pandemic that leaves through a smart mix of tactics are a growing facet vulnerable communities at internet advocacy and street of the “new normal” of risk. heat that has included a the pandemic. Contrary “What coronavirus group of “car caravans” that to the belief of those who is showing us is the have taken to the streets may oppose the growing contradictions in our society. in way that lessons the risk movement, organizers are If you throw people out of COVID. The “marches taking steps to protect of their homes – evictions on wheels” have picketed people. The only time you carried by police – that’s property companies, might see a mask removed is police violence,” Party for landlords and legislators when someone is addressing Socialism and Liberation New Haven, Hartford and crowds and even that has organizer IV Staklo said. Bridgeport. become quite rare. Hand “That is going to negatively “These were major issues sanitizers and water bottles impact Black and Latinx prior to the pandemic but amid this recent heat wave communities.” are being exacerbated have equal importance. now,” Staklo noted. “A lot of To Herrington, the SPEAKING UP WHILE the things that keep from founder of Kamora’s Cultural LOCKED DOWN engaging, such as economic Corner, the mask itself has stability, are the things prompted what she feels is Staklo refers to one of motivate people to take to an important discussion or the main issues regarding the streets. These are not how we value each other. this crisis in Connecticut issues that you can put on “One of the challenges we Since a state of emergency hold.” have is how we help people was declared March 11, the Such tactics have been come up with ways to make state of Connecticut has an example of the flexibility their voices heard when they twice pushed back the and adaptation that has can’t physically be there.” moratorium on rent. Yet, always been a part of the The internet throughout an effort has emerged to survival of vulnerable the crisis is a tool many push for rent cancellation communities. Now those have pointed to during the CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 13 Photo courtesy Party for Socialism and Liberation New Haven residents surround the police station in protest. lockdown. For organizers, Blackburn recalls. “We took was still feeling its way it has been a means to this opportunity to create through this new set of strategize and give space a moment where many of circumstances,” Stamford to those who may be at these voices could be heard.” Board of Representatives too great risk to be out at a The protests have member Raven Matherne demonstration. made some progress in noted. “I worry that without “We’ve had some people Connecticut. Two months of action our legislative bodies who may be able to be out, street heat got a landmark simply aren’t going to be be creative and build on police accountability law able to be as responsive to social media,” Staklo said. to Governor Ned Lamont’s the requests, needs, and “We’ve people build videos desk. The cancel the rent demands of their citizens, and infographics to help effort has extended the just as we reach a time when frame the issues.” rent moratorium twice. residents most need to be Blackburn noted the Police defunding and able to communicate with tool has been key for a restructuring has gone from their elected representatives. budding organization that theory to pending law in a The digital age has brought is mainly young, queer number of city and towns, the protests to legislators’ BIPOC activists. They and lawmakers already digital front doors.” efficiently built a unit that scrambling to adjust to Matherne went on to add quickly built an action on the changes COVID have that technology can be a Juneteenth that drew more brought are also adjusting to bridge between organizers than 6,000 to the steps constituents demanding a and legislators. Recently, of the Connecticut state greater voice. they used that bridge gain capital and raised eyebrows. “COVID 19 forced us to support from local and “We had been connecting drop our common practices, national transgender rights through organizations and and the surge in protests advocates for a resolution to demonstrations where we and demonstrations came stand up to recent threats on didn’t feel represented,” at a time when our board Connecticut’s public schools 14 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 by the Trump Administration for stand firm for the rights of transgender students. But the tactics and tools of organizing also involve what happens away from the fray.

KEEPING IT (AND US) TOGETHER

Within days of getting the resolution passed, Matherne continued an impressive streak of going on a daily run during the pandemic. “I’ve run every day for the last 92 days,” the representative declared. “I decided that I’d rather wear Contributed photo out the soles of my shoes Kamora Herrington has been organizing and agitating in on dirt trails and give my Harford for 30 years, and she’s not done. soul a chance to refill. It beats wearing my soul thin of Trans Lifeline. North someone else is not just watching a world attack its America’s fully trans-run beneficial to me it will be own people.” support line that has seen beneficial to someone else.” Even with the successes, a sizeable upsurge in peer Herrington noted that the grind has been rough, support calls mainly due to keeping it together and especially on LGBTQ COVID and the surge in anti- staying together are on the communities. Each of these trans violence in the last two same axis for her. She notes voices, and thousands months. Calls are up to 81% that one of the best keys of other have felt that due to isolation and lack of working with many of newer, weariness. COVID has forced community, since March. and mostly white, faces who adaptation in the work, and In addition to taking are newly engaged. “What adaptation in healing from down time to take nature we are moving into right it. walk or reflect alone, they now is that many people are “Sometimes I turn my feel connection beyond being hit with what it means phone completely off,” organizing work is an equally to stand up for a cause,” Blackburn declared, saying important component of she said. “and now they’ve it was something he had self-care. “It’s easy to forget stepped in and they are done since high school. “I let what we’re here for when getting the pushback now.” people know if I’m working don’t see each other,” But she also notes one on a project that I would be they said. “Our thoughts of the biggest changes is available, and I disconnect automatically go to believing what recharges her. The so I can reconnect with if we go to our friends, protest actions haven’t just myself. Right now, with we are being a burden, taken place in the cities. organizing and COVID you and often our friends are They’ve extended to people can get burnt out so easy. It’s believing the same thing.” on the march in smaller important for me to connect “Somebody will tell me communities as well. “What back with what I’m doing.” they are feeling depleted sustains me now is that Self-care is important to and I can reach out and more people are stepping Staklo as an organizer, but say hi, I’m feeling the same into a moment that we need also as a program director thing. Reaching out to to step into,” she said. CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 15 VIEWPOINT folx, sometimes even other queer folx, that I am viable, powerful and NOT disposable. How Does Being In my latest work I have seen queer black people be erased and cancelled resulting in them entering Intersectional into homelessness and mental health institutions. Some have even disappeared. Again this isn’t Affect Safety? uncommon knowledge to us queer folx. by Ala Ochumare into my safety. In the world As the youth program we live in now, each one of coordinator for the Pride Safety… What does that my intersections can result Center, I think about lack of even mean anymore? Who in my demise. safety for the youth I create defines it? Most importantly, How do I create safety programs for. The spaces we who does that definition in a world designed to hate create for young queer folx pertain to? me? A world that wants to are the spaces we all needed I proudly proclaim that I use or abuse black queer to feel whole and safe. am a Black Queer Woman womxn? Where the best We are fortunate that but my intersections don’t chance at success stems the next generation is stop there... I am a Mother, from the fetishization or multicultural and is not an Organizer, a Healer, tokenism of our bodies? voiceless. They are loud, a Black Feminist, a Sex In order for queer folx to proud, and reimagining this Goddess, and I am my began to heal around the world. ancestors’ wildest dreams. messages that we don’t Though many of these My acceptance of my belong, we make our own same young queer folx identities has allowed me families and co-create our are living in constant fear to honor myself and my own worlds of love and because in the space they community in a magnificent acceptance. live in their queerness is not way. Yes, I proclaim this Sometimes even accepted or, more scarily, proudly, loudly, and as often within these worlds MY they are abused due to it. as I can. lived identities still aren’t So again I ask the My truth is also what can welcome. I’m too Black for question: what is safety, who get me killed. Killed because some, or too loud, and I defines it and who does it someone else can glimpse do not match up with folx’ really pertain to? upon me and deem me definition of what a femme Witnessing young immoral or not quite human, woman is supposed to be. people thrive in their found or in the words uttered It is well known that our communities has been from my own family, just… safety has never existed. But a beautiful thing since “wrong.” add in the intersections of Covid-19 came and tore our Yet I still hold privileges, blackness, trans identity, or world apart. I also can’t help and I’ve turned them into womxness, and you have the to wonder and worry about power. basis for erasure of us. the queer folx in our spaces Very often in my anti- As a black queer woman who haven’t had the ability racism work I say, safety I find that I have to work so to find a healing community does NOT equal comfort. In much to be seen and not before Covid-19 hit. the case of my queerness I just seen, but also heard. I What does their safety work to make my comfort have to constantly remind look like now? 16 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 17 VIEWPOINT LGBTQ+ Survivors, Like All of Us, Need Community, Not Police by Miranda Rector treated but never prevented. & Tarot to socials at Three LGBTQ+ people, especially Sheets, I got to surround We know there’s a those that are Black, myself with beautiful, problem. We know that Indigenous, and women/ brilliant women and femmes more than half of all bisexual femmes, are especially there for the purpose of women experience some harmed by this cycle. As a supporting one another. I form of intimate partner community of communities, felt safe. violence within their lifetime. we must work to find better The more I engaged We know that transgender solutions. with this work, the further women are murdered at I know firsthand what my days of looking over my horrifying frequency. We it’s like to interact with the shoulder slipped far behind know that the LGBTQ+ police after experiencing me. I was listened to. I was community at large is rape, domestic abuse, and supported. I was allowed to burdened by generations of stalking. Even with a trauma relax and have fun and be trauma. counselor by my side, the myself again. Community Many attempts to encounter left me on edge, support helps survivors heal. help LGBTQ+ survivors of constantly looking over my Communities can also intimate partner violence shoulder, always vigilant. prevent harm and navigate and gender-based violence It did not make me feel fair consequences for those focus on reform to the safe. Rather, I felt like a pawn that cause harm. This existing system. Time and to make another arrest, to means we must identity time again, we are forced put someone behind bars. and interrogate patterns of to rely on a criminal justice As angry, hurt, and even harmful behavior before they system that was designed vengeful as I felt, that was escalate. More than that, to work against us, not for not what I needed or even we must invest resources us. Survivors of all genders wanted. I wanted to heal. I into communities to equip and sexual orientations needed to heal. At the end of them with the tools to report frequently feeling the day, I chose not to file a protect one another and less safe after interactions formal report. to thrive. Leaders within with the police. There are I also know firsthand LGBTQ+ communities, in numerous books and articles that there’s reason to have particular, need to be honest like Chanel Miller’s "Know hope. Healing is an ongoing with ourselves about how My Name" to illuminate us process. Even as I entered we create safe spaces. Our on how the courts protect my new role at the New communities and people are rapists and abusers all while Haven Pride Center and more likely to live in poverty, retraumatizing their victims. started a new, healthy experience discrimination We are stuck in a and fulfilling relationship seeking resources, and rely cycle where survivors are with my girlfriend, I was on “chosen family” and repeatedly retraumatized, still working through the partners to get by. This where communities are trauma. I was lucky to find makes us all more vulnerable fractured, where abusers can community here in New to abuse if we don’t create go on to do more harm, and Haven. community spaces that where harm is sometimes From events with Tea are truly safe. We have to 18 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ask ourselves: Who do we listen to? Who is empowered? What actions do we tolerate and why? Communities are at the heart of creating a lasting cultural change. At the New Haven Pride Center, we partnered with local and statewide organizations tackling the issue of partner violence to launch the #ArtAgainstViolence campaign. The goal of this campaign is to empower all survivors and allies to use art as a tool of healing and to give people a platform to speak up. We’re centering LGBTQ+ artists in this campaign because all too often our communities go unheard on issues of violence. We’ve been an afterthought for too long. My hope is that art will help us envision an approach to violence that focuses on healing, prevention, and community. I write this with tremendous love for our LGBTQ+ community. There would be no point in making these statements if I did not think that our community and communities could rise to the challenge. We have to have enough hope to imagine a world where things are better. And we will.

CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 19 YALE CAB DRAGARET Student Show The annual event typically takes place in February and acts as the Gala fundraiser for the Yale Cabaret Theatre. The student show portion features Yale students donning drag to not only put on a great show, but also raise much needed funds.

Photos by Linda-Cristal Young

20 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ESTD 1938

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CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 21 THE AGE OF THE KINGS The Connecticut Drag King community is evolving by Lucy Gellman

22 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 Sometimes it’s as simple short, then later trimmed as the first notes of “Purple the sides with clippers. He Rain,” and the essence of started watching RuPaul’s Prince himself is whooshing Drag Race when it came out onto the stage. out in 2009, after catching Sometimes Robbie Rotten an early episode. A few steps out from behind the years later, he attended the curtain, taking the audience first DragCon in New York back to LazyTown circa 2000. City in a prom dress. Then Sometimes Steve Urkel is he discovered Norwalk’s in the house, until Genuine Troupe429, while going out blasts through the speakers, with a friend. and the suspenders start After watching drag, he coming off. asked Hazel Berry and Robin The routines all come from FRANKIE CYANIDE Fiercè if he could perform. drag kings, mostly female- By his own description, “it identifying and non-binary Frankie Cyanide, 27, was kind of snowballed from drag artists who are turning raised in Long Island and there:” His role models were male stereotypes on their Putnam County, New York. often the villains straight head. In Connecticut and His parents were 1970s New from young adult films with Massachusetts, drag kings York punks who became big life lessons: Peter Pan’s make up a small but growing professional clowns, the Captain Hook, Spy Kids’ number of performers, inheritance of which now Floop, and Robbie Rotten changing how the medium seems baked into his work among others. and artistry is understood. In as a performer. He was “I really like being able addition to performing, many “always that weird kid” as a to play with gender and get are using their presence and teenager, including a stint as hit on by gay guys at the their routines to address headmaster of three Harry bar,” he said. “I’m going to internalized misogyny Potter role playing forums play with makeup, I’m going that they see within drag, when he was in middle to create this person in the sometimes directed at AFAB school. mirror. I feel like I myself live (assigned female at birth) It was during those in this amorphous blob of performers. years—years that also gender, which leans towards Their origin stories, brought his first and only 70s glam.” often riddled with detention for doing the Day When he isn’t doing misunderstanding from Of Silence in eighth grade— drag, he works in tech judges and sometimes that he began playing with support at a private audience members, show makeup. Initially, the image school in Stamford and the kaleidoscopic nature of that he held onto was Frank- represents Stamford’s 12th the medium itself. For the N-Furter, the self-proclaimed district on the Board of last four months, many of “Sweet Transvestite” from Representatives. them have been navigating the 1975 cult classic Rocky He is @frankiemcyanide virtual performance, social Horror Picture Show. After on Instagram. distancing, and a drag showing up at school landscape that changed dressed as a male-bodied RAM SHACKLE overnight due to COVID-19. person for Halloween, he Here are just a few of their kept going. For Ram Shackle, 25, a stories. At 17, Cyanide cut his hair drag career grew out of a childhood surrounded by Contributed photos dance and theater. Raised in Previous page, clockwise from top left: Frankie Cyanide, East Hartford, Ram Shackle Loo D'Flyest Priestly, Ray Decorazon and Ram Shackle was raised by a mom who CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 23 what he was doing wasn’t the drag scene is vast and drag. The third, drag queen vibrant. A self-described Mia E. Z’Lay, said she wanted “real socially anxious” to see more. In the two years person, he initially saw it as since, he has stayed with the a way to find community. medium to increase visibility In addition to that—which and bring attention to the came in droves—he found artistry. It’s a choice with magic. which he also credits fellow “I’d been living like these king and real-life partner Ray other people and this was Decorazón. something that was purely “I think there’s more mine,” he said. “I was so visibility now,” he said, quiet and reserved before crediting it both to the rise I started. Getting up and was active in the city’s dance of Instagram and Landon doing this wild thing was and artistic scene, meaning Cider’s victory on The Boulet not something that people that “I was always kind of Brothers’ Dragula series. “I would think I would do. I aware of drag,” even before do wish there were more liked that I was pushing he knew the proper name kings. If people wish that myself. It felt easier to be for it. By high school, he had there were more kings, they confident that I could do this become a theater kid, more need to also book the kings on stage.” interested in the technical that are already here.” Ithaca’s scene, he soon side of the field than his During COVID-19, he’s found out, was booming: he classmates in the drama directed most of his energy was able to book gigs with department. to helping Ray Decorazón venues interested in new When he saw Jennie with Chez Queen, of which talent. There were a number Livingston’s iconic 1990 Decorazón was the season of kings already performing, documentary Paris Is three winner. which meant that he didn’t Burning, something started Follow him on Instagram have to explain himself. The to click. The genre still didn’t at @whatis_ramshackle name, a nod to the Spanish seem quite right: most for “King of Hearts,” is a nod drag kings he saw were to his own demi-sexuality. male illusionists or male Back in Connecticut impersonators. Ram felt he found a very different more androgynous. drag landscape. There were “I didn’t know where to virtually no kings: neither locate myself,” he said. “I Ram Shackle nor Hal 6000 landed on a character that had appeared on the scene. is more shape-shifty and He came to love the Chez androgynous. I describe Ram Est, for its open stages. as a skanky space snake.” “I could try new things His own career started and I wasn’t paid to be with a routine from Hedwig any certain character,” he and the Angry Inch, followed said. “I’ve done a lot of sexy by a 2018 appearance in numbers. It gave me a space Connecticut’s Tuck And Strut to try something real goofy. Competition. When he came RAY DECORAZÓN It felt like a space where onstage for the performance people weren’t going to as Rum Tum Tugger from Ray Decorazón, 22, grew judge.” Cats, “the judges just didn’t up in Connecticut and It led to bookings—and get it.” started drag as a junior to a surprise expectation Two of them insisted that at Ithaca College, where that landed squarely on his 24 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 shoulders. Suddenly, “I felt composite of some of like there was this pressure Priestly’s favorite influences, to represent drag kings, from sketch comedy on which is impossible to do, Saturday Night Live to because we’re so many comedian Will Ferrell to different things,” he said. musicians Freddy Mercury Now, he brings that and Prince. As bars closed, kaleidoscopic approach to Priestly could feel a loss his own routine, and to his that went beyond the support of other drag kings performance. There was no in the state and the region. gathering, no impromptu By putting himself out tipping (Venmo for digital there, he hopes that he has performances is not close to inspired other kings to do the same, he pointed out), the same. perform, he asked his boss if no new friendships that COVID-19, meanwhile, he could take the stage. She came out of the night. has marked a surprisingly gave him a night off to do it. While Priestly likes transformational period for In some ways, he was the breadth of virtual him. Before the pandemic, made for the medium. performances—one show Decorazón was getting Priestly grew up around might now include kings and bookings, but producing artists and theater kids in queens from multiple states numbers he wasn’t Amherst, Mass. His mom was and time zones—he’s less completely satisfied with. a Patsy Cline impersonator onboard with the medium. When the state effectively and his dad was a clown. “Loo gives me the spark,” shut down overnight, it gave He was painting other kids’ he said. “So losing that him time to recalibrate. faces at birthday parties social aspect was tough. But He isn’t a fan of digital by the time he was 7. As also, losing the outlet of art. performances, and has been a young adult, he was a There’s such a difference pouring most of his energy member of Project 2050, between recording and into Chez Queen All-Stars. a social justice theater performing online than Ram Shackle has been initiative (the name comes doing an audience.” helping him. from the projection that in Follow Loo at @ “I don’t want drag to be 2050, people of color will loodflyestpriestly on a career,” he said. “I don’t outnumber white people in Instagram. want to do it full time, I want the U.S.). it to be something that I’m By the time he was LEO CRAYZ excited about.” working in Northampton, Follow him on Instagram “I guess I’d always kind of Leo Crayz, 30, began as @raydecorazon. known about drag,” he said. their drag career in 2012 Decorazón also performs Once he started performing, after watching Loo perform as the drag queen Rayna something clicked. (the two are married to Shyne. She is @raynashyne “I liked the idea of playing each other in real life). From on Instagram. with gender,” he said. “As early on, they were focused I kind of developed my more on burlesque, and the LOO D'FLYEST PRIESTLY character more, I started moments in which drag and to play with gender a lot. I burlesque could fuse and Loo D’Flyest Priestly, always say that Loo is just create magical, embodied 34, started drag in 2012. At a glittery sparkly human storytelling onstage. Most of the time, he was working who likes to entertain, make their work has unfolded in at Divas, a gay nightclyb in people laugh, corrupt your Massachusetts and Rhode Northampton, Mass. After memories of childhood icons.” Island. watching other drag artists The character is a A former musician and CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 25 self-described “band dork,” they perform as both a non-binary king and the non-binary burlesque performer Mz Chocolat Swirl. As Leo, they tap into the wacky, the wonderful, and the transportive, pulling from a range of influences that include Prince, Steve Urkel and Jack Nicholson as the Joker from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman. The name came to them one afternoon years ago, while listening to Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” in the car. Crayz recalled thinking, jokingly, “that Leona, she cray cray!” as Lewis wailed her way through the song, hitting every high note. The name stuck. The New Haven Pride Center's Centerline Magazine is a Years later, Leo joked that they couldn’t bi-monthly print and online publication that is distributed change it even if they wanted to. throughout Connecticut (more than 20,000 copies annually) and digitally hosted on the Center's website, During the COVID-19 pandemic, they http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org. have worked on virtual performances, including videos edited and mastered by Centerline Magazine is one of the few LGBTQ+ publications in New England, and as such is a tremendous opportunity Loo D’Flyest Priestly (“we make a pretty for any business or nonprofit wishing to reach the widely gnarly team,” they said). Outside of drag and diverse LGBTQ+ community. burlesque, they’ve only recently returned to Advertising ranges in size and cost, starting as low as $200. their “muggle gig” as a massage therapist. In eight years, they have also become For more information, please contact us at a fierce champion of representation, in a [email protected] medium where booking and performance can remain disproportionately white. In a recent interview, they recalled their time performing in band, when they were sometimes pushed away from the spotlight for reasons that had nothing to do with talent. “I wasn’t the front line, but I know that Help us build our content! Suggest a story to be included I could be and should be,” they said. “It’s in Centerline Magazine - the Center accepts both story beautiful to see some of the folks in the referrals and content trade on a variety of LGBTQ+ topics and activities around Connecticut. community, to showcase that you can be a beautiful POC person to the front.” Centerline Magazine is also occasionally looking for Now, they fight for both themselves and writers to help to contribute to the diversity of voices and perspectives being presented. other Black and Brown performers in the medium. They recalled several conversations Email our Editor Josh O'Connell at : with Hartford-based queen Xiomarie LaBeija, [email protected] in which the two acknowledged how far both the regional drag scene and the medium had to go. Centerline Magazine is published six times per year on “Sometimes I think that I’m not being odd months (January, March, May, July, September and taken seriously,” they said, noting that they November) by the New Haven Pride Center and is released digitally and in print. All content is due by the 15th of the stand with drag artists who have refused to month before issue publication. perform in shows where they are one of one or two performers of color. “People should Want to be on our distribution list? Email Editor Josh O'Connell at [email protected]. not be snoozing over any of us.” Follow Leo Crayz on Facebook. They also perform as @mz.chocolatswirl. 26 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 Photo by Patrick J Dunn Mx. Chez Est 2020 Ray Decorazón, right, shortly after being announced as the winner.

COMPETITION before a winner is crowned by audience vote. The competition is designed to push performers to the At Mx. Chez Est, edge of their creative ability and the two finalists, Ray Decorazón and Ambrosia Lay The King Reigns Black, did not disappoint! Act One asked performers to do their best by Patrick J Dunn the Chez Est in Hartford celebrity impersonation, hosted year two of the to which Ray sported two Fireworks exploded Mx. Chez Est competition. different Elton John looks over the glowing Chez Est Mx. Chez Est, which is the AND sang live for the first sign. Confetti splashed out annual grand finale to time on stage. Ambrosia over the onlooking, socially the weekly Chez Legends tackled 5 different costumes distant audience. Flashing (formerly Chez Queen) in her portrayal of Lady lights, snapping cameras, show hosted and created Gaga, lip syncing her most and cheering parents looked by Mia E Z’Lay, challenges well-known hits. Both on. And a King was crowned the two finalists to create performances were fun, with the winner. unique performances and the audience singing along On Saturday, August 1st, compete in three categories and tapping their feet. CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 27 In Act Two, performers took on 90s Cartoon Characters. Ambrosia’s performance as Jean Grey / the Dark Phoenix was powerful. During the performance there was this moment where I was overwhelmed thinking of the internal struggle every queer person : to be our true powerful selves or hold back and be what others want us to be. Ray surprised everyone, coming out as world traveler and criminal mastermind Carmen Sandiego. This was a different appearance than Ray’s usually more masculine presentation, but it was great to see Ray have so much fun on stage and blend and bend genders from their more traditional looks. It became one of those - this is what drag is and should be moments. Finally, in Act Three both performers took the show to a whole new level. Category “Extravaganza” brought Ambrosia out in a latex dress with latex blood drippings covering their skin. Ray appeared moments later in a head to toe look that meshed together multiple genres of fashion that somehow forged a whole new trend. Both performances were each competitors best of the

Photos by Patrick J Dunn Above left, fireworks go off at the Chez after the crowning of Mx. Chez Est 2020 Ray Decorazón. Below, from left, Ambrosia Lay and Ray Decorazón were the finalists for this year.

28 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 evening. Emotional, raw, and incredibly inspiring. They both left the judges near speechless and the audience cheering. As votes were tallied, it was time for one final performance by Mx. Chez Est 2019 Mz October May Lay. October has had some amazing moments on stage over the past year, but this was one of the best (if not THE best). The number, which was performance art meets political statement, included spoken word and music and spoke directly to the conversations we are having as a community around racial justice and QPOC folk. It was striking, powerful, and emotionally overwhelming. As she performed you saw the souls of all of those who have fought for civil rights come through her every movement and by the end of her performance the entire audience was standing and applauding. After the standing ovation the audience didn’t have long to sit as Mia E Z’Lay came out with the winner’s name hidden in an envelope. You could see the strain of pressure and anticipation in both of their eyes. There was a moment where everything seemed to stand still and the entire audience stopped breathing. And then “The winner of Mx. Chez Est 2020 is … Ray Decorazón!” The audience exploded, Ray was sashed and crowned and then ran from the stage to hug their partner and fellow performer Photo by Patrick J Dunn Mx. Chez Est 2020 Ray Decorazón shortly after crowning Ram Shackle and their at the competition. parents. CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 29 DOROTHY AWARDS Honoring Our Best Each year the Dorothy Awards honors our local unsung heroes - those making a difference on the ground, in our community, every day. The event took place in early March, just before COVID-19 began to shut down the state.

Photos by Megan McGory-Gleason

30 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 Yale New Haven Health is proud to support New Haven Pride Center

Yale New Haven Health believes the sum is greater than all of its parts. When individual organizations work well together with a common mission, great things happen. This collaboration is what makes our community strong.

15551 (06/19)

CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 31 VIRTUAL WORLD LGBTQ+ Programming: A Shift in Venue — and Values? by Mel Cordner

As COVID-19 changed how we work, play, and generally exist, queer folks experienced an additional impact—“queerantine,” being isolated from other queer people and even re-closeted. Queer folks handled this the way we handle most of our feelings, and took it to the internet— and this time, we brought our programming with us. Online programming has been the ideal in terms of accessibility for years, and makes perfect sense in a world that has seen social movements born of viral hashtags and celebrities emerge from social media accounts. Shifting programs into cyberspace forced everyone to reconsider Courtesy of Anita Manager Sienna Rose, left, and Anita Manager’s “Sip and Simmer” how we create and access virtual drag cooking show combines cooking, comedy, content online. We’ve and a few drinks. You can tune on Sundays at 8:00p. changed how material is presented, how we interact with it, and even WHO is Many of our most vulnerable computer creates a sense of doing the interacting. ‘regulars’ don’t have access distance that both repelled I cried when I got the to personal computers or in-person regulars, who call suspending in-person even cell phones, and have felt Zoom activities to be programs at True Colors. been cut off from the life- a caricature of their usual As the Youth Activity saving network of people Fridays, and enticed online Coordinator there, I see who see them as they are visitors. Zoom’s mute and the immeasurable value of since March. stop video features offer queer youth spaces every True Colors moved control over who sees and day. Teens whose identities activities online to provide hears you, which alleviates aren’t respected anywhere what connection was social anxiety for many. else get through their week possible while maintaining This also provides a way to just for these activities. physical distance. The be part of an experience 32 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 Facebook/Kamora's Cultural Corner Kamora’s Cultural Corner in Hartford has been hosting virtual community conversations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. without interacting, which accessibility concepts and plug—it’s the third Saturday means youth can (and devices are becoming of every month at 6 PM!), do) “lurk,” listening on mainstream as mainstream which allows visual artists, headphones and enjoying culture moves online. stage-shy performers, and the concept of queer space Large-scale physically far-away youth without risking being programming has similarly to participate for the first “outed” to whoever might become more accessible time. Summer camps are overhear them if they were by moving online. Viewers meeting on Zoom, while to respond. can pause and replay Connecticut’s queer youth Lurking may sound video streams, control the proms joined forces on disappointing, but it can be brightness and volume of Twitch. In all cases, moving a lifeline to youth who can’t their experience (a DREAM online made events engage otherwise. Group for me!), and more without accessible to youth who members include lurkers having to dress or move couldn’t access in-person whenever they can by doing a certain way—or even at versions. things like reading typed all! This opens programs to Queer adult chat messages aloud or more, and different, people. programming is similarly describing images on the The True Colors Conference, focused on access and computer screen so lurkers typically held in March in inclusion. True Colors, the can follow the conversation Storrs, was adapted into Triangle Community Center, without seeing it. Many an online “MiniCon” of six the New Haven Pride Center, youth say goodbye to livestreamed sessions, and Kamora’s Cultural lurkers by name when they which were then posted to Corner have moved their leave as a way to affirm YouTube along with related usual social and support their presence. All of these material. People who didn’t programming online, even are examples of inclusion, have time or funds to spend creating new resources like but they’re also examples a day or weekend at a provider roundtables and of making online content conference now peruse this food pantries to fill newly accessible to everyone. content at their leisure. Q identified needs. The True Image descriptions, Plus has moved queer youth Colors Youth Leadership screen readers, and other open mics online (shameless Team recently cohosted a CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 33 webinar with the Governor’s Prevention Partnership, getting their stories to dozens of adults who wouldn’t have heard them otherwise. The New Haven Pride Center has hosted several live panels on topics ranging from supporting trans athletes to addressing racism in the queer community, all of which can be viewed for free on their YouTube channel. Facebook promotion Hosting programs online One of many virtual drag show posters. This one was cuts out commute time, hosted by Giganta Smalls. lessens social pressure, and supports diverse this the aforementioned will be available as both a communication styles and normalization of access prerecorded online tour needs. We no longer have tools like image descriptions and a socially distanced in- to worry about getting to a and screen readers, and person tour at City Lights venue early to find parking, it’s understandable that Gallery. West Hartford Pride, bathrooms, or elevators. for some of us, quarantine which debuted this year, Body language and tone has actually INCREASED included a flag raising, a are vital to in-person social interaction. Access mini filmfest with Out Film communication, but are needs have become normal CT, and of course a drag bewildering and exhausting instead of “special” needs show, called Virtual Dragfest. to some of us, and Zoom lets now that everyone has them. Casper, of Sky Casper us skip these things. With Quarantine has made some Productions, directed that social rules about things like of us feel included for the show, most of which was footwear, posture, and eye first time. livestreamed from the Chez contact no longer enforced, Large-scale pride events Est stage in front of a live, our energy is freed to focus that haven’t been canceled but small and distanced, on discussion content. I’ve or postponed have also audience. Sky has also thoroughly enjoyed being moved online, sometimes moved events like Pink Eggs everything from a listener including in-person and Glam and Laugh with to a panelist while my components. Bridgeport Pride online, where a main under-table fidgeting and Pride, celebrating its ten- challenge has been “keeping pre-speaking note-writing year anniversary, included everyone’s attention with goes undetected. Add to an art gallery showing that so much at their fingertips” during a show. High-quality videos keep attention longer, but can be difficult and expensive to record and edit. Ricky Mestre, a founder and organizer of Bridgeport Pride, identified video quality Facebook/Connecticut Virtual Pride 2020 as a key component to After many of Connecticut’s pride events were cancelled moving Bridgeport Pride’s and postponed, a group of organizers from across the variety show online as well. community came together to put together a virtual state- The show typically occurs wide pride program. on a theater stage, which 34 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 generally supports more space, lighting, backdrops, scenery, and special effects than a bar stage can provide. Ricky sought to maintain that theatrical feeling in the virtual show by lending his video editing abilities to performers. A static camera doesn’t move and engage with the performer, so it loses some of the energy and emotion of a live performance. The show included multiple takes and camera angles to “enhance the experience” and capture the dynamic “element of change” that drag especially YouTube/New Haven Pride Center is known for. This is far more The New Haven Pride Center’s “Right To Play” discussion work than the ‘send me on Trans Athletes moderated by Lindsey Pembrooke and your music’ of shows past, with speakers Karleigh Webb, Dr. AJ Eckert, Jay Potter but Ricky says it’s worth it to and Raven Matherne. ensure that the event “feels and it’s terrible.” of weekly online shows like a full-scale show” and Drag is interactive by provided some structure creates “something physical nature, but there’s no way to in chaos. While online and tangible that represents gauge how a joke or dance shows changed the way we what our last ten years was move is being received by interacted, it maintained the about” in the recording. an online audience while it fact that we could, and I’m Both Casper and Mestre happens. While performing not exaggerating when I say noted that the biggest this way week after week that kept many of us going. challenge virtual performers was “really difficult,” Mia I’m certainly not sad face is the lack of audience feels it’s helped her become about being able to attend interaction to energize and a stronger performer and live shows again, even with guide them. host. their reduced cast and This is a sentiment Drag creates financial floor plans, missing high- Mia E Z’Lay, who hosts a and social support for the risk audience regulars, weekly open stage show community; moving shows and obvious avoidance of or competition at Chez Est, online protected both. physical touch. I do wonder, frequently expressed while Those who kept our jobs though, if we’ve learned hosting the virtual version of drastically increased our anything. A universal those shows, Doctor Online, tip amounts to performers quarantine created universal during quarantine, even who lost theirs, and many access needs, which forced joking about setting up a online shows became charity us to prioritize inclusion and stuffed animal audience fundraisers. The opportunity accessibility in everyday instead. She explains that it’s to celebrate our identities, life like we never have “so easy to jump into a split satirize our struggles, and before. Whether our values if the crowd’s going wild and process our experiences shifted enough to continue your adrenaline is running onstage became even more prioritizing that when they off that,” but in a virtual important to us when we no longer apply to everyone show, “you basically have to lost the ability to do so remains to be seen… but make your own adrenaline together. The consistency here’s hoping. CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 35 POETRY A Sampling of Qweird Words In May, in partnership with The Word, based poet Versatile Poetiq. Here are some the New Haven Pride Center hosted a series of the poems from that day’s showcase. of writing workshops for LGBTQ+ youth The Center is looking forward to hosting inspired by the words of transgender poet more of these workshops and open mics in Stephanie Burt whose book Advice from the coming months. For more information the Lights. Following the workshop the about these and other Center youth Center hosted an open mic titled Qweirds programming reach out to Ala Ochumare at Showcase that was hosted by Hartford- [email protected].

My expression knows no confines Notes on the Binary Only around accepting people can I fully shine By Adrian Huq So what if I talk about my identity a lot? I am more than a body, With internalized queerphobia I have long My soul is non-binary fought My very being is resilient and fiery My sexuality and gender are significant I am who I am in all my finery pieces of me They both are things I had to battle for, but My pronouns are required, not preferred now I’m free All I wish is to be truly seen and heard And yes, I am always using they/them So what if “like a lady” I don’t behave? Regardless of if my expression is femme So what if my body I don’t want to shave? Why is body hair something that makes Sometimes I wonder how much of my others stop and stare? conditioned femininity is truly me My hair is beautiful, it’s natural, it’s simply Or if the presentation I rejected to spite there others was meant to be I like to categorize myself with the word Looking past my appearance to appreciate “queer” the true me is what I wish others could For some, the term rather than comfort see causes fear But for me, its ambiguity and infinite My gender is more than you can possibility is something I hold dear comprehend To be something I’m not would be a hard act We all have our own unlearning to do to pretend To honor queer people for who they are I’m learning to decolonize my mind and through and through liberate my brain We need to be able to see gender for what it Sticking to my assigned place in the binary is in reality: is something I can’t feign A made up system that’s caused widespread assimilation and mortality. I am fluid and free flowing I am infinite, complex, and on-going We have work to do on deconstructing the My presentation knows no label binary, even within the queer community I am like a river, never still nor stable It’s time for us to come together to affirm all identities and expressions in unity. 36 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 Yet after all the uncertainty my Two Roads mother insisted that road By Alan Veloz ahead was clear for me And sure I could embark on The road ahead was clear the so-called clear road Find a Beautiful woman, Marry, But some things were made Have kids clear Mom sang it to me through Spanish lullabies The road ahead could no Dad praised the road ahead longer guarantee And Grandparents waited in A chance to be happy anticipation to see me go down this road with there The road ahead was no longer own eyes free It came at the cost of The road ahead was clear forgetting the curvy road Clear and already paved for me Clear and awaited my vehicle My parents tell me I should so readily count myself lucky Lucky that I could still go on The road ahead was clear, the road that fills them My parents constantly told me with glee The happiness accompanied by the road was a That I had a choice and so by guarantee that logic I should choose the right one The road ahead was clear until That I should choose the road it wasn’t ahead that was oh so clear. Until I hit this roadblock It came to me as a surprise The truth is the road ahead There was no knock isn’t clear Where I could refuse to open The road ahead has lots of the door to this new road curves There was no lock Filled with twists and turns Where I could focus on the And lots of swerves road ahead which was so And it’s not defined by an ‘clear’ ending Find a beautiful woman, Marry, The road ahead was clear Have kids But then again doubts It’s defined by the journey interfered And a new road appeared Find a guy, or a girl or a With twists and turns partner And what my mom would call Who makes you happy concerns If it didn’t work out it’s ok The road hasn’t ended The road ahead was no longer There is so much more to clear explore With the inability to steer And the constant state of fear The road of love has no end How could I be queer That much is clear of the road ahead. CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 37 LOCAL Welcome to the Gayborhood A teensiest bit of P-Town in Short Beach

By John D. Allen

If New York has Greenwich Village, San Francisco The Castro, and LA West Hollywood, then where in New Haven is the gayborhood? Talk with different people and you’ll likely get different answers – Westville, Wooster Square or East Rock. But what about the burbs? Sure, NHPC’s demographics include many suburbanites from Hamden, Woodbridge and West Haven, but then consider a little village along the Shoreline. In the southwestern Photo by John D. Allen Ella Wheeler Wilcox's bungalow still exists, but is now section of Branford sits a condos. quaint village with its narrow streets, historic cottages and Laugh, and the world laughs with you; a beach at the end of every street. What contributes to Weep, and you weep alone. this atmosphere is that Short For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth Beach is the most liberal But has trouble enough of its own. neighborhood in liberal Branford, and where many ---Solitude, Poems of Passion, 1883, by Ella LGBTQ individuals, couples, Wheeler Wilcox and allies call home. Short Beach became a summer community waterfront home at the Beach Days, where at the beginning in 1900 in part end of Bungalow Lane. end of summer on Labor Day due to one of its famous According to local lore, it was weekend, there is festival residents. Ella Wheeler there that she entertained of games, sand sculpture Wilcox was a world renown notable Hollywood and competition, entertainment, poet, who along with Broadway glitterati including and culminates with a her wealthy industrialist John Barrymore and Sarah parade along Shore Drive. husband, took up summer Bernhardt. Short Beach was also residence from 1891 to Ella is credited with home to the infamous her death in 1919 in the starting the perennial Short Nellie Green, a rum-runner, 38 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 In the southwestern section of Branford sits a quaint village with its narrow streets, historic cottages and a beach at the end of every street. What contributes to this atmosphere is that Short Beach is the most liberal neighborhood in liberal Bran- ford, and where many LGBTQ individuals, couples, and allies call home.

Archival photo hotelier, and matriarch of the village. Her The Shoreline Trolley stops at Short Beach. building sits on the bank of the Farm River that separates Short Beach and East Haven and is now an apartment building. The restaurant that bears her name has moved and is now next to the Stony Creek Brewery near the center of town. There are only a few businesses within the 2,500 resident district. The Shore Line Trolley Museum trolleys make a stop at the end of Court Street just a block from two popular eateries Genaro’s Pizza and Rosso Vino Café, which are next to the US Post Office: Short Beach Station. And the Yale Corinthian Yacht Club is next to the village’s largest beach, Clark Avenue Beach. Short Beach is surrounded by Branford Land Trust tracts to the east and north, the Farm River Estuary State Park to the west, and Kelsey Island and Long Island Sound on the south. Home prices regularly sell between $150,000 for cottages, to over $1 million usually with water views and beach rights, or rentals similar to market rates of New Haven. And the tiny streets are more reminiscent of Archival photo Provincetown before it became a vacation Nellie Green mecca. But what mostly makes Short Beach a old, queer and cisgender, multinational, destination for LGBTQ people is its diversity, and many other ways that define diversity. affordability, and seaside and marsh views. And it seems to work – with people who like A stroll after work or weekends reveals the water and who like others who like the individuals, couples and families, young and water. It’s like being on vacation all year. CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 39 40 CENTERLINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020