Year 2, Vol. 28 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 The www.therainbowtimesnews.com FREE! 10th Annual EROS Film Post-Election ainbowTimes Festival in CT Musings R p. p. Your LGBT News in Western MA, the Capital District of NY, Northern CT, & Southern VT 21 p. 16

OOBBAAMMAA WWIINNSS!! HHOOPPEE RREESSTTOORREEDD P.. 3

TTRIIUMPH:: 11991133 LLAW RREPEALED AAGAIIN P.. 19

TTRANSGENDER DDAY OF RREMEMBRANCE P.. 6 & 21

CCTT SAME--SEX MMARRIIAGE TTRIIUMPHANT!! P.. 15

NNORTHEAST GGETAWAYS P.. 8

AARII GGOLD:: HHEBREW HHEARTTHROBE P.. 18

Photo: Jae C. Hong 2 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Opinions An open city with a “hidden” element The Controversial Couch By: Gricel M. Ocasio/TRT Publisher Rainbow Times, TRT, came into being, threats Lie back and listen. Then get up and do something and disapproval were the “welcoming” [This was originally a Letter to the Editor response from a number of community mem- By: Suzan Ambrose*/TRT Columnist our lives? Goddess knows I have a sent to and published by The Daily bers. The police department’s response to oan Jett couldn’t have spit out few of choice tidbits I’d rather not Hampshire Gazette in October, 2008. such hate-filled demonstrations—missing the truth any better than when regurgitate again! Would we be will- However, pertinent that it ran in wire racks, broken plastic covers of newspa- she sang the words “We are ing, perhaps even eager, to flush TRT too.] J per boxes, personal threats to management not to blame…for seeing love is pain.” Or those post-traumatic memories right down the or all of us who live outside of and staff, etc.,—was admirable and steadfast. maybe she meant “Pa-l-in,” after this rocky toilet? And awayyyy they go! Northampton, we find the “little New As the first TRT interview published by The roads love affair Republicans are having with Let’s face it: many of us in the LGBT com- York” to be quaint, beautiful, with a F Gazette, which showcased the launching of a their VP nominee. munity have had heart-wrenching stories sense of community building, accessible and local LGBT specific newspaper, was about to I feel their pain, just like Bill Clinton does. about coming out. Instead of living a love very, very open—for the most part. hit the stands, intimidation tactics and preju- Love is pain. War is pain. Life can be filled story, too many of us have ended up lost in the Most people’s views within this highly edu- dice were following us. with pain, as it casts its broad net in quite a horror section in the Barnes and Nobles of our cated town are very progressive. You can wit- As time has gone by, things have calmed few human arenas. ‘Who’s Cryin’ Now,’ mind’s eye. We may feel like Frankenstein: ness hands-on political rallies, and openness down, but not to the degree that we would ‘Harden My Heart’ and a million more tunes unloved, misunderstood, chased away from to culture and diversity that I have seen in have expected in our Northampton. Not only are popular for a reason, I tend you know! our homes, because of fear. That we have very few places, especially those cities/towns have our newspaper boxes’ front page dis- And yet, what if by scientific advances, one endured this pain, in many cases, has resulted with a comparable populace to Northampton. plays been taken from their windows, or could erase pain? What if one could forget the in our becoming stronger, more empathetic I still remember when same-sex marriage was replaced with other publications, but the miseries and mistakes that have occurred in individuals. That we HAD to endure it may celebrated at the steps of City Hall, which was boxes themselves have also been vandalized. have left its mark. That wound, perhaps still grand to admire and to be a part of in this day In addition, the “missing” wire racks continue unresolved, may be comparable to post trau- and age. As people walk downtown, you can to disappear—here in Northampton. matic stress disorder (PTSD). see all colors of life, shining proudly—from And now I ask you, TRT readers, to help us Letters to the Editor PTSD inflicts many people in our country, the Asian couple going into a restaurant, to stop this type of dark vigilante approach. This most noticeable present day in our soldiers the Latin woman shopping at a specialty Dear Editor, is not a Northampton behavior that should be returning from the wars in Iraq and store, to the many other out members of the I am pleased to see Rainbow Times carrying tolerated, and we should all take a part in con- Afghanistan. Clayton Dach, in his article for LGBT community that feel free to be them- the regular column by Paul Jesep on spiritual tinuing to be as diverse and colorful, for these Alternet.org, speaks about the military solu- selves, and so on—only in Northampton. issues. For too long, anyone in the GLBT tion of using pharmaceuticals to deal with our community who was on a spiritual track had However, pressure is alive and well in this See Hidden Element on page 19 human weaknesses in warfare. Dach writes: modern-day small metropolis. When The to keep their quest in the closet. There some- “Through it all, it seems, the human body and times seems to be as much bias in our commu- its fleshy weaknesses keep getting in the way nity against those persons with religious inter- C’mon Out – Just Ask! Advice column ests as there is coming from the religious right See Couch on Page 6 against our community in general. So I think By: Tetty Gorfine* much! In order to begin to that any opportunity to discuss spiritual mat- address your concerns I must Hi Tetty, I read your column in The Rainbow Times ters is healthy for our community. in part step out of my role as The Rainbow Times all the time. I've always identified myself as a les- To help connect GLBT spiritual seekers with a professional psychothera- 351 Pleasant St., #322 bian. I always loved women, since I was very small. religious and spiritual organizations that are pist because these issues not Northampton, MA 01060 I have very "male" tendencies, or what this society open and welcoming to participation in faith only touch upon mental considers them to be "male." I am assertive, aggres- rituals, a group of Capital District syna- www.therainbowtimesnews.com health concerns but also sive, I protect those I love and I am a go-getter. I gogues, churches, and other faith bodies [email protected] societal values and politics. stand up for what I believe and follow my convic- joined several years ago to form a loose [email protected] TETTY GORFINE I grew up and came out in the tions. I feel often that because I am a woman (a les- alliance known as the Advocates for Phones: MA: 413-204-8959 • NY: 518-391-2617 70’s when being women, when being , bian) that I am not taken seriously. I see a bunch of Welcoming Congregations. The mission of Fax: 866-310-8512 when coming out and politics were one in the my d**e crossing over and starting to go for AWC is to both reach out to anyone in the same. We were determined as women in not Publisher Deja N. Greenlaw the "change." They say that now that they can pass GLBT community that is looking for a spiritu- having to fulfill prescribed sex roles and Gricel M. Ocasio Tetty Gorfine for men, they have the male privileges and respect al home and links them with opportunities for . We demanded wholeness in being Irene Monroe that they deserve. They go on to telling me that they safe worship, and also to assist those congre- Editor-In-Chief women. We fought for our rights and equal Nicole Lashomb make more money and feel more powerful as men, gations that are interested in finding ways to Sales Associate: pay. As feminists we saw no conflict with the SJ Seymour even if they haven't fully transitioned. I like being a become more welcoming to the commu- Distribution qualities you mention such as assertiveness or woman, but I don't like being a woman in the socie- nity to do so. We have undertaken a survey of Ben Peterson Reporter: being a go-getter and being women. This, and ty that we live in. As a result, I've started thinking faith bodies in New York's capital region to Lindsay Wilson more, was the heart and soul of feminism. Columnists: about changing, or becoming a person. find out which organizations are in fact open, Webmaster: Many things have happened in 30 years and Jack/ie Kennedy I have been thinking about getting rid of my breasts, welcoming and non-judgmental. As a result Jarred Johnson many wonder if feminism still exists. Suzan Ambrose and I know it takes a lot of psychological sessions, we have some confidence that there are plenty Paul P. Jesep While I totally support the transgender move- etc., because I wouldn't be the person who really of options available for the GLBT community ment and while I am grateful that greater has " dysphoria." I also want to start going on to explore their spiritual paths. We are eager The Rainbow Times is published by The Rainbow awareness of gender offers us all the opportu- Testosterone, to fully look like a man on the outside. to hear from open-minded faith communities Times, LLC. The articles written by the writers, nity for greater wholeness within ourselves, it Like many of my d**e friends, they don't have gen- in western New England, so that we can make columnists, and correspondents express their opin- does not seem that the issues you are raising for ion, and do not represent the endorsement or opinion der dysphoria either, yet they've decided to transi- referrals there as well. yourself and your friends have any relationship of The Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. To write tion. How is this possible that these trans wannabes To find out more about AWC, interested per- with transgender experience. letters to the editor, please send your letters, with fool the professionals whose care they are under? sons can visit our Yahoo.com group your name, address and phone number to: The I believe feminism has lost much ground over Do you think that society breeds this type of behav- "Welcoming Congregations". It's a great Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail the years and that what you are describing are ior due to the inequalities that it places on other peo- forum for sharing ideas on how we can do any comment/s to the editor at: editor@therainbow- lesbians seeking male privilege. This is not timesnews.com. All submissions will be edited ple who are considered to be less powerful in socie- more on this issue to help seekers in our com- something I have had experience with in my according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, ty? I need to know and I don't think I'm alone. Please munity, as well as open minded congrega- practice. The transgender people I have seen LLC reserves the right not to print any or all content, reply via The Times, since I don't always have com- tions. or advertisements for any reason at all. TRT is not over the years struggle with their identity and a puter usage where I live. Colin McKnight responsible for advertising content. To receive The discrepancy they feel within themselves and Evangelism Chair Rainbow Times at your home via regular mail, or the through electronic delivery, please visit our website. Dear compadre: First Lutheran Church See C’mon Out on Page 4 The whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the Your questions and concerns touch on so Albany, NY sole property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and they Read TRT’s Trans Column on P. 6 & Lesbian Voices on P. 24 cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s consent. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 3 Election News Obama: “This victory truly belongs to you” By: Gricel M. Ocasio & Nicole C. Lashomb abled, Americans who sent a message to the TRT Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, respectively world that we have never been just a collec- OBAMA WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY In a historic and triumphant run to the tion of individuals or a collection of red states White House, a young half African American, and blue states. We are and always will be the Expand Hate Crimes Statutes: Obama co- which would have defined marriage as between half White Senator from Illinois , fought all of of America !” said Obama to the sponsored legislation to expand federal hate a man and a woman and prevented judicial the existing odds to become the 44th presi- approximately 125,000 people gathered at crimes law to include crimes perpetrated because extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or dent-elect of the United States. At 11 p.m. Grant Park, Illinois. of sexual orientation or gender identity. other unmarried couples. Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, Eastern Time His victory does not only offer hope to Fight Workplace Discrimination/Promote Repeal Don't Ask-Don't Tell: Obama believes in the U.S. and throughout the world, people African Americans, but to every American Rights: Obama believes the Employment Non- we need to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" poli- will always be able to remember with accura- who has felt like s/he could never be more Discrimination Act should be expanded to cy. The key test for military service should be cy where they were, what they were doing than s/he could ever imagined of in his/her include sexual orientation and gender identity. patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to and who they were with when this extraordi- lifetime. Tonight, a glimmer of hope was Full Civil Unions/Federal Rights, LGBT serve. Obama will work with military leaders to nary precedence took place. reborn in millions of people’s hearts, as they Couples: Barack Obama supports full civil repeal the current policy and ensure we accom- After shortly presenting to the world the watched the grand crowd gathered at Grant unions that give same-sex couples equal legal plish our national defense goals. “first” family, President-elect Barack Obama Park. Present were hundreds of thousands of rights and privileges as married couples. Obama Fight AIDS Worldwide: Obama has been a addressed the crowd with the same unifying nameless and famous, young and old, rich and also believes we need to fully repeal the Defense global leader in the fight against AIDS. He trav- words that he used throughout his campaign. poor people from all walks of life, from of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would eled to Kenya and took a public HIV test to “If there is anyone out there who still diverse racial backgrounds and ethnicities, ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and encourage testing and reduce the stigma of the doubts that America is a place where all who believed in one dream, a dream of a bet- benefits currently provided on the basis of mari- disease. Obama worked to reauthorize the Ryan things are possible … who still questions the ter tomorrow, a dream of hope and magnifi- tal status are extended to same-sex couples in White CARE Act,one of the largest sources of power of our democracy … tonight is your cent future to come. From Washington D.C., civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. federal funds for primary health care and support answer. It’s the answer told by lines that Times Square, , etc., and virtual- Opposes Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: Obama services for HIV/AIDS patients stretch around schools and churches, in num- ly all over the country and around the world voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, *Taken from www.BarackObama.com bers this nation has never seen … because people were celebrating history in the mak- they believed that this time could be different. ing. said. “While she’s no longer with us, I know belongs to you,” said Obama humbly. Because they believed that this time must be Obama thanked his staff, the American peo- my grandmother is watching.” “Because of today, of this defining moment, different, that their voices could be that differ- ple, and his family, especially his best friend, Without forgetting, he thanked the most change has come to America .” ence. It is the answer spoken by young and while remembering his late grandmother. important people who helped him become Senator Obama won 27 states. He and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, “My best friend for the last 16 years, the elected. Senator Biden will take their oaths of office as Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Native rock of my family, the love of my life, the “Above all I will never forget who this vic- president and vice president on Jan. 20, 2009. American, Gay, Straight, disabled and not dis- nation’s first lady, Michelle Obama,” Obama tory truly belongs to, it belongs to you, it 4 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com In ‘The Name of God’ Faith, Family, and God: “Sanctified” By: Paul P. Jesep* died. My One. Who i missed out on . . . i allowed day; and maybe tomorrow I’ll think about, The GLBT and those searching are sancti- The poems reflect the journey of the human my own suffering and depression to drown thinking about, leaving the cocoon between fied as individuals and collectively as a com- spirit in a cold, complicated world where the me so much so that i missed your call . . . i what crawls and what flies.” munity. As created by the Creator each per- individual keeps asking “why?” The felt us grow together as you nourished a new Timothy Holyoake writes of rejection and son is holy, sacred, and inviolable. This is the answers, if there are any, never come easily. me away from the timid, self-hating little boy homelessness. He ends, however, with a main theme in “Sanctified – An Anthology of One lesson from some of the poems is that you first met.” poignant, timeless message. “I am your Poetry by LGBT Christians” edited by Justin the seeker must live and journey into the “for i love you so much. you must know father, I am your son, Care for me for I am R. Cannon. answers. Part of living is to age. Time’s pas- that i love you . . . did you believe that you you. Love me for I am.” Although you might be inclined to think sage offers much needed perspective. were not loved? did you forget my eternal “Sanctified–An Anthology of Poetry by about your negative experiences with corpo- “Dear Leonardo,” Chad Gurley writes. love for you? well if you remember, then LGBT Christians” may be purchased at rate religion and stop reading, please don’t. Chad tries to find closure from the suicide of meet me again someday . . . i will miss you Amazon.com or Sanctified Anthology.com. The poetry speaks to the condition of the his partner. The feelings that touch the page so much until the next time.” human spirit when faced with rejection, lone- are raw, honest. The poet refers to himself Heidi Griepp shares her attempts to hide liness, and the premature passing of a partner, with a lower case “i.” It indicates many emo- from being the Creation God intended. “I * Paul is a practicing attorney in Albany, among other things. Thirty-three poets share tions including a strong sense of guilt. . refuse to go back to crawling. I am terrified priest and prelate in the Eastern Orthodox their fears and struggles while expressing “i’m lonely,” Chad reflects. “i’m broken. of being seen flying. So I live in a cocoon, a Church, and author of “Crucifying Jesus and hope and showing resilience. Incidentally, i’m searching. i’m afraid. my faith is shak- holding environment . . . No. I’m not ready, Secularizing America— the Republic of Faith Jesus, crucified for teaching individuals how en to its core. and i don’t know what to do I don’t want to. But cocoons are not meant to without Wisdom.” He may be reached at to unconditionally love one another without with that. i’m lost . . . you were my best be forever And there are too many living- [email protected]. judgment, was thirty-three years old when he friend . . . Oh my Leonardo! My Soulmate. dead already . . . So I’ll snuggle in one more

C’mon Out from page 2 by trying to pass as male are akin to people of inequalities in our society. Gay-rights group members color being able to change their skin color so Transgender experience is different. I have the world. It is an issue of identity for a trans- they can lead a “white” life. These kinds of not known one transgender person or client arrested at college gender person, not one of attempting to make solutions will only reinforce the problems of who has decided to “change” or “transition” WAXAHACHIE, Texas (AP)—Three more money or have more power. race, gender inequality, sexism, homophobia who has later regretted it. I doubt the same members of a gay-rights group on a nation- When a transgender person decides to tran- and gender phobia. Surely we can do better. will be true for your friends or yourself if you wide bus tour of faith-based universities sition and when they actually take that first I write letters for my clients who chose hor- decide to appear to look like men. were arrested Wednesday after going to a step, inwardly something snaps into align- mone therapy and sex reassignment surgery. private campus that had banned them, offi- ment. People feel much better in themselves Based on the information you have outlined in The best of luck to you, cials said. and often report feeling whole for the first your question (not getting direct information —Tetty Three members of Soulforce were charged time in their lives. It seems to me that any from your friends), I would not write letters of with trespassing after they tried to go to a *C’mon Out! Submit your questions to woman who does not feel a genuine discrep- support for them. I am saddened but not total- chapel service at Southwestern Assemblies ancy in her gender but chooses to become a ly surprised that your friends can find thera- Tetty Gorfine, Director of LifeCourse of God University, a 1,900-student man for power, respect and money will create pists who will. I have seen many things over Counseling Center. Simply go to www.life- Pentecostal school, according to the problems within herself. Unlike the transgen- the years for which I do not agree. course.net and click on “Ask Us A Question.” Waxahachie Police Department. Their bond der person who truly becomes more whole in Growing up and figuring out what is right All questions will be answered on the bulletin was to be set at an arraignment Wednesday transition, I believe the women you are for one self is difficult. We ought to have the board. One or two will be printed next month afternoon. describing are choosing to become less of space and chance to explore different things. here in The Rainbow Times. The group earlier sent a letter to who they really are and will ultimately dimin- Being a woman in this world, when we are Southwestern Assemblies requesting a ish themselves. Please, for yourself, get sup- seen as less than men, when we receive less Tetty has also been a psychotherapist since forum, but the president declined and asked port, talk this through and consider other respect and earn less money is very hard. But 1980. She has worked extensively with LGBTQ Soulforce to stay off the campus, said uni- avenues. Read about feminism. hormones and surgery create permanent individuals, couples and groups and has super- versity spokesman Ryan McElhany. In speaking to a colleague of mine about changes and one day you and your friends vised both clinicians and therapists in training. Her “It's not a question that's up for debate for this issue, he raised an excellent point. He may come to a different peace with the vision and leadership spirited nearly all of us,” McElhany said. “We love the people, proposed that women seeking male privilege LifeCourse Counseling Center’s programs. Tetty but we do believe that is a has also been on numerous radio talk shows and sin.'' The Southwestern Assemblies handbook television programs. She has presented at profes- lists sional conferences on topics pertinent to gay, les- See Arrested on page 12 bian, bisexual and transgender individuals.

TRT Advertising works. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 5 Featured Business Noho Pride Promos: LGBT Entertainment events steal the limelight By: Nicole C. Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief donated to the organization. Shaw and Seymour, life-long entrepreneurs Earlier this year, Noho Pride Promotions, and business women, have vast experience an LGBT event and entertainment enterprise, and know what it takes to mobilize and exe- launched in Western Mass. to bring LGBT cute a plan of action. Seymour, formerly a events and entertainment to Northampton and proprietor of two Domino’s Pizza stores and a its surrounding communities. massage therapy company; and Shaw, owner “Noho Pride Promotions (NPP) is an LGBT of Smooth Movers, Florence, Mass., and for- Event and Entertainment Business that mer owner of KidSports in Hadley, Mass., evolved out of the need in the LGBT commu- recognize the importance of customer and nity to produce more events that honor and community service. Shaw has also been celebrate our uniqueness,” said Melinda involved as a Northampton Pride organizer Shaw, Co-owner, Noho Pride Promotions, for over 10 years. Florence, Mass. “A strong sense of customer satisfaction NNP, a partnership of two women, Melinda and making people happy has motivated me Shaw and Suz Seymour, has already kicked to work with the GLBT community and con- off its series of events by hosting afternoon tinue that piece,” said Seymour. tea dances on the third Sunday of each month, In addition to the regularly scheduled tea and most recently celebrated its annual dances, the next event to mark on your calen- Halloween Costume Dance Party debut. LGBT community members celebrated Halloween by dancing the night away at Union Station, Northampton, Mass. dar includes NNP’s New Year’s Eve “In our area, there are so many places that Photo by S.E. Chase Extravaganza. are gay-friendly, there’s no one place to find ter and encourage all of us; older/younger, afternoon. This ensures a good time and to be ”The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza will be each other,” said Suz Seymour, Co-owner, men/women, different colors, religions and snuggled in at home by 9 to watch Desperate held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Noho Pride Promotions, Florence, Mass. “We politics, to meet and have a chance to see who Housewives!” Center in Northampton, with LA Comedian don’t even have a gay bar in Northampton we are. People are coming [to our events] As the only LGBT Entertainment business, Suzanne Westenhoefer performing,” said anymore! There are so many of us in the area, from all over … Southern Vermont, NNP has also partnered with Northampton Seymour. but where can you meet them [gay people], Connecticut, Albany, Boston, Worcester, Pride, the largest Pride March and Rally in talk to them, meet new friends or find avail- Keene …We are really able to reach out to our Western Mass., to assist in fundraising efforts, See NPP on page 20 able partners? Pride Promotions wants to fos- market in other areas by having dances in the according to Shaw. Partial proceeds are 6 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Trans Opinions & News Transgender Day of Remembrance, a truly sad & regretfully needed day By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw/TRT Writer dating Transwomen. the child, and then finally dropping the child just too much for the Transgender to bear Upon discovering that she on his head causing head fractures and death. every single day so they take their own life. It's November and the warmth of summer is was born male bodied the It is unthinkable what some men have done to Yes, it can get that bad! We've lost a Transman gone. The flowers have gone, the leaves have man then goes “crazy” Transgender women and girls. earlier this year right here in Northampton, fallen, the sun is hiding on us and the cold is and brutally beats, shoots Besides the dating deaths, many MA. So those of us who are still surviving we returning. November is kind of a solemn or stabs the woman to Transwomen have lost their lives simply set aside the time to commemorate our fallen month as it reflects the passing of the seasons. death. There are also because they wore women's clothes. They brothers and sisters with the yearly Actually, in the case of the flowers and leaves strangulations, head frac- were taunted by a group of men, whose Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). it simply reflects death. tures caused by beating approach then escalated into a deadly group If you are able to attend a TDOR please do, November is also the month of the with blunt objects such as DEJA NICOLE beating. Other ally bystanders tried to help the we appreciate your support. Transgender Day of Remembrances all across bricks, and even the victim GREENLAW Transwomen and they were brutally murdered There are most likely other TDORs in the the world. It is the day that we commemorate has been run over repeatedly by a car. Some too. And, then there are those brothers and sis- Albany area, the Brattleboro area and other the Transgender dead, especially those who have also been gang raped before the death. ters who simply cannot face the world any- areas. Please watch for them and please have died within the past year. To date, I These are just this past year's deaths. more. They cannot put up with the daily strug- attend. You can check TRT’s Calendar of believe there are 22 deaths that occurred this There also has been a case where the father gles to be who they are. The rejections by Event’s page for some of the listings. Thank year. There are most likely more that we do was trying to "toughen up" his 3 year old family, friends and employers, the taunts, the you. For more information online visit: not know about. child by ripping up his Elmo doll in front of name callings, the constant wrong pronouns, www.transgenderdor.org. Many of these deaths are caused by men the child, slapping the child around, taunting etc., these add up so significantly and they are

Couch from Page 2 ing paranoid and anxious with a weapon at of warfare. Just as in the health clinics of the your side? And these are the same folks who ... We’ve forgotten the struggles of those who dared to stand at nation, the first waypoint in the military effort say Americans shouldn’t smoke marijuana? At Stonewall. We’ve forgotten our brothers & sisters in foreign lands least pot smokers appear likely to advocate to redress these foibles is a pharmaceutical one. who, at this very moment, are being The catch is, we're really not that great at it… making love and brownies instead of war and beaten, jailed or put to death (and) the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency itself pain. because they are gay. We’ve forgotten America is a land of immi- notes a few unwanted snags like addiction, And, now our military is serving up a new grants, that we are all allowed to live under this flag, and we aren’t just anxiety, aggression, paranoia and hallucina- medical ‘miracle.’ A recently developed beta- tions.” blocker is being introduced that would lessen, meant to be a Christian nation … or a completely hetero one. Not great at it? Just what I want to hear…our maybe even completely desensitize one from soldiers are being medicated to be all that they their past actions or circumstances. Being tout- Is that why a ton of soldiers have PTSD? have been able to lessen the memories of rape, can be. What are a few hallucinations on the ed as a great way to treat PTSD, it makes one Because they have regrets or are deeply dis- or abuse, and are thankful for the release. But, battlefield anyhow when you’re already feel- wonder. What about the ethics of conscience? turbed by the things they have witnessed in some had serious concerns about the effect of war? Pain…most of us will do anything to not pharmaceuticals on their core being, reporting: feel a lot of it. But what would you be willing “It's like they went in and altered my mind,” to give up allowing that to happen? and “This study has taken away a part of me Dach warns us that mental health workers that's been in me for so long, and that I find are concerned this treatment could be abused, very weird.” Who knows if the future will offer perhaps by military commanders who want that (forcibly) to gays and lesbians? soldiers to become desensitized to terrible acts. And, although advocates say memories And some researchers argue that aspects of would never completely be erased, the ques- PTSD are a natural response to traumatic tion remains: Without a conscience, do we events and absolutely should not be treated become less human? The President’s Council with drugs “If soldiers did something that on Bioethics condemned the study, saying our ended up with children getting killed, do you memories make us who we are and that "re- want to give them beta-blockers so that they writing" memories pharmacologically … risks can do it again?” asks Paul McHugh, a psychi- "undermining our true identity” according to atrist at Johns Hopkins University and a mem- 60 Minutes. ber of the US President's Council on Bioethics. As recent political rallies spark seeds of hate Studies are being done on humans, as we speech and cries for lynching, as White speak, and the results are intriguing. Some of supremacy-rhetoric spews from those who the people interviewed for a 60 Minutes seg- would dare utter assassination attempts on our ment Nov., 2006 (CBSNews.com) say that they See Couch Page 7 LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts A professional group with specialized knowledge of LGBT experiences, issues, joys and concerns, providing the most unique and varied LGBT services in the Valley Counseling • Support • Consultation • Education Senior Associate, Dr. Brett-Genny Janiczek Beemyn, educator and expert on transgender issues Senior Associate, Dr. Shelley Janiczek Woodson, Licensed Psychologist and gender therapist. Awareness enhancement activities for individuals, health service providers, educators, businesses and community organizations Specializing in Transgender and Bisexual Issues Relationship Enhancement Couples Group for Gender-Variant/Gender-Typical Couples with Dr. Eunice V. Aviles-Faria, LMHC, sex therapist, coming soon! Group Space, Initial Consultation Free of Charge 413-222-0998 or [email protected] www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 7 QueerWood Deep Inside Hollywood: Zeta-Jones Walks - & Dances - Like an Egyptian By: Romeo San Vicente* new NBC variety special, Rosie will be star- York and are presumed (read: fervently ring in and executive-producing America, a hoped) to be the first picks for the lead roles. Zeta-Jones Walks - and new movie for the Lifetime network. Based Since it's still early in the process, an opening Dances - Like an Egyptian on the book by E.R. Frank, America tells the date has yet to be promised. What do Catherine Zeta- story of a troubled 16-year-old and his strug- Jones, Hugh Jackman, gles with the foster care system. The title role At Last, The Big Gay Musical , of the teenager hasn't been cast, but O'Donnell Gays and musicals go together like chocolate Cleopatra, choreography, will play his therapist, and Oscar nominee and peanut butter, so it seemed inevitable that and 3D glasses have in Ruby Dee has signed on as the boy's caretak- someone would combine the two. And so we common? If you guessed "everything," then er. Yves Simoneau (HBO's Bury My Heart at have The Big Gay Musical, which started you have even more strangely specific Busby Wounded Knee) will direct. See America first shooting in October. Directed by Casper Berkeley dreams than Soderbergh, whose in February. Andreas (whose Slutty Summer and A Four- next big idea involves just that. The Letter Word were popular on the gay film-fes- acclaimed filmmaker wants to stage an all- Hayes, Hathaway May Make Promises! tival circuit), Big Gay Musical tells the story singing, all-dancing, all-3D, big-budget musi- Promises! of two gay song-and-dance men. One of them cal version of Cleopatra, starring Zeta-Jones Now that Mad Men has made 1960s office has abandoned the search for Mr. Right and and Jackman, and is in talks with those stars politics sexy all over again, perhaps it's no chooses instead to get slutty, like all the cho- to make his vision a reality. There are no other surprise that gay producers Craig Zadan and rus boys he knows, while the other copes with details at the moment, but the very idea that Neil Meron (Chicago) are talking about issues of family and faith. The cast includes this could take place should be enough to reviving the Burt Bacharach musical vets from just about every recent Broadway warm the heart and excite the over-the-top Promises! Promises! on Broadway. A tuneful show, from A Chorus Line and Mamma Mia! imagination of Chicago-loving, Wolverine- take on the Billy Wilder classic The to Wicked and Xanadu. Look for Musical to lusting, musical-loving (not to mention Apartment, P!P! was a big hit on the Great pop up at next summer's fests. all those Jaws 3D fans in desperate need of CATHERINE ZETA-JONES White Way in the late '60s. (It's also the show * Romeo San Vicente has been known to stuff fake-flying off the screen) everywhere. Elisabeth Hasselbeck down a peg or two on that gave us "Turkey Lurkey Time," so mem- launch into numbers from "Merrily We Roll More two-dimensional details coming soon. The View every day, but Rosie's keeping her- orably performed in the recent movie Camp.) Along" at the most inopportune moments self very busy on the small screen. Following While no one has yet signed on the dotted imaginable. He can be reached care of this Rosie O'Donnell Pursues America her recent hilarious appearance on Little line, Sean Hayes and Anne Hathaway recent- publication or at this email: You may miss seeing Rosie O'Donnell taking Britain USA and her upcoming gig hosting a ly participated in a workshop reading in New [email protected].

Couch from Page 6 ten the struggles of those who dared to stand 103.3FM, Northampton, MA. Also catch the leyfreeradio.org. at Stonewall. We’ve forgotten our brothers show streaming on the web at www.val- country’s first Black presidential hopeful, I and sisters in foreign lands who at this very question the ethical judgment of anyone who moment, are being beaten, jailed or put to would offer humankind a pill to forget. death because they are gay. We’ve forgotten Humanity, and our deep ability to feel what America is a land of immigrants, that we are others feel, is needed more than ever in our all allowed to live under this flag, and we world’s history. It wasn’t that long ago we aren’t just meant to be a Christian nation…or were forced to wear black or pink triangles a completely hetero one. on our clothing. We were marked, caged and American may have forgotten their roots, executed.Thankfully, there were others who but our community needs to work to remem- fought for our rights to be free. But what if a ber its own. And about that pill to forget: it future fighting force were to forget the pain may sound sweet, even tempting but, we need they caused? What if they could go on not to always remember our own his(or her)story- feeling what the consequences of their so it doesn’t continue to repeat itself. actions were? That would be a very grim day, Yes, our past has left its mark, but it’s a scar indeed. well worth keeping. It hurts, but it’s a What our country is really suffering from reminder of where we’ve been, as well as isits own style of PTSD. Forgetting is what where we’re going. Just ask Frankenstein. has gotten us into this mess to begin with. Americans are suffering a form of civic * Suzan Ambrose, when not cruising down amnesia: we have allowed ourselves to for- the road less traveled, playing Pinochle with get. We’ve forgotten what men and women friends or listening to talk radio can be heard have breathed and died for to allow us the on her call-in radio program, The Naked freedoms we take for granted. We’ve forgot- Truth, Monday evenings at 8 p.m., on

TRT Headed East? No prob! 8 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Gay Travel Out of Town: Northeast Getaways, from luxury to affordable By: Andrew Collins* have in-room Jacuzzis, and some rooms have central air-conditioning. Furnishings differ in chic rooms for just $150 during the high sea- Especially in recent years, private decks overlooking the tranquil and each unit, but all have original artwork, beau- son is Somerset House, which has three snug the Northeast has become stunningly landscaped grounds, which are tiful custom-made wooden beds, and plush but perfectly charming units starting at this increasingly abundant with dotted with ponds and traversed by a moun- linens. rate. Off-season, rates sink as low as $75 gay-popular inns, even in tain stream. Newfane is a quiet village, and nightly, and even the inn's fanciest accommo- small, rural towns far from that's a big part of the Four Columns' appeal. Inn at Sunrise Point - Camden, Maine dations run for under $150 (consider staying big cities. You may not find lesbian and gay If you do stay here, try to plan at least one Occupying one of coastal Maine's classic in Room 5, where you can enjoy your own bars or myriad cultural offerings in the coun- evening in shingle-style Jacuzzi tub, gas fireplace, and expansive bay try hamlets of Vermont or Maine, but you can the acclaimed mansions - what views). All the rooms at this whimsically dec- find an irresistibly romantic setting - perhaps restaurant, wealthy summer orated property have high-speed Internet an inn on a lake with an outdoor Jacuzzi, or a where you folks referred to access, phones with voicemail, CD B&B nestled in the north woods and warmed might sample as "cottages" a player/clock radios, mini-refrigerators, and by a roaring fire. such creative century ago - this DVD players. Here's a sampling of romantic and memo- fare as seared vintage inn rable inns in the Northeast, the first four offer- medium-rare anchors a 4-acre Journey Inn B&B, Hyde Park, New York ing cushy accommodations and appropriately breast of oceanfront estate Plenty of gay travelers fed up with crowds, upscale prices, and the second four providing duck with a on Penobscot traffic, and high costs have begun avoiding a perfectly charming and inviting stay at more rhubarb-red Bay and contains the Hamptons and even Fire Island in recent affordable rates. currant-port three gorgeously years, and instead vacationing in the mellow- sauce. furnished rooms. er Hudson River Valley, an hour or two north The Luxury Inns Each has a fire- of . A favorite accommodation Hob Knob Inn-Martha's Vineyard, Mass. Inn at place, in these parts is the Journey Inn B&B, which A dignified, Gothic Revival inn on quaint Stonington - VCR/DVD, and makes an idyllic base for exploring this sce- Edgartown's main drag, the Hob Knob con- Stonington, oversized tub and nic, cultured region. The gay-friendly inn lies tains 17 spacious and airy rooms. It's large Connecticut shower. just across from the Vanderbilt Mansion and enough to feel like a small hotel but also Little Additionally, four close to both the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home homey enough to feel personal and low- Stonington, a posh cottages sit and Presidential Library and the Eleanor keyed. Fresh flowers brighten the guest Colonial fish- alongside the Roosevelt National Historic Site. It contains accommodations, which are bathed in pastels ing village water - these are six smartly appointed guest rooms with deco- and feature down comforters and pillows and facing the more secluded rative themes based on such far-flung places a mix of well-chosen antiques. Most units frothy and romantic, as Mombasa, Kyoto, and Tuscany. The least overlook the lush gardens surrounding the Atlantic with decks and expensive unit, the Roosevelt Room, has a property. A filling, complimentary breakfast Ocean (the two-person pair of twin beds (a comment on Eleanor and is cooked to order each morning. The Hob rest of the whirlpool tubs. Franklin's married life, perhaps?) and costs Knob stays open year-round, a relative rarity Connecticut's Accommodations $130 per night; all rooms have private baths, on Martha's Vineyard, and the off-season coast, to the west, fringes milder Long Island are named for famed Maine residents, includ- some en-suite and some reached through the rates can be a great bargain. Martha's Sound), is refreshingly free of crass commer- ing painter Winslow Homer and poet (and les- hallway. Another advantage to staying in Vineyard has developed a notable LGBT fol- cialism or chain shops. Until the tony Inn at bian) May Sarton. A lavish breakfast is pre- Hyde Park: you can dine at one of the three lowing in recent years, and although nightlife Stonington opened in the early '00s, there sented each morning in a sunny conservatory. well-priced restaurants operated by the is tame and without specifically gay options, were no accommodations here either. But this A short drive away, the village of Camden, Culinary Institute of America, which is just the island is highly welcoming. 18-room property comprising two neighbor- which buzzes with restaurants and shops, down the road. ing buildings has been a great success. Within overlooks a yacht-filled harbor. Four Columns Inn - Newfane, Vermont steps of four excellent restaurants, a charming Cordials, New Hope, Pennsylvania In southeastern Vermont, just 2.5 hours town beach, and a small history museum The Affordable Inns In the heart of New Hope, one of the from Boston and 3.5 hours from New York installed inside an old lighthouse, the proper- The Taylor House B&B, Boston, Mass. Northeast's most gay-popular small towns, City, the Four Columns Inn excels both as a ty looks superficially like one of Stonington's Boston has among the highest lodging rates Cordials draws a predominantly gay and les- top-notch accommodation and a terrific well-preserved 18th-century fishing captain's in North America, so finding a romantic, gor- bian clientele but welcomes everybody. The restaurant. There are 15 rooms, all with gas mansions. Inside, however, rooms reflect a geously furnished inn with rates for doubles contemporary white house contains six guest fireplaces and traditional Colonial or Shaker more contemporary style, from the deep two- starting around $160 is no small accomplish- rooms, all of them immaculately kept with furnishings. Many of the marble bathrooms person whirlpool tubs to gas fireplaces and ment. Sure, there are even cheaper inns and modern furnishings - the look is more func- chain motels in the area, but this Italianate tional than quaint, but accommodations are Finding You the RIGHT One, Not Just Anyone Victorian bed-and-breakfast oozes charm and comfortable and reasonably priced (starting at character. The inn, run by partners Dave $85 on weekdays, $140 on weekends) - they Elliott and Daryl Bichel (along with two very also come with fresh flowers, snacks, and We understand ... friendly golden retrievers), is on a quiet side crystal stemware. This is a great choice for street in the lesbian-chic Jamaica Plain neigh- social butterflies who want to be close to New • It’s hard to meet the right borhood; it's just steps from several funky Hope's lively nightlife. Also, the town's many person. cafes and shops, and an easy bus or subway antiques shops and quirky boutiques are just a • You are busy and want ride from the rest of Boston. The 1855 struc- short drive away. Useful amenities include a • Personal, Discreet, matches chosen just for you. ture is one of the great old mansions of spacious deck overlooking a flower-filled Respectful Lanie & Bud, Company Founders • You might not want to meet Jamaica Plain's heyday - one room has a dec- yard. And you can get to know your other “We met through a dating service.” • People are who they say they someone in a bar or at work. orative fireplace, and all have queen-size guests during a wine-and-cheese social held are ... sleigh beds and TVs with VCRs. on Friday and Saturday afternoons. • You don’t want your person- • We welcome Singles of all al info for all to see on the The Somerset House Inn, Provincetown, Ma. *Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Lifestyles Internet. New England's fave gay playground, P- Guide to the USA and eight additional travel • An affordable service town, can be pricey come summer, when the guides. He can be reached care of this publi- place buzzes with vacationers. One queer- cation or at [email protected]. (413) 665-3218 • massmatch.com • [email protected] popular resort where you can find downright www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 9 Queer Justice & Queertations Queer Justice: Can’t afford mortgage payment By: Attorney Jennifer L. Dexter* negotiate for you. Dear Queer Justice, Engaging in conversa- My partner and I have lived in our home for tions with the right Queertations: Say what?! almost 5 years. Because of the poor econo- people you can create my, my partner has lost her job and we can no a new payment plan By: Rex Wockner longer afford our mortgage payment. We are and possibly stay fore- "Interpreting our state constitutional provisions in accordance with firm- fearful of foreclosure. Legally, is there any- closure. thing we can do to protect ourselves? If we With the astonishing ly established equal protection principles leads inevitably to the conclu- numbers of foreclo- get a foreclosure notice what can we do? We sion that gay people are entitled to marry. ... To decide otherwise would sures it is possible you executed a declaration of homestead, does require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay persons and Atty. Jennifer Dexter can even re-negotiate that help? the terms of your loan another to all others." —Concerned in Hampden, MA —The Connecticut Supreme Court in an Oct. 10 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. without the pain of re-financing. Should you find yourself with out the time or if the con- Three states down, 47 to go. Dear Concerned: This is a really good question. I am not a cept of confronting your mortgage company causes you to have a panic attack, please con- "I don't have a problem discussing the topic of somebody being gay, but real estate attorney and foreclosure encom- tact an attorney for assistance. Good luck! I do have a problem discussing my personal life. You don't get that part passes some very complex theories. For a more in-depth answer, please contact a real of me. Sorry. ... I don't feel like I need to share my personal life, and I *Attorney Jennifer L. Dexter earned a B.A. estate attorney. Should you need a place to in Psychology from The University of Central don't care if people think I'm gay or not. Assume whatever you want. You start, you can contact the Hampden County Florida. She moved to Massachusetts to do it anyway." Bar Association for a referral. attend law school at The Western New —Singer and actress Queen Latifah to The New York Times, Oct. 3. The short answer is there is little you can do England College of Law in Springfield, Mass. either after or before you receive the foreclo- She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar sure notice. Your declaration of homestead "God is dead. Or rather, the Repubs' particularly cruel version, a gloomy, and has a Solo General Practice in the will not help you in a foreclosure. The home- Pioneer Valley Area. tyrannical, guilt-slingin' God from Colorado Springs who loved war and stead protects your home against creditors in The information contained herein is intend- smacked up women's rights and pretended to tolerate gay people even the event you become delinquent. The down- ed for educational purposes only and does not while hating 'what they do,' a God who snorted the Republican agenda like side is your mortgage company is not a cred- represent legal advice. Should you need legal it was cheap meth in a Denver motel room, has proven to be a complete itor bared from taking your home. advice, please contact an attorney. You have the power to negotiate with your If you have legal questions that are unan- failure, an abomination of divine connection." mortgage company though. Call your mort- swered, or if you would like to know more — Chronicle columnist Mark Morford, Oct. 16. gage company, ask to speak to a supervisor about a specific topic, then send your ques- and work your magic. You do not need an tions to: [email protected] "I think the idea of poly-relationships is great. And it's open to me if I attorney or a credit counseling agency to want that. My marriage is about 'Whatever happens, we'll stay togeth- er.' But it just hasn't come up yet. Being married is very important to me. It has utterly committed me to the fight for gay marriage. ... I've been with my husband for 10 years. There is an unconditional support and love there. That connection, feeling supported by someone emotion- ally has totally enhanced my life." —Comedian Margaret Cho to the Ottawa, Canada, gay newspaper Capital Xtra!, Oct. 8.

"We (activist and I) never made a huge public thing of our relationship. It puts too much pressure on it. We are truly a marriage of and tragedy, but I'm never saying which one I am. The secret is that we have made a commitment to keep talking and to have fun. It's been 20 years now -- but then, some afternoons seem 20 years long." —Lesbian comedian Kate Clinton to the national lesbian magazine Curve, November issue.

Deliver TRT to New York Start in the Spring of 2009, and have fun while being a part of a team that cares for you. You can live in Pittsfield and still get this fun job that only will take you one day per month. Inquire by calling: TRT You saw it here first! 518-391-2617 10 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Queer Happenings Out! For Reel Film Series premieres two new LGBT The Out! For Reel Film Series will present stirred up. A heartfelt comedy with great one- the Western Massachusetts premieres of two liners, "Tru Loved" is a film for everyone who witty, entertaining LGBT comedies. loves to laugh—a lot. "Breakfast With Scot," will be shown on "Tru Loved" has several recognizable cast Saturday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 members: Alec Mapa (“”), Bruce p.m. at Wright Hall, Smith College in Vilanch (“Hairspray”), Nichelle Nichols (Lt Northampton, MA. "Tru Loved" will be Uhura in "Star Trek!"), Jasmine Guy (“A shown on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. Different World”). Najarra Townsend (“Me at the Northampton High School Auditorium And You And Everyone We Know”), Jake in Northampton. Abel (“Flash of Genius”), Alexandra Paul "Breakfast with Scot" is a delightful come- (“Baywatch”), Cynda Williams (“Tales of the dy about a “straight-acting” gay couple: Sam City”), Matthew Thompson (“Drake and (Ben Shenkman, "Angels In America"), a Josh”) and Jane Lynch ("L-Word",“The 40 lawyer, and Eric (Tom Cavanagh, TV Series Year Old Virgin”). Part of the proceeds of the Tru Loved, December 6, at the Northampton High "Ed"), an ex-NHL player turned sportscaster. screening for "Tru Loved" will be donated to School. Their lifestyle is turned upside down when the Gay-Straight Alliances in Western Series. Over 700 people attended Out! For they become the temporary guardians of Scot Breakfast With Scot, November 15, Smith College. Massachusetts. Reel's first premiere screening of "The World (Noah Bernett), a boy who loves all things "Tru Loved" is a laugh-out-loud comedy Out! For Reel Film Series, the newly creat- Unseen" in September at the Academy of pink, scented hand cream, and Broadway about the challenges of high school and fami- ed LGBT film series based in Northampton, Music Theatre in Northampton. Tickets for musicals. Eric and Sam must deal with their ly life in the 21st Century. Sixteen year old shows current LGBT films that have received both films are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, internalized homophobia and face the disas- Tru is heterosexual with two lesbian moms rave reviews at ?lm festivals around the $8 for students. There are two ticket outlets: trous consequences of their efforts to butch up and two gay dads. Her friend Lo, the star world. "Film is such a great way to build Northampton’s Pride & Joy and Food For Scot by having him play hockey. A film that quarterback, is in the closet, with one hetero- bridges, entertain, educate, and bring our Thought Books in Amherst. To purchase tick- the whole family can see, "Breakfast with sexual mom and grandmother. They each community together,” states Jaime Michaels, ets online or to watch the trailer, visit: Scot" is an uplifting, funny story about the have their challenges dealing with homopho- founding producer of Out! For Reel Film www.OutForReel.org. courage to be who you are no matter what bia and trying to belong. As the new kid at your age is. school, Tru fights rumors that she is gay Officially sanctioned by the National because of her parents' orientation and Lo Band of Sisters: American Women Hockey League, this is the first time a profes- must endure hearing homophobic jokes by his sional sports league has allowed their uni- friends. When Tru starts a gay-straight at War in Iraq lecture at UMass forms to be used in a gay-themed movie. alliance, everything at school really gets This Veterans Day, the UMass Veterans and praise for Band of Sisters, in which she Service Members Association (VASMA), in methodically and convincingly constructs an partnership with the UMass Military irrefutable testimonial to the courage, sacri- Community Resource Center (MCRC) and fices, and valor of today’s female service Everywoman’s Center (EWC), presents an members during a conflict in which they have educational lecture by nationally published taken on historically unprecedented roles, yet journalist Kirsten Holmstedt, author of the commonly remain misunderstood and politi- critically acclaimed book Band of Sisters: cally controversial to those unfamiliar with American Women at War in Iraq. Ms. their service and heroism overseas. Author Holmstedt will speak on her experiences Ralph Peters has called Band of Sisters “one meeting, researching, and interviewing of the few truly revealing books written about female veterans of the Iraq War in the course our military in the past decade–and one of the www.seriosmarket.com of writing her book. A reception open to all most fascinating to read.” female service members and veterans will be This is event is also supported in part by the “Where customers are friends & friends are customers.” held with the author in the Cape Cod Lounge Military Community Resource Center, and the prior to the event at 6:00 pm. A question and Everywoman’s Center and The Student Family Owned & Operated since 1950! answer discussion will follow the lecture. Affairs Cultural Enrichment Fund. This event is free and open to the public, and This lecture will take place on Tuesday, Groceries • Deli • Fresh wheelchair accessible. A book signing and t- November 11, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., at the shirt sale will follow the event. Student Union Cape Cod Lounge, UMass Fruits & Vegetables Kirsten Holmstedt has received widespread Amherst campus. DAILY SPECIALS TO GO Lesbian Best Sellers* Gay Best Sellers* Quality Meats 1. Itty Bitty Titty Committee 1. Shelter Old Fashioned Service 2. : Season 5 2. Boys Briefs 5: Schoolboys since 1950! 3. Shelter Me [Riparo] 3. Adored: Diary of a Porn... 4. Four Minutes 4. 3-Day Weekend STORE HOURS: 5. Butch Jamie 5. For the Love of Dolly Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 6. Finns Girl 6. You Belong to Me Sat.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7. The Gymnast 7. Arizona Sky WE DELIVER Sun.: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 8. Treading Water 8. Dantes Cove Season 3 9. Affinity 9. Prom Queen 10. She Likes Girls 3 10. Another Gay Sequel: Gays.... * By wolfevideo.com * By wolfevideo.com

65 State Street • Northampton, MA Phone: 413-584-2633 • Fax: 413-585-9756 TRT True LGBT, anywhere. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 11 Queer Comedy Stand Up & Out: An Evening of Gay & Lesbian Comedy Comedians Come to The Academy of Music Theatre NORTHAMPTON, MA—The Academy of The Next Best Thing. In 2008, he was a fea- style that belies its edgy content, leading the Show time is 8 p.m. and tickets cost $20, Music Theatre will make its hilarious first tured performer at two events for The Human audience to laughter and nods of agreement. available at www.ScampsComedy.com, Pride foray into standup comedy with the Nov. 8 Rights Campaign, in San Antonio, Texas and Amy is a regular performer at the Boston & Joy Books in Northampton, Food for Stand Up & Out: An Evening of Gay & in Kansas City. Comedy Festival, and audio clips of her per- Thought Books in Amherst, World Eye Books Lesbian Comedy. Fresh, disarming, original and hugely formances there have been played on XM in Greenfield, Mass. and at the box office the Presented by Scamps Comedy Productions, funny, Jackie Monahan has become a local Satellite Radio. Since 2007, Amy has head- night of the show. the show features four top professional come- favorite at New York City’s Gotham and lined her own show in Provincetown, and was The Academy of Music Theatre is at 274 dians from Boston and New York: Bob Caroline’s on Broadway, while also playing the co-headliner in “Two Minimum,” a Main Street, Northampton, MA. Gautreau, Jackie Monahan, Amy Tee and clubs and colleges around the country with standup tour that has played in clubs and the- For more information, please visit Greg Rodrigues. The performance is being the LOL Tour. She’s well-known to fans of aters in six northeast states. Currently she is www.ScampsComedy.com, or call the sponsored by The Rainbow Times. Sirius Satellite Radio and VH-1 for her featured in All Out Films’ Laughing Academy at 413-584-9032. With a dynamic repertoire of more than 300 appearances on those outlets, and for those Matters....Next Gen, airing on LOGO. She celebrity voices, from Robert DeNiro to who saw her special on LOGO. She also has recently worked with Monahan in “Two Dyke Martha Stewart, Bob Gautreau has been a hit podcast, “Girls on Girls” on the HERE Minimum,” and with Gautreau at a Human called a “veritable cyclone of pop culture” network. She will shock and make you think, Rights Campaign event. Deliver TRT and lays claim to the title of New England’s and has been known to make her audiences Whether opening for national acts at top impressionist. The former Provincetown tinkle. Boston’s Comedy Connection, doing show- to Boston! Entertainer of the Year began his career as Identified as a rising star by the Boston case sets at the respected Comedy Studio in female impersonator Tony Rose, creating the Globe, Amy Tee is one of the busiest comedi- Harvard Square, Cambridge, or performing in Have a car, driver’s license “Mama Rosa” character that remains a ans on the New England scene. Her surprising mainstream suburban rooms on the Dick & are very reliable? favorite part of his act. He’s a leading choice observations and illuminating presence have Doherty Pro Comedy Tour, Greg Rodrigues of comedy clubs, cruise chips, colleges and scored points with mainstream and alternative has established himself as one funny, original We want you! corporate events around the Northeast, as well audiences from Los Angeles to Provincetown, and versatile professional comedian in as in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Gautreau, whether she’s performing in world famous Boston. Rodrigues is a mainstay in the main- who outed himself on A&E’s Evening at the comedy clubs, theaters, or lesser-known holes stream comedy clubs and GLBT venues, ben- 413.204.8959 Improv, has also appeared on HBO, NBC’s in the wall. Her takes on life as a “lesbian in efits and showcases. He is a regular at the TheRainbowTimesNews.com Last Comic Standing and most recently on the mainstream” are delivered with a quiet annual Boston Comedy Festival. 12 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Street Sense

With the elections just around the corner and polls showing mixed numbers everywhere you turn, who do you think will win and become the President of the United States? “I think McCain will “My hope would be “It's a tough call, “I hope that win because we're Obama, although I but I think it'll proba- Barack will win not that lucky.” am disappointed bly be McCain. because other- with his views on gay Because of our wise I'm moving marriage. He's a country's history, and taking all my great candidate to we tend to ease children in the turn the country into positions of daycare with me! around now.” power. I don't think (With their par- we're ready to ents, of course!)” DJ Shpank Tandra LaGrone Steven to a black man for Corinne Shaw Bartender Daycare Proprietor DJ/Holyoke, MA Albany, NY president, but we're Albany,NY Hadley, MA probably ok with a woman being VP.”

Arrested from page 4 homosexuality as an offense for which a stu- been arrested for trespassing at three schools Six Percent Increase in Hate Crimes dent can be expelled, but if a current student in other states. is struggling with such feelings, he or she “We never want to get arrested; our goal is Based on Sexual Orientation may be referred to counseling instead, to spread a message of hope and fairness and A rise in hate crimes based on sexual orien- marks the 10th anniversary of the death of McElhany said. to talk to students and meet them where they tation underscores the need to elect leaders Matthew Shepard from hate violence. In those Soulforce has already held forums at near- are,” said Soulforce spokeswoman Caitlin who support Federal Hate Crimes ten years, the FBI has documented over ten ly a dozen campuses since the Equality Ride MacIntyre. “Three men really wanted to Legislation. thousand hate crimes based on sexual orienta- tour began earlier this month to promote attend the (Southwestern Assemblies of God tion alone. A decade after Matthew’s death, WASHINGTON—The Human Rights inclusion at schools it believes have policies University) chapel service, and we would federal hate crimes legislation protecting les- Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, that discriminate against gay students. have reached more people, but the university bian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens bisexual and transgender civil rights organiza- Several Soulforce members have already put up boundaries.” has yet to be signed into law. tion, responded today to the Federal Bureau Last year, Congress passed federal hate of Investigation report which showed the inci- crimes legislation in both the U.S. House and dence of bias-motivated crimes based on sex- the Senate in a bipartisan vote. Unfortunately, ual orientation increased by 6 percent in 2007. President Bush’s veto threat blocked enact- Hate crimes based on sexual orientation ment of the legislation. remain the third most common type of hate Federal legislation is crucial to ensuring crimes, behind race and religion. This local law enforcement is given the tools they increase comes as the Hate Crimes Statistics, need to combat hate violence in our commu- 2007, also reported that the overall incidence nities. If signed into law, the Act would give of bias-motivated crimes decreased in 2007. the federal government expanded jurisdiction “The FBI’s 2007 hate crimes report shows to investigate and prosecute violent crimes once again that hate crimes protections for the based on a person’s race, color, religion or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender com- national origin as well as their sexual orienta- munity are long overdue,” said Human Rights tion, gender identity, gender, and disability. It Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We are also provides assistance to local law enforce- hopeful that after next week’s election we will ment to investigate and prosecute bias-moti- finally have a President and a Congress that vated violence. Existing federal hate crimes will enact federal hate crimes legislation into law covers only certain hate crimes that are law.” based on a victim’s race, color, religion and The FBI report shows the continuing crisis national origin. of hate violence in America. This month TheRainbowTimesNews.com Breaking News daily • Subscribe • Advertise • Read online www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 13 14 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 15 Same-sex Marriage News Same-sex marriage victory in CT, opposition lies ahead By: Nicole Lashomb/TRT’s Editor-in-Chief but around the world. People are looking for of the other, we would just ‘pretend’ to be Call me crazy, but I’ve begun planning [my Love Makes a Family (LMF), a statewide demons to blame their problems on, and we're Robert or Anthony because we weren't sure wedding] without a future bride to be!” non-profit organization that advocates for at the top of the list.” they would talk to us otherwise. Now, we can As LMF continues to serve the gay commu- equal marriage rights, celebrated CT’s same- Kerrigan & Mock v. Connecticut Dept. of simply tell them that we want information on nity at large, CT same-sex residents can rest sex marriage victory. However, LMF is press- Public Health, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates behalf of our legal spouse.” assured that, at least for now, their love and ing forward with recent plans to help enhance and Defenders’ (GLAD) case that compelled Patty Connelly-Cohen of Hartford, Conn. families are protected and governed by the same-sex cou- the recent rul- furthers. law. ples’ understand- ing, com- “Full marriage [rights] being afforded to “Thousands of couples who have pledged ing of the new menced in 2004 GLBT people legitimatize my children, as to love each other and spend their lives to take marriage laws, after eight well as my partner, myself, and all GLBT lov- care of each other can finally have their gov- and tackle the same-sex cou- ing families,” she said. ernment recognize them as legally married opposition ahead, ples were One local resident believes that the new law couples,” said Buckheit. “These couples will according to the refused mar- will not only affect same-sex couples, but will finally have the dignity and respect that is organization’s riage licenses also impact the dreams and fantasies of chil- afforded by the word ‘married.’” Associate and sued the dren alike. According to GLAD, the Supreme Court’s Director. state claiming “Knowing that I was gay almost my entire decision will likely be enacted and same-sex “We are educat- their constitu- life I never really thought about my wed- couples can expect to marry on or shortly ing same-sex tional rights ding,” said Jenn Tracz, Suffield, CT “Every after November 10, 2008. couples on how to had been violat- girl says they’ve been planning that day their For more information (age limit, residency get married,” said ed. whole life, not me. But, when I heard that it requirements, re-marrying, or what to do if Carol Buckheit, In October [same-sex marriage] was legal and a reality in you have .a civil union) visit www.glad.org, or Associate 2005, the state the state I live in, suddenly I became that girl. call LMF at 860-525-7777. Director, LMF, began issuing Hartford, CT. “civil union” “With our col- licenses, limit- leagues at GLAD, ed to same-sex we are co-hosting couples, as a ‘Legal Marriage method of Counseling’ sem- legally recog- inars for same- nizing their sex couples, relationships. attorneys, and However, the anyone else who court ruled that wants to hear the enacted about implemen- civil unions’ tation of the new law did not marriage laws. Plaintiff couple Jeffrey Busch and Stephen Davis with their son comprehensive- We are planning ly provide Elijah, at the press conference a few hours after the Kerrigan ahead for the leg- same-sex cou- islative session, decision was announced. Photo by: Glenn Koetzner ples with the which will begin in January. The legislature same rights as heterosexual couples, especial- will have to deal with how to dissolve the ly related to social or historical significance. institution of civil unions, so we will support Separate is not equal, according to the justices efforts to do that and educate our members on in the 4-3 decision. that. We will also need to defend our new “Although marriage and civil unions do marriage rights, since our opponents will embody the same legal rights under our law, almost certainly attempt to use the legislature they are by no means ‘equal,’” the majority to amend the CT Constitution to ban marriage wrote. “The former is an institution of tran- rights for same-sex couples.” scendent historical, cultural and social signif- The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled in icance, whereas the latter most surely is not. favor of same-sex marriage, a historic deci- … the very existence of the classification [for sion which made Conn. the third state, pre- same-sex couples] gives credence to the per- ceded by Massachusetts and California, to ception that separate treatment is warranted afford same-sex couples marital rights. for the same illegitimate reasons that gave rise According to a Hartford Courant poll taken to the past discrimination in the first place. in mid October, Connecticut residents support Despite the truly laudable effort of the legisla- the decision to legalize same-sex marriage by ture in equalizing the legal rights afforded a margin of 53-42. However, a backlash is same sex and opposite sex couples, there is no expected. doubt that civil unions enjoy a lesser status in Groups such as The American Family our society than marriage.” Association (AFA), a non-profit organization Conn. same-sex couples, singles and fami- that promotes conservative Christian values, lies weigh in. vehemently opposes same-sex marriage and “As a couple, we feel that that we have just lobbies against it. been given a right that should have always “I have grave concerns about such groups,” been there for us,” said Anthony Cervoni said Billy Urich, New Britain, CT. “Although along with partner Robert Haydasz, they preach love of God, etc., ad nauseam, Southington, CT. “It means that our relation- they live their lives with fear, misunderstand- ship is recognized and that nobody in ing, intolerance, bigotry and hate. As a result, Connecticut can claim that we don't have the any ‘out-group’ pays the price. We see this right to speak for each other. In the past, if with the Mathew Shepards, Jessica Mercados one of us had to talk to the insurance compa- and the many more, not only in this country, ny, the bank, or the doctor's office on behalf 16 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Lesbian Voices A Lesbian’s Post-election Musings By: Rev. Irene Monroe* those relegated to the fringes of society can we also as its consequence are thrown into a Violence Against Women Act, he did not take begin to sample what those in the rest of soci- higher tax bracket. And, to add insult to the time to stress the significance of the bill. Depending on which ety take for granted as their inalienable right. injury, our social security benefit packages In our efforts to erase race in this campaign media outlets you tuned The gap between heterosexual marriage and won't benefit our partners like those of hetero- we have had to confront the issue of gender into for “fair and bal- un-recognized same-sex partnerships include sexuals. All of us hope for a speedy solution bias, or more bluntly stated the issue of a anced” reporting on the more than 1,100 rights and protections, such to our country’s financial crisis. But one, I Black man competing against white woman election campaign’s as Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits, say, that take into account the way all its tax- for the highest office. presidential candidates, health insurance, Medicaid, hospital visita- payers share households, including its The race between Obama and Hillary for Senator Barack Obama tion, estate taxes, retirement savings, pen- LGBTQ partnered and married citizens. the White House highlighted the fault lines of couldn’t do any wrong sions, family leave and immigration law, to Women’s issues had never been so excit- both race and gender, and a nation still at the and Senator John McCain couldn’t do any name a few. This election was no different ing—and so frightening—in a presidential cross roads of how to overcome these social right. Or, Obama was spun as an elitist erudite than previous ones, in that no candidate campaign until this August when McCain ills. And with a media that pandered to with anti-American cronies, and McCain’s a Obama's charm and parsed Hillary's words we swashbuckling maverick. The V.P. hopefuls— saw not only unfair treatment of the candi- Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah dates but also a race/gender divide among Palin—were not spared from the “info-tain- As an African American lesbian, Christian minister and Democrats as a consequence of it. Race in this ment” and insults, either. And while the 2008 theologian I know that the struggle against racism is legit- instance did indeed trump gender and the election coverage had been nonstop in provid- alchemy of the two in a male- dominated soci- ing excitement, too much political theater and imate only if I am also fighting Anti-Semitism, homophobia, ety I confront all the time as a black woman. fighting became exhausting over time. transphobia, sexism, classim and other oppressions As an African American lesbian, Christian While political ideological lines were war- minister and theologian I know that the strug- ring factions in the campaign, so too were together. I know that all of these “isms” are merely tools of gle against racism is legitimate only if I am identity issues. The intersections race, gender, oppression, which will continue to keep us fractured instead also fighting Anti-Semitism, homophobia, and sexual orientation played out in this cam- transphobia, sexism, classim and other paign where women and blacks have been pit- of united toward a common goal. oppressions together. I know that all of these ted against each other, and blacks against “isms” are merely tools of oppression which gays. The dynamics of status, power, privi- will continue to keep us fractured instead of lege, and inequality also impacted these attempted to grant these rights and protections picked Palin as his running mate. Viewed by united toward a common goal. issues. At times, we behaved as a nation to us under the name of “marriage.” many women Democrats as the G.O.P.’s drag And while it is also true that employing a intractably embattled and divided across these Without the right to marry a failed economy queen, lip-synching the party’s rhetoric, narrow understanding that all oppressions are identity lines than as a nation striving toward hurts, LGBTQ taxpayers more. For example, Palin—a moose-hunting, gun-toting maxed- interconnected ignores the salient points a participatory democracy. aside from HIV/AIDS prevention programs out hockey mom of five—has the worst about differences within oppressed groups As a LGBTQ community we saw that no that will be slashed if not all together gone, record on women’s issues of all four candi- and that these differences are neither all the time was the right time to push to the fore- our Medicare and social security benefits will dates, including McCain’s. The National same nor all equal to each together, it is also front as national campaign issue marriage be slashed disproportionately more than the Organization of Women refused to support true that ignoring how oppressed groups can equality. rest of the population, if we are partnered/ her. Astonishingly during the Biden/Palin work together truncates the possibility for full Marriage is a litmus test not only for those married, simply because we are LGBTQ tax- debate, women's issues were scantly touched and equal rights for all Americans. of us seeking it, but marriage is also a litmus payers. Why? With only a few states recog- on. If you were not listening closely you With this new presidency the moral and test for our government to honestly say that it nizing same-sex marriage we not only are would have missed this topic all together. political imperative before us all is that united grants equal rights to all its citizens. forced to file separate income tax forms, but More amazing was that the moderator, PBS's we can stand striving toward a participatory Democracy can only begin to work when Gwen Ifill, a noted African-American female democracy or divided we can fall as a petty journalist, never broached the topic head-on people. Queer Cinema You Can’t Miss! by asking the candidates questions concern- * Rev. Irene Monroe can be reached care of ing women. Only Biden briefly mentioned this publication. For more information, visit: Release Date: 09/08/08 Milk (G) Roe v. Wade. And though Biden authored the therainbowtimesmass.com. Genre: Biography, Drama; Rating: Not yet rated Synopsis: In this remake of George Cukor's 1939 Distribution: Wide Release film of the same title, Mary (Ryan) a wealthy New Director: Gus Van Sant Yorker, leaves her cheating husband and bonds with Distributor: Focus Features other society women at a resort. Among her support Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, group is Alex (Pinkett Smith), who is an out lesbian. James Franco; Release Date: 10/29/08 Happy Hookers (G,T) Notes:General release in November Genre: Documentary; Rating: Not yet rated Synopsis: Harvey Milk (Penn) was the first openly Distribution: Limited Release gay man elected to officce in 1977. A year later, he Director: Ashish Sawhny (Happy Hookers), was assassinated by Dan White (Brolin), a rival Alessandrea Zeka (Harsh Beauty) politician. Also included in the story is Scott Smith Release Date: 00/00/00 (Franco), Milk's and campaign manager, as Synopsis: Happy Hookers looks at the lives of three well as gay rights activist Cleve Jones (Hirsch), who male hustlers in India. Harsh Beauty follows the joys went on to form the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial and struggles of the hijras, a cult of eunuchs who Quilt. live between . The Women (L) Jack & Diane (L) Genre: Comedy, Drama; Rating: PG-13; Genre: Drama; Rating: Not yet rated Distribution: Wide Release; Director: Diane English Distribution: Starring: Ellen Page; Status: delayed Distributor: Picturehouse Entertainment until 2010; Synopsis: About a young lesbian dealing Starring: Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, with her sexuality. Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 17 Queer Voices from NY “Milk” the film resource kit The Night Owl Brought to you by: The Rainbow Times On Nov. 26, 2008, the much-anticipated many such stories, a local man on the set of Check out our Best LGBTQ Clubs in our Gayborhoods! film Milk will be released, creating an oppor- Milk broke down in tears during a speech in tunity to give audiences a unique perspective which actor Sean Penn delivers the lines, W & C Mass. 180 Mass. Avenue, Cambridge, Club Phoenix 617.868.3000 348 Central Ave., Albany, NY into the early days of the modern LGBT rights “Brothers and sisters, you must come out to Blu movement. your parents... It may hurt them. But think 105 Water Street Ramrod Joey's Bar Worcester, MA 1254 Boylston Street 664 2nd Ave., Troy, NY The feature follows Harvey Milk (played by how they could hurt you in the voting booth.” 617.266.2986 Sean Penn), an outspoken advocate for les- The 63-year-old extra explained to the San Club Car Oh Bar 64 Water Street Rise (after hours) 304 Lark Street, bian and gay equality who successfully ran Francisco Chronicle that Milk had influenced Worcester, MA 306 Stuart Street Albany, NY for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors him to come out to his family, and that the 617.423.7473 DIVA'S Fuze Box Bar and became the city’s first openly gay elected film “is an important thing for me because I 492 Pleasant St. Roxy (Sat.) 12 Central Ave., Albany, NY official, and one of the first openly gay elect- want all the kids to know what Harvey did.” Northampton, MA 279 Tremont Street Clinton St. Pub ed officials in the country. Unfortunately, “I have cried every single day since we 617.338.ROXY 159 Clinton St., Schenectady, NY Hob Knob Milk’s life came to an abrupt and tragic end. started working,” said Cleve Jones, a gay Rumor (Wed.) 234 Chestnut Street Provincetown Springfield, MA 100 Warrenton Street 617.338.8061 A-House The Pub 6 Masonic Place The 63-year-old extra explained to the San Francisco 382 Dwight Street Shine (Thr., Fri., Sat., Sun.) 508.487.3821 Springfield, MA 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, Chronicle that Milk had influenced him to come out to his 617.621.9500 Alibi MB 291 Commercial Street 40 Grafton Street Suite (Mon.) 508.487.2890 family, and that the film “is an important thing for me 1 Boylston Place Worcester, MA Bayside Betty's-Mixers 617.257.4490 because I want all the kids to know what Harvey did.” Sin City 177 Commercial Street 350 Worthington Street Tribe at Felt (Thr.) 508.487.0120 533 Washington Street, 4th Floor, Springfield, MA Boatslip 617.350.5555 Club OZ 161 Commercial Street On Nov. 27, 1978, Milk and San Francisco activist working as a historical consultant on 397 Dwight St. Underbar (Thr.) 508.487.1669 Mayor George Moscone were shot to death by Milk. He is played by Emile Hirsch in the Springfield, MA 275 Tremont Street Crown and Anchor Dan White, a former member of the Board. film and is best known as creator of the 617.292.0080 247 Commercial Street Thirty years after the murders, Gus Van NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. “So Boston Venu (Wed., Latin Night) 508.487.1430 100 Warrenton St Sant has directed a star-studded cast in a fea- many of the things we take for granted now, 209 at Club Cafe Chaser's 617.338-8061 ture film retelling of the story. Set for an in the age of ‘Will & Grace’ re-runs and Mark 209 Columbus Ave. 293 Commercial Street 508.487.7200 October 28 premiere in the Castro District of Leno and Carole Migden holding office, were 617.350.5555 Connecticut PiedBar San Francisco, followed by a release in select unimaginable not so long ago,” said Jones. Alley Chez Est 14 Pi Alley, 274 Washington Street 193A Commercial Street markets nearly thirty years to the day of his According to Jones, Milk does fictionalize 458 Wethersfield Ave. 508.487.1527 617.263.1449 Hartford, CT murder a month later, the film has the poten- some elements in its transition to the screen, PorchSide Bar dbar tial to introduce a tremendously important but tries to stay as true to the story as possible. Triangles 11 Carver Street 1236 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester piece of LGBT history to mainstream audi- “If we tried to explain exactly the politics of 66 Sugar Hollow Road 508.487.9793 617.257.4490 Danbury, Connecticut ences. this city, the movie would be long, dull, and Post Office Cabaret Estate (Thr., Sun.) Milk was shot on location in the Castro confusing” Polo Club 303 Commercial St., 508.487.9793 1 Boylston Place, 617.257.4490 678 Maple Ave., Hartford, CT District of San Francisco. Archivists poured For more information about the film Purgatory Eagle over historical materials to formulate a visit:filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/milk 168 York Street Cafe 911 Carver St., 508.487.8442 520 Tremont St.,617.542.4494 168 York Street detailed, accurate vision for the period land- / Vixen Fritz New Haven, CT 336 Commercial Street scape, which was then accom- 26 Chandler St., 617.482.4428 Bar 508.487.6424 plished by both small and 254 Crown Street Wet Spot at the Boat Slip Jacques Cabaret New Haven, CT large scale changes, such as 79 Broadway Street 161 Commercial Street de-modernizing storefronts, 617.426.8902 Gotham Citi Cafe 508.487.1669 Church & Crown Streets repainting the Castro movie Randolph Machine New Haven, CT theater marquee, and even 1256 Boylston St., 617.536.1950 temporarily closed for switching the trash cans on the Partners Cafe renovations/Randolph Country Club Midway Cafe (gay Tue., lesbian Thr.) 365 Crown Street 44 Mazeo Drive street. 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain New Haven, CT 781.961.2414 By all accounts, filming was 617.524.9038 a very emotional experience Milky Way Lounge (Sun.) New York for those involved. In one of 401 Central Street, Jamaica Plain, Water Works Pub 617.524.3740 76 Central Ave. Paradise Albany, NY Jennifer L. Dexter Attorney at Law & Notary Public Specializing in: Real Estate, Family Law, Wills, Education Law & Criminal Law 95 State St., Suite 724 Springfield, MA 01103 [email protected] TRT Not plain, LGBT HOT! 413-214-7626 18 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times• www.therainbowtimesnews.com Q-lebrities A few Q’s:Ari Gold, Hebrew heartthrob [Hit Recording Artist Ari Gold has had the #1 Music I’ve been given this gift of responsibility that Video on LOGO and a Top-10 song on Billboard's helps keep me going strong–especially in a Dance Chart. He's releasing his newest single and crazy business like the music business. music video for his cover of "Human," by the Human MR: The new book Crisis: 40 Stories League, released on Oct. 18.] Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious By: Mikey Rox*/TRT Special Pain and Trauma of Growing up Gay in he Hebrew heartthrob chats about America, features personal essays from gay charity, the new book ‘Crisis,’ and notables, including Nate Berkus, Candace Tthe criticism of his latest release, Gingrich, Billy Bean and you. What’s your Transport Systems. story about? MIKEY ROX: In addition to being an award- AG: You have to read it! I focused primarily winning vocalist, you’re also an activist and a on being 16 years old in Yeshiva (orthodox philanthropist who supports diversity and Jewish parochial school), which was around health charities like the HRC, ACLU, and the time that I had sex for the first time with Gay Men’s Health Crisis. With all that’s hap- both a girl and a guy. pening with your music career, why is it MR: You’ve received major props from important to you to stay involved? Whoopi Goldberg, who remarked that you’re ARI GOLD: I see my art as part of my changing the face of pop music, and Clive activism, and I only hope I can make more Davis, who was quoted as saying, “Ari wrote and more of an impact when it comes to a very personal album and the lyrics attest to human rights and LGBT issues. It’s the whole the battles that he’s been through … he writes Ghandi thing of being the change you want to from the heart.” What kind of weight do these see in the world. I don’t want anyone to suffer comments carry, given the resistant nature of like I did when I was growing up, and I didn’t mainstream America to fully embrace an even have it as bad as a lot of people. The cre- openly gay artist? ative process of making music as well as per- AG: It meant a lot to hear that from Clive, forming is incredibly fulfilling, but I feel like knowing how influential he’s been at bringing

artists like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, all of those issues, and we need to move for- Billy Joel and Alicia Keys to the world. And ward with our thinking when it comes to those hearing that from Whoopi–and getting to meet things. It’s challenging for me to be able to her–I mean, she’s so inspiring ’cause she’s say something meaningful in pop music but one of those people that when she first came also make sure that I’m keeping it fun and on the scene there was nobody like her, and sexy. There’s a lot of hope in this album, too; there’s still nobody like her. She made a genre I was very conscious of making sure of that. for herself, and that’s very inspiring. And now MR: On a lighter albeit final note, you share that’s she’s on The View, people are really lis- the same name as actor Jeremy Piven’s char- tening to what she has to say about every- acter on Entourage. Helping hand or hin- thing. drance? MR: Your third studio album, Transport AG: I think it adds a layer to the story that’s Systems, was released earlier this month. interesting, being that I’m all about challeng- While you described it as being about move- ing gay and Jewish stereotypes and he’s this ment, progression, transportation and trans- mildly homophobic stereotypical Jewish formation, Pink magazine said your lyrics lin- agent. It makes my message all the more gered on “gender, sexuality, addiction and clear–I’m combating the in this race.” Is that an accurate description? How do strangely literal way. you respond? * Who is Mikey Rox? Who gives a &#@%! AG: There are definitely songs that deal with But you can find him at www.mikeyrox.com. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 19 QPuzzle & More Victory: Legislature repeals 1913 law Q Puzzle: Newman’s Men By: Gricel M. Ocasio/TRT Publisher guage against members of the Lesbian & Gay A tribute to the late, great Paul Newman. community claims that their efforts were “It seemed like we had a lot of more signa- “done strictly on principle.” Claiming to be tures,” was MassResistance’s excuse printed the pro-family action center for on its website for failing to provide the Massachusetts—and beyond, this large group amount of signed petitions needed to reinstate of nameless individuals maintained that one the 1913 law. The organization wanted to of the reasons for this fiasco had to do with place a referendum on the 2010 ballot to rein- people’s fear to sign the petition because state the law and leave it up to Massachusetts “their names would end up on ‘homosexual' voters to prohibit same-sex couples from web sites and they would be harassed.” other states to wed in Massachusetts. Brian Camenker, MassResistance’s leader, The law, used by former Governor Mitt admitted defeat in their campaign through Romney to prevent same-sex couples to their website while calling the anti-gay sup- marry in Massachusetts, first banned mar- porters “heroes.” riages from couples from out of state whose To Lisa Vanderbilt, and thousands of les- marriages would be null in their home states. bian and gay people in Massachusetts and In July, the legislature and Gov. Deval throughout the country, the defeat was a great Patrick repealed the law. In August, victory. MassResistance filed a Referendum Petition “Now I can get married in Massachusetts to force its vote on Mass. residents. and go home with that piece of paper, which Approximately 33,000 signatures were need- will enable me to better present my case in my ed to reinstate the law. However, home state,” said Vanderbilt, who has been in MassRessistance efforts were in vain. a same-sex relationship for 22 years. “I know Delivered to the Secretary of State’s Office I won’t be the only one thinking of last week were less than 11,000 petitions. Massachusetts, Connecticut and California, or The website, which uses derogatory lan- if all else fails, there is always Canada.”

Hidden Element from page 2 even you, the reader of this letter. I am asking are the qualities that truly bring visitors and for your help to bring an end to this cowardice Across Down tourists from all over to this city. And, these and underhanded behavior. Please, keep your eyes open for our product on the streets of 1 Bessie of the blues 1 Orgasm, e.g. are the qualities in which Northampton 6 Mary had a little one 2 Poles for your first mate? thrives. The Rainbow Times is one of the first Northampton, and alert us when/if you wit- 10 Straight, in a bar 3 Where to see Tom, Dick, or Harry tools that outside members of the LGBT com- ness something disturbing. Please, do so not 14 Father, to Gloria Anzaldua 4 Math branch munity use to ask community members about just for TRT, but for every other publication 15 Foundation for Humanity name 5 Joan of Arc, allegedly that lives on the streets of our beloved 16 Verb of Verlaine 6 Lambda ___ Defense and Education Fund the town openness, for they are thinking about Solution on Page 20 17 No longer lying with one's partner 7 Ball of film and TV moving into town. TRT serves as a resource Northampton and represents our thriving cul- turally diverse community. 18 Balls 8 Actress Kunis of Gia within a community that needed its presence. 19 Backup date? 9 Like the Singing Nun But, with change and success also come Thank you for your support! 20 Paul Newman's character in Thornton Wilder's Our 10 Former Indian head hatred, bigotry and disunion. First it is The Town 11 Sappho's long E Rainbow Times, and then it could be a com- 23 You can send one to pick up a trick on AOL 12 Prince Valiant's boy munity member, another business owner, or Gricel M. Ocasio 24 No. in a little black book 13 Food and wine expert Allen 25 "Beats me" 21 Ancient Persian 29 Help out 22 ___ of Seventeen 30 Without a date 26 Big bang cause, briefly 32 It's tiny but attractive 27 Gomer's not at all 33 Newman's character in Tennessee Williams' Sweet 28 "There's a single runner," to Billy Bean Bird of Youth 29 Hydrocarbon ending 37 Colette's tea 30 Travels with one's first mate 38 Straddled a stallion 31 Model Banks 39 Earhart's medium 33 "Lesbians ignite!" and others 40 Switch end 34 Get up 41 Threesome for Caligula 35 Foucault's final word 42 Newman wanted to play this character in Patricia Nell 36 AfterEllen.com editor Sarah Warren's The Front Runner 40 Pull a boner 46 Tongue ending 42 Cabaret mister 47 Sea eagles 43 The Advocate piece, e.g. 48 "Don we now ___ gay apparel ..." 44 Publisher of same-sex couples' legal guide 49 Family of Mary, Queen of Scots 45 Queer Duck voice Jim J. 51 The whole shebang 50 Immeasurably vast hole 52 "Morally straight" org. 51 Big fruit of New York? 55 Newman's character in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a 52 Male offspring that goes either way? Hot Tin Roof 53 He wrote "Englishman in New York" as a tribute to 59 Noble title for Chablis Quentin Crisp 62 Illegal block by Esera Tuaola 54 Cruising, maybe 63 Wet spot on a blanket of sand 56 Tight group 64 Retreat for D.H. Lawrence 57 Scot's skirt 65 Hang out 58 Byron poem Soon in Boston, here 1st! 66 Fairy tale hag 59 Inc., to W.H. Auden TRT 67 Oral sex protectors 60 Org. that comes when you break down 68 Cock attachment 61 DeLuise who was in drag in Haunted Honeymoon 69 Roo's mom 20 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Queer Movie Reviews ‘Half a Person’ packs whole lotta punch By: Ginger Harris*/Special for TRT mild to moderate inconvenience: Bad timing on the town with their new travel companions anticlimactic but keeps with the consistent ayhem ensues when a lovelorn results in the pair missing their ride at a rest turns into more than they bargained for, Mark vein of “wrong turns” in the film. And though working stiff and his freeloading stop; Mark’s and Alex are the two friends are looking for answers in Mbest friend leave their small antagonism thrust into a erroneous places, the day finally arrives when Ontario suburb behind and hop on a bus head- instigates sev- sort of latent Alex can no longer put his own life on hold to ed for the big city. Straight and single Alex eral run-ins coming-of- fix Mark’s problems. (Nigel Smith) and his gay best friend Mark with authority age where Half a Person raises some important issues (Michael Majeski) tackle the Canadian coun- figures; and they must concerning the transition from impressionable tryside in search of a good time and a little cavorting reevaluate, youth to accountable adult. There’s effective perspective in Half a Person, on DVD since about town above all, ambiguity here surrounding an oft-referenced October 21. with a pair of their feel- night spent hiding out in their high school as Desperately single Alex is searching for flirtatious ings for one teenagers, which manifests Mark’s struggle order in a life he finds increasingly uncertain. young girls another. with his family’s rejection of his sexuality. With his school days behind him and “nothing they meet on Alex’s The intimate nature of this night spent alone is to show” for his success – neither personally the bus–Julie convoluted an early representation of the therapeutic nor professionally – the 20-something sets out and search for function of their friendship and proves to be a to sate his demons and confront his future Crystal–throws closure and pivotal point for both boys. with loose ends tied up. Meanwhile, charis- a wrench in the means to Tensions run high in this 70-minute whirl- matic Mark adopts his best friend’s quest as everyone’s a new wind of self-discovery, where two pals on the his own, inviting himself along at the last emotional beginning edge of adulthood come face to face with their minute. Mark’s own demons, however, begin cogs. comes to a respective pasts. As fraught with mishap as to rear their ugly heads as situations destabi- Julie and head when their sojourn proves to be, there is tenderness lize on the road to Toronto: his relationship Crystal’s rela- he finds to be found on the road, and the childhood with live-in partner Tom is on the rocks, and a tionship paral- himself on friends discover that what they feel for each life spent guarding his sexuality and then lels Mark and his father’s other transcends the inevitable hardships of answering for it has left him fleeing conse- Alex’s, with doorstep. In growing up. quence. Both boys’ expectations of the trip one being the spite of a * Ginger Harris is an intern with Line/Byline are higher than the experiences it yields, as reckless thrill seeker and the other passively surprising revelation, the confrontation Communications in New York City. Reach her their pilgrimage to the city is fraught with following her own agenda. And when a night between father and son comes off as a touch at [email protected].

NPP from page 5 There are opportunities for corporate sponsor- Westenhoefer are available at NPP’s Florence “She can be found on the front cover of ship as well.” office, online at www.NohoPridePromos.com Curve Magazine this month. It will be loads The Clarion and Conference Center has and at Pride & Joy, Northampton, Mass. of fun and extremely entertaining.” joined forces with NNP to offer a special New “Tea dance tickets are not purchased in According to Seymour, the New Year’s Eve Year’s Eve nightly discounted rate of $89.00 advance,” said Seymour. “Just come on celebration will feature dinner, a VIP cocktail when attendees book their reservation and down! Our events are 18+ to party and 21+ to hour with Suzanne Westenhoefer, dancing mention NNP’s New Year’s Extravaganza. drink.” HELP WANTED: $$$$ with DJ Studebaker Hawk, a comedy show, “It will be like a big ol’ lesbian pajama party All events are sponsored by The Rainbow raffle, and ringing in the New Year with a with our gay boy friends as well,” said Times, Web-tactics, Out! For Reel Film Deliver The Rainbow Times to Champagne toast at midnight. Seymour. Series, Noho Pride and Smooth Movers. the Capital District of NY: ”Tickets are $100/person, $190 for two,” Advanced ticket sales for the New Year’s For more information about Noho Pride she said. More deals are listed on our website. Eve Extravaganza with Suzanne Promos, visit their website at (Albany, Schenectady & Troy) www.NohoPridePromos.com or e-mail Must have: [email protected]. • Disposition to work 1x month • Valid NY or MA Driver’s Licence • Car Insurance & a reliable Car Q Puzzle Solution from P. 19 • Deliver paper on the exact date • Be courteous • Good communication skills

For more information, please call 518-391-2617 TRT is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EOE. The CT pages are brought to you by: www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 21 Proudly serving the LGBT community Phone: 203-772-7767 Connecticut Connection Website: www.murthalaw.com NOV. 20, 2008 10th Annual EROS Film Festival Out Film CT, organizer of the CT Gay & award winning documentary: No Secret Lesbian Film Festival, and EROS Anymore is the inspiring story of Del Martin (Encouraging Respect Of all Sexualities), the & Phyllis Lyon, founders of the modern les- Transgender Day of Trinity College student organization, present bian civil rights movement and partners in Remembrance the 10th EROS Film Festival from Nov. 5th love and political struggle for half a century. through the 9th. As always with this Film A breathtaking personal/political history nar- The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set Festival, there will be an eclectic mix of films rated by Kate Clinton. Delightful and illumi- aside to memorialize those who were killed and documentaries, old favorites and exciting nating! due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. new works that will appeal to all LGBT film Itty Bitty Titty Committee (Saturday, 11/8 @ This day and vigils held are to honor Rita lovers. Here is this year’s line-up: 9:30 p.m.) Part social commentary, part Hester, whose murder in 1998 kicked off the Breakfast with Scot (Friday, 11/7 @ 7:30 drama and part romantic comedy, Itty Bitty “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a p.m.) This touching comedy tells the story of Titty Committee has a blast exploring social a very 'straight' gay couple. Eric and Sam are change and coming out. When we first meet San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Since living the good life: happy, healthy, devoted Anna, she is working at a plastic surgeon's then, the event has grown to encompass to each other and their careers. However, office and generally moping her way through memorials in dozens of cities across the world. their comfortable world is turned upside her days. One night when leaving work, she Rita Hester's murder--like most anti-transgen- down when the mother of swishy 11-year old catches Sadie spray-painting the front of the der murder cases--has yet to be solved. Scot suddenly dies, leaving Eric and Sam as plastic surgeon's building. Instead of calling temporary guardians. Will they be able to the cops, she and Sadie find common ground gently nudge Scot away from scented hand and Sadie recruits Anna into her group of rad- Vigils in our area: cream and all things pink, towards a more ical feminists. In the end, the universality of Nov. 14: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; 3300 Main Street, 'acceptable' pastime – hockey? Red Without Blue follows a pair of identical the desire to be in a posse that can change the Springfield, MA; hosted by UniTy, a Pageant (Friday, 11/7 @ 9:30 p.m.) Pageant twins as one transitions from male-to-female. world is what truly elevates this engaging ride Springfield Trans support group and takes you behind the scenes as 52 ordinary through the mosh-pit of 20-something girlie- gentlemen go to extraordinary lengths in activism. Baystate Hospital. Searching 4 Sandeep (Saturday, 11/8 @ 7:30 order to be crowned the 34th Miss Gay p.m.) Australian director Poppy Stockell is The Laramie Project (Sunday, 11/9 @ 2:30 America®. Pageant features stunning musi- delighted when her "research" on a light- p.m.) To honor the 10th anniversary of Nov. 20: 7 p.m.; UU Meetinghouse, cal numbers, while diving into the heart and hearted look at lesbian Internet-dating leads Matthew Shepard’s passing, we will be shar- 121 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA soul of this make-believe world: the men to an unexpectedly deep connection with an ing a free screening of “The Laramie Project” hosted by the UMass Amherst Stonewall behind the makeup. Everybody has a dream; English woman, Sandeep Virdi. However, —a groundbreaking film that recreates the Center, the Massachusetts Transgender these men are making theirs a reality. their relationship is complicated by the reality efforts of a New York theatre troupe to shed Red Without Blue (Saturday, 11/8 @ 2:30 light on a western town's loss of innocence Political Coalition, and The Rainbow Times. that Sandeep is Sikh, lives at home with her p.m.) An honest portrayal of a family in tur- conservative family, and has kept her sexuali- following a hate crime perpetrated on a 21- Nov. 20: 5:15 p.m. Gather at the First moil, Red Without Blue follows a pair of iden- ty a secret. Humorous and thoughtful, this year-old University of Wyoming student. Presbyterian Church, 136 Capitol Ave, tical twins as one transitions from male to documentary film explores the collision of Adapted from the acclaimed play of the same female. Captured over a period of three years, name, the film features an all-star cast. Hartford. Vigil walk from the church to the love with ethnic, religious and sexual identity. the film documents the twins and their par- And this film is presented with No Secret For additional information, please visit the State Capital where there will be a rally at ents, examining the Farley's struggle to rede- Anymore: The Times of Del Martin & Out Film CT website: www.OutFilmCT.org 5:30 p.m. fine their family. Through its portrayal of Phyllis Lyon. A memorial screening of the and read TRT’s Calendar of Event’s page. At 7:00 p.m. the Transgender Day of these articulate and independent twins, each Remembrance program will begin haunted by the painful experiences of their adolescence, the film questions normative at MCC Hartford, 155 Wyllys Street, standards of gender and identity—as Mark Hartford. FMI: call (860) 983-8139 or email and Clair reassert their indescribable bond as [email protected]. identical twins. Filmmaker Brooke Sebold will be in attendance.

More Connecticut News & Events/Info. on Pages 14-15 If you’ve ever considered being a Foster Parent … NOW is the time to do it. CT Neighborhood Organizations Connecticut’s children need you more than ever. AIDS Testing: www.guardinhealth.org Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105 - 860.247.6090 Info. Gay Father’s Group: (203) 938-2881Hartford and Referral program: (800) 479-2949 or Greater The Professional Parenting Program needs individuals who are willing Community Center: (860) 724-5542CT Freedom to Hartford 524-0601 - Statewide women's rights organiza- and able to support our LGBTQ youth in Connecticut. Marry Coalition: (203) 791-9553Love Makes a Family: tion working to end discrimination and hate crimes; pro- www.lmf-ct.org (860) 525-7777Married Lesbian Support vides free legal information and referral to the LGBT Help us to help them achieve their goals and dreams of belonging to a Group: [email protected] (203) 430-9227 community. family. Married Men’s Bisexual Support Group of Hartford: XX Club (Twenty Club): Rev. Cannon Jones - 45 Church (860)264-5605Metropolitan Community Church of New Street Hartford , CT 06141-0387 - (860)646-8651 - Connecticut residents only. Haven: (203) 397-2312New Haven Gay & Lesbian Povides knowledgeable info., and ongoing peer support Center: www.nhglcc.org; (203) 387-2252 to transsexuals. 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 2 - PFLAG Danburry: www.pflag.org; (203) 797- 5 p.m. Please call us today (888) 968-4489 x134 4743Connecticut ’s Kids: (203) 256-8414 connecticuT View (cTView): A Transgender social and Senior Lesbians Happily at Play (SLAPHAPS): Kathy support club, for the TV, TG, TS, CD, both male and (203) 929-8113 female. Monthly meeting in New Haven as well as e- True Colors CT: www.ourtruecolors.org; (888) 565- membership, and more. A no dues club, with all the frills; 5551National www.transgender.org/ctv/ Runaway Switchboard: (773) 880-9860Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF): 135 1764 Litchfield Turnpike • Woodbridge, CT 06525 • www.ippi.org 22 • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com TRT Calendar ONGOING EVENTS/SUPPORT GROUPS Infoline 413-822-7268. We will watch Third Man Out (starring out actor Chad Arrive anytime after 5pm with dinner at 7pm; Frog Allen) followed by a discussion (Q&A) with Mr. Lipez. Meadow Farm, Newfane. Since Frog Meadow does Nov. 11; Band of Sisters: American Women at War in (MA) LGBT Afternoon Tea Dances; Every 3rd Sunday not have a license to serve alcohol this is a BYOB Iraq; 7pm; Student Union Cape Cod Lounge, UMass Nov. 12; Center IDOL, LGBTQ Youth Competition; of the month; 3-7 pm. Dance, Drink, Dialogue! The event. The hot tub will be fired up, bring a towel, no Amherst campus; This is an educational lecture by 6pm; YWCA; 44 Washington Ave., Schenectady, NY Union Station, 125A Pleasant Street. $8 admission, suit required! Please bring a dish of your choice, nationally published journalist Kirsten Holmstedt, 12305. If you love to sing, please join CDGLCC for $5 w/student ID. FMI: www.nohopridepromos.com preferably made by you and not prepared supermar- author of the critically acclaimed book Band of our newest program - a competition called Center ket food. Bring enough to serve about six. FMI: (MA) Every first Wednesday of the month for a Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq. Ms. IDOL!!!! Open to youth ages 13-18. Finalists will [email protected] potluck dinner social. We meet at the Unitarian- Holmstedt will speak on her experiences meeting, perform at "A-Prom" and the winner will perform at Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield researching, & interviewing female veterans of the Capital Pride 2009 on the main stage! Sign-up today!! Nov. 10; Writing Group; 7-8:30pm, Menspace; This is at 7:00 PM. FMI: at the INFOline 413-822-7268. Iraq War in the course of writing her book. A reception Send your name, age, location, and 2-3 song choic- the third meeting of our informal writing group. We open to all female service members and veterans will (NY) ONGOING: First and third Sundays of the es to: [email protected] use a writing prompt-a question, an object, a person, be held with the author in the Cape Cod Lounge prior a scenario-to write for half an hour or so, then have a month, 11 - 1 p.m. at the Rainbow Cafe, 332 Hudson Nov. 15; Art for AIDS Sake; 7 pm - 10 pm New York to the event at 6:00 pm. A Q&A discussion will follow conversation about the writing process, what we Ave., Albany. FMI: Viktoria 518-438-6315. State Museum, 4th Fl, Empire State Plaza Madison the lecture. Free and open to the public, and wheel- wrote, etc. Sharing of writing is welcome but not Ave, Albany, NY To Benefit The Albany Damien (NY) Confidential HIV Testing; last Wednesday of the chair accessible. A book signing and t-shirt sale will required. Please join us even if you have not attend- Center. month; 6-8:30pm; CDGLCC @ 332 Hudson Ave., follow the event. FMI: (413) 545-5792. ed before and/or have no experience in writing. Albany. FMI: 518-462-6138. Nov. 16; A Sneak Peak at "The Main" Documentary; Nov. 14; Local Transgender Day of Remembrance; Nov. 11; CORE GROUP: 6pm Potluck, 6:30pm Group 5-6:30pm; CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave., Albany, NY (CT) Living Soulfully: A Monthly Men’s Gathering; 3300 Main Street in Springfield, MA hosted by UniTy, Discussion, at the Menspace. Help guide the Men’s FREE! Has queer identity moved into the main- Meets on 4th Wednesday of every month from 7:30- a Springfield Trans support group and Baystate Program. Join us for a potluck and conversation stream? Join award-winning filmmaker Julie Casper 9:00pm at the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Hospital from 6pm-9pm. about the program. As always, new participants wel- Roth as she screens clips of her documentary-in- Collective. FMI: HGLHC at 860-2787-4163. come. If you’d prefer to attend just for the conversa- Nov. 15; A Gathering of LGBT Grandparents; 9:30 am progress, The Main. The film follows the story of a tion, feel free. Come check us out. (NY) Capital Pride Singers LGBT and affirming mixed - 3:30 pm; Stonewall Communities Lifelong Learning gay bar as it explores changing trends in gay commu- chorus. Rehearsals on Monday's, 7pm, Emmanuel Institute at Wheelock College, Wheelock College nity. The screening will be followed by an open dis- Nov. 14; Spirituality; 7pm; the Menspace. This month Baptist Church, 275 State St; Albany. FMI: 518-435- Brookline Campus, 43 Hawes Street, Brookline, MA cussion with the filmmaker. Julie Casper Roth is 2008 Jim will share with us about his travels in Israel. This 4636. $20 (free for those 75 and over) includes lunch. FMI: Artist Fellowship recipient of the New York is a welcoming group. You do not need to RSVP, or www.stonewallcommunities.com or (617)369-9090. Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). This presentation is to have attended in the past. (CT) RainbowRoom is open every Sunday from This gathering features Dr. Nancy Orel, author of co-sponsored by Artists & Audience Exchange, a 3:00pm-6:00pm and is located at 1841 Broad St., Nov. 15; GRF Contra Dance; 7-10pm; Montague studies on LGBT grandparents, Denise Simmons, NYFA public program. Hartford. RainbowRoom is an affirming and safe mayor of Cambridge, and breakout sessions to share Grange, Montague, MA. The free contra place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and question- experiences, to connect, discuss, learn and cele- Nov. 20; Transgender Day of Remembrance dances are great fun, and very welcoming. ing teens and young adults 13 to 21. RainbowRoom brate, plus resources! Experienced dancers help the new dancers out, and Nov. 21; TransAction! A new national day of action is a drop-in center located in an intimate, informal all dances are taught. New dancers welcomed and Nov. 15; HIKE; 1:00 pm, meet by the Berkshire Bank day to educate, celebrate and to become an ally and space with room for a variety of activities. encouraged! Very social, enjoyable evenings with in the Allendale parking lot, Pittsfield. Hike to stand up for the rights of individuals who have faced live music. Admission: $7-$10, $5 with valid student (VT) July 10; CORE GROUP; 6pm Potluck; 6:30pm Cheshire Cobbles. Wear comfortable clothing and harassment, bullying and name-calling because of ID. FMI: 860-749-3863, or 413-247-9604 Group Discussion, at the Menspace. Help guide the dress for the weather. All are welcome. FMI: Infoline: their gender identity/expression. FMI: www.dayofsi- Men’s Program. Join us for a great potluck and then 413-822-7268. lence.org/tdr.html Nov. 16; Transgender Support; 5:30-8:30pm; Meeting conversation about the program. We always wel- in Brattleboro the third Sunday of every month. Open Nov. 16; 15th annual Chocolate Dessert Buffet & Dec. 12; Center IDOL - LGBTQ Youth Competition; come new members. Please come for the discussion to anyone whose identity or expression doesn't fit Silent Auction; 2 to 5 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and 7pm; CDGLCC; 332 Hudson Ave., Albany, NY 12210 even if you don’t come for the potluck! neatly into the gender binary. FMI contact Oshee: Conference Center. FMI: 413-586-8288 ext. 5. If you love to sing, please join CDGLCC for our [email protected] (VT) BOOK CLUB; 7pm; 139 Main Street, Ste #606B. newest program - a competition called Center Nov. 20; Local Transgender Day of Remembrance; FMI: Curtis802-254-2400. Core Group is meeting on IDOL!!!! Open to youth ages 13-18. Finalists will Nov. 19; Teresa Stores will read from her new novel, 7pm; UU Meetinghouse, 121 North Pleasant Street, Thursday at the Menspace. perform at "A-Prom" and the winner will perform at Backslide, at Northshire Books in Manchester, VT, at Amherst, MA hosted by the UMass Amherst Capital Pride 2009 on the main stage!! Sign-up 7 p.m. The Advocate says Backslide "illustrates in liv- (VT) TRANSGENDER SUPPORT; 5:30-8:30pm; Stonewall Center, the Massachusetts Transgender today!! Send your name, age, location, and 2-3 song ing color what it was like to grow up as a Southern Meeting in Brattleboro; Third Sunday of every month. Political Coalition, and The Rainbow Times. choices to: [email protected] Updates at Baptist in the ’60s, navigating the bumpy road from Open to anyone whose identity or expression doesn't Nov. 23; BSCC THANKSGIVING DINNER. Arrive www.myspace.com/cdglcc! loneliness and sexual denial to self-assurance. fit neatly into the gender binary. Not a Men’s Program 3:00pm; on; dinner at 4:00 pm, St. Stephen\'s event. FMI: [email protected] Nov. 20; Gay Men’s Alcohol Recovery Discussion Church, 67 East Street, Pittsfield (use side door). FMI N. CONNECTICUT Group; 7pm; Menspace. One of our members has call coordinator Karla Kavanaugh (518-392-4905). ASSACHUSETTS Nov. 5-9; Out Film CT 10th Annual EROS Film volunteered to host an alcohol recovery discussion W. M Everyone welcome. Festival; Cinestudio at Trinity College; 300 Summit group for gay and bi men. At the October meeting, Nov. 5; BSCC POTLUCK DINNER; 7:00 pm; Dec. 3; BSCC POTLUCK DINNER. 7:00 pm, St., Hartford, CT; $8 general admission; $7 students guys agreed they would like to have more of these, Unitarian-Universalist Church,175 Wendell Avenue, GLBTQI community and friends. Bring a main dish, & seniors; FREE for Trinity Student & Staff with prop- so they will be continuing. FMI: 254-4444. Pittsfield, MA. Open to GLBTQI community & friends. salad, veggie or dessert to share. Beverages provid- er ID. Bring main dish, salad, veggie or dessert to share. Nov. 21; GayMe Night; 7pm; Howie’s place in ed. All welcome. FMI: Infoline: 413-822-7268. FMI: BSCC Infoline 413-822-7268. Nov. 8; One Big Event: A benefit for the Hartford Gay Chesterfield, NH. Come on over to Howie’s with your Dec. 5; INFOSOCIAL PANEL/DISCUSSION. 7:00- and Lesbian Health Collective 6:00 p.m. to Midnight; favorite game and a snack or beverage to share. FMI Nov. 6, 13 & 20; Basic ballroom for the LGBT commu- 9:00pm, Unitarian-Universalist Church, 175 Wendell Hilton Hartford Hotel; Hartford, CT. Featuring: Emcee 802-254-4444 nity and friends, taught by professional dancer and Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. "We're Gay, We're Married, Michael Wilson, Entertainer Varla Jean Merman, and teacher, Skip Warren. Will consist of a series of Nov. 23; Holiday Project Kick-Off Potluck; 4-8pm at Then (Now) What?" Exploration of the legal and per- Honorary Host Mayor Eddie Perez. Musical enter- classes on three Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m.; Dave Hall’s in Guilford. Come on over to Tree Frog sonal ramifications of marriage. All welcome. FMI: tainment provided by the Shaded Soul Band. November 6 (swing); November 13 (waltz); Farm in Guilford for a potluck dinner. Bring a dish to www.berkshirestonewall.org Cocktails, Silent Auction, Dinner, Entertainment, and November 20 (rhumba). Cost is $10 per couple per Dancing. Formal Attire Encouraged. share and enjoy the pre-holiday camaraderie. This session (or $5, if you come solo). Register in Dec. 14; "TRANSCEND\" MEETING. 7:00 - 8:30 pm, event kicks off the Holiday Project—our yearly effort advance by calling the Center at (413) 584-7327 or South Congregational Church, Pittsfield; use side Nov. 8 & Nov 15; Breaking the Song Barrier: to connect the generosity of the men's community email: [email protected]. door. Confidential; FMI: Infoline: 413-822-7268. Connecticut Women's Chorus celebrates women with the needs of our HIV positive clients. You can composers; On Nov. 8 at the Unity Church of Greater choose a present to sponsor at this event, or contact Nov. 7; Free and Anonymous HIV and STD Testing; Hartford, 919 Ellington Road (Rt. 30), South Windsor 10-2 pm; UMass Campus Center, Room 165-69 CAPITAL DISTRICT OF NY CT. On Nov. 15; 8:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of Howie or Alex directly to help out with the Holiday No appointment necessary. No blood is involved in Nov. 7; First Friday at the Romaine Brooks Gallery New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden. Project, 802-254-4444. FMI for directions: Dave at HIV tests, just oral swabs. The results of an HIV test featuring TransPride Show; Free! CDGLCC, 332 [email protected] will be available in about 20 minutes. Hudson Ave, Albany. FMI: CDGLCC at (518) 462- Nov. 13-14&15; Transplantations; at the theater of 6138 Fairhaven K-8 School, 164 Grand Ave., New Haven Nov. 24; Connecting Group; 7 – 9:30pm; Menspace. Nov. 9; Why we Fall in Love with a Poet?; 3pm; Jones All shows are at 8pm, followed by a question and RSVP. Join a small group of 8 to 10 guys talking Library Trustees Room Amherst, Mass. Perugia Nov. 7 & Nov. 9; "BEAR ALBANY 3rd Anniversary" answer. You won't want to miss Puerto Rican lesbian about how we meet and connect with other men – Press, the Jones Library, and Everywoman’s Center Weekend; Nov 7th; BEAR-AOKE at George Bar actress Janis Astor del Valle (a Love Makes a Family emotionally, physically, sexually. PLEASE present a poetry reading with Nikky Finney, who fell 720 Central Ave., Albany; 9PM-1AM. No Cover! Board member!) in this fabulous play, last performed NOTE—Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Space is lim- in love with Nancy Pearson’s poetry while judging Nov. 9; Family Fall Fun Fest; 1-4pm; CDGLCC; 332 in Connecticut at the Hartford Stage. $15; FMI: (203) ited. FMI: Howie: 802-254-4444, [email protected] manuscripts for the Perugia Press Prize last year. Hudson Ave. Albany. Join us for gourd painting, cup- 787-0191. Dec. 1; World AIDS Day Observance; 12pm at the Free, open to the public and wheelchair accessible. cake decorating, story time and more! Fun for the ASL interpretation available with three weeks advance Nov. 20; Local Transgender Day of Remembrance; Centre Congregational Church, Main Street, whole family! RSVP by November 3rd to (518) 462- Brattleboro, VT. notice to Beth at [email protected]. . 6138. 5:15pm First Presbyterian Church, 136 Capitol Ave, Refreshments and book signing will follow the read- Hartford, CT. Hosted by the Connecticut Dec. 6; GRF Contra Dance; 7-10pm; Montague ing. FMI: [email protected] Nov. 9; Movie Night (with author discussion) – TransAdcocacy Coalition. Then the event moves to a Grange, Montague, MA. The gender role free contra Showing Third Man Out; 6:00pm; CDGLCC rally at the State Capitol (5:30pm) and then to MCC dances are great fun, and very welcoming. FMI: afir- Nov. 9; Transcend: A Support Group for the Trans 332 Hudson Ave., Albany, NY 12210; FREE! Please Hartford, 155 Wyllys St. at 7 pm. [email protected] or call Arlene 860-749-3863, or Community; 7-8:30 pm; Berkshire Stonewall join us in welcoming Dick Lipez (pen name Richard Eleanor 413-247-9604. Community Coalition (BSCC); South Congregational Stevenson - author of Donald Strachey gay-themed S. VERMONT Church, 110 South Street, Pittsfield; FMI: BSCC mystery novels turned film series) back to CDGLCC. Nov. 8; New England Men’s Dinner-Fall Potluck: www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 6 - Dec. 3, 2008 • 23 Queer Sports & QClassifieds The Outfield: Giving thanks for Gay sports stuff(ing) By: Dan Woog* oversight? sonnel - but customers pointed out that nearly every photo It seems like just yes- Was it homo- that doesn't showed the dunker's crotch rubbing against terday we were watching phobia? mean no one the dunkee's face. Captions include tag lines the Olympics in Beijing. Racism? We'll ever will. In like "Isn't That Cute" and "That Ain't Right." The day before, Barack never know. San Francisco, Some people saw the words as homophobic - and Hillary were duking But Jackie gay fans have what, they wondered, is wrong with a crotch it out for the Democratic Walker is now more reasons shot? Others read them as ironic. Nike, of nomination. A few hours in the Greater to root for the course, was not talking. However, for $3,000 earlier, it was Christmas. Knoxville 49ers than the - the top retail price of the Hyperdunk shoe - 2008 is almost in the history books. Sports Hall of mere fact that perhaps the company's intended market was Thanksgiving signals the beginning of the end Fame. And they're jacked upscale consumers looking to make a fashion of the year; it's also a good time to look back. while that guys in tight statement. In other words, gay guys. As we tuck into our turkey and stuffing - how may not the pants. Finally, a look back at Beijing. Who can gay does that sound? - let's give thanks for the biggest honor Nike, mean- forget the two proudest gay moments, both good GLBT sports news of the past year. Of around, it's while, made courtesy of Australian platform diver course, let's also look back at the bad. Plenty one more sign advertising Matthew Mitcham. First he set a 10-meter of work remains to be done. that gay peo- headlines of Olympic scoring record, beating heavily We'll start with the Ohio Mayhem. Despite ple are, its own. The favored Chinese diver Luxin Zhou. Then, losing six of their first seven games (plus indeed, every- company after the medal ceremony, Mitcham jumped three players to season-ending injuries), the where. known for over a few empty seats, climbed a wall, Columbus-area coed team won this year's Speaking of "just doing it" stepped on a barricade, kissed his mother - Chiller Adult Hockey League championship the gridiron, rolled out a and, with the cameras rolling, smooched his 4-0, in front of an overflow crowd in Dublin, the San campaign for boyfriend, Lachlan, too. Ohio. What's notable about the win is that no Francisco its new Happy Thanksgiving! one in greater Dublin gave a flying puck that 49ers occupy Hyperdunk * Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer the Mayhem is a team of gay men, lesbians, a unique posi- shoe that coach, gay activist, and author of the "Jocks" and a few straight friends. All they cared tion. A foot- showed bas- series of books on gay male athletes. Visit his about was watching a good game. That's the ball team with ketball players website at www.danwoog.com. He can be equality gay athletes have dreamed of for a powerful dunking over reached care of this publication or at years. And the fact that it came in hockey - legacy, they represent a city with an even opponents. Pretty, um, straightforward, until [email protected]. one of the planet's most traditionally antigay more storied reputation as a gay mecca. The sports - makes it all the sweeter, honey. club recognizes its commitment to all San Back in the early 1970s, Jackie Walker was Franciscans, and its inclusive approach was an All-American linebacker at the University recognized this summer at the Commercial of Tennessee. He was the first black Closet Association's Images in Advertising Southeastern Conference football player to Awards night. The Niners were honored for a earn that honor, and the first to captain an print ad they bought in GLAAD (Gay and SEC team. But he was also gay - something Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) pro- he did not hide after graduation - so perhaps gram books around the country. Featuring a that is why he did not receive the recognition black-and-white photo of the team's football he was due. In 2002, as he was dying of helmets, it noted that the 49ers were "proud AIDS, his brother vowed to get him inducted supporters of the 18th Annual GLAAD Media into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Awards." The team also helps sponsor San Fame. Francisco's and LGBT Center. It did not happen when he was alive, and it For over 10 years, the team has offered bene- still had not happened five years after his fits to same-sex domestic partners of employ- death. But this past summer, he finally made ees. No player has yet requested those bene- it into the Hall. 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