Section A New York State's Oldest LGBT Publication

No surprises in local primary; turnout is low NewsBriefs LOCAL & STATE NEWS By Ove Overmyer For the first time in a gen­ Mammograms for eration, Monroe County Demo­ women over 40 crats celebrated the election of their entire endorsed slate of free on Oct. 10 candidates on Sept. 15 by win­ To mark Breast Cancer ning in all 14 primary races Month, women over 40 who across Monroe County and in do not have insurance will the City of Rochester. be able to get free mammo­ grams on Oct. 10. "Democrats are fortunate to The event will be at the have such a strong grassroots Breast Imaging Center, process in place that empow­ 500 Red Creek Drive, from ers the voters and continues to 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. A Nurse Practitioner will perform clinical breast exams and a Reiki practitioner and mas­ Gerry Szymanski, coordinator of the GAGV Library & Archives, in the new Library room. sage therapist will offer free 10-minute sessions. Highland Breast Imaging Remodeled GAGV Library hosts new is collaborating with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the Health CyberCenter; grand opening is Oct. 21 Partnership of Monroe County. The Health Part­ By Ove Overmyer Center on the first floor. It hous­ time to be more assertive in pro­ nership helps Highland pro­ The GAGV Library and es thousands of books, CDs, moting library services. vide no cost mammograms Archives project re-invented DVDs, magazines, newspapers, "Our library resources for the uninsured every itself back in 2004 and has been periodicals and archival materi­ deserve more of our attention. day, but the Oct. 10 event evolving ever since. als (including back issues of The We have one-of-a-kind items may be more convenient for For the past five years, the Empty Closet) that pertain to the here that would be of great some women. Refreshments will be Library and Archives has been local LGBT community. value to researchers and stu­ provided. Appointments located on the fifth floor in the The GAGV Library and dents alike," Fearing says. "The must be made in advance. Matt Haag GAGV administrative offices at Archives existed as a project for library will become one of our Call Highland Breast Imag­ the Auditorium Center, 875 East many years. Not until a few main program initiatives begin­ ing at 487-3300. strengthen and grow our Party," Main St. in downtown Roches­ years ago was the over 30-year­ ning this fall and it fits perfectly said Joe Morelle, chairman of ter and was open on Wednesday old collection recognized as the within our plan of service." Rainbow SAGE the Monroe County Democratic evenings. It is now located in a asset that it is. Now, Program Sue Cowell, Executive Direc­ plans Oct. 24 Committee. room next to the GAGV Youth Director Scott Fearing says it is (Library continues page 3) Voters in the City of Roch­ dance at DUpe ester re-elected Carrie Andrews Rainbow SAGE (formerly (LD 21 - Rochester) and Saul Rochester group organizes bus to [email protected]; http://civil­ Rainbow Seniors) will host Maneiro (LD 29 - Rochester) rightsfront.wordpress.com. a Community Dance on for the Monroe County Leg­ D.C. for National Day of Action The Day of Action is orga­ Oct. 24 at Downtown Unit­ ed Presbyterian Church, islature. Voters also re-elected By Susan Jordan being organized by the Civil nized by Equality Across Amer­ 121 N. Fitzhugh St. Carolee Conklin (14.1 percent) A contingent from this area Rights Front, with the partner­ ica, a new grassroots network The dance will run and Dana Miller (11.6 per­ will be heading to Washington ship of the Gay Alliance of the including longtime movement from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 cent), and elected first time D.C. on Oct. 10 to take part in Genesee Valley. The cost is $60 activists and "the Facebook gen­ p.m. Tickets are $8 in candidates Loretta Scott (16.2 the National Day of Action, the per person for the round trip. eration" of younger activists. advance and $12 at the percent), Matt Haag (12.2 per­ "The March will be the first door, and are available at largest LGBT rights march for The bus leaves 11 p.m. on Oct. Equal=Grounds and Out­ cent) and Jackie Ortiz (10.1 many years. 10 from MCC (Brighton cam­ step toward a larger goal of cre­ landish, or by calling dd at percenr) for Rochester City Buses from Rochester are pus), returning to Rochester ating a national movement in 585-872-2631 ext. 3. Council At-Large. Voters also early on Oct. 12. Tickets must all 435 congressional districts Food will be available; elected Van White, Cynthia be reserved by noon on Oct. 5. to demand of our elected rep­ the dance is drug and alcohol-free.• Elliott and Jose Cruz to the ATIO L For more information call 244- resentatives full equality under Rochester School Board. EQUAL.ITY 8640 ext. 37; messages for local the law," said Kip Williams, co­ Matt Haag, the only openly MARCH organizers may be left in this director of the March. "We will gay candidate in the City Coun­ \v til .. I('U (' I. voicemail box. come to Washington with new cil race, placed third in total People may also go to the messages and new strategies to votes behind Scott and Conklin. Gay Alliance website (www.gay­ build our national movement." He spoke with The Empty Closet alliance.org), where under the Equality Across America after his primary victory. EVENTS menu there is a tab for (EAA) is a network of decentral­ ''A few people suggested the National March. The page ized organizers in everyone of someone who wasn't from here will include a link to Paypal to the 435 Congressional districts. couldn't win. What I knew all buy a ticket. These organizers form Congres­ along is that Rochestarians don't Civil Rights Front meets T ues­ sional District Action Teams care where you are from, they days at 7 p.m., at Equal=Grounds (CDATs) that work within their care most about what you do Coffee Shop. More informa­ own communities to achieve full once you get here," said Haag. tion on the Rochester contin­ equality for LGBT Americans In a prepared statement gent and on Civil Rights Front and their families. (Primary continues page 8) is available at Roc.equality- (DC March continues page 3)

The Gay Alliance appreciates the continuing F1 FINAI>ICIAL AACHIliCTS ,"0::" partnership of businesses within our community Kodak 14: Merrilll..ynr:h Inside who support our mission and vision. Section A lace I Newsfronts ...... 4 MAlU M. UItYICU Bausch & Lomb CORNI IG Gold Eastman Kodak Company; Mass Mutual Financial Interview: Candidates ...... 6 Group; Merrill Lynch; Nixon Peabody, LLP ---""" ~THE Opinion ...... 16 MONROEPWJ Making The Scene ...... 18 Silver Ace Mailing Services; Bausch & Lomb Inc.; FORMlDlCAL Corning Incorporated; Harter Secrest & Emory LLP; 'CAAE Section B Heveron & Heveron CPAs; ITT Corporation; Monroe Plan for Entertainment: ImageOut ...... 1 Medical Care; Sage Advisors of Sage Rutty; St. John Fisher Columnists ...... 15 College; Tim Tompkins Enterprises; Xerox Capital Services Youth Page ...... 10 Bronze Canandaigua National Bank; Edgerton Florist; GAGV News: Access to Family Court ...... 11 Empire State College; GALAXE Pride at Work; Open Arms EMPJIUSTATE. Groups ...... 13 Metropolitan Community Church; Third Presbyterian Church; COLLEGE EDGElHON ILORAL co Calendar ...... 14 Wegmans Food Markets; The Woolbright Group Classifieds ...... 14 Pride Thomson Reuters Ongoing Ca lendar ...... 115 2 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009 AY ALLIANCE Per~ectives EE VALLEY The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, New York 14605 © 2009, All rights reserved. FROM THE FROM THE Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer Empty Closet Editor Executive Director Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Advertising policy: SUSAN JORDAN SUE COWELL The Empty Closet does not print adver­ tisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertis­ phobic rhetoric, Americans con­ college students and we utilized ing that states that the person pictured tinue to see new accusations of more volunteers in the past year in the ad is for sale, or that you will "get" corruption, law-breaking and/or that particular person if you patronize the than ever before. In June we establishment advertised. Advertisements self-indulgent sexual license in added many new, dynamic lead­ that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, conservative quarters. ers of the future to our Board ableist or homophobic will be refused: This summer, South Carolina advertisements from organizations that who are already contributing are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti­ Governor Sanford was in Argen­ great ideas and energy. gay will also be refused. All political adver­ tina with his "soulmate" while his We added two new spaces tisements must contain information about family and staff thought he was who placed them and a method of con­ on the first floor near the Youth tact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does hiking the Appalachian Trail. Center. One space provides first not print negative or "attack" advertise­ California Assemblyman Michael floor access to The Gay Alli­ ments, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose inter­ Duvall (R-Orange County) was ance Library and Archives and est the ad is being produced. A nega­ caught on a live microphone in the Bohnett Cyber Center. The tive advertisement is defined as one that a committee meeting making other will allow a larger area for focuses upon a rival product, or in the political arena, a rival election candidate or obscene boasts about sex with community meetings and train­ party, in order to point out supposed flaws two married lobbyists. A Prop 8 ings than currently available. an ad to persuade the public not to buy it supporter, Duvall fought to make As a result of our work, we (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet New messages v. Change is not just maintains, within legal boundaries, neu­ marriage a privilege for hetero­ have requests from four groups trality regarding products, political candi­ old messages sexuals only, meanwhile making a slogan for partnerships. The commu­ dates and parties. However, "attack" ads a mockery of matriage -- and that fail to provide undisputable evidence Fall is here and we have Ima­ The Gay Alliance has expe­ nity needs include workspace bragging about it. After a Los that the information in the ad is true do geOut and swirling red and rienced a tremendous amount for staff, infrastructure support, not further in any way the objectives and Angeles TV station played the golden leaves to look forward to of positive change over the last meeting space, assistance with policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty tape, Duvall resigned. He may Closet, including the primary tenet that the this month. There will also be a year. We are financially stable marketing, collaboration on pro­ now be investigated. As "vice" Empty Closet's purpose is to inform the national march for 19bt rights in and growing. Our community gram development and training. Rochester gay community and to provide Washington, D.C. on Coming chair of the Committee on Utili­ presence has increased, thanks We are now poised to take an impartial forum for ideas. Out Day, Oct. II. ties and Commerce, he was lit­ to our dedicated staff, board and another step forward that will Submissions: erally in bed with an energy For publication, submit news items, ads, Interestingly, the match is not tremendous volunteer and com­ help us respond to the needs of photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, pho­ meant to be just another big lobbyist. munity support. the community. The Board of tographs or art by mail or in person to The Pride-type party. Organizers say In Rochester, we saw the Mon­ A summer benefit for the Directors approved an addition­ Empty Closet office by the 15th of the roe County Republican Party's month. Design services for non-camera this march is all about getting Anti-Violence Program attracted al full time position of Director ready ads are available for a fee. (www. down to work, nationally and Executive Director taken away in more than 250 supporters. Our of Development. [email protected]) locally. And there is plenty of handcuffs, indicted on a felony Youth Program continues to This position will help the Gay Publication Information: work to do. count of rewarding official mis­ adapt to the ever-growing needs Alliance to strategically change to The Empty Closet is published 11 times conduct, in connection with the a year (December and January com­ "The March will be the first of our youth with increased out­ meet the needs of the community. bined) by The Empty Closet Press for the step toward a latger goal of cre­ Robutrad case. Monroe County reach to all of the Gay Straight I ask for the continued support of Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. ating a national movement in was told by the court to cease and Alliances and we have added the community as we enter a new Approximately 5000 copies of each issue desist its illegal attempts to break are distributed during the first week of all 435 congressional districts to a Social Work Intern and an and exciting phase. Thank you to the month, some by mail in a plain sealed demand of our elected representa­ the part time employees' union; AmeriCorps volunteer. Campus all of our donors, volunteers and envelope. The publication of the name or tives full equality under the law," last year the County had to be Out engages and organizes area supporters! • photograph of any person or organization ordered to obey state law and rec­ in articles is not an indication of the sexu­ said Kip Williams, co-director. al or affectional orientation of that person "We will come to Washington ognize legal same sex marriages or the members of that organization. For with new messages and new strat­ of their employees. Some power­ further information, please write to The ful people seem to feel they can Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., Rochester egies to build our national move­ JOB POSTING NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail ment." disregatd the law whenever that [email protected]. Meanwhile, the forces of the suits them; laws are just for "little The Empty Closet is the official pub­ far right - wingnuts, teabag­ people" -like inner city residents lication of the Gay Alliance of the Gene­ Development Director for the Gay Alliance see Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws gers and "birthers" - are still who can't afford the nice things of that organization. Its purpose is to that rich people can afford (but inform the Rochester gay community unwilling to accept that they Responsible for planning, leading and implementing lost last November's election. still may not want to pay for). about local and national gay-related news annual fundraising initiatives, including major gifts program, and events: to provide a forum for ideas Republicans also remain unable We could go on, but the point and creative work from the local gay to present real alternatives to the is that no political party or move­ corporate sponsorships, planned giving, annual campaigns community: to help promote leadership Obama administration's pro­ ment has a monopoly on righ­ and donor events. within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay grams. Instead, they keep send­ teousness, patriotism or morality Create processes and infrastructure that maintain publications that exchange ideas and ing the old messages: out of (John Edwatds is one example of appropriate operational and financial controls. Proven seek to educate. control health care costs, out of Democrats Behaving Badly). It's Part of our purpose is to maintain a expertise in analyzing processes and workflow to increase middle position with respect to the entire control benefits for the rich, cut­ high time that conservative hyp­ performance outcomes in the measured standards. Manage community. We must be careful to pres­ backs for the poor and working ocrites stopped demonizing lib­ ent all viewpoints in a way that takes into people, repression for gays, racist erals, progressives and socialists donor software. consideration the views of all - women, Provide Executive Director with effective and timely men, people of color, young and old, and contempt for the President. and statted cleansing their own those from various walks of life. But even as the Morality dung-filled stables. That would communication on key functional results and issues. The opinions of columnists, editorial Police continue to spew homo- certainly send a new message . • writers and other contributing writers are Support and advise the Executive Director in decision­ their own and do not necessarily reflect making. the collective attitude of the Gay Alli­ ance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Position Requirements: Minimum of 3-5 years Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be experience in development and fundraising for a not-for­ liable for any loss or expense that results .------. from the publication (whether correctly or I I profit organization. Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive incorrectly) or omission of an ad. In the management experience in a business leadership role. event of non-payment, your account may I I be assigned to a collection agency or an Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and attorney, and will be liable for the charges Name verbal communication skills. A creative thinker with a paid by us to such collection agency or attorney. I I passion to make a difference. Bachelor's degree required, Address Letters to the editor I I Masters degree a plus. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers Please send letter of interest and resume, including and other contributing writers are their own City State Zip and do not necessarily reflect the collective three references to: attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee I Phone I Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the editor's discretion and on a Sue Cowell space available basis. Only one letter by I E-mail I the same writer in a six-month period is Executive Director allowed. We will not print personal attacks I Membership levels: Phone it in: 585 244-8640 or I Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley on individuals, nor will we be a forum for o $25-99 Advocate Mail it to the Gay Alliance 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 ongoing disputes between individuals. o $100-999 Champion 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters I 0$1,000-4,999 Triangle Club Rochester, New York 14605 I Rochester, New York 14605 if the name and phone number are pro­ o $5,000+ Stonewall Society Thank you! www.gayalliance.org vided to the Editor: confidentiality will be I Benefits begin with a subscription to I , I [email protected] respected. Submissions are due by the The Empty Closet - mailed to home 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, I or work, plus privileges at each I 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, successive level. Ga~Iy~...-..,A lliance 10/09 Submission deadline: October 19 NY 14605: e-mail: [email protected]. Online edition of EC available at www . . _------_. gayalliance.org. OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 3

FROM PAGE ONE

(Library from page 1) (DC March from page 1) tor of the Gay Alliance, says the old space EAA supports the following key was limited and not as accessible as it pieces of legislation: the Employment should have been. Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), the "The mission of our library is an Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), extremely important component to the the Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act LOCAL AND STATE services and programs we provide," (DOMA), and the Repeal of Don't Ask, said Cowell. "Gerry Szymanski and the Don't Tell (DADT). library volunteers are so passionate about With members of every race, class, this program. We were looking to expand faith, and community, EAA sees the anyway and with the help of a grant from struggle for LGBT equality as part of the David Bohnett Foundation, we cre­ a larger movement for peace and social ated space for a new CyberCenter, com­ justice. plete with three brand new workstations, The National Equality March (NEM) and also moved the library to the first is being organized by EAA to show broad­ floor." based support for full equality for LGBT Volunteers including Szymanski and Americans on the doorstep of those who Jeff Fowler moved the entire library col­ can make that happen - the United States lection during the month of August. It Congress. Each EAA Congressional Dis­ now has a larger room of its own, adjacent trict Action Team will mobilize its com­ to the GAGV Youth Center. The grand munity to attend the event. opening is Oct. 21, 6-8:30 p.m. Regular Organizers are opening up the speaker hours will be announced soon. platform to "National Equality March David Bohnett CyberCenters Idols" who want to address the crowds The first David Bohnett CyberCenter coming to Washington. opened its doors in 1998 at the Los Ange­ "We will have nationally recognized les Gay & Lesbian Center. Technology speakers, LGBT leaders and grassroots entrepreneur and Foundation Chairman organizers on the podium," said Kip David Bohnett's vision was to give the Williams. "But we know there are pas­ local LGBT community a "wired" hub sionate, unincorporated individuals who through which its members could net­ have ideas to share with the crowd. We work, communicate, and explore edu­ are letting the public choose the oppor­ cational, professional and recreational tunity for a once-in-a-lifetime platform opportunities. The CyberCenter was an for two lucky individuals to speak up for immediate hit, and served as the model equality." for similar facilities throughout the Unit­ A judging panel will select five of the ed States. top video entries to post on YouTube For young people in the LGBT com­ and Facebook and let the public decide munity who may find themselves without who will receive the coveted spots on the a support system, the GAGV Cyber­ podium. (Deadline for entries was in Sep­ Center will be a safe and welcoming place tember.) where connections can be made on-site as A New York City group is also sending well as online. For seniors who may have a contingent to DC. Marriage Equality little or no familiarity with computers, New York (MENY)'s sixth annual Wed­ the centers provide invaluable resources ding March rally, traditionally across the for and guidance on adjusting to the com­ Brooklyn Bridge, is moving to Washing­ puter age. ton as part of the National Day of Action. There are now over 60 David Boh­ To see more details and RSVP for the bus nett CyberCenters nationwide, including ride, if you wish to depart from NYC, fol­ Pride at Work members took part in the Labor Day Parade on Sept. 7. locations in Atlanta, Tulsa, Orlando, Salt low this link: http://www.facebook.com/ Lake City, Dallas, Tucson, Seattle, San n/?event.php&eid=157859168664&mid= Pride At Work marches the LGBTIQ community in the Roches­ Francisco, and NYC. They serve as prime 1073062G270acd62G330fedfG7 ter, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier areas. examples of the Foundation's commit­ Remembering the first March on in Labor Day Parade Everybodysgood.com will be a fun ment to making leading-edge technology Washington for gay rights By Ove Overmyer and friendly online space for LGBTIQ available to the traditionally underserved The first March on Washington for On Monday, Sept. 7, over a dozen individuals to find and share good infor­ LGBT demographic. LGBT Rights was held in 1979. The Gay PAW members marched in the Annual mation and to create dialogue around In today's increasingly Internet-driven Alliance of the Genesee Valley sent a con­ Labor Day Parade, joining thousands of issues that are important to our health world, the David Bohnett CyberCenters tingent to that March which included Sue nurses, librarians, electricians, carpenters, both as individuals and as a commu­ have proven to be a lifeline for many peo­ Cowell, now GAGV executive director. iron workers and other union stalwarts. nity. The website, which aims to define ple of all ages. The staff and volunteers of That first march came on the heels of They marched along East Avenue to "health" in the broadest sense(s) possi­ the Gay Alliance are extremely proud to the assassination of Harvey Milk and the Main Street and ended at Plymouth Street ble (physical, sexual, spiritual, emotional, be able to offer these services to the greater national anti-gay crusade by singer and to mark the City of Rochester's 24th mental, social, etc.) will have a number of Rochester community. orange juice spokesperson Anita Bry­ annual parade. exciting features. Future plans ant, who campaigned to roll back civil The 2009 parade had several themes, An ongoing blog will be created where Gerry Szymanski. who is the Eastman rights protections for LGBT Americans. including the primary message of sup­ ARI staffers Erik Libey and Allegra Anka School of Music Digital and Reserves Queer people around the country were porting the Employee Free Choice Act, and guest bloggers will write regularly on Librarian for the University of Rochester angry, energized and ready to fight for championing universal health care and current events and health issues. Anoth­ Sibley Music Library and a well-known equal civil rights; over 100,000 went to supporting workers' right to unionize er key component of the website will be photographer and filmmaker in our area, Washington in an unprecedented show without corporate retribution, and also to our comprehensive directory ofLGBTIQ continues to serve as the coordinator of of visibility. showcase pro-labor candidates for local friendly and affirming human service and the GAGV Library and Archives. Szy­ Bryant bought her hate crusade to the elected office. health care professionals in the Rochester! manski is very excited about the move Dome in 1979, and the Rochester com­ Organizers estimated that over 3,000 Finger Lakes region. and is encouraged by the progress of the munity reacted with a major demonstra­ marchers participated in Rochester event. In addition the site will feature a library, the preservation of our local his­ tion, the Rally for Rights, which drew There was plenty of entertainment with weekly poll/discussion question, imag­ tory and the overall development of the around 1,000 people. The late Leonard marching bands and floats. es and art representing our region and GAGV's programs. Matlovich, a gay soldier discharged from Labor Day marks the symbolic end regional artists, and resources for pro­ "We have seen real growth in our the Army, who was featured on the cover of summer. It has been a national holi­ viders. library and our agency in just a few short of Time magazine in 1975 under the day since 1894 to honor all working years," said Szymanski. "It has been our headline "I Am A Homosexual," came to Americans. Ognibene to speak at intention all along to make the library Rochester in support; he spoke at Genesee more accessible to our patrons, and this Crossroads Park. Nazareth on coming out new space and CyberCenter will really fit The 1979 D.C. March was deliberately ARI launches new Rich Ognibene will speak at a Com­ that need," he said. inclusive of persons of color and the trans­ community website ing Out Day event at Nazareth College Cowell says the Gay Alliance is explor­ gendered. The National Coalition of Black on Oct.l3, at 7 p.m. in the Shults Center ing the possibility of expanding hours for Gays and the D.C. Coalition of Black By Erik Libey, Forum. the library and CyberCenter beyond a Gays supported the March from the begin­ Associate Director LGBT Services, ARI Ognibene's talk is entitled "Coming couple of hours a week, with the help of ning, and representatives from the Comi­ AIDS Rochester's LGBT health and Out Strong: the Power of Visibility for the AmeriCorps volunteers. te Homosexual Latinoamericano, NOW, wellness team are pleased to announce the LBGT Community." Additionally, the library is looking PFLAG and many other groups took part. Oct. 9 launch of www.everybodysgood. Ognibene is a recipient of the 2009 to improve upon its relationships with Among the speakers at that first March com, a new website celebrating LG BT life Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excel­ area universities, the Rochester Regional 30 years ago were lesbian feminist activist­ and health. lence. He was the 2008 New York Teacher Library Council and the Monroe County author Charlotte Bunch, the late gay poet The new site, funded through a grant of the Year. A teacher for 24 years, he cur­ Library System. Cowell and Szymanski Allen Ginsberg, the late African American from the NYS Dept. of Health, is the rently teaches chemistry and physics at encourage the community to watch for lesbian feminist poet Audre Lorde, pio­ culmination of over six months of devel­ Fairport High School. He and his partner upcoming announcements about library neer gay activist Frank Kameny, feminist opment, contracting the talents of an out­ Dr. Matt Fleig are longtime advocates for events. writer Kate Millett (who, like Matlovich, side web and graphic design firm, and an LGBT rights. Meanwhile, the community is invited was brought to Rochester by the GAGV), ongoing process of agency and commu­ Nazareth's Coming Out events also to the opening celebration on Oct. 21, to and Troy Perry, founder of the Metropoli­ nity feedback and was specifically created include a screening of "Milk" on Oct. 11, inspect both old and new resources . • tan Community Churches . • to further expand the agency's work with which is National Coming Out Day. 4 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009

recognizes marriages of same-sex couples and benefits among some of the coun­ that have been legally performed in other try's largest employers, but to also spur states or Canada. The repeal of DOMA dialogue around how those policies are means that legally married same-sex cou­ implemented. Newsfronts ples in New York would receive all of the In addition to the release of the CEI federal rights and protections on top of 2010 that benchmarks individual busi­ the state rights and protections that they nesses, the Human Rights Campaign NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL currently have access to. Foundation is also releasing the "Degrees "The Defense of Marriage Act was of Equality" report that aims to under­ bad policy when it was enacted in 1996 stand and bridge the gap between policy - and today it continues to be a blight and real-life experiences ofLGBT employ­ Congress looks at law to than anyone else's and their relationships on our national values, which hold up ees. At the same time, some of the coun­ replace DOMA, restore deserve the dignity and protection of fed­ equality under the law above all else. It's try's leading business professionals and eral recognition." time for Congress to take up and pass workplace diversity and inclusion experts rights to all legally The Respect for Marriage Act would Rep. Nadler's bill so that our families have will blog at www.HRCBackstory.org. married couples repeal both sections 2 and 3 of DOMA. access to the same protections and oppor­ "The Corporate Equality Index 2010 Section 2 creates an exception to the full On Sept. 15, the Respect for Mar­ tunities that our government provides to shows that, even in the most challeng­ faith and credit clause for married same­ riage Act (RMA) which would repeal the all other American families." ing economy, leading employers are forg­ discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act sex couEles. The Respect for Marriage On June 17, 2009, President Barack ing ahead of federal and state law to (DOMA) and restore the rights of all law­ Act would eliminate that provision, but Obama said, "I stand by my long-stand­ recruit and retain a diverse workforce - fully married couples - including the it would leave each state free to decide ing commitment to work with Congress regardless of employees' sexual orientation right of same-sex couples to receive the whether to recognize marriages of same­ to repeal the so-called Defense of Mar­ and gender identity or expression," said benefits of marriage under federal law - sex couples from other states. Section 3 riage 'Act. It's discriminatory, it interferes Human Rights Campaign Foundation was introduced in Congress. excludes same-sex spouses from all federal with states' rights, and it's time we over­ President Joe Solmonese. "While Con­ The bill also provides same-sex cou­ benefits and protections, including Social turned it." The President reiterated his gress considers a federal law that prohibits ples with certainty that federal benefits Security survivor benefits, the right to file support for the repeal ot DOMA in an workplace discrimination based on sexual and protections would flow from a valid joint taxes, and the to petition for perma­ Aug. 17, 2009 White House statement. orientation and gender identity or expres­ marriage celebrated in a state where such nent residence for a foreign spouse. The DOMA was signed into law on Sept. sion, businesses can take immediate steps marriages are legal, even if a couple moves Respect for Marriage Act would require 21, 1996. to ensure all employees in their workforce ot travels to another state. The lead spon­ that the federal government treat all mar­ Earlier this month, HRC launched a are treated fairly today. These 305 busi­ sors of the measure include Congress­ ried couples equally. national action alert, an interactive web­ nesses, and all employers actively working man Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chair of "DOMA is an egregious piece of leg­ site, RepealDOMAnow.org, and deliv­ to improve their rating, set an example for the House Judiciary Subcommittee on islation as it codifies discrimination into ered to Congress nearly 50,000 survey all U.S. employers, including the federal the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil federal law. As African Americans, we responses showing the concrete harms government." mberties, Congresswoman Tammy Bald­ know all too well the injustices that laws DOMA brings to the lives of LGBT The 305 top-rated businesses collec­ win (D-WI) and Congressman Jared Polis such as this impose on our communi­ Americans and their families. The sur­ tively employ more than nine million (D-CO). ties and our families. We encourage the vey was commissioned in August by the full-time employees. These workers are "The Defense of Marriage Act Congressional Black Caucus to join us in Human Rights Campaign and asked a protected from employment discrimina­ (DOMA) is a hurtful and cynical law calling for its repeal," said Jason Bartlett, series of questions on DOMA repeal. tion based on sexual orientation and gen­ enacted to discriminate against lov­ Deputy Director of the National Black The results of the survey showed 70 per­ der identity or expression because of their ing, committed same-sex couples," said Justice Coalition. ''As African Americans, cent of respondents consider the repeal of employers' policies on diversity and inclu­ Human Rights Campaign President Joe we are sensitive to the federal government DOMA a "top priority." sion, training and benefits. Federal law Solmonese. "It does real harm by deny­ trying to define our families. Let us con­ To view the full survey results, visit: does not protect employees from discrim­ ing thousands of lawfully-married same­ sign the mistakes of the past to history http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/09/ ination based on real or perceived gender sex couples the federal rights and benefits and move forward together. We call on momentum-building-for-doma-repeal identity or sexual orientation, although that only flow through marriage. Many of Congress to pass the Respect to Marriage For additional information on the many cities, counties and states have such these include the protections couples turn Act as we continue to fight for our civil Respect for Marriage Act, including a protections. Similarly, employer-based to in times of need, like Social Security rights." factsheet, visit: www.HRC.org/Respect­ health insurance benefits typically don't survivors' benefits, medical leave to care Alan van Capelle of the Empire State ForMarriage. cover LGBT workers and their families. for an ailing spouse and equal treatment Pride Agenda said, "We are thrilled and Statements from executives at businesses under U.S. immigration laws. To day's proud that Rep. Jerrold Nadler - a Con­ with 100 percent ratings are available at introduction of legislation to repeal gressman from our state - has once again HRC: more businesses www.HRC.org/CElstatements. DOMA is a welcome step, and as more demonstrated his leadership in advocating rate high on Corporate The Corporate Equality Index 2010 states recognize the commitment of lov­ for equality for all Americans by introduc­ Equality Index report shows impressive gains in policies ing same-sex couples and their families, ing a bill into the House of Representa­ and protections across the board. In par­ it's time for this law to go into the history tives that would finally and fully repeal The number of businesses with per­ ticular, transgender workers have made books where it belongs." the backwards, discriminatory so-called fect ratings based on lesbian, gay, bisexual major gains since the report was first pub­ The National Center for Lesbian Defense of Marriage Act. and transgender workplace policies and lished in 2002, when just five percent of Rights (NCLR) and the National Black "Rep. Nadler's bill, the Respect for benefits rose by 20 percent in the past 12 rated businesses prohibited discrimina­ Justice Coalition (NBJC) also applauded Marriage Act, would make it so that months - despite the serious economic tion based on gender identity or expres­ lawmakers for introducing the legislation. same-sex couples who have been mar­ downturn - according to a new report sion. The Corporate Equality Index 2010 Through DOMA, the federal govern­ ried in states where it's legal can finally released in September by the Human reports that figure has increased exponen­ ment selectively denies same-sex couples have access to the 1,138 federal rights and Rights Campaign Foundation. tially: 72 percent of rated businesses now more than 1,100 federal protections and protections that come with a marriage The 2010 edition of the Corporate prohibit discrimination based on gender responsibilities, including Social Security license. These include crucial family pro­ Equality Index, which rates 590 busi­ identity or expression. and immigration benefits, that apply to all tections and deal with issues like Social nesses on a scale from 0 to 100 percent, Other major findings in the Corporate other married couples Security and health benefits. Passing this reports 305 businesses achieved top rat­ Equality Index 2010 include: "DOMA is discriminatory and harm­ bill would also mean that these married ings, compared to 260 last year. To view • Eleven of the top 20 Fortune-ranked ful to families," said NCLR Executive couples would not have to worry about the report visit www.HRC.org/CEI. companies received 100 percent ratings. Director Kate Kendell. "Married same­ losing these federal rights if they move to The Index release kicked off the start McKesson Corp. [NYSE: MCK] added sex couples pay taxes, serve their com­ a state that does not allow or recognize of a two-week conversation around work­ gender identity this year to reach 83 per­ munities, struggle to balance work and marriages of same-sex couples. place equality for the LGBT community. cent. family, and raise children and care for "For New Yorkers, this is very impor­ "Policy to Practice" is a series of extend­ • Eighty-seven of American Lawyer aging parents like other Americans. Their tant because, even though we do not yet ed conversations designed to not only magazine's 200 largest law firms received contributions and needs are no different have marriage equality, our state at least provide information regarding policies 100 percent ratings.

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• More than a decade after rescinding "There remains a near complete absence members in Ohio who worked hard to uallpansexual, trans/genderqueer, intersex partner benefits in 1997, Perot Systems of education about cannabinoid medicine secure today's historic House vote." and polyamorous people and allies. Corp. [NYSE: PER] reinstated partner in any level of medical training," Aggar­ "We are exceptionally pleased with The keynote speaker will be renowned benefits earlier this year. Meanwhile, wal writes. today's strong and historic bipartisan alternative sexualities speaker Tristan T aor­ Exxon Mobil Corp. [NYSE: XOM] still "This is arguably the most thorough vote," said Equality Ohio executive direc­ mino. refuses to reinstate the policies and ben­ review of the literature on medical mari­ tor Lynne Bowman. "Today is a great day This year's conference will be held at efits that Mobil Corp. had implemented juana since the Institute of Medicine for all Ohioans who support equality. the DCU Center and the Hilton Garden prior to its acquisition by Exxon Corp. report over a decade ago, with a trove of We thank the Human Rights Campaign Inn in Worcester, Mass. The conference in 1999. data that wasn't available to the 10M," and its many Ohio members who helped begins with an open mic and Transgender In addition, 66 major employers - said Rob Kampia, executive director of make today's vote a reality, and we urge Day of Remembrance reception on Friday including eight of the Fortune 20 and the Marijuana Policy Project. "It is sim­ Ohio senators to join their colleagues in evening. Workshops, parties and entertain­ seventeen AmLaw 200 firms - now pro­ ply incomprehensible that a medicine that the House and bring equal opportunity ment and a keynote luncheon with Tristan vide transgender-inclusive health insur­ is so clearly safe and effective remains to all Ohioans." T aormino are some of the highlights. ance that would cover sex-reassignment banned from medical use by federal law Registration materials are available surgery and related treatments. This com­ and the laws of 37 states." online at www.transcendingboundar­ ponent will be required, among other new The article, "Medicinal Use of Can­ "Transcending ies.org. For more information, con­ requirements, in two years for the Corpo­ nabis in the United States: Histori­ Boundaries" conference tact: E-mail: transcendingboundaries@ rate Equality Index 2012 report. cal Perspectives, Current Trends, and gmail.com; Web: www.transcending­ "The Corporate Equality Index has Future Directions," is available at http:// in Mass. to discuss boundaries.org; Facebook: www.face­ provided a roadmap for employers to tinyurl.com/m90044. A complete list of transgender issues, book.com/home.php?ref=home#/group address their policies, benefits and other the 33 U.S. clinical trials is available alternative sexualities php?gid=66095639488; Twitter: www. practices broadly since 2002," said Daryl from Sunil Aggarwal at [email protected] twitter.com/TransBound; MySpace: Herrschaft, director of the HRC Founda­ or 206-375-3785. On Nov. 20-22, Transcending Bound­ www.myspace.com/Transcending­ tion's Workplace Project. "The new crite­ aries will hold its sixth conference for bisex- Boundaries . • ria we announced earlier this year aefine even better practices. We look forward Uruguay senate approves to working with employers to implement same sex adoptions these new best practices over the coming On Sept. 9, the senate of Uruguay, years." ;Veterinary Hospital among the most progressive countries in More information on the new criteria South America, passed a bill that allows is available at www.hrc.org/NewCEI. same sex couples to adopt children. Andy Fleming, DVM The Corporate Equality Index 2010 The bill passed 17-6, in spite of the Aida Aponte-Lann, DVM report is available at www.hrc.org/cei. inevitable loud disapproval from the Cath­ 1311 Marsh Road olic Church. The measure has already Pittsford, NY 14534 New research confirms passed the lower house and should become (585) 248-9590 marijuana is safe med law soon. "Whether the couple is gay or not In a landmark article in the Journal should not be a matter of consideration," of Opioid Management, University of said Sen. Margarita Percovich, a co-spon­ Washington researcher Sunil Aggarwal sor of the bill. and colleagues document 33 U.S. con­ -Federica Narancio, McClatchy News­ trolled clinical trials published from 1971 papers to 2009, confirming that marijuana is a safe, effective medicine for specific medi­ cal conditions. Ohio House passes anti­ A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME Under federal law, marijuana is clas­ discrimination bill 121 N. Fitzhugh Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • Phone: 325-1180 sified as a Schedule I drug, defining it as Liturgies: Thursday: 7: 00 pm, Saturday: 5: 00 pm The Ohio House of Representatives having high potential for abuse, unsafe Sunday: 7:30am for use even under medical supervision, voted on Sept. 15, 56 to 39, to approve the 9: 30 am (at Hochstein, 50 Plymouth Avenue) and lacking currently accepted medical Equal Housing and Employment Act (HB uses in the U.S. "In fact," Aggarwal and 176), which would outlaw discrimination colleagues write, "nearly all of the 33 pub­ on the basis of sexual orientation and gen­ lished controlled clinical trials conducted der identity in employment, public accom­ in the United States have shown signifi­ modations, housing, education, and credit Mark Roos, LMT cant and measurable benefits in subjects practices. BODY KNEAD Massage Therapy The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate receiving the treatment." Mossagc Therapy Additionally, the paper documents the for consideration. If passed by the state sen­ growing acceptance of the therapeutic ate and signed into law, Ohio will become » Refresh use of marijuana among organized medi­ the twenty-second U.S. state to ban work­ cine groups and estimates that "in 2008, place discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and the thirteenth to ban such approximately 7,000 American physicians » Revitalize have made such authorizations for a total discrimination on the basis of gender iden­ of approximately 400,000 patients." tity. "State Representatives in Ohio have Regarding abuse and safety issues, » Relax Aggarwal et al. write that withdrawal taken historic action to advance the cause symptoms -- a classic symptom of drug of equality for all Ohioans. 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trying to find solutions - like approach­ ing about specific gay-related issues, since cal Action Chair of the Greece Teach­ ing the School Board to see if alternative none are before City Council now. But I ers Association and Fiscal Responsibility programs could be created to give train­ know you marched in the Pride Parade - Chair, just to name a few. She has lead ing opportunities. The Regents too have DM: I marched in the Parade and sup­ several professional development oppor­ to understand that, although college is port the Gay Alliance. Gay rights is a civil tunities for her colleagues at the building important and a wonderful goal, there rights issue . • and district levels. She has also lead train­ needs to be some alternative for people ings on the state level through the New who say, that's not for me. York State Middle School Association and EC: Can you comment on the high­ New York State Association of Foreign lights of your past four years of service? Language Teachers. What stands out for you? As the Leader of the Greece Demo­ DM: I have chaired the Finance Com­ cratic Committee, J 0 was recognized by mittee and the Economic Development the Monroe County Democratic Com­ Committee for the past year. On Finance mittee as the Town Committee Leader of Committee, we went through the process the Year in 2008. J 0 says the voter regis­ of developing the ambulance contract, tration numbers have drastically changed and that was a difficult process. Contracts since she's been in charge. Greece Demo­ came up while I chaired both committees, crats are rapidly closing the gap on the and it was contentious. I worked with my Republican registrants in their town. colleagues on Council and reaching a con­ "Unfortunately, the Town of Greece Dana Miller, City Council clusion was a major accomplishment. has recently seen enough scandal to last Another, less important accomplish­ us a lifetime. We need to hold all elected By Susan Jordan ment was the Mayor's Clean Sweep proj­ officials more accountable for their deci­ City Council member Dana Miller has ect, where members of the community do sion-making. The residents of Greece been serving on Council for almost four a spring clean up of their neighborhoods. are becoming more progressive, and the years and is currently running for re-elec­ It has been successful, and I thought, voter registration numbers prove that. tion. Chair of the Economic Development that's great - and then I remembered From what I have been hearing door-to­ Committee, Miller has strong opinions when I was a kid, we'd get messages like door, the voters do not plan on support­ about the City's financial situation and "Don't be a litterbug" and that TV com­ ing incumbents," she said. the future. mercial with the Native American with a Jo Meleca-Yoigt, The Democrat also says her opponent Empty Closet: What would you say tear running down his face because of the has not been held accountable to the tax­ are the chief problems facing the city destruction of the environment. Candidate for Monroe payers of her district, basically because today? Would you say they are financial I thought, why don't people get a mes­ County Legislature, 19th he has not been challenged. She added, in nature? sage like that today? So I started the Clean District "Well, this year voters will have a real Dana Miller: I chair the Economic Sweep poster contest to ask young people choice of who can represent their best Development Committee, so I tend to to create a poster reflecting the message By Ove Overmyer interests." look at problems from an economic per­ that Rochester should be the cleanest city Jo Meleca-Voigt is not the kind of Meleca-Voigt is quick to point out spective. The availability of jobs is criti­ in America. In the past four years we have candidate who uses double-speak and that Monroe County has the lowest cal. .. 15 percent of the population is in had over 1,000 young people do post­ spin to cover the fact that they are either credit rating in the state, which she says the 16 to 25 age bracket. They're either ers. Teachers send the message that we unknowing or uncaring. She appears to be is "thanks" to County Executive Mag­ in school and doing well, or they have shouldn't pollute the environment, and one of the most informed, articulate, car­ gie Brooks and a complicit majority in dropped out and have no job, no GED, no then art teachers help to reinforce the mes­ ing and progressive Democratic challeng­ the legislature. Since the beginning of work experience or training. It becomes sage with the creation of the posters .... ers running for public office in our area. the year, Republicans have held a 15-14 very difficult for them to find employ­ It helps reinforce the message, not The 19th District encompasses resi­ majority in the legislature. The feisty ment. They get the messages from the only that they shouldn't litter, but also dents who live in the southwest portion challenger thinks County government is media that we all get about products, but that they are communicating with other of the Town of Greece. As of July 1, voter in deep trouble. "If we don't turn things don't have the money to buy them, and young people. registration in the 19th District was domi­ around soon, we could end up like Erie they end up in the criminal justice system. EC: Are you originally from Rochester nated by the Republicans and Democrats, County," she said. We're focused on getting youth into and what community involvements are with the GOP registering 6,362 and the Meleca-Voigt was referring to what college, but college is not for everyone important to you? Democrats 5,554 voters. There are 3,930 happened in 2005 to Erie County, home and the financial cost is high. We are not DM: I'm from Rochester and have blank voters and 1,295 others. to the city of Buffalo. Due to misap­ doing a good job of giving young people been very active in the community. I have The Empty Closet caught up with propriations and the lack of fiscal con­ vocational training. been president of the 19th Ward Com­ Meleca-Voigt at SPOT Coffee Shop on trol, Erie County closed all of its parks EC: What happened to vocational munity Association, president of Sector East Ave. in late August. At the inter­ and libraries, fired all the school nurses, training on the high school level? Four of the Common Council, and was view, she was on time, very direct and shut down all of its public health clin­ DM: The dilemma I find is that we appointed by Mayor Ryan to the Environ­ displayed a no-nonsense attitude. Simply ics, severely curtailed snow plowing and used to do this differently. Every high mental Commission and by Mayor J ohn­ put, Meleca-Voigt is a very organized, police patrols, de-funded the arts - and school used to have classes in metal shop, son to the Planning Commission. focused and driven individual who val­ basically eliminated most of what people woodworking shop and so on, but these I've spent about 30 years involved in ues job creation and education as a foun­ think local government should provide. programs no longer exist, the equipment community organizing, mostly that was dation for our youth and our struggling "It's that serious," Meleca-Voigt said. has been sold off and the time needed volunteer time. My biggest project was communities. She calls Rochester's former City to meet the Regents requirements is so working on Brooks Landing, since 1983. I Asked why she is seeking public office, Councilman and educator Tim Mains great that, as at Edison, which used to be worked as a volunteer with the city, neigh­ she replied, "I think our County is mov­ a true inspiration, recognizing the chal­ a major source of vocational training, the bors, the U. of R., and found a developer ing in the wrong direction. The notion lenges he faced some 25 years ago when teachers don't have time to do vocational in Minneapolis in 1999; they are still that you can do one-shot 'borrow and he became the first openly gay elected training because they have to focus on working on the project today. The hotel spend' efforts to balance yearly budgets, official in New York State. "People like Regents requirements. and office complex and U.R. students without regard for the future, will jeopar­ Tim who succeed in life are the reason EC: Do unions not have apprentice housing are now completed. dize our solvency. The Republican major­ why I know what is possible," she said. programs? EC: What will your first priority be if ity is putting politics before people and If elected to the County Legislature in DM: Even with union apprenticeships, re-elected? playing shell games with our finances. November, Meleca-Voigt would be the it's tough. You have to demonstrate ability DM: First, additional neighborhood Our current county legislator (in the 19th first lesbian to hold elected office in and also pass many tests, like the physi­ development. We're focused on down­ District) is voting in lockstep with these Monroe County government. cal, the psychological test, drug tests etc. town development, which is critical - we policies. We need a real plan for growth in Meleca-Voigt also serves on the Board And ... we run into major problems with will re-develop Midtown and the Renais­ Monroe County that is based on job cre­ of Directors for the Gay Alliance of the things like transportation. We can't get sance Square site and I will be working ation and retention. I believe I possess the Genesee Valley and was a volunteer facil­ people to the work sites, which are often closely with the Mayor, developers and the skills necessary to represent the Town of itator at Highland Hospital for a group located at a distance. Young people don't Rochester Community Design Center on Greece residents in County government, that she helped form with hospital staff. have cars, and there is no public transpor­ downtown development. and would love that opportunity." Jo was married in Canada in 2005 to tation available that can reach sites that But in addition to that, we do have a According to her website biography, Christine Voigt and enjoys traveling and are not easily accessible. substantial group of strong neighborhoods Meleca-Voigt is a lifelong area resident. spending time with her family. Christine We need to decide how we are going and it's very important to keep those She is the proud daughter ofItalian immi­ Meleca-Voigt is also a teacher and com­ to fix this. We're losing people with expe­ neighborhoods successful -- high quality grants who worked hard to give her and munity activist. Both Christine and Jo rience who are doing these jobs now - goods and services within walking dis­ her brother and sister the opportunities in have been tireless advocates for Marriage people in their 40s, 50s, even 60s -- and tance, for instance. life that they didn't have. Equality, serving as marriage ambassa­ nobody is in the pipeline to replace them. EC: What was your reaction to Gover­ J 0 has been a public school teacher dors for The Empire State Pride Agenda. Council has required city contractors to nor Paterson's recent announcement that for over a decade. She currently is work­ The couple lives on Stone Road and has have approved apprenticeship programs. federal stimulus money will be provided ing in the Greece Central School District two cats, Casey and Kennedy. So we've done something, but there is still for Rochester neighborhoods? as a Middle School Italian and Spanish Democratic and Working Families much to be done. We are losing too many DM: The stimulus money is primarily Teacher. Party candidate Jo Meleca-Voigt faces youth between 16 and 25. for infrastructure, and also there will be Jo's passion for education goes beyond Republican incumbent Jeff McCann on .. .It's a huge problem and kind of some for housing, which will help - but the classroom. She has served as Depart­ Election Day, Nov. 3. McCann did not beyond City Council, but it's up to City also won't solve all our problems. ment Leader, Building Ambassador for return a call from The Empty Closet Council to keep raising the issue and EC: There isn't much point in talk- the Greece Education Foundation, Politi- requesting an interview. • OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 7

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(primary from page 1) council member John Lightfoot appear to via e-mail, Haag said, "I want to say a have ended. resounding thank you first to the voters Loretta Scott, the top City Council who heard my message of change and vote-getter, told a local newspaper, "The progress and came to the polls and voted." race is one thing, but what I keep an eye He also said that this victory is a testa­ on is the ability to continue to serve and ment to the truly inspiring hard work of work for this community. That's what it's all about." Scott also added that she was a number of enormously dedicated volun­ 247 PARK AVENUE teers who spent countless hours dialing honored and surprised by the first place ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14607 phones, going door-to-door and raising finish. 585.244.0613 EXT. 5 money. With no Republicans challenging for Haag says he intends to continue cam­ city offices this fall, the September prima­ z· INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES THERAPY paigning door to door through the general ry all but locked up races for City Council o election in November. "I want EC readers and School Board. Only a handful of can­ ;:: . MULTICULTURALlDIVERSITY CONSULTATIONS ~ to know that I intend to work just as hard didates defeated in the city Democratic !::! • LGBTQI CONCERNS as I did when this campaign began. I want primaries remain in the race with third­ oJ to hear constituent concerns. It will be an party nominations. ~ . HIV/AJDS AND CHRONIC ILLNESS ILl enormous honor to serve on council. I am City Council oversees city spending ~ • TRAUMA AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE looking forward to it." and sets policy. The open seats are elected Democrats anticipate the 2009 general At-Large, meaning the general election ~ • GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT election campaign to be one of the hardest winners come January 2010 will repre­ ~ . RECOVERY ISSUES fought in recent memory, as they are one sent the entire city rather than a particu­ ILl seat away from winning the majority in lar district. Those candidates endorsed by ~ • DEPRESSIONIANXIETY/SELF-CONCEPT the County Legislature. Republicans have the party and Mayor Robert Duffy, who been in control of the legislature for over is running unopposed, will appear on the 15 years. The Monroe County Legislature November Democratic ballot. The Mayor is currently divided by a 15-14 one-seat and the top five City Council hopefuls Republican majority. will be elected to four-year terms . • County Democrats are also poised to make significant gains throughout the many traditionally Republican-controlled towns and villages. Morelle called the 2009 Democratic slate "the most impres­ sive" he has seen within the last two decades. Voter turnout low Despite the good news for the Demo­ cratic endorsed candidates, a dismal voter 2009 MEETINGS turnout and the sheer number of primary contests throughout the County cast a First Tuesday Pot lucks 6-8pm, Social & Networking pall over the primary election. Voter turn­ St Thomas' Episcopal Church out was just 6.8 percent countywide as of 2000 Highland Avenue 8 p.m. on election eve, which was the lat­ Rochester 14618 est data available from the Monroe Coun­ Third Sunday Meetings ty Board of Elections as of press time. In 2-4pm, Support & Education the city, only 8.5 percent of enrolled Dem­ Auditorium Theatre 5th Floor ocrats had voted. 875 East Main Street Rochester 14605 As a result of the primary, the re­ election bids and political careers of City Visit: [email protected] Council President Gladys Santiago and

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October History Corner The focus of the History Corner has been on 19bt historical events. It is good to recog­ nize that these events do not happen in a vacuum. Just as our events impact the world Shoulders To Stand On: D.C., Kennedy said, "0 the issue of gay around us, so do the events of the world REMEMBERING TEO rights, I continue to strongly support civil impact the gay community. marriage. We cannot -- and should not October 1, 1971 - Connecticut becomes KENNEDY -- require any religion or any church to the second state to abolish its laws prohibiting accept gay marriage. But it is wrong for homosexual acts by consenting adults. By Evelyn Bailey our civil laws to deny any American the During October LGBT communities 1981 - The U.S. House of Representatives basic right to be part of a family, to have fails to pass a bill that would decriminalize across the country celebrate Coming Out loved ones with whom to build a future Day. Shoulders To Stand On recognizes homosexual acts between consenting adults and share life's joys and tears, and to be in the District of Columbia. the many contributions of the late Senator free from the stain of bigotry and dis­ 1982 - Glenn Burke, once a Los Angeles Edward M. Kennedy, a unique individual crimination." Dodger star, comes out in an interview in on whose "shoulders" many have stood And in the wake of Massachusetts Inside Sports. and many have "come out". becoming the first state in the country to 1987 - Playgirl editor (once again) pub­ On Tuesday, Aug. 25, a longtime legalizing same-sex marriage, Sen. Ken­ licly dismisses the "myth" that most of the champion of gay rights, U.S. Senator Ted nedy didn't back away from commenting Solmonese said that whenever he magazine's readers are gay men. Kennedy, died in Hyannis Port, Mass. on the historical impact for civil rights worked with Kennedy on legislation, 1989 - In Denmark, the first state-sanc­ The sudden loss of Senator Kennedy has that this decision had. He said, "The the senator would constantly keep him tioned gay marriages take place. struck a blow to the gay rights move­ nation's eyes were on Massachusetts today, apprised of the latest developments. October 2, 1908 - Henry Ford Intro­ ment. Ted Kennedy's deep commitment and they saw a triumph for civil rights "He'd call to tell you the date a bill was duced the Model T automobile. to equality for all made him a strong and fundamental fairness. Today's historic going to move, or he'd call to thank you 1950 - Peanuts comic strip debuted. advocate for gay marriage, hate crimes vote will have a national impact on civil for something you did," Solmonese said. 1985 - Rock Hudson dies of AIDS at age legislation, HIV/AIDS funding and gay rights for years to come. Massachusetts "You never felt like he was doing you any fifty-nine. protections. His contributions to making has led the nation in education, in health kind of a big favor by being the singular October 6, MCC holds its first the world better for gays, lesbians, bisexu­ care and in biotechnology, and today champion on an issue that for a lot of peo­ 1968 - als and transgender folks cannot go unno­ Massachusetts renewed its commitment ple was by no means politically expedient. service. It is the first "gay" church. October The Advocate begins ticed. His legacy of fighting for LGBT as a proud leader in civil rights." It was simply who he was." 7, 1967 - rights made him one of the best straight Kennedy sponsored legislation that Lee Swislow, executive director of publication. allies ever to serve in Congress. would ban employment discrimination Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defend­ 1976 - Elton John comes out as bisexual Gay activists and leaders say they have based on sexual orientation and gender ers (GLAD), the Boston legal group that in Rolling Stone magazine. lost a key ally in the Senate. Through­ identity and the Matthew Shepard Act, spearheaded a lawsuit that led to the legal­ 1986 - The Los Angeles County Board of out his political career, Kennedy was a which would expand federal hate crimes ization of gay marriage in Massachusetts, Supervisors outlaws the sales and use of "pop­ trailblazer among his colleagues. He to include LGBT people. In 2009, Ken­ said Kennedy cared about any issue that pers" (amyl nitrate). consistently fought for equality for 19bt nedy said. "No member of the LGBT affected the rights of gay people, even 1987 - The U.S. Justice Department Americans. community should be terrified to walk if it was not on his U.S. Senate agenda. issues a report which concludes, "homosexu­ In 1980, for example, when Kennedy down the street for fear of hateful vio­ Swislow said that when she met Kennedy als are probably the most frequent victims [of was running for president against incum­ lence. Hate crimes perpetrators must not several years ago, GLAD was working to hate crimes]." bent Jimmy Carter, he "endorsed all of the be allowed to place our communities in repeal a 1913 state law that barred most October 8, 1971 - The first gay rights important gay demands," wrote gay jour­ fear." (Statement on Matthew Shepard out-of-state gay couples from marrying in demonstration in Sydney, Australia. nalist Randy Shilts in his book Conduct Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 2009). As Massachusetts. October 11,1987 - Over 500,000 attend Unbecoming, "including one for an end to early as June 2002 Sen. Kennedy support­ "I introduced myself and he immedi­ the second national March on Washington. discrimination against homosexuals seek­ ed adding sexual orientation and gender ately said, 'We need to get rid of the 1913 1987 - The NAMES Project AIDS ing security clearances and those in the identity to federal hate crimes laws. law. We need to repeal it. It's just not Memorial Quilt is displayed in front of the military." Sen. Kennedy earlier this year also right,'" Swislow said. The state Legislature U.S. Capitol Even though Kennedy lost that presi­ became one of the leading co-sponsors repealed the law last year. 1988 - National Coming Out Day is dential bid, he continued to support gay of a Senate Employment Non-Discrim­ David Wilson, one of 14 plaintiffs in founded. causes. The Human Rights Campaign, ination Act (ENDA). Joining Sens. Jeff the gay-marriage lawsuit, said he viewed October 12, 1996 - More than 1.2 mil­ the powerhouse gay rights group, consis­ Merkley, Susan Collins, and Olympia Kennedy as a "beacon of hope" on gay lion people view the Names Project AIDS tently gave him a 100 percent rating for Snowe, Kennedy said: "Ensuring equal­ rights issues. Decades earlier, Wilson saw Quilt in Washington, D.C. his work in the senate. ity for all Americans is the least we can Kennedy in a similar light on civil rights October 14, 1977 - Anita Bryant is hit Kennedy, an early advocate for AIDS do in living up to the standards of inclu­ issues. "For me, he was the bridge from in the face with a pie by a gay activist while research and treatment, was a long-stand­ sion that this nation is built upon. There the civil rights movement in the '60s to speaking at a press conference. ing co-sponsor of the Early Treatment for is no place for discriminating against any the gay rights movement in the '80s," 1979 - More than 100,000 people attend HIV Act (ETHA), which would provide of our citizens for whatever reason and I Wilson said. "Now, here I am a gay man the first March on Washington. states the option of expanding Medicaid commend my colleagues for their willing­ and an African-American gay man, and 1982 - Scott Thompson files a palimony coverage to low-income people living with ness to champion equal rights for every I'm looking to that same person for that suit against Liberace. HIY. He co-sponsored the Ryan White American." ray of hope." 1990 - Leonard Bernstein dies of a heart CARE Act. Passed in 1990 and reautho­ Just recently, Kennedy was planning After gay marriage became legal in attack at age 72. rized in 2006, the CARE Act is the larg­ to introduce a bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Massachusetts, Wilson and his husband, October 15, 1952 - Members of the est federally funded program for people Don't Tell," and was a strong supporter of Rob Compton, would see Kennedy at Mattachine Society, including Dorr Legg, living with HIV/AIDS. a federal hate crimes act that would pro­ fund raisers and other public events. "He Dale Jenning and five others, meet and form Unlike other politicians, Kennedy tect gays and lesbians. would always say, 'I want to thank you One, Inc. to promote gay education and never wavered in his support of marriage­ The following comments reflect the for your courage, I want to thank you research. equality. Sen. Kennedy was one of only breadth and depth of Senator Kennedy's for your perseverance,'" Wilson said. "We October 16, 1973 - The National Gay 14 senators in 1996 to vote against the leadership on issues of importance to the would tell him, 'No, that's what we want and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) is formed. Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), prov­ lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender to thank you for.'" October 17, 1992 - 400,000 people view ing that Kennedy was not only willing to community. May each of us be inspired by Sen. the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt put himself out there on a limb for LGBT "It is impossible to fully describe the Kennedy's fearless outspoken voice for which (then) has over 20,000 panels cover­ rights, but be the type of politician who transformative impact of Ted Kennedy in gay rights, civil rights, and human rights. ing 13 acres. was ahead of his time. Efforts to repeal the Senate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and May each of us "shoulder" our own cour­ October 19, 1955 - Daughters of Bilitis DOMA have never been stronger than transgender Americans," Jarrett Barrios, age to speak and to be OUT. • founded . • today. They started with that No vote. incoming president of the Gay & Lesbian Subsequently, Kennedy fought to block a Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), constitutional amendment banning same­ said in a statement. "From the outset, he sex marriage, championed by a number of valued our contributions and supported conservative senators. our equality. In those early years, his In 2004, Kennedy released a statement support may have turned heads but that on the Federal Marriage Amendment didn't dampen his support - and even­ (FMA), the proposed federal constitution­ tually helped change hearts and minds ~)MCC. al amendment to ban gay marriage: "We about LGBT equality in the Senate and f'..J OPEN ARMS all know what this issue is about. It's not around the country." METROPOLITAN about how to protect the sanctity of mar­ "Having somebody in the Senate who COMMUNITY CHURCH riage, or how to deal with activist judges. was never afraid to stand up and say, 'This It's about politics and an attempt to drive is the right thing to do' lifted all of our a wedge between one group of citizens spirits and made all lesbian, gay, bisexual Join us on the journey and the rest of the country, solely for par­ and transgender people know that there tisan advantage. We've rejected that tactic was hope," said Chuck Wolfe, president of in a vibrant community of faith. before, and I'm hopeful that we will do the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a politi­ so again. I'm also hopeful that many of cal action committee. our Republican colleagues - those with "Senator Kennedy has, more than any­ 740 Marshall Road, whom we've worked over the years on a one else, been our strongest voice in the Rochester, New York 14624 bipartisan basis to expand and defend the United States Senate for the LGBT com­ Website: www.frontier.net/---oamcc civil rights of gay and straight Americans munity," said Joe Solmonese, president E-mail: [email protected] alike - will join us in rejecting this divi­ of the Human Rights Campaign, the sive effort." nation's largest gay rights group. "On Phone: 585-271-8478 In a January 12, 2005, speech at every piece of legislation - every piece - the National Press Club in Washington Senator Kennedy has been the lead." 14 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009 OUTlandish Videos & Gifts Wbere it'S IN to be OUT

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that did the door-to-door work in an orga­ to happen to another oppressed group, we strategies that are used in Rochester when nized fashion with less money than our must cenclude that winning this reform attempting to address HIY. unorganized side Cl ominated the struggle for marriage eguality is a victory for all From where I sit, HIV has been and on the ground in California. working class people. The divisions we're will continue to be an issue that is larger We actually have to put up an orga­ able to break down create opportunities than itself. Primarily because HIV is truly nized fight, the kind of fight that won for us to unite. a symptom of a much larger problem that marriage equality in Iowa. The kind that Because the National Equality many people are blind to, while others are Why we're marching ... can force two KRXQ shock jock radio March has the potential to create a new defiantly ignoring it. The pink elephant hosts who called for the beating of trans­ layer of activists. With thousands of p,eo­ in the room is racism and power/privilege. By Adriano Contreras gender chHdren on their radio show to pIe building this march free of corporate Even in the wake of incomparable Because we're equal. issue an apology and dedicate two hours sponsors, we can set an example for future speakers and orators like Dr. Maya Ange­ "I believe we're equal. If you believe of their radio time to allow transgender LG BT struggles a d other movements, lou and Tim Wise, to me, it is nothing we're equal, it's time to act like it. A free people to speak about their difficulties. that a genuine independent grassroots less than tragic that this topic of discus­ and equal people do not settle for compro­ This is the key reason for why the movement is plausible ana the best way sion is not brought up more, especially mises. We do not accept timelines where National Equality March in October is so to fight back. In turn, we can really put in Rochester. When I think about how we can't get that this year, but maybe if we important. Nothing is inevitable and his­ pressure on policy makers and finally hold HIV funding has shifted over the past fight for five years, we can get marriage tory proves it. We need only look at the President Obama to his famous campaign 10-15 years to varying priority popula­ in 20 years, and on and on. No - now is civil rights movement of the 1960s that words, "Change doesn't come from Wash­ tions based on epidemiological data, I ask the time." inspired the way future struggles took ington. Change comes to Washington." myself, what are people really not seeing? Those are the words of Cleve Jones, place: from the anti-Vietnam war move­ We can't wait for another election. How are we 25-plus years into the Harvey Milk's collaborator and initiator ment to the women's movement and the Let's push him. Come this October, we HIV/AIDS epidemic and yet, no viable of the National Equality March taking outburst of a gay rights movement. It have the power to decide where this move­ vaccine? With a host of HIV prevention place Oct. 11 in Washington, D.C., as he was people acting. When people get into ment will go. So join the Civil Rights programs and strategies, research and addressed hundreds at a Chicago event motion, fight back and win, they gain the Front! Get organized! Let's fight! policy efforts, why does HIV still remain this past August. confidence to fight for more. Adriano Contreras is an organizer with a serious threat to people of color? I can In the wake of Proposition 8 being Because marriage is materially the Civil Rights Front and a member of the answer that question, but I believe that upheld in California and the outburst of important to LGBT people. The debate International Socialist Organization. He's many already know the answer. people who took to the streets, new faces on whether marriage is inherently oppres­ also a contributor to TheSitch.com, a web­ It is the same reason that people of are entering a new movement for civil sive is a valid issue to be discussed. But site dedicated to providing political analysis color are disproportionately affected by rights. What started as a cry for marriage how can LGBT people fight for true lib­ and activist news. The Civil Rights Front many more diseases than their white counterparts. It is the same reason that equality has transformed into a movement eration if they don't address a real material meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Equal funding for education in "suburban" also demanding a repeal of "Don't Ask need that is systematically denied to them Grounds Coffee Shop. schools trumps that of "urban" schools. It Don't Tell" and a transgender-inclusive based solely on their sexual orientation is the same reason that AIDS service orga­ employment non-discrimination act. and gender identity? The Eradication of HIV in nizations that predominantly serve white Even straight people have something Many couples go without the hun­ populations have access to significantly at stake as this movement challenges gen­ dreds of material benefits that straight Monroe County increased funding and more resources der norms. They too, sexually repressed, married couples enjoy, such as tax breaks, By Stephaun Clipper than people of color-based organizations. are forced to fit within narrow gender hospital visitation rights, and adoption I have been able to experience the It is the same reason that people of color constructs. This time around, straight rights. Not to mention the absurdity of Rochester community for about a year organizations are given disproportionate allies have entered an LGBT movement individual states choosing to recognize now. Most of those who know me have levels of funding, but not provided the that is welcoming and not hostile. Around LGBT civil rights from one state and not absorbed through me the flavor that tools and/or resources to manage those the country, the consciousness that an another. Many seek a marriage in order represents places I've lived, like Atlan­ resources; nor is the appropriation ade­ injury to one is an injury to all has mani­ to continue to support themselves finan­ ta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California and quate to meet the challenges of the prior­ fested itself on the ground. In the streets cially because their bosses continue to Washington, DC. I have been involved in ity population. you can hear the chant, "Gay. Straight. reap profit from their labor and amidst an advocacy and HIV education/prevention Why are fiscal expectations not ade­ Black. White. One Struggle! One Fight!" economic crisis, the brunt of it becomes work for more than 10 years and seven quately measured by government for Because LGBT civil equality is not unbearable. years respectively. people of color organizations versus non­ inevitable. Just take a look at the struggle Conscious of the fact that an injury to Interestingly, though, I find it disheart­ people of color organizations? Why are against Proposition 8. Right wing forces one oppressed group sets precedent for it ening when I hear some of the antiquated state/federally funded capacity building

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CRUISIN': Finger Lakes Out & Equal took their annual summer cruise on Aug. 21, on the Colonial Belle along the Genesee River. Photos: Stephanie Samuel

Night of Stars raises funds for ARI, GAGV Over $1,700 was raised in donations and ticket sales for AIDS Rochester and the Gay Alliance at the "Night of Stars" fundraiser at The Comedy Club in Webster on Sept. 13. AK Entertainment owner and organizer Alicia Basso said, "I was so proud of how everyone came out to support this great cause ... But with all the strides made in treat­ ments, we're still losing a lot of people. We need to find a cure. The money raised local­ ly will go to programs of both organizations, wherever they feel those dollars are best served. From education to prevention." Donna Maxon performed her "Best Bette" Bette Midler tribute show and Las Vegas/ Atlantic City female impersonator Steven Andreade was an incredible Cher. Local ties to the show included local impersonator/tribute artist Samantha Vega and comedian Steve "The Nuclear Guy".

FUN FAIR: Jessica Wilkie (far left) and Jay Baker at the ImageOut Festival Fair on Sept. 8 at the Museum & Science Center. Photos: Garnetta Ely.

Ralph Carter and Gary Hallinan

Karen Mapstone and Ed Feldman, co-chairs of the Outreach Commitee Eric Rodriguez and Michel Hardy OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 19

ATIO L E UALITY RC WASHINGTON D.C 20 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009

Visit www.imageout.org for 'nformation on al 45 programs in the Festival including official film websites and trailers. Purchase tickets onlline .1Get the latest information on visiting guests • Details on the Opening and Closing Niglht p,arties and more~

ImageAri Gallery IlmageArt Poetry ImageArt Gallery Open ng Saturday, October 3 Fri:day, October 2, 6-1 Opm !Poetry Readi ng 7-9pmj (show runs from OCt. 2 - Oct25} Art Auction , 9-1 Opm MuCGe Visual Studies Workshop (Multi-Use COmmunity Cultural Cente~ 311Prince Stroot, Rochester NY 142 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester, NY

:siI~ Robert -!. Dully; Ma~or CI llY trtJl-, Kodak Mot"'" Plct_ him 'VA.~ City of Rochest.er, NY __ lltL om ' RAmon NYSCA • The ImageOut office is tocatedat 274 North Goodman Street, Rochester" NY 114607, Phone: 585-271-2640, Email: [email protected] SectionB Arts, Entertainment & Community

Michael Gamilla, Scott LaForce, David Marshall. Photos: Laura McSpadden ImageOut speaks out: AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL GAMILLA, scon LAFORCE AND DAVID MARSHALL By Laura McSpadden different ways, triggering ques­ Swimming with Lesbians, which On Oct. 9, the 17th annu­ tions and discussion and wak­ explores the history of the LG BT al ImageOut Film Festival will ing up new thoughts in viewers. community in Buffalo. "It is so open. Approximately 10,000 A powerful movie is one that important for us as gay people to people will be showing up in speaks to many people in many honor our history, because from venues across the city to view ways, reaching out like that." that knowledge comes power," over 94 films by, for and about Gamilla's love of movies Marshall said. "It is empowering the LGBT community. began during his childhood in to embrace the smaller stories of What too often go unsung the Philippines. "For Filipinos, people who may not be iconic are the labors of the many peo­ movies are almost a national but who are exceptional in their ple behind the scenes who make pastime," he said. "I grew up own way. These stories are truly the festival possible. The Empty watching a lot of movies, lov­ precious." Closet talked with Michael ing a lot of movies. I was going Swimming with Lesbians cen­ Gamilla (one of Image Out's to ImageOut long before I got ters on the life stories of Mad­ programming coordinators), involved myself. When you see eline Davis, Peggy Aimes (born The Little Theatre Look out for The Scott LaForce (director of the things on the screen that you David Dietrich), Tangara and marks 80th year Gay Blades, Oct. 15 experimental short film Bug­ don't see in day-to-day life in Vicki Vogue. Davis, 68, was the chaser: Protective Measures) and Rochester, they can come to life first open lesbian to be an elect­ By Susan Jordan By Laura McSpadden David Marshall (director of the for you. These films bring so ed delegate to speak at the Dem­ Bob Russell, executive direc­ Take the explorative approach documentary Swimming with many aspects of queer culture ocratic National Convention; is tor of The Little Theatre, talked to music of Ween, add the insight Lesbians). as a whole worldwide here to a librarian and an archivist of with The Empty Closet about the of Modest Mouse and the cyni­ Gamilla began working with Rochester." 19bt history and is the co-author Little's 80th anniversary, which cal humor of that one guy who ImageOut six years ago, after This will be the second year of Boots of Leather, Slippers of kicks off on Oct. 5 with ''A Cel­ makes you crack up every time noticing room for improve­ for the ImageOut There series. Gold, a history of blue-collar ebration of The Little". you see him but who's just a bit ment in film selection. "When ''I'm really excited by the Ima­ lesbian life. Academy Award-winning I've watched a bad movie, I geOut There series of films that "The original idea for the actor Robert Forster will be feel like -- they could not pos­ are more extreme, experimental film was to catch up with the in town to receive The Lit­ sibly have programmed that," and avant-garde: I want there to women featured in the book, tle's brand new Film Vanguard he said. "So I complained, and be an outlet for that," Gamilla but many of them had already Award that night. This begins they asked, why not become a said. "I believe that it's always passed away," Marshall said. a full year of events. Not least, part of programming? So I did. good to challenge your audi­ "This was a strong reminder ImageOut Gay and Lesbian There is still so much that can ence. As a programmer, my job that these things, these stories Film and Video Festival will be done with this film festival. isn't just to entertain but also to of our community's past, are screen many of its films this Each year, we try to elevate it to educate them, to expose them to passing us by, these important month at The Little. another level. new ideas. In these ways, my job oral histories. So I thought, 'If I Empty Closet: How was the "What keeps me going is as a programmer is exciting, but can't have that story, I can cap­ Little Theatre created? that, even though working for also a huge responsibility." ture those of Madeline and her Bob Russell: The Little was the festival can get crazy and Gamilla is particularly excit­ exceptional friends.' created as part of a national time consuming, when I'm ed about the documentaries that "The gay community can movement designed to offer an doing it, I'm doing it out of are going to be shown this year. be very focused on youth," he alternative to the large movie love," Gamilla said thought­ "Image Out will be a success if said. ''As a result, many of the houses of the day (1,000+ seat fully. people are left with many ques­ extraordinary stories of older auditoriums) which was actu­ Gamilla emphasized that tions about the films they saw," gay people are being lost, which ally called "The Little Cine­ diversity of ideas is a major part he said. "Mostly, it will be suc­ is much to our overall detri­ ma Movement". We opened as The Gay Blades of the selection process. "When cessful if we get many people to ment. These people paved a way a movie house showing silent selecting movies to show at come to see the documentaries for us to be able to walk the films, foreign films and "avant too strange for you to feel com­ ImageOut, I don't just include and then to keep talking about streets in safety today." garde" films. The theatre first fortable inviting him into your everything I like," he said. "I them." And, indeed, Madeline's opened on Oct. 17, 1929 (two home, and you've got the Gay try to make sure everyone is One of several documenta­ friends have lived amazing and weeks before Black Friday, the Blades. represented. This is one of the ries is David Marshall's film ~mageOUT continues page 2) Stock Market crash) with the Save the date: they're coming hardest parts - making sure silent film "Cyrano de Berger­ to Rochester's Penny Arcade on to represent people of different ac" and a three-man orchestra ... Oct. 15 for a diabolical, shenan­ genders and gender identities, I have found that The Little was igan-rich musical hullabaloo that races, ages and cultures in a bal­ indeed a true community gath­ is set to begin at 8 p.m. anced way. ering place. And 80 years later, The Gay Blades are loud, "Showing films is like tak­ we still share the same mission smart and naughty, and have the ing people on a trip showing for unique films and a home for tunes and attitudes to prove it. them other cultures and differ­ our community. The band consists of Clark West­ ent aspects of LGBT commu­ EC: What are the highlights field and Puppy Mills (both of nities," he continued. "One of of the past 80 years? which are pseudonyms: I won't the greatest things about films BR: Well, not that I was reveal their true names here, but is that they bring discussion to around back then ... but I would for anyone who's curious enough, issues that need to be talked say the transition from silent to I promise the answers are out about. I like films that spark talking pictures was very big. there). The band kindly agreed conversations and bring about If you think of so many of to allow me to interview them via discussions in the community. the older arthouse and foreign e-mail while they were traipsing It depends on who's watching, films over the years, The Little about Europe. but the power of film is that has brought an amazing array If you are the sort of person it reaches out to different peo­ (The Little continues page 2) (Gay Blades continues page 2) ple and different audiences in 2 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009

(ImageOUT from page 1) ventionally held beliefs surrounding safe (The Little from page 1) (Gay Blades from page 1) inspiring lives. Peggy Aimes was dis­ sex practices amongst gay men. In other of titles to Rochester. Through some who is overly attached to clear-cut answers, owned and shunned by her wife and words, it's my attempt at representing the different ownership over the years, the well. .. reader beware, the irony that is children after she revealed that she iden­ insanity of having to negotiate manufac­ theatre continued to thrive. A major innate in their lyrics and the subterfuge that tified as a lesbian and began the surgical tured, synthetic skin (i.e. latex) while in highlight was when the theatre was re­ is exemplified by their stage names (not to processes of transitioning into the female the throes of our most intimate moments. opened with the commitment and dedi­ mention the bars placed over their eyes in body she knew she was meant to have. "Some might consider this somewhat cation of John and Pam Blanpied and many publicity photos and some of their "Tormenting and, in many ways, tortur­ irresponsible; however, I see it more as Bill Coppard. They put the theatre back videos) pulse behind their answers, while the ing her became a rite of passage for local liberating - a freedom to express what on the map (and) created a national repu­ truth plays hide-and-go-seek with whoever boys in the Buffalo suburb she lived in," is likely an innate response that many tation which still stands today. gazes at the cleverly chosen words. Marshall said. "Throughout it all, she left men have to being forced into enact­ I think another major change was LM: You've both got spunk and chutz­ phenomenal letters that she wrote to her ing boundaries to their sexual expres­ when the theatre received not-for-profit pah. Of all the things that spunk and girlfriend regarding the climate in Buf­ sion," he continued. ''I'm not advocating status in 1999, which was designed to chutzpah are good for ... why go into music? falo at the time and the many difficulties the spread of disease: on the contrary, help make it a viable organization for the TGB: We didn't go into music. Music that she endured." Many of these letters I'm provoking a much needed discourse future by being able to obtain funding went into us. Now we are simply appeas­ are read in the film. regarding desire and the consequences of and membership. Over the past years ing these spirits in hopes that we can stay Tangara is a 92-year-old drag queen a very frightening period of time." we have also been able to increase our young long enough to make them happy who Marshall interviewed from his hospi­ LaForce is passionate about the power programming and educational outreach before we look old and stupid on stage. tal bed. He is, as far as anyone knows, the of art. "Moving media, photography, new through programs like The Little Talk­ Then we'll get jobs and health insurance. oldest drag queen in the Buffalo area. He media - they're all such versatile medi­ back Series, The Little Buddies Series [In the meantime, we can be grateful was a huge inspiration to Vicki Vogue, ums that are universally recognizable and and our annual Spotlight on Black His­ that they have other things to worry about who introduced Marshall to Tangara. potentially non-pretentious," he said. "If tory Month, just to name a few. than whether or not they are sufficiently Vogue is a 70-year-old gay man who has it's done correctly, a film or photograph (Also) the Little isn't just a movie the­ insured, so that they can croon about such made his living as a drag queen. He had can reach the masses and penetrate our atre anymore, we are a cultural arts orga­ important matters as the virtues of mittens two gay brothers, both of whom commit­ deepest senses. nization which offers our community ("We Wear Mittens"), the complexities of ted suicide, largely as a result of the diffi­ "Just look at the controversy that sur­ "The Little Experience", including live facial hair ("Why Can't I Grow a Beard?"), culty of being gay in America during the rounds images and footage of war, or music and fine art. and the feelings of robots ("Robots Can pre-Stonewall era. consider porn for that matter," he contin­ EC: Why will Robert Forster receive F*ck Your Shit Up").] Despite all the pain that Madeline ued. "These are the only media to have The Little's new Film Vanguard Award? LM: Please tell me how you feel when and her friends have had in their lives, rating systems placed on them, and cen­ BR: ... The idea behind The Little your music is described as emo: invigo­ Marshall ultimately views their lives with sorship is placed mostly on these media Theatre Film Vanguard Award was to rated? Suicidal? Annoyed? Allergic in that optimism and admiration. "They are all in contemporary society. This is because remember our roots and honor individu­ "lying under a 100-year-old scratchy wool so full of wit and life," he said. "They they are so able to arouse our deepest als for the same passion (for) indepen­ blanket" sort of way? Tickled pink? moved through these horrific things with emotions. They are most capable of dis­ dent film and the independent spirit that TGB: Obviously, no one wants to be grace, humor and light. They were not rupting the status quo. That makes them The Little holds. Robert has continually called Emo... certainly not two kids who cowed by the circumstances of their lives, pretty damn powerful in my eyes." shown his commitment to independence listen to Elvis Costello and David Bowie all they were graced by them. The gay com­ Like Marshall, LaForce's vision for in film and TV and was the perfect day, but f*ck it ... these things happen. We've munity is full of people who are incred­ the future of the LGBT community choice as our honoree. The fact that he always just written without regard to genre ibly strong. We are survivors, and as a goes beyond mere equality. "I think that is a Rochester native was a nice bonus! and direction, so we'll keep doing it. Writers result we are starting to see a movement we are what often gets in our own way EC: What other events are coming write and bloggers blog in blogs. Dig? in society as a whole towards a rational because we're a bit too focused on being up? [My vote for the quotation from the approach to people who are different." like 'them,'" he said. "Who, after all, BR: We are developing an on-going Gay Blades' music that most effectively Marshall focuses on the interaction of are we trying to be equal to? And what series for the anniversary year, which encapsulates the experience of interview­ ing them comes from their song "You're a history with the contemporary climate, ever happened to diversity? I think we've will include special film screenings, dis­ Garbage Barge, I'm a Dreamboat": "I pick and he thinks about the momentum of got so many other battles to win within cussions and talkbacks and the introduc­ you up at eight/and tell you how great you today's queer community. "The entire our own community before we're able tion of a new event, the first of its kind 100k.!You self-deprecate, remind me how gay community is really an amalgam to bring forth questions of equality. For for Rochester. On Oct. 31, Halloween, we will host our first annual "25-Hour you made the first move.! Sarcasm guides of different groups with different needs instance, trans rights, equality for non­ and focuses," he said. ''As some of us are Horror Feast at The Little", a collection all exchanges and that's ok.!'Cause this is a Anglo folks who are part of the LGBT working on moving into suburbia with of classic and newer independent horror challenge in wordplay." community, etc. Why can't we start with Beautiful, clever, disorienting. I like it. our spouses and starting a family, it's too education?" films which will run from midnight on easy to assume a homogeneity to the gay Saturday through 1 a.m. Monday morn­ One reporter referred to them as the group Which, of course, is where art and community that doesn't really exist. We from which you are least likely to get an film can come in, educating through ing. need to keep moving forward together, We are also finalizing plans for an effective answer. Maybe. They know it's their powerful images and stories. "Con­ not leaving anyone behind, working as a event on Saturday, Oct. 17 (the actu­ wrong, but they lie a lot.] sidering the arts in general, I think we've team. I don't see enough of that happen­ al anniversary date of The Little) so LM: So, it's clear from your music, vid­ got a long way to go," LaForce continued. ing right now. that information will be announced very eos and interviews that you are, in many "Sure, we've seen the likes of Will and "The right to marriage is not enough soon. Plus, we've got a few tricks up our ways, storytellers as well as musicians. Grace, The L Word and Ellen, but are we - focusing on that alone is setting our sleeves, so stay tuned! What's the story behind your choice of all truly represented in the way that we sights too low," he said. "Throughout the EC: How has becoming not-for-profit the band's name? There's Lou Reed and ought to be? Not to be a Debbie Downer, years, we have shown incredible strength affected the theatre and its work? the other band The Gay Blades (RIP), but and creativity. A sole focus on becoming I acknowledge the progress some have BR: By holding not-for-profit status, there was still the choice to adopt it as your the norm is not necessarily using all of made, but I think it's easy to get comfort­ the organization has been able to work own. I suspect there's more to the story. (I our abilities to their best. We each have able and become complacent, and that's on funding of programs and operations bet you never, ever get tired of this ques­ to be true to our own journeys. After all, my biggest fear." through our membership, individual and tion ... give me an interesting answer, and we aren't a community that's some mono­ These ideas influence LaForce's vision corporate donors, foundations and gov­ I'll make you cookies when you're in town.) lith with one goal that embraces all of our of a successful festival. He defines an ernment support. It has allowed us TGB: This is our favorite question to needs. The root of our aspirations is the effective film as one that "can reach at to reach out and create new programs answer!!!! Well, in a group of friends, every­ ability to live authentic lives and to have least one person enough to move them to which are beneficial to our community. one plays a particular role. One guy is the that respected and honored by others." respond by either crying, getting angry It is also what allows us, as a theatre energy and always knows about the party. This movement into the future will be or getting up out of their seat in order to showing first-run films, to maintain the The other guy is the good intentions and greatly enriched by increasing our knowl­ take action in some way, whether it be by lowest ticket and concessions prices as positive cheerleader. And one guy is the neg­ edge and respect for those who have come improving their own lives or the lives of compared to the big-box theatres. In ative guy who is always pissing on your ideas before us. "It is within these people's his­ others. I think that if the films presented economic times like we are experiencing and ambition when he really has no ideas of tory that we find our bedrock, a founda­ reach at least someone in the audience, now, it has also been a challenge to deal his own. He's been around for years, so you tion that is made of the strength of a few the Festival will be a success." with loss of funding, but we are coping. just keep him around out of habit. Well... we iconic figures," Marshall said. "Take a step LaForce is also involved with EC: When did you become executive only have two guys in our band. back and look at what we've done, right ImageArt. "Many people don't even director and what has that experience LM: A related question... could you from this setting in western New York, know about it," he said. "(The exhibit) been like for you? describe the transition from Hello Lovely surrounded by so many people who haven't will be running at the Visual Studies BR: I was named Executive Director to The Gay Blades? What motivated the wanted us around. We've come so far. Workshop." The show opens Oct. 6 at 6 in June 2006. I'm so proud of the work change? "My film will be effective if it finds p.m. and runs through Oct. 25. that our staff and Board have done in a TGB: Some things just happen. When an audience: I don't want this film to be "Lastly, in the catalogue for this year's collaborative effort of keeping The Lit­ a door opens, you step through it and hope the tree in the forest that no one sees," festival, the description of my video isn't tle a strong, viable arts organization. It there isn't a cliff on the other side, ya know? he continued. "That's how film festi­ exactly accurate," he said. "I'd just like truly is a labor of love for so many of us. There was. vals are great: for finding an audience, anyone who reads that to know that We face our challenges like every other LM: An article about you two that for honoring the stories in the films. it isn't necessarily representative of my business, but we have made it our goal appeared on day trotter. com says that "What And if the films serve as a call to further work. Read my statement here, or even to make the community aware that this they do live and on their latest album, action, that's best, if it leads people to better, come to see the video for yourself; theatre is THEIR theatre, that we are Ghosts, is they slap a baker's dozen of pork really interacting with it. I'll be especially or come to my thesis show, the first two accessible to a wide range of ages, social chops to your body -- raw and bloody happy if one of the effects of this film is weeks of November: the opening night and ethnic diversity, and by supporting ones, soaked in a juice that is not able to be more people rising up, taking the bull by will be Friday, Nov. 6." many different areas of the arts under refrained from if you have the teeth for red the horns and collecting more archives of ImageOut runs Oct. 9-18. Swimming one roof, that we are truly a unique orga­ meat -- and keep them in place with a lib­ our collective history." with Lesbians will be shown at the Dryden nization. eral use of duct tape." Do tell... what's your (FYI: Swimming with Lesbians will be Theatre at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 11: Bugchas­ EC: Anything you would like to add? response to this statement? shown again in November at Hallwalls er and the other short films will be shown BR: We are fortunate to live in a com­ TGB: Meat is murder, Laura. Murder, in Buffalo.) with several other shorts at the Little munity so well versed and deeply seeded I say. Scott LaForce is an MFA candidate Theatre on Oct. 11 at 9:15 p.m. The full in the cultural arts. And I hope that [Murderous pork chops aside, the at RIT. He describes his film, Bugchaser: listing can be found in the ImageOut pro­ The Little will continue to be one of the album is a juicy ear-delight. After having Protective Measures, as "a meditation (or, grams, or online at http://www.imageout. organizations that Rochesterians take so initially released Ghosts while unsigned, more accurately, a disruption) of con- org/2009/fullschedule.php . • much pride in for another 80 years! • they were signed by Triple Crown in OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 3 the u.s. and Something In Construction All Screwed Up: Author some of your important influences and a whole bunch of fresh fruit. When you're Records in the U.K., which led to a re­ how do their influences work their way mother is working three part-time jobs, to releasing of the album in both America Steve Fellner on his work through this book? make ends meet, a pizza is easier than a and Europe. The album can be purchased By Tony Leuzzi Fellner: You're way too generous in healthy homemade meal. I've also always at indie music stores, on iTunes and, of All Screwed Up: Hopkins, MN: Benu your praise. But I will be disrespectful to been at times a fairly depressed person. course, at their show on Oct. 15.J Press, 2009. Paper, 181 pp., $16.95 Sedaris. He has always seemed to me to be This causes your weight to fluctuate. And LM: What's your take on the music Once in a while, a great book will a queer Erma Bombeck. Poets have always I am a guy who has a big appetite. So when industry at the present moment in history? emerge from the depths of even the most been more of an influence on my work. I don't, I panic, fearing that I'm on the TGB: It's like Bartertown in Mad Max: unpromising material, such as shame, self­ Frank Bidart, who often writes dramatic verge of going into some dark places, liter­ Beyond "Thunderdome". Master Blaster runs hatred, and material poverty. All Screwed monogloues, is one of my literary heroes. ally and metaphorically. Bartertown. We are just trying to get home. Up, Steve Fellner's biting memoir of grow­ Dorothy Allison is a hero. I love in Bastard Leuzzi: This could have been a depress­ Someone will figure it out, but it's going to ing up gay and overweight in a trailer Out of Carolina the way that she makes ing book. Instead, it is often funny and take a far more limber mind than that with park, is such a book. Published in June by her female protagonist strong, vulnerable, resilient-without resorting to sentimen­ which either of us has been equipped. Benu Press, the narration touches on such and flawed. I think that's what is missing tality or cheap tricks to gain a reader's [Speaking of film, the videos for their potentially-explosive issues as adultery, in a lot of gay memoirs. Gay men feel the sympathy. Can you discuss some of the songs "0 Shot" and "NHDN (Not Having adoption, suicide, homelessness and petty need to always appear as strong - which choices you made with regards to the Done Nothing)" are reeling in drunken crime with warmth and humor. And with is understandable: when you're a victim book's tone? abandon from the tension between the syn­ relentless candor, Fellner de constructs and of discrimination you want to show the Fellner: Thanks for that observation. copated irony and concise artistry therein. redefines the family in ways that challenge world not only that you can take it, but I wanted to strip the book as much as I If you don't believe me, YouTube is there to "normal" middle-class values. It's a little that you can persevere could of any self-reflection. I didn't want help you heal your doubt.J book that tackles big themes as honestly as Leuzzi: One of the innovative quali­ to "make sense" of the crazy, sometimes LM: Describe your approach to song­ anything I've read in years. Recently, I was ties of All Screwed Up is the way in which criminal behavior that my mother and I writing, and the matching of a song's fortunate to chat with Fellner, a SUNY each chapter can be read independently committed. For instance, we shoplifted sound to its lyrics. Brockport Professor in English, about the as a prose poem or flash fiction and yet is regularly. I didn't want to offer an analy­ TGB: Ample parts red wine, Elvis difficult choices he made in writing All connected to the larger arc of the narrative. sis of that behavior. On one hand, I didn't Costello, callous use of un-ironic word play Screwed Up. It's at once a collection of brief prose pieces want to condone it. On the other, I didn't and the hope that we can write any kind of Tony Leuzzi: How much of and a sustained memoir. Can you discuss want to justify it. Either way, it felt unnec­ music we choose. Mostly the lyrics come All Screwed Up is memoir and some of the challenges you faced in shap- essary to explain. Why not just let readers to the song as the song comes to itself. I'll how much of it is fiction? ing the book this way? react the way they wanted to rather than refine the lyrics later on, but they tend to Steve Fellner: This is the Fellner: Here's another attempt to make that decision for them? drive each other in this weird kind of dia­ story I always tell: every I always tell: They're going to want to judge you in lectical relationship. time I wrote a few pages there was whatever way they want anyway. [In one of their earliest e-mails of my memoir, I would one image Leuzzi: To what degree are you writ­ to me, they wrote, "We aren't actually gay. send them to my mom. in my life ing not the memoirs of an individual but Not sure if you were aware or not!" And I told her to place each that had the universal story of white gay men in yet, in an interview with Crusher Maga­ piece in one of three never made it America? zine, Westfield made the comment that "I piles: one marked into my poems: Fellner: I think that, like a lot of gay mean, we both claim to be about 60 per­ "O.K.", one marked when my broth­ men, I feel ignored. When your mother cent gay, which means it's a combined total "You're making er and I were leaves you, you feel abandoned. And that's of 120 percent. So our band is more than things up," one kids, my mother, what society had done to us, as gay men: 100 percent gay." I leave it up to the reader marked, "Too an ex-trampoline it has repeated to us the following man­ to reach your own conclusion. Regard­ personal." champion, used to tra: you are bad, you aren't worth of equal less of their nebulous sexual identities, Without tell us in all serious­ resorts, you need to disappear. That's what they have proven to be allies in their own asking for ness that she had once laws like Proposition 8 say, for instance. It schizophrenic way. J explana- bounced so high she says: you are second-class citizens; you do LM: As you know, this article will be tion, I got had reached out and not deserve what everyone else has already appearing in a newspaper that is primarily rid of any touched a bird. Every­ had forever. This book is a way of saying, read by people in the GLBT community. vignettes thing began as a result of Look at me. Look at the crazy things I did. You mentioned in your initial message marked that image. Look at this: I picked up men outside STD to me that "We've done quite a bit with "Too person- I started writing fic­ clinics because I assumed the ones that GLBT community." Would you please al." For the ones marked tion at Syracuse University. came out had a clean bill of health. Look elaborate? Is there anything that you'd care "You're making things up" we tried I wrote the shittiest short sto­ at this: I thought that my mother was try­ to express to the queer readership? to reach a compromise. Only a couple of ries, because I have a short ing to steal my long-time ago boyfriend TGB: I'll totally suck your dick, clit times did we fight about the way some­ attention span. So eventually who was an alcoholic just like her. Look and your asshole if you buy our record. thing was remembered. The O.K.'s were I switched to poetry. But then I wanted at this: my mother and I stole my grade Also, the amount of work that needs to of course left alone. to come back to prose. I can never stay school plastic Halloween costume from be done to truly help the glbt commu­ There is a lot of dialogue in the book. focused on one particular genre very long, Osco drugs. That's what writing about nity reach complete equality is staggering, Dialogue makes stories move faster. I want or anything for that matter. your life does: It says, Look at me. And so our meager attempts (raising money my memoir to be read in as short of a time But I did want to write a full-length for gay men across the board, we remain and awareness) are pretty humble when as possible. People need to concentrate on memoir. So I promised myself I would invisible as a result of our queerness. We compared to bigger picture, but f*ck it, their own lives, not mine. Some writers write no more than a page a day. Slowly need to say as often as we can, Look at me. we try when we can. Also, our friends run consider the inclusion of dialogue to be stuff accumulated. Very slowly. It didn't Leuzzi: You make much of your adop­ a gay TV channel called here!, so we get the unethical. They make the argument that seem like anything substantial would tion in the book. To what degree is your chance to work with them occasionally. you didn't tape record the conversation so come out of it. But after a year, I could adoption used here metaphorically to rep­ [I promise, there's no need to get your how could it be true? My response is that see a book there, a book about my rela­ resent your struggle with identity? panties all in a twitch over their forthright­ there's always something called emotional tionship with my mother, my trailer park Fellner: I think gay men are always ness and candor. It's mostly endearing, honesty. You know in your heart if you're background, and my attempts to find love trying to figure out where and how they and truth be told, I'm personally glad that hurting someone. Lying is a way of hurting from assholes. belong. Being adopted compounds that allies come in all shapes, sizes and semantic someone. That's one of my rules of creative Leuzzi: Put bluntly, this is a book struggle. Sometimes we just have to give intensities.J non-fiction. You can't use the writing to about fat, unattractive trailer trash. On up, because there isn't a place. That's why I LM: Why should people bother leaving hurt someone. Kindness is most essential. the surface, it would speak to no one. On eventually didn't go through searching for the cloistered safety of their homes to see Leuzzi: In a few deftly-drawn strokes the other hand you manage to tell a story my biological mother. It felt like more of your show? you paint memorable pictures of your just about everyone can relate to. Can you an attempt to build my self-esteem rather TGB: First of all, you should all realize adoptive parents. To what extent are their speak about some of the decisions you than make a genuine connection with that your homes aren't safe. Most people eccentricities really extensions of yourself? made in making these marginal people so someone who gave birth to me. die in their homes. I'm actually not sure if Fellner: I find that a lot of how they alluring to a wider audience? I think part of why I took on the iden­ that's really true. But I would imagine that raised me has impacted me in small ways Fellner: I think that I wanted to tity of a writer was that I've always seen it since most of your readers are having reck­ growing up and now weirdly even more emphasize the "screwiness" of my life, and as a way to contact my biological mother. less and potentially life endangering sexual ways. the way that gay men get screwed over, as I thought that if my words were arranged encounters with strangers in and around As I describe in the memoir, my dad was well as our desire to get screwed (at least if in the proper order, if I made my sen­ their home, that they will probably be safer homeless for awhile - and in fact did show you're a bottom) - three things that apply tences beautiful enough, that somehow coming to a Gay Blades show. So put down up broke at my college dormitory. As a result, to me. By exclaiming "my mother and I she would see them. As ridiculous as that those prescription drugs and Judy Garland I've always been paranoid about money. went to a gay bar and she had more fun sounds, that's what I felt. It's still how I picture books and come dance with us! When I was an undergraduate, I would steal than me" people could be like yeah, life feel. It hasn't happened yet. But I have LM: Any final thoughts, statements, my rich friends' textbooks in order to save can be weird. By exclaiming "my mother faith: if I continue to talk about my adop­ comments, concerns? money. Luckily, I never got caught. was full of so much road rage that she tion, she will find me, and initiate contact. TGB: Just thanks to the glbt commu­ My mother was always afraid that she made me get out of the car so she could I don't have the strength of character to nity for having a sense of purpose while was going to get sick and lose money, mak­ chase down another car and yell at the begin a correspondence myself always maintaining a sense of humor. ing it impossible for her to take care of us. driver", people could be like, yeah, life can Leuzzi: What writing projects are you Straight people don't seem to understand She would talk about this fear all the time, be weird. working on now? that levity and depth aren't mutually exclu­ convinced she had cancer or some other Leuzzi: The narrator's shame is partly Fellner: I've started a blog entitled Pansy sive. Oh ... and go buy our record now and unknown disease. I picked up that trait. I connected to his economic class. Can you Poetics: http://pansypoetics.blogspot.com/ we'll talk about the rim jobs later! cannot tell you how many times I've vis­ discuss some of the challenges gay people After writing a book of poems Blind Date [Admit it ... your curiosity is piqued. ited emergency rooms unnecessarily. In face coming from poverty? with CavafY and now this memoir, I real­ Do yourself and your various body parts fact, two years ago I was convinced I had Fellner: I think that weight is still one ized I was spending a little too much time (including your ears) a favor. Dust off your MS and got every single medical test done, of my central issues. It always has been in my head, thinking about me, myself, sense of humor and your dancing shoes including several catscans. Nothing was always will. It started when I was young. and 1. I decided I needed to write about and head to the Penny Arcade for their wrong. Thankfully. Other than the fact I've always been into other gay poets and write about their work, show. After all, they're even more fun than Leuzzi: All Screwed Up is grittier than cheap, quick thrills, it's a lot more difficult their poems. It takes a lot of work; it's a bottle of prescription pills, which is some­ David Sedaris and more honest and origi­ to eat well when you're poor. A McDon­ actually more difficult. You want to make thing not every band can live up to.J • nal than Augustan Burroughs. Who are ald's hamburger is a lot cheaper than, say, sure that you do justice to their work . • B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009

Book Review: Mexican today started out as Mayan, was modified by the Aztecs, then heavily "IN JUPITER'S SHADOW" BY influenced by the Spanish conquistado­ GREGORY GERARD res and later Caribbean, South American, French, West African and Portuguese By Georgia Beers cuisines. Regional dishes abound to this In Jupiter's Shadow: W. Conshohocken, day and feature produce, meats, poultry Pa.: Infinity Publishing Co., 2009. Paper, and seafood that are plentiful in vari­ 322 pp., $15.95. ous parts of the country. Rio Tomatlan's Anybody who grew up in the '80s regional specialties are mainly from. the will be able to relate to Gregory Gerard's southern Pacific coastal area of MexIco. In Jupiter's Shadow simply because of the Raf Guevara, as well as being com­ pop culture references. Music, movies, mitted to the local art and music scene, television - they're all there. A little bit gets much of his produce from local of Sheena Easton here, a little bit of the suppliers and favors organically grown Hardy Boys there, some Jupiter Jones, whenever it's available. His sense of com­ and a taste of The Flintstones tossed into munity involvement shows in many ways the mix. They permeate the memoir (in in this business. a good way), setting the mood for each There's an array of appetizers on the chapter and creating a most colorful back­ menu, including a variety of quesadillas drop as the story unfolds. ($5-6.50). We selected a freshly made But there's much more to Gerard's guacamole that was offered as a special. memoir than pop culture. Starting in The avocado was coarsely chopped, rath­ 1973, we journey with the Rochester er than pureed and the fresh flavors of author through his lonesome childhood, tomatoes in season, lime juice, and cilan­ his confusing teenage years, and into tro made this an all-vegetarian winner. young adulthood. The path is strewn with The avocado pit was presented next to obstacles - religion, family, sexuality and the delicious mixture, as the cork from a food to name a few - some of which are fine bottle of wine is presented to diners mere bumps in the road and others which for their inspection. seem to be insurmountable walls for our On another occasion we chose the young hero, an immensely likable boy Tilapia Ceviche ($6.25). Delicate piec­ with a rich fantasy life and an understand­ es of tilapia are "cooked" in lime juice, able addiction to junk food. mixed with diced vegetables and served Gerard's family is populated by unique with a slice of avocado and salsa hui­ and memorable characters that run the tchol, a specialty of Nayarit, Mexico. Rio Tomatlan gamut from lovable (brother Paul) to The flavors throughout the menu are 5 Beeman Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 -585-394-9380 almost frightening (father Darwin). His simple, yet distinguished by their fresh­ www.riotomatlan.com - e-mail: [email protected] mother is a devout Christian woman who ness, ripeness and assertiveness. adores her youngest son, but doesn't really Rio Tomatlan features over 60 dif­ Ample free parking in city lots on Beeman and Lafayette see him. His father is a big bear of a man ferent tequilas. We've become curious Monday - Saturday: 11am - 10pm - Sunday: 1pm - 8pm with a drinking problem and a seemingly about premium tequilas as sipping spirits split personality, neither side of which from advertisements in the popular press is always on the menu as an appetizer beer and soft drinks. Gerard can seem to get to know, no mat­ recently. The Patron brand, in particular, ($6.25) as are Tilapia Tacos with toma­ Rio Tomatlan is a great place to dine ter how hard he tries. Gerard's other sib­ has been heavily marketed. Three differ­ tillo jalapeno salsa, pico de gallo and if you happen to be in Canandaigua lings, teachers and friends round out the ent tequila flights are offered to compare crispy cabbage, served with Mexican rice , but is also well worth the trip when cast as he tries his best to find his way and contrast some premium brands. We and beans ($12). you're in the mood for some of the most through adolescence and reconcile his had always thought of tequila mainly as If you have any room after your Mex­ delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine profound faith in God with his growing a mixer, but were able to appreciate some ican feast, there are three home-made in the area . • attraction to other men. of the nuances when we compared dif­ Gerard's writing is casual, comfortable, desserts absolutely worth the calories or ferent ones side by side, unembellished. half the calories if you share. The Cara­ and easy to read. It's as if he's an old friend Our Arandas flight ($25 for five pours) telling the story over hot coffee and warm mel Custard Flan ($4) is typical in the showed off an incredible range of tequi­ cuisines of Latin America. We had vanil­ baked goods. At times heart-wrenching las. Another flight compares Patron to 7 and at others heartwarming, In Jupiter's la but learned "the flavors are always Leguas ($30 for six pours). . changing". The Pastel Tres Leches is a Shadow is ultimately a funny, poignant, Pozole is a hearty pork and hommy and uplifting tale that does not disappoint. very moist and rich cake that is almost a soup that can be a meal as a full portion bread pudding. This is traditional Mexi­ ($9) or a starter as a half portion ($5). can fare, saturated with three different It's made with both guajillo peppers and Restaurant Review: types of milk, served with coconut, fr~it, RIO TOMATLAN jalapenos. The hominy is formed into a hibiscus flower sauce and topped with pieces about the size of peas. The soup Mexcal whipped cream. The Choco­ By Paul Hoffman is only mildly hot but wonderfully com­ Flan is chocolate cake and flan baked Rio Tomatlan is "South of the Bor­ plex. The peppers really shine through together in layers, so the chocolate cake der" -- the Monroe County border, in this dish. The many different peppers takes on a moist, semi-custard consis­ that is. It's in downtown Canandaigua, used in Mexican cuisine are revered for tency. It's topped with a decadent dark tucked away on a side street off Main the distinct fruitiness they each impart and mildly sweet Oaxacan chocolate Robert Daniels Street. You might not notice the restau­ as well as the various amounts of heat fondue. If you don't have room, take-out 585-467-6456 rant if you don't know it's there. they contribute. is always available for dessert later! The owner, Juan Rafael "Raf" Gue­ Enchiladas Verde ($8) is one of my Mexican sodas ($1.80), such as Tam­ vara, grew up in the Rochester area, the Guaranteed favorites with a sauce made from toma­ arind, Apple "Sidral" and Guava are sold Clock Cleaning son of Mexican born parents. His mother tillos and jalapenos over chicken and by availability. Mexican Iced Tea ($1.80) owns the excellent El Rincon Mexicano corn tortillas. It's topped with crema is made fresh daily, with flavors like and Repair in Sodus, which shares recipes with Rio Mexicana, the Mexican version of sour Hibiscus, Cinnamon Rice or Tamarind Tomatlan. Raf's parents brought their cream and cotija cheese, their version Seed. At the bar, tequila is featured, but authentic recipes from J alisco, Mexico, of parmesan. Chile Rellenos ($8) is there is also a good selection of wine, a town near Puerto Vallarta. His wife's one of the house specialties. It fea­ family, who live in Tomatlan, Mexico, tures the popular mild poblano chile, have been influential as the restaurant stuffed with Oaxaca cheese, a delicately has continued to evolve over the years. flavored southern Mexican cheese and Rio Tomatlan opened at its present cotija cheese. The fragrant stuffed chile location as El Rincon Mexicano Dos is enrobed in a tomato oregano sauce. It's about three years ago. The restaurant is tough not to love this one! Howe & Bassett decorated in bright, sunny colors with a The distinctive mole sauce features Mexican ambiance and enhanced by the chocolate in a way that can totally Professional Plumbers Since 1885 artwork of local artists such as Nancy change one's paradigm for chocolate. Lyons, Brad Butler and Ryan Mundt. Here chocolate and chilies comprise Acoustic jazz music is featured from the base for the savory sauce that's used 271-4040 time to time on Friday and Saturday with Mole Enchiladas ($8). The enchi­ nights, as are mariachi bands. The res­ ladas are blue corn tortillas wrapped taurant keeps its customers informed of around sauteed chicken, onions, cilan­ upcoming musicians on Facebook under tro, Oaxaca cheese and escabeche pep­ "Rio Tomatlan". pers. Mole sauce is also the topping for Rick Locey. LMSW The population of Canandaigua just the traditional Mexican chicken dish, Individual. Couples & Group Therapy 16 N. Goodman Street about doubles in the summer, so sum­ Mole Poblano, which is served with Suite 300 mer's peak season for Rio Tomatlan. I'm Poblano rice ($13). Rochester, NY 14607 told that many of the customers of the Mexico has a long seacoast and fresh (585)729-8893 restaurant are from the Canandaigua seafood is abundant. Seafood is avail­ www_rkklocey_com area, but a large number make the trip able at Rio Tomatlan as four differ­ Openings now for the followinll groups: down from Rochester. ent preparations of shrimp as a main Defining Ourselves: Gay Men's Therapy Group Rio Tomatlan bills its fare as "authen­ course ($16.50-17) and one as an appe­ Keeping It Off - Cognitive Behavioral Permanent Weight Loss Program tic Mexican cuisine". What's considered tizer ($7.50). Shrimp or tilapia ceviche OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 5

my head on her shoulder when poignant had given me the purple-flowered yellow words pierced my grieving heart: "... you ribbons from one of the arrangements. are the wind beneath my wings ...." At home, I cut up the shiny colors to After the mass, dd drove Paul and me make dresses for my doll. I thought about Golumnists the forty miles to the cemetery in John's Grandpa as I sewed the tiny garments. I The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are hometown. We three, joining his family, very much wanted my doll to sit on my lap their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alli­ sat next to John's cobalt blue coffin. We while I slowly gathered my collection of ance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. listened to hollow words. Born and buried Grandpa Words. All day, a stitch, a story. in Clifton Springs. The End. All my days, a keyboard tap, another My first Heart Hole, when I was elev­ story. Stories I tell my Self and Stories Growing Up en, was losing Grandpa Horning. Grand­ I tell my readers. A few readers, hav­ that for a long time I used Steven as the pa had not been ill. With his head still ing walked with me on some part of my AN IMPERFECT LOVE measuring stick against which I judged resting on the Sears & Roebuck cata­ Life Path, have embellishments to tuck By Eric Bellmann all men. logue, one day Grandpa just did not wake between my words. Others, captivated by He was Ste­ One of my take-aways was feeling up from his nap. similarities, wander off, strolling down ven. As a child, his good that I'd gone out full throttle. Gave That day, when I came home from their own Life Paths to gather up pieces slightly older broth­ it my all. On a deeper level I was ashamed. play, I looked in my father's eyes. I felt a of their scattered Stories. For some, my er called him Dee Ashamed that I hadn't pulled it off. I startling sense of grief before words had Stories become the shovel they will use to Dee and long time believed the lie that I wasn't good enough, left Daddy's mouth. "What's wrong with dig up their buried treasures. friends also called wasn't worth love. Grandpa?" Daddy hugged me. "Grandpa's Not The End. him that. Some­ So I buried it, just shoved the whole gone." There is no end. There are words. times he signed his experience out of my mind. I actually Silently, we made the journey to Cas­ Sharing Stories enhances my days, letters Esteban, the did get better and, after time, went to bat tile. Daddy held my hand as we walked mends holes in my heart. Lovingly I trans­ Spanish version of his name. He was from again with men who lived openly as gay. into the deep quiet of the funeral home. plant my beloveds into a paper world. New Mexico. He was, among many other It became apparent over time that I had a He walked me up to Grandpa's purple­ I breathe words into their mouths and things, a chameleon. number of issues, not the least of which lined casket. A motionless body wore they are revitalized. I witness them doing A woman who knew him from way was that I was attracted to men who were Grandpa's dress-up gray suit. The face was Things, things I want to talk about. back once observed that Steven would withholding. Thanks Mom! a strange color. That was not my grand­ Impatiently I long to write the next page, plan his day, who he would hang out with, Ah, then there is abandonment. Here's father. to bake huge raisin cookies. rather the way one decided in the morning to you, Dad! Sarcasm aside, it is those full But the hands, Grandpa's hands. MeredithElizabethReiniger@Jrontier­ what shirt to wear. He was secretive to an tilt risk-filled relationships that reveal the Grandpa's veined hands rested on his net. net extreme and not beyond deviousness. And stuff that needs to be addressed. It really ample grandpa belly. Loving hands. he was very hot. I considered myself lucky is all about childhood. In this odd way, for Grandpa was neither a hugger nor a kiss­ Random Reveries when we met. all the tears and pain, Steven was a gift. er. Grandpa was a baker. Grandpa's hands The first day he walked into my apart­ Would never have dug deep into my head and heart made huge raisin cookies that SECRET SINGING SENSATION if it hadn't been for him. ment, well, after he left, I told God that if were still warm every time I walked in his ;..- By Paul Johnstone He'd let me have Steven in my life for just The point of the tale is an odd one. I door. That was my grandfather. There are plen­ one year, I'd never ask for anything again. came to accept, even embrace, my folly. I My first World Hole was losing Antoi­ ty of choral groups Steve was around for two years. I've asked own my mistakes. What initially appears nette, my next-door playmate. We were in the area, but if God for lots more since. to be a failure can lead to insight and six. One summer day I waved goodbye as you're looking for understanding. Painful, not easy. Some­ Does anyone believe in love at first she and her family left for Lake Ontario. ' ._ i J an all gay, all male how I believed that life should be about She drowned. She did not come home. , . sight? My therapist has challenged me on ,·~· ,~$. ,, ·''. choral group billed that. He says no; it's just lust in camou­ getting what one wants, being a success. But she had never moved into my heart. , . as the "voice of flage. What do I know? Probably it's some It didn't work that way for me. I have this Yes, I noticed her absence for several days. pride of Rochester" obsessive impulse so deep, so complex messy, painful thing in my past. I've come And I thought about the words the adults -- you need look no to respect my unfortunate choices. Better D that one just doesn't stand a chance and had told me. Then she and the words dis­ further than the Rochester Gay Men's must succumb to it. I called it love and I to slug away than hide in bed. Or in the appeared from my mind. Chorus. went for it. closet, for that matter. Of course Death has been a recurring A group which consists of a dynamic Basically my subterfuge was that I was Call me a tragic diva, if you like. That visitor. When we were in fifth grade, Bar­ and diverse mix of men, who are consum­ hiring him as a model. I did a good bit of matters not. What enlightened me was bara died from a heart disease. She was mate professionals, the RGMC provides Art. Reading about men and women who drawing using him. We bonded, became a majorette. Her lips were always blue. audiences with plenty of fun, flair and a friends. Within no time he was stopping loved and lost. Writers who were worldly, Her pallbearers were boys from school. few falsettos too, but what you won't find by after work and we'd go out to eat or resilient. People like the French novelist Her baton was set on top of her coffin, its is any of the stuffiness and staid ness that catch a movie. Weekends we'd go on hikes Colette. shimmering silver sparkling in the sun. some singing groups have come to sym­ in Mendon Ponds. To be closer, to ensure Funny that books should show me the Her death did not say anything to me bolize. that I was essential, I even followed him way to self-acceptance. God knows it's about my own mortality. She had a dis­ For 27 years and counting, the Roch­ hard to find. And of course, distance and into a spiritual practice. That's why he'd ease. I did not. Therefore I was safe from ester Gay Men's Chorus has been bringing time and a little gossip have informed me come east. He been sent east to boarding death. its special style of song, dance and energy school, then stayed for college. He hated that I got off easy. Steven turned out to be To monitor my exemption status, I to Rochesterians and now, with the help the east. a real bummer. have kept a mental list of Cause Of Death. of a new artistic director and a strategic Here's my dirty little secret. It was Still, the fact remains that I loved him My mother's emphysema? Not me, I don't plan to make the group more visible than a platonic relationship. Which is not to with all my heart. smoke. My father's heart attack? Not my ever, the chorus is poised to explode like say I didn't have sexual aspirations. I lost E-mail: ELBCAD@RITEDU problem. The intervention of fate? I have never before. 25 pounds for openers. I knocked about taken precautions to avoid that problem. This explosion comes at a most oppor­ five years off my age so it would seem we Cleaning My Closet Such a time, as I entered adulthood, I tune time; a time that sees a resurgence were more akin. I wanted to be whatever CEREMONIES OF HEALING filled out a pledge to donate my eyes. But in chorus groups around the globe. This he needed, although it was I who needed I couldn't quite bring myself to mail the resurgence in the love oflifting one's voice him. By Meredith form. I was afraid that the words "you can is happening for a number of reasons. He ate up my adoration. And then he Elizabeth Reiniger recycle my eyes after I die" would trigger One reason is that choruses offer people a ignored me. One of my worst nights was When I real­ fate's Cosmic Irony. I imagined my survi­ social outlet that is safe, healthy and fun. on his birthday. I baked a pumpkin pie (it ly like the people vors' amazement: "Oh yes, she expired the Another reason is that as part of a cho­ was Halloween). He never showed up, as who live between moment the stamp was cancelled." To be rus, one is part of a group that is typically he had promised; by midnight I had killed the glossy covers, I on the safe side, I delayed my decision. In very community oriented and consistently a bottle of scotch and decided to wait for don't want the book fact, it took me four years before I mus­ challenges individuals both artistically him on his front stoop. He breezed past to end. Sharing tered the courage to drop that promise and physically. Physically? Oh, yes, let's me offering no excuses and I stood alone their lives enhances into the mailbox. face it, singing and breathing may look in the street wailing and furious, impotent my days. Whenever As year followed year, I have witnessed easy, but it takes practice to have proper in my rage. the book is waiting on my table, I sense death use many tactics to interrupt lives. breath control AND sing the right notes. On the few occasions when I was that the people inside that paper world The How and When is varied. The Inevi­ How does a chorus that has called the angry enough to go silent, he'd become are doing Things, things I want to hear table is constant. Today I clearly under­ community home for nearly 30 years con­ compliant. For about as long as it takes about, things I want to talk about. Impa­ stand that I might have decades or days tinue to grow and thrive while reaching to read this sentence. Then, wham, back tiently I long to read the next page. remaining. This is not melancholy that new plateaus? The answer: With careful into the pattern of here, not here, nice, not Nonetheless, such a time: The End. A requires medicinal intervention. This is balance and plain hard work. The Board so nice. For all that, I had the man of my sad place to be. Story sharings and con­ my Present. At sixty-five, I absolutely have of Directors has already taken a step in dreams in my life. versations stop. more Past than Future. the right direction with the hiring of Dr. A guy Steven had grown up with Now John is dead. I stood vigil at his But in my Present, I very clearly Robert Strauss. observed, long after Steven had left town, wake, a compelling ceremony of remem­ understand that I have positive choices. Dr. Strauss is the exact shot in the that we were a classic illustration of a bering. We had been friends for 43 years. I can use my proverbial pen to retrieve arm that the chorus needs to keep the sadistic masochistic relationship. Let there Spousewomyn and I attended John's words from my Past. A tap on the key­ freshness and fun within the grouf and be no question, I was the masochist. funeral, the indispensable ceremony of board and I can beckon life stories I have his amazingly ambitious ideas wil help Two years after he'd gone, a co worker loss. All during the holy words I felt a treasured. the group reach new heights. Currently who'd watched from the sidelines asked great hole in my heart. Tap. I can see Grandpa sitting in his starting his third cycle, Dr. Strauss's exu­ me if I wasn't relieved it was all over and Thank goodness that spousewomyn rocking chair, listening to the baseball berance, wit and self-deprecating style all I said, "Hey, if he showed up right now, and I are out of The Stifling Closet. game on his big, brown, floor model combine to put the chorus at ease and give honked his car horn, I'd toss you my Thank goodness that our relationship radio. His head leaning close to the gold­ the atmosphere a palpable vibe of fun and house keys and jump in the car." I'd never is validated by our friends' love. So we, threaded speaker-cloth, the low volume a relaxation. Dr. Strauss is also a pro at deft­ known anyone like Steven and long after a couple, sat close to each other in the request of the landlady who lived below. ly handling a roomful of different person­ he left he still had a hold on me. church. Holding her comforting hand, I His pipe making wispy white swirls alities from week to week, while keeping It took years to recover. My self-select­ could quietly sob for my mentor, my spe­ while he bends to his clipboard to record the group on task. Dr. Strauss's easygoing ed therapy was ever more alcohol and cial friend. Because it was safe for dd and the stats. charm and dedication to the group make gay bars. The absolutely worst part was me to be a loving couple, I could drop After Grandpa's funeral, Grandma for a breezy rehearsal and his friendly atti- 6 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009 tude make him easily approachable. That Loved A Sailor (a re imagining of And while Dr. Strauss is trained in Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore) are Anthony G. Sandonato, CPA, J.D. both opera and classical music, don't let another way of keeping the group vibrant. Accounting and Tax Services .Menlel those words mislead or intimidate you. All of that, plus the new faces of Mark Mebger 8arr He is just as knowledgeable about oper­ Brennan, Principal Accompanist, and Jad MiJB,''- c,,-u,p atic solos as he is about the current pop Jordan, Production Manager, will keep I am a licensed CPA with over 11 years experience. song infiltrating the airwaves. A pop the chorus growing with new and young I provide accounting and tax services to businesses, individuals, non-profit organizations, estates and princess and an aria aficionado? What a faces and ensure that their future is noth­ trusts. QuickBooks consulting. clever combination for an artistic direc­ ing but bright. Free initial consultation. 585·732·5792 tor to have. The Rochester Gay Men's Chorus is a A new director with promising plans is group one can be proud to be a part of; I only one component to keeping the group know I am. It's also an eclectic group of alive. How else does the group get the individuals who exude passion, charisma word out, not just to the gay community, and commitment in all they do. Here's but to the community at large, that they a high C to another 27 years of touch­ are here, yes, queer, and ready to show ing the 19bt community and beyond with their stuff? Again, it's all about balance. great music, fabulous footwork and prime Go_munif)' 0 Not only is the Recruitment & Retention entertainment. Committee hard at work on innovative Carryon chorines! • ways to broaden the group's horizons and ~~ ct"~6 the group's age range, but is also looking , Hosted by ~ at ways to get new members and former members back into the group and help EC Columnists Online Rainbow SAGE ensure they regularly sing with the group from cycle to cycle. Additionally, Dr. Strauss has begun Saturday, October 24th building up a repertoire of songs which can be sung at different venues for any occasion. It's not just all about the Christ­ 5:30PM -10:30~M mas performance anymore. The group has also been singing at fundraisers, col­ leges and theatres and you may have seen them at one of the local car dealerships and that's just the beginning. Unique and Read all the Empty Closet columnists Downtown United adventurous productions such as this past Got to www.gayalliance.org summer's concert with Lea DeLaria and and click on "Empty Closet News." Presbyterian Church next summer's U.S.S. Metaphor: The Lad 121 Fitzhugh Street N

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The Campaign for They say Love & Forgiveness hair loss doesn't matter...

The Gay Alliance Love and Forgiveness Project What do you think? presents a conversation on LOVE

As complicated as love is, it can be REALLY complex for LGBT people! This four-part conversation series will explore: Love and Family, Friendship, Romantic Love, Love of Humanity, and of course: how we come to love ourselves. Tuesdays from 6:30-8pm, October 20-November 13 (light dinner provided) Open to the LGBT community, family & friends. To register please call 585-244-8640 or e-mail: [email protected]

Love & Forgiveness is part of the Gay Alliance Community Safety Program and is sponsored by the Fetzer Foundation and WXXI.

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J' nna SaiSqo S back 0 giVe' up the crown. See some of Roches er's best performers compete for the Ie. Doors open @ 9PM

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Gay Alliance Youth Services for Rochester area LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-23 [email protected] Youth Center Hours: Drop-in: Monday and Wednesday, 2-6pm Haikus were the theme of Septem­ Jack please wake up Jack Support Groups: Sunday, 2-4pm, ages 13-23 ber's Writers Workshop at the GAGV Our time has come to an end Youth Center. Greg Gerard, who is Rose Jack Titanic Sunday, 4-5pm, Drop In Hour currently celebrating the publication of his first book, "In Jupiter's Shad­ Personality Special Interest Programming: ow," facilitates writing exercises and A vivid color palet Transgender Youth • Arts and Crafts • Movies • Writing I'm one of a kind an open mic on the third Wednesday Special Events: of every month. red hearts pink roses Haikus by Josh Alexander cliche images of love Youth Dances • Day of Silence • The Big Gay Prom gag me with a spoon Fall is approaching And we have: dead leaves grace the ground Pool Table • LGBTQ Youth Library • Internet Access Brisk chill fills the air Haikus by Des-tine Rae Adult Volunteers Needed: Fun, friendly, safe adults are needed to volunteer their time and Music symphonic talents, providing positive role models, maybe sharing a talent or skill. Contact Scott Fearing, Love can depress you Outreach Coordinator, for an application: [email protected] 585-244-8640 x14 The pulse is electronic so by dealing, poetry with the beat I dance emotions run deep Black man president can't be accepted racial boundaries now broken so i hide behind my lies Barack Obama will it ever end? The curtain rises I love who I am Crowd filled with nostalgia Individuality let the show begin away from the crowd Individual sanctuary is peace absolute uniqueness lesbians can bring me peace I am who I am gays condone me, peace

Youth Writing Group members with Greg Gerard and Kelly Baumgartner.

UntIl gay nghts ecome fully realized, you need more than alk. You need In fIgure out a smart financial future tor you and your partner. From insurance to retirement and all thallies between. we C311 help you protect what mattel1i most-the Mure of your loved aile. - MaMutual .. FIN A N C I ,A L Ii II 0 U p. Get more than str,aight talk. Fi no nCi'al Arch ilects Get un[que solutions. [Inane larchltectsupst te.com (585) 262-5600 Insurance . long·1 rm ar dtS3 Illty Incom life Insural1ce Rn neilll slrota les . Rellremel t solutio s ;o Wealtll ma agemenl Gel In Llch \ 11th Fln, OCI I S rill es PI' res.iOMll ay ~r.I'IolL: AI m 11 or arIa" Oattllo

Fin nclat fu cJlllects • BOO C~ nton SQ1J ra 10 Roch~ tet NY , ~6 OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 11

year since the law was passed, I only five of the more than 400 expanded access cases in Mon­ '@' roe County Family Court have Gay Alliance News been in a same-sex relationship. Local advocates who fought for GaX f~tH~!1a~~ so long to open this door to the Gay Alliance of the New Family Court meet with success in the State one who is experiencing abuse LGBT community are scratch­ Genesee Valley Senate until 2008, giving New can use to increase her or his ing their heads and suspect that 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 access for LGBT Rochester, New York 14605 York State the unfortunate dis­ safety. Orders can be custom­ limited public awareness of these community tinction of being the last state ized to meet the victim's needs. new rights is to blame for low Office Hours By Kelly in the Union to provide those If the abuse victim requires more statistics. Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm Clark in intimate and dating relation­ intensive protection, a complete If you or someone you know Phone: with Amy ships access to civil orders of "stay away" order can be issued is experiencing abuse at the (585) 244-8640 Schwartz, protection. that would stop any contact with hands of a long-term or dating Fax: Senior Staff By some estimates, almost and communication from the partner, the Anti-Violence Proj­ (585) 244-8246 abusive person. If less protec­ ect at the Gay Alliance can help. Attorney in half of all domestic violence vic­ Website: the Domes­ tims in New York State had been tion is needed, a "no offensive "We offer safety planning, short­ www.gayalliance.org tic Violence left to seek relief only in the conduct" order might be issued term counseling, and referrals," Legal Pro­ Criminal Courts before this new allowing contact and communi­ said Gay Alliance Victim Advo­ EC Phone: (585) 244-9030 gram at law took effect. While the old cation but requiring that contact cate Kelly Baumgartner. the Empire Justice Center law also excluded many straight be of a non-violent, abusive, or Victims seeking relief from EC Fax: For 20 years, domestic vio­ couples experiencing abuse at threatening nature. Family Court may go directly (585) 244-8246 lence advocates and LGBT advo­ the hands of their long-term or Victims with orders of pro­ to the third floor of the Hall EC Advertising: cates took up the same fight. In dating partners, it clearly exclud­ tection may want to consider of Justice for assistance, or may (585) 244-9030 2008, they finally convinced the ed most LGBT families who providing copies of the order to contact the Court Advocacy EC E-mail: New York State Senate to pass a could not, until recently, legal­ employers, baby sitters, office Program run by Alternatives [email protected] building security, and schools -­ for Battered Women (ABW) for law expanding access to civil Fam­ ly marry or who did not have EC Online: ily Court orders of protection. children together. Now, LGBT anyone who needs to know about more information about their www.gayalliance.org New York State now allows people who are experiencing the order's terms and conditions legal rights and remedies. (click on Empty Closet News) anyone in either a familial or an abuse including, physical vio­ should a violation occur. Where a Regardless of its business Board President Family Court order of protection "intimate relationship" (includ­ lence, harassment, threats, prop­ name, ABW is open to all vic­ Tom Ferrarese ing those related by blood or erty damage, and stalking by a is violated, victims may consid­ tims of domestic violence. ABW's marriage, divorced persons, current or past intimate partner, er filing the violation in Family court advocates are housed right Executive Director those with a child in common, can seek relief through a Family Court or calling the police and in the Hall of Justice building Sue Cowell as well as those in dating or Court order of protection. filing criminal contempt charges. to provide easy and immediate Administrative long-term relationships who An order of protection is an Abusers who violate orders will access to persons seeking help Assistant are not married) to use Family order from a judge requiring the be brought back before the Fam­ with orders of protection. John Stevens Court to seek protection from person against whom the order ily or Criminal Court judge to Gay Alliance Anti-Violence Program Director intimate partner abuse. is issued to comply with certain face additional sanctions. Project staff can be reached by Scott Fearing While the New York State behavioral terms and conditions Abuse happens in roughly calling 585-244-8640. ABW Empty Closet Editor Assembly passed its version of relating to the protected person 25-33 percent of all LGBT rela­ Court Advocacy Program staff Susan Jordan the bill many times over the last for a specific period of time. It tionships, the same rate as in can be reached by calling 585- Graphic Design two decades, advocates did not is an important tool that some- straight relationships. Yet in the 428-2620 . Jim Anderson Community Safety Kelly Clark Program Reports Victim Advocate Kelly Baumgartner Youth Services Library and Cyber tances are more likely to be Coordinator open and at ease, and they may Jessica Cohen Center hosts Open speak more authentically with CampusOut Assistant House on Oct. 21 you about their lives and their Mariam Mull On Weds., Oct. 21, the Gay families. 2) You may notice that Alliance Library and Archives people will treat you different­ Outreach Coordinator Jeanne Gainsburg and the David Bohnett Cyber ly - they may appreciate your Center will be hosting the inclusive attitude, or, they may Youth Group: Grand Opening and welcoming be suspicious of your motivation Youth Center, 1st Floor for being inclusive. 3) By send­ Ages: 13-23, Sundays everyone to come in and see the 2-4pm new space for this vital commu­ ing the message that you are Ages 18-25, Sundays nity resource. Volunteers, staff comfortable being inclusive of 4:30-6pm and board members will be there LGBT people, you are making http://youth .gayall iance.org to welcome the community into your workplace more welcoming for after school schedule and the new space on the first floor for the richness of diversity that special events. is the reality of our multi-cul­ of the Auditorium Theatre. Park The Gay Alliance of the for free behind the Auditori­ tural society. 4) You are telling Genesee Valley is a non­ um Theatre (tell the parking lot LGBT people, and their friends profit agency, dedicated to attendant that you are here for and family members, that you cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where gay, the Gay Alliance Open House) The Hot Shots: champions. have at least a basic understand­ ing of LGBT issues. lesbian, bisexual and trans­ and you can enter the building gender (GLBT) people are on the Prince Street side and fol­ To request a SafeZone train­ pleased that we were beating LGBT, couples who need help safe, thriving and enjoying low the signs to the Library and ing at your workplace, go to the equal rights. We are a him and his team, said very learning new communication Cyber Center. Education tab on the Gay Alli­ coalition of individuals and loudly, 'I'm not going to lose to skills and others who are in sit­ ance homepage at www.gayal­ groups working to empower Hot Shots a bunch of faggots!' Well, he did uations where a short amount of liance.org. GLBT people, to affirm their lose," she added with a smile. time with a counselor would be identities, and to create an Volleyball Club atmosphere where the "I knew that a few of my team­ beneficial. This limited service Youth Program has diversity of our community Jeanne Gainsburg, Out­ mates were strong allies already, is available during a variety of can thrive both collectively Reach Coordinator for the Gay but this experience has made me hours each month and requires new staff and separately. We educate Alliance is a strong "out and realize how many straight people an appointment. If you or some­ The Gay Alliance Youth Pro­ and advocate for civil rights for proud" ally and an avid volley­ one you know is in need of this gram, the busiest of the Gay all and for the eradication of are willing to put themselves out homophobia. ball player. there and be public about their type of service, please call 244- Alliance programs, has been About a year ago, a rumor beliefs in equality." 8640 and talk to a member of undergoing staff changes of late. started at the volleyball club that Congratulations to Jeanne the Gay Alliance staff. Ceridwen Troy, who was our hate or bias motivated incident Jeanne and her teammate Pam and her teammates for taking AmeriCorps volunteer for the it is important for you to report past two years, has finished her are a lesbian couple. Embrac­ top place in their league! SafeZones defined it to the Gay Alliance, in addi­ ing the rumor, they named their During a recent SafeZone time with us. (Thank you Cerid­ tion to local law enforcement. team Two Lesbians and Their Counseling Training that occurred at a wen!) A new AmeriCorps mem­ Each year, we receive calls and ber, Sean Soper, will be starting Husbands. Before long the team services offered at local workplace, the program take reports from students in became known as "the gay team" participants worked with Scott with us in early October! We local schools. and the members started proud­ the Gay Alliance Fearing, Gay Alliance Educa­ look forward to continuing Know that you should ly wearing Gay Alliance t-shirts. The Gay Alliance is happy tion Director to create an under­ the important partnership that report any incident to school "What started out just for to announce a new program to standing of why someone may brings wonderful qualified vol­ administration, campus securi­ fun became a wonderful oppor­ provide short term counseling choose to display a Safe Zone unteers into our programming. ty or other appropriate services, tunity for me to tell people to community members who sticker in their work station, and but, if you are afraid to report, about the work I do," Jeanne are in need of help and resourc­ what they may expect as a result Reports of violence we can offer you support. If you explained, "It was eye opening es. The Gay Alliance regular­ of posting it. and bigotry are the victim of any kind of -- even though the entire team ly gets calls from people who Here are some reasons the The Anti-Violence and harassment, violence, or abuse, is straight, we have faced homo­ have questions about identity employees came up with: 1) You Community Safety Program please give us a call to find out phobic comments. For example, and attractions, parents who are helping to create an envi­ reminds community members about the many services we can one young man, who was not have just learned their child is ronment where LG BT acquain- that if you are the victim of a offer. • 12 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009

testing, (585)325-5100, M-F 8 am-9 pm, ing with metastatic breast cancer, The Breast www.hutherdoyle.com , Cancer Coalition also provides information about Geneva Community Health breast cancer, a lending library, and a monthly 601 W. Washington St., Geneva, Provides HIV educational program, All BCCR programs and Resources support services are free, testing, HIV specialty and primary care for resi­ AIDS and group psychotherapy, Training of health care dents of Ontario and surrounding counties, Monroe County Women's Health professionals also available, Infectious Disease Mon,-Thurs, 9 am-5 pm; Fridays 9 am-noon, Partnership Free testing for HIV exposure Clinic, (585) 275-0526, Department of Psy­ 315-781-8448, 111 Westfall Rd" Rochester NY 14692; is available from New York State Department chiatry, (585) 275-3379, AIDS Training Project, (585)274-6978, Comprehensive breast can­ of Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline (585) 275-5693, FAMILY cer screening services for uninsured and at (585) 423-8081, or 1-800-962-5063 for Planned Parenthood of Rochester and underinsured women, pay phones or calls outside Rochester, Deaf or Rochester Gay Moms' Group Genesee Valley Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic hearing impaired people should call (585)423- offers testing and information (585) 546 2595, Support group for lesbian mommies and 8120 (TOO,) New Rapid HIV Testing now avail­ wannabe mommies in Rochester and sur­ 170 Sawgrass Drive, 442-8432, Dr. Wende able -test results in 30-40 minutes! Statewide Rural HIV testing rounding areas, Subscribe: RochesterGay­ Logan-Young and an all-woman staff provide information can be obtained by calling 1-800- anonymous and confidential, in Alleghany, Liv­ Moms-subscribe@yahoogroups,com, mammograms, 541-AIDS, Other organizations which provide ingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, SHARE: Self Help for Women with Breast AIDS-related services are as follows: Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1-800-962-5063, Gay Fathers Group Meets first and third Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm, or Ovarian Cancer AIDS Rochester, Inc. Action Front Center GAGV Community Center, 875 E, Main St. NYS Hotline: 1-866-53SHARE or 1-866- 1350 University Ave" Rochester NY 14607. Pro­ (Action for a Better Community,) Provides HIV 537-4273, vide, support servicces for people with HIV/AIDS prevention education and case management Lesbian &Gay Family Building Project Claudia E. Stallman, Project Director, Ferre AIDS Rochester Women's Health Outreach and their families; presents educational pro­ services, Training and technical assistance to 1350 University Ave, ARI has services for grams related to HIV/STDs to community groups; service providers, Resource library open to Institute, Inc, 124 Front St., Binghampton, NY 13905, Phone: (607) 724-4308; Fax: (607) HIV positive women and others in the lesbian offers free, confidential testing every Monday public, All services free and confidential. Multi­ community, 442-2220, and Thursday, 5-8 pm (no apointment neces­ cultural and bilingual staff, Jearald Noble, pro­ 724-8290; E-mail: [email protected]: sary) , Also testing on Outreach Van throughout gram manager, 33 Chestnut St., second floor, Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org Community Health Network city, Contact information: business line (585) Hours 8:30-5 pm, Monday-Friday, 262-4330; Families Joined by Love 87 N, Clinton Ave, 244-9000; TTY (585)461- 442-2220 V!TTY; www.aidsrochester,org,Rural fax 262-4572. Free anonymous HIV testing on Books and resources for LGBT families, 9202, HIV and Primary care medical services for counties served by ARI offices in Geneva (1-800- walk-in basis, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 1-4 pm, www,familiesjoinedebylove,org, HIV positive women, their negative partners and 422-0282) and Bath (1-800-954-2437), provided through NYSDOH, Thursdays 1-4 pm family members, OB/GYN, HIV pre-test and post­ at Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee St. Parents, Families and Friends of test counseling, Confidential or free HIV testing, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) provides referrals to physicians and service Anthony L. Jordan Health Center PFLAG's threefold mission: supporting par­ Alternatives for Battered Women agencies, (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance,org Prevention &Primary Care Program ents and family members in coming out pro­ 232-7353; TTY 232-1741. Shelter (women Provides Medical Case Management, Mental cess; educating the community; advocating only), counseling, Lesbians, gay men welcome, The HIV Vaccine Trials Unit Health, Primary Care, HIV Counceling and Test­ University of Rochester Medical Center, One of on behalf of LGBT family members, Regular GAGV Anti Violence Project ing using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education meetings open to family members, friends: 585-244-8640 ext 17. For women and men, several research sites worldwide that comprise presentations, and access to other Jordan ser­ the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Rochester site first Tuesday potluck supper, 6-8 pm, St. vices, Prevention & Primary Care is a walk-in Thomas Episcopal Church, corner Winton Victim Resource Center of Wayne County conducts research vaccine studies sponsored by program; no appointments necessary, Office Newark NY. Hotline 800-456-1172; office National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the attempt and Highland; third Sunday support and hours: Mon,- Fri., 8:30am- 5 pm: extended business meeting, 2-4 pm, Nopper Room, (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189, to discover a vaccine that may one day prevent hours on Monday until 8 pm, (585) 423-2879; HIV infection or AIDS, Imagine a world without fifth floor, Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main Mary Magdalene House fax (585) 423-2876, Website: www,jordan­ St. PFLAG@gagv,us; 585-244-8640 x27, Women's outreach center for HIV positive AIDS, learn how you can help create it. 585- health,org, For more information, call Program 756-2329; www.vaccineunit.org, women and women at risk, 291 Lyell Ave, Director Patrick M, Trevor, (585) 423-2879, GAY HEALTH Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30 pm 458-5728, Center for Health and Behavioral Training CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline Monroe Co. Dept. of Health sm Clinic Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ of Monroe County 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours 853 Main St., Rochester 14611. Collabora­ Phone: (585) 464-5928 Syracuse Region a day, TTY service: 1-888-232-6348, E-mail 114 University Ave" Rochester, NY 14605; Toll­ tion of Monroe County Health Department and address: cdcinfo@cdc,gov, Monroe Com. Coli. Student Health Services U,R, Provides year-round training in prevention Phone: (585) 292-2018 (MCC Students only) free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886, Planned Parent­ and management of STDs, HIV, TB and related Fair Housing Enforcement Project of hood has led the way in providing high quality, Monroe County Hobart &William Smith Health Services affordable reproductive health care since 1916, issues, such as domestic violence and case Phone: (315) 781-3600 management. (585)753-5382 v/tty, 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with Our experienced and compassionate medical staff housing discrimination on basis of race, orien­ Rochester Colon &Rectal Surgeons will listen to your concerns and answer your ques­ Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ tation, HIV status, etc, Phone: (585) 244-5670 tions in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, All our Syracuse Region services are confidential. We accept most insur­ 114 University Ave" Rochester, NY 14605; Toll­ Public Interest Law Office of Rochester Rochester Institute of Technology Student ances; including Medicaid, You may even qualify free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886, Offers confi­ 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services Health Services for low- to no-cost family planning services, When dential HIV testing and information, When you to HIV positive persons, families, Spanish bilin­ Phone: (585) 475-2255 (RIT Students only) you make your appointment, be sure to ask about make your appointment, be sure to ask about gual advocates available, All civil cases except Threshold Center for Alternative Youth our sliding scale fees, No one is turned away for our sliding scale fees, No one is turned away for divorce; no criminal cases, Ask to speak to Services lack of ability to pay, lack of ability to pay, someone in PILOR, 454-4060, Provides confidential HIV, STD testing, general AIDS Community Health Center (achc) Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo heath care, Sliding fee scale; no one denied, POLITICAL: 87 N, Clinton Ave, (4th floor), Comprehensive HIV Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing 145 Parsells Ave,: Mon.lWeds, and Fri. 9-5; National Organization for Women care and primary medical care for HIV positive and counseling, (716) 847-0328 Tues.lThurs, 9-7; Sat. 10 am-2 pm, www, (Greater Rochester NOW) PO Box 93196; (585)234-7019, E-mail: individuals, their negative partners, and adult fam­ Westside Health Services ThresholdCenter,org; Phone: (585) 454-7530 ily members, ACHC provides nutritional evalu­ (serving ages 12-25) info@rochesternow,org Web page: http:// Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave, www.rochesternow,org, ation, vision screenings, gynecological care, (254-6480); Woodward health Center, 480 Women Gynecology &Childbirth medical case management/counseling, and sub­ Genesee St. (436-3040), HIV/AIDS services, Associates, P.C. CULTURAL: stance abuse counseling, The Center also offers support, more, Phone: (585) 244-3430 (Main Office) out-patient treatments and infusions onsite, liaison Rochester Women's Community Chorus nurses to coordinate home-care needs, educa­ McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Gay Health list compiled by AIDS Rochester, 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar), tional resources and support groups, an active Unity Health's Connection Clinic Inc, Further information on this list and related SPORTS: Patient Advisory Committee (PAC), access to clin­ (585) 368-3200, 89 Genesee St., Bishop gay health topics available at http://wwwaid­ Kearney Bldg" 3rd floor, Full range of servcies, srochester.org/gayhealth Empire State Roar Women's Football ical trials, lab onsite, and referrals to psychother­ www.theempirestateroar.com apy and other specialized health services, (585) regardless of ability to pay, Caring, confidential This list is under construction. If you are a pro­ 244-9000, TTY (585) 461-9202, and convenient. vider, or know of one who would like to be ONLINE: Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS Catholic Charities AIDS Services included in this directory, please call Erik Libey RochesterDykes: A collection of agencies providing a multiplic- A multicultural and bi-lingual staff providing ser­ at 442-2220 for more information. www.rdykes.com; ity of resources and services to the upstate vices to a diversity of people infected and affected e-mail [email protected] New York community, Their offices are located with HIVlntensive home-based case management WOMEN WOWcny: through the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agen­ for all ages; a clinical crisis manager; a child/ e-mail: [email protected] cy, which also provides medical literature and adolescent case worker; transitional case man­ HEALTH: Rochester NY Lesbians; newspaper clippings, as well as demographic agement for children and family members going Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center groups ,aol ,com/rochstrlesbians and statistical data for use in developing health through bereavement; recreational and support 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; care services, (585) 461-3520, groups for children and teens, and camping expe­ 585-487-3300, Specializing in breast health, GENERAL: riences including Camp SOAR, We coordinate diagnostic breast imaging and treatment and Women's Resource Center MOCHA Center HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with mammography outreach and education, HIV prevention focus for men who have sex with YWCA, 175 N, Clinton Ave, 546-7740, AIDS) short term emergency assistance with rent/ Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester men (MSM) in the minority community, Support mortgage/utility payments and limited subsidized Color Outside the Line Crew groups, one on one peer education, safer sex 840 University Ave,; 585-473-8177; www, Contact Jackie Williams, 482-4945, housing, 1945 E, Ridge Rd" Suite 24, Rochester bccr,org; email: info@bccr,org, Breast Can- workshops, referral services, buddy testing, 107 NY 14622, (585) 339-9800, Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400, cer Coalition provides support services that Check our monthly and ongoing Calendars Huther Doyle include Brown Bag Fridays: an informal discus­ and the Gay Groups section for more woman­ Monroe County Health Department 360 East Ave" Rochester 14604, Offers drug, sion group that meets weekly from 12: 00-1: 30; centered groups and events, and call the Gay­ at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counsel­ alcohol prevention, education, treatment. Risk Breast Cancer 101 and 201: programs designed Source Infoline for referrals, at 244-8640 or ing for HIV and other sexually transmitted dis­ Reduction Plus Team offers servcies to HIV to help those coping with a recent breast cancer see www.gayalliance,org, And send us your eases, (585)753-5481, positive and those at risk through substance diagnosis and those coping with an advanced information! • Strong Memorial Hospital use, Programs include outreach, transitional breast cancer diagnosis; Sister Sak: a program provides a complete range of HIV medical care, case management, free cconfidential testing that addresses the issues facing young women including access to experimental treatment pro­ (OraQuick Rapid Testing), NYS Dep't. of Health with breast cancer; and the Advanced Breast tocols, and HIV testing, Also provides individual offers free on-site confidential and anonymous Cancer Support Group to support women liv- OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 13

all have. Wear something warm and furry season will be upon us soon. Our annu­ to the Forum and enjoy some good times al Toy Drive bar night is Nov. 21, from with friends. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Bachelor Forum. Oct. 7 is our first Wednesday meeting Please bring a new unwrapped child's toy Groups at 7:30 in the Nopper Room of the GAGV and we will donate it to the good folks at on the fifth floor of the Auditorium Cen­ the Roosevelt Children's Center. ter, 875 E. Main St. The Rochester Rams M.e. is Roches­ Saturday, Oct. 10 is the potluck at the ter New York's foremost gay motorcycle ATLANTIC 5-0 GAGV Youth Center on the first floor and leather club as well as being one of the What is Atlantic 5-0? of the Aud. Center. It starts at 6:30. The oldest clubs of its type in the country. All It is a social group of gay men and their theme for October is "finger foods". Bring who are interested in the leather club scene Lake Avenue friends that are "of a certain age" (usu­ a dish to share and the club provides the are invited to check us out. ally 50-ish, but we have members who are rest. Hope to see you there. Our general meeting is open to the Baptist Church somewhat older and younger too). October brings a couple of other big public and we meet the Wednesday before We meet every second Tuesday of the events to our area. The 9th to the 18th is bar night at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held month for fun and friendship at the Gay the Image Out Gay and Lesbian Film Fes­ at our home bar, the Bachelor Forum, 670 A WELC OMING Alliance Youth Center on the first floor of tival. Many of our members buy tickets to University Ave. Our next general meetings the Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. the programs. Sunday afternoon, 10/11 at will be held on Oct. 14, Nov. 18 and Dec. & AFF IRMING Sometimes we may even learn something 2 p.m., the Empire Bears are the commu­ 16. For more info, visit our website: www. when we're there, too. nity partner for two documentaries, "The rochesterrams.com . • CONGREGATION Recent topics of discussion have includ­ Butch Factor" and "Sucker". We hope to ed hearing from an investment advisor, the see you there. Invites You! Rochester Police Gay Liaison Officer and The other October event of interest a yoga instructor. We also have periodic to the Bear community is Buffalo Beart­ potluck dinners and had our annual sum­ rap. Our brothers sponsor a great weekend 10:00 AM: mer picnic on Aug. 11. We have great plans every year for the long Columbus week­ Sunday morning for the rest of the year, so come join in the end. Check out links to the Buffalo Bears worship service fun and friendship! website. Call Ron at 223-2629 or e-mail rmat­ The Empire Bears plan to run a garage 11:30 AM: [email protected] for additional infor­ sale for a fundraiser the weekend of Oct. mation. 24 and 25. It will be at 35 Woodmill Dr. Class on Igbt in Greece. Donations are gratefully accept­ liberation theology ed, and friendly shoppers are appreciated. BUTCH FEMME The proceeds will help support the dona­ Childcare & CONNECTION tions our group makes to worthy commu­ Sunday School for nity organizations. Happy Halloween! The Rochester Last, our group meets at the Coal children are available. Butch-Femme Connection supper club Tower on Schoen Place in Pittsford every 2009. will have one event in October Monday for supper at 6. Our waitress, On Saturday, Oct. 10 we will have our Lake Avenue Becky, hurt her leg, and has been out a pre-Halloween Costume Party and Bonfire few weeks. We wish her well. So, if you Christina Sm ith Baptist Church is located Event, starting at 6 p.m. at the home of one look for us at the Coal Tower and we're not of our members. Dress in your best cos­ Licensed Massage Therapist just off Lake Avenue near there, swing by Mike's New York Diner in tume and come on down to party with us! the stop light at 145 Lake Winton Plaza. That's the other choice. Redeem this c oup on To RSVP and get driving directions, please Avenue. call KerrylMax at (585) 288-7208 or e-mail (or 20 % o ff [email protected]. See you there! GAY FATHERS OF your next massage ROCHESTER For more information phone DIGNITY-INTEGRITY Currently meetings are held on the 5 8 5.4 6 4 .89 57 585- 458-5765 Columbus Weekend the barn doors first Tuesday of each month from 6:30 swing open again for our last huge p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Auditorium Cen­ GARAGE SALE of the season on Friday, ter, 875 E. Main St., Gay Alliance of the Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-1l. Genesee Valley first floor Youth Center. At 6963 West Main Road in Lima Our next meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 6. (on Route 5 between 390 and 15A), we've In general: strained out the junk and will only have The social group consists of gay fathers and their same sex partners. We are all at Randlj G. Raetz, DDS the treasures on sale - plus antiques that different stages in our lives. Some are mar­ our gentlemen-farmer hosts are selling off General Dentistry for the entire community (Seeing their collection of miniature ani­ ried, some are going through separationl mals in itself makes the drive worth it!) divorce, some have custody of their chil­ including bleaching and cosmetics We've held quite a few sales to help dren and some don't, and all are at dif­ ferent points in the coming out process. finance our mission over the past 34 years WE ARB NOW IN OUR NEW OmCB!!!!! - challenging the Roman Catholic and This is a social group and activities are Episcopal Churches when they've failed determined by the members who attend so to be welcoming and affirming of LGBTI bring your ideas. Come check out our new modern office, offering patients the Please call me, John Stout, at 426- people, and supporting them when they've benefits of digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and flat screen tv.s been true channels of God's inclusive love. 9695 if you want to find out more about D-I gathers every Sunday at 5 p.m. at St. the group. in a relaxing and enjoyable environment Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal We will also be looking for a new Church ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fitzhugh leader/facilitator for the group by the end St. in downtown Rochester. A coffee hour of2009. follows each of our worship services: On Sunday, Oct. 4, we will be celebrat­ ROCHESTER RAMS M.C. ing a special Evening Prayer for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The Rochester Rams would like to On Sunday, Oct. 11, local pastoral extend our sincere thanks for your support minister Deni Mack returns as our lay pre­ as we struggle with the loss of our dear sider/preacher for our song-filled Roman brother, Gary Coulter. We have been over­ Catholic Liturgy of the Word. whelmed by our community's response, On Sunday, Oct. 18, join us in the both in expressions of sympathy and assis­ lower Chapel for a quiet Episcopal Eucha­ tance with our efforts to raise money for rist with celebrantlhomilist, the Rev. Dick Gary's final service. Eckart. Due to your generosity, we were able On Sunday, Oct. 25, we'll have Prayers to fully pay for Gary's services. This pro­ 2257 South Clinton Avenue To Start The Week, followed by a pre­ vided immeasurable comfort to Gary's Westfall Park Medical Center family, who are financially as well as emo­ Halloween SCARY FOOD POTLUCK. Rochester, NY 14618' For more information (and links to tionally distressed at this difficult time. It our national organizations), visit our web­ is of great comfort to us to know that our site at www.di-rochester.org. You can also community stands with us in our time of call our recorded info-line at 585-234- grief and loss. (58'5)473-1550 5092. Leave your email address if you'd It is impossible to thank everyone who like timely updates on events and devel­ has offered support to us individually. You opments. are all in our hearts and have our sincere New Patients Welcome gratitude. We invite you to display your tattoos Bvening & Saturday appts. available EMPIRE BEARS at "Show Your Ink" bar night to be held at Fall is here. Time to start snuggling in the Bachelor Forum on Saturday, Oct. 17, Check us out on the web at www.drrandydds.com for that long, cold, upstate winter. from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Join us for the hot­ Saturday, Oct. 3, we'll begin the month test night of the month. Call for an appointment today!! by hosting Bearnight at the Forum. The It is hard to believe that the holiday theme is "flannel", which we know you 14 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009

WEDNESDAY 7 MONDAY 12 SATURDAY 24 "Find One at ONE". Buy a gay bach­ "The Laramie Project: 10 Years Rainbow SAGE Fall Community elor and contribute to Gilda's Club Roch­ Later". Lincoln Center, NYC and 100 Dance, 5:30-10:30 pm, Downtown Unit­ ester, helping people with cancer. ONE other sites around the country. www.lara­ ed Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Restaurant & Lounge, 1 Ryan Place. mieproject.org. St. $8 in advance, $ 12 at door. Tickets at THURSDAY 1 To attend and for information, call Kyle Equal=Grounds, Outlandish or call 585- "Can of Worms: Rochester Stories". TUESDAY 13 Polite, 585-423-9700; e-mail kpolite@gil­ "Coming Out Strong: the Power of 872-2631 ext 3. Presented by Flour City Theatre Compa­ dasclubrochester. ny. Began Sept. 24; runs through Oct. 2. Visibility for the LGBT Community." SUNDAY 25 Montreal Black & Blue Festival. Rich Ognibene speaks at Shults Center Dignity Integrity Prayers To Start MuCCC, 142 Atlantic Ave. Tickets: $15; Through Oct. 13. Leather Ball Oct. 9, $10 students with ID. Cash only. 585- Forum at Nazareth College, 7 pm. The Week, followed by a pre-Halloween Military Ball Oct. 10, Recovery Party scary food potluck. 5 p.m. at St. Luke 732-4709; [email protected]. Oct. 12. Black & Blue event details, ticket WEDNESDAY 14 NY Hate Crimes Law 101 with Mon­ and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church FRIDAY 2 and pass info, travel info available online ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fitzhugh St. web­ ImageArt opening reception. 6-10 at www.bbcm.org. roe Co. Assistant District Attorney Wil­ liam Gargan. 5:30-7:30 pm, Gay Alliance site at www.di-rochester.org. Recorded pm, Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince FRIDAY 9 Community Meeting Room, first floor, info-line at 585-234-5092. St. Exhibit hours: Sat./Sun.: 2-6 pm; Dignity Integrity Garage Sale. 6963 875 E. Main St. Sponsored by Out for Empire Bears garage sale. 35 Wood­ Weds.!Fri.: 3-7 pm. Closed Mondays and mill Drive, Greece. Also Oct. 25. Visit W. Main Rd., Lima, through Oct. 11. Justice. Tuesdays. Through Oct. 25. ImageOut Film Festival opening [email protected]. Swati, lesbian singer/songwriter, night. ''And Then Came Lola," 7 pm, Lit­ THURSDAY 15 performs at The German House, 315 Empty Closet deadline for November MONDAY 26 tle Theatre. "The Big Gay Musical," 9:30 Youth Halloween Dance. 5-9 pm, Gregory St., 11 pm. Rochester Indepen­ issue. 244-9030; [email protected]. pm, Little Theatre. Opening Night Cel­ Muthers, 40 S. Union St. Drug/alcohol­ dent Music Festival. $10. www.rochester­ ebration at Eros, 37 Charlotte St., 9 pm-2 SATURDAY 17 free. DJ Chuck Argento. indiefest.com. am. Admission free for ImageOut mem­ ImageOut closing night. "Patrik, SATURDAY 3 Age 1.5", 8 pm, Dryden Theatre. Clos­ SATURDAY 31 bers and those with ticket stubs from an Halloween Girl Fight: Women's self defense opening night film. Festival runs through ing Night Party at Tribeca, 233 Mill St., class, 1 pm, United Martial Arts Cen­ Oct. 18. www.imageout.org. 10 pm-2 am. ter, 1780 Monroe Ave. Sponsored by Beartrap 5. Buffalo Bears celebrate Rochester Rams bar night. "Show new feminist group, Rated F. Free, open 10th anniversary through Oct. 11. Full Your Ink." 9 pm-2 am, Bachelor Forum, ¥. to all women. Information, RSVP: rat­ details at www.BuffaloBears.org. 670 University Ave. [email protected] SATURDAY 10 SUNDAY 18 ImageArt Poetry. 7-9 pm, MuCCC, Dignity Integrity quiet Episcopal ~ ,Pet Adoption 142 Atlantic Ave. Open mic reading. Art National Day of Action, Washing­ Bus to DC leaves 11 pm from Eucharist with celebrant/homilist the Auction 9-10 pm. ton DC. MCC (Brighton campus). Returns early Rev. Dick Eckart. 5 p.m. at St. Luke ~<~ Network SUNDAY 4 hours of Oct. 12. $60 for roundtrip. and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church \( Center for Rescued Pets Dignity Integrity special Evening To reserve space: call 244-8640 x 37, ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fitzhugh St. web­ Prayer for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. leave message, or go to www.gayalliance. site at www.di-rochester.org. Recorded 5 p.m. at St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene org; tab under Events menu for National info-line at 585-234-5092. Come visit our many Episcopal Church ("2-Saints"), 17 South March links to Paypal. For more info see Steak Out. Benefit for Kevin Slee­ Fitzhugh St. website at www.di-rochester. article, page A 1. man. 4-7 pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 Uni­ rescued pets in org. Recorded info-line at 585-234-5092. Free mammograms for uninsured versity Ave. $15 steak dinner. MONDAY 5 women over 40. 8 am-noon, Breast Imag­ TUESDAY 20 need of loving homes! Freedom of the Press: a Global Crisis. ing Center, 500 Red Creek Dr. Includes GAGV Love & Forgiveness Project Breakfast conference hosted by the United clinical breast exams by nurse practitio­ Facilitated Conversation series on love in Nations Association of Rochester. 8 atn­ ner; free reiki and massage, refreshments. the lives ofLGBT people. Tuesdays, 6:30- 4261 Culver Rd noon, Metro Center of SUNY Brockport, 55 For appointment call Highland Breast 8 pm, light dinner served. For informa­ St. Paul St., downtown. Key convener: Rep. Imaging, 487-3300. tion: 244-8640 ext 19. Sat& Sun Louise Slaughter; Keynote Speaker: Maid­ Butch Femme Connection. Hallow­ WEDNESDAY 21 stone Mulenga, D&C Global Editor. $20; een Costume Party and Bonfire. 6 pm. Impact Team meeting. 6:30 pm, $10 students with ID. Tickets: 473-7286. For location, call 288-7208 or e-mail Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 12 -4 pm A Celebration of The Little. The Lit­ [email protected]. 121 N. Fitzhugh St. Call Todd Plank, tle Theatre celebrates its 80th anniversary. SUNDAY 11 585-271-2420; [email protected]. Bring a copy of this ad Robert Forster will receive the Little's new National Coming Out Day Grand opening of David Boh­ & receive a FREE kitty Film Vanguard Award. 240 East Ave. Dignity Integrity Roman Catholic nett CyberCenter, GAGV Library & TUESDAY 6 Liturgy of the Word. 5 p.m. at St. Luke Archives. 6-8 pm, New library room next playhouse - while Gay Fathers of Rochester. Social and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church to GAGVYouth Center, first floor, 875 E, group meets 6:30-8:30 pm, GAGV Youth ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fitzhugh St. web­ Main St. (Prince St. entrance). supplies last! Center, first floor, Auditorium Center, site at www.di-rochester.org. Recorded FRIDAY 23 875 E. Main St. info-line at 585-234-5092. Lt. Dan Choi, Army officer and lin­ PetAdoption Network.org PFLAG potluck, screening. "Gay guist discharged for being gay, speaks at Pioneers". Discussion follows. 6-8 pm, St. U. of Rochester on Don't Ask Don't Tell. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2000 High­ Sponsored by UR Pride Network. 7 pm, 585-338-9175 land Ave. at Winton. 244-8640 ext 27. Hubbell Auditorium, Hutchinson Hall, $7.

Development Grant; offers unrestricted strong hands work their magic on you, support to visual artists by placing priority call me! I'm a fit, friendly, healthy Italian on advancing the grantee's career. While GM. My 10 years-plus experience ensures granting period extends over one year, your relaxation and satisfaction. Hotel Classifieds continued benefits are exponential, con­ out calls or central location in calls. Rea­ tinuing throughout artist's lifetime. ART­ sonable rates, discretion assured. Don't WORKinternational Inc.'s mission: create Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is anoth­ delay, call me today at 585-235-6688 a global presence for visual artists. ABCD (h) or 585-773-2410 (c) or e-mail me at er $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: Grant: an uncharted grant accessible to [email protected]. The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Paying by visual artist applicants worldw·de, of any Body rub. If you have tried the rest check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance or GAGV. The deadline is the background, working in any media, at any 15th of the month, for the following month's issue. We cannot accept ads over stage of their career. ARTWORKinter­ now try the best. Reasonable rates. Dis­ the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by national, Inc. offers full-spectrum career creet. 585-698-8157. name and phone number. Neither will be published, but we must be able to con­ firm placement. The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical development to the selected artist(s) free PERSONALS injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use of charge; has been in business for over a The Empty Closet publishes free ads for their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number. decade; has worked with most prestigious prisoners on a space-available basis. art venues throughout the world, includ­ I am a Bi black man who is a top and ANNOUNCEMENTS speak English; be able to receive proj­ ing prominent art publications, contem­ is incarcerated in prison and seeking a We want to understand how pros­ ect materials through the mail, complete porary curators, critics, collectors, and pen pal. Looking for a bi, gay, TV or TS dealers; serves as liaison between artist tate cancer affects the lives of gay men. web-based survey. If men are currently who is single and lonely as I am. Michael and art world. Creating a global presence If you are a gay man who has been diag­ in a relationship, partner may also be eli­ Thames, 84B2088, Collins Correctional for visual artists, www.artworkinterna­ nosed with prostate cancer, we want you gible to complete a separate web-based tional.com; http://www.artworkinterna­ Facility, PO Box 340, Collins NY 14034- to tell us about treatments you have survey about experience as partner of tional.com/. Submission guidelines and 0340. received and how they may have affected man with prostate cancer. All information additional information can be found at your lives, relationships. Men can expect CONFIDENTIAL. Compensation: $20 FOR RENT http://www.artworkinternational.com/ a short phone call to make sure they upon completion of the survey. Please call Room for rent in a nice house with a grant.html. For additional information, are eligible; a web-based survey requir­ 1-866-643-7604 or E-mail: CancerOut­ great yard. The house has two fireplaces please contact: ARTWORKinternational, ing approximately 45 minutes. Survey [email protected] and plenty of privacy. Off street parking, Inc.: 505 I 982 7447; grant@artworkinter­ includes questions about how prostate New $12,000 grant, open to visual Roadrunner, heat and utilities includ­ national. com. cancer has affected your health and rela­ artists worldwide. Deadline for receipt of ed. $400/month includes all. MUST BE tionships. Some questions about treat­ submissions: Dec. 31. ARTWORK- inter­ SERVICES clean and neat, respectful. No pets or ment-related side effects. Must identify national, Inc. of Santa Fe, NM announces Rochester's best body rub. To all smokers. Available November. Email: as gay or bisexual; be able to read and privately funded Artist Business Career you men who have not yet let my skilled, [email protected] OCTOBER 2009 • NUMBER 428 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 15

Catholic Gay & Lesbian Family Ministry Transgender Group Third Thursday, 7-9pm, School of Good Last Saturdays, 2-5pm, Downtown United Shepherd Church, 3288 E. Henrietta Rd. Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh. 392-2862. Ongoing Calendar Transmen Social Group AQA Third Saturdays. For time, place e-mail Support group for transgender people of Sean at [email protected]. MONDAY Gay Alliance Board ofDirectors Meeting color. Third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm, Third Wednesdays, 7pm, Saturday Night Special Gay AA LGBT Support Group MOCHA, 107 Liberty Pole Way. 420-1400. 875 E. Main St., fifth floor. 244-8640 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. Third Presbyterian Church, comer of Meigs, Second Thursdays S. Men and women. Open meeting. East Av. First, 3rd Mon., 7:30-9 pm. 654- New Freedom New Happiness Social and business networking, 5:30-7:30 Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf 7516. AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, pm, The Inn on Broadway, 26 Broadway St. (LRAD) Second Saturdays, 6-9pm. 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. Gay Square Dance Group E-mail [email protected] for [email protected] Mondays, 7pm, Open Arms MCC, Support Group for Parents Who information. 740 Marshall Rd. 520-5358; Have Lost ChUdren SUNDAY [email protected]. First, 3rd Wednesdays, llam-12:30pm, FRIDAY Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Gay Men's AA meeting Free syphilis testing and Gays (PFLAG) Genesee Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. AIDS Rochester, 1350 University Ave., Third Sundays, 2-4 pm. Nopper Room, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. 5-8 pm. 442-2220 COAP Gay Alliance, fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. Come Out and Play. Business meeting last Bear and Leather Dance Night [email protected]. Rochester Historical Bowling Society Wednesday. Equal Grounds Coffee Shop, Second Fridays, lOpm-2am. Nasty D's, 140 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, Tawa Pano Unity Fellowship Church 750 South Ave. 7pm, John S., 261-7263. Alexander St. 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) Sundays, Warn, 758 South Ave. 617-4279 GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Empire Bears Dignity-Integrity HIV Positive Gay Men Support group Second Fridays, 5:30 pm, Various locations. First Wednesdays, 7:45pm, GAGV 5pm, St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, Every Monday, 5pm, AIDS Rochester, Community Center, 875 E. Main St., fifth [email protected]; 478- 1350 University Ave. 442-2220, ext. 3051 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Every Sunday, 234-5092 floor. [email protected] 1565; [email protected]. Green Party (political) Open Arms Metropolitan Community Rochester Rams General Meeting 2nd Mondays, 7-9pm, GAGV Community SATURDAY Church 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Bachelor Forum, Center, 875 E. Main St., 5th fl. 234-6470 Rochester Rams Bar Night 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 1O:30am. 271-8478 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Gay Men's Alcoholics Anonymous GAGVYouth Drop-In Hours Transgender Group Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 Mondays, Wednesdays, 2-6pm, GAGV St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, Third Wednesdays, 6:30-9pm, Downtown Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. Empire Bears Bar Night 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8:30pm, 232-6720, United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. entrance, first floor. 244-8640, ext 13. First Saturdays. Bachelor Forum, Weekly. Closed meeting Multicom-4 Coffee Talk 470 University Ave. www.empirebears.org. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers GAGVYouth Group 7pm, Spin Cafe, 739 Park Av. Social for Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House Ages 13-23. Every Sunday, 2-4pm, GAGV former Multicom-4 BBS members; other 9 am, George Eastman House parking lot. parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 GLBT cyber geeks welcome, every fourth www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Rainbow Seniors Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support Wednesday, 8pm Empire Bears Potluck Group First Sundays: Euchre Club, 3-6pm. Third GAGV Library & Archives 2nd Saturdays, GAGV Youth Center, 875 Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave. Sundays, Potluck at First Universalist 8pm Wednesdays, 5th floor, Auditorium E. Main, first floor, Prince St. entrance. Church, 150 S. Clinton Ave., 4pm. Center, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Bring dish to TUESDAY pass. www.empirebears.org. Men's Cooking Group Atlantic Five 0 Brothers Keeper Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664 . • Cross Dresser Support Group Gay men 50 and over. Second Tuesdays, Support group for men over 30. Third First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: 7pm, GAGV Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA 251-2132; [email protected] first floor, Prince St. entrance. 249-4922. Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way. 420-1400 Two Spirit Group GAGVYouth Drop In Hours Second Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, Equal=Grounds, Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-7 pm, GAGV 750 South Ave. Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. entrance, first floor. 244-8640 ext 13. PFLAG potluck First Tuesdays. 6: dinner; 6:30: meeting. St. Stonewall Democrats ofthe Genesee Valley AA Thomas Church, Winton & Highland. Meets 4th Wednesdays, 7:30pm, GAGV Community Center, 875 E. Main St., 5th Meetings in Rochester LGBTQ Body Image Group floor, Nopper Room. Second, fourth Tuesdays. GAGV Nopper Every week there are four regularly scheduled Room, 5th floor, 875 E. Main St. Free. 244- Frontrunners/Frontwalkers GLBTI AA meetings in Rochester. 8640 ext 13. 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Wednesdays CampusOut Coffee Night New Freedom/New Happiness Group First Tuesdays, 7-10 pm, Equal=Grounds, THURSDAY 750 South Ave. 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: Take the Presbyterians fur Lesbian and Gay Concerns last #18 University bus to 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of the hill Gay Fathers' Social Group 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner First Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm, GAGV Youth Queer Radical Reading Group of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. This is an Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor. 426- First and third Thursdays, 7 pm, open discussion meeting. All issues - as they relate to our alcoholism/addiction 9695. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. and recovery - are fair game. MOCHA Youth Drop-In Pride at Work Fridays Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, 107 First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. off Gay Men's Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 Thurston Rd. 426-0862. 7:30 p.m. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic GLOB&L • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third (Gays and Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb). • Men's meeting Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 • Handicapped accessible 420-1400 conference room at the Optic Center. This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you are shy about meeting people or Voice mail: 338-8977 Rainbow Seniors Yoga speaking up in a group, you will find this meeting particularly warm and inviting 6-7pm Open Arms MCC, 125 Norris Drive, Rochester Gay Men's Chorus because everyone gets their turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meeting 442-6369. Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 often runs long, so plan on more than the usual hour. N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Women's Community Chorus Saturdays Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Free confidential walk-in HIV testing Saturday Night Special Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 N. Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, AIDS 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: The #18 Fitzhugh St. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org Rochester, 1350 University Ave. 442-2220 University Ave. bus does not go by the church on weekend evenings. Take the LGBT Survivors ofViolence Partner Bereavement Group #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south Every Tuesday, 7:15-8:30 pm, GAGY's First and third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm. Open (uphill) on Winton. Nopper Room, fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. drop-in session; professionally led. Freewill • Open meeting, all are welcome, "straight-friendly" 244-8640 ext 17 or 19. donation to hospice requested. Lifetime Care, • Mixed men and women 3111 Winton Road, 214-1414 IMPACT Team • Handicapped accessible, take the elevator to the basement Second Tuesdays, Downtown Presbyterian MOCHAlGAGVYouth Trans Group Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30 pm. Call First Thursdays, 5-7pm, GAGVYouth Todd Plank, 271-2420. Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor (Prince St. Sundays entrance). 244-8640 ext 13. Rochester Gay Men 8 p.m. at St. Luke/St. Simon's Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Bus riders WEDNESDAY U. of Rochester Pride Network Tawa Pano Church Bible Study use the Fitzhugh St. stop on Main St. at the County Office Building and walk Every Thursday, 9pm, Morey 502 on River south one block. Bible study 7:15pm. 758 South Ave. Campus ofU.R. www.sa.rochester.edu/pn. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts Country Line Dancing/Two Stepping Green Party (political) Movie Night • Men's meeting Every Wednesday, Muthers, 40 S. Union, Second Thursdays, 7-9pm, GAGV Nopper • NOT handicapped accessible 7pm, Lessons followed by dancing until Room, 875 E. Main St., fIfth floor. 234-6470. Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion. 10pm, Beginners to advanced. 16 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 428 • OCTOBER 2009