Section A NEW YORK STATE'S OLDEST LGBT PUBLICATION

on Feb. 6, sponsored by the Gay Alliance. The dance will run from 7-11 p.m. in the Cathedral Hall, Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. DJ Chuck Argento will pro­ vide music for all ages, and there will be light refreshments, des­ serts, a gift basket raffle and an auction. Organizers hint, "Wear red to win prizes". Dance admission is $7 and the fee for the Ravines Cellar Wine and The Red Ball Hedonist Artisan Chocolates celebrates love, Tasting in the Beaujolais Nou­ community veau Room is $5. Tickets will be available at Outlandish and The Red Ball, a Valentine's Equal=Grounds, and online at Dance "celebrating community, www.gayalliance.org. love and friendship," will be held Information: 244-8640.

ARI-ACHC merger creates AIDS Care Rebecca Newberry, former CampusOut Coordinator for the After more than a year of Gay Alliance, and transgender activist Deborah Oppenheimer planning, preparation and per­ (Inset: Pam Barres). Photos: billijo wolf severance, the legal merger between AIDS Community Health Center and AIDS Roch­ Pride Agenda STAR Awards go to ester is official. Newberry, Oppenheimer at first The new organization formed by this merger is called regional volunteer recognition event AIDS Care, located at 259 Mon­ By Susan Jordan five of the Pride Agenda's annual roe Ave. This is the only organi­ OnJan. 12, the Empire State statewide lobby days, commonly zation in the Finger Lakes region Gear up for first Pride Agenda hosted its first known as Equality & Justice with HIV/AIDS care and sup­ LGBT Health Month Rochester STAR Awards volun­ Day, and has served as a meeting port services as its sole focus and teer recognition event, honor­ facilitator in Albany as well as in it will offer a wide array of HIVI By Erik Libey ing Rebecca Newberry, former in-district meetings with NYS AIDS medical, social and pre­ The National Coalition for CampusOut Coordinator for the Assembly members and Sena­ vention services. LGBT Health has once again Gay Alliance, and transgender tors. "We've always prided our­ chosen dates for communities activist Deborah Oppenheimer. Deb has participated in many selves on providing all the HIVI nationwide to celebrate National Around 35 people attended. GENDA coalition conferences AIDS care, support, outreach, LGBT Health Awareness Week. The Awards evening took and currently serves as the Roch­ and prevention services people These dates, March 28 through place at Downtown United Pres­ ester regional co-chair for the (AIDS Care continues page 3) (Gear up continues page 3) byterian Church and was catered (pride Agenda continues page 3) by Eclectic Cafe. In previous years this annual event has been hosted in NYC, with honor­ Pandora's ees from around the state being gathered in one central place to adventures be recognized. This year, WNY in reality TV Field Organizer Todd Plank said, the decision was made to Page B1 host volunteer recognition events regionally, so that local members of the community could attend and join in celebrating the work and contributions of their area activists. Deborah Oppenheimer was honored for her exemplary role as a community activist. For more than seven years, Deb has persisted in her efforts to SEN. ROBACH'S VOTE HURT FAMILIES: LGBT rights support­ ers, organized by Civil Rights Front, picketed NYS Senator help pass important legislation, Joseph Robach's Greece office on Dec. 18 in 12 degree tem­ including the Gender Non-Dis­ peratures to protest his vote against marriage equality. See crimination Act (GENDA), the page A 18 for more coverage of local protests against Sen. Dignity for All Students Act Robach's opposition to equal rights for his LGBT constituents (DASA) and a marriage equal­ and their families. Photo: Bess Watts ity bill. She has participated in

The Gay Alliance appreciates the continuing u. d k F1 FINAI>ICIAL AACHIliCTS ," 0::" partnership of businesses within our community 1'\..0 . a 14: Merrilll.ynr:h Inside who support our mission and vision. Section A Newsfronts ...... 4 lacel Bausch & Lomb CORNI IG Gold Eastman Kodak Company; Mass Mutual Financial WoI IJIt III1'\'ICU Interview: Anne Tischer ...... 6 Group; Merrill Lynch; Nixon Peabody, LLP ..._ .... ,,"" ~THE Pride Corner ...... 12 ---""" Soulforce journey ...... 17 MONROEPWJ Silver Ace Mailing Services; Bausch & Lomb Inc.; Making The Scene ...... 18 Corning Incorporated; Harter Secrest & Emory LLP; v I TT FOR~Ii&CAL Heveron & Heveron CPAs; ITT Corporation; Monroe Plan for Section B Medical Care; Sage Advisors of Sage Rutty; St. John Fisher Entertainment: Pandora Boxx ... 1 - Columnists ...... 15 College; Tim Tompkins Enterprises; Xerox Capital Services e GAGV Youth: College tours ..... 10 Bronze Canandaigua National Bank; Edgerton Florist; D ~~OO GAGV News: Getting your mar- Empire State College; GALAXE Pride at Work; Open Arms ~ Bank&Trust ri age recog nized ...... 10 Metropolitan Community Church; Third Presbyterian Church; Groups ...... 13 EDGElHON ILORAL co Wegmans Food Markets; The Woolbright Group Calendar ...... 14 Classifieds ...... 14 Pride Thomson Reuters Ongoing Ca lendar ...... 115 2 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010 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 © 2010, All rights reserved.

Editor·in·Chief: Susan Jordan FROM THE FROM THE Staff Reporters: Ove Overmyer, Laura McSpadden Empty Closet Editor Executive Director Graphic Design: Jim Anderson

Advertising policy: SUSAN JORDAN SUE COWELL The Empty Closet does not print advertise­ ments that contain nude drawings or pho­ crimes from law enforcement, and critically important touchstone tographs, nor does it print advertising that settling civil lawsuits by victims," for people who want to work states that the person pictured in the ad is wrote Keori on pamshouseblend. for sale, or that you will "get" that particular with the broader LGBT commu­ person if you patronize the establishment com in December 2009. nity. I am regularly contacted by advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly "Recently, the Murphy Com­ racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homophobic other service organizations that will be refused; advertisements from organi­ mission in Ireland completed wish to collaborate and represent zations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist a three-year investigation into the interests of LGBT citizens. or anti-gay will also be refused. All politi­ decades of systemic abuse and cal advertisements must contain informa­ Collaborative efforts with others tion about who placed them and a method sexual exploitation of children and representation of our com­ of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet at the hands of Roman Catho­ does not print negative or "attack" advertise­ munity in the media are impor­ ments, whether they relate to a product or lic clergy in that country. The tant activities that help change politics and no matter in whose interest the Dublin Archdiocese covered up Rochester for the better. ad is being produced. A negative advertise­ hundreds of cases of criminal ment is defined as one that focuses upon a As I write this, we have just rival product, or in the political arena, a rival child rape, sheltered the priests, completed a wonderful event election candidate or party, in order to point and shuffled them to other par­ in partnership with Geva The­ out supposed flaws an ad to persuade the ishes to avoid discovery, includ­ public nollo buy it (or vote for him or her). The ater. 175 people attended and Empty Closet maintains, within legal bound­ ing parishes in the United States. participated in a dialogue after aries, neutrality regarding products, political "This is in addition to a candidates and parties. However, "attack" The Vatican or Creating a reading of "The Laramie Proj­ ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence report released six months ago ect: 10 Years Later." This was that the information in the ad is true do not loving gay families: detailing the endemic levels of Community (and So further in any way the obiectives and poli­ a free event that was part of child rape in church-run insti­ cies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, which really harms Much More) at the their Hornet's Nest Series. Kelly including the primary tenet that the Empty tutions since before the 1930s. children? Gay Alliance Clark, Director of Community Closet's purpose is to inform the Rochester Victims are urging wider gov­ gay community and to provide an impartial Safety, was a member of the forum for ideas. The Roman Catholic church ernment probes into the institu­ For more than 36 years, the panel discussion. (See page B 1) has poured millions into defeat­ tion which for decades enabled Gay Alliance has been creating Submissions: The Gay Alliance has been For publication, submit news items, ads, ing marriage equality in Califor­ the rape and abuse of women and serving the Rochester com­ invited to participate in the photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, pho­ nia and Maine, in an attempt to and children in orphanages, munity. There have been times tographs or art by mail or in person to The destroy 19bt families, including schools, and workhouses such as that the Gay Alliance has been 2010 National Healthcare Deci­ Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. sions Day (NHDD) on April Design services for non-camera ready ads those not of the Catholic faith. the Magdalene laundries. more successful at this than at are available for a fee. (www.emptycloset@ Not content with attacking "The Examiner newspaper, other times but I am proud to 16, 2010. The Gay Alliance will gagv.us) participate in this effort with gays from the pulpit, the Vatican describing the abuse as 'satanic', say we are stronger than ever. Publication Information: represses equal civil rights for said that (the Murphy) report During my tenure as Execu­ their Diversity Subcommittee. The Empty Closet is published 11 times a 19bt Americans through political uncovered a 'litany of horror' tive Director, I have had people Locally, this effort is led by Dr. year (December and January combined) by Patricia Bomba, Vice President The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance lobbying. Vatican bigots claim that could 'only be described as tell me that they do not feel a of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approximately that gay families are "harming" an active evil, a pervading dark­ personal need for the Gay Alli­ and Medical Director of Geriat­ 5000 copies of each issue are distributed rics at Excellus Blue Cross. during the first week of the month, some by their own children -- merely by ness that poisoned lives.' ance - they are grateful we are mail in a plain sealed envelope. The pub­ having them. They want to for­ "(The) report found that the here to help others, and grate­ The Gay Alliance regularly lication of the name or photograph of any works with many local, regional, person or organization in articles is not an bid gays to have children. archbishops did not report abuse ful they could call upon us if indication of the sexual or affectional orien­ Church leaders are alleged­ to police until the 1990s as part they ever had a crisis, but they statewide and national LGBT tation of that person or the members of that ly purging U.S. communities of of a culture of secrecy and an feel that we play no role in their groups, including Rainbow organization. For further information, please SAGE of Western New York, write to The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., women religious, presumably overriding wish to avoid damag­ daily lives. Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 going after lesbians and femi­ ing the reputation of the Church I can understand why some­ the MOCHA Center and Ima­ or e-mail [email protected]. geOut. We also partner with The Empty Closet is the official publi­ nists. They threaten to cut off and protect its assets. one may feel that way. The pro­ cation of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee their D.C. charities to punish the "One priest admitted to abus­ grams we are most recognized Pride and Joy Families of Bing­ Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that District of Columbia for passing ing over 100 children, another for are the Empty Closet, Youth hamton who provide family organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and marriage equality, and threaten was an active pedophile - raping Services, the Community Safe­ building support and activities. national gay-related news and events; to to deny communion to Catholic children of both sexes - for over ty Program and its crime vic­ Our work touches all lives, and provide a forum for ideas and creative work politicians like Patrick Kennedy, tim assistance and our Speakers lifts the visibility and credibility from the local gay community; to help pro­ 25 years." mote leadership within the community, and who support women's right to SNAP, the Survivors Net­ Bureau. Many of you may never of the LGBT communities every to be a part of a national network of lesbian choose not to have children. work of those Abused by Priests, have a reason to interact with day in many different ways. Do and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate. Meanwhile, the worldwide can help victims find support the staff who manage these pro­ we always get it right? Of course Part of our purpose is to maintain a sexual abuse of women and chil­ and counseling. grams, but I know the work they not. But life is better in Roches­ middle position with respect to the entire dren by priests, and the tra­ Given all of this, some humil­ do impacts your life by changing ter because we have been here to community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into con­ ditional concealment of these ity from church leaders might a variety of social systems as well answer questions, provide col­ sideration the views of all - women, men, crimes by church authorities, are seem in order. But of course as the hearts and minds of your laboration, and represent the people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life. finally being revealed. the men at the Vatican still see neighbors. needs and desires of all LGBT The opinions of columnists, editorial writ­ "In addition to money spent themselves as the ultimate moral However, I also want to people and our allies. ers and other contributing writers are their to persecute non-Catholic law­ authority, with the right to con­ remind those that feel uncon­ If you ever hear someone say own and do not necessarily reflect the col­ lective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the abiding gay citizens, the Catho­ demn the love, the consensual nected to our work that much that they have no reason to use Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The lic church has spent billions of sexuality and the families of all more happens in our offices the services of the Gay Alliance, Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication dollars worldwide enabling child humans born gay, lesbian, trans­ beyond these four major pro­ please help me to remind them (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omis­ rapists, concealing these heinous gender or bisexual. • grams. The Gay Alliance is a that they already do . • sion of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collec­ tion agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney. "Coming here taught me how to live." I ------Letters to the editor . - 15 year-old Youth Program participant . I - The opinions of columnists, editorial writers s you plan your end of the year giving, help to support and other contributing writers are their own I and do not necessarily reflect the collective I ARochester's LGBT Future by giving to the Gay Alliance. attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Hundreds of area youth participate in our programs. We Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print let­ also provide support to schools and families. I ters at the editor's discretion and on a space I available basis. Only one letter by the same Name writer in a six-month period is allowed. We I Address I will not print personal attacks on individuals, City/State/Zip nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right Phone to edit for space and clarity. We will print I E:mail I anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confi­ I Membership levels: I dentiality will be respected. Submissions are $25-99 Advocate 0 $100-999 Champion due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty o Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Roch­ I 0$1,000-4,999 Triangle Club 0 $5,000+ Stonewall I ester, NY 14605; e-mail: emptycloset@gagv. enefits begin with a subscription to The Empty Closet - us. Online edition of EC available at www. gayalliance.org. I Bmailed to home or work, plus privileges at each level. I Phone us: 585244-8640 or mail to the Gay Alliance, , I , I 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, ROcheste ~ , NY 14605 I OU' @' I 1b3n\(.1· row 4c1liance I """"}'~__ ..,. 2/10 Ga@V A____II-. ·ance' > . _------_ . ~of the getlesee valley FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 3

FROM PAGE ONE be present, as "they have a great two­ ministers act together." Barres praised (NewsBriefs from page 1) Deb Oppenheimer for her dedication and Youth Program members unable to trans­ added that the evening was also meant to port themselves to Lovin' Cup can catch honor everyone there and all the volun­ a ride on the AIDS Care Van which will teers who "move the work forward toward leave the GAGV Youth Center at 1:15 equality for LGBT people, and for all peo­ p.m. sharp! E-mail Jess at JessC@gayal­ ple - that's what it's really about." liance.org for more information or to Barres said that GENDA, the bill to LOCAL AND STATE reserve your seat . • give basic civil rights protections to trans­ gender New Yorkers, is expected to move forward this spring. She described her (Awards from page 1) intense disappointment last June 8, the statewide GENDA coalition. In past years day when GENDA was set to come up she facilitated at meetings of the Roches­ for a Senate vote - that was the day that ter Transgender Group. Deb has also been Republicans staged their attempted coup an advocate in the workplace. She wrote to regain a Senate majority. "Nothing draft policies for EEO and transition got voted on that day," Barres said. "The guidelines at her place of employment, moment passed and marriage became the both of which were adopted. Oppen­ issue ... In June, marriage equality would heimer's activism extends beyond the bor­ have been a vote of conscience for Repub­ ders of New York State. She has lobbied at licans, but, in my opinion, by December the federal level for inclusive hate crimes it had become a political vote." and employment non-discrimination leg­ Barres said that she is confident that islation. Deb has also brought transgender GENDA and Dignity for All Students issues into mainstream advocacy organi­ can pass this year, "if we all get out there zations such as NOW and Planned Par­ and push our senators to make it happen." enthood. Deb Oppenheimer thanked the In addition to her work with the Pride Pride Agenda and said that she has been Agenda, she has served on the Gay Alli­ inspired by the transgender people and ance board of directors since May of 2007 LGBT activists she has met over the years, and has been an active member of the in Provincetown, New York City, Buffalo GAGV Speaker's Bureau since 2005. and here in Rochester. The second honoree also has close Todd Plank presented the STAR ties to the Gay Alliance. In 2007 Rebec­ Award to Rebecca Newberry, stating, "I've ca Newberry founded the Gay Alliance never met such a natural organizer in my BRONSON TO RUN: Harry Bronson, Monroe County Legislature Minority Lead­ er, announced on Jan. 23 his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for NYS life. She has inspired me and taught me a of the Genesee Valley's CampusOUT Assemblymember Susan John's 131st District seat. Willa Powell, a Democrat program, a social justice coalition made thing or two about organizing." and School Board member, has also announced her candidacy. Bronson said up of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgen­ Newberry accepted her award with an on Jan. 23, "I enter this race because people are demanding a new approach der (LG BT) and supportive students on emotional tribute to her mother's inspiring to state government. Citizens want results and not partisan politics .... This five area college campuses. In the three work as an activist and leader. She said, campaign is about achieving the results the people want, have demanded and years that Rebecca served as coordinator, "Folks in Rochester are so welcoming and deserve." Above: Bronson spoke at the Gay Alliance protest rally on Dec. 3, after CampusOUT engaged over 250 students good at recognizing people's strengths and the NYS Senate had voted down marriage equality. For coverage of upcoming to travel to Albany for Equality & Jus­ helping them do their best ... I don't think state and local marriage organizing, see page A 6; for more coverage of recent tice Day to advocate for increased rights I'd have been as successful in organizing local marriage equality protests, see page A 18. Photo: Susan Jordan and protections for LGBT New Yorkers. CampusOut as I have if it hadn't been for She conducted approximately 20 lob­ these people and relationships. Even if we are defeated once or twice - or more - bying training workshops on campuses Van Capelle: Ford is "The fact is, Senator Gillibrand has they can't take these relationships and this across Monroe County and estimates that snake oil salesman voted in support of LGBT equality every community away from us." through her outreach over 500 students time she's had the chance to during her Both award recipients got standing Alan Van Capelle, executive director ~ave been initiated into community activ­ entire career as an elected official. Kirsten ovations from the audience. of the Empire State Pride Agenda, has Ism. Gillibrand has supported LGBT people Todd Plank said, "The Rochester issued the following statement on Harold Rebecca played a pivotal role in the and Harold Ford, Jr. has not. community is very fortunate to have pas­ Ford Jr. as a potential opponent of Kristen addition of a college caucus to the Pride "Quite frankly, I cannot point to sionate activists and leaders like Deb and Gillibrand, Governor Paterson's appointee Agenda's annual Albany lobby day. She another member of the U.S. Senate who, Rebecca. They inspire me and many oth­ as New York State Senator, replacing Hill­ helped design these forums and served in their first year in office, has been more ers to continue to advance the cause of ary Rodham Clinton: as a co-facilitator. For the past two years outspoken and passionate than Kirsten equality and justice for LGBTQ New "I know Harold Ford, Jr. just arrived these caucuses have proven to be a power­ Gillibrand about her support for leg­ Yorkers through education, advocacy and to New York, but as a native and lifelong ful means of connecting college students islation that would finally provide full outreach. We are truly blessed to have resident I know what New York values are across NYS and providing them with an equality to LGBT Americans. Person­ these hard working volunteers as mentors and I know a snake oil salesman when I opportunity to learn from each other and, ally speaking, she will have my vote and and role models for the next generation of see one. You simply can't claim to be pro­ through their collective role as activists, I would think that the work she has done activists." equality if you've twice voted to enshrine offer fresh insights and contribute new over the past year has earned her the sup­ Plank continued, "The Pride Agenda discrimination into the U.S. Constitu­ energy to the LGBT civil rights move­ port of the vast majority of LGBT New has aggressive goals for 2010, which will tion. ment. Yorkers." Rebecca's passion for transgender civil require the enthusiastic engagement of "While it may be tempting for Mr. rights is evident in her past involvement our existing base of volunteers and the Ford to compare himself to people like with Spectrum, Buffalo's trans gender additional help of many new activists in Senator Chuck Schumer, the fact remains Anti-gay harassment group, during which time she collaborat­ our civil rights struggle. I would encour­ that Senator Schumer - who did evolve may equal "stalking" ed in the hosting of the city's first trans­ age anyone who is interested in getting on his position on marriage equality - gender film festival. In August of 2009 more involved in our local community has been a longtime supporter of several By Susan Jordan Rebecca returned to Buffalo to begin activism to contact me." pieces of legislation that are very impor­ The Gay Alliance observed January as National Stalking Awareness Month. her graduate work in communications Monthly IMPACT team meetings are tant to LGBT people and never supported Stalking is defined as "a course of conduct and leadership at Canisius College with a held at the Downtown United Presbyteri­ the awful Federal Marriage Amendment. directed at a specific person that would concentration in non-profit management. an Church (121 N Fitzhugh St., 14614) on Harold Ford, Jr. is no Chuck Schumer "My goals for my life," Rebecca states, the third Wednesday of each month from and he is no Kirsten Gillibrand. (Stalking continues page 7) "are rooted in the values that my moth­ 6:30-8 p.m. An activist skill-building er instilled in me: dedication, passion workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. and justice." Rebecca is currently serving 27. For more details contact Todd Plank as the Development Director at Buffalo at 585-271-2420; tplank@prideagenda. Inqueery First, a grassroots non-profit dedicated to org or visit www.prideagenda.org. economic justice, localization, and green Classes y and responsible communities. Despite the many demands on Rebec­ (AIDS Care from page 1) UPCOMING ca's time, she has maintained her ties with infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS CLASSES the Pride Agenda by attending monthly need," says Jay Rudman, former presi­ IMPACT team meetings in Buffalo and dent of AIDS Community Health Center BDSM: An Introduction in December she returned to Rochester and newly appointed president and chief to co-facilitate a workshop with the Gary executive officer of AIDS Care. "Our LGBT Images from Hollywood Pudup of the NYCLU on grassroots orga­ new tagline - The Center for Positive Liv­ COMING OUT: What does that mean? nizing and civil disobedience (see page A ing - says it all. This new organization 18). will enable us to expand and improve the Beginning Knitting Pamela Barres, Pride Agenda Founda­ live-saving services we have more than 40 Introduction to ASL tion board member, co-hosted the eve­ years combined experience providing to Bible Self-Defense Class ning with Todd Plank and presented the the community." STAR Award to her friend and fellow AIDS Community Health Center and Dog Obedience for Queers and their Canines transgender activist Deb Oppenheimer. AIDS Rochester decided to merge to com­ Barres said she regretted that the two bine their resources to prevent additional See page 12 for more details and also other Rochester-area board members, the HIV infection and provide the best ser­ www.gayalliance.org Reverend Dr. Sharon Jacobson and the vices possible for those already infected. Reverend Jen Crowe, were not able to (AIDS Care continues page 7 ) 4 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010

of same-sex marriage on the marriages of A regulation promulgated by the Obama different-sex couples, and Ryan Kendall, administration last summer and final­ a gay man who testified about the "con­ ized in November went into effect Jan.!, versation therapy" he underwent in his removing HIV from the list of commu­ Newsfr{Dnts youth and how he has been affected by nicable diseases that bar foreign nationals discrimination. from entering the United States. Witnesses on Jan. 15 included Dr. Human Rights Watch noted that the Michael Lamb, a Professor and Head of first HIV-positive people to enter the NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL the Department of Social and Develop­ United States after the HIV travel restric­ mental Psychology at Cambridge Univer­ tions were lifted, Clemens Ruland and sity told the court, "We have a substantial Hugo Bausch, a Dutch couple, arrived at Prop 8 Trial still Olson and Boies also pointed out the body of evidence documenting that a JFK airport on Jan. 7. "crazy quilt" of separate, unequal and child being raised by same-sex parents are The Dutch cultural attache, Ferdi­ underway at EC press unconstitutional classifications of people just as likely to be well-adjusted as chil­ nand Dorsman, on behalf of the Dutch time that Prop. 8 has compelled the California dren raised by heterosexual parents." Dr. ambassador, and Boris Dittrich, advocacy government to create: opposite-sex cou­ Lamb also testified (referring to children director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and The case challenging California's same ples who have full marriage rights; same­ of gay and lesbian parents) that: "For a transgender rights program at Human sex marriage ban opened Jan. 11, heard by sex couples who have no marriage rights; significant number of these children, their Rights Watch, met them. u.s. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn same-sex couples married between May adjustment would be promoted were their "Travel restrictions on HIV-positive Walker. and Nov. 2008 whose current marriages parents able to get married." people fundamentally affect their human Judge Walker, who was appointed by are recognized, but who will be unable to He was followed by Helen Zia, an dignity," Dittrich said. "Lifting the HIV former President George H.W. Bush, is remarry if widowed or divorced; same-sex Asian American author and a lesbian. She travel ban was a victory for human rights." known as an independent thinker. He couples married in other states who may testified about her experiences with dis­ "The United States of America has fast-tracked the case because he believes petition California for recognition. crimination, the effects of being denied moved one step closer to helping combat the case raises serious civil rights claims The defendants have the burden of the right to marry and the importance of the stigma and ignorance that still too and took the unusual step of allowing demonstrating that Prop. 8 is narrowly being able to be married in 2008. "My often guide public policy debates around the court proceedings to be videotaped drawn to serve a compelling govern­ mother, an immigrant from China, she HIV/AIDS. Today, a sad chapter in our so the public could watch. The trial was ment interest. Olson and Boies planned really doesn't get what 'partner' is," Zia nation's response to people with HIV and to be aired on YouTube each day, but the to demonstrate at trial, however, that the said. "Marriage made it very clear that I AIDS has finally come to a close and we Supreme Court ruled against that. initiative fails to advance even a single was family, that we were family, and I was are a better nation for it," said Human After two weeks of powerful and often legitimate interest. where I belonged." Rights Campaign President Joe Solmo­ emotional evidence, the plaintiffs pre­ Tellingly, when asked by Chief Judge Best sites for commentary and trial nese. "This policy, in place for more than sented their last live witness Jan. 22. On Walker at an Oct. 14 hearing to identify recaps: two decades, was unnecessary, ineffective Jan. 25, the plaintiffs rested their case, any harm to opposite-sex marriage that Prop-osition 8 and the Right to Marry. and lacked any public health justifica­ and then the defendants will have their would result from marriage equality, the A law librarian with over 20 years experi­ tion." turn. Typically, at the end of all witness defendants' attol'ney answered, "I don't ence, Michael Ginsborg has blogged on In July 2008, President Bush signed testimony, the attorneys present closing know." Several defense witnesses have the topic since 2008 and always links to into law, as part of the reauthorization of the best posts and news around the inter­ arguments. On Jan. 22 Judge Walker maintained that gays are child molesters the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS net concerning gay marriage rights and announced that there would be a two or are trying to "recruit" children. Relief (PEPFAR), a provision that removed California's Proposition 8. week break before closing arguments to The federal trial over the unconsti­ the ban from statute and returned regula­ Law Dork. Chris Geidner's insights on give the parties a chance to review the tutionality of Proposition 8 went into tory authority to the Secretary of Health LGBT legal developments are always spot evidence. its sixth day on Jan. 19. During the past and Human Services to determine wheth­ on. He helpfully provides links to trial The federal trial over the unconstitu­ week, 10 witnesses, including Kris Perry, er HIV should remain on a list of commu­ transcripts and court orders as well. tionality of Proposition 8 began with an Sandy Stier, Paul Katami and JeffZarrillo nicable diseases that bar foreign nationals Prop 8 Trial Tracker. A project by the opening statement by attorney Theodore and five eminent experts, had clearly and from entering the country. Courage Campaign, a California mar­ Olson, who with David Boies lead the convincingly demonstrated critical points, The travel and immigration ban pro­ riage equality group, this blog is run by legal team assembled by the American including the importance of marriage in hibited HIV-positive foreign nation­ by longtime bloggers Robert Cruickshank Foundation for Equal Rights to litigate American society; that Proposition 8 per­ als from entering the U.S. unless they and Julia Rosen. Check out their recent the case, Perry v. Schwarzenegger. Olson petrates irreparable, immeasurable and obtained a special waiver, which was dif­ and Boies are both conservatives who post that goes over the names and players ficult to secure and then only allowed for discriminatory harm for no good reason; in the trial. oppose the rightwing conservative rejec­ and that by denying gay men and lesbians short-term travel. The policy also prevent­ tion of equal civil rights for 19bt Ameri­ Pam's House Blend. While definite­ ed the vast majority of foreign nationals the right to marry, Proposition 8 causes ly a political site, multiple contributors cans. grievous harm to the plaintiffs and other with HIV from obtaining legal perma­ Opening statements were followed by and readers insure that breaking news is nent residency in the United States. The gay men and lesbians throughout Califor­ always reported here very quickly. If you testimony from Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, ban originated in 1987, and was explic­ nia, and adds yet another chapter to the want to be the first to read about recent Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, who com­ itly codified by Congress in 1993, despite long history of discrimination they have developments, this is the place to go. In prise two couples who wish to be married efforts in the public health community to suffered. fact, they've just added a few things to but who were denied marriage licenses remove the ban when Congress reformed The trial's sixth day saw witness­ their blog to make finding breaking news because of Proposition 8. U.S. immigration law in the early 1990s. es including Jerry Sanders, the current about the trial even easier. "This unequal treatment of gays and While immigration law currently Republican Mayor and former Police Wall Street Journal Law Blog. If you're lesbians denies them the basic liberties Chief of the City of San Diego who is the excludes foreigners with any "communi­ looking for in depth legal analysis of the cable disease of public health significance" and equal protection under the law that father of a lesbian daughter. He testified trial, you can't beat the WSJ Law Blog. are guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amend­ about his decision, as Mayor, to support from entering the U.S., only HIV had Don't expect a post on the trial more often been explicitly named in the statute. ment of the United States Constitution," the City of San Diego's participation in than once a day, but do expect for it to the plaintiffs' suit states. an amicus brief advocating against the be engaging and to come with insightful According to the suit, Prop. 8 violates exclusion of same-sex couples from mar­ comments by readers. EEO policies to list the Due Process Clause by impinging on riage and why he concluded supporting fundamental liberties; violates the Equal marriage equality was and is in the best gender identity Protection Clause of the Fourteenth interest of the local government and com­ Ban lifted on HIV Beginning in 2010, the Obama admin­ Amendment; singles out gays and lesbians munity. positive visitors and istration, through the Office of Personnel for a disfavored legal status, thereby creat­ Witnesses also included M.Y. Lee Management, has started to list gender ing a category of "second-class citizens"; Badgett, Ph.D., a professor of econom­ immigrants to U.S.A. identity among the classes protected by discriminates on the basis of gender and ics at the University of Massachusetts, A ban on HIV positive visitors and federal Equal Employment Opportunity discriminates on the basis of sexual ori­ Amherst, who testified about the private immigrants entering the country, first (EEO) policies. entation. harms caused by Prop 8 and the impact established in 1987, has now been lifted. By including gender identity as a pro-

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Governor John the Garden State," said Human Rights and the majority of the New Jersey pub­ stating its commitment to protecting Lynch signed marriage equality legisla­ Campaign President Joe Solmonese. lic who support ending the denial of transgender employees and has taken a tion in June 2009, which was set to go "Failing to provide loving, committed marriage licenses to same-sex couples. significant step toward ending employ­ into effect on the new year. couples access to marriage leaves them Legislators themselves, even opponents, ment discrimination against LGBT peo­ ''As wedding bells ring in the new separate and unequal - civil unions are have confirmed that the civil union ple in the federal workforce. year in New Hampshire, it marks a new not the same as marriage." law does not work to protect and sup­ Although a long-standing federal law era for the state and for America," said At this time, five states recognize port those families, and is no substitute prohibits any federal employment deci­ GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "Gay marriage for same-sex couples under for the freedom to marry. Freedom to sions that are not based on merit and and lesbian New Hampshire couples state law: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Marry applauds Garden State Equality's another law prohibits sex discrimination, today are better able to take care of each Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire. and Lambda Legal's announcement that the new EEO policy marks the first time other and their families. After marriage Five states - California, New Jersey, they are going back to court to fulfill that gender identity discrimination has equality became law in Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada - the constitutional's command of equal­ been explicitly banned from the federal it made a huge difference in my life and plus Washington, D.C. provide same­ ity and secure the freedom to marry for workplace. The policy is now on the fed­ enabled me to fully care for my husband sex couples with access to the state level committed couples in New Jersey." eral government's jobs Web site as a link and our two children." benefits and responsibilities of mar­ The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against from more than 20,000 current federal "As more and more Americans are riage, through either civil unions or Defamation (GLAAD) continued media job listings. The American Civil Liber­ coming to know and understand gay domestic partnerships. D.C. has passed monitoring following New Jersey State ties Union praised the Obama adminis­ and lesbian families, the public support marriage rights but must wait for Con­ Senate's vote. GLAAD is working to tration for initiating the change in EEO for equality and fairness for all families gressional review. ensure that local and national media policy and urged Congress to continue is growing. Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Mary­ outlets are accurate in reporting and to work for further protections for LGBT "GLAAD joins New Hampshire land, Rhode Island and Wisconsin ground coverage in the stories of loving Americans. Freedom to Marry Coalition and the provide same-sex couples with limit­ and committed couples. These stories "This new policy is a very significant courageous couples who shared their ed rights and benefits. New York and will raise awareness among New Jer­ development," said Christopher Anders, personal stories in celebrating today's Washington, D.C. recognize marriages sey residents of the concrete harms that ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel. "The landmark nuptials," Barrios said. of same-sex couples validly entered into couples face without marriage protec­ inclusion of gender identity in federal Rightwing opponents of 19bt Ameri­ outside of the jurisdiction. tions. EEO policies is a very clear statement cans' families and civil rights have start­ Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, "Only with marriage can gay and that the federal government will not dis­ ed a campaign to overturn marriage Family EqualitY Council, said, "Today's lesbian families fully take care of each criminate based on gender identity. The equality in New Hampshire. State Senate vote failed New Jersey's other and today's vote is a painful loss Obama administration is demonstrating a families as well as the equality mandate for couples in New Jersey as well as strong commitment to an effective work­ N.J. senate rejects of the New Jersey Constitution. There across the country," said Jarrett Barrios, force by making clear that the federal are over 16,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual President of the Gay & Lesbian Alli­ government will not discriminate against marriage equality and transgender families in New Jer­ ance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "The march towards equality is far transgender employees." On Jan. 7, despite the leadership of sey, over a quarter of which are raising from over. The Supreme Court of New The new EEO policy protects fed­ Garden State Equality and elected lead­ thousands of children. For too long, Jersey unanimously ruled in 2006 that eral employees and applicants for federal ers such as Governor Jon Corzine, the these families have endured second­ employment, but federal legislation is class status under a separate, unequal, the New Jersey Constitution demands New Jersey State Senate failed to pass a that same-sex couples must be treated still needed to protect millions of LGBT marriage equality bill by a vote of 14-20. and unconstitutional civil union scheme employees working for businesses and that even legislators who oppose mar­ equally and GLAAD joins Garden State According to journalist Michael K. Equality and Lambda Legal to continue state and local governments. The House Lavers, New Jersey activists continue to riage equality concede is a proven fail­ and Senate currently have versions of ure. These families, and particularly the working for equality in New Jersey." point the finger at incoming Gov. Chris "We urge gay and lesbian New Jersey the Employee Non-Discrimination Act Christie as the primary reason lawmak­ children in them, need and deserve the (ENDA) pending. ENDA, if passed, recognition, respect, and security full couples and allies to share their stories ers defeated the bill. Christie has repeat­ with their neighbors, friends, co-work­ would be the first-ever federal ban on edly said he would veto any bill that marriage equality provides. employment discrimination of LBGT "Despite today's vote, full marriage ers and local media to show legislators would allow gays and lesbians to marry. that the public supports fairness for all Americans in the workplace. equality is closer than ever before in He reportedly pressured Republican couples. We also encourage media out­ "Employment discrimination can have New Jersey and it will come. The New lawmakers in both the state Assem­ lets to share stories of the New Jersey a devastating effect on transgender Ameri­ Jersey Supreme Court unanimously bly and Senate to oppose the measure, couples who are left vulnerable after cans and the families they support," said ruled in 2006, in a case led by Lamb­ Lavers writes. State Sen. Brian Baroni today's vote," Barrios said. Anders. "With its new policy, the federal (R-Hamilton) is the only GOP legislator da Legal, that LGBT families must be government is setting a good example for who voted in support of the bill. treated equality under the New Jersey all employers. Although many state gov­ The bill had passed out of the J udi­ Constitution. We look forward to sup­ Portugal beats the U.S. ernments and businesses already provide ciary Committee by a 7 to 6 vote in porting Lambda Legal, and continu­ to marriage equality workplace protections for transgender December. ing to support Garden State Equality, employees, explicit protection of transgen­ Steven Goldstein's (Garden State as Lambda Legal goes back to court to Portugal, traditionally one of der federal employees will likely be a cata­ Equality) response was, "This isn't over. secure the full equality due to New Jer­ Europe's most socially conservative lyst for many more states and businesses The 14-20 vote against marriage equal­ sey's LGBT families. Catholic countries, approved the legal­ to apply the federal policy. With this new ity isn't the final word on the issue. "The recent passage of marriage ization of gay marriage on Jan. 8 with a policy and ENDA pending in both the We're going back to court. equality in Washington, D.C. demon­ minimum of fuss. House and Senate, we have an unprec­ "With today's vote in the state Sen­ strates that the national momentum The vote was 125 to 99. edented opportunity to protect the rights ate, the New Jersey legislature defaulted for full marriage equality remains on "This law rights a wrong," Prime of all Americans at work. When Congress on its constitutional obligation to pro­ the side of love and justice. The Family Minister Jose Socrates said in a speech returns later this month, both houses vide same-sex couples in New Jersey Equality Council, alongside the fami­ to lawmakers, adding that it "simply should make passing ENDA a priority." equal protection, as unanimously man­ lies we support, will continue to push ends pointless suffering." A copy of an ACLU report, Work­ dated by the New Jersey Supreme Court for full equality until the days of partial With the governing Socialists and ing in the Shadows: Ending Employ­ in 2006. That's why we at Garden State rights, injustice, and inequality finally other left-wing parties enjoying a strong ment Discrimination for LG BT Equality are here with our partner become a relic of the past in New Jersey majority, the new law is likely to gain Americans, is available at: www.aclu.org/ Lambda Legal, which has an extraordi­ and across the U.S." final approval before a visit by homo­ Igbt/discrim/31836pub20070917.html nary track record of advancing LGBT Evan Wolfson, executive director of phobic Pope Benedict XVI, due in Por­ civil rights in the courts. Freedom to Marry and author of Why tugal in May. "Now our organizations will Marriage Matters: America, Equality In contrast to Spain, where the lead­ Queer couples start up to the legalization of gay marriage in marrying in N.H. announce major news. Our side is going and Gay People's Right to Marry, said, back to court to win marriage equality." "Today the New Jersey Senate failed 2005 brought hundreds of thousands of demonstrators onto the streets, the bill At midnight on Jan. 1, jubilant gay "Today's vote by the New Jersey Sen­ to do right by the New Jersey families and lesbian couples began to marry legal- ate perpetuates a system of inequality in harmed by exclusion from marriage, (Portugal continues page 14) SOFIA'S CUSTOM CARPENTRY

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upping the scope of community dia­ achieved one changed heart at a time and logue, including doing public debates we all will share the credit. and challenging "moveable middle" EC: What can we do to get involved? churches to start the dialogue about AT: Organizations in Rochester are same-sex marriage. Equality ROC will dovetailing in our efforts to cover all ways be working with MENY on such efforts. to promote LGBT equality. ESPA con­ We are early in the QOI0 planning cycle tinues their work focusing on GENDA so direct action events will tend to be and Dignity for all Students now, but are "opportunist" in nature for a while, but always available for advice and mentor­ regardless of the organization you are ing on marriage issues. While the Civil talking about, direct action is now on Rights Front allies with Equality Across everybody's plate as a viable tactic. America and does edgy actions with a EC: Do you have a sense of whether federal focus, another local grassroots young queers are active in this cam­ group, Equality ROC (EROC) works paign? with Marriage Equality New York from AT: Active? These kids will wear you a statewide perspective. Pulling from sea­ out. Young progressive groups like Roch­ soned activists, Equality ROC (EROC) ester's Civil Rights Front (CRF) are fear­ meets second and fourth Wednesdays at less, creative and energetic and will carry the Gay Alliance and promotes visibility, the flag for direct action. Their meetings education and advocacy. (Tuesdays 7 p.m. at Equal=Grounds) are Looking forward, EROC is promot­ open to anyone and are like a shot of ing Marriage Equality Lobby Day in adrenalin to us tired old activists. Albany, Feb. 23; has an Unfair Gay They got two busloads of people to Tax Day "Unhappy Hour" planned for the National Equality March on Wash­ April 15 and is coordinating the rainbow ington and have since networked with umbrella "Wedding March" in Rochester Equality Across America (EAA), who next fall. They are committed to provid­ advocate for full LGBT rights with a fed­ ing support for existing organizations eral focus. Currently CRF is planning a like the Pride Agenda as needed and will local LGBT Rights Conference at RIT on Feb. 20 to which the public is invited. be focused on keeping a steady LGBT They have talked about doing a "kiss-in" presence in the written media. - sounds fun to me. What's gonna work in the fight for EC: Who are our allies? Marriage Equality? All of the above. AT: Whatever sphere you operate in, We need everybody working from every there is movement toward GLBT vis­ angle. Here is a shameless plug .... Con­ ibility in the wider community and that tact me and I will make sure you get Anne Tischer "Wedding March" in September, echo­ is the most effective tool we have to hooked up with an activist organization ing the march across the Brooklyn Bridge achieve marriage equality and full civil you can work with comfortably. Or at By Susan Jordan done with rainbow umbrellas. rights. Out & Equal, Outreach, Out for least get on the notification tree so you Marriage Equality actlVlst Anne EC: Why push for marriage equal­ Justice, PFLAG, Interfaith Advocates, know what is happening here in Roches­ Tischer of the new group Equality ROC ity now when the next vote could be 18 Pride at Work AFL-CIO, MOCHA, ter this year. (EROC) fills us in on what is happen­ months away? Gay Straight Alliances, Rainbow SAGE Contact Anne Tischer at 426-0862; ing around NYS and in Rochester in the AT: It is important to remember how and more all playa huge role in putting [email protected]. ongoing campaign for full equality for long it took for women to get the vote and a human face to the cause of equal rights. LGBT Rights activists at large: LGBT New Yorkers and our families. the number of times it failed. Finally, after Behind the scenes the Gay Alliance EqualityROC; Civil Rights Front; Gay Empty Closet: What are activists 72 years, a 24-year-old Tennessee legisla­ goes unrecognized for the enormous Alliance Speakers Bureau; ESPA Com­ across the state thinking about the best tor cast the tie-breaking vote heeding his support, training and resources they pro­ munity Ambassador; PFLAG (Parents, strategies for getting the marriage bill mother's instructions to be a "good boy" vide to activists and organizations who Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays); passed in the senate? and "support the ladies". We need to form advance our civil rights. Victory will be Pride at Work AFL-CIO . • Ann Tischer: The disappointing Mar­ long term relationships with state Senators riage Equality vote by the New York Sen­ and generate the public pressure needed to ate had the same effect as getting gut guarantee victory. punched by a bully... initially it knocked Replacing targeted Senators is also the wind out of everyone, but now we are part of the strategy. Senator Onorato, uniting, mad and targeted. under serious pressure, has already bowed The vote was useful as it's now appar­ out of running again. And Senator Has­ ent to the average Joe in our community sell-Thompson changed her vote to yes that full LGBT equality is not "inevitable" based on a personal connection made even in a supposedly progressive state like with an advocate. We need this year to do New York. I have seen many new faces at the setup work required for the next vote. activist meetings. The vote also revealed And don't assume that Empire State Pride our friends and non-friends in the Senate, Agenda has dropped the ball on marriage sharpened our strategies and has set the equality as they publicly prioritize the pas­ stage for statewide collaborations. sage of GENDA and Dignity for All Stu­ I and activists from Outspoken for dents legislation this year. Their fight for Equality Buffalo just returned from New marriage just moved behind the scenes. QUAL TY INSTALLATION &SERVICE York City, where we attended the huge EC: Can you tell us about plans for monthly meeting of Marriage Equality direct actions or other organizing? New York (MENY) and met with their AT: We went to NYC specifically to leadership. MENY remains focused on talk coordinated direct action and civil the fight for marriage as the most effective disobedience tactics. Downstate groups means of eliminating all forms of LGBT are already at work, targeting Senator It's Hard To Stop A Trane inequality. Krueger who is rumored to be gay and Get marriage and 95 percent of other voted no. He is being challenged to come problems disappear - immigration, unfair out in protests at his home and at his FURNACE taxation, survivors' benefits, health care appearances. Other no-voting Democrats access. It also establishes publicly that find their community meetings being co­ CLEAN &CHECK gays are equal citizens and makes it harder opted by LGBT activists who filibuster all ------~ to justify things like the military's Don't the speaking time. Ask, Don't Tell policy. Senator Robach of Rochester, a Repub­ MENY is actively networking state­ lican, has twice been publicly challenged 00 wide. Per Ron Zacchi, Executive director by protesters on his vote (see pages A 1 and of MENY: "Statewide support is the only A 18) and I suspect that we will see more :$10 OFF' way marriage equality will pass in our intensity in such direct action opportu­ ANY CLEAN CHECK I state. We need Western New York, Capi­ nities with targeted Senators. Marriage & tal Region, Orange County, Long Island, Equality New York has a newly formed With this coupon, one per customer. NYC, Republicans, Democrats, people of direct action component called Act Out Feldman Heating &Cooling • 288-2050 faith, people of color, elderly people, the that is being trained by veteran Act Up 19bt community, our straight allies and activists. They will be a resource statewide J many others, to have a fair shot at equal­ and will network with Rochester. ity in marriage." Doing civil disobedience is a "sexy" • HUMIDIFIERS ' AIR CLEANERS Local Rochester groups like Equality concept, but it is important to remem­ • WATER HEATERS • FURNACES • AIR CONDITIONERS ROC will be joining MENY in Albany on ber that our purpose is to pass legislation. • BOILERS • STEAM • DUCT CLEANING • FIREPLACES Feb. 23 for Marriage Equality Lobby Day. Political action gurus I met with expressed A bus will be going from Rochester and concern about using strong" direct action" Buffalo. Transportation and lunch will be as a first step this legislative session. What $35; scholarships are available. Register at then do you do for Act II? 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 288-2050 http://www.meny.us/med.php. They have advised doing progressive­ 1776 E. MAIN ST. ROCHESTER www.feldmanhtg .com Rochester will also be part of other ly edgier actions. Cathy Marino-Thom­ MENY statewide actions including the as, Board President of MENY, calls for FOR OVER 95 YEARS, THE FELDMAN FAMILY HAS BEEN PROVIDING QUALITY, ENERGY SAVING HEATING AND COOLING FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 7

(Gear-Up continuedfrom page 3) it just crazed fans stalking celebrities, or April 3, will mark the eighth annual rapists. In the LGBT community, the LGBT Health Week ... during which a definition of stalking also fits the behav­ specific focus on the health needs and ior of some bullies, as well as some types issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans­ of chronic harassment from neighbors, gender individuals will be addressed. according to Kelly Clark, Gay Alliance For the past three years, the Rochester Community Safety Director. LGBT Health Coalition has participated Clark said, "I want to look at that in this annual event and brought energy because I think we're missing an opportu­ and programming around LG BT health nity for redress for some people, since we to the Rochester community. This year, aren't identifying harassment as stalking." however, we're taking things to a whole If you feel you are being stalked, or new level. want more information, call Kelly Clark Obviously our community's health is at 244-8640. If you are in danger, call 911 too important (and fabulous) to fit into immediately. If you are experiencing stalk­ just one week! So this year, in partnership ing/harassment incidents or phone calls, with the LGBT Health & Human Servic­ Kelly Clark recommends keeping a log so es Network (convened by ESPA), we are that if you choose to contact police, you proud to announce that March 2010 will will have specific information to give them. be the first ever New York State LGBT Health MONTH! Dray Ebony wins House A calendar of events is already com­ ing together for the entire month, includ­ of Blahnik scholarship ing some exciting partnerships with local This year's winner of the House of groups, Coalition member organizations, Blahnik Scholarship is a House/Ballroom and other great LG BT organizations like celebrity and is affectionately known to all ImageOUT. Keep an eye out for the as the Icon, Dray Ebony. The Grandfather March Empty Closet, for information of the "Immortal" House of Ebony has about LGBT Health Month events here been walking balls for 23 years and cur­ in Rochester. rently attends the University of Phoenix This year's theme, "31 Ways in 31 where he majors in Human Services. Days," promises to bring a myriad of "I am so honored and touched to engaging events and daily health tips receive this scholarship that you just can't designed to raise awareness, build com­ imagine," remarked Ebony. munity and promote LGBT health -- at ''As a former member of the House of both the individual and the community Ebony and a student of Dray's teachings, I level. • am personally moved by his transformation and all that he is doing with LGBT youth in NYC and around the country. We could (AIDS Care from page 3) not have given this year's scholarship to a In addition, the merger is expected to help more deserving individual," said Damon provide fiscal stability in today's chal­ Humes, founder and Overall Father of the lenging economic environment, to ensure House of Blahnik and executive director of the organization's viability well into the Rochester's MOCHA Center. future. Aside from being inducted inro the "This is an exciting day, not only for ballroom Hall of Fame, winning the AIDS Care, but also for those we serve prestigious Icon of the Year award three and the entire community," says John years in a row, being legendary for win­ Wikiera, a patient and member of the ning many fashion awards and every Board of Directors. "This milestone has realness award imaginable and having produced a win-win situation, benefiting enough awardsftrophies to decorate the both the health of the organization, and mantels of an enrire generation of ball more importantly, patients and clients patrons, Grandfather Ebony is a AIDS like myself." activist, inspirational speaker and leader AIDS Community Health Center, for social and political change within formerly known as Community Health the House/Ball community. In his role Network, was founded in 1989 by two with FACES-NY, Dray works with the infectious diseases physicians, Dr. Ste­ STAR Project to provide health educa­ ven Scheibel and Dr. William Valenti, tion and facilitate support and discus­ as a community medical and diagnostic sion groups that target the house/ball clinic for those who were infected with community and the larger LGBT people HIV/AIDS. When the doors opened in of color community. 1989, 76 patients came to receive care. By The Blahnik Scholarship was estab­ 2009, AIDS Community Health Center's lished in 2006 after the house leader­ 60 staff members were serving more than ship had several discussions about a 600 people. disturbing trend of academic failure AIDS Rochester was established 26 within the ballroom community. "We years ago as part of the New York State couldn't understand why so many indi­ Health Department's network of Com­ viduals who could be so dedicated and munity Service Programs (CSPs). The disciplined in competition weren't able organization started with one staff per­ to transfer these skills to their academic son and a one-room office. By 2009, the pursuits," remembered Damon Humes, agency had 50 staff members dedicated to "What we were able to recognize was providing a continuum of prevention and the huge amount of support, affir­ social services for people living with HIV mation and encouragement that these and their loved ones. young people received from this com­ The main offices of both organiza­ munity when they could vogue, or walk tions moved to one facility at 259 Monroe the runway; we wanred to honor that Ave. in October 2009, just weeks before while celebrating folks for excelling aca­ the official merger. The new phone num­ demically as well." ber for AIDS Care's main office is 585- According to the Board President 545-7200 and the company is launching Kevin Bynes, "The real world endeavors a new website at www.acRochester.org. and achievements may be valued above AIDS Care also maintains satellite loca­ the artistic and social achievements, but tions in Bath, Geneva, and on Central from a human development point of Ave. in downtown Rochester . • view they are all equally important. The ball scene has done an amazing job of supporting the artistic and social devel­ LOCAL AND STATE opmenr of individuals. Now we want to support their academic real world (Stalking continued from page 3) achievements as well!" cause a reasonable person to feel fear." Stalking is a crime that is pervasive, Kindred welcomes Igbt dangerous and potentially lethal. The seniors in Rochester National Crime Victims Bureau says that 3.4 million people are stalked annually in LGBT senior citizens in New York the U.S. - but most victims never report. now have a gay-friendly option for homec­ So stalking is not only a heterosexual are. Kindred Senior Care, an agency with women's domestic violence issue, connect­ offices in New York City and Roches­ ed with abusive husbands or boyfriends, ter, is among the first homecare services or rejected would-be boyfriends. Nor is (Local & State continues on page 8) 8 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010

LOCAL AND STATE RIT writing contest is for high school students (Continued from page 7) with hearing loss Youll High school sophomores and juniors o./); in the to openly welcome LGBT u.s. who are deaf or hard of hearing can use ~ seniors seeking assistance with indepen­ the power of words to express their feel­ dent living. ings and win prizes in the fifth annual LGBT seniors are an especially Rochester Institute of Technology SpiRIT vulnerable population. Compared to Writing Contest. their heterosexual counterparts, LGBT Winners will have their choice of a seniors are twice as likely to live alone, scholarship and travel expenses to the four times as likely to have no children, Explore Your Future program at RIT's and 10 times less likely to have some­ National Technical Institute for the Deaf one to call in an emergency. Addition­ (NTID), or a $500 cash prize. EYF is a ally, fears of discrimination often keep six-day summer career exploration pro­ LGBT seniors from accessing the care gram for deaf and hard-of-hearing stu­ they need within mainstream institu­ dents that gives them the opportunity to tions. sample different careers, as well as college "There is a general trend for LGBT life. seniors to go back 'into the closet' Entries will include creative writing, when they seek health related services," such as a short story or poem, a short writ­ says Joe Fisher, founder and managing ing sample and a personal reflection. director of Kindred Senior Care. ''At Last year's winners were Evan Brown, Kindred, we are proud to be a part of of Guilford, Conn., Zach Jodlowski, of a welcoming community that cherishes St. Louis, Mo., Thomas Debraggio, of gay and lesbian seniors as they are." Clinton, N.Y., and Francesca Hurley, of Kindred integrates LGBT sensitivity Indianapolis, Ind. throughout caregiver screening, train­ The deadline to enter this year's com­ For all vour accounting needs: ing, and ongoing staff development. petition is March 15. For complete contest "Our commitment to LGBT seniors guidelines and entry information, visit is part of Kindred's broader mission www.rit.edu/NTID/WritingContestNR. UCallthe Gav CPA" to connect seniors and caregivers with shared backgrounds, lifestyles, and eI Full service income tax preparation including electronic filing interests," Fisher stated. "By focusing on Free film marks compatibility, we establish connections 'Freedom to Marry Week eI All other states available (that have an income tax) that are mutually enriching for clients eI Corporation, Trust and Partnership returns and caregivers alike." Feb. 8·14 Kindred Senior Care is a progres­ A free screening of "Preacher's Sons" eI Available year-round for tax questions sive homecare agency serving senior will take place at the downtown First Uni­ citizens in the Rochester and New York versalist Church of Rochester on Tues­ eI Year-end planning for the lowest legal tax metropolitan areas. Services span all day, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Clara Barton aspects of non-medical care, such as Lounge. Mr. Jean Thibodeau, CPA companionship, meal preparation, light "Preacher's Sons" is a provocative, real­ (Certified Public Accountant) housekeeping, medication reminders, life story about the Stewarts, five troubled 31 Putting Green Lane bill paying, and daily exercise. boys pulled from the train wreck of foster For more information, visit www. care, and the two men who are now their Penfield, NY 14526 kindredseniorcare.com or contact your fathers. This intimate look at an unlikely [585J 586·6160 by appointment only, please local Kindred office: 585-210-0296 family transcends all political convictions, (Rochester). (Local & State continues on page 14)

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Until gay rig hts become fully realized, yo u need more than talk. Yo u need to figure out a smart financial future for you and your partner. From insurance to retirement and all that lies between, we ca n help you protect what matters most-the future of yo ur loved one. Mas Mutual FIN .Il N C I .Il L G R 0 U p' Get mOfe than straight talk. Fi na neial A reh iteets Get unfquesolutions. financialarchitectsupstate.com (585) 262-5600 Insurance: long-term care. disability income & life insurance Financial strategies • Retirement solutions · Wealth management Get in tolJCh with a Financial Services. Professiol'lal today. MiGllael Argaman or Marttlne Dattilo Mit:h/l~1 Ar~~man ~nd Marlene D~IIi1o are 1",lStered re$llresenl

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Welcome to "PRIDE 2010" all you LGBTQIA-ers! This is where you come to get your monthly fix and updates about PRIDE Inquiring Happenings all-year-round! It is your duty to share this info with all those you love minds want -- let's get our straight pals involved too! First of all, if you haven't already red to know••• lettered the following dates on your calendar, please do so ASAP! The Gay Alliance is thrilled to announce their Sunday, July 11 - Flag Raising, City Hall, Time: TBA new program, InQueery- Friday, July 16 - PRIDE Kick Off - Strathallan Hotel, Time: TBA an easy way for LGBT and allied community members to learn about a wide variety of things together. All sessions will be part social, part edu­ Saturday, July 17 - PRIDE Parade and Festival - Details Forthcoming cational, and lGBT to the core. Many InQueery offerings are classes, but Sunday, July 18 - PRIDE Picnic, Genesee Valley Park, 1-7pm plans are to add tours, and special events We'll have more information every month, so keep reading this section to be to the catalog of InQueery sessions. "in the know". In March we will likely announce a PRIDE theme, entertainment Have questions? Want to lead an Homophobia: and more events leading up to PRIDE Weekend from March on. For now hold InQueery session? Contact Scott More than Name Calling Sunday, April 18; we will host a fun and "fashionable" (hint) fundraising event at 585-244-8640 or Thursday February 1S: 6:30-Spm you'll love! Take it from us - if you enjoyed last year's PRIDE events, you, your [email protected]. Facilitator: Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Currently most sessions are free, Program Director friends and family will truly want to be engaged in and attending all our events Location: Community Room this year! Spread the word -let's invite people to join us July 16-18, 2010! but some classes may have special PRIDE-fully, fees for tickets or supplies. Please 8DSM: A Guide for Lay people, Your PRIDE Co-Chairs, Carrie Vernon and Michael J. Hardy contact s for ASL interpretation Well-wishers, and Newbies at any session at least Wednesday February 24: 6:30-Spm PS. We have three public PRIDE Meetings 14 days before the class date: Facilitator: Laura McSpadden, Gay coming up; if you have some ideas and/or [email protected] I§~ Alliance Office Administrator want to get involved, plan on coming to L0cation: Youth Center the GAGV Youth Center Screening & Discussion: April 20, May 18 and/or June 22 Upcoming Classes The Celluloid Closet in the evening after 6pm - Transgender Issues and Parenting: Monday March 1: 6:30-S:30pm details to be firmed up in A PFLAG discussion Facilitated by: Kelly Clark, Community future PRIDE Corners. Tuesday February 2, 7-9pm Safety Director at the Gay Alliance. Facilitaed by members of PFLAG Location: Youth Center Location: 8t. Thomas Episcopal Church Understanding Human Sexuality Screening & Discussion: Thursday March 1S: 6:30-Spm "The Preacher's Sons" Facilitator: Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Tuesday February 9: 7pm Program Director Anthony G. Sandonato, CPA, J.D. Facilitator: Todd Plank, E8PA Location: Community Room Accounting and Tax Services Location: First Universalist Church Coming OUT: Towards an I I am a licensed CPA with over 11 years experience. Understanding of Self Identity I provide accounting and tax services to businesses, Wednesday February 10: 6:30-Spm Facilitator: Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance "@' . individuals, non-profit organizations, estates and trusts. QuickBooks consulting. Program Director r..;. "All ~ -- Free initial consultation. 585-732-5792 Location: Youth Center Ut,jV " ,.. Iance 'Jof the genes.ee valley

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tutions and to future generations. historical records that give definition to As New York State moves forward who the GLBT community is, and its toward full civil rights, understanding the contribution to improve the quality of past becomes critical in strategizing for life of the Rochester community by pro­ the future. Already questions have been viding leadership in the areas of politics, raised about injustice and unfair treat­ health, civil rights, social justice, and February: ment of members within the GLBT com­ economic growth. The month of hearts and munity. The response to these questions, We are asking any and all GLBT found in the historical records to be iden­ organizations, agencies, and groups in flowers and LOVE. So tified and organized, will lay the founda­ existence, or that have been in exis­ what IS love? tion for future political and legal changes tence, to contact Nicole Menarchem in our struggle for full civil rights. at 244-8640 x 32 with their contact By Evelyn Bailey The GAGV, the recognized and vis­ information. The Shoulders To Stand The world "love" comes to us from the ible umbrella organization for the entire On Program is asking any individuals Middle English word "luf," derived from community, wants to be sure that the who have been involved in these groups the Old English word "lufu." This is akin record of the work done by these groups with information on where their records to Old High German, "luba," and anoth­ and their impact on Rochester and the might be, their purpose and past leaders er Old English word, "lof," which means Genesee Valley region survives as a part and participants to contact Nicole Men­ "dear". Yet another word related to love, of New York State's rich cultural, politi­ archem as well. "lubere" or "libere," comes to us from cal, social and economic history. Because WE NEED YOUR HELP! Con­ the Romans. This Latin word means "to of the societal focus on inclusiveness, the tact Nicole Menarchem at 244-8640x32 please". In all words related to the word GLBT community has an increased need or go to www.shoulderstostandon.org love, roots relating to dear, pleasing, and to maintain its own identity. There is a to provide any information you think is cherished may be found, hinting at the strong need to document and preserve helpful. • deeper meaning of the modern word. Most people think of the definition TO STAND ON of love as a strong romantic attachment between two people, often intermin­ Gay and Lesbian Organizational gled with sexual desire and attraction. Records for GLBT Community of traditionally under-represented in the Throughout history, people defined love Rochester, NY Documentation historical record. DHP is administered more broadly, encompassing many rela­ Project of GAGV Shoulders To Stand by the New York State Archives, a unit tionships. These forms of love and affec­ On Program tion hold true today, although they may of the New York State Education Depart­ ment. not be the first definitions that come For Organizations, Agencies, and Groups to mind when one hears the word. For The GAGV applied for and was Minutes of Meetings, Formal and Informal, Records - Written and Electronic, Public example: awarded A Documentation Program Relations, Financial Organizational Posters, Brochures, Information, Event Advertising Love among family members; famil­ Grant for Population Groups in the Flyers, Correspondence to and from, Photographs, Ephemera. ial love, or love based on kinship ties; A Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries by For Individual Collections mother's love for her offspring; Love of the NYS Archives Documentary Heri­ Gay Civil Rights, HIV AIDS, Religious Response to GLBT Community Political neighbor, based on the Christian teach­ tage Program. The Grant timeline was Development at Local, State, Federal level. ing of expressing concern and charity for to be from August, 2009 to June of 2010. Records of Publications other than the Empty Closet are welcome. all people; Love of country, or patriotism; Due to NYS budget issues, we finally Help Preserve and Protect Our GLBT Heritage in the Rochester Region. Love of God, or expressive love for a deity received our first installment of funds on Don't Hibernate - Organize or deities. Dec. 31, 2009. Contact Archival Consultant: Nicole Menarchem Nearly all religions and cultures use Early in January, the GAGV hired at e-mail: and 244-8640 ext. 32 precise language to define love. Most lan­ an Archival Consultant, Nicole Men­ AJ n ew yo,. 11 $lallG archem. Nicole is in the process of get­ # 0/.. orclllv('$ guages use various words to express levels The GLBT Community of Rochester, NY Documentation Project was made possible in part by a of emotion, kinship, or affection. Ancient ting a Masters in Library Science at grant from the Documentary Heritage Program of the New York State Archives, a program of the Greek, for example, uses many words to SUNY Geneseo. Nicole will be spear­ State Education Department. define precise levels of emotion. "Agape" heading the contact with GLBT orga­ means love in modern day Greek, but in nizations in Rochester to talk about ancient times referred to a pure love with­ the Documentation Program. (See photo out sexual connotations. "Eros" includes page B 11) passionate physical love full of desire and Through this grant, the GAGV longing. "Philia", mentioned by Aristo­ Shoulders To Stand On Program can tle, meant a dispassionate, virtuous and begin documenting and preserving the unselfish love. "Xenia" includes hospital­ history of the GLBT community in the ity, and refers to a type of love most would Rochester region and its impact on New A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME consider charity or giving. York state and the nation in advancing 121 N. Fitzhugh Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • Phone: 325-1180 Our modern language uses the word the cause for justice and equal rights. This project will give credibility to our Liturgies: Thursday: 7: 00 pm, Saturday: 5: 00 pm love almost too frequently. We say "I love Sunday: 7:30am you" to our spouses, but say "I love choc­ community and culture, and will be 9: 30 am (at Hochstein, 50 Plymouth Avenue) olate ice cream!" to a friend to express a available to teach and inspire future gen­ much less intense feeling. erations. Many records are in serious dan­ Some people define love not by a feel­ Susan SanFilippo, C.S.W. ing, but by actions. In this definition, love ger of being lost or neglected, yet they isn't what you say - it's what you do. Love document major change in our local 234-3561 would then be a verb, expressed in unself­ community. Many sources of historical Counseling & Psychotherapy ish actions and deeds. Ref.:Your Diction­ record are no longer accessible or avail­ - IPk,y can't life beJair? able because of the death of individuals, ary.com -If I cbange, u'ill "ry partner? the loss of material through relocation of Synonyms: adulation, affection, alle­ - W1:>at iffect does ory past have on lIle? organizations, groups, individuals, and giance, amity, amorousness, amour, - What can 1 do about "ryJuture? corporations, and the lack of having a appreciation, ardency, ardor, attachment, Individual a nd couples therapy (sliding fee scale) repository for the records. cherishing, crush, delight, devotedness, 500 Helendale Road, Suite 155, Rochester N.Y. 14609 devotion, emotion, enchantment, enjoy­ In 2009 there are still a number of ment, fervor, fidelity, flame, fondness, closeted individuals living secretly or friendship, hankering, idolatry, inclina­ in denial of their sexuality within the tion, infatuation, involvement, like, lust, gay community whose contributions are mad for, partiality, passion, piety, rapture, untecognized, undocumented, and nec­ regard, relish, respect, sentiment, soft essary in order to have a complete histori­ Kavod Ha'briot spot, taste, tenderness, weakness, worship, cal picture of the community. In many yearning, zeal. Antonyms: dislike, hate, records individuals are referred to by first hatred. Ref:Thesaurus.com names and last initials. In some cases pseudonyms were used for fear of loss of ~ctfor Human D~ jobs, license and family. Shoulders To Stand On: From a very practical view, histori­ Documenting our history cal records need to be kept in paper friendly environments, and can take up begins with GAGV grant much needed space. Participating in By Evelyn Bailey this program would relieve organiza­ Temple Beth David The Documentary Heritage Program tions, agencies, groups and individuals (DHP) is a statewide program estab­ of the responsibility of providing for the A Conservative, Egalitarian, Haimish Synagogue. lished by law to provide financial support proper care of the records, and also free and guidance to not-for-profit organiza­ up valuable space. Just as importantly, tions. it would allow records to be kept safe in DHP Grants are designed to encour­ a repository like the GAGV records held age more comprehensive documentation at the Goodstein Sexuality Archives at 3200 St. Paul Blvd. 585/266-3223 of New York State's history and culture Cornell University. The preservation of http://templebethdavid .uscjhosLnet by supporting projects that identify, sur­ these records will make GLBT history vey, collect, and make available impor­ in Rochester available to the community, tant records relating to groups and topics historians, researchers, educational insti- 14 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010

death penalty. We have to protect the children in Finance Committee's subcommittee LOCAL AND STATE However, this hardly makes this schools who are being recruited into on International Trade, Customs and (Freedom continued from page 7) draconian bill acceptable and would homosexual activities." Global Competitiveness. still make life unbearable for gay, les­ "The idea that homosexuality can Wyden says that passage of the bill revealing the struggles, humor and love bian, bisexual and transgender Ugan­ be prohibited in Africa is as absurd and would violate the terms of the African that unite all families. dans, said the 19bt activist organization unrealistic as banning oxygen," said Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Filmmaker C. Roebuck Reed provides Truth Wins Out. TWO's Besen. "Gay people are not a through which Uganda is permitted by an illuminating real life commentary on "This is still an intolerable, oppres­ threat to children. We do not recruit the Unites States to export its goods the contemporary topics of the non-tra­ sive bill that is designed to terrorize them. It is clear that the Ugandan duty-free to the United States. AGOA ditional family, racism and gay adoption. and dehumanize sexual minorities in Light refreshments will be served. The government is awash in ignorance and requires that beneficiaries not engage Uganda," said Truth Wins Out Execu­ trying to legislate based on false ste­ in "gross violations of internationally church is located at 150 S. Clinton Ave. tive Director Wayne Besen. "While reotypes and misinformation. Unfor­ recognized human rights." Uganda has Contact Todd Plank at tplank@pride­ physical death is reportedly removed agenda.org; 585-271-2420 . • tunately, American evangelicals and enjoyed the AGOA plumb since 2000. as a punishment, the bill still ensures a ex-gay organizations are responsible Wyden said in the letter to Clinton slow, emotional and spiritual death for for spreading these lies and propagan­ and Kirk: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL thousands of gay Ugandans." da in Africa." "I strongly urge you to commu­ The Associated Press reports that Concerned by what he calls the nicate immediately to the Ugandan (LGBT continuedfrom page 5) President Yoweri Museveni has told "barbarity" of Uganda's proposed government, and President Yoweri colleagues he believes the bill is too in Portugal has provoked only muted Anti-Homosexuality Bill (" kill the Museveni directly, that Uganda's ben­ harsh and has encouraged his ruling gays bill"), U.S. Senator Ron Wyden eficiary status under AGOA will be opposition, even from the right. National Resistance Movement Party While normally vocal on the role (D-OR) sent a strong letter to Sec­ revoked should the proposed legisla­ to overturn the death sentence provi­ retary of State Hillary Clinton and tion be enacted .... Before us is a con­ of marriage and the family in society, sion of the draft law. which they claim would be threatened U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. crete opportunity to demonstrate our In the proposed bill, anyone con­ Wyden is Chairman of the Senate commitment to ending violence and if same sex couples had equal rights, victed of a homosexual act -- which in Portugal the Catholic Church has includes touching someone of the same refused to mobilize on a subject which, sex with the intent of committing according to Lisbon's Cardinal Patri­ a homosexual act -- would face life arch Jose Policarpo, is "parliament's imprisonment. responsibility". James Nsaba Buturo, Uganda's Elaine Elkins, M.S. Portugal has offered civil unions to ironically titled minister of state for same-sex couples since 2001, but they ethics and integrity, has floated replac­ Psychotherapist did not provide some key benefits that ing the death penalty with compulsory 244 ... 4837 come with marriage involving pensions, "ex-gay" counseling, presumably from inheritance and the sharing of names. prison. & Legally married same-sex couples will This comes only months after righ­ Individual Relationship Counseling still not be allowed to adopt, however. twing American "ex-gay" ministers -pamshouseblend.com gave seminars on "curing" homosexu­ Anxiety & Depression ality in Kampala. Loneliness & Separation "The death penalty is likely to be Uganda's Anti­ Conflict Resolution Homosexuality bill may removed," said Buturo. "The president doesn't believe in killing gays. I also Communication Skills not kill gays-just break don't believe in it. I think gays can be counseled and they stop the bad Sexual Abuse Recovery their "bad habit" habit." Media reported on Jan. 7 that Ugan­ "Although the president is against Drug & Alcohol Abuse da's President Yoweri Museveni would some parts of the bill, the bill has to Grief & Loss soften the country's controversial Anti­ stay," said ruling party spokeswoman Homosexuality Bill, promoted by Amer­ Mary Karoro Okurut. "(Homosexual­ ican evangelicals, by getting rid of the ity) is not allowed in African culture.

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James Del Favero 45 Pavilion Street THE Barker's Barber Rochester, NY 14620 2009 MEETINGS Lake Avenue First Tuesday Potlucks Baptist Church 6-8pm, Social & Networking St Thomas' Episcopal Church 2000 Highland Avenue A WELCOMING Mark Your Calendars Rochester 14618 Third Sunday Meetings & AFFIRMING 2-4pm, Support & Education Auditorium Theatre 5th Floor CONGREGATION 875 East Main Street Rochester 14605 Invites You! Visit: [email protected] 10:00 AM: Sunday morning worship service 11:30 AM: Class on Igbt liberation theology Childcare & Sunday School for children are available. Lake Avenue Robert Daniels Baptist Church is located Sunday, March 21 585-467-6456 just off Lake Avenue near Guaranteed the stop light at 145 Lake Clock Cleaning Avenue. and Repair For more information phone 585- 458-5765

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blog, http://thewayfarerscreed.wordpress. us. We will shape the future. We will not com, which will hopefully be a place that be silent!" I can share with you on a day-to -ay basis. And finally, I must make the plug for financial support. All projects require SOULFORCE SCHEDULE: money as we all know, and the Equality Mar.5-Valley Forge Christian College, Phoenixville, PA Ride is no different. For every Rider, we Mar.9-Houghton College, Houghton, NY Journey of a Soulforce must raise $3500. To help out in this way Mar.15-0akwood University, Huntsville, rider: first in a series 1'd ask you to go to http://www.soulforce. AL org/andrew to find out how to contribute. Mar.17-Southeastern Baptist Theological By Andrew Langdon And if you decide that you are not able to Seminary, Wake Forest, NC The last few months have been truly Mar.18-Campbell Univ., Buies Creek, NC contribute in this way, 1'd like to also let Mar.22-Bethune-Cookman University, life-changing. I applied to be a part of you know that any personal connections Daytona Beach, FL Soulforce's Equality Ride back in Octo­ that you can make for us in our stop com­ Mar.25-Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA ber, and finally got to go to a week munities and elsewhere are appreciated Mar.29-Belhaven College, Jackson, MS of training in Austin, Texas during the just as much. Mar.30-Mississippi College, Clinton, MS month of January. Apr.6-Baylor University, Waco, TX I leave you with these words that we Apr.8-Hardin Simmons University, The Equality Ride, first started in sing in my local Mennonite congregation, Abilene, TX 2006, has made visits to Christian col­ and I hope that someday the Church and Apr.9-Abilene Christian University, leges and universities across the country, society as a whole might join in: "How Abilene, TX which actively discriminate against those can we be silent when we are the voice Apr.14-Southwest Baptist University, of us with a queer gender identity or sex­ Bolivar, MO of Christ, speaking justice to the nations, Apr.16-Union College, Lincoln, NE ual orientation. This year, the Ride makes breathing love to all the earth? .. None Apr.21-Bethel College, Mishawaka, IN stops to schools of Methodist, Baptist, can stop the Spirit, burning now inside Apr.23-Malone University, Canton, OH Adventist and various other faith tradi­ Andrew at training in Austin tions during the months of March and April. Of particular note for me and for ney can change if we give them opportu­ the local community is that we will be nity to. making a stop at Houghton College, a lib­ Having just come back from the train­ eral arts college of the Wesleyan Church ing as I write this, I feel strongly identified located about 70 miles south of Rochester. with the words of the Prophet Isaiah that Houghton is the school that I attended Jesus Christ quoted in Nazareth, "The for several years right out of high school, Spirit ... has sent me to proclaim freedom and I can testify to the fact that those of for the prisoners and recovery of sight for Jennifer L. Gravitz, Esq. queer identity have much trouble here. the blind, to set the oppressed free, to pro­ Houghton is bound up in my coming claim the year of the Lord's favor." Quality legal services provided with out story, and as I return to it this March That is the work that we will be old fashioned care in the privacy of your home or office it will continue to be a part of my growth engaged in for this Ride. So many queer­ as a gay man of Christian faith. I will folk are imprisoned and oppressed, and now be able to tell those on this campus we all have an obligation to work for the Buying/Selling Real Estate Partncrship and E tate Planning that cisgenderism and heterosexism have change that Jesus proclaimed. Children of Wills and Estate Settlement HIV/AID Planning no place in a place professing the Chris­ God are hurting; we must go and witness Consumer Ba nkruptcy Uncontested Divorce tian Gospel. However, I do recognize that to them that there is hope. Children of Name Change Mj demeanor Offenses the presence of these attitudes are merely God are suicidal, we must go and witness Traffic Violalions OWl due to the fact that many just have never that there is a reason to live. experienced these minorities, and that In the coming months, I hope to share 3349 Monroe Ave. Suite 344 Rochester, NY 14618 with acquaintance will eventually come much more with you about the wonder­ acceptance and affirmation. This is what ful work that I will be doing. Look in (585) 244-8295 gives me hope, and I know that Houghton future editions of The Empty Closet for my and the many other colleges on our jour- thoughts on my trip. Also check out my

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STARRY NIGHT: Rebecca Newberry and her parents at the Pride Agenda STAR Awards on Jan. 12 at Downtown United Presbyterian Church. Photo: billijo wolf

PICKETING ROBACH'S OFFICE: Although it was 12 degrees on Ridge Road in Greece on Dec. 18, Igbt community members and allies picketed at Sen. Joseph Robach's office to protest his vote against marriage equality. Above: Pam Barres and Dave Garrison. Protester Anne Tischer told The Empty Closet, "Senator Robach saw us and ducked!" Photo: Bess Watts

Pam Barres, Deb Oppenheimer and Todd Plank at the STAR Awards. Photo: billijo wolf

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PROTESTING ROBACH'S VOTE: Around 25 LGBT activists, some of them con­ stituents of NYS Senator Joseph Robach, picketed at a SEAC fund raiser on East Ave. on Dec. 4, demanding to know why Sen. Robach voted against mar­ riage equality. The senator did not speak with protestors. The picket line was organized by Civil Rights Front. Photos: Susan Jordan

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS. Rebecca Newberry, former CampusOut coordi­ nator for the Gay Alliance (above), and Gary Pudup, NYCLU, gave a workshop on planning effective public demonstrations on Dec. 8 at the GAGV Community Room. Rebecca's organizing work was recognized by the Pride Agenda on Jan. 12. Photo: Bess Watts

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SHOP 'N WRAP: Many thanks to the Gay Alliance for allowing Galaxe to Call 1-866-600-6886 to make once again organize the annual Shop an appointment or for more & Wrap event at the GAGV Youth Cen­ information. Or visit www.pprsr.org Courtney Michie told The Empty ter to benefit clients of AIDS Com­ Closet, "I live in Sen. Robach's dis­ munity Health Center. Between 120 trict... and now I will be the first to and 170 gift boxes were wrapped and Most insurances accepted. Financial sign up to work for his opponent in delivered in December to ACHC (now assistance may be available. the next election!" Photo: S. Jordan AIDS Care). Photos: Ralph Carter FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 19 Making the Season Bright

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Michael vs. Pandora: Round 1 By Michael Steck www.michaelsteck.com You've seen her on stage thinking she's Madonna. You've seen her wearing a four-foot Afro while doing something she calls "angry tap-dancing." You've seen her running amuck with a lipstick wielding serial killer on the loose. Now, you will see her "racing" with 12 fabulous drag queens vying for the title of drag supremacy on Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race. Detail from artwork by Alicia Ross. If you haven't figured it out already, I am talking about a Art show marks Eve Ensler's The Vagina seasoned veteran of drag perfor­ V-Day; March 13 is Monologues will be performed on mance here in Rochester: Pan­ March 13 at Hochstein School dora Boxx. Vagina Monologues of Music at 7 p.m. Tickets will Recently, I was able to get a V-Day Rochester 2010 pres­ be $20 general admission and one-on-one interview with Pan­ ents new work by Alicia Ross, $10 student/seniors and will go dora and discuss her many ven­ opening at Rochester Contem­ on sale by the first week of Feb­ tures, including her latest stint porary Art Center, 137 East ruary at Equal=Grounds, Par­ on reality television. Ave., on Feb. 12. kleigh, Aaron's Alley, at select Michael Steck: Incessant The opening reception is 7-9 Planned Parenthood locations Facebook posts, Twitter after p.m. and will feature an auction. and online at www.pprsr.org. twitter, e-mails, MySpace, blogs Admission is $1. The show will The show will also be ASL inter­ and so on. Some would say that run until March 21. preted. you have reached the point of no Ross's work will benefit edu­ Proceeds will benefit Rape return with your vanity. What's cation about and prevention of Crisis Services in Monroe Coun­ next? Interviewing yourself? violence against women and ty and Women and Girls of the Pandora Boxx: I like to call girls. V-Day 2010 is sponsored Democratic Republic of Congo. myself the Queen of Self-Promo­ by Rape Crisis and Planned Par­ See the March Empty Closet for tion. It's not really about vanity. enthood. full details . • If you are an entertainer, you need to keep yourself in every­ one's consciousness, otherwise you can quickly be forgotten. So I'm going to keep on Twatting! MS: I don't think people could forget about you. Try as hard as they may. I mean that in the nicest way possible, of course. As if all of that wasn't enough, now you seem to want r::: to become a reality television CI) star. What's up with that? ...t/) CI) PB: I don't know if I ever "C r::: sought to be a reality televi­

(Pandora from page 1) There are amazing guest judges like Black History films run America's most notorious terrorist. With -- just more, more, more! You will have Kathy Griffin and Henry Rollins and liv­ the terrorist on death row, the lack of to tune in Monday nights starting on Feb. ing legends Cloris Leachman and Debbie at Little, Feb. 19·25 time causes a strange bond between 1, 2010 at 9 p.m. on Logo to find out Reynolds. It was such an amazing February 19-25 marks the fourth annu­ the two men. This is a taut drama that exactly how much more. adventure and I think everyone enjoyed al "Spotlight on Black History Month" at touches on the definitions of freedom MS: Thank you for your teleprompter the ride. I think you'll be able to tell how The Little Theatre. This film series brings and the need for love. "White has cap­ answer. Well, I need to go wash my hair much fun we all had when you watch the various aspects of African-American life tured the amusingly constricted voices in a bit so I only have a few more ques­ show. At least I hope you can! to the big screen, including the drive to of the patrician novelist and the plebian tions. Do you think you are Madonna? MS: You seem like you are being embrace the American Dream, the revi­ terrorist cannily and cogently." - The PB: Madonna has been such a huge awfully nice, not like the bitch some peo­ talization of a scarred community, and the New York Times. Performance dates: influence on my drag career and my life ple say you are. ongoing struggles to overcome the dark Feb. 26, 27; March 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 8 really. Part of the reason I chose Pan­ PB: Sometimes in this business you sides of black history in America. p.m.; March 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.) dora was because Madonna and Pandora have to be strong. Some people take that The goal of the series is to present a Bread and Water Theatre will be par­ are similar names. They both have the as being bitchy. I've certainly had my varied range of film topics and to provide ticipating in The Rainbow Theater Fes­ same amount of letters. They both are moments in the past of being a bitch, but a forum for open discussion and educa­ tival for 2010. This will include a few religiously historical. Madonna says and you learn and you grow. I try to be as tion. different productions, the first begin­ does what she wants with such flair. I positive as I can be. It's all about positive The films include Shadows ofthe Lynch­ ning with The Lambda Project: The Art have tried to incorporate that into my life energy. I've gotten much more out of life ing Tree (Rochester Premiere), directed by of Pride, a series of real-life stories from and performance. being positive than a Negative Nancy. Rochester native Carvin Eison (Talkback the public on the topic of sexuality and I was always a shy little boy grow­ It's much easier to be nice to people. It with the director will follow the 6:30 the Rainbow Pride Flag and brought to ing up. Drag helped me come out of my takes a lot of energy just to be a wretched showing on Feb. 19); Pressure Cooker, a life by Bread & Water Theatre's per­ shell. Entertainers like Madonna, Cher, bitch to everyone. Mind you, I still keep documentary about the lives of a strict but formers. Performance dates: April 9 and Tina Turner, Courtney Love, Dolly Par­ razor blades in my weave in case I need loving teacher of culinary arts in an inner 10 at 8 p.m.; April 11 at 2 p.m.) ton, Cyndi Lauper have all shown me it's to cut a Ho! city high school in Philadelphia, and a The second rroduction falling under OK to be yourself and to just be who you MS: You seem a bit touched, like the umbrella 0 The Rainbow Theater half dozen of her students, and Heart were born to be. I don't want to be any­ the type of person who might interview Festival for 2010 is Ladies and Gentle­ of Stone, a documentary about a gutsy one else but me. himself or wear a macrame tutu, jeweled men by Emma Donoghue. The play was Newark high school principal's efforts to MS: Blah, blah, blah. Let's move on pasties and jelly shoes and do a choreo­ inspired by an 1895 newspaper expose of stave off gang violence and boost student to a more interesting topic. 1, like every­ graphed snowshoe samba in your back­ Annie Hindle - the mustachioed "Mon­ morale. one else, want to know more about the yard. arch of Male Impersonation" who threw it "This year's program takes a look at show and less about you. Been there, PB: Where were you in that back­ all away for love. Sunday Tribune: "Ladies the darker side of our nation's past," com­ done that. So what scoop can you give us yard? I knew I was being watched! and Gentlemen plays wonderful theatrical ments Bob Russell, executive director at without having the Men in Black show up If you'd like to watch more of the games, gently blurring the sexual bound­ at your doorstep and give you a Blanket antics of Rochester's own Pandora Boxx, The Little. "But also at the hope that cre­ aries between gender and identity... a Party (that's having a blanket tossed over tune into Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag ates the bright side of our future." deeply satisfying and moving meditation your head and being beaten with socks Race, Mondays at 9 p.m. on Logo (start­ Tickets for all films are $5. on life in love and theatre." Performance full of quarters, in case you were wonder­ ing Feb. 1). To get immersed in the dates: April 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 8 p.m.; ing). world of RuPaul's Drag Race and see Bread & Water Theatre April 25 at 2 p.m. PB: It's an incredible season! I feel the episodes online, go to www.rupauls­ plans 2010 season Bread & Water Theatre's season will honored to have been chosen out of thou­ dragrace.com. For more information be presented at 243 Rosedale St. (New sands of applicants from all over the on Pandora Boxx log on to www.pan­ With upcoming productions such as Life Presbyterian Church at the corner country. This also is an amazing group doraboxx.com. Terre Haute, Lambda Project: The Art of of Monroe Ave. and Rosedale St.) begin­ of beautiful, talented queens. Everyone Look for Pandora's hit original play Pride, Ladies and Gentlemen, Nijinsky's ning Feb. 26 and running through Nov. brings something different to the table "The Lipstick Massacre" to return in the Last Dance and The Arsonists, it comes as 21. Single tickets range from $6-$12 and everyone is very different from last spring at Geva (www.facebook.comllip­ no surprise that Bread and Water Theatre and may be purchased in person or at season too. stickmassacre) . • is entering into their 10th year of opera­ BreadandWaterTheatre.org. tion. For more information, call (585) The first production of the 2010 sea­ 271-5523 and for information on later productions of 2010, see The Empty (Geva from page 1) son is Edmund White's Terra Haute, Closet . • members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, to which bigotry affected McKinney and about an author coming face-to-face with but also refer to media coverage of the Henderson and, ultimately, to imply that violent hate crime that caused Shepard's the murder was not a hate crime. death. Following the reading, the audience In "The Laramie Project: 10 Years engaged in a discussion moderated by Later," members of the Tectonic Theatre Christine Meleca-Voigt, Gary Pudup of Project revisit Laramie, and ask many of NYCLU, Kelly Clark of the Gay Alliance the people who were interviewed in the Community Safety Program and Michael earlier play questions regarding how Lara­ Boucher. mie has changed, to what degree, and in The audience discussed the impor­ what ways in the 10 years since Shepard's tance of activism, the role of allies in bring­ death. The part of the play that focused ing about change, the tension between the on these interviews encouraged audience need to acknowledge where bigotry exists members to consider such questions as: and the desire to remember and empha­ who determines when change has hap­ size the positive and the role and degree of pened? What constitutes change, and to homophobia in law enforcement. A com­ what extent must things change in order mon theme was the difficulty of analyz­ for the progress to be significant? ing the full range of perspectives on these The play also features selections from issues in a way that continues to enable interviews with Aaron McKinney and dialogue and communication. Russell Henderson, who tortured Shepa­ Clark and Pudup both spoke about rd, tied him to a fence and left him to the importance of hate crime legislation die. Their stories regarding the events regarding assaults based on sexual orienta­ of that night have changed over the last tion or gender identity, such as the recent­ decade, and the inconsistency of their ly passed Matthew Shepard and James stories has affected the media coverage of Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. their crimes. All in all, the evening was engaging The play talked about how some of and thought-provoking. Future Hornets' the media coverage of the aftermath of Nest events can be found at http://www. Shepard's death promoted ideas that were gevatheatre.org/ events/ the-hornets-nest. directly contradicted by the forensic evi­ html or by calling Geva Theatre at 232- dence, in order to downplay the degree 4382 . •

(L to R): J. R. Teeter, Judy Molner, Jamal Abdunnasir. Photo: Laura McSpadden FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 3

tured or free form as you want to make taurant scene. These are fork tender and it. Appetizers lend themselves to shar­ delicate. Cooked cabbage, spaetzle and ing, as do many other items on the menu. veal jus accompany the cheeks. We had the Crispy Tuscan Fries ($7). We Next Door's selection of food, wine Dining planned to just sample these, as 2010 was and spirits is bound to delight most still young and our New Year's resolutions foodies, but this establishment has not were still strong. These fries are freshly forgotten those who prefer more famil­ made; hot, crisp, a little more toasted iar fare. Roasted Young Chicken ($17), than usual to coax out every bit of flavor Pasta Bolognese ($16), Linguine with the humble potatoes can possibly give up. Red Sauce ($14) or Hearth Baked Mac 'n' They're served with an herbed citrus dip­ Cheese ($15) are some of the comfort food ping mayo. A few roasted garlic cloves are items always on the menu. mixed in as a little bonus. Checking out the Dessert Menu is We found that the Tuscan fries were a must here. The dessert selections, like not just good. They were spectacular. the rest of the menu, reflect the use of As we stared down into the empty paper fresh seasonal ingredients, locally grown cone container, resolutions cast aside, we and organic whenever possible. The des­ thought for a moment about ordering serts, including ice creams, are made from another! scratch in house. The Robata Grill is a Japanese style We were pleased with our choice of the cooking apparatus that uses Binchotan Sweet Potato Cheesecake ($8). The indi­ white oak charcoal for high temperature vidual sized round sweet spiced cheese­ grilling to produce a light smoky flavor. cake has a thick gingersnap crust and is Items such as beef, pork, shrimp, scal­ served with a cranberry sauce and vanilla lops, asparagus, eggplant and mushrooms Chantilly. The Mini Warm Apple Pie ($9) are grilled and served with imaginative is an individual round lattice top pie made sauces and garnishes in tapas-sized serv­ with local apples. We thought the simple ings ($5 - 7). piecrust needed more richness to come up Six designer pizzas are available ($8 to the other more pronounced flavors of - 12). They have very thin crusts, like a this dessert (red currant sauce, apple syrup soft cracker. We had the earthy and very and house made maple ice cream). delicious Truffle Pizza ($12). It sports a On another occasion we had the Mol­ ricotta cheese custard, sliced black truf­ ten Chocolate Cake ($7). This dessert is Next Door Bar and Grill fles, grated cheese and parsley. This one unapologetically flamboyant. The cake begs to be accompanied by a complex is rich, fragrant with serious chocolate, 3220 Monroe Avenue Burgundy. warm and moist. It's stuck with a long Rochester, New York 14618 The five salads on the menu ($6 - flame-shaped tuile and served with Bit­ Phone: (585)249-4575 12) are likewise served with panache. tersweet Caramel Ice Cream on a piece Website: http://www.nextdoorbarandgrill.com The Next Door Caesar Salad ($8) con­ of nut brittle. As if that's not enough, the E-mail: [email protected] sists of several whole leaves of dressed plate is streaked with a port wine reduc­ Romaine, stacked together and tied up tion. Caramelized pecans inhabit one side Dinner: 5:30 - 10pm every day with a lengthwise slice of English cucum­ of the dessert and a few fresh raspberries Bar: 4pm-1am, Sunday-Thursday; 4pm-2am, Friday and Saturday ber. It's topped with white anchovies and the other. Finally it's all dusted with pow­ Onsite parking lot in rear, valet parking available. garnished with crisp fried oysters and dered sugar to complete this culinary and Future plans: to open for lunch; to add a tasting menu pickled red onion. It's quite a presentation! visual masterpiece. Several meat ($11 - 24), fish ($18 - 23) We finished with the regular drip and pasta ($14 - 16) entree items round coffee ($2.25). It's a rich and complex out the menu. The Salmon A La Plancha Columbian blend, roasted in the Euro­ Next Door Bar and Grill open into the Main Dining Room, as does deserves honorable mention. A French pean style and served in an over-sized cup. the Test Kitchen. Two luxurious French­ tarragon seasoned salmon steak is cooked Cappuccino or Latte ($4.50), Double Shot By Paul Hoffman built Molteni Commercial Stoves have on hot steel, to give it a golden crisp outer Espresso ($4) or Tea ($2.25) can all top Our first impression on arnvmg at been installed, one in the main kitchen crust and served over Apple-Horserad­ off a great meal in style. Next Door Bar and Grill was that this and one in the Test Kitchen. The private ish-Parsnip "Hash" with a Horseradish General Manager Alex Berentzen place belongs in a larger and trendier rooms can be rented out to accommodate Creme Fraiche. pointed out to us that they have paid market, like Los Angeles. Next Door is parties of eight to 100. The state-of-the­ The Bouley Burger ($11), a substan­ attention to the smallest details. The dish­ in Rochester because this is the head­ art Test Kitchen lends itself to chef dem­ tial portion of ground beef, choice of es are handsome commercial grade white quarters of Wegmans, and Pittsford the onstrations and tastings and houses the cheese, vegetables, ketchup and mustard bone china. Small wooden Japanese sake home of their flagship store (of their 75 restaurant's cooking library and several on a toasted English muffin, acknowledg­ boxes hold the sugar and sweetener. The store supermarket chain spread across five new high end commercial appliances. es celebrity chef David Bouley, who has check comes in a leather backgammon states). Wegmans is an integral part of our Next Door is riding the crest of the been a longtime consultant to T astings dice shaker. Innumerable small special community and its new restaurant, Next wave in food and hospitality trends. Gen­ and now to Next Door. touches reinforce the fact that Next Door Door, has created quite a buzz around eral Manager Alex Berentzen heads up The Braised Veal Cheeks ($17) is a Bar and Grill aspires to be way more than town. the operation. He has helped develop relative new comer to the mainstream res- average. We think they've succeeded . • Wegmans Corporation has reinvented and consult for restaurants in The Neth­ their fine dining restaurant, T astings, erlands and Charleston and for the Ritz with the more informal Next Door Bar Carlton in Orlando. Berentzen, Assistant and Grill, across Monroe Avenue from General Manager Josh Miles and Restau­ their Pittsford Super Store. They have rant Manager Patrick Nalley are all Certi­ twice the space (10,700 square feet) of the fied Sommeliers. Howe & Bassett original restaurant and seating for 270 The Wine List is extensive (about 300 indoors and 44 outdoors. selections) in a wide range of prices. Sev­ Professional Plumbers Since 1885 Next Door is elegant, but has a casual eral carefully selected wines are available come as you are atmosphere, so diners can by the glass ($5 - 17). Bottled and draft feel comfortable here in casual attire or in beers, local domestic and imported are on 271-4040 a business suit. Interior Designer Stency the menu ($4 - 6). They even have their Wegman, wife of CEO Danny Wegman, own craft beer, Rohrbach Next Door Ale has incorporated natural woods, leathers, (12 oz/$4, 160z/$5). Specialty Drinks and fabrics in soft tones into the design. ($8) are designed as a twist on the clas­ Wood surfaces replace formal tablecloths. sics or based on fresh seasonal ingredients • Plumbing Birch logs divide the entry foyer from the and juices for the "best cocktails in town". bar and flank the corridor leading to the Happy Hour is every day from 4 - 7 p.m., • Heating main dining room. Burl wood hanging with food and drink specials. • Cooling fixtures dot the dining room and bar and Executive chef Chris Brandt has devel­ Turner larger rustic fixtures dress the smaller pri­ oped the menus at Next Door. Brandt, a Established 1977 • www.TurnerPlumbingHeating.net vate dining rooms that adjoin the main New Jersey native, came to Tastings from dining room. the Ocean Room in Charleston in 2007. One enters the restaurant between two en ... He's been earning accolades since gradu­ ... temperature controlled, glass walled wine ating from Hyde Park's Culinary Institute ...... = "cellars". A U-shaped bar is bordered by of America (CIA) in 1993. c:c ... several alcove type rooms furnished with "The level at which you start to com­ fUlnace ... large comfortable leather upholstered fur­ promise and accept mediocrity will inevi­ == en niture. Bright red accents appear through­ tably define where you will fall," says -...... out the restaurant, and seem to hint at the Brandt. "I do not compromise, nor do I en Clean &Cllecll -51: excitement that is in the air here most of accept mediocrity." ... the time. Tokyo native and Master Sushi Chef ... :. The Sushi Bar and Robata Grill jut Satoshi Yamaguchi heads up the Sushi ...... into the Main Dining Room. A canopy of ... Bar. The authentic sushi and sashimi are ...= 241-1884 en tooled steel and a back wall of flagstone very popular and can be ordered by the accent the open food preparation areas. piece ($2 - 2.75) or as rolls or assorted $15. Off Furnace Clean & Check Private Rooms named after wine produc­ plates at quantity prices. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 11/30109 ers (Petrus, Rothschild and Remoissenet) A meal at Next Door can be as struc- 4 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010 ffrave NY Sharks bite Bank of Hollywood By Merle Exit Adrienne Smith, Leeann Brzozowski and Melodie Abrook, three players from the New York Sharks women's profes­ sional football team, entered the world of celebrity money handouts and were grant­ ed the $65,000 that they asked for. It was the new Ryan Secrest-produced E! reality show, "Bank of Hollywood," that pinned them up against "bankers" Sean Patterson, Vanessa Rousso, Melody Thornton and Candy Spelling. The Sharks requested funding for training and com­ peting in the first ever International Wom­ en's Tackle Football Tournament, to be held in Stockholm, Sweden in June 2010. How did this all come about? "I received an email in September regarding something referred to as 'your dream,'" said Adrienne. "My job entails marketing and I got in touch with a few of the players to get their opinion on whether this would be some­ thing that would work for the team. With a positive reply, I filled out the application, which I was to bring with me to a casting call in New York City. Both Leanne and Melodie were behind me and available. We Leanne Brzozowski, Adrienne Smith and Melodie Abrook of the NY Sharks. showed up dressed in full gear. "I got a callback for round two, in rehearsal. That's when we learned who "We had our hair totally tucked into our help fund the New York Sharks' participa­ which they videotaped us asking for the the judges were, although we never made helmets. When we removed them, there tion in the tournament. money. The producer must have been contact with them until that actual day of were cheers as the audience reacted to our "It doesn't guarantee that the three of impressed, as I kept receiving calls and the shoot." being females. us will play," said Adrienne, "as there are paperwork. They requested our appear­ The contestants are kept separated "While we were making our appeal, coaches from both the IWFL and USA ance in Hollywood." and the producers provided many rehears­ there was footage of our team playing in Football selecting the qualified players." Andra Douglas, owner of the New als, as Adrienne, the main spokesperson, the background. It took three of the four Team USA players will be selected York Sharks (www.nysharksfootball.com). represented the three. "We waited in the judges to say 'yes'!" from the Independent Women's Football flew out with them. Two of the producers 'green room' hearing the live audience What does it mean for the New York League (IWFL), which consists of more met with her after deciding on what day 'cheering' or 'booing'. I can't begin to tell Sharks? The competition involves both the than 1,800 female athletes on 51 teams the shoot would occur. you how nervous we were." Independent Women's Football League across North America. According to the ''After we arrived," Adrienne contin­ At first, the audience and judges see (www.iwflsports.com) and USA Football IWFL website, the player roster would be ued, "they took us to the studio for a three apparently male football players. (www.usafootball.com); the $65,000 will announced by Feb. 1. • ~) MCC. OPEN ARMS METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

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copy of The Well Of Loneliness. I feel the tion. Inside the pay envelope, my wages: pain and I feel the joy. a shiny sliver dollar. The withholding tax Written in 1928, Radclyffe Hall's was $83. The percentage was amusing novel exploded the doors right off British then. Now such a numerical shock stalks Columnists and American closets. Homophobes were my tomorrows. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other horrified by the story of Stephen Gordon, In 1966, my starting teacher's sal­ a woman who loved another woman. Crit­ ary was $6,600. A year. Fervently I now contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect ics ranted against such a detestable book, hope that my health insurance won't cost the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley a novel that claimed "sexual inversion" $6,600. Per month. It is conceivable. This or The Empty Closet. was natural and God-given. year my health insurance increased 38 The sex scene was appalling. In its percent. My retirement income did not. entirety it read: ''And that night they were I pull out another previously enjoyed not divided." book. George Orwell's 1984. My home­ Growing Up it too, love A. and get swallowed by the The British press was enraged. One work reading for 1959. I was 15 years old, torment of his conflicted emotions. And editor declared that he would rather give I believed in wedding bells, and I knew CHOICES time marched along. young children a dose of deadly poison that the year 1984 was the very, extremely By Eric Bellmann I've passed the two year mark of hav­ than a copy of the novel. distant future. A future of white picket 11:30 on New ing my own place in New York. I'm there Ironically, the outrage became the fences and little blonde babies all in a row. Year's Eve and my slightly less than the time I spend in publicity that drew LGBTIQ people to Furthermore, with my limited world­ cell phone rings. Rochester. I've never called A., not once. read the book. Hall's message was pow­ view and absent political sense, I believed Isn't that the usual In New York I see plays, arty movies, erful: "Give us also the right to our exis­ whole-heartedly that Orwell's dire predic­ time when senti­ and dance performances. I walk endless tence." The Well Of Loneliness became a tions were merely a figment of his para­ mental types track hours and explore the far corners of all treasure for young people who had feared noia. "Big Brother is watching you." Of you down to recon­ the boroughs. I talk to strangers, snoop in that they were alone. course not. For my social studies teachers nect? porn shops, sit in parks when the weather Now I let this piece of our lesbian his­ taught me so. NEVER. Not in the Unit­ I'm in a crowd­ is nice. I love the subways, I doubly love tory slip into the packing box. Now it can ed States of united people. Of course my ed, fairly noisy restaurant with a bunch the racial diversity and I triple love mod­ become someone else's treasure. American Privacy was Permanent. of friends and, with delight, press the ern gay life as I see it everywhere. I have Next shelf. The bright orange cover But daily that "never" word taunts me. phone to my ear. Gurgle, mumble, click is cool old ladies I lunch with, and now catches my attention. I reach for my I drive by blue light "crime catching cam­ all I hear. Wrong number? Possibly. Or a and then I'm invited to dinner in some­ well-worn copy of LESBIAN WOMAN eras" and wave. I stand in the doorway of drunk too far gone to speak. Maybe. Sure one's incredible magazine worthy home. I I had started reading that book when I a store, lean against the yardstick attached enough there's no return number. Anoth­ cruise. I never connect and that's just the was in Fort Lauderdale. 1981. The beach to their doorframe, stand a little taller, er mystery added to the pile of things one way I want it to be. I'm part ghost, part was teeming with heterosexual belly but­ and give the security tape a broad smile. can't explain. connoisseur, a little Garbo, just an old tons and adolescent hair-full chests. Surg­ In the clothing store's dressing room, Isn't being in love the be-all and end­ guy going about the city. And happy, very ing hormones on their proverbial spring "Never" disrobes with me while a female all of existence? I sure thought so and happy, happier than I ever been before. break. attendant peers through a perfectly per­ from time to time still do. When A. lived I have a couple of framed photographs On the contrary, my 37-year-old mam­ missible peephole. In the airport, I raise in Rochester I was thrilled and charmed of the two of us, A. and 1, really nice pic­ mary glands and pubic hairs were politely my arms high while a stranger crouches by him. He was peppy, spontaneous. I tures in which we both look great. I ask tucked into ample folds of cotton. But in a closet and stares at images of my sags felt lucky that I'd found him and eagerly myself why I have those pictures. My only my mind was surging. I and a large and my underpants. looked forward to the time we'd spend answer is something like, that was then, stack of books were on a study break. 1, a Now my shelf search is slow. No book together. this is now. What actually does now Cradle Heterosexual, was researching the can leave my room before I riffle its pages After he moved back to New York, mean? lives of women, lesbians included. I want­ one more time. Now I fill my lap with our phone conversations were frequent Truth is, A. straightened out, got his ed to analyze sexism and GynlEcology. the scraps rescued from the pages of my and increasingly more intimate. Less glib, own place, went back to school, stopped Warmed by Florida sunshine, I ran books. I snuggle into my Big Pink Chair less dazzle, the distance seemed to facili­ using for nearly a year and was willing to my hand over the orange book. In my and hug Elder T. Bear. Slowly I open my tate confidences. No doubt that this was confess when he'd started up again. Only then-mind the large white letters of the fingers to look at my collection of papers informed by his loneliness. pot, he insisted. I congratulated him on title spelled "other". On that day, in that so they can tell me lost stories of Such A One evening he owned up to being all counts. Still I never called, never found year, I was not quite ready to look into Time. chemically dependent. Well, just a pot­ again the compulsion to be with him, see that orange colored mirror. I could not see MeredithElizabethReiniger@frontier­ head, but one with a lot of other issues. him. How come? Am I some kind of zom­ that authors Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon net. net Talk about tossing red meat to a carnivore! bie fag? would become my coming-out mothers. Immediately I became so focused on help­ It took literature to provide the answer. It is three decades later. Tenderly I Faith Matters ing, healing that it made me high. A mis­ I was reading an article, maybe a book slide the book into the box. It is time to let sion! I told him I loved him, he mumbled review in the New Yorker, I'm not sure Del and Phyllis leave, to let them become BLACK GAYS INVITED TO back a quiet, "likewise". what or where, but I came across a sen­ some other womyn's Grand Mothers. WHITE HOUSE Over the next couple of years when tence that said, "If people choose to fall in I scan the shelves again. I can't find my I'd visit New York, my all consuming love, they can choose to not be in love." autograph book. I know I had it in 1955. By Rev. Irene drive was to track him down, hang out, And that exactly is what happened. I just All the 6th graders had one then. Now I Monroe listen to the latest recitation of troubles hadn't noticed. need it to see the name of our gorgeous Just as my and injustices: this relationship, that job, Funny thing is I don't feel lost, incom­ gym teacher. His eyes had flashing spar­ enslaved ancestors his parents, what to do about the future, plete. I'm just fine. I'm not hopeful for A. kles like Brenda Starr's. That so-long-ago could have never how to resolve wounds from the past. It nor am I pessimistic about his future and June, all the tittering girls lined up outside imagined an Afri­ was heaven, exactly what I wanted. I tried I guess I'm no longer angry that he isn't his office door, trying to cope with the can American fam­ to hook him up with recovering friends, who I wanted him to be. I read a long end of our elementary school life, the end ily residing in the tough guys he could relate to, with no time ago that the opposite of love isn't of Our Life With Him. White House, nor success. Then there would be a stretch of hate. It's indifference. Actually I do not have to find my could my African silence broken eventually with a phone Reading obviously has its rewards. autograph book. I can see now what he American lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans­ call or a card. Once I found a package in E-mail: ELBCAD@RITEDU wrote then: "False friends are like autumn gender and queer brothers and sisters who the mail with an I Love the Bronx T-shirt leaves, scattered everywhere. True friends fought in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in in it. Adorable, my baby's back. Cleaning My Closet are like diamonds, precious but rare. So New York's Greenwich Village imagine When I got my own place in the when you find one tried and true, don't that one day a special invitation from the city, everything changed. I saw him only NOW AND THEN give up an old one for a new." White House would openly welcome us twice, both times at his invitation. We By Meredith I can see my Self sitting close to his in. met at museums on free admission nights, Elizabeth Reiniger desk, witnessing the art of his handwrit­ This past December, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJc), a civil walked around afterwards. I never told She is 14 inch­ ing. With each letter, his pen hit the ruler rights organization dedicated to empow­ him where my apartment was. I never es tall. If she could that he held in place. It made flat bottoms ering LG BTQ people of the African Dias­ called him to let him know my schedule. I stand. What once on all his words. Maybe he was gay. pora by eradicating the twin evils of couldn't figure out what was up with me. was white is shabby Back to now as I haul out a heavy racism and homophobia, received the The mind chugs along on more than brown. Or balded volume. The Norton Anthology of Litera­ White House invitation to its Holiday one track. On one hand I had the joy of away. Her arms and ture by Women. At forty-one, I read from Open House Tours. love, the indulgence of obsession. That is legs are floppy. But Alcott to Welty. Inside that book I had With less than a week to recover from no small order. I've lived many years of she is still vital. No discovered that women did more than the "shock and awe" of the news, several my life focused on a love object, a chang­ eyes. Both buttons lost. "live happily ever after". Now the inside of us flew across the country to D.C. ing parade, to be sure. I'm energized, I feel When she and I were young, my teddy cover reminds me that Nanci gave this Under the leadership of Sharon ]. Let­ fuller, I have something to think about. bear was "he." Today, with a mere pro­ treasure to me eons ago. The eons when terman, NBJC's new Executive Director, It's a full immersion deal. The other train noun change, Teddy has become a trans­ women's writings and women's lives had who cleverly had a hand in NBJC receiv­ of thought is critical, a standing back, try­ gender female. We both feel better sharing not been included in The Norton Anthol­ ing the invitation, 25 of us on Dec. 17 ing to assess what's really going on. this truth. More importantly, I still love ogy of Literature by Dead White Males. arrived at the Southeast Gate at Alexan­ At one point when A. was especially my 65-year-old teddy bear, my stuffed Secreted between the pages are frag­ der Hamilton Place and East Executive unreliable and borderline abusive, behav­ senior-citizen friend. ments of my autobiography. Greeting Avenue for our 6 p.m. tour. ior I excused in light of that pesky drug Now I move Elder Bear from the cards from happenings and people past. Due to the White House State Dinner habit, which by now I knew was more bookshelf and relocate her to my Big Pink Hand-written notes sharing special sen­ party crashers, T areq and Michelle Salahi, than just pot, I felt enough anguish that Chair while I start gathering lesbian lit­ timents about mutual moments. Ticket in November, the security getting into the I took my heartache to my shrink. He erature to donate to the library of the Gay stubs faintly connecting me to places, White House was so tight it operated like chewed me out in a rather professional Alliance. It's time to let go. Yes, twenty­ linking me to the other ticket holder. a beast on steroids. Brian K. Bond, Depu­ manner, advising me I really didn't know ten is a good year to release my bound Friends remembered. Some forgotten. ty Director of the White House Office of if A. was addicted. But then he told me it treasures, to send them on their way, into I remove a small brown envelope, my Public Engagement, sent out the follow­ was possible to love someone from a dis­ other hands, other minds. first paycheck from Then that I have ing statement in terms of security: tance. I had that choice. That became my With a wistful sigh, I rest my hands Now. I was eight and had earned $84 "Each person in your tour will need new strategy. I could have my cake and eat on a light brown paperback. I pull out my working two days in my daddy's gas sta- THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010 to have a u.s. Government-issued photo homophobia erasing LGBTQ African New York." eating without the regular purging behav­ ID. If an individual's name and security Americans' historical contributions and Asked again by host Matt Lauer if it iors typical of bulimia. information were not previously submit­ connections to the physical building of was a "change" in position, he invoked All three of these eating disorders are ted for purposes of background check by the White House and the moral building good 01' Chuck Schumer and Bill Clin­ serious, and an individual suffering from the sponsoring organization, that individ­ of our nation, Rhue's and Johnson's fam­ ton, saying: one or more of them is at great risk of ual will not be admitted at the gate due to ily histories are a reminder that we, to~, "Maybe in the language. But I'm a physical harm. Some of the most. serious security reasons." are unequivocally an integral part of thIs believer that benefits should flow to same health risks include problems wIth oral Once in the White House, tours were history. sex partners and if indeed the fiction of health (serious teeth and gum infections), self-guided. However, the United Stat~s the language, the title, should be changed, irregularities in heart rhythm and blood Secret Service officers were posted m Conundrums much like Chuck Schumer who changed pressure, malnutrition, a reduction of every room, not only for security reasons, his mind on it and Bill Clinton's evolved, bone density (osteoporosis -- which makes but also to provide historical information IS HAROLD FORO, JR. JUST I'm of the opinion now that nothing is the bones dry and brittle and more prone about each room in the White House. WHISTLING DIXIE? wrong with that." to break), muscle loss, hair loss, severe Luckily, NBJC had its own White During five terms in Congress, from dehydration, fatigue, spikes in cholesterol, By Ove Overmyer House historian on our tour, Dr. Sylvia 1997 to 2007, and an unsuccessful 2006 and diabetes. At the most extreme end of A politician Rhue, Director of Religious Affairs at bid for a Senate seat from his native state the spectrum, eating disorders can cer- changing their NBJC. Rhue became a self-made White of Tennessee, Ford, 39, came out in sup­ tainly lead to death. . mind on gay mar­ House historian when she found out that port of civil unions and other equal-rights An individual suffering from an eatmg riage is nothing her enslaved maternal great-great-grand­ measures for gays, but not same-sex mar­ disorder will often try to hide their disor­ new, and generally mother was born in Blair House, the offi­ riage. der. .. and may be in serious denial about it's to be expected. I cial state guesthouse of the President. "Like countless others... Harold has the existence and risks of their disorder. would like to think Francis Preston Blair, Sr. (1791-1876), been listening to the debate in state leg­ Many will also avoid seeking out ~el~, some of that lobby­ prominent politician and editor of the islatures across the country," Goldin said. believing that their disordered behavlOr IS ing I do is paying Washington Globe in the 1800s, had I guess his spokesperson was trying to just a "phase" and will go away ... or that dividends. three sons: Montgomery, J ames and Fran­ explain away Ford's recent change of they are in control of their disorder rather New York Senator Chuck Schumer has cis Jr. And Francis Preston Blair, Sr. is a heart. than their disorder controlling them. done it. I remember personally asking him great-great-grandfather of America's film In 2006, this was his response to a This is never the case. A person with the marriage question just a few years ago and stage actor of the '60s, Montgomery Republican ad that said he was pro-gay an eating disorder is a person in need of at the Park Avenue Festival. He told me marriage: treatment and support. The most effec­ Clift, who was bisexual, and who might flatly, "No, I would not and do not sup­ "Some news affiliates here in Tennes­ tive forms of treatment range from mental also be Rhue's great-great cousin. port same sex marriage, period." see have declined to carry the ad until health counseling with a trained profes­ Montgomery Blair (1813- 1883), in He came to his senses last year, when they received verification from the RNC sional to intervention with prescribed Rhue's family lineage, was a cabinet mem­ opinion polls showed that more than half that I must be a supporter of gay mar­ medications. In some extreme cases, it ber of Abraham Lincoln's administration of the state residents support marriage riage, which I am not," he said. When may even be necessary to hospi~ali~e during the Civil War, serving as Post­ equality. Even President Bill Clinton has Congressman Ford ran for the Senate that patients for medical and/or psychlatnc master-General from 1861-1864. Rhue evolved on the issue. year, he supported the Defense of .Mar­ care. suspects that her great-great-grandmother Now let's add Harold Ford Jr. to that riage Act proscribing marriage equalIty. So what does all this have to do with was either Blair's illegitimate child or a list, the former chair of the Democratic Pardon me if I sound a little bit skep­ LGBT health anyway? Well, the data tells child born to a slave family working for Leadership Council, and a former U.S. tical about Ford's sincerity, but that's just a pretty interesting, and disturbing, story. the Blairs. Representative from Tennessee n0:-V look­ me. I have always been impressed by this While the majority of reported cases do In an interview, she said, "My great­ ing at a run for the U.S. Senate m New guy, taking note of him some 13 years ago remain among heterosexual females -­ great-grandmother may have been at some York. Something to cheer about? Maybe. when he entered public and. political life. they do not make up 100 percent of ~he point Blair's mistress. It's not unusual you It's always good to have another passen­ I find him articulate, charmmg, educated population of people impacted by eatmg know. But it's amazing how so much of ger on the marriage equality love train. and hard working. But he also possesses disorders. our history is now coming to light. De?o­ But something tells me that his evolu­ all those qualities that scare me. I worked It's suspected that approximately 10 rah's great-great-grandfather was the fmt tion comes at a time when it's imperative hard for Elliot Spitzer in 2006 and look percent of total eating disorder cases in black Postmaster. His boss may have been to support this issue if you want to be a where that got us. We still don't have mar­ the USA occur in men... and many of Montgomery Blair. Small world." credible Democratic candidate in a liberal riage equality in New York. ~nd today, these may be gay and bisexual men. In Rev. Deborah L. Johnson, a lesbian, state. Can he be trusted? I don't know if things start leaning to the nght on the fact, numerous studies over the years have and founder and president of Inner Light just yet. political continuum, could Ford be con­ demonstrated that young gay men, includ­ Ministries, a transdenominational spiritu­ Ford, a well respected star in Demo­ veniently swayed again -- just because he ing gay teens, are a leading risk group for al community of more than 1,500 people cratic circles, moved to New York about has "evolved" one more time on this issue? eating disorders ... and when compared to in Northern California, was also with the three years ago. In recent weeks, he's For now, I'm sticking with Senator heterosexual men, they are nearly twice as NBJe's contingent on the tour. reportedly been weighing a challenge Kirsten Gillibrand. She .spoke eloquen.tly likely to express dissatisfaction with their For Rhue and Johnson, the Holiday to Kirsten Gillibrand, Gov. Paterson's at the Empire State Pnde Agenda dm­ body and/or develop one or more of these Open House Tour allowed them to imag­ appointee to the seat vacated by Hillary ner in Rochester last May and really eating disorders. ine what life must have been like for their Rodham Clinton after Clinton became impressed me with her dev~tion to ci.vil The data about lesbian and bisexual enslaved relatives working in and around secretary of State. Incidentally, a Paterson­ rights issues. I know she wIll never flIp­ women is compelling, as well. For a very the White House and D.C. backed bill that would have legalized gay flop on us. With Harold, who knows? long time it was assumed that lesbian The White House was built between marriage in New York was soundly defeat­ I'm amazed at what ambition and liv­ women "cared less" about tradition norms 1792 and 1800. And slave labor was an ed in the state Senate last month. ing in New York City for three short years of female beauty -- meaning they didn't integral part of the construction of the OnJan. 11, Ford spokesman Davidson can do to a Tennessee politician. Being a want to have the stereotypical thin, femi­ White House, the U.S. Capitol building Goldin told the New York Post, "He sup­ carpetbagger is never pretty. nine body type -- and were, therefore, and grounds. The White House Histori­ ports gay marriage, in the interest of fair­ lower risk for body and eating disorders. cal Association reports, "Black quarry­ ness and equality." Ford backed up that Research over the last decade, however, men, sawyers, brick makers and carpenters statement himself that same morning on Healthy & Queer has proved this simply isn't the case. fashioned raw materials into the products the Today Show with Matt Lauer. LG BTOR EXIA Similarly, while there is less hard used to erect the White House." Ford also said there's a "fiction" in lan­ research about eating disorders in trans Five slaves -- named Tom, Peter, Ben, guage between civil unions and same-sex By Erik Libey people, there are anecdotal reports from Harry and Daniel -- worked as carpenters marriages, and that he now supports gay February 21 all over the country that trans people, during the building of the White Hou.se nuptials because it's the best way to keep through 27 is especially young trans people, struggle in 1795. And in 1863, a slave named PhIl­ equal benefits flowing. National Eating with significant body dissatisfaction and ip Reid supervised the construction of the Saying he supported civil unions when Disorders Aware­ are at high risk for eating disorders. Statue of Freedom that was hoisted atop he ran for Congress in Tennessee in 1996, ness Week in the What is clear is that eating disorders the Capitol dome. Ford stated, "My support for fairness and United States. Eat­ are a problem -- for everyone ... but per­ With the twin evils of racism and equality existed long before I moved to ing Disorders are a serious issue in our haps especially for LG BT people. As a country that affect culture we need to relearn how to love our millions of people. In fact, in the United bodies; and if we DON'T love our bod­ States, as many as 10 million females and ies, we have to learn how to make changes ;Veterinary Hospital one million males are fighting a life and in a way that is healthy. Doing so is just death battle with an eating disorder such another piece of the puzzle in being ... as anorexia or bulimia. Millions more are queer, proud, and HEALTHY! • Andy Fleming, DVM Erik Libey is the Associate Director of Aida Aponte-Lann, DVM struggling with binge eating disorder. Before we start drawing the necessary LGBT & Rural Services at AIDS Care. 1311 Marsh Road connections to the LGBT community, and can be reached at (585)210-4192 or Pittsford, NY 14534 let's first review some definitions. by email at [email protected]. M~re (585) 248-9590 Anorexia is a serious, potentially life­ information on LGBT health & communzty threatening eating disorder characterized can be found online at AIDS Care's LGBT by the (generally unrealistic) belief that Health website www.everybodysgood.com once must constantly lose weight -- a goal most often achieved through self-starva­ Russow Consulting tion and excessive weight loss. Bulimia is another serious eating dis­ TARA RUSSOW, Ph.D. order characterized by a cycle of bingeing ®tl]rnDWDiJ~ ®JumDl@ [3@ and purging behaviors such as self-indu.ced ~ [3@ CUNICAL PSYCHOLOGIST vomiting or, sometimes, abuse of laxatives ®:JiiDJL@ 120 A1Jens Creek Road designed to undo the effects of binge eat- ~®:JiiDJL@ Rochester, NY 14618 ing. . (585) 442-4447 Binge Eating Disorder (BED) IS a type Got to www.gayalliance.org WVJV.J.RussowConsulting.com of eating disorder not otherwise speci.fied and click on "Empty Closet News." and is characterized by recurrent bmge FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 7 The 2009-2010 11M&[' ankBroadway Season

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EC advertisers: GET LISTED ONLINE Place a display advertisement of any size in The Empty Closet and you will automatically be entered into the Gay Alliance Resource Directory (GARD) as an LGBT friendly service provider, shop or organization. You can check your listing at www. gayalliance.org. Go to "Resources" on the top bar and then "Resource Directory." Any changes or additions that you would like to see should be sent to Jean­ [email protected].

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GAGV Library seeks volunteers The GAGV Library is looking for volunteers to help expand the hours of operation. If you like queer books, maga­ zines, music, and movies, this is the place to be! Contact Sean for more information on this great opportunity to give back to the community: [email protected] or 244-8640 ex: 31.

(5 5

t Fax: ("" 5) 242- 4 0 TAKE OUR ONLINE 6 0 SURVEY! Beginning Feb. 1, an online survey about the Empty Closet will be available online at www.gayalliance.org -- click on Empty Closet News. Let us know what's important to you! 10 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010 Youth Section

Janet and Nick at Youth Winter Dance Clark and Kyla Minx at Youth Winter Party in the GAGV Youth Center. Dance Party on Jan. 8.

College Tours start this month at Geneseo, Feb. 11 By Sean Soper The Gay Alliance Youth Program is pleased to begin Queer College Tours! These tours give students the opportunity to learn about college climates and open their eyes to the possibilities of a college education. Our first tour is scheduled for Feb. 11 at SUNY Geneseo. In order to help fund these college tours, the youth program has created college tour caps which will be available for a $1 donation at supportive area businesses. If you have any questions regarding joining a tour or anything else, e-mail Jess at [email protected]. Thank you for your continu­ ing support! • Laura McSpadden, Brian Doran, Administrative Assistant Development Director By Susan Jordan By Susan Jordan Gay Alliance Youth Services Laura McSpadden is the new admin­ Brian Doran is the new Development istrative assistant at the Gay Alliance. Director at the Gay Alliance. A Rochester for Rochester area LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-23 Laura has also been volunteering as a staff native, he grew up in the city and went to [email protected] reporter/photographer for The Empty Clos­ Aquinas. Then he went to MCC and Buf­ et, and will continue to do so. falo State in preparation for his first career Youth Center Hours: Laura was born in Wabash, Indiana, - that of teacher. Drop-in: Monday and Wednesday, 2-6pm although her father lived in Rochester in Brian taught kindergarten and then the 1970s. After graduating from Man­ ran the East Side Community Daycare for Youth Group: Sunday, 2-4pm, ages 13-23 chester College in Indiana, she worked nine years. He then went back to teach­ Sunday, 4-5pm, Drop In Hour here in home health care. ing. However, his parents both became Laura says, "I knew I wanted to keep ill and he needed to spend his days car­ Special Interest Programming: doing meaningful work and also keep ing for them. He took an evening job in being my authentic self. When I was at marketing at Geva, and worked there for Transgender Youth • Arts and Crafts • Movies • Writing college I was very out and was the presi­ 13 years. dent of the LGBT student organization In 2007, Brian moved to AIDS Roch­ Special Events: and worked with the administration on ester, where he served as development and Youth Dances • Day of Silence • The Big Gay Prom sensitivity to students with transgender communications director. identities. So stepping back into an envi­ Brian says, "In December I accepted And we have: ronment where I had to be closeted and a job here at the Alliance. The work is so Pool Table • LGBTQ Youth Library • Internet Access didn't feel comfortable talking about my important. People don't realize what the partner - I didn't want to go back to that. Alliance does." Adult Volunteers Needed: Fun, friendly, safe adults are needed to volunteer their time and When I saw the job posting ... all the job He concluded, "I'm looking forward to talents, providing positive role models, maybe sharing a talent or skill. Contact Scott Fearing, requirements were things I knew I could a really exciting first year here, especially Outreach Coordinator, for an application: [email protected] 585-244-8640 x14 do ... I just knew I had to do it." • around Pride - this is the 21st year." •

Program Notes

PFLAG in Honeoye Falls­ mation about the collaboration or the JumpStart program, please contact Youth Lima School District Program Director Jess Cohen at JessC@ On March 25 from 7-8:30 p.m., the gayalliance.org or 585-244-8640 ext. 13. Adult Enrichment program of the Hon­ eoye Falls-Lima School District will host a Speakers Bureau Keeps film screening and discussion on "the reali­ Talking ties of having a gay or lesbian child." The The Speakers Bureau of the Gay Alli­ free session which will be held in the high ance is one of the longest running efforts school library will include a viewing of the of the agency, and remains one of the bus­ documentary ''Anyone and Everyone," and iest. Trained speakers have started 2010 a facilitated discussion lead by members with a flurry of activity, speaking at a of the Rochester PFLAG. This is the first number of local colleges and universities, "Life is an adventure in forgiveness" time this screening and discussion have high schools, churches and social service ~ Norman Cousins been hosted by an area school district. For organizations. If you would like a train­ more information, contact Honeoye Falls­ ing on LG BT issues in your workplace, Join us for an adventure of mutual discovery and sharing. How do we Lima Community Programs at 585-624- faith community or school, please contact remove the barriers that keep us from the presence of love? What can we 7068 or www.hflcsd.org. For information Jeanne Gainsburg, OutReach Coordi­ do to strengthen our resilience to victimization? Where do we even begin? about scheduling a screening, you can con­ nator, at [email protected] 585- This four-part exploration of forgiveness has the potential to bring hope tact [email protected]. 244-8640 and renewal. Free and open to the LGBT community, friends and family. Trans Youth Group College LGBT The Youth Program at the Gay Alli­ Tuesdays: Feb 23, March 9, 23, April 6 • 6-8pm ance continues to offer a monthly support Conference in Buffalo Light dinner served. Register by calling 585-244-8640 meeting for Trans-identified youth ages April 16-18 2010, the University at 13-23. For more information about the Buffalo will host The Northeast LGBT The Gay Alliance is a community meetings, please contact Youth Program Conference (NELGBTC), an annual con­ partner of WXXI, NCBI and Director Jess Cohen at JessC@gayalliance. ference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans­ the Fetzer Institute's Campaign org or 585-244-8640 ext. 13. gender, queer and ally college students and the larger LGBTQ community. This for Love and Forgiveness JumpStart Youth year's theme is "Sh(out): Celebrating Self, Programming Creating Community". Members of the The Gay Alliance is collaborating with CampusOUT, the Gay Alliance campus GLSEN's JumpStart program to host two organizing project, will be traveling to four-hour workshops in February and Buffalo to participate. For more informa­ March. One session will be focused on tion, see the conference website at www. issues of Gender and the other will focus nelgbtc.com or contact CampusOUT@ on the Day of Silence. For more infor- gayalliance.org. FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET B 11

Day of Silence and The Big Gay Prom Save the Dates Two of the largest special events for LGBT Youth in the Rochester area will be occurring soon. Friday, April 16 is the Day of Silence and Friday, May 7 is the fifth annual Big Gay Prom. The Breaking the Silence Rally will again be held at the Auditorium Center on East Main St. and any students from around the region are welcome to partici­ pate. This year The Big Gay Prom is mov­ ing to the Strathallan Hotel on East Ave. Community Safety The Community Safety and Anti­ Violence team has been very busy help­ ing people who have faced harassment, assault, and domestic violence. If you, or a friend, face any of these situations, call our Community Safety Team for resourc­ es and assistance at 585-244-8640 ext 19; [email protected]. Gay Alliance in Mouse Ears Marriage The Gay Alliance is a participant in the national Give a Day, Get a Disney How to get your lent source, as is the Empire State Pride were elected to their offices (and will be Day campaign that is hoping to inspire Agenda, and Freedom to Marry (see side­ asking for your vote this November) and one million people to volunteer a day marriage recognized by bar for web addresses). Talk with other are charged with enforcing the law. Make of service to an organization in their New York State married couples to learn what worked for them accountable to you. communities. Volunteers will be given a them. Get on the web and identify the You may need to contact a lawyer if Jennifer Gravitz, Esq. one-day, one-theme park ticket to the Dis­ By names of agency supervisors and regional the steps above still leave you without the neyland® Resort or Walt Disney World" Congratulations! If you are reading directors/commissioners at the office where legal protections to which you and your these words, you're probably married and Resort, free. For more information go to you will make your request. Have copies spouse are entitled. You might be delight­ wondering what to do next. Remem­ http://www.handsonnetwork.org/disney of the Martinez case and the Governor's ed to know that most NY appellate courts ber just a few years ago when the right or contact Jeanne Gainsburg, OutReach memo in your file folder - both are avail­ and the top court, the Court of Appeals, to marry, anywhere, was just a dream! Coordinator at 585-244-8640 ext.l4. able on the Gay Alliance web page. Dress have affirmed the Martinez decision so Thanks to Canada (and a handful of Staff Stays Current on respectfully, speak politely and approach even the threat of a lawsuit should send an other countries), Massachusetts, Iowa, the agency at a time when neither you nor agency supervisor/director cowering and Courtroom Media New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecti­ the employee with whom you are dealing legal protections rapidly coming your way. The Gay Alliance is a member of the cut, we can now marry the one we love. are pressed for time - yes, Mom was right Once you receive the rights to which Western New York Coalition for Crime Thanks to Martinez v. County of - you do catch more flies with honey and you are entitled, send a note of apprecia­ Victim Services and on Jan. 16, staff Monroe all New York State agencies (and the little things do matter. tion. Let the agency (the employees that attended a training which addressed laws private companies in certain circumstanc­ Then, make the "ask." Having all of helped and those that hindered you) know and best practices surrounding media and es) must recognize our marriages and your ducks in a row should make it easy how much recognition of your marriage electronic recording devices in New York extend the legal rights bestowed on all for the agency to do the right thing. Hope means to you and your family. Continu­ State courtrooms. District Attorney Mike married couples. Yet we have reports of for the best; plan for the worst. If ini­ ing to educate and advocate will make it Green presented information on exist­ couples being turned away when they tially denied, ask to speak to a supervisor easier for the next family who needs the ing New York law which bans cameras in show up to exercise these rights. and her boss if denied again. Remember same legal protection to get it. So, do we court, but has not been updated to deal You are now part of a growing group names and titles. Be firm, but polite - live and love happily ever after? with new technologies such as Twitter, of same sex spouses who are advancing the don't give the folks a reason to turn your Not so fast - there are many legal cell phone cameras and video, etc. fight for equality from the right to marry request down by becoming irate or physi­ battles for recognition of our marriages to the fight for recognition of those mar­ National Black HIV cally threatening. that are looming right in front of us. Pri­ riages. As always, this fight is one that If your request is denied, or condi­ vate individuals can still regard us married Awareness Day requires education, advocacy and tenacity. tionally granted, or if you are asked to folks as "single." The mish-mash of state MOCHA Center and The Gay Alli­ First, educate yourself on the legal do more than opposite gendered spouses and federal laws under which private com­ ance are partnering to offer a program rights and duties NY bestows on married are asked to do to access the legal protec­ panies are governed make it difficult if for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness couples. You can find a pretty good list at tion, it is time to ratchet up the pressure. not impossible for you to figure out what Day. On Saturday, Feb. 6, from 4 p.m.- www.buddybuddy.com/mar-ny.html. Tak­ Contact the Gay Alliance as well as the benefits you are entitled to from private 6 p.m. in the Apollo Room on the lower ing your spouse's last name and changing Empire State Pride Agenda. These agen­ companies without legal help. The federal your driver's license to reflect it is a NYS level of the Auditorium Center (875 E. cies can easily recognize patterns and can government still hides behind DOMA Main St. 14605), the event will include right, as is being named on the birth cer­ advocate on your behalf, especially if they to justify discrimination against same a keynote speech by Rev. T. Gerald Wil­ tificate for a baby born during your mar­ have gathered other evidence of discrimi­ sex spouses (i.e. social Security benefits liams, Unity Fellowship Church of Buf­ riage. Filing jointly on income taxes and natory actions. and citizenship - just to name two) and falo and the latest information from The receiving Social Security benefits are not Write to the Commissioner of the remember, many state rights are bundled Victory Alliance (Rochester's HIV vaccine -- they are federal benefits currently denied agency that refused your request and together with federal laws and denied to research). Entertainment will be provided to us by the federal DOMA, or Defense of demand that he or she comply with the us -- Medicaid, taxation of our spouses' Marriage Act (more on that later). by Miss Sweet Potato Pie and Futurpointe law and the agency's own policies. The health insurance and the inability to file Dance; also available will be food, infor­ If you are sure that NYS provides the Commissioner is the top ranking person jointly on state income tax because we are mation tables and free HIV testing. Con­ right or protection you are seeking to mar­ responsible for the agency's functioning unable to do so on our federal taxes - tact: Michael Booth at 585-420-1400 x19 ried couples, the next step is to prepare to and also reports directly to the Governor. just to name a few more. or [email protected]. advocate for the recognition of your mar­ Send a copy of the letter to the Gay Alli­ These situations are much thornier and riage and extension of that right to you ance and the Empire State Pride Agen­ will be the subject of next month's article. OUTeach and your spouse. You may not need to OUTeach is a new social/support net­ da as well as to NYS Attorney General Until then, congratulations on your mar­ fight for this right, but best be prepared Andrew Cuomo and to Governor David riage and thank you for joining the battle work for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen­ just in case. Get a certified copy of your Paterson and ask them to insist that NYS to gain statewide compliance with the laws der, queer and straight-allied teachers in marriage license (note to engaged couples employees comply with the law. Both men mandating recognition of them! • Monroe County and surrounding area. A - spend a few extra bucks and get several collaborative effort of GLSEN Rochester certified copies of your marriage license and the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Val­ at the time of your wedding). Collect any Marriage Resources ley, OUTeach works to improve school other documentation you may need as The Gay Alliance: www.gayalliance.org climate for teachers, staff, and students well as copies of the agency's policies if Lambda Legal Education and Defense Fund: http://www.lambdale­ alike. Meetings are held the second Friday possible (check the NYS agency website gal. orglou r-work/issues/marriage-relationsh ips- fami IyIprotecti ng -same­ of each month from 4-6 p.m. at Equal for that information). sex -relationsh .html Grounds. Take a few moments to plan your strat­ Empire State Pride Agenda: http://www.prideagenda.org/lssuesEx­ E-mail OUTeachRochester@gmail. egy. Read up on advocacy techniques and plained/MarriageandFamilyProtection/tabid/67/Default.aspx com or [email protected] for more the latest successes. The Lambda Legal Freedom to Marry: www.freedomtomarry.org/ info . • Education and Defense Fund is an excel-

The Gay Alliance 875 E. Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY 14605 • Hours Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm • Phone: (585) 244-8640 • Fax: (585) 244-8246 • Website: www.gayalliance.org Empty Closet Phone: (585) 244-9030 • Empty Closet Fax: (585) 244-8246 • Empty Closet Advertising: (585) 244-9030 • Empty Closet E-mail: [email protected] Board President Tom Ferrarese • Executive Director Sue Cowell • Administrative Assistant Laura McSpadden • Program Director Scott Fearing Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan • Graphics Jim Anderson • Community Safety Kelly Clark • Development Brian Doran Victim Advocate Kelly Baumgartner Youth Services Coordinator Jessica Cohen • CampusOut Assistant Mariam Mull • Outreach Coordinator Jeanne Gainsburg • AmeriCorps Member Sean Soper Youth Group: Youth Center, 1st Floor - Ages 13-23 Sundays 2-4 pm; Ages 18-25 Sundays 4:30-6pm • http://youth .gayalliance.org for after school schedule and special events. The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender (GLBT) people are safe, thriving and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower GLBT people, to affirm their identities, and to create an atmosphere where the diversity of our community can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. 12 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010 Resources Planned Parenthood of Rochester and Gen­ dents of Ontario and surrounding counties, those coping with an advanced breast cancer AIDS esee Valley Mon,-Thurs, 9 am-5 pm; Fridays 9 am-noon, diagnosis; Sister Sak: a program that addresses Free testing for HIV exposure offers testing and information (585) 546 2595, 315-781-8448, the issues facing young women with breast can­ is available from New York State Department of Rural HIV testing cer; and the Advanced Breast Cancer Support Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at anonymous and confidential, in Alleghany, Liv­ FAMILY Group to support women living with metastatic (585) 423-8081, or 1-800-962-5063 for pay breast cancer, The Breast Cancer Coalition also ingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Rochester Gay Moms' Group phones or calls outside Rochester, Deaf or hear­ Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1-800-962-5063, provides information about breast cancer, a lend­ ing impaired people should call (585)423-8120 Support group for lesbian mommies and wan­ ing library, and a monthly educational program, (TOO,) New Rapid HIV Testing now available­ Action Front Center nabe mommies in Rochester and surrounding All BCCR programs and support services are free, (Action for a Better Community,) Provides HIV areas, Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-sub­ test results in 30-40 minutes! Statewide informa­ Monroe County Women's Health tion can be obtained by calling 1-800-541-AIDS, prevention education and case management ser­ scribe@yahoogroups,com, vices, Training and technical assistance to service Partnership Other organizations which provide AIDS-related 111 Westfall Rd" Rochester NY 14692; services are as follows: providers, Resource library open to public, All Pride &Joy Families services free and confidential. Multicultural and In Rochester, contact Karen Goulet, kgoulet@ (585)274-6978, Comprehensive breast cancer AIDS Care bilingual staff, Jearald Noble, program manager, PrideandJoyFamilies,org or 244-8640 x 40, screening services for uninsured and underin­ 259 Monroe Ave" Rochester NY 14607. Pro­ 33 Chestnut St., second floor, Hours 8:30-5 pm, sured women, vide, support servicces for people with HIV/AIDS Monday-Friday, 262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free Gay Fathers Group Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic and their families; presents educational pro­ anonymous HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tues­ Meets first and third Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm, 170 Sawgrass Drive, 442-8432, Dr, Wende grams related to HIV/STDs to community groups; days, Wednesdays 1-4 pm, provided through GAGV Community Center, 875 E. Main St. Logan-Young and an all-woman staff provide offers free, confidential testing every Monday and NYSDOH, Thursdays 1-4 pm at Aenon Baptist lesbian &Gay Family Building Project mammograms, Thursday, 5-8 pm (no appointment necessary), Church, 175 Genesee St. Comprehensive HIV care and primary medical Claudia E. Stallman, Project Director, Ferre SHARE: Self Help for Women with Breast or care for HIV positive individuals, their negative Anthony L. Jordan Health Center Institute, Inc, 124 Front St., Binghampton, NY Ovarian Cancer partners, and adult family members, Nutritional Prevention &Primary Care Program 13905, Phone: (607) 724-4308; Fax: (607) NYS Hotline: 1-866-53SHARE or 1-866-537- evaluation, vision screenings, gynecological care, Provides Medical Case Management, Mental 724-8290; E-mail: [email protected]: 4273. medical case management/counseling, and sub­ Health, Primary Care, HIV Counceling and Testing Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org AIDS Rochester Women's Health Outreach stance abuse counseling, out-patient treatments using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education presen­ Families Joined by Love 259 Monroe Ave, ARI has services for HIV posi­ and infusions onsite, liaison nurses to coordinate tations, and access to other Jordan services, Pre­ Books and resources for LGBT families, tive women and others in the lesbian commu­ home-care needs, educational resources and vention & Primary Care is a walk-in program; no www.familiesjoinedebylove,org, nity, 442-2220, support groups, an active Patient Advisory Com­ appointments necessary, Office hours: Mon,- Fri., mittee (PAC), access to clinical trials, lab onsite, 8:30am- 5 pm: extended hours on Monday until Parents, Families and Friends of AIDS Community Health Clinic and referrals to psychotherapy and other special­ 8 pm, (585) 423-2879; fax (585) 423-2876, lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) 259 Monroe Ave, 244-9000; TTY (585)461- ized health services, 585-545-7200, Offices in Website: www.jordanhealth,org, For more infor­ PFLAG's threefold mission: supporting parents 9202, HIV and Primary care medical services for Geneva (1-800-422-0282) and Bath (1-800- mation, call Program Director Patrick M, Trevor, and family members in coming out process; HIV positive women, their negative partners and 954-2437), (585) 423-2879, educating the community; advocating on behalf family members, OB/GYN, HIV pre-test and post­ of LGBT family members, Regular meetings test counseling, Confidential or free HIV testing, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours open to family members, friends: first Tuesday Alternatives for Battered Women provides referrals to physicians and service agen­ potluck supper, 6-8 pm, St. Thomas Episco­ cies, (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance,org a day, TTY service: 1-888-232-6348, E-mail 232-7353; TTY 232-1741, Shelter (women only), address: cdcinfo@cdc,gov, pal Church, corner Winton and Highland; third counseling, Lesbians, gay men welcome, Victory Alliance Sunday support and business meeting, 2-4 University of Rochester Medical Center, One of Fair Housing Enforcement Project of pm, Nopper Room, fifth floor, Auditorium Cen­ GAGV Anti Violence Project several research sites worldwide that comprise Monroe County ter, 875 E, Main St. PFLAG@gagv,us; 585- 585-244-8640 ext 17. For women and men, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Rochester site 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with 244-8640 x27, Victim Resource Center of Wayne County conducts research vaccine studies sponsored by housing discrimination on basis of race, orienta­ Newark NY. Hotline 800-456-1172; office National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the attempt tion, HIV status, etc, GAY HEALTH (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189, to discover a vaccine that may one day prevent Public Interest Law Office of Rochester Monroe Co. Dept. of Health STD Clinic Mary Magdalene House HIV infection or AIDS, Imagine aworld without 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services to Phone: (585) 464-5928 Women's outreach center for HIV positive AIDS, learn how you can help create it. 585-756- HIV positive persons, families, Spanish bilingual Monroe Com. Coli. Student Health Services women and women at risk, 291 Lyell Ave, Open 2329; www.vaccineunit.org, advocates available, All civil cases except divorce; Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30 pm 458-5728, no criminal cases, Ask to speak to someone in Phone: (585) 292-2018 (MCC Students only) Center for Health and Behavioral Training of Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syra­ Monroe County PILOR, 454-4060, Hobart &William Smith Health Services Phone: (315) 781-3600 cuseRegion 853 Main St., Rochester 14611. Collaboration Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo 114 University Ave" Rochester, NY 14605; Toll­ of Monroe County Health Department and U,R, Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing and Rochester Colon &Rectal Surgeons free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886, Planned Parent­ Provides year-round training in prevention and counseling, (716) 847-0328 Phone: (585) 244-5670 hood has led the way in providing high quality, management of STDs, HIV, TB and related issues, Westside Health Services Rochester Institute of Technology Student affordable reproductive health care since 1916, such as domestic violence and case manage­ Our experienced and compassionate medical staff ment. (585)753-5382 v/tty, Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave, (254- Health Services 6480); Woodward health Center, 480 Genesee Phone: (585) 475-2255 (RIT Students only) will listen to your concerns and answer your ques­ Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ St. (436-3040), HIV/AIDS services, support, tions in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, All our Syracuse Region more, 171reshold Center for Alternative Youth Ser­ services are confidential. We accept most insur­ 114 University Ave" Rochester, NY 14605; Toll­ vices ances; including Medicaid, You may even qualify free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886, Offers confiden­ McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Unity Provides confidential HIV, STD testing, general for low- to no-cost family planning services, When tial HIV testing and information, When you make Health's Connection Clinic heath care, Sliding fee scale; no one denied, 145 you make your appointment, be sure to ask about (585) 368-3200, 89 Genesee St., Bishop Kear­ your appointment, be sure to ask about our slid­ Parsells Ave,: Mon,/Weds, and Fri. 9-5; Tues.! our sliding scale fees, No one is turned away for ney Bldg" 3rd floor, Full range of servcies, regard­ ing scale fees, No one is turned away for lack of Thurs, 9-7; Sat. 10 am-2 pm, wwwThreshold­ lack of ability to pay, ability to pay, less of ability to pay, Caring, confidential and Center,org; Phone: (585) 454-7530 (serving convenient. ages 12-25) POLITICAL: Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS Catholic Charities AIDS Services Women Gynecology &Childbirth National Organization for Women A collection of agencies providing a multiplicity of A multicultural and bi-lingual staff providing ser­ Associates, P.C. (Greater Rochester NOW) resources and services to the upstate New York vices to a diversity of people infected and affected Phone: (585) 244-3430 (Main Office) PO Box 93196; (585)234-7019, E-mail: info@ community, Their offices are located through the with HIVlntensive home-based case management rochesternow,org Web page: http://www.roch­ Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which also for all ages; a clinical crisis manager; a child/ Gay Health list compiled by AIDS Rochester, Inc, esternow,org, provides medical literature and newspaper clip­ adolescent case worker; transitional case man­ Further information on this list and related gay pings, as well as demographic and statistical data agement for children and family members going health topics available at http://wwwaidsroches­ CULTURAL: for use in developing health care services, (585) through bereavement; recreational and support ter.org/gayhealth Rochester Women's Community Chorus 234-4441, (See Ongoing calendar), 461-3520, groups for children and teens, and camping expe­ This list is under construction. If you are a provid­ MOCHA Center riences including Camp SOAR, We coordinate er, or know of one who would like to be included ONLINE: HIV prevention focus for men who have sex with HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with in this directory, please call Erik Ubey at 442- AIDS) short term emergency assistance with rent/ RochesterDykes: men (MSM) in the minority community, Support 2220 for more information. www.rdykes.com ; groups, one on one peer education, safer sex mortgage/utility payments and limited subsidized housing, 1945 E, Ridge Rd" Suite 24, Rochester e-mail [email protected] workshops, referral services, buddy testing, 107 NY 14622, (585) 339-9800, WOMEN Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400, WOWcny: Huther Doyle HEALTH: e-mail: [email protected] Monroe County Health Department 360 East Ave" Rochester 14604, Offers drug, Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center Rochester NY Lesbians; at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counseling alcohol prevention, education, treatment. Risk 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585- groups,aol,com/rochstrlesbians for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, Reduction Plus Team offers servcies to HIV posi­ 487-3300, Specializing in breast health, diag­ (585)753-5481, tive and those at risk through substance use, nostic breast imaging and treatment and GENERAL: mammography outreach and education, Women's Resource Center Strong Memorial Hospital Programs include outreach, transitional case YWCA, 175 N, Clinton Ave, 546-7740, provides a complete range of HIV medical care, management, free cconfidential testing (Ora­ Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester including access to experimental treatment pro­ Quick Rapid Testing), NYS Dep't. of Health offers 840 University Ave,; 585-473-8177; www.bccr, Color Outside the line Crew Contact Jackie Williams, 482-4945, tocols, and HIV testing, Also provides individual free on-site confidential and anonymous testing, org; email: info@bccr,org, Breast Cancer Coali­ and group psychotherapy, Training of health care (585)325-5100, M-F 8 am-9 pm, www.huther­ tion provides support services that include Brown Check our monthly and ongoing Calendars and professionals also available, Infectious Disease doyle,com, Bag Fridays: an informal discussion group that the Gay Groups section for more woman-centered Clinic, (585) 275-0526, Department of Psychia­ Geneva Community Health meets weekly from 12:00-1 :30; Breast Cancer groups and events, and call the GaySource Info­ try, (585) 275-3379, AIDS Training Project, (585) 601 W. Washington St., Geneva, Provides HIV 101 and 201: programs designed to help those line for referrals, at 244-8640 or see wwwgayal­ 275-5693, testing, HIV specialty and primary care for resi- coping with a recent breast cancer diagnosis and liance,org, And send us your information! . FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 13 Groups

DIGNITY INTEGRITY "Third Sunday Potluck," is held every Give our web site a VISit at www. from the Rochester area. third Sunday of the month (except July theRGMC.org and find out how you You are cordially invited to join us Dignity Integrity will meet Sunday, and August) at the First Universalist can be part of Rochester's "Voice of every Second Thursday of each month Feb. 7 for an Episcopal Eucharist with Church of Rochester, 150 Clinton, at Pride!" at rotating locations. On Thursday, music; Sunday, Feb. 14, for a Roman 4 p.m. A short program usually begins Feb. 11, we will meet from 5:30-7:30 Catholic Liturgy of the Word; Sunday, the potluck and a good time is had by SECOND THURSDAYS p.m. at the Woodcliff Inn, near East­ Feb. 21 for a Quiet Episcopal Eucharist everyone. We hope to see you there. View Mall; on Thursday, March 11 at and Sunday, Feb. 28 for Prayers to Start Our annual Intergenerational Panel Second Thursdays Social and Busi­ the RIT Radisson and then on Thurs­ the Week, followed by a Lenten potluck will be held on March 21, in the GAGV ness Networking Cocktail Party is an day, April 8 at The Inn on Broadway. soup and bread supper. Youth Center. It is a great venue to informal party for those who miss the There are no dues and no cover Other items: Longtime DI Chaplain bring our youth and elder community former Business Forum. charge, just casual conversation. How­ Michael Nicosia left Rochester at the together. The theme this year is self We had a wonderful gathering in ever, we may have a 50/50 raffle and end of January to join his partner in acceptance. Please plan to attend. January at the Airport Marriott, where drawings for other prizes. Denver. We wish him all the best, and A Euchre Tournament will be held 60 gay men and lesbians met for con­ Updated information can be found we are very appreciative of the many May 23. More details will follow but versation and delicious appetizers. Visi­ with Out and Equal NY Finger Lakes years of service he has provided. get this on your calendar. tors came from Medina, Corning and and Facebook; also by contacting thom­ DI also welcomes Rev. Carolyn For more information on RSGV, New Hampshire, along with the rest [email protected] . • Lumbard as our new chaplain. please give us a call at 585-325-1640. DI will be doing a Lenten program Leave a message and someone will get based on the DVD series "Jesus and the back to you. Also visit us at our web­ Gospels." site, rainbowseniorswny.org. DI plans on doing a game night in Have a great 2010! the future. Check the web site for more information: www.di-rochester.org. ROCHESTER RAMS TOY EMPIRE BEARS DRIVE A SUCCESS! The Empire Bears continue to host By Russ s. BEARnight at the Forum every first The Rochester RAMS Motorcycle Saturday. See you there on Feb. 6 for Club conducted their annual Christmas Red Bear night. Shirts, hats, hankys, Toy Drive at the Bachelor Forum dur­ long johns, if it's red, it's a go. ing their monthly Barnight on Nov. 21. On second Saturdays, you can always This yearly event again made the holi­ find the Bears at the GAGV Youth Cen­ days brighter for the families at Roos­ ter at our monthly potluck. It starts at evelt Children's Center, a division of 6:30. Bring a dish, and we provide the Wayne ARC in Newark, NY. rest. The Rams began this tradition in On Feb. 13, the theme is vegetar­ the early 1990s and originally donated ian dishes. We've got plans for a Sun­ the toys through the Marine Reserve's day afternoon party at the Forum on "Toys for Tots" program. Rich Rich­ Feb. 21. We're calling it the club's 14th ards, who belonged to the Rams and anniversary. We're also planning a game worked as a teacher of the visually night at a member's home, a brunch, impaired at the Roosevelt Children's and other events. Center, had told the club of the needs Some members will be attending a of the families served by the center and Binghamton Bear Run the weekend of mentioned that they seldom receive Feb. 19-21. We've also got contingents donations from the major holiday drives going to the J ones Pond and Hillside in the region. As a result the club began reunions. Every Wednesday night at 6, donating the collected toys and money you will find us listening to our favorite directly to the center some 10 years ago. waitress, Becky, as she serves up good Rich passed away in 2002 and the food and bad jokes at The Wintonaire, Rams have continued providing holi­ on Winton near Atlantic. day donations to Roosevelt Children's Check us out at www.empirebears. Center in his memory since then. This org. Woof! year the center will be able to provide for dozens of families using the dona­ tions, which total well over $3,000 in PRIDE & JOY FAMILIES toys, books, games, bikes and even a Pride & Joy Families plans a Roches­ computer from the club. ter event for Feb. 27. The Rams also made monetary From 3-5 p.m. the group will host donations of over $770 during 2009, a "That's a Family!" screening with a which will help many families receiv­ hot cocoa reception and discussion at ing services from Roosevelt with food, the Gay Alliance Youth Center (first clothing and gifts for older siblings this floor, use Prince St. entrance), 875 E. holiday season. The Rams are most Main St. grateful to the Rochester community Bring the whole family and your for their wonderful support and espe­ favorite mugs for hot cocoa and a view­ cially to Forum owner Peter Mohr, a ing of "That's A Family!", a fun docu­ Newark native himself, for his continu­ mentary in which children take us ing support of the Rochester Rams as through their lives as they speak about they celebrate 35 years of Brotherhood what it's like to grow up in a family in 2010. with parents of different races or reli­ gions, divorced parents, a single parent, ROCHESTER GAY FENWICK CONTRACTING gay or lesbian parents, adoptive parents or grandparents as guardians. (Don't MEN'S CHORUS Des ign· Drywall · Decks · Carpentry· Additions· Pai nting. worry if you forget your favorite mug Happy New Year to all, from The -- we'll be happy to let you use one of Rochester Gay Men's Chorus! Repairs to fu ll repl acement. Call for estimates. ours!) Our March 20 concert, "Gettin' 288-0032 Please RSVP to PrideAndJ oyRoches­ Lucky", will explore our unending quest [email protected] or Karen Goulet for romance -- from first kiss to making at [email protected] or love last. Everyone should "get lucky" 585-244-8640 ext. 40, or 607-724-4308 around St. Patrick's Day! The concert (option 3). will also feature the Rochettes, dancing through this theme of love, love, love! RAINBOW SAGE OF THE We are in dire need of seamstresses Property Management · Renta ls· Al l Areas GENESEE VALLEY to come aboard shortly for our upcom­ ing June show, "U.S.S Metaphor." Any­ of Rochester· 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. By Tony Perri one interested? Please call the RGMC Welcome to a New Year! Rainbow office at 585-423-0650. We'll also be Call 279-0936 for ava ilability. SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT auditioning a few new singers for this Elders) of the Genesee Valley would like show. More information will soon fol­ to invite the community to join us in low. our planned activities for this year. Save the Date: "Anything Goes" Our monthly potluck, now called Spring Gala, Sunday, May 2, 4-8 p.m. 14 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010

SUNDAY 7 auction of new work by Alicia Ross, to Who Was This Man? A State of the Satellite Sunday. GAGV Youth meet benefit education about and prevention Re:Union Special, 10 p.m. on AM1370/ this month with Rush-Henrietta youth at of violence against women and girls. 7-9 FM-HD91.5-2. Bayard Rustin counseled February Lovin' Cup in Henrietta. Group runs 2-4 pm, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the use of p.m. Youth Program members can catch 137 East Ave. $1 admission. Sponsored by non-violent resistance, and helped to engi­ a ride on the AIDS Care Van, leaving Rape Crisis Center and Planned Parent­ neer the March on Washington and frame MONDAY 1 GAGV Youth Center at 1:15 p.m. sharp! hood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region. the Montgomery bus boycott. Yet many Candlemas, Imbolc. Ancient Celtic E-mail Jess at [email protected] for Exhibit runs through March 21. have never heard of him. Why? He was gay. Cross-Quarter Festival of light, through more information, or to reserve your seat. SATURDAY 13 Empire Bears 14th anniversary Feb. 2. Tree: rowan (mountain ash). Dignity Integrity Episcopal Eucha­ Free mammograms for women 40 party, afternoon at Bachelor Forum. TUESDAY 2 rist with music. 5 pm, St. Luke St. Simon and over without insurance. Free reiki, www.empirebears.org. PFLAG program: "Transgender Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. www. refreshments. 8 am-noon, Highland TUESDAY 23 Issues and Parenting". 7-9 pm. Discuss­ di-rochester.org; 234-5092. Breast Imaging Center, 500 Red Creek Marriage Equality Lobby Day, ing gender identity and expression with MONDAY 8 Drive, Suite 300. 487-3300. Albany. Join Rochester and NYS activists personal stories of transgender experience, Freedom to Marry Week Empire Bears potluck. Vegetarian speaking up for our civil rights. For info, looking at the impact "transitioning" has Youth Valentine Dance, 5-9 pm, foods. 6:30 pm, GAGV Youth Center, contact Equality ROC, 426-0862. on individuals, families and relation­ Muthers, 40 S. Union. DJ, pizza, soda, first floor, 875 E. Main St. www.empire­ WEDNESDAY 24 ships. Will explore resources available. St. youth drag show. HIV testing. $5. 244- bears.org Inqueery: BDSM: A Guide for Lay Thomas Episcopal Church, 2000 High­ 8640 x 13. SUNDAY 14 People, Well-wishers and Newbies. land Ave. at Winton. 244-8640 ext 27. TUESDAY 9 Valentines Day 6:30-8:30 pm, facilitator Laura McSpad­ SATURDAY 6 "Preachers' Sons". Free screening of Dignity Integrity Roman Catholic den. GAGV Youth Center, 244-8640. Ganondagan Winter Games. Dis­ film, panel discussion at First Universal­ Liturgy of the Word. 5 pm, St. Luke St. SATURDAY 27 cover the Seneca ways of winter at the ist Church, 150 S. Clinton Ave. 7 pm. Simon Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Pride & Joy Families film screening historic site outside Victor. Dog sledding [email protected]; 271-2420. www.di-rochester.org; 234-5092. of "That's a Family!" from 3-5 p.m. with demos, crafts demos including maple sug­ MONDAY 15 hot cocoa reception, discussion. Gay Alli­ aring and toboggan making, Snow Snake THURSDAY 11 GAGV Queer College Tour. SUNY Empty Closet deadline for March ance Youth Center (first floor, Prince St. games, snowshoe racing and native foods. issue. 244-9030; [email protected]. entrance), 875 E. Main St. RSVP to Prid­ www.ganondagan.org. Geneseo. Ongoing tours give students the opportunity to learn about college THURSDAY 18 eAndJ [email protected] or National Black HIVIAIDS Aware­ Karen Goulet at kgoulet@prideandjoy­ ness Day. "HIV/AIDS Prevention: a climates and the possibilities of a college Inqueery; Homophobia: More Than families.org or 585-244-8640 ext. 40, or Choice and a Lifestyle." Entertainment/ education. For information, e-mail Jess at Name Calling. 6:30-8:30 pm, facilita­ 607-724-4308 (option 3). education, 4-6 pm, Apollo Room, Audi­ [email protected]. tor Scott Fearing. GAGV Community Second Thursdays Social & Busi­ Room, Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main Activist skill-building workshop. torium Center, 875 E. Main St. For infor­ Downtown United Presbyterian Church, mation call Michael Booth, 420-1400 x ness Networking. 5:30-7:30 pm, The St., Prince St. entrance, first floor. 244- 121 N. Fitzhugh St., 6-8 p.m. Call Todd 19 (MOCHA Center). Woodcliff Inn near Eastview Mall. Infor­ 8640. mation: [email protected]. Plank at 585-271-2420; tplank@pride­ Empire Bears Red Bear Night. Bach­ FRIDAY 19 agenda.org. elor Forum, 670 University Ave. www. WEDNESDAY 10 Binghamton Bear Run, weekend of empirebears.org. Inqueery: Coming Out: Toward an Feb. 19-21. SUNDAY 28 Red Ball: Community Valentine's Understanding of Self Identity. 6:30- Dignity Integrity Prayers to Start Dance. "Celebrating Community, Love 8:30 pm, facilitator: Scott Fearing. GAGV TUESDAY 20 the Week, followed by a Lenten potluck and Friendship". 7-11 pm, Cathedral Hall, Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. LGBT Rights Conference at RIT soup and bread supper. 5 pm, St. Luke St. Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. DJ entrance (first floor). 244-8640. sponsored by Civil Rights Front. Public Simon Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. welcome. http://civilrightsfront.wordpress. Chuck Argento. Light refreshments, des­ FRIDAY 12 www.di-rochester.org; 234-5092. serts. All ages welcome. Gift basket raffle, com Susan B. Anthony House luncheon, MARCH auction. Wear red to win prizes. Dance Noon, Rochester Riverside Convention SUNDAY 21 admission: $7. Additional fee for Wine MONDAY 1 Center. Professional one-act drama about Dignity Integrity Quiet Episcopal and Chocolate Tasting: $5. Tickets at Inqueery: The Celluloid Closet. the fight for women's vote. See www. Eucharist. 5 pm, St. Luke St. Simon Outlandish, Equal=Grounds; online at Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. www. Screening and discussion. 6:30-8:30 pm, Susanbanthonyhouse.org. facilitator Kelly Clark. GAGV Youth www.gayalliance.org. di-rochester.org; 234-5092. V-Day 2010. Opening reception and Center. 244-8640 . • e assifie s

Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is anoth­ er $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance or GAGV. The deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month's issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accom­ panied by name and phone number. Neither will be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal More reasons to shop at Wine Sense address/phone number. ANNOUNCEMENTS ing, woodwork and ceramic tiles. Other • Boutique atmosphere Empty Closet seeks proofreaders. If services include designing silk and fresh • Limited Production wines at you have professional proofreading skills floral arrangements. E-mail me at mysti­ and can give a minimum of two hours [email protected] for price quotes. reasonable prices per month to volunteering, please call Martin Ippolito, master electrician. Susan at 244-9030. Electrical work, phone jacks, cable TV, • Spirits, ports, dessert wines Urgent! Three litter trained indoor burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. Call cats need good home. Their owner's 585-266-6337. • Free wine and cheese tastings recent death has left these kitties in dan­ Body rub. If you have tried the rest, ger. If you can adopt one or more, or now try the best. Very discreet. Reason­ Friday evenings even offer temporary shelter, please call able rate. (585) 698-8157. • Learn while you shop The Empty Closet at 244-9030. PERSONALS SERVICES WGF looking for WGF. Must like • 20% off all mixed cases Happy Valentines Day! Show your dogs and cats. I like outdoors, camp­ best friend, lover or partner how much ing, being near water. I like to watch • Open Sundays 12-5 you care about their comfort with a DVDs, go to movies, go to tractor pulls, relaxing body rub from me! I'm a fit, car races, wrestling, social drinking, no friendly, healthy Italian GM. My 10 drugs. Looking for ages from 38 to 70. years plus experience ensures your relax­ I am heavyset, looking for someone who ation and satisfaction. Hotel out calls or doesn't mind small or big. I do smoke 749 Park Avenue central location in calls. Reasonable rates, cigarettes. If you want to respond, call discretion assured. Don't delay, call me JC, 315-651-4002. 585.271.0590 today at 585-235-6688 or e-mail me at [email protected]. FOR SALE www.wedefinewine.com W. Shawn Cignarale, Interior Malibu outdoor lights. 50-foot Designer. Specialties include refinishing string of four. Brand new, never hardwood floors, painting, wallpaper- unboxed. $79 value for $65. 385-7931. FEBRUARY 2010 • NUMBER 431 • 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 Guys Night Out AQA Third Saturdays. Social group for transguys. Support group for transgender people of 1 pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. MONDAY pm, Lessons followed by dancing until 10pm, Beginners to advanced. color. Third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm, [email protected]. LGBT Support Group MOCHA, 107 Liberty Pole Way. 420-1400. Saturday Night Special Gay AA 34 Meigs St. First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9 pm. Gay Alliance Board of Directors Second Thursdays 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. S. Carol, 482-3832. Meets Third Wednesdays, 6 pm, Men and women. Open meeting. 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Social and business networking, 5:30-7:30 Lilac Squares Gay Square Dance Group pm. Changing venues. E-mail thomas051O@ Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf Mondays, 7 pm, Open Arms MCC, New Freedom New Happiness mac. com for information. (LRAD) Second Saturdays, 6-9pm. 740 Marshall Rd. 520-5358; AA Gay meeting, 7 pm, Unitarian Church, [email protected] [email protected]. 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. Gay & Lesbian Cancer Support Group Second Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Gilda's SUNDAY Free syphilis testing Equality ROC Clubhouse, 255 Alexander St. RSVP: 423- AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8 pm. 442- Second, fourth Wednesdays, 7 pm. For 9700; [email protected] Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians 2220. location, info, call Anne, 426-0862. and Gays (PFLAG) Third Sundays, 2-4 pm. Nopper Room, Support Group for Parents Who FRIDAY Rochester Historical Bowling Society Gay Alliance, fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. Have Lost Children 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, Gay Men's AA meeting [email protected]. 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Tawa Pano Unity Fellowship Church HIV Positive Gay Men Support group Genesee Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 Sundays, lOam, 758 South Ave. 617-4279 Every Monday, 5pm, AIDS Care, GLBTQI Motorcycle Group 259 Monroe Ave. COAP Second Fridays, 5:30 pm, Various locations. Dignity-Integrity Come Out and Play. Business meeting last 5pm, St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, GAGVYouth Drop-In Hours [email protected]; 478- Wednesday. Equal Grounds Coffee Shop, 1565; [email protected]. 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Every Sunday, 234-5092 Mondays, Wednesdays, 2-6pm, GAGV 750 South Ave. 7pm, John S., 261-7263. Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. Open Arms Metropolitan Community entrance, first floor. 244-8640, ext 13. Empire Bears SATURDAY Church First Wednesdays, 7:45 pm, GAGV Rochester Rams Bar Night 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 1O:30am. 271-8478 Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Community Center, 875 E. Main St., fifth Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Gay Men's Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House floor. [email protected] Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, Rochester Rams General Meeting Empire Bears Bar Night 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8:30pm, 232-6720, Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Bachelor Forum, First Saturdays. Bachelor Forum, Weekly. Closed meeting Group 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com 470 University Ave. www.empirebears.org. Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave. GAGVYouth Group Transgender Group Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Ages 13-23. Every Sunday, 2-4pm, GAGV TUESDAY Third Wednesdays, 6:30-9pm, Downtown 9 am, George Eastman House parking lot. Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. or satellite United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. location. For weekly location check Youth Atlantic Five 0 Calendar, www.gayalliance.org or e-mail Jess Gay men 50 and over. Second Tuesdays, Multicom-4 Coffee Talk Empire Bears Potluck at [email protected]. 7pm, GAGV Youth Center, 875 E. Main 7pm, Spin Cafe, 739 Park Av. Social for 2nd Saturdays, GAGV Youth Center, 875 St., first floor, Prince St. entrance. 223-2629. former Multicom-4 BBS members; other E. Main, first floor, Prince St. entrance. Rainbow SAGE GLBT cyber geeks welcome, every fourth 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Bring dish to First Sundays: Euchre Club, 3-6pm. Third Civil Rights Front Wednesday, 8pm pass. www.empirebears.org. Sundays, Potluck at First Universalist Every Tuesday, 7 pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 Church, 150 S. Clinton Ave., 4pm. South Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront. Brothers Keeper Cross Dresser Support Group wordpress.com Support group for men over 30. Third First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: Men's Cooking Group Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA 251-2132; [email protected] Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664 . • Two Spirit Group Center, 107 Liberty Pole Way. 420-1400 Second Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GAGVYouth Drop In Hours Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-7 pm, GAGV PFLAG potluck Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. AA Meetings in Rochester First Tuesdays. 6: dinner; 6:30: meeting. St. entrance, first floor. 244-8640 ext 13. Thomas Church, Winton & Highland. Every week there are four regularly scheduled Married Men's Support Group GLBTI AA meetings in Rochester. CampusOut Coffee Night Third Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. 875 E. First Tuesdays, 7-10 pm, Equal=Grounds, Main. Follow signs for "Charlie's Group". 750 South Ave. Wednesdays Scott, 585-244-8640 ext 20. New Freedom/New Happiness Group MOCHA Youth Drop-In Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: Take the Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, 107 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. last #18 University bus to 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of the hill Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic GAGV Library & Archives, David of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. This is an Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Bohnett Cyber Center open discussion meeting. All issues - as they relate to our alcoholism/addiction Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, Every Wednesday. 6-8 pm. First floor, 875 and recovery - are fair game. 420-1400 E. Main St. 244-8640. Rainbow SAGE Yoga Fridays 6-7pm Open Arms MCC, 125 Norris THURSDAY Gay Men's Drive, 442-6369. Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay 7:30 p.m. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Concerns Pride 2010 committee meeting • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 Third Tuesdays. GAGV Community • Men's meeting Room, first floor, 875 E. Main St. 6:30-8 Queer Radical Reading Group • Handicapped accessible pm. Everyone welcome to plan Pride 2010 First and third Thursdays, 7 pm, This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you are shy about meeting people or (July 11-18).244-8640. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. speaking up in a group, you will find this meeting particularly warm and inviting Women's Community Chorus Pride at Work because everyone gets their turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meeting Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. often runs long, so plan on more than the usual hour. Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 N. off Thurston Rd. 426-0862. Fitzhugh St. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org Saturdays GLOB&L Saturday Night Special IMPACT Team (Gays and Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb). Second Tuesdays, Downtown Presbyterian Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus riders: The #18 Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30 pm. conference room at the Optic Center. University Ave. bus does not go by the church on weekend evenings. Take the Call Todd Plank, 271-2420. Voice mail: 338-8977 #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. Free HIVTesting Rochester Gay Men's Chorus Every Tuesday, 9 am-7 pm. AIDS Care, Downtown United Presbyterian Church, • Open meeting, all are welcome, "straight-friendly" 259 Monroe Ave. 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 • Mixed men and women • Handicapped accessible, take the elevator to the basement Free confidential walk-in HIV testing Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion. WEDNESDAY Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, AIDS Care, Tawa Pano Church Bible Study 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 Bible study 7:15 pm. 758 South Ave. Sundays Partner Bereavement Group Rochester Gay Men Charlie's Group First and third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm. Open 8 p.m. at St. Luke/St. Simon's Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Bus riders Third Wednesdays. Monthly peer-facilitated drop-in session; professionally led. Freewill use the Fitzhugh St. stop on Main St. at the County Office Building and walk suppport group for married men who have donation to hospice requested. Lifetime south one block. sex with men. Confidential, free. 6:30 pm. Care, 3111 Winton Road, 214-1414 • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts For location, info: Scott, 244-8640 x 20; • Men 's meeting [email protected]. MOCHA/GAGVYouth Trans Group First Thursdays, 5-7pm, GAGV Youth • NOT handicapped accessible Country Line Dancing/Two Stepping Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor (Prince Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion. Every Wednesday, Muthers, 40 S. Union, 7 St. entrance). 244-8640 ext 13. 16 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 431 • FEBRUARY 2010