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Gold: Met life Silver: Excenus+' NIXON PEA BOOYt1r -f THE JW:HBLDR ftOCHUUII.FORUM lltW tRC .-ew ..A..Ulli.LIItlletil At the vigil in Washington Square Park on June 24. The celebration rally took place there the next day. Photo: Jim Wilkins TOMPKINrS New York becomes the sixth state to Bronze: legalize same-sex marriage; vote is 33-29 Kodak in 30 days. All over the state city illation Act. Republican then­ speech Friday night. Grisanti clerks are preparing for what will Gov. George Pataki signed that had been against same-sex mar­ certainly be a flood of marriage bill into law. It became effective riage when he was elected last license applications on July 24. on January 16, 2003, and pro­ yeas, bur changed his mind after The state-by-state battle over tects individuals who are dis­ an intense lobbying campaign. gay marriage has become a con­ criminated against on the basis "I cannot legally come up wirh tentious U.S. social issue ahead of sexual oriemation. an argument against same-sex < of the 2012 presidential and con­ The NYS Assembly passed marriage," Grisanti said. _..Bausch&lomb The NYS Senate. gressional elections. Now, New a gay marriage bill fo ur times, Two other GOP senarors ,...... _._..,. York joins Iowa, Connecticut, most recently on June 15. For­ came our early ro support rhe By Ove Overmyer Massachuserts, New Hamp­ mer Rochester Mayor and now bill, including Sen. Jim Alesi of In a historic landmark victo­ shire, Vermont and the District Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy presided the Rochester area, and Sen. Roy ry for LG BT rights, the GOP-led of Columbia to allow same-sex McDonald. New York stare senate approved marriage. Four states includ­ The senate bi II 's spon­ a same-sex marriage bill on ] une ITT ing Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois sor, openly gay Democrat Tom I1111JD1l � 24, making New York Stare the and New Jersey have approved Duane, introduced the legisla­ sixth and largest state to allow gay civil unions. Same-sex mar- tion with a tearful speech detail­ gays and lesbians to marry. ing his life from when he came The 33-29 vote is an enor­ out to his Catholic parents as mous victory for first-year a teen to his adult life fight­ Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Dem­ ing for gay rights and his part­ ocrat who pledged during last ner. "Marriage says that we are fa ll's campaign to push fo r Todd Plank Jo Meleca Voigt. (Victory! conti1luespage 3) gay marriage. It comes after & gmans an intense public and private over the last session of the senate lobbying cam paign from a when the marriage bill finally Champion: wide cast of politicians, celeb­ passed the legislature. rities and athletes, includ­ Suspense and drama up s ing Lady Gaga and former Anne Tischer & Bes Watts. until the last minute President Bill Clinton. It also After weeks of suspense, on comes after rhe separate orga­ riage is specifically banned in June 24 Sen. Stephen Saland, nizations fighting for mar­ 39 states. a Poughkeepsie Republican, riage equality, urged by Gov. In California, a judge last CORNING annou need himself on the senate Q Cuomo, decided r.o combine year overturned a ban on gay floor as the 32nd senator to back marriage. No weddings can take the legislation, ripping the bal­ place while the decision is being ance in favor of passage. Saland At the June vigil. 5: appealed. It could set national defii1ed his vote as a marrer 24 policy if rhe case reaches rhe �EMP1R£STA1'£ of conscience during a stirring l:.tu.d·C:rnuud• COllEGE U.S. Supreme Court. See Pride A lluu"· legal defense of an amendment CuOcc I h>ll'<' & Girl Three states -- New Jersey, exempting religious organiza­ Guide within New Mexico and Rhode Island-­ tions from the law. Section A ilSl do not explicitly prohibit gay I • de "I have defined doing the News fronts ...... 4 marriage bur have nor endorsed right thin� as treating all persons Interview:Jay Rudrnan...... 6 it, according to DOMA Watch, with equality," Saland said. "And Buffalo Pride ...... 9 an advocacy group rhat supports Opinion: Victory Alliance ...... 17 Harry Bronson on the that equality includes rhe defini­ ...... Assembly floor. limiting marriage ro men and tion of marriage. I fe ar rhar ro do Making The Scene...... 18 women. otherwise would fly u1 the face Section B

rheir efforts as New Yorkers This marks the second rime of my upbringing." Entertainment: lmageOut Pride .... 1 United for Marriage. that the GOP has stamped its Travel: Memorial ...... 4 Friend: Saland was joined in Cuomo signed rhe bill almost approval on the most important announcing his newfound su ­ Columnists...... 5 p o immediately, handing souve­ gay rights legislation in New port for gay marriage on the GAGV News: Pr ud Youth...... 12 nir pens ro Sen. James Alesi, York state hisrory. In 2002, the senate floor by Mark Grisan­ Groups ...... 1!5 Sen. Tom Duane, Lr. Gov. Bob New York senate Republican ti, a first-term Buffa lo Repub­ Ongoing Calendar ...... 18 Calendar ...... 19 Duffy and others crucial to the majority approved SONDA, the lican who did not declare how Classifieds ...... 19 victory. The bill will become law Sexual Orientation Nondiscrim- he would vote until his floor 2 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLE Y

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, New York 14605 Perspectives © 2011, All rights reserved. FROM THE FROM TH E Editor-In-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporters: Ove Overmyer, Laur Empty Closet Editor Executive Director McSpadden Graphic Design: Jim Anderson SUSAN JORDAN SUE COWELL Intern Photographer: Jim Wil

LOCAL AND STATE Rochester City Council member Dana Miller. (Victory!from page 1} fa mily," Duane said. "Louis Who won Marriage Equality? and I are family. And marriage strengthens all fa mily. lt's going to strengthen my fa mily and all New York fa milies." Day of the vote, June 24 It was not clear until late Friday afternoon whether a vote would even take place on the matter, after a week's anxious wait. Rochester residenrs gath­ ered downtown at a candle­ light vigil and waited for news from Albany. The crowd grew to almost 200 and sang songs, lit candles and prayed. Other groups waited at Equal= Grounds and the Bachelor Porum. But shortly before 6 p.m., the state senate's Republican majority leader, Dean Skelos, announced he would call a vote on the legislation. That was good news tO the crowd, who burst into spontaneous applause. The message was clear·- Cuomo Kitty Moran and Deb Heinz in Albany on May 9. Photo: Ove Faith leaders speak to the media at Third Presbyterian Church Overmyer on June Photo: Susan Jordan would never let a bill come to the 14. floor of the senate if it did not Committed activists Faith and labor leaders have enough votes to pass. While parry leaders almost By Susan Jordan Faith and labor leaders both provided crucial support in New always direct their members how Thousands of committed activists - gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, York City and across the state. Here in the Rochester area, clergy to vote in the New York legis­ transgender and gender variant people and heterosexual allies - have announced their support for marriage equality legislation at a press lature, Skelos said decisions on worked for years to bring about marriage equality in New York State. conference on June 14, at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. the gay marriage bill would be Individuals like Kitty Moran and Deb Heinz (pictured above at Approximately a dozen clergy were present, representing, according "a vote of conscience for every Equality and Justice Day in Albany on May 9) have given many hours to the Empire State Pride Agenda, 734 fa ith leaders around the state member of the Senate." of time and energy, picketing, lobbying, phone banking, letter writi11g who support marriage equality. The area clergy persent included Bish­ Local reaction from elected and much more. Setbacks, obstacles and disappointments never made op Prince Singh, Episcopal Diocese of Rochester; Rev. Jon Wilkinson, officials them give up; many have worked on the issue for years. Third Presbyterian Church; Casey and Mary Ellen Lopata, Fortunate Minutes after the senate Organizations including the Empire State Pride Agenda, Human Families; Rev. Denise Donato, Mary Magdalene Church; Rev. Michael voted on the bill, Rochester area Rights Campaign and Marriage Equality NY (MENY) have devot­ Hopkins, St. Luke St. Simon Episcopal Church; Rev. Jen Crowe, First NYS Assembly member Harry {Who won continues page 7) (Who won continues page 7) Bronson (D-131) talked with The EmptyCloset. He said, "Like many of you, it is difficult for me to put into words the emo· tiona! ride engulfing me at this historical moment. For years, many of us have fo ught to have our love, our commitments and our relationships treated with rhe respect and dignity opposite sex couples e1�oy." He added, "It is a proud day for New York as we now rec­ ognize the legitimate union of rwo loving adults without dis­ crimination. With the passage of marriage equality, we will not longer be treated as second-class citizens. With pride, I thank you for giving me the privilege to be pare of this landmark legisla­ tion that honors our ideals that aU people are to be treated as equals." Rochester City Councilman Mayor Tom Richards at the NY Business for Marriage press Jason Curtis. Photo: Bethany Young Matt Haag also senr a prepared conference on June 7. Photo: Susan Jordan statement to The Empty Closet. He said, "No matter how l.ong Political and business leaders ... and a 14-year-old in Fairport it has taken, no matter how painful the fight, no matter the Governor Andrew Cuomo has been the chief political supporter AU over New York State, heterosexual allies of the LGBT commu· fe ars attempted w be incited, of marriage equality, seconded by Lr. Gov Bob Duffy. The campaign nity have been stepping up and speaking out for equal rights. Many no matter the dire predictions has also been led by gay elected officials like NYS Sen. Tom Duane, allies, of all ages, races and genders, were visible in Albany on Equality of demise pronou need, we as a and Assembly members Danny O'Donnell and Rochester's Harry and Justice Day, holding signs that read "Another Straight New Yorker state, a nation and a people have Bronson, and by many straight supporters in the NYS legislature, like for Marriage Equality." Other individuals turned up all over rhe state, fo ught, stumbled, crawled and Sen. John Sampson, and political leaders in cities and counties around sometimes in unexpected places. now walked back omo rhe path the state, including NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rochester On the weekend of June 4 in Fairport, Jason Curtis, 14, counter­ of justice, liberty and freedom." Mayor Tom Richards. protested the red-caped extremists of rhe Catholic Society for Defense Area activists warn the Latino/a elected officials held a press conference on the steps of of Tradition, who were demonstrating against marriage equality. tl.ghtis far from over NY City Hall on June 8 to declare support. A Siena poll last spring "I know kids that are gay and I don't want them to be criticized," At the June 24 Rochester indicated that a majority of Latino/as support marriage equality. Jason said. vigil on the day of the senate {Who won continues page 7) ·JoeMyGod.com vote, Rochester Equality fo under (Victory! cortti11uespage 7) 4 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

I knew about one other incident," said 13 bankruptcy. Lewis. "I've never felt roo concerned walk­ The case involves a bankruptcy ftl­ ing around downtown." ing by Gene Douglas Balas and Carlos A. Morales of Los Angeles, who were mar­ Bill would end unfair ried on Aug. 20, 2008. Balas and Morales Newsfronts were among about 18,000 same-gender health insurance tax couples who legally wed until the passage Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) of Proposition 8 in November 2008 took NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL and Susan Collins (R-ME) are introduc­ away marriage equality in California. ing the Tax Parity for Health Plan Ben­ The court concluded, "The Debt­ eficiaries Act in the United States Senate. ors have demonstrated that DOMA vio­ Federal jury says Walker LGBT students from discrimination in The bill would end the unfair taxa­ lates their equal protection rights afforded Mississippi's history. under the Fifth Amendment of the United ruling on Prop cannot tion of employer-provided health insur­ 8 Windsor became engaoed ro Thea ance for domestic partners. A companion States Constitution, either under height­ be overturned Spyer in 1967, and they finJly married in measure was introduced in the House of ened scrutiny or under rational basis hout that time Windsor and review. Debtors also have demonstrated A federal judge on June 14 refused to 2007. Throu� Representatives the first week in June by invalidate last year's ruling against Propo­ Spyer created a home together, and Wind­ Representatives Jim McDermott (D-WA), that mere is no valid governmental basis sition 8, deciding the gay jurist who over­ sor cared for Spyer through her long battle Richard Hanna (R-NY), Earl Blumenauer for DOMA. In the end, the court finds turned the same-sex marriage ban had no with multiple sclerosis. Although their (D-OR) and Nan Hayworth (R-NY). rhat DOMA violates the equal protec­ obligation to step aside because of a pos­ home state of New Yo rk recognized their Under current law, although employer­ tion rights of the Debtors as recognized sible conflict of interest. marriage as legal, DOMA prohibited the provided health coverage for different-sex under the due process clause of the Fifth federal government from doing the same. Amendmem." The decision by Chief Judge James spouses is excluded from an employee's Ware of the U.S. District Court in San After Spyer's death in 2009, Windsor gross income, domestic partner benefits The case was flled on Feb. 24, one Francisco left rhe ruling by retired ] udge was forced to pay over $350,000 in estate and coverage for same-sex spouses are day after Attorney General Eric Hold­ Vaughn R. Walker in place. Walker's deci­ taxes- a sum she would not have had to not. As a result, an emJ>loyeewho elects to er oudined the Obama administration's position that Section 3 of DOMA was sion remains on hold pending a separate pay if she were married to a man. Wind­ cover his or lierdomestic partner or same­ unconstitutional and that the federal gov­ appeal to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of sor filed a lawsuit against the government sex spouse pays more income and payroll ernment would no longer defend DOMA Appeals. with the assistance of the ACLU and the tax than a similarly-situated employee Proponents of Proposition 8 argued law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton with a different-sex spouse. Moreover, cases in court. Holder sent a letter to that Walker's conflict was not his sexual and Garrison, LLP. because of this inequitable treatment, House Speaker John Boehner, and he and his fellow Republicans decided they orientation, but rhe fact that he was in a employers who offer benefits to domestic serious same-sex relationship that could Iowa City gay man partners face the administrative burden of would defend DOMA in court. Apparently to stress how strongly the conceivably lead to marriage. calculating taxes separately, and they also alleges violent assault Bankruptcy Court felt on this ruling, Prop 8 opponents argue that if a gay pay additional payroll taxes. the opinion was signed by 20 bankruptcy judge must be banned from ruling on Eddie Kirsch wrote on June 14 that "Many American families continue judges in the Central District of Califor­ cases involving homosexuality, so must Iowa City Police are investigating an to struggle to make ends meet, put food nia, an overwhelming majority on rhe heterosexual judges, who presumably have alleged assault on a gay man, reported to on the table and pay for healthcare- but court. their own agendas and biases. They ask if have occurred in an alley on June 11. LGBT families face an additional barrier African American judges musr be banned The alleged victim told police he was to securing affordable health insurance from ruling on cases involving African confronted by an Mrican-American male coverage," said Human Rights Campaign Calif. moves on trans Americans, if female judges should be for­ who struck him in the face. The man President Joe Solmonese. "This legisla­ anti-discrimination bill bidden ro rule on cases involving women, told police he then fell back against the tion would remove that added tax bur­ etc. - and if white heterosexual male wall, sustaining cuts to his face, knee and den, which can be as much as $2,200 per On June 14, the California State Sen­ jud es g are presumed ro be objective in all ankle. year, as well as the penalty imposed on ate Judiciary Committee passed the Gen­ such cases, which also affect whites, het­ der Nondiscri ruination Act (A B 887) in The release said the area of the inci­ fair-minded employers who provide equal erosexuals and males. dent was checked by officers along with benefits to their LGBT employees." a 3-2 vote. the victim, but the suspect was not locat­ The number of major companies pro­ The bill is authored by Assemblymem­ ACLU honors Constance ed. Police said the victim declined medi­ viding family benefits for domestic part­ ber Ton i Atkins (D-San Diego) and is sponsored by Equality California and the McMillen, Edie Windsor cal assistance. ners increases each year. In fact, nearly In an imerview with TheDaily Iowan, 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies Transgender Law Center. If passed, AB The American Civil Liberties Union the alleged victim said he was walking offer these benefits as a matter of funda­ 887 will strengthen employment, hous­ presented the Roger N. Baldwin Medal along Clinton when greeted by a stranger mental fairness. That is why a coalition ing, and other civil rights protections for of Liberty award to Constance McMil­ walking the opposite way. of rop employers, like Dow, Corning, all Californians, especially those who face len, the teenager who successfully chal­ The victim, who has requested ano­ Chubb, IBM, Microsoft, Nike, and doz­ discrimination based on gender identity lenged her high school when it canceled nymity due to a fear for his safety, recalled ens more, support ending the taxation of and expression. the stranger called him a "fucking fa "AB 887 protects all Californians. No the senior prom ramer than let her attend �­ health benefits, and endorse the Tax Par­ with a girlfriend, and Edith Schlain got." The victim, who said he is an openly ity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act. To matter your skin color, your age, where "Edie" Windsor, 82, who is challenging gay man, said he dismissed the comment see a full listing of businesses which have you come from or whether you're gay, the discriminatory "Defense of Marriage and rurned toward the direction he was publicly stated their support for this leg­ straight, or transgender; we are all pro­ Act," which forces her to pay hefty estate headed. Then the assailant reportedly islation, go to: http:l/www.hrc.org/issues/ tected by the same rights. We share equal taxes after the death of her spouse and punched the man in the eye, threw him workplace/benefits/business_coalition_ protection in employment, housing, and partner of 44 years. into a brick wall, and kicked him several benefits_tax_equity.htm education. This bill ensures that no one The award is one of the highest hon­ times. is left out," said Assemblymember Atkins. ors in the country for people dedicated to The 30-year-old UI graduate student AB 887 rakes existing protections defending the Constitution and the Bill said he suffered a severe concussion, a Calif. Bankruptcy based on gender identity and expression of Rights. The award ceremony rook place shattered knee, a broken hand, and three Court rules DOMA is and enumerates them as protected catego­ June 10, at The Caribe Royale Hotel in fractured ribs, among other injuries. unconstitutional ries in non-discrimination laws. In addi­ Orlando, Fla. Adam Lewis, friend of the victim and tion, while California non-discrimination McMillen's case made headlines former graduate assistant manager of the The San Diego Gay and Lesbian News laws already define "gender" to include worldwide when her Fulton, Miss. high Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender staff wrote on June 13: a person's gender identity and gender school canceled rhe senior prom rather Resource Center at the University oflowa, The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the expression, the bill clarifies that gender than allow McMillen to wear a tuxedo said this was the second friend of his who Cemral District of California ruled.. . tim identity and expression are included in the and escort her girlfriend to the dance. has been beaten and sent to the hospital. Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act definition of gender and sex in all Califor­ McMillen's successful challenge resulted "Working [at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisex­ (DOMA) is unconstitutional, granting a nia codes. in the first public school policy protecting ual and Transgender Resource Center], legally married gay couple a joint Chapter "Treating all Californians fairly where

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[email protected] JonesPond.com www.auslawfirm.com 585-662-4135 JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 5 we work and live is a core American would become the 15th U.S. state, along To rres Torres. As someone who grew up value," said Jim Carroll, Interim Exec­ with the District of Columbia, to provide in Puerr.o Rico and bas been very active utive Director for Equality California. protections based on gender identity or in its LGBT community, this is a heart­ "Californians have rejected discrimina­ expression. Earlier this year, Hawaii and wrenching moment. Our thoughts and tion based on race or religion, and this bill Nevada passed similar protections. sympathies go out ro all of the victims' would codify our rejection of discrimina­ "To day is a great day for all residents loved ones at this difficult time. Justice tion based on gender identiry and gender of Connecticut," said Brian Rice, a mem­ must prevail. This is about members of expression. Everyone deserves an equal ber of the HRC Board of Governors the Puerto Rican LGBT community feel­ chance to work and to live in California from Connecticut. "Providing protections ing safe in their communities and being free of bigotry and intolerance." based on gender identiry or expression is a able to take care of the ones they love. In 2009, the Transgender Law Cen­ vicrory for civil rights, and for the people We call upon the authorities and politi­ ter released its Scare of Transgender of our great stare. No one should ever have cal leaders ro effectively address this epi­ California report. The report revealed to worry about their employment, hous­ demic of anti-LGBT violence. This must. overwhelmingly that Californians who ing, credit or other things, simply because stop now." experience discrimination based on gen­ of who they are." Puerto Rico has a hate crime law that der identity and gender expression at work covers sexual orientation and gender iden­ or elsewhere often do not file complaints Gay men kicked out of tity. ln addition, federal law prohibits hate because they are unaware that they are crimes based on sexual orientation and Kentucky public pool protected by non-discrimination laws. gender identity. The Community Rela­ "California is at its best when we work tions Service of the Department of Jus­ Acrivisrs in Kemucky planned a peace­ Dan Choi. rogether to realize the ideal that everyone ful response after two gay men with devel­ tice entered an agreement with the Puerto should be treated fairly and equally," said opmental and intellectual disabilities were Rico Civil Rights Commission, the Puer­ Masen Davis, Executive Director of the kicked out of a public pool. to Rico Police Department and the Cole­ thus unprepared to proceed. At the the Transgender Law Center. "Unfortunately, A maintenance technician reportedly gio Universitario de J usticia Criminal previous hearing, George spent consid­ transgender people and others who don't cited the Bible while telling the two men in 2010 co create a cooperative effort to erable time complaining that Choi was fit narrow gender stereotypes continue to they couldn't swim at The Pavilion, a develop and implement hate crime train­ not accepting the government's deal and face discrimination that undermines our ing initiatives and civil rights curriculum removing his name from the settlement 887 governmenr-funded recreational facility in common human dignity. AB is a sim­ Hazard, Kemucky. for the Puerto Rico Police Academy and documents. ple, common sense bill that would clarify "We own this place and can cell you Puerto Rico Police Department. "Choi is represented by Kurland and California's non-discrimination laws, and to leave if we wane to," the couple was Despite such legal protection and Christopher R. Lynn, who came prepared promote the equal treatment of all people cola, according to the Kentucky Equality ongoing efforts to address hate violence, to argue their case today. Although Judge throughout our fine state." Foundation. the murders of LGBT individuals con­ Kay said repeatedly be thought it would 100 More than cities across America "The Pavilion staff immediately tinue. take a half day for the trial, George said (including Rochester) and hundreds of entered the pool area and asked my cli­ she expected it to take two days, as she employers already provide clear non-dis­ was prepared to call multiple witnesses. ents and their staff to leave the Pavilion," U.S. puts Choi on trial crimination protections based on gender Mending Hearts Executive Director Sbir­ She also told Choi's attorneys that there identity and gender expression. California lyn Perkins recalled. "My staffasked The for White House protest was no way he could have fa iled co hear cities rhat list them as separate protect­ Pavilion staff why they were being asked The government will put Dan Choi on the order to disperse issued by the park ed categories in 110n-discrimination ordi­ to leave, and they were informed that 'gay trial in August for chaininghi mself to the service 'unless he's hard of hearing."' nances include Los Angeles, San Diego, people' weren't allowed to swim there." White House last November in protest Read more: http://www.towleroad. San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Oakland and of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" because Choi com/#ixzzl PM60BmpN West Holl wood. y LGBT death count rises refuses to accept a plea deal. The bill will make its way to the State On Aug. 29 Dan Choi will be tried for Mariela Castro meets Senate floor in the coming weeks. in Puerto Rico DADT-relaced civil disobedience at the with U.S. women Three LGBT Puerto Ricans were White House. Chris Geidner reported at Connecticut passes found dead over several days in early June; Metro Weekly: Mariela Castro is the head of Cuba's transgender anti· 18 LGBT Puerto Rkans have been mur­ "Former Lt. Dan Choi was in fe deral National Sexual Education Center. She is dered over the last year and a half. court today, the lone individual still fac­ also a champion for LGBT rights in that discrimination bill 2010 On June 7, it was reponed that Ram6n ino charges from any of the Don't island nation. The Connecticut Legislature passed "M oncho" Salgado was found dead along A�, Don't Tell protests that took place She is also the daughter of Raul Castro HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimi­ the side of a highway; Karlota Gomez. at the White House. He also was in uni­ and niece of Fidel Castro. She met with nation by a vote of 20-16 in the state sen­ Sanchez, a transgender woman, was found form, a reminder of the symbol for repeal a delegation of women from the United ate on June 4, fo llowing a 77-62 voce in shot to death at an intersection on June 6 that Choi and other active servicemem­ States that included Democratic strategist the house last month. and Alejandro Torres Torres was found bers became during the course of the Donna Brazile and fo rmer US Represen­ The bill, which provides ami-discrim­ stabbed to death earlier in the weekend. 2010 debate over ending the 1993 policy tative Jane Harman, who now heads the ination protection for gender identity and "The alarming rate of violence against and instead allowing out gay, lesbian and Woodrow Wilson lmernationaJ Center expression, now moves to Governor Dan LGBT Puerto Ricans cannot be toler­ bisexual service in the U.S. Armed Forces. for Scholars. Malloy's desk for his signature- which he ated," said Human Rights Campaign Sitting at the defense table in Courtroom They met in order to discuss topics has indicated he will do. President Joe Solmonese. "Puerto Rican 7 of the E. Barrett Prettyman Court­ such as gender, reproductive health and "We congratulate the Connecticut leg­ government officials and law enforce­ house, Choi was s.ilent throughout today's gay rights. Harman stared, "I believe that islature for recognizing every resident of ment, as well as the U.S. Department of brief conference where U.S. Magistrate Cuba is our immediate neighbor and it the state should be treated equally in the Justice, must ensure that LGBT people Judge Alan Kay sec an Aug. 29 trial date is time to liberalize US policy towards workplace, housing, public accommoda­ have the protection they need to survive. for Choi on fe deral charoes of violating Cuba." tions and credit," said Human Rights When a community has to live in con­ a fe deral regulation prohibiting 'interfer­ She also said "It is very exciting to hear Campaign Presidenr Joe Solmonese. stant fe ar of violence and even death for ing with agency functions,' specifically about some of the social changes going on "Being free from discrimination based on who they are, everyone suffe rs." disobeying a lawful order of the National in your councry." gender idemity or expression, judged sole­ Pedro Julio Serrano, Founder, Puer­ Park Service." The Communist Party has approved ly on your merits, is a rinciple of Ameri­ to Rico Para Tod@s, and National Gay Jane Hamsher at FireDogLake was in several economic reforms intended to can society that shoul Jbe universal in its and Lesbian Task Force Communications the courtroom on June 14: boost Cuba's flaggino economy. They application." Manager, stated, "The National Gay and ".. .Today (Assistant U.S. Attorney have not been enacted into law yet, but Governor Malloy called it a "step for­ Lesbian Task Force stands in solidarity Angela) George faced an equally skep­ they are intended to loosen the govern­ ward in the fight for equal rights fo r all with the LGBT community in Puerto tical Judoe Alan Kay, who had little ment's control over economic matters and of Connecticut's citizens and it's the right Rico and sends irs deepest condolences to patience or George's assertions char she allow ... some free-market activity. thing to do." the fa milies and friends ofKarlota Gomez did not knowf until today that Choi was Ms. Castro showed the group a report i When signed inro law, Connecticut Sanchez, Ramon Salgado and Alejandro refusing the government's deal, and was (Newsfronts contnues page 7)

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and ocher chronic conditions are unlikely management and prevention, ARI pro­ to be the approach to future health care vided people with supportive services such delivery." as housing, meals and transportation ro He continued, "We have been taking medical care. ACHC enhanced primary a hard look at what makes our organiza­ and specialty care by adding nutrition, tion special. Providing HTV care and ser­ medical case mana�emenr, treatment vices is not what makes us unique. The adherence, behavioral health and pharma­ model and the approach - not the condi­ cy services. Eighteen months ago we rook tion - make us exceptional. This type of these two organizations, models that were coordinated and consumer-centered deliv­ already successful as separate entities, and ery system is being considered the future combined them to create a 'one-stop shop' foundation for the national health care -our medical home." delivery." AIDS Care will nor change char one­ An example of this new focus is the stop-shop, but will become more inclusive creation of a designation for Patient Cen­ of populations served. Individuals with tered Medical Homes (PCMH), which similar risks and challenges could be pro­ establishes a set of standards for bringinp vided primary care and all needed support together quality processes, good health services in one place. data and information. Federal and state AIDS Care already provides treatment governments provide financial incentives with Hepatitis C and testing for STDs fo r organizations that satisfy the require­ such as syphilis. "We've had dialogues ments of patient-centered medical homes. with rhe county health department offi­ Known for irs work in developing cials about the potential to complement HMO standards, the National Council county treatment for STDs," said Rud­ on Quality Assurance (NCQA) is respon­ man, "A I OS Care has a proven record of z sible for developing standards of care, working with people who have been stig­ i3 measuring outcomes, and arproving and matized. We're open to thinking about :5 regulating rhe new medica homes. The expanding access ro services - we cur­ � medical home will be a model of care that rently serve a large LG BT client popu­ � is accessible, comprehensive and delivers lation and do a significant amount of � services around the needs of the patient health promotion/education and harm � and farni ly. Patients wi II have efficient reduction that is not limited to HIV. The b access to appointments, preventive care, prevention work we do is really key- bur � appropriate medications and elecuonic we could also move into primary care. information. "AIDS Care has all the com­ Jay Rudman, CEO of AIDS Care Some of our patients aren't HIY positive, ponents in place ro obtain PCMH desig­ but are mono-infected with Hepatitis-C, nation," Rudman said. and we also serve some who are partners By Susan Jordan the virus itself. "The impact on com­ Rudman explains, "Those who meet of HIY positive patients. We'd have to 5 J LUle was the 30th anniversary of munities affected by HIV is greater than the standards get increased funding research what the community needs and the appearance of the A IDS epidemic, the infection alone," Rudman said, "The through reimbursement rate adjustments. then ensure we'd have the capacity and in the fo rm of an anide in "Morbid­ AIDS epidemic, unlike past public heath Healthcare policymakers believe these resources to meet them. The strategic ity and Mortality Weekly Report" about emergencies, involved homophobic stigma models will actually reduce health care planning process will supply information five young L.A. gay men who had mys­ and often patients were rejected by their costs and also improve quality. This is on that, and how we can fill the gaps in terious immw1e system damage. Thirry families and those who would normal­ only one of many new designations creat­ care delivery without duplicating efforts years later, the lessons learned from deal­ ly have cared for the Ul." AIDS clinics ed to reward organizations for this change that already exist. ing with this unprecedemed national (and and agencies had ro combine social work in behavior through these improvements. ''Another change impacting care is the case management with health care, and "AIDS Care its legacy organi­ global) emergency are influencing the and aging of our patient population," Rudman with prevention education. They fo und zations have embraced these principles new direction of American health care. continued. "There are patients who may themselves required to provide in home throughout their history. Caring for con­ Jay Rudman is CEO of AIDS Care, be stable with HN, but are still subject to support, housing, transportation, grocery sumers wirh complex medical and psy­ rhe organization formed by the merger other conditions of aging, such as hyper­ shopping, counseling and much more. chosocial needs where access has been a 18 months ago of AIDS Rochester and tension or diabetes. Sometimes these con­ Jay Rudman says that this type of problem due to lack of resources - this is ACHC (originally Community Health ditions can strike earlier in those who patient-centered approach to care is where where we have already provided value." Network). He told The Empty Closer, have HIV and immune system issues, and the future lies. "Historically, many health Rudman feels that AIDS Care has "After having come through our first 18 medication issues." care delivery systems and resources were inherited the coordinated, patient-cen­ months together, we are now engaged in One of the most disturbing and alarm­ a developed around caring for individuals tered approach from both irs legacy orga­ stratesic planning process. We're talking ing recent trends is the increased trans­ about the next chapter - where do we go with specific conditions. Large bureaucra­ nizations. "ARI took the social model and 25 cies such as those created for HIV/AIDS expanded it," he said, "along wirh case mission in persons under rhe age of in from here?" Monroe County. AIDS Care has identi­ AIDS Care is undergoing an in-depth fied this and is responding to it through analysis of environmem, in terms of pub­ outreach and prevention education, "The lic sector support, the future of health diversity of our present organization reform, the demographics of Rochester, allows us to effectively reach and engage a and the state of the epidemic itself. Rud­ "We already have our mission, vision and values ... Now wide range of ages, ethnicities and socio­ man said, "We need to rethink the scope we are working on an operating plan for the first year, and economic backgrounds," Rudman said. of our mission and vision, in order ro The recently completed strategic plan achieve long-term viability." determining what imperatives must be addressed in order to encompasses very critical issues. "We He believes that moving ro more com­ already have our mission, vision and val­ prehensive models of providing care is the bethecenterofexcellenceforpopulationsnewtous.Wewant ues," Rudman said. "Now we are working wave of the future, and that the lessons on an operating plan for the first. year, learned by ARI, ACHC and now AIDS to maintain our level of comprehensive care and continue and determining what imperatives must Care fir inro the new vision for primary be addressed in order to be the center of and specialty medical care in ge neral. to provide the 'one-stop-shop' for people living with HIV." excellence for populations new to us. We Almost from the first, it was dear want ro maintain our level of comprehen­ that caring for people living with HTV sive care and continue to provide rhe 'one­ would entail more rhan just dealing with stop-shop' for people living with HIV."•

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(Victory! from page 3) job and representing me which they and long-rime community activist Anne promised to do when I voted for them -­ Tischer, along with her wife Bess Wares, but i11 this case it took courage. l applaud rook the opporrunity ro tell hundreds of them for making history." marriage equality supporters a personal Despite all the celebration surround­ srory about how they became accidental ing this landmark legislation, U.S. Sena­ activists. tor Kirsten Gillibrand reminded New "In 2004, Bess Watts and I were the Yorkers and the nation there is still a tre­ first same-sex couple to request and be mendous amounr of work ro be done to denied a marriage license in the City achieve full equality. of Rochester. Former City Clerk Car­ In an email ro constiruems dated June olee Conklin had a folder of informa­ 25, Sen. GiWbrand said, "The Defense of tion ready and encouraged us to find a Marriage Act is rruly damaging. Every way to fight the denial. The next day a day, thousands of legally married LGBT dozen supportive clergy participated in Left: Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Brighton Town Supervisor and candi­ men and women around the coumry are our public wedding ceremony right here date for Monroe County Executive Sandra Frankel (also above right), Tom Priv­ unable to take advantage of rights and in this park. With such demonstrated itere, Jo Meleca-Voigt and John White on June 25. Photos: Ove Overmyer. privileges, from hospital visitation to support, Bess and l knew then chat mar­ inheritance rights to health benefits, that riage and ultimately full LGBT equality ester and Finger Lakes Chapter of Pride Deacon Mary Ann Sanford of Unity straight married couples rake for granted. was inevitable. All rhat is needed is the At Work, said, "This is the culmina­ Fellowship Church of Rochester and a We must end this unjust policy." persistence to keep demanding the rights tion of years of activism by labor folks Pride At Work, AFL-CIO member, who She added, "But much like the his­ we are guaranteed as American citizens. who have always been on the fo refront is married to T. Judith Johnson, took toric vote last night in New Yo rk, it's Today is a good day." of equality for LGBT people. It really a more pragmatic look at the nature of going to take a lor of haJd work and our Watts, a local labor leader, who is rakes everyone co create social change politics. She told The Empty Closet, "It's collective grassroots advocacy. And I president of CSEA Monroe County and ['m proud to be a part of an organi­ about time. [ am not real big on hand­ believe it's going to take telling more of Local 828 and rhe president of rhe Roch- zation that models inclusion." ing our awards for politicians doing their our stories." •

Who won Marriage Equality? All of us.

(A ctivists fr om page 3) whose time has come." democracy. and said, "The marriage equality bill is ed ingenuity; money, and countless staff Dr. Vandebroek cold rhe EC, "Our com­ Other Council members present a hwnan rights bill." He warned against and volunteer hours to the campaign for pany, currently led by CEO Ursula Burns, included Adam McFadden, Elaine Spaull demonizing gay people and said, "My equal rights. Michael Barbaro wrote in has truly supported inclusiveness and diver­ and Dana Miller. faith reaches that all people are children the New Yo rk Times on J u11e 26 char Gov. si ty - age, ability, race, gender, sexual orien­ Susan Schultz Laluk of the Moruoe of God ... When same sex couples are Cuomo basically ordered all the compet­ tation, etc.- for duee or four decades, and County Bar Association said that the treated as 'less than,' it's my problem- my ing marriage rights groups to form a sin­ we support this bill because we expect the group has joined with 20 other bar asso­ religious problem .... 1 have been happily gle organization, New Yorkers United for same kind of support for diversity fr om the ciations across the state, including the married for over 20 years... and 1 pray Marriage. Clearly that's what it took co get communities we work in." NYS Bar Association, to back marriage that my LGBT friends, including mem­ the job done. She said that she is corporate cham­ rights. "Marriage is a legal relationship bers of our diocese, who desire to be in Here in Rochester, outstanding orga­ pion for rhe Xerox LGBT Caucus. 'We -a contract," she said. "Gay couples are a committed, monogan10us relationship, nizing has been done by Jo Meleca-Voi t wane them co have rhe same hts as all will be able to have the same privilege, g ri� second class citizens. Emotion and reli­ of MENY, Bess Watts of Pride at Work , other Xerox employees," she said. gion cloud the debate. But make no mis­ support and joy." Anne Tischer and Todd Plank of Equal­ Other area business leaders who take - same sex marriage is a matter of Rev. Jen Crowe, who is openly lesbian, ity Rochester and roo many others ro announced support for marriage equal­ legal rights." said, as a parent of two small children, name here. These grassroots activists are ity include the chief executives of Mor­ Emily Jones, a research chemist who that her loving family is not afforded the just ordinary people reaching out to oth­ gan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan is retired from Kodak, and a member of same rights as other families. "Our chil­ ers - their fa milies, friends, co-workers, Chase and Tishman Speyer. Out & Equal, told the media that the dren are being told by the laws of the state neighbors, elected representatives and fel­ At the June 7 press conference, Ross "creative class" of young professionals, that our family is not worthwhile." low New Yorkers - to send the message Levi, executive director of the Empire scientists, entrepreneurs, shop floor work­ Labor backs equality that LGBT people are human beings and State Pride Agenda, announced the for­ ers, etc., according to a study by Carnegie Area labor leaders made an aruwunce­ responsible ci tizens who deserve equal 9. mation of NY Business For Marriage, a Mellon, now account for 35 percent of our ment of supporr on June rights, not discrimination and second­ coalition of businesses and business peo­ working population and half of the wealth Leadership from organized labor class citizenship. • ple around the state who agree that "mar­ generation in American business. One included the Pride at Work, Roches­ riage equality is good for NY business." indicator of a city with a thriving creative ter Finger Lakes Chapter; Civil Service (Political/Business 3) fr om page Levi said that as much as $395 million class is a thriving LGBT population. Employees Association (CSEA-AFSCME The officials, including NY City Coun­ stands to be gained in this state if san1e sex "We want to create an environment in 1000), New York State Public Employ­ cil members and U.S. Congresswoman couples are allowed to marry legally here. New York State that will attract the best ees .Federation (SEJU/AFT); lnrernation­ Nydia Velasquez., said they disagree with "Weddings also generate millions in al Association of Fire .F hters FF); and brightest of the creative class, who i� (lA the anti-gay position of "some religious local revenues, in licensing fees and sales will create the innovation needed to grow Workers United; New York State United and political leaders in our community." tax," Levi pointed out. "Welcoming diver­ our future," she said. Te achers; Rochester Police Locust Club Business leaders back equality sity is an essemial element in recruiting Jones and her life partner Deborah and American Postal Workers Union New York business leaders have also talented employees, especially when many Hughes wid media that they will be (APWU). shown strong support. Here in Rochester, neighboring states permit same sex mar­ married next June, and would love to be Jim Berrolone, president of the Roch­ Dr. Sophie Vandebroek, Chief Technol­ riage. Economic revenue is literally flow­ able to marry in their home state. Now ester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Fed­ ogy Officer at Xerox and presidem of the ing across the borders, which should stay they can. • eration, AFL-CTO, said, "Coalitions have Xerox Innovation Group, said rhar her here in New Yo rk. The businesses in New formed throughout New York State, opin­ company "strongly supports gay marriage. York Business for Marriage are being lead­ (Faith/Labor from page 3) ion polls are overwhelmingly supportive, Dr. Vandebroek was speaking with ers and standing up for equal rights." Unitarian Church; Rev. Pegay Meeker, and lawmakers are beginning to see the The Empty Closet on June 7 at a press City Council member Matt Haag said the Unitarian Universalist Church; Rev. light. Marriage Equality is a civil right, conference held at City Hall, which high­ that City Council is currently dealing Eleanor Celenrani, Christ Church Unity; a moral right, and an ethical right ... we lighted the economic benefits to New with a $50 million budget deficit. "I don't Rev. Lee Ann Bryce, Community Chris­ will sta11d together, as labor, to voice col­ York Stare that have been lost, as thou­ know any better way to help with bud­ tian Church and Rev. Alicia Heath-Toby, lectively our call co action." sands of same sex couples go out of state get problems than encouraging talented Unity Fellowship Church, Rochester. Bercolone also gave a powerful speech for their weddings. people to work in New York," he said. He Bishop Singh distinguished between at the June 25 celebration rally in Wash­ Mayor Tom Richards said that while acknowledged rhe fear fe lt by those preju­ the issues of church weddings (which ington Square Park. He noted that labor rhe economic benefits are irnporram, «It's diced against gays, and urged trust in each the Episcopal church still does not do) has given complete support ro the LGBT the right thing to do anyway. It's an issue other and in the civil rights ideals of our and state issuance of marriage licenses, campaign for justice and equality. • 8 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

LOCAL/STATE NYC rally launches NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL drive to get shelter for (Marielafrom page 5) Youth Group member homeless youth on Cuba's recent campaign against goes to White House On June 24, LGBTQ advocates, pro­ homophobia, bur that was nor open ro viders, and allied politicians and celebri­ reporters. She did say that such encoun­ Dontaee Williamson, you rh program ties joined homeless LGBTQ youths in participant, was selected by GLSEN to go ters can help improve relations between from of the Stonewall Inn to announce rhe two nations. to the White House for an LGBT Pride rhe launching of a campaign calling on Reception on June 29. Castro said, "This srril{es me as rhe New York City and the Scare of New York He asked Yo uth Services Coordinator healthiest thing rhere is. We want there to commit to providing shelter to every Jessica Cohen to go as his chaperone. ro be rransparem relations that respect WELCOME TO REV. HEATH-TOBY: homeless youth in New York. our sovereignty and are not manipulative The President and First Lady attended 17 The installation service for the Rev­ The event fo llowed a June meet­ or based on conditions. I believe there is the reception. ing between "30 Rock" star and come­ GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Edu­ erend Alicia Heath-Toby (above, a great affinity between our people, rhat with Senior Bishop Zachary Jones), dian Tracy Morgan and several homeless cation Network) is a national group sup­ we have a great desire to transform rhe new pastor for Unity Fellowship LGBTQ youths from the Ali Forney world and char we can work together to porting LGBT youth. Church, took place May 23 at The Center. At the June 17 meeting, coming achieve it." lutheran Church of Peace. Photo: after Morgan's virulent anti-gay remarks Jeane Kennedy According ro EdgePTown.com: Faux News chair Roger at a performance in Nashville, including The visit was organized by the Center Ailes: Paranoid much? the statement that if he had a gay son he for Democracy in rhe Americas, which would stab him to dearh, Morgan (who studies U.S. policy toward countries in From the May Rolling Stone profile on has apologized) had rhe opportunity to the region and opposes Washington's Fox Chair Roger Ailes and "how he built learn fr om these youths and their experi­ decades-old trade embargo on Cuba. the Fox News fear factory": ences of rejection at rhe hands of homo­ "Our hope is that we will learn from "(Rupert) Murdoch installed Ailes in phobic fa mily members. the Cuban women and char maybe we recent report indicated that every the corner office on Fox's second floor at A have something ro offer in exchange,'' night, almost 4,000 youths go without 1211 Avenue of the Americas in Manhat­ said Sarah Stephens, the group's executive shelter in NYC. LGBTQyouths make up tan. The location made Ailes queasy: It director. "We look fo rward ro many more 40 percent of the homeless outh opu­ was dose to the screet, and he lived in y p meetings with women in the government, lation, and face enormous risk of vio­ fe ar that gay activists would try to attack women in the religious community, ordi­ lence, HIV infection, and suicide as the him in retaliation over his hostility to gay y nary women on the street." rights. (In 1989, Ailes had broken up a At the installation service, from left struggle to survive on rhe streets wirhour protest of a Giuliani speech b gay Rudy y to right: Rev. Janyce Jackson, libera­ shelter. These youths make up such a dis­ Jennings to bullies: "You activists, grabbing a demonstrator by the tion in Truth Unity Fellowship Church proportionate pcrcemage because so many throat and shoving him our the door.) in Newark, NJ; Senior Bishop Zach­ are rejected by their fa milies because of have completely failed" "Barricading himself behind a massive ary Jones, Unity Fellowship Church their sexual orientations and gender iden­ Movement; Bishop Jacquelyn Hol­ By jess Levin, Med ia Matters forAmer­ mahogany desk, Ailes insisted on having tities. New Yo rk Stare recently cur irs ica 'bombproof glass' installed in the win­ land, Unity Fellowship Church Move­ funding for youth shelter beds by 50 per­ dows - even going so far as to personally ment and Rev. Gerard Williams, Unity cent, despite there being far too few beds Kevin Jennings has a message for the Fellowship Church of Buffalo. Photo: people who cried to destroy him: 'Td like inspect samples of hi h-rech plexiglass, to begin with. � Jeane Kennedy you ro know that you completely fa iled." as though he were picking out new car­ A group of providers and advocates I'd reached Jennings last week as he per. Looking down on the street below, including the Ali Forney Center, The include serving as CEO of VICARE, was cleaning our his office on his fl llal he expressed his fe ars ro . . . rhe editor he Bronx Pride Center, Congregation Beit day as the head of the Department of had tasked with up-armoring his office. the largest HN/AIDS nonprofit agency Sin1ehat Torah, rhc Empire State Coali­ in the Virgin Islands, where Mr. Smail's Education's Office of Safe and Drug Free 'They'll be down there protesting,' Ailes tion of Yo uth and Family Services, The programming, fundraising, and outreach Schools -- a osition fr om which anti-oay said. 'Those gays."' Empire State Pride Agenda and Green / activists an conservative media outkts How Roger Ailes Built the Fox News leadership helped the organization to earn Chimneys have determined ro carry our Fear Factory [Rolling Scone] the 2008 Nonprofit of the Year Award a campaign to engage the LGBTQ com­ had tried unsuccessfully ro oust him. Read more: http://www.towleroad. from the St. Croix Chamber of Com­ munity and the broader community in Now char Jennings is leaving on his com/#ixzz1 NZfFKrVf merce. His nonprofit work, along with calling upon the city and state-level politi­ own terms -- next month he'll become Ailes also apparently spies on his prior positions in higher education, rhe cians to implement a plan to provide shel­ president and CEO of rhe national non­ ter for ever homeless youth. profit oroup Be the Change -- he wants employees, carries a concealed weapon fe deral government, and business, reflects y Mr. Smail's u11wavering commitment to The launch event occurcd in from to make sure his detractors understand and travels with a retinue of bodyguards working for equity and social justice with of the Stonewall Tnn during Pride Week char they didn't keep him from carrying who will presumably protect him from diverse marginalized commw1iries. to call attention to the central role that our his job. glirrer-rossing gay activists like the one "Despite all of your lies, despite all that got Gingrich and Samorum. Mr. Smail was appointed as the homeless LGBTQ street youth played in MOCHA Center's new Executive Direc­ the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which set of your attacks, we managed to galva­ tor after a rigorous search process that nize a national campaign a�ainsr bully­ MOCHA Center names in motion a movemenr that has so greatly included interview sessions with and feed­ improved the lives of so many LGBTQ ing char culminated with the president new Executive Director back from MOCHA staff, clients, and people. The presence of rhis event on this himself convening a summit on it in the community members. "Input and involve­ East Room of rhe White House, which he The MOCHA Center, a commu­ historic site symbolized the need for the ment in the search process from of LGBTQ community to make the protec­ personally ke noted,'' he says. "So despite nity-based organization committed to all y the key stakeholders was a priority for tion of its most vulnerable youth a core your best efforts to derail what I was improving the health and wellness of the Board of Directors,'' stared Thaddeus priority in the movement for freedom and brought here to do, we were able to brino communities of color with an emphasis Price, Vice President of MOCHA's Board equality. an unprecedented level of attention and on LGBT programming, has appoinced of Directors and Community Health Edu­ Said Carl Siciliano, Executive Direc­ energy ro fighting bullying in a way never Bruce E. Smail to serve as irs new Execu­ cator ar Highland Family Planning. "We tor of the Ali Forney Center, "Too many before done in chis country. tive Director. developed tenets of our process ro actively teens come om of the closer, only to be "So, in the end, anybody looking back "Bruce's arrival marks an important engage each constituency, and their par­ thrown out of their homes. I am sick and over rhe last two years would have to con­ and exciting moment for MOCHA," tired of seeing so many kids stranded our clude that it is a complete and total vic­ stated Ed Brockenbrough, President of ticipation has proved ro be invaluable." on the srreers of NYC without shelter. tory for us and a complete and total defeat MOCHA's Board of Directors and a fac­ Mr. Smail's appointment as the MOCHA Center's new Executive Direc­ The time is long overdue for our commu­ for our opponents, because they cried to ulty member at the University of Roches­ derail -- and they used defamation to rry tor will go into effect on July 1, 2011. nity ro stand up and demand our youths ter. "After spending the past six months be protected." and derail the work I was brou ht here ro p rebuilding our Board, we now have anoth­ "We arc gravely concerned about the do, and they completely failed ro do so. er key piece in place-a permanent Exec­ NY transgender woman unmet needs of LGBTQ runaway and They completely and totally failed. And I utive Direcror. Bruce's dynamic vision wins disability benefits homeless youth and are committed to want them to know that." and multiple areas of expertise will help continuing our advocacy for adequate, Jcnnin s isn't exaggerating when he from 2005 claim & MOCHA to begin a new chapter in irs culturally competent shelter, along with refers ro "defamation." efforts to serve communities of color, A Jefferson County woman has won the members of the New York State Throughout the fa ll of 2009, Jen­ with an LGBTQ emphasis, in western a six-year battle with the New York State nings -- who had spem the previous Wo rkers' Compensation Board to receive LGBTQ Health and Human Services New York." Network,'' said Empire Stare Pride Agen­ 19 years running the Gay, Lesbian and short-term disability benefits for the time "I am very excited to join the MOCHA da Executive Direcror Ross D. Levi. "It is Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Center in July," stated Mr. Smail. "lr is a she couldn't work while recovering fr om our duty as a community and as a move­ -- was the target of what he calls a "com­ gender-reassignment surger . rare opportunity to find a position where y ment to work with the city and rhe state pletely stunning" campaign of charac­ I can utilize my passion, commitment, Denise Rhone, a 57-year-old Dexter to ensure that our most vulnerable are nor ter assassination. Ye ars-old lies, many of experience, and advocacy for HN/AIDS, resident, and her attorney, Catherine J. left behind." which had been recycled from an obscure people of color, and LGBTQ communi­ Palermo, will go before rhe board some­ Said Margo Hirsch, Executive Direc­ Massachusetts hate group, were suddenly ties in one organization. I look forward time in the future to find out how much tor of the Empire State Coalition of Youth blasted our to the country by Fox News, ro working with the staff, Board of Direc­ in back-benefits Ms. Rhone will receive. and Family Services: "Every night in our The Wa shington Ti mes, Andrew Brcitbart's log em ire, and the rest of the conserva­ tors, volunteers, and the community to She said the original disability claim city, 3800 adolescents have no place to � � address the realities of HN/AIDS in was denied by the Workers' Compensa­ call home. These young people represent nve media. western New Yo rk. Change happens when tion Board, even with a letter from Mon­ the diversity of our town, they are Black, Jennings was falsely accused of treal surgeon Yvon Menard, who "encouraging" and "covering statu­ we collectively work together, and HIV/ Dr. said Latino, White and Asian; gay, straight up'' AIDS is a community issue rhat impacts the male-to-female gender-reassignment and bi-sexual; male, fe male, transgender tory rape. He was falsely accused of being us all." surgery he performed on Ms. Rhone was and intersex; they are our citizens and a "pedophile." He was falsely accused of Bruce Smail has more than 20 years mcd ically necessary. they are undocumented; they were born having "personally pushed books that of experience as a social justice advo­ 'They deemed it elective," Ms. Pal­ here and they come from every part of the encouraged children to meet adults at gay cate for people of color, LGBTQ com­ ermo said. world. Despite this diversity, these young bars for sex." Karl Rove falsely claimed munities, and people living with HN -- Rebecca Madden, Times Staff Writ­ people have one thing in common; they Jennings had engaged in "high-profile, in- and AIDS. Prior professional experiences er (via Towleroad.com) arc young and homeless in the city." (J ennings co11ti1Zues on page 14) JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 9

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crime. Because of rhe system of official discrimination on the part of state liquor authorities and the corruption of the local police authorities, these were the only kind of bars that were permitted to serve a gay clientele. None of that was my doing." "More rocks wem flying. From inside Gay Pride - Why? outside. 'f-heydidn't run away. They wait­ the bar, someone opened the door and ed for their (riends to come out. Peop,le By Evelyn Bailey stuck a gun our. Yelling for people to stay who were wa.Jl{jng up and down Christ - back, he withdrew the gun closed the All over the world, gaydride parades, pher Street, whicll was a very busy cruis­ door and went back inside. Someone took picnics and fe stivals are hel to remember ing area, also assemoled The crowd in an uprooted parking meter and broke the and celebrate an event that changed the from of the Sronewall grew and grew. And glass in the front window and the ply­ course of history - Stonewall! the tension started to grow." wood board behind it broke. Somebody What really happened that Friday Mort recounts, "As some of the gays else took a garbage can, one with wire night 42 years ago? What follows are came out of the bar, they would rake a mesh, set it on fire and threw the burning excerpts from an eyewitness account given bow, and their friends would cheer. Tt was garbage into the premises. The area rbat by Morty Manford, taken from "Making a colorful scene. After everybody who was set afire is where rhe coat room was." Gay History" by Eric Marcus. was going to be released was released, the Morty continues, "They had a fire In the fa ll of 1968, Morty Manford prisoners - transvestites, bartenders and began his freshman year at Columbia. hose inside, and they used it. Ir was a the bouncers -- were herded into a paddy very small trash fire. Then they opened One of the first things he did after arriv­ wagon parked right on the sidewalk in the front door and turned the hose on the ing was to call the Studem Homophile front of the bar. The prisoners were left w League. Morey attended a meeting but crowd to rry keep people at a distance. unguarded by the police. They simply That's when the riot erupted." was nor "terribly inspired by what I saw, walked out of the paddy wagon to the Morry recounts, "Apparently a fire and nothing they were doing really inrer­ cheer of the throng." engine had been summoned because of ested me." TO STAND ON Morey clearly stated, "There is no the trash fu e. As it came down the block, By this rime Morey had already dis­ doubt in my mind that those people were uniformed police started to arrive. They covered rhe bars. He said, "I suppose deliberately left unguarded. I assume there my gay life pretty much revolved around was being raided. Suddenly the lights were was some sort of a relationship between came down the street in a phalanx of blue. going to rhe bars. There was always the turned up and the doors were sealed, and the bar management and rhe local police, They had their riot gear on. In those days threat of bar raids. Everyone heard about all the patrons were held captive until the so they really didn't want to arrest these the New York City police and a cadre known as the Tactical Police Force, the them. But the only raid where I was actu­ police decided what they were going to people. But they had to at least look like ally inside the bar was at Stonewall." do. Everybody was anxious, not knowing they were trying to do their jobs. Once TPF. Who knows whether the violence Mort continued, "The Stonewall was whether we were going to be arrested or all of the people were out and the prison­ would have escalated in rhe way that it did a dive. It was shabby, and the glasses they what was going to happen. I was anxious, ers went on their merry ways, the crowd if the TPF had not come in? That's what served the watered-down drinks inweren't but 1 wasn't afraid." stayed. r don't know how to character­ they always looked fo r; they wanted con­ particularly clean. The place attracted a Morty continued, "It may have been ize the motives of the crowd at that point frontation. Chasing after people and hit­ very eclectic crowd: some transvestites, 10 or 15 minutes later that we were all told except to say there was curiosity and con­ ting them with their bUly clubs, I think, a lot of students, young people, older to leave. We had to Une up and our identi­ cern about what had just happened." provoked a greater response than there people, businessmen. I met friends at the fication was checked before we were freed . People in the crowd then began ro would have been otherwise. One way or Stonewall regularly. There was a dance People who did not have identification or throw coins ar the Stonewall. A rock was the other, though, gay people had stood floor and a jukebox. There was a back were under age and all transvestites were thrown, breaking a second floor window. up and rebelled." room area which in those days meant detained. Those who didn't meet what­ Mort said, "It was a dramatic gesture of This is why we celebrate Gay Pride! there was another bar in back. There were ever standards rhe police bad were incar­ defiance. For me there was a slight lancing The call to be free and equal went out tables wheer people sat." cerated temporarily in the coat room. The of the fe stering wound of anger that had spontaneously fr om Stonewall - it was On the nighr of June 27, 1969, Mort coat closet. Little did the police know the been building fo r so long over this kind of heard and still lives on in all of us! said, "Some men in suits and ties entered ironic symbolism of that. Bur they fo und unfair harassment and prejudice It wasn't Come and join the Rochester Pride the place and walked around a little bir. our fast. my fault that the bars where I could meet festivities this year -- be out, be alive, have Then whispers went around that the place "As people were released they stayed other gay people were run by organized fun and BE PROUD! •

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July 1971 What was our history 40 years ago - what were some of the significant events of July 1971 here and around the world?

Rochester July 4: American Independence: George Washington Died For Us GLF Dance at U of R, plus other festivities July 11: DRAG BAG - A discussion of transvestites and Rochester Drag scene July 14: Channel 21's TV Show "Call 21" hosts call ins for three speakers from U of R GLF: R.J. Alcala, Karen Hagberg, and Jim Fishman July 18: Gay Marriage and Role Playing In the Gay Community Presentation/Discussion (Yes, we've been discussing this for 40 years ...) July 25: Emotional Security For Gays. Presentation/Discussion New York State July 2: 78th Wimbledon Women's Te nnis: Evonne Goolagong beats M Smith (64-61 ) July 6: Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, dies in New York City, age 69 U.S., World • "Marijuana Revolution" by John Sinclair. Essay first published in July • State of Washington becomes 1st state to ban sex discrimination • Secretary of State Henry Kissinger lays groundwork for first meeting between Nixon and Mao. • 26th amendment certified (lowers voting age to 18)

• Baseball all star game MVP: Frank Robinson (Baltimore Orioles) • Bengali genocide reaches 1 million • Apollo 15 launched (Scott & Irwin) to 4th manned landing on Moon

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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL I was trying to do here, and I'm incred­ staff and told them that that's why I had levels, from state, local, and federal, have ibly grateful to the White House for that." come. It was because I wanted to make dedicated themselves to doing something Jennings says that he'd made up his sure there would never be another Carl about this. Unprecedented levels of activ­ (J ennings from 8} Joseph Walker-Hoover," says Jennings. page mind early on that no matter how bad the ity from the government itself I think your-face advocacy of things like NAM­ smears got, he wouldn't resign. In fact, he Last year, Jennings was confronted that we have fo rever shifted the dialogue BLA." sees the attacks on him as analogous to with a highly publicized series of teen around bullying in this country. "I chose to ignore it [at first] because I the schoolyard bullying that it was his job suicides that were linked to anti-gay bul­ "And so when I look back on my two thought it was a bunch of extreme right­ to confront. lying. years here, I will leave feeling completely wing stuff that nobody would ever pay "I 'd come here to do something very "I know the families of an enormous vindicated and proud of what we were important, and that was to galvanize the number of the young people who died," attention to, and then the next thing I able to do, that indeed I did come here knew, it was on Fox News every night," national campaign against bullying. And I says Jennings, explaining that the families for the right reason, and we were able to says Jennings. He remembers being at a wasn't going to be derailed from that work sought him out after their children died. do what we set out to do -- despite the lies by a bunch of bullies and liars, which is "I t was really personally draining because Department of Education meeting about and despite the defamation." preventing drug abuse when the story what I was dealing with . ... I thought it'd I do care very much about this on a per­ be ironic if I came here to fight bullying sonal level, and I knew how much these first hit Fox in September 2009. He says Michigan court rules and I let the bullies win. parents were counting on me and count­ he entered "a state of shock, like, 'I can't against "gay panic" believe this is happening to me.' " "So at the very beginnino of this, ing on the president to actually do some­ my partner and I talked, an we said, "There were times when I questioned, d thing. ... They'd lost their children, they'd defense in 2009 case 'Is this worth it?' " explains Jennings. 'No matter how bad it gets, I would not been through the greatest tragedy I think resign.' Under no circumstances would I any human being can experience, which The Michigan Court of Appeals has "Because when you're seeing your entire ruled against the "gay panic" defense, character being systematically destroyed ever give in. And I'm proud to say that is the loss of their child, and they came to the White House never even raised that us, to this administration -- came to me used for decades to justify violent attacks by a defamation campaign, you begin to as a possibility with me, so it was never and, by extension through me, to the pres­ on gays. From the court's ruling: ask yourself, 'Is this worth the price?' " The case arose from the beating of "There were times in the fall of 2009 a decision I was ever asked to make. But ident -- and said, 'Please do something.' we decided -- I remember the day the first So talk about fe eling an enormous burden Ryan Young. In the early morning hours up 2009, when I really went home and curled to do of June 11, Youn was celebrating in a ball in my bed and didn't want to attacks came out, Jeff and I talked, and to do something and it right when g we said no matter what happens, we're not you know that you're doing this on behalf his birthday with friends at a local bar. get out of bed the next day," he says. "But to Defendant was also at the bar. Young did 33 going to quit. We're not going let these of people who have lost their children. It I got out of bed every day. I went to not know defendant, but defendant joined type of lies, these type of bullies continue was this enormous sense of responsibility, states and three fo reign countries doin& to run the show. We were going to stand an enormous feeling of -- we had to suc­ Young and his fr iends at their table and this work in two years, and we succeeded ceed because there was so much at stake." defendant and Yo ung talked and became in doing what we came here to do." our ground." It's clearly a deeply personal issue for Jennings says the crisis "threw a spot­ acquainted. At one point, 53 House Republicans Je1mings. In his memoir, he writes about light" on the urgency of the issue, which At about 3:30 a.m., Yo ung and defen­ signed a letter to President Obama claim­ being tormented as a child by other stu­ he had been working on since he joined dant were dropped off at Young's apart­ ing that Jennings had "played an inte­ dents who would call him "faogot" and the administration in 2009. "People were ment. Young testified that he went into gral role in promoting homosexuality "q ueer." As an adult, he founde GLSEN, much more willing to listen to us and to his bedroom to change and asked defen­ and pushing a pro-homosexual agenda in an organization that has helpedd establish do what we were suggesting because what dant, "Did you want to do anything or America's schools." They demanded that gay-straight alliances in schools across the was at stake became so tragically clear." did you just want to go to bed," to which Jennings be fired. country. In the end, Jennings views his work defendant responded: "Yeah, I'm going to But Jennings says he "never fe lt pres­ Jennings tells me he accepted the as a success. "We have forever changed do something you fucking faggot." sure" from his bosses to resign, and he Department of Education job after the national dialogue around bullying," Yo ung testified that defendant choked credits the White House with standing reading a news story about Carl Joseph he says. "I think that we had our tipping him "so bad" that he "could not get away by him. ''I'm really proud to have had the Walker-Hoover, an 11-year-old boy from point moment around bullying in the last from him" and Yo ung thought he was chance to serve in this administration," he Massachusetts. Walker-Hoover, who two years, where bullying became some­ going to die because defendant "wouldn't get off me and just stop punching me." tells me. ''I'm really proud of the White didn't identify as gay, hung himself in thing that the United States simply said, House for standing by me when a lot of April 2009 afte r enduring repeated anti­ 'No more.' Now, that doesn't mean bully­ Yo ung believed that he was fighting people might have wanted to cut me loose. gay harassment at school. ing has gone away -- it's still there -- but for his life. Young remembered defendant It might have been smarter politically for "On my first day here, I'd had buttons I think we have achieved a gigantic shift cutting offhis oxygen until he passed out them to cut me loose, but they chose to made up with Carl's school picture on in national consciousness, th at we have and that, when he came to, defendant was stand by me because they valued the work them, and I handed them out to all the turned the tide. I see school officials at all {Michigan continue on page 16)

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At 7:00pm, a loving mother findsunexpected allies in her quest to find happiness and true love for her closeted gay son in You Should Meet My Son!This film had its New York State Premiere at lmageOut last October. Popular among men and women of all ages, and with its broad theme of acceptance and its focus on the importance of family, You Should Meet My Son! Is the perfect film tostart an evening of celebrating our LGBT pride.

Elaine Elkins, M.S. Then at 9:00pm, nothing can truly ever prepare you for the unique Psychotherapist experience that is Ticked-Oft Tra nnies With Knives. With its over-the­ 244 ...4837 top "authentic" '70s B-exploitation style (complete with grainy film­ stock, missing scenes, and "please be patient while we switch reels" Individual & Relationship Counseling intertitles), this film takes revenge toa different level as it tells the story ofa sassy group of "tranny" entertainers who respond to a Anxiety Depression deadly hate crime by fighting back in grand style and high camp. This & controversial filmwas such a major hit among our October audiences Loneliness & Separation that we could not resist showing it again. Just be warned that Conflict Resolution Ticked-OffTrannies With Knives contains excessive, graphic violence. Communication Skills Advance Sale Tickets (One ticketgains you entrance toboth shows} Tickets are $8 in ad­ vance or $10 at the door. Purchase tickets in advance with cash or check at these partner Sexual Abuse Recovery businesses: Equai=Grounds, 750 South Ave., or OUllandish Vi deo & Gifts, 274 N Goodman St. Drug & Alcohol Abuse Interpreting Services and Accessibility To request interpreting services Grief & Loss please contact the lmageOut office by Friday, July 8. Please use the relay service at 1-800-662-1220 to make your request. This event is wheelchair accessible. 16 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

40 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL Minnesota. sure in each of Minnesota's 365 United percent of their straight counterparts). Rev. Bruce Robbins' Equality for All Methodist congregations. That can only Despite a rise in anti-discrimination in Christian Marriage statement: benefit those supporting ci vil marriage protections for LGBT employees, 48 per­ (NMichigan fr om page 15) "We joyfully affirm rhac we will offer equality, especially since the conversa­ cent of LGBT survey respondents report­ "just still bashing my face in" until he the grace of rhe Church's blessing ro any tion is starring now, 18 months before the ed being closeted at work. Staying in the went unconscious again. Yo ung believed prepared couple desiring Christian mar­ 2012 elections when voters are open to closet has huge consequences. Those who defendant hit him "a good 30 times." riage. We are convinced by rhe witness persuasion. are out flourish at work, while those who Accord in<> to Youno, he never tried of others and are compelled by Spirit and Within che UMC comexc, che pro­ are in the closet languish or leave. to touch de ndant an neither of them conscience to acr. We thank the many test represented by the Equality for All in LGBT employees who are not our ever fell asleefu , except dwhen Young went United Methodists who have already Christian Marriage Statement is si nifi­ reported significantly greater feelings of p � unconscious from the assault. Yo ung res­ called for full equality and inclusion of cant because clergy who break church law being stalled in their careers and greater dissatisfaction with their rates of promo­ rifled that there was no discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender can be removed from the pulpir. But the flipping the television on or anything and peo£le in the life of the Church. signatories co this Statement do not stand tion and advancement. rhac he believed chis was because defen­ 'We repent that it has taken us so long alone within their denomination. In the LGBT employees who are nor out dam had the assault already planned. co ace. We realize that our church's dis­ past few years, 68 Methodist pastors in are 40 percent less likely to crust their criminatory policies tarnish the witness of California and Methodist congregations employer than those who are out. Minn. Methodist minister the Church co the world, and we are com­ in District of Columbia and Washing­ Employee s who remain closeted and plicic. We value our covenant relationships ton state have very publicly signed similar isolated are 73 percem more likely co leave defies church, supports and ask everyone co hold the divided com­ seacements. their companies within the next three marriage equality munity of the United Methodist Church The Methodist Church continues co years. in prayer. punish clergy who marry same sex cou­ This is a group with economic clout Laurel Ramseyer posted on pams­ "Any United Methodist person in ples. Robbins may be suspended, like and loyalty co gay friendly brands. A houseblend.com on June 7: Minnesota Conference who conduces the Rev. Amy Long, convicted June 22 recent scudy estimates the LGBT com­ With the ongoing debate within the munity's collective bu ing power at more Christian marriages is welcomed ro sign. of marrying two lesbians in 2009. The y United Methodist Church (UMC) over "I have chosen co sign the Equality for next oppormnity for denomination-wide than $700 billion in the U.S. alone. This irs problematic "Position on Homosexu­ All in Christian Marriage Statement and change will come during the UMC's 2012 is a constituency with economic fuepower ality", and the recent news that an anti­ I belong co rhe Minnesota Annual Con­ General Conference next spring. companies should not ignore. equality marriage amendment will be on ference." According to Sylvia Ann Hewlett, the ballot in Minnesota in 2012, Rev. The Statement doesn't address che sec­ founding President of the Center for Bruce Robbins decided to speak our. ular question resenced by the 2012 bal­ Study: results are poor Work-Life Policy and a coauthor of the Robbins is pastor of Hennepin Avenue lot measure or whether same-sex couples for closeted workers study, "Organizations that encourage all United Methodist Church in Minneapo­ should be constitutionally barred from of their employees to bring their whole lis. Hennepin belongs ro the Reconciling getting a civil marriage license. What rhe A new study by the Center for Work­ selves co work have the greatest opportu­ Ministries Network, "a growing move­ Statement does do is protest the UMC's Life Policy, featured in the July/August nity for innovation and growth." mem of United Methodist individuals, church law, which states that "Ceremonies issue of the Harottrd Business Review, "Being 'out' on Wall Street has gone congregations, campus miniseries, and that celebrate homosexual unions shall quantifies the loss to individuals and co from unimaginable 30 years ago to being ocher groups" working for the full par­ not be conducted by our ministers and che bottom line when organizations fail widely accepted today with Wall Street ticipation of LGBT people in the United shall not be conducted in our chw-ches." to create a workplace hospitable to their helping lead chis change," said Todd Methodist Church. As Rev. Dr. Melvin Woodworth LG BT employees. Sears, an advisor co this study and found­ The first weekend in June, at an after­ said regarding his congregation's recent The data, based on a survey of 2,952 er of "Our on the Street," the LGBT Wall noon clergy meeting during the Annual endorsement of a similar statement, "] respondents, show the consequences when Street leadership consorriwn, which held Conference of the Minnesota UMC, Rev. can't in good conscience perpetuate an LGBT employees are forced to keep their its first event on March 30, 2011. Robbins invited fellow clergy to sign the injustice. I can't get around the injustice lives and loved ones a secret from col­ As Sears poinrs om, "This srudy clear­ Equality for All in Christian Marriage of the state law -- I don't have power over leagues. ly shows char there is still a rremendous Statement. According co the UMC news that. But l can get around the injustice of Among the findings: This is a highly gap between implementation of LGBT­ service, "about a dozen clergy members" the church law, and I'm doing that." desirable labor pool: ambitious (71 per­ fr iendly policies and the ability and deci­ initially signed, bur "by 9:30 p.m., the While the focus of this act of loving cent), committed (88 percent are willing sion of employees co come out at work. rocal signers had increased co about 40. disobedience is church law, not civil law, to go the extra mile for employers) and. For us to move forward, it is going co As of June 3, che number had reached this action will undoubtedly spark discus­ better educated (48 percent of LGBT cake gay leaders sharing their coming out 70." There are 365 UMC churches in sion about the anti-equality ballot mea- respondents have graduate degrees versus stories and straight leaders going beyond

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Ir is rhis argument that supports is not required to recogttize the ci vil Ultion Suisse, Deloitte, and Coogle, research for effective HIV vaccine the notion that all people should have rhe and grant rhe same benefits. this study comprised of focus groups, Vir­ right to marry, regardless of whom they are A chief argwnenr made by ami-gay tual Strategy Sessions, one-on-one inter­ By Carole Dowliug marrying. groups and by politicians opposing gay views, and a US national survey (January Thirty years ago, when the Cenrers for Thts article will provide evidence as and lesbian marriage is the destruction 2010 2,952 that same-sex marriage will inflict upon and February wirh respon­ Disease Control reported on the first cases ro why rbe benefits that apply to married 2006, dents) conducted by Knowledge Net­ of what would later be known as AIDS, it heterosexual couples should also be made families, and ultimately children. In works under the auspices of the Center was all bad news. The unidentified disease availabJe to married homosexual couples. after Washington state decided to uphold for Work-Life Policy, a nonprofit research was 100 percent fa tal. There was no treat� Lastly, rhe denial of marriage benefits to irs 1998 ban on same-sex marriage, Jus­ organization. ment, and no one knew what caused it. same-sex s ouses will nor 'further rhe well­ rice Barbara Madsen reported to the Seat­ Center for Work-Life Polley p Fast fo rward to 2011. Though more being' of fa milies, bur will rather deprive tle Times that DOMA is constitutional The Center for Work-Policy is a non­ than 34 million people are now Uving with fa milies of receiving benefits. because it "furthers rhe state's interest of profit think tank based in New York City. HJV/AIDS, the outlook today is better Firstly, rhe "pursuit of happiness," as stable, child-producing unions". CWLP's flagship project is the Hidden thanks ro rhe dogged resolve of clinicians, stated in the United States Declaration of She also wrote, "The Legislarure was Brain Drain Task Force-a private sec­ researchers, public health officials, d1ou­ L1dependence applies ro all men. Nor only entitled to believe that limiting marriage to tor task force focused on global talent sands of relentless activists, and patients rhis, bur this is an "unalienable" or innate opposite-sex couples furthers procreation, innovation. The 67 global corporations essential ro the survival of the human race themselves. The Unhed Nations reports right. However, when debating the subject and organizations that constitute rbe Task that rhe overall incidence of new infections of equal marriage rights, as it pertains to and fwthers the well-being of cllildren by encouraging families where children are Force, representing four million employ­ has dropped by nearly 25 percent between gay and lesbian couples, rhe right to pursue 190 ees and operating in countries arow1d 2001 and 2009. And today, if you live in a happiness does not apply. reared in homes headed by children's bio­ rhe world, are united by an undersranding developed country and have access to anti­ In 1996, the fe deral government ruled logical parents''. rhat rhe full realization of rhe talent pool rerroviral medicarion, a diagnosis of H rv on the subject of marriage. Congress passed This argument is illogical for the fol­ is at the heart of competitive advantage or AIDS is no longer a death sentence. the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, lowing reasons: past and present marriage and economic success. Alrhou�h me?ical advances have great­ "an act to define and protect the instiru­ licensing laws do nor require rhe ability About the Authors ly ext. ended the hfe ex ectancy of a person tion of marriage". This fe deral Act defined ro procreate, fe rtility has never dictated Sylvia Ann Hewlett is an economist p infected with HIV today, a cure evades us. marriage as "only a legal union between the ability of heterosexuals to marry and and the founding president of the Center More chan 20 million people have died one man and one woman as husband and spouses who do not procreate are able to for Work-Life Polic (a non rofit chink y p from AIDS worldwide, and 7,500 more wife" and the word spouse as "a person stay married without question. Why, then, rank), where she founded and now chairs people become infected every si ngle day, of the opposite sex who is a husband or are rhese arguments being made about gay and lesbian marriage? the "Hidden Brain Drain" Task Force, a accordjng to the U.N. And though infec­ wife". Both rhese statements unquestion­ 67 In truth, the benefits withheld from group of global companies and orga­ tions are dmpping overall, they're rising in ably restricr the right to marry for homo­ same-sex unions ultimately deprive the nizations committed co fully realizing some groups. The impact of HIV on many sexual couples. children and families involved, the oppo­ fe male and mulriculrural talenr. She leads urban African American communities in Multiple states including Alabama, site of the effect stared Justice Barbara the CWLP's advisory services practice the US continues to rival rhat seen in parts Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, by Madsen. With rhe denial of marriage to Sylvia Ann Hewlett Associates. She also of sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, sex Florida and at least 30 other states have directs the Gender and Policy Program workers, intravenous drug users, and gay either accepted DOMA as the state law, same-sex couples, children are divested at the School of International and Pub­ men are experiencing an alarming spike in or have written DOMA into the state con­ from "Stare benefits because the Scare lic Affairs, Columbia University and is a new cases. For instance, there has been a stitution. However, in 1958, in the case disapproves of their parents' sexual ori­ member of the World Economic Forum's 30 to 36 percent increase among gay men, of Loving v. Virginia, the U.S. Supreme entation". It is inevitable to have fa n1ilies Global Agenda Council on the Women's especially young African American men Courr recognized marria e as a fundamen­ composed of san1e-sex couples and children Empowerment. _g who have sex with men. tal right, stating, "the treedom to marry either adopted or biolo ically related ro one Ha rvard Busi­ adult involved. With th� is knowledge, how She is the author of nine As HIV and AIDS continue to impact has long been recognized as one of the vir.al ness Review a es and rticl eleven critically personal rights essential to the orderly pur­ is Justice Barbara Madsen's comment plau­ acclaimed nonfiction books. countries, finding an effective vaccine Holy suit of happiness". sible? It is not for reasons scared above. It Karen Sumberg is senior vice presi­ remains rhe Grail of AIDS research. 1988, Does this nor apply to all people? chen begs the question as to why this is a dent, director of projects and communi­ Since the University of Rochester Medical Center's HIV vaccine trials unit, How is it that gay and lesbian people are major argument against gay marriage if it cations at the Center for Work-Life Policy known as rhe Rochester Victory Alliance excluded from a "viral personal right?" The is erroneous? Could it be because there are no ocher factual arguments? and a director with the CWLP's advisory (RVA), has conducted more than 50 trials conclusion rhe court case presented has The debate over same-sex marriage is services practice Sylvia Ann Hewlett Asso­ involving 1,300 volunteers from the west­ obviously been fo rgotten and ignored in nor a new topic in rhe United States. lr ciates. She leads research projects for the ern New York community. The RVA has many stares. will continue to be the center of discus­ CWLP including "The Sponsor Effect," worked steadily as part of a global alliance Amidst the negative attitudes resonat­ sion within scares' government, and maybe "Bookend Generations: Leveraging Talent with rhe HTV Vaccine Trials Network, and ing from multiple states, Massachusens even in the federal government, as rhey and Finding Common Ground," and "Sin the National Institu e of Allergy and Infec­ continues to successfully fight for ay and Fronteras: Celebrating and Capitalizing t � tious Diseases of the U.S. National Insti­ lesbian rights. On May 17, 2004, Mas­ already once interfered. The real question on rhe Strengths of Larina Executives." tutes of Health. ro be considered: is do all people deserve She is coauthor of Harvard Business sachusetts was the Hrst to lawfully wtire Because of promising results from stud­ same-sex couples in marriage. Even previ­ the right to marry whom they wish? Is Review article "How Gen Y & Boomers ies like the recent 'Thai" trials (involving 2004, the "pursuit of happiness" really an innate Will Reshape Your Agenda," as well as ous to Massachusetts has been on more rhan 16,000 participants from Thai­ rhe forefront of equal rights for gay, les­ right, as our forefathers once wrote? States rhe Harvard Business Review Research land), a vaccine seems tantalizingly witnin rhar have granted these rights, like Mas­ bian, rransgender and bi-sexual people. In sachusetts, understand equality more than Reports The Athena Factor: Reversing reach, according to Michael Keefer, M.D., 1972, rhe Massachusetts legislature passed the Brain Drain in Science, Engineering, principal investigator and director of the stares with ami-gay and lesbian legislature. a bill prohibiting discrimination in job and Ma be the rest of the country, includ­ and Technology and The Sponsor Effect, RVA. "Today there is a degree of optimism y housing settings. ing rhe federal government should Listen. CWLP reports The Under-Leveraged Tal­ in the HIV vaccine field that I have not In 1980, rhe stare Supreme Court ruled AmandaBen tley recently graduatedfrom em Pool: Women Te chnologists on Wall wirnessed during my 20 years of work at rhat child custody could not be limited to Nazareth College ttnd is to Uni11ersity Street and Off-Ramps and On-Ramps URMC," Keefer said. "The Thai trial has either parent based on sexual orientation. go ing Revisited and a Harvard Business online of Pittsburgh Medical Scho ol. Wh ile tt senior shown rhat developing a preventive vaccine L1 1989, the stare legislature amended the blog. • at Nazareth she wrote this article on mar­ is indeed possible; rhe trial has provided bill relating to hare crimes and discrimi­ riage equality, which was published in Alaska numerous clues that will lead to a better nation based on sexual orientation within and New Yo rk. • understanding of what we'll need a vac­ public school systems. The Massachusetts cine ro do to guard against djfferent types state government has made it obvious char -- of exposures." they wish to exclude discrimination from In their efforts to educate the public Mountain Rise THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH their state constitution. ChiefJustice Mar­ about HIY, RVA has expanded rhe scope garet H. Marshall, of Massachusettswrote, United Church Of Christ of their work ro include community out­ \ "Our obligation is to define the liberty of in Perinton A community of faith where reach. RVA has opened an office in Buf­ all, nor to mandate our own moral code". No matter who yort are LGBT persons are welcomed as falo, another urban community whose iven or whereyott are on life 'sjourney, Benefits � ro married heterosex­ full partners in ministry African American and LGBT populations ual couples by rhe state and employers you're welcome here! have been hit hard by the disease, and has are nor the same as given to homosexuals The Rev. Dr. Greg Osterberg, also reached out to faith leaders in the participating in civil unjons or same·sex Pastor SUMMER SUNDAY WORSHIP Rochester African American community marriage. Couples joining in hetero­ Suzanne Gangemi, 1 O:OOam Third Church sanctuary co change discriminatory att.itudes toward sexual marriage receive many state ben­ Director of Fa mily Life Ministries East Avenue at Meigs Street individuals most at risk of infecrjon - efits, as well as corporate benefits. These Summer Worship young black men who have sex with men. generally include, however varying from Sunday 9:30am in tbe Outdoor LGBT SUPPORT GROUP RVA conducts ongoing trials in both state to state: tax benefits, family ben­ Acces1ble Sanctuary (\\eatber permitting) Born this Way! people who are at high-risk for HJV as well efits, death benefits, insurance benefits July 3 - September 4 and consumer benefits. ln rhe corporate 7:30pm First & Third Mondays as those who are at low-risk, and is cur­ Communion: First Sunday of Month 34 Meigs Street rently seeking young men who have sex world exclusively, spouses receive the ChBdren/Youth Christian Education benefits to health insurance and available during Worship Nursery Care with men. Vaccines used in the studies are relatin� ll/ company specitic employment benefits. and Audio Loop Available synthetic, so you cannot oe t AlDS from The benefits extended to civil unions them. If you would like in rmation about Mountain Rise, Fairport 14450 P�an Church Fo or same-sex marriages are limited and 2 NY --Jh� I

Duffy Palmer, Rich Ognibene and Pam Barres. Photo: Jim Wilkins The dinner was held at the Riverside Convention Center. Photo: Jim Wilkins

Around 700 people attend Pride Agenda Spring Dinner

By Susan jorda11 Attendance was at an aU-time high- approximately 700 people attended the Empire State Pride Agenda's Spring Dinner on May 21 at the Riverside Convention Center. Among the elected officals attending the dinner were Congresswoman Louise Slaugh­ ter and NYS Sen. Jim Alesi, who stopped by briefly to congratulate Rich Ognibene. NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a longtime LGBT rights supporter, said in his keynote address, "J ustice belongs to everybody... Discrimination hurrs every family. M.C. Clinton Kelly of "What Not to Wear." Photo: Jim Wilkins Injustice huns every one of us." He said that making the Constitutional promise of"life, Table Captains: Michelle Chin and Mary· liberty and the pursuit of happiness" come true has always involved a struggle. "Every beth Cerrone. Photo: Garnetta Ely generation has been called to live up to the challenge." Duffy Palmer and Pam Barres presented the Community Service Award w Rich Ognibene, who is openly gay and was named NYS Te acher of the Year in 2008. Rich said that, as an advisor to the Fairport Gay Straight Alliance, he and others decided that due to the high rate of youth suicides around the country, an after-school dub was no longer sufficient. He arranged a meeting with students and district admin­ istrators. "The students were quiet at first," he said, "but then spoke from the heart. .. 'We need more from you'." He said that the stories of harassmenc made him chink of how much dungs have changed in the past 20 years. "What we have learned as a community," Rich said, "is that each risk we take leads to a reward ... I want to challenge you to continue to take risks. If we can find the cour­ ESPA Spring Dinner co-chairs age to push beyond what is safe and comfortable, then inch by inch we can change the Kevin S. Weekley and Julia Green­ world - for ourselves and for gay youth." Sewruk. Photo: Jim Wilkins

From Buffalo's Gay and Lesbian Youth Services: Mellonie Scott and Sue Gar­ doso. Photo: Garnetta Ely

Auctioneer Howie Jacobson. Photo: Jim Wilkins

Seated: Liz Robinson, Michele Tsang; standing: Alexandra Gasparre, Dontaee Williamson, & Stephanie Colton. Photo: Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Harry Bronson. Photo: Jim Wilkins Mark Siwiec. Photo Jim Wilkins Garnetta Ely Photo: Jim Wilkins

Wedding announcement: Mark Valentino Lenzi and Paul Michael McAndrew

On May 27, 2011, Mark Valentino Lenzi and Paul Michael McAndrew of Park Ave., Rochester, were married in Pittsfield, Mass. by Linda Tyer in an outside ceremony. Gold and diamond rings were exchanged and blue and purple orchid boutonnieres by Maura at Sassafras Flowers were worn. Both grooms wore black suits with Mark in purple tie and shirr, and Paul in blue shirt and tie. Almond raspber ry cake from Savoia and sparkling water were served. Evening cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Berkshires, and dinner reception in the Wyndhurst dining Room were at the Cranwell Resort and Spa in Lenox. Dinner consisted of veal chop and rack of lamb, all served with champagne. The world-renowned photographer Edward Acker of Lenox recorded the evening celebration. The couple spent the weekend at the Historic Inn at LaUJel Lake in Lee. A local reception will be held in sum­ mer 2011, and the honeymoon will be in October in Provincetown. • JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 19

they are phenomenal, but so big. Here at MAG they have many things dw the big musewns have, but it's manageable. It's a fanrastic little gem, one of Rochester's best-kept secrets. I often come here to gee my creative juices flowing." Kevin says he "dabbles'' in painting. As a co-chair of lmageOut in 2006- 2007, the film fe stival is of course his favor­ ice local LGBT event. "I have beeninvolved with lmageOut since 2002," he said. "That's another great exan1ple of Rochester Kevin with the Purple European would giving us what you'd chink be found Beech planted around 20 years ago only in a larger city. ImageOut has put in the AIDS Garden in memory of the Rochester on the international film festival late Bobby Moore. map. We also do partnerships with area fes­ tivals like the Jewish Film Festival at JCC, 360/365 erbeds. My house is covered in wisteria Film Festival at High Falls, the and you can smell the fragrance down the new ReelMind festival, ere." street." Kevin's garden has been honored Kevin's favorite place, along with MAG, by the Maplewood Neighborhood Asso­ is the AIDS Garden in Highland Park. "In ciation. the late '80s/early '90s I started being a vol­ His other great interest is theatre. "I'm unteer with AlDS Rochester, Helping Peo­ very active in the local theatre scene," he ple with AIDS (Dining for Dollars), and Community Health Network," he said. "Tn said. "I've acted and directed at Blackfriars and JCC, and next spring may direct for Kevin lndovino with the Henry Moore sculpture at the Memorial Art Gallery. '93 someone asked me ro come to a meet­ GRRC. Photos: Susan Jordan The last thing I did that people ing about an AIDS Garden planned for may remember was in spring 2009, when Highland Park I evenrually became presi­ 1 was in a one-man show, 'Oscar Remem­ Kevin lndovino dent of their board and for five or six years bered,' at MuCCC. I did most of rhe fu11d­ rem footage, to make a digitized videotape we worked on ge tting that garden planted, raising for the AACTFEST (festival of By Susan Jordan of an overview of LGBT history in the cooperating with the Vietnam vets memo­ local theatre from around the country) last Rochester area and western upstate New rial. The AIDS Garden pays tribute tO the Kevin Indovino is a producer and direc­ month." • tor at wxxr, where he has worked for the York. "It's all coming together," he says. He people we have lost and to HIV/A I OS care­ past 20 years. He says, "I wear many hats appeals to anyone who may have historic givers as well. but my main duties now are producing and do cuments or artifacts of any kind to getin "We wanted it to be a serene place editing rhe promotional spots and other touch wi th Shoulders co Stand On. where people can go and reflect on their itemsyou see between shows." Kevin has lived in the city for over 20 loved ones. It's a way for me rogive back to Kevin's interest in amateur theatre, years, and currently resides in the Maple­ the community in a way that validates and and his skill as a lighting designer, helped wood neighborhood, which he describes as marks my place in the Rochester commu­ get him hired as a production assistant at an old historic neighborhood, diverse and nity- when J'm gone, it will be something WXXI, "literally sweeping the floor. Grad­ still very much a family neighborhood. He to give to the people of the future." The ually I learned the trade." travels a lor, mostly for pleasure. garden consists mostly of beautiful, rare Born in Rochester and raised in Brock­ Kevin said, "Rochester is a large town trees and shrubs and is an oasis of tranquil­ port, Kevin has many interests and com­ masquerading as a city - in a good way. It ity off busy Highland Ave. munity commitments. He is a producer has a lor going on, bur it's manageable. The "I love gardening and being outdoors," and director with Shoulders to Stand On, Memorial Art Gallery to me is one of the Kevin says. "I have a big garden. I hate In the AIDS Garden: Kevin at the using the digitized Empty Closets and great treasures of Rochester. I always go to grass and evergreen bushes, so r moved base of the sculpture "The Guardian" by Rochester artist Leonard Urso. other archival materials, as well as cur- museums in major cities when I travel and them out and replaced them with flow-

The 2011 Miss and Mr Gay Pride Pageant

GAY PRIDE PAGEANT WINNERS: Congratu­ V'ta Valentino, Miss Gay Rochester; Aneal Pleasures, Miss Club Marcella; lations to Keke Velasquez-Lord, Miss Gay pageant organizer Wayne Esposito (Uza); Veronica Lace, Miss Pride Buffalo Pride 2011, and Nouveo Orleans, Mr. Gay and Vanity Faire, Miss Rochester Gay Pride 2010. Pride 2011. The pageant was held June 18 at ONE, 1 Ryan Alley. Photos: Jim Wilkins 35 BIKERS T 100 -KILOMETERS + FOOD/DRINKS

THANK YOU TO OUR RIDE FOR PRIDE BIKERS: Beth Bacon, Brian Bacon, .bhn Braun, Adrianne Chesser, Kelly Clark, Jess Cohen, Jason Croff, Tina Croff, .be Doty, Bobby Ernerson, Ed Freedrnan, Jeanne Gainsburg, Bonnie Hallrnan-Dye, Chuck Hallrnan-Dye, Terry Hanney, Katie Hibbard, Deborah Hurley, Michael Kelly, Bekka LeboWitz, Markuan lylak, Sara lynch, Jesse McCarthy, laur McSpadden, Debor� Monette, Manuel Pena, Jirn Petretta, Parn Po lashenski, Dan Quintana, Steve Santacroce, Aisha Siebert, Justin Waas, Brigid Waterhouse, Dontaee Williamson, Owen Zacharias and Zach for taking the tirne to fundraise, train and ri de! You guys rock!

THANK YOU TO OUR RIDE FOR PRIDE DONORS: Thanks to your generous donations, together we raised over SIO,OOO for the Gay Alliance!

THANK YOU TO OUR RIDE FOR PRIDE SPONSORS: Roger levy at Freewheelers Bicycle �of:> (www.freewheelersbikes.corn) for SJ:>Onsoring our ride at the S250 level! Park Ave BikeshOf:> (w ww.f:>arkavebike.corn) for donating a SISO gift card. &ic Marshall, Designer, at Guerrilla Ink (www.guerrilla-ink.corn) for donating the J:>rinting on our Ride For Pride tee shirts! Scott likely at ToWJ:>ath Bike �of:> for the "drive by" donation of inner tubes. Justin Waas, Scott Doody and MillerCoors for setting us uf:> with sorne cold brewskies! Scotland Yard Pub for hosting the Guest Bartender Fundraiser.

THANK YOU TO OUR RIDE FOR PRIDE SUPPORT STAFF: Walter Polashenski and Tallis Polashenski for filling our tanks wi th an arnazing lunch and "Sweat of a Pagan Bride" horne brew! Scott Fearing and Todd Gordon for the wonderful food, theRide For Pride horne brew, the refreshing garden SJ>ritz and the best frozen rnojr fos north ofthe border! Pauline Braun, lisa Nolan and Heidi Klossner for being our arnazing Sag Hags (lOl) and Maya Polashenski and Heather Fields, our Backuf:> Hags. Bruce Ingersoll for ftingsi all alone in a trailer J:>ark wi th his cooler waiting J:>atiently to serve us cold drinks and for cleaning uf:> wherever we needed it. Parn Polashenski and Jason Croft for co-facilitating the event and for corning uf:> wi th the great idea in the first J:>lace! Evelyn Bailey for finding our Ride For Pride bike shof:> SJ:>Onsors and for the beautiful flowers at the end of the ri de! Owen Zacharias and Heather Fields for the beautiful J:>hotograf:>hy. laur McSpadden for the office suJ:>J:>Ort, rnedia and Facebook vi sibility. Owen Zacharias, Ed Freedrnan and Jason Croft for heiJ:>ing with all the technical difficu»ies. Sue Cowell for suJ:>J:>Orting us all and ensuring that the f:>lanning and J:>ref:> work for the event was srnooth ri ding!

AND A SPECIAl THANKS TO: Parn Polashenski for being our toJ:> (non-Gay Alliance staff rnernber) fundraiser, bringing in over S1,19011l • It's not too late to donate! Rider's f:>ages will stay active until SeJ:>fernber 18, 2011 at htfJ:>://www.gayalliance.org/events/ride.htrnl

I

Ga'@'y Al liance B

Stills from "You Should Meet My Mother," screening at The Cinema on July 14. lmageOut screens two films for Pride 2011 lmageOur will once again love for her closeted gay son in top, 'authentic' '70s B-exploita­ Review: Yo u Should bur his boyfriend, and they have sponsor Rochester Pride 2011. "You Should Meet My Son!". rion style (complete with grainy recently broken u . Meet My Son! p lmageOur is nor only We stern Rochester audiences were fi 1m-stock, missing scenes, Rather than dig in her heels New York's largest LGBT film treated w an entertaining Q&A and 'please be patient while we By Robby Morris and refuse to accept the truth fe stival but also a consistent sup­ with writer/director Keith Hart­ switch reels' inrer titles), this "You Should Meet My Son", about her son, she and her spin· porter of local LGBT events, man when this film had its New film rakes revenge to a different an audience favorite on the gay ster sister plunge in head first including Rochester Pride. York State Premiere at Ima­ level as it tells the swry of a sassy film fe stival circujt by writer/ to embrace and ed ucare them­ lmageOut brings back two geOut last Ocwber. Popular group of "cranny" entertainers director Keith Hartman, could selves on gay culmre, meet some audience favorites from last among men and women of all who respond to a deadly hate easily be called "You Should See new friends along the way and October's lineup fo r one night ages, and with irs broad theme crime by fighting back in grand This Movie"! Fortunately, now endeavor to find her son a new only during Pride Week, on of acceptance and its fo cus on style and high camp." you can, as the film was recently Mr. Right. Thursday, July 14 at The Cin­ the importance of family, "You This controversial film, released on DVD ·· and it will There is a reason this film ema, 957 Clinton Ave. at Good­ Should Meet My Son!" is the which has both opponents and be screened by ImageOut on has won several "Best in Festi­ man St. Admission is $8 in perfect film to starr an evening supporters within the gender July 14 at 7 p.m. at The Cinema. val" awards, including Best Fea­ advance, $12 at the door; tickets of celebrating LGBT pride. variant community, was a major Conservative Southern belle rw·e at Ontario's Reel Our Film available at Egual=Grounds and At 9 p.m., lmageOur says, hit last October, lmageOut says, Mae gees the shock of her life Festival and Besr Screenplay at Outlandish. "Nothing can truly ever prepare adding, "Just be warned that when she overhears that her only rhe Festival Del Sol in Spain. At 7 p.m., a loving mother you for the unique experience 'Ticked-Off Trannies With son is gay. She then discovers It's smartly written, incredibly finds unexpected allies in her that is 'Ticked-Off Trannies Knives' contains excessive, that the guy he has been living moving, hys terically funny, and guest to find happiness and true With Knives'. With its over-the- graphic violence." • with wasn't just his roommate, fe atures standout performances by Joannie McGee as Mae and Carol Goans as her sister, Rose. Unlike other films dealing Nazareth College the RIT drama club and after with the issue of a parent's accep­ graduation stopped acting for tance of rheir offspring's sex­ hosts 2011 Dance a while. Then f fe lr rhar itch uality, "You Should Meet My Festival July 8-16 again. NTID was looking for a Son" never wanders roo far into voice actor, so that's how I got preachy waters and the use of The Nazareth College Ans back into being on stage." He culruxal cliches (Drag Queens, Center will hold irs 2011 Dance has appeared at MuCCC and Go-Go Boys, and cruising on Festival July 8-16. Geva in Mjchael Steck's "Lip­ Manhunt) are purely intention­ Tickets for the fo ur main stick Massacre" and at MuCCC al and played for laughs. One stage performances at the Cal­ as the lead in "Boys In the comical scene pays homage to lahan Theater, scheduled for Fri· Band" and in ''Arsenic and Old an iconic scene in the classic film day and Saturday, July 8-9, and Lace" and "Miss Mary Dugan". Auntie Marne and evenreferenc­ Friday and Saturda , July 15-16, es itself as such. y Mark plays a newly promot­ are on sale now. AU other events ed Hollywood studio executive, Bur before the plot has the during the Dance Festival are Bobby Gould. He says, "Marner chance to become too over the free and open to the public. wrote 'Speed the Plow' after his cop, an exchange between Mae The Dance Festival will fe a­ first experience in Hollywood, and her son quickly reminds us tLue the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane maybe as a way to exorcise that. what the ftlm is truly about: Dance Company and its co­ It's about friend ship- how noth­ "If you think that this world fo under and artistic director, Bill ing is sacred, but in the end Bob­ won't give you the things that T. Jones, who received the 2010 Mark Allen Davis and Stephen Cena. Photo: Susan Jordan by's best fr iend saves him from you want, love, kids, a family, Kennedy Center Honor for his career suicide." then [ am gorma have to change lifetime contributions to rhe arts Mamet's "Speed Mark and "Speed the Plow the world, because 1 will not and American culture. He has danced with the famed "director Jerry Argersinger did have it change you." A ver special evening is the Plow" opens at y Jose Limon company and the Facing East by Carolyn Pierson Writer/Director Hartman planned fo r Thursday, July 14, The Space July 14 Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane com­ last year. '1t's about a couple has managed ro do what few when Tony Award-winning cho­ pany, and was in the original whose son has committed sui­ others have been able ro. He has reographer Garth Fagan joins Bill By Susa11]ordart production of "The Lion King". cide because he was gay. Jr was taken a topic familiar ro all of us T. Jones on stage for an enlight­ David Marner's "Speed rhe He has just been named Assis­ very successful and Jerry and r in the gay community and used ening discussion moderated by Plow," a scathing treatment of tant Professor of Theatre at the discussed doi11g another play." countless times as a plot device Deborah Ronnen, owner, Debo- rhe relationship between two University of Memphis, and will Ste hen says, "l'm play­ in <>ay rhemed films, and put a continuespage p (Nazareth 2} Hollywood movie executives, be moving to Tennessee shortly ing Charlie Fox, a producrion fre� and endearing spin on ir. will be staged July 14-17 ar The after the production of "Speed assistant in Gould's office and lf ou aren't smiling at the y Space, a new performance venue the Plow" ends. his best friend of 20 years. I end of this film, clearly, there is in the Hungerford Building ar Davis will be rerurning to see Charlie as Bobby's fr iend - something wrong with you. 1115 E. Main Sr. Rochester after the school year is but he realLy wants to make his Image Out, Rochester's Les­ The three-character play over and hopes to produce more career take off. ..." bian and Gay Film Festival, will scars Mark Allen Davis and Ste­ plays at The Space. Admission is $5. ] The play be showing "You Should Meet phen Cena, with the third role Stephen Cena is originally runs July 14-July 17, Pride Week­ My Son" as part of their Sum­ unfilled ar EC press rime. from Massachusetts. He came end . The Space is on the second mer Mayhem - Special PRIDE Mark Allen Davis, a Roches­ to Rochester to study computer floor of the Hungerford build­ Week Double Feature Thurs­ ter native, is a dancer, choreog­ science ar RIT and has never ing, and playgoers should use the day July 14 ar the Cinema The- "Body Against Body" rapher, acror, artist and reacher. left. He says, "I did theatre wirb building's Entrance Two. • (Review continues page 2) 2 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

(Review continuedfro mpage I) out of submissions," said Rivera-Orriz, acre, where there will also be copies of Foundation fo under and president. "I the DVD available for purchase. For believe it is safe to say at this juncture more information about this evem, visit that the response to our call for applicants W\Vw.imageour.org. For more information went very, very well and even better than about the film, visit www.YouShouldMeet we could have imagined." MySon.com. The Gallery @ Equai:Grounds seeks (Review contiuuedfrom page I) work by new artists rah Ronnen Fine Art; council member, New York State Council on the Arts; and The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds is Chair, Visual Arts Committee of the New actively seeking artists to submit their York State Council on the Arts; member of work for consideration. All 2-D mediums the Empire State Plaza Arr Commission; are welcome. past chair of Garrh Fagan Dance. Please send an email to gallery@equal­ "The prospect of bringing rogether grounds.com with the fo llowing informa­ these two dance luminaries is incredibly tion: Your name and a bit about yourself; exciting," said Susan Chekow Lusignan, the medium you work in; three jpegs of director of the Nazareth College Arts the work you would like to show. All digi· tal images should be provided as jpgs only, Center. "It's a rare opportunity for audi­ Select Drag Professors of "RuPaul's Drag U": (L-R): Ongina, Shannel, Mari­ ence members ro gain insight into the 72 ppi, the image width not to exceed ah, Raven, Morgan McMichaels, Pandora Boxx (our heroine) and Bebe Zahara 1024 pixels on the longest side. Files creative process and philoso phy of each of Benet. Photo: Aaron Yo ung for Logo these remarkable artists, and to hear them should be tided as fo llows: LastName_ exchange ideas." FirstName_1Tide.jpg of America's Next Drag Superstar), the to be as amusing or engaging as Season The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds is ded­ first season of "Drag U" was, for lack of a two favorites Raven and Jujubee, two of Company will perform two distinct pro­ icated to showing the work of emerging better word, soft. the sassiest Queens in "Drag Race/Drag grams during the Nazareth College Arts artists, minority artists and LGBT artists, The show's premise was simple. In U" history. Center Dance Festival. as well as all artists in the Rochester area. each episode, three beloved Queens from My only other complaint: that "Drag On Friday night, July 15, the company Organizer Beth Bloom says, "With­ previous seasons of "Drag Race" would Race's" newest (and most fabulous) judge out your support, small galleries struggle. will perform selections of duets and solos teach three biological women in various from their groundbreaki work, "Body Michelle Visage was not included in the Work up your courage and submit your n� states of des air the art of unleashing their Against Body," which redetined the dance p "Drag U" mix is an unforgivable over­ work! Don't worry that your work isn't inner diva th rough the power of drag. At landscape when it debuted in the 1980s. sight. Her to the point demeanor and good enough, we don't bite and we only the end of each episode, each of the newly These pieces remain some of the most iconic status as a real girl in the drag com· give constructive criticism. And you may transformed students would perform for muniry would have been a welcome addi­ significant examples of the postmodern .be surprised at how good you.rwork really their family, friends, and celebrity jud�es. LS. aesthetic. tion and quite fitting in this series. " One student would be selected ro "dra­ Though still not a 4.0, the new season On Saturday night, July 16, the com­ guate" with top honors. Smiles all around. of "Drag U" gets high marks for making WXXI radio discusses pany will perform "Serenade/The Propo­ The show was cute. sition," a special evening of dance, theater, major improvements and will be a delight But would cute sustain another sea­ to fans who are looking for their Ru Hx marriage equality and live music, which approaches the leg­ son? acy of Abraham Lincoln as a rumination between seasons of "Drag Race". WXXl radio will air a discussion of I am genuinely pleased to say that the "RuPaul's Drag U" airs Monday on the nawre of history. second season of "RuPaul's Drag U" far the marriage equality issue, "States of Also fe atured on the main stage will be nights at 9 p.m. on Logo (Time Warner exceeded my expectations. Yes, it's still Marriage: The Debate over Gay Rights" Rochester's own internationally acclaimed Cable channel 438) through the summer. light and sweet, but this edition has more at 10 p.m. on AM 1370/FM-HD 91.5·2, Garth Fagan Dance, which will open the For more information about Looo and oomph. Like the transition between the on Sunday, July 10. Festival with one evening's performance their programming, visit their we site at fu se and second seasons of Drag Race, b The program examines how several of Classic Fagan Repertoire, on Friday, www.logotv.com! the production values have increased with states have approached legal recogni­ July 8 (Garth Fagan opening night per­ brighter sets and more outlandish props. tion for gay, lesbian and bi couples. Host formance sponsored by Deborah Ronnen photographers apply The women/students continue w 181 Jane Lindholm looks at the divisive civil and Sherman Levey). come from diverse backgrounds (single for Rivera·Ortiz grant unions precedent in Vermont and how it On Saturday, July 9, Rochester City ladies, burch lesbians, and virgins... oh set the stage for a marriage law in Mas­ Ballet presents a distinctive evening of The Manuel Rivera-Orriz Founda· sachusetts. Advocates on both sides of my!) and are ea�r to stan their journey dance, bringing to the stage some of its to fabulousness. l he Powers That Be have tion for International Photography initial the issue explain their political and legal recent works, and collaborating with spe­ smartly reeled back on some of the more grant program of $5,000 has attracted 181 strategies to convince voters and courts cial guest, FuturPoinre Dance. schmaltzy moments involving the down applications from 45 countries. of their cause, and we see the results To order tickets for these fo ur main­ on their luck divas in training. This is The maiden gram was announced in of that debate in California, Iowa and stage performances, or for more informa­ RuPaul, nor Oprah. Thankfully, humor March. Photographers from all over the Maine. tion on the Dance Festival, please visit world, of varied backgrounds and eco­ Ten years ago in December, the Ver­ 8 is played up more than the overwrought go.naz.edu/dancefesr. emotional moment. nomic status, submitted an impressive mont Supreme Cou.rt changed the land­ The highlight of "Drag U" contin· number of applications for funding con­ scape of legal rights for same-sex couples ues to be th e Queens who are on board sideration. The grant proposal was for when it handed down its ruling in the as Drag Professors and mentors to the humanitarian photo reportage, with proj­ case Baker v. State ofVermom. The three RuPaul's Drag U raises real ladies. Fans of Rochester's very own ects ranging in topic fr om "Street Chil· same-sex couples who were the Baker dren" in New Delhi, India, to human plaintiffs had argued that they deserve its GPA for season two Pandora Boxx will be delighted to know that she returns with her trademark bub· trafficking of women and girls on the the rights of marriage, just as heterosexual By Robby Morris bly personality for two episodes. Also on streets of Nepa l. couples do. hand are previous Drag Race winners Judging fo r this year's call for enrries is In the decade since, the country When it was announced that there Bebe Zahara Benet and Tyra Sanchez. already underway. Final judging of entries has debated the deeply personal and would be a second season of "RuPaul's Who better to teach these ladies to be will take place in London in early July, at very public questions of what marriage Drag U" in the summer of 2011, I was not winners than two winners themselves? the offices of FOT08 under rhe direc· means and how to legally recognize gay completely sold. Though I am addicted to Less effective are Drag Race season cion of FOT08's Founder and D.irecror and lesbian couples, and how ideas of "RuPaul's Drag Race" (12 Queens from three's Runners-Up Manila Luzon and Jon Levy. fa mily and civil rights are challenged by across rhe country competing for the title Carmen Carrera, who, unfortunately, fail I am incredibly humbled by the turn- these questions. 8

• Plumbing Martha M. Howden, CSW, CASAC • Heating Anxiety • Depression • Cooling Tu rner Alcohol • Stress • Grief Established 1977 • www.TurnerPiumbing Heating.net Relationship • Family Plan Rectification Work en ...... = Holotropic Breathwork ...... • Sp ecializing in work with ... c individualf andfam ilies in E ... - en the Co ming Out process .... -1 en - Martha M. Howden, csw, CASAc ... • ... - 945 E. Henrietta Road, Suite A6 ... -1 Rochester, New York 14623 a= ...... en Phone: 585 272-1760 Fax: 585 272-8986 $15. Off Service Call Most Insurances Accepted JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET 8 3 What to do on your summer vacation: Dance in the Berkshires; Fa mily Fun in P-town; NYC Arts Fest Dance Festival with the National Medal whale and dolphin watching tour; sev­ of Arrs, one of the highest awards given eral beach picnics and an evening bon­ by the United States government. Other fire; "Love Makes A Family" photography artis ts to receive the award since its cre­ opening; an old-fashioned New England ation in 1985 include Yo-Yo Ma, Clint clambake, and a family parade through Eastwood, Gene Kelly, Georgia O'Keefe the heart of Provincetown. and Jasper Johns. Family Week will also fe aruJe a num­ Hansen's choreography is now includ­ ber of activities especially designed to ed in the festival archives and will be appeal to fa miHes with children age eight accessible through the online database. and older - games, social gatherings, a Funher information abom Jacobs Pillow scavenger hunt, leadership development, fe stival and performances is available at movie and dance parties and much more. www.jacobspillow.org. Wright added, "We're encouraging our fa milies to sign up early and ensure they reserve a spot ro enjoy their favorite activi- Families gather in . ues. " P-town for Family Week Space for some events is limited. To learn more and register, visit www.fami­ The Family Equality Council, Ameri­ ca's fo remost advocate fo r LGBT fa milies, lyequality.org/familyweek, or find Fam­ has announced an expanded schedule of ily Week on Facebook at www.facebook. events at the 16th annual Family Week, com/lgbtfam i lyweek. Jane Comfort and Company. Photo by Arthur Elgort July 30-Aug. 6, in Provincetown, Mass. Brent Wright, Director of Programs Check out NYC's Fresh at the Family Equality Council, said that Jacob's Pillow The Gay & Lesbian Review. Visit http:// Fruit Festival events www.jacobspillow.org/festival/2010/08/a­ as the LGBT fa mily community contin­ announces LGBT weekend-out-at-the-pi llow/i11dex. ph p for ues to grow, so does the need for fun and Fresh .Fruit, an International Lesbian, "Weekend Out" Aug. 5-7 additional details. engaging family activities. Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Culture Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival is locat­ "We know that there are one million and Arcs Festival, is held in NYC each Dance fans should consider a trip ro ed at 358 George Carter Road, Becket, LGBT parents raising two million kids summer. The mission of All Out Arts, Becker, Mass. next momh. Mass. 01223; Box Office: 41 3-243-0745. in our country today, and that number is the producers, is to "fight discrimination Recently honored by President Barack Local choreographer was fe atured growing," said Wright. ''The new fami­ through the arts." Obama with a prestigious National Medal in June lies who are coming ro join our long­ Dozens of plays, readings, a jazz con­ ofArts, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival will Rochester based choreographer James time Family Week friends have given us cert and an art show will take place at host its second annual "Weekend OUT" Hansen, Associate Professor at SUNY an opportunity to expand the number of many venues this month. Aug. 5-7, a weekend full of free events, Brockport, presented a fu ll program of his programs we offer. So, we've added many The main venues are The Barrow performances, and tours. choreography at the prestigious Inside/ new events to go along with some of old Group Theatre, 312 West 36rh St., third This packed schedule of events pro­ Out series at Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival. favorites that our families have come to floor (off 8th Ave.); Nuyorican Poets Cafe, vides the opporttmiry for LGBT fa milies, Hansen's choreography was performed expect." 236 East 3rd St. (between Aves. B & C); individuals, and couples to take advantage on June 23 as part of the opening week of Highlights from the Week include Leslie-Lohman Gallery, 26 Wooster St. of all the Pillow has to offer. the fe stival's 79th anniversary and consist­ daily adult workshops, reformatted this (between Grand & Canal Sts.) and The Scheduled weekend evenrs include ed of a collection of Hansen's most recent year as Parent Cafes; late afternoon "affin­ CENTER, 208 West 13th St. (off 7th rhe photography exhibit Annie Leibovitz: creative work, including the critically ity gatherings" (such as a family-friendly Ave.) For a full listing of eventS, go to 30th DANCE which honors the anniver­ happy hour for parents of tweenslreens); www.FreshFruitFcstival.corn. • sary of Mark Morris Dance Group; a free acclaimed "Lovely" which is performed to music Cher and Frank Sinatra. performance by the Jazz/Musical Theatre by The piece also includes an original sound Dance srudenrs of The School at Jacob's Susan SanFilippo, C.S.W. Pillow; a free film on the glamorous Paris design by Hansen that blends text from the classic game show "The Newlywed 234-3561 Opera Ballet star Claude Bessy, and more. "Weekend OUT" will also fe ature a Game" and 1950 American instructional Counseling & Psychotherapy videos for high school students on good special behind-the-scenes historic tour of - llVIty co11'1 lif o be fa ir? grooming habits and how to be popu­ Jacob's Pillow on Sunday, Aug. 7 at noon, - If I cba11ge, ll'illr7!Ypartner? lar. The cast included eight dancers from guided by Jacob's Pillow Director of Pres­ - llVIJat q[ect dou"'Y past bave 011 17/t? across NYS and a male duet performed ervation, Norton Owen, and fo cusing - l�'bat tall 1 de abo111 n!Y fu ture? by Hansen and Rochester dancer Eran on iconic Pillow fo under Ted Shawn, his Individual and couples therapy (sliding fee scale) company of Men Dancers, and his mis­ Hanlon. 500 Helendale Road, Suite 155, Rochester N.Y. 14609 sion to represent strength and masculin­ The Inside/Our series is an integral ity in dance. parr of rhe international fe stival and Performance higl}lights include the launched Paul Taylor 2 and David Par­ U.S. debut of 3e Erage: Soloists and son Dance companies. The stage recently Certified Professional Pet Grooming Pick-up & Drop-off Service Available Dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, who underwent a $300,000 restoration funded showcase their versatility in varied pro­ partially by the Massachusetts Cultural (585) 271-2530 gram of witty contemporary ballet works, Facilities Fund. and the much-talked-about choreographer Jacobs Pillow is America's longest run­ Jonah Bokaer, acclaimed as "contempo­ ning Dance Festival and is the only dance rary dance's renaissance man" (Roslyn institution to be awaJded the tide of Sulcas, The New Yo rk Ti me�, in multi­ National Hisroric Landmark. On March James Del Favero media dances that merge the visual arrs 2, 2011 in a White House ceremony, THE 45 Pavilion Street and movement. President Barack Obama and First Lady Barker's Barber Rochester, NY 14620 "Weekend OUT" is sponsored by Michelle Obama presented Jacob's Pillow PRIDE SHABBAT July 15 at Temple Sinai Jennifer L. Gravitz, Esq. 5:30pm: Pre-Service Oneg Quality legal services provided with 6:00pm: Erev Shabbat Service old fashioned care inthe privacy of your home or office

Buyi•rJSelllngReaJ f4We PartDershlp aad Estat� Pluoing Wills u.d Estate SeuJaneat UIV/AIDS Plunlng Consumer Ban.bup«:y Unconc.ested Divorce Nam� Cbaaget Misdemeanor Olfenses Trafric VlolatioDS DWI Temple Sinai 3349 Monroe Ave. Suite 344 Rochester, NY 14618 363 Penfield Road • Rochester, NY 14625 www.tsinai.org (585) 244-8295 4 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

~ 2lvenjle f'ub.) 35 Ye ar LaJmarf in ifie §ay Community

Sh owyo ur Pride Rochester!! It s time to Celebra te!! Daily Sp ecials allduri ng Pride We ek!

Fri dav, � lul ..v 8th Flag Raising Ceremony Kick offPri de We ek - Northwood Gratitude en American service members in Afghani­ stan and Iraq. Happy Ho ur Sp ecia ls tilRp m and Honor Memorial in Since 2003, a simple memorial for the Stay fo r Flash back Fri days lOpm -lam Irvine, California country's military fallen in Afghanistan and Iraq was set up in rhe southern Cali­ Well Beer By Merle Exit fo rnia city by members of the commu­ $1.50 Drinks & A trip w Washingwn D.C. allows you nity on the week before Memorial Day w view rhe names of U.S. military per­ and then removed the week after I nde­ sonnel who have fa llen during rhe war pendence Day. For years, the commu­ Sa turda v, lfith in Vietnam. Many other memorials bear nity and visitors from all over the country .- lul ..v names inscribed in stone or marble but came to share in the fe llowship at rhe sire Pride Para de are nor available until the conclusion of of the Northwood Gratitude and Honor the war. ln Irvine, California, there is the Memorial. Op en at 2p m -Come out to Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memo­ This expression of grati[Ude and rial, for U.S. military fallen in Afghani­ honor, born from simple materials and Cele bra te before & after thePara de! scan and Iraq, where the names of over community initiacive, was approved on 5,700 heroes are carved in granite from Dec. 8, 2009 by the Irvine City Council Happy Ho ur 2p m -Rpm! Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Free­ to become a permanent monument to the dom and New Dawn. heroes that gave their all ro the United The engraved names cover a rime States of America. The groundbreaking Sundav, l?h period from October l, 2001 to Septem­ fo r the permanent Memorial rook place ...- July... ber 30, 2010. On this Memorial Day, the on May 17, 2010. Pa rtyafter thePride Picnic! addition of those who have died from For those friends and relatives who 10/1/10 to 4/11/11 were part of the dedi­ may be interested, it is worth the trip to Happy Ho ur Sp ecialstill Opm!! cation. Irvine, as the area provides further reason The Memorial, which is officially to spend several days. If you can't travel open to the public 24 hours a day, year to Irvine, you can still request char a rub­ round, had its official opening last year bing (tracing) ofy our loved one's name be on November 14 and is the nation's first sent to you. For further information go to memorial listing the names of all the fall- www.norrhwoodmemorial.com • KEEP thePRIDE Going Strong... Thursday,Ju ly 28th Th e Duo of Fr ankie Leigh & Je wels 7pm -lOpm

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advisory: some day you too will live in a Fortunately, my mouth can still Bossy Body. become my megaphone. Perhaps in the Furthermore l am pretty much tired aisles of the grocery store. Maybe down of hearing abour Same-Sex Couples. What every street. Certainly at our Pride Parade. about No-Sex couples. Or Hetero-Sex Our Pride Picnic. Rhythmically f will Columnists Couples? What about Opposite-Sex Cou­ chant: LG BT, QQ.•• I AM ONE OF Growing Up Whatever my whimsical attitude ples Plus The House Keeper. Unmarried YOU! LG BT, QQ .. I AM ONE OF [ . PLAYING THE AGE CARD towards playing the age card, did nor with Children Couples? Twitter Couples? YOU!! embrace the golden years with an eager, By Eric Bellmamz What about this? Drop the Busybody And I'll tie a really big, purple price tag open heart. It kind of fell upon me. Years Adjectives. It's Couples. Plain and simple: around my gaye wrist. My rag will read: Justin Bond, aoo, when I was much, much younger, l LGBTIQQ. .. I'M ONE OF THOSE incarnated as Kiki p unked down money for a movie ticket Two. l Well, back to the clown shoes. It was a and I PAY PROPERTY TAXES. of Kiki and Herb, in New York. As 1 turned away from the regular day, a regular six-month visit with And I'll proudly wear a lavender shirt. fa mously snarled, cashier 1 looked at my change. Oh, no, Printed on the front: JOB IN YOUR "Everyone dies, my regular dentist. 1 had rhe regular pick­ MY you've given me back too much money. ax tartaJ· removal . Followed. by the regular CITY. Across rhe back, in large purple that's all you need Uh, oh. Senior discount. to know!" Ah, the sandblasting. Then an irregular "Oh my, letters: LGBTIQQ... I'm one of those I looked at the cashier. She was push­ what is this?" AND I'm a teacher. truth of that. How­ ing 90. She thought I was one of her own. Furthermore, it occurs to me that, like Of course [ will have to wear my clown ever, it's along the She had lousy eyesight! Nonetheless, a path to that destination that grow other misunderstood minorities, we LGB­ shoes. we perk loomed on rhe horizon. A basic tJurh MeredithElizabethReiniger@jrontier­ duplicitous. TIQQ people must, continuously, prove is that orher people wanr your money. You that we are fully functional, productive net.rtet At 15 ] looked 21 and that helped get­ can make them work for ir. Want me to rino into bars underage. At 40 I passed go to the movies? Charge me less. Even in citizens of these United States. And we my�elf off as 33. Ir was a great delight Home Depot, I ask the adorable checker, are abundant. And everywh�re. �erhaps Gay and Transgender it's rime for a TV ad can1pa1gn, like the when I realized, at 45, I could rei! pre­ "Where's my senior discount?" Actually I Mormons' infomercials. Issues in the Workplace schoolers I was 17 and they didn't ques­ only waste this kind of energy if he, yes, Yes, it's time to share information. tion it; so dear, another reason to treasure it's always a he, is cute. I strive ro make my CROSS-DRESSERS ARE the young. Time to use the serious word. Time to roll days interesting. the camera ... the camera crew fo llows me ALSO "T"S Times have changed. It's technology, I cringe around a fa ir number of my as I walk rhe bane of everyone's existence. The cable down w inner city su·eet, my By Brian friends who seem obsessed wirh obituar­ hammer saw gripped in my hands: McNa ught goes our. Who knows why? I'm addicted and ies and lono-rerm health care policies. It's "Hello, I'm Meredith. I help build decent, Cross-dress- to television even though there's nothing all they talk about. I don't want to be like affordable housing for our neighbors in ers are like bisex­ much to watch. I need it, that's the bot­ them. Bur I'm not young anymore. need of a hand up, and I'm a lesbian." uals. They are rom line. I am, for your information, younger I fumble for the manual under a pile than Jane Fonda and Tina Turner. But Another infomercial: squeaky clean allegedly in the a11d nearly dressed, I face the camera, majority of their of magazines next to the bed and dial �he just barely. Early on, 1 kind of iked the help Line. I hardly let rhe anonymous vo1ce invisibility that being older provtded.� No smilino oaye-ly: "Hi, my name is Mer­ minority commu­ edith. l ery day I fill nine bird fe eders, that answers even be gin to speak before I one paid much attention. Now miss it. � nities (transgender fi 1 one suer cage, and fo ur bird baths in my shriek, "You have to x ir, 1 can't do it, ['m Basically what it seems to boil to a11d non-heterosex­ down backyard, and I'm a lesbian." ual, respectively) but no one knows who 75, I don't understand any of this!" is, I want eople to help me out, perhaps p Well, returning to body talk ... that rhey are. Once again I am adding years after a even care fo r me. half century of subtracting. Does every­ regular day, when the hygienist peered When average people use the acronym I really rry to cultivate a be-here-now into my oral cavity, she discovered a LGBT, they have little, if a11y, knowl­ thiJJ<.r come full circle? I don't care. Fix it! attitude, bur the prospect of illness or Bump Thing. "Did you bite the inside edge of cross-dressing beyond Priscilla, Actually this doesn't get traction with like it does every­ inftrmity scares me of your cheek?" Not. that I remember, I Queen of the Desert, and RuPaul. But one Time Warner. RG&E is a little more one else; it's the monster looming in the a11swered. of rhese cross-dressers is a make-believe responsive. The people who answer their doorw�y, nor the ge uleman caller I was b i. Well, there's a com lication. Yo uno person, wd the other is an entertainer. phones seem better trained. Maybe rhey ex pectmo. So ( gra 1t by the neck, try to r worry about the negative publicity of ri de it, th nary a hope of taming it. as she is, the hygienist o course assumed What about real people who cross-dress � that I would remember biting myself. Of as part of their everyday lives? Who are some geezer freezing co death or getting EmaiL [email protected] course not. blown up in his house. riley? Why don't we know them? What I can never remember the origin of do they need? I had a nice, well, several nice chats Cleaning My Closet with my credit card company, all in any Skin Spots ... Purple-blue ones fr om We point with pride, deservedly so, at accent-free English, over a double billing. PUBLIC SERVICE smashing into What? Red bulges ... per­ the successes of transsexual women and haps fr om the jaws of Equal Opportunity I implied that at my very advanced age (I ANNOUNCEMENTS men who serve in corporate executive Buo0 Demons that suck my gaye blood. positions, and in the Obama adminis­ may have been fe igning 80 this go round), Aias, I am a rainbow. Pink scratches, I was in serious danger ofhaving a stroke. By Meredit/, tration, but can we name one successful Very compassionate gent, a good listener, Elizabeth Rei11i� crimson slices, burgundy holes, and those cross-dressing heterosexual or homosexual patient. ubiquitous old-people Brown Dots. And man in either of those places? And yet, We ll, now I now on the inside of my gaye cheek, a Despite his compassion still had ro cross-dressing heterosexual and homo­ 1 have a pair of clown yellow Bump Thing I can neither see nor pay the double billing upfront, lest 1 end shoes in my mouth. sexual men greatly outnumber transsexual feeL From whence it caJTie I know nor. men and women in both sites, and in rhe up on Su�e Orman's show with a wrecked Furthermore, Well, my re ular dentist, gloved and general population. cred it score, but 1 was graciously assured [ am retty much � tired or wearing rhe cheerful, looked, searched, and hmmm­ Many people generally assume that it would be looked into. It was. I lose keep siohr of the fact char technology marches "Lesbian" LabeL ed. "We'll our eye on it, and I'll ask gay men make up th e bulk of cross-dress­ Her? She's a lesbian your peridontist to look at it during our ers, which is probably true in the area of ogward even while I stand in the middle / of a room not rememberino what I was writer. A lesbian reacher. A lesbian voter. next appointment with her." Sounde un­ entertainment, but not in everyday life. or A lesbia11 gardener. emergency ro me . So gaye-ly I wenr home. Heterosexual women who cross-dress are looking for thinking of My crabby Well, the next my peridontist . . day , usually referred to as "stylish." Many les­ nature likes instant fixes. Certainly I don't mind being a lesbi­ called: "Maybe you don't want to wait What rhe hell. I love playing the age an; naturally it's quire delightful. But the bians who cross-dress are often referred three months." I was sure her words to as "butch." These gay women also face card . labels? Will ] always have to be an adjec­ meant 'Come NOW.' So did. Only to workplace discrimination, but their num­ There is a wrinkle [ opt to ignore. If tive-dependent person? Probably. Because I discover that I was experiencing another bers are fewer, you complain to someone younger, they the label props open the closer door. and they get much less weirdness of my olde, gaye body, age 67 amused attention than their heterosexual look at you like you were diseased, a Yes, sometimes I do need to present hideous harbinger of what lies ahead for myself as a lesbian, like when r call the years, two months, and 15 days. male colleagues in fe male attire. There's a ver nice, married, hetero­ them, a thing to shun. Complain to an offices of my elected senators. Or, when I Apparently my molars, without per­ y older person and they want to kill you, want ro share my realitr with co-workers, mission, have been mashing my cheek sexual father I know who I'm rempred you who are still comparatively young. It's I ask: "Did [ already tel you that I'm a les­ flesh. The resulting Big Bump is either ro call a professional cross-dresser. I say a no win siwation, so don't complain, just bian?" When I WaJ1t others to understand a traumatic fibroma or a lipoma. Neither "tempted" because I've always hated my manipulate and enjoy. that dd is more tha11 a partner, much of which sounds like a nice thing ro have moniker of being a professional homosex­ near one's sweet, olde gaye lips. . Ever watch old people in Wegmans? much more than a girlfriend, I borrow the ual. But, she, like me, makes her living Never worry about them. Those bony Quickly my Dentist of the Irregular educating others through presentations heterosexual word, throw in an adjective, amended my hor e-shoe sha ed night­ elbows are lethal. Try to cut in fr ont of my � . and writings about her unique life expe­ and call her Lesbian Wife. by adding g1anr gobs o racryltc on them and they'll either jab you or tJip you ouard riences. But sometimes I want what the men oth ends. Unfortunately it then became with their cane. l'm retty sure there is Vanessa Sheridan is a handsome p have ... the men who are homosexual... a anb all-day uard. An all day annoyance. a corollary between diminished eyesight handy, one syllable label: gay. Yes, I want g womcu1, unlike some of the cross-dressing k men who come to Provincetown, Mass., and rage. a fun y word Hke theirs. "Lesbian" sounds Yes, I know rhat the dental appli­ each year in the fall for the Fantasia Fair. At the gym the most humbling so serious. I thought "fun" might work. ance needed to be redesigned to hold my moments come when, sly puss that I He's gay; I'm fun. Nope, doesn't work. cheeks away fr om the Molar Munchers. I don't know Va11essa's male name. I don't k remain, I manage some innocuous O ay, maybe we lesbians can adapt But seriously, it !ooks lil�e a pair of clown need ro. What's significant about her in my thoughtful oesture to a glorious hunk their word. We could try "Gayess". shoes and fe els ltke a patr of clown shoes. life is char she is one of the few cross­ one-third m age and he grunts, "Thank Too sexist. "Gayette?" Too demea11ing. And olde, gaye me? I look like a chip­ dressing people I know, and I know and y munk, sound like Elmer Fudd, and drool love lots of transsexual people. you sir." "Gaye?" Ahha, a gender designation, so like our nervous pup y. As my mother Sir! That's how one addressed Lau­ cominental. Yes, I CaJl settle on that one. p It fr ustrates Vanessa, a11d some other would have said, I look quite fe tching. cross-dressers, rhat too few people con- rence Olivier, birch. I smile sweetly and There you have it. It's in black and white with an insouciant twinkle declare, "I pre­ and must therefore be true: I am gaye. fer to be called 'dude"'. No kidding, I'm gaye and olde. Oops, And he stops just a moment, just a I had so hoped that I could talk ab?ut The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other something without mentioning my agmg brief moment a11d I know I have regis­ contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily tered, contact has been made. At any age body parts. But I do occ�sionally men­ reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the one ca11 spin rhe web that may ensnare. tion the status of my phys1cal systems as Eyesight may dim, the gait may falter, but a public service announcement for the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. lust never fades. Praise Allah. younger gayes and gays. Basically, it's an 6 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

(C olumnists continuedfrom page 5) work openly in corporations or govern­ day) bur also, and more importantly, to attached to rhose I meet. So I fo rger thar sider rhe unique needs of cross-dressing ment. protection from hostile colleagues and my friends are trans, gay, lesbian, hetero­ men when they talk about the "T." All Many people in the gay and corporate clients. sexual, black, Latina, Native American, rhe artemion of national gay groups to communities don't know this, but trans­ ln order for corporate policies to be Jewish, Buddhist, Hindi, Agnostic, Athe­ the "T," it sometimes seems, has crone ro sexual persons, especially those not in fully understood, and for behaviors to ist and at the same rime l never forget. ensuring that the medical costs of transi­ leadership positions, are not always great change, we all would benefit from having What would the world be like if we all tioning transsexuals are covered by their advocates for cross-dressincr persons, and more cross-dressing people put a face on worked at fo rgetting and remembering ar employers. This is a most worthy goal, bur vice versa, despite them hu dling rogether the issue for us. Cross-dressing heterosex­ the same rime? What would the world be how about also focusing, she asks, on the under the Transgender umbrella.d But, ual men, and cross-dressing homosexual like if we all took rhe time to remember need for some straight men to be able to when a company adds "gender identity" to men and women, need to tell us who they char we are creations of the Infinite? What occasionally come to work expressing the irs non-discrimination policy, it's promis­ are, and specifically what they need in rhe would the world be like if we set aside fe minine side of their persona? ing irs cross-dressing employees, as much workplace ro feel safe and valued. If they our prejudices, stereotypes and fe ars and Tf we talk about the rights of transgen­ as its transsexual employees, that it will don't put faces on the issue, their needs took the time to connect wirh each orher der people to serve in the Armed Forces, create for them a work environment in wi II regrettably be w1met. as reflections of love and creations of the our minds go to "Klinger," the character which they feel safe, valued, and included. www. brittn-mcnaught. com Infinite? If we did, would Par Parker have in the television program M*A*S*H who People often cross-dress because of their ever needed to write her poem instructing cross-dressed so char he could be dis­ flujd gender identity, and are thus covered Faith Matters whire people on how to be her friend? charged. Bur what do real-life transgen­ by the words "gender identity." WHY I LOVE PAT PARKER der soldiers wam us ro imagine when we This means that cross-dressing A Few Bricks Short think of them? employees, including all those who exhib­ By Rev. Irene SPRING HAS SPRUNG Who are our role models for cross­ it any transgender behavior, have nor only Mor 1roe dressing? 1 don't mean the likes of Dame the right to use rhe bathroom rhar match­ Pat Parker was By David Hull Edna, Big Momma, or Mrs. Doubtfire. I es their gender expression ar rhe time, an African Ameri­ Well, it was mean people like Vanessa Sheridan who (seemingly rhe most pressing issue of rhe can lesbian poet quite a spring in who died in 1989. 2011, wasn't it? I While Pat and could barely keep I never mer, her up and my head is poetry has been this still spinning! Spectrum Internal Medicine powerful influence We learned that in my life. Arnold Schwar­ Like so many poets she wrote about zenegger, as well as Webster the world around her. However, it was being The Terminator, was also The Sper­ through her poetry that she fo und the minator when he admitted that he had Welcomes Dr. Goltz place to give voice ro her life and her reali­ fa thered a child wirh the family maid. ties as an African American lesbian fe mi­ Politically, he claimed char he could not nist. She wrote about things rhar were support gay marriage because he did nor Spectrum Internal Medicine personal and political. She wrote truth in feel it reflected family values - and Arnold 1130 Crosspointe Lane, Suite 8 her poems in a way thar touched people's was really into family values - for good­ lives and continues to touch people's lives ness sake, he even had rwo fa milies! Webster, New York 14580 today. Perhaps the poem rhar has made Then there was rhe magic of "Weul­ Phone: (585) 787-4407 rhe most significant impact on my life is er Gate." Anthony Weiner seems like a called "For the white person who wants to nice guy, but he was maku1g every gay Fax: (585) 787-4428 know how ro be my fr iend." man's television fa ntasy come true - I While I can appreciate the entire couldn't rurn on any TV news show, Dr. Hayden Goltz poem, ir is rhe first two lines rhar con­ CNN, MSNBC or even Fox News (which tinue to resonate with me today and r can 1 just watch for the laughs anyway) with­ continue to use in my reaching. She wrote: our seeing a photo of Anthony's weiner "the first thing you do is to forget rhat i'm sprouring a tent pole inside his shorts. If Black. Second, you must never forget that rhat is what TV news were like all rhe i'm Black." time, I'd be much more interested in I say that about so many things. Forget American politics and wouldn't waste so thar I am a same sex-loving woman and at much time watching reruns ofThe Nanny Russow Consulting the same time never forger. Forger char I on TVLand! use a wheelchair, bur never fo rger. Forget If all else fa iled, I could always depend that I am biracial, but never forger. on The Donald to keep me emertau1ed. TARA RUSSOW, Ph.D. When we take the rime to get to know Thank goodness he fought and fo ught CUNICAL PSYCHOLOGIST each ocher as human beings, as creations and fought unril we could be sure that of the Infinite, then we ger ro see rhe President Obama had rhar long-form 120 Allens Creek Road divine in each other. We see each other birth certificate. Donald Trump was like Rochester, NY 14618 as human beings without all the labels, the Rosa Parks of Hawaiian birrh certifi­ (585) 442-444 7 srereorypes , prejudices, and stuff rhat ge t cates - he led the fight! I sleep better now WVJW ssowCo.Ru nsulting.com attached once we begin to put people in at night knowing that he's there for us any categories. At the same time, in rhe pro­ time we need him. cess of knowing me, never forget that who My gal Sarah Palin was keeping busy I am includes me being a biracial same rhis past Memorial Day weekend as she sex-loving woman wirh a disability. Don't traveled around rhe country on her bus forget rhat my day to day realities are tour like Paul Revere ringing those bells shaped by the systems of inequality that and warning the British about . . . well, shape the realities of us all. acrually, I'm nor sure what Sarah was talk­ See, there is far more to each of us than ing about - bur char's part of rhe beauty of A CATHOLIC._,�,� COMMUNITY\��� WHERER�':.� ALL 'sl> ARE WELCOME what comes attached to rhe categories we Sarah Palin. For me, watching Sarah Palin 121 N. Fitzhugh Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • Phone: 325-1180 are placed in. T am more rhan a 54 -year­ is like cleaning om the eat's litter box - Liturgies: Thursday: 7:00pm, Saturday: 5:00pm old (at rhe time of this writing) same sex you know it's full of crap, bur you're never Sunday: 7:30am loving biracial woman with a disability. I exactly sure where you're going to find it. 9:30am (at Hochstein, 50 PlymouthAvenue) am more than the roles f fill in life. I am I saw Sarah Palin and Donald Trump more than a parent, a partner, a professor, ge tting ro ether for pizza in NYC. Now, � a writer, and spiritual companion. when my husband and I wenr to NYC a Sometimes we make bridging rhe cul­ couple years ago, we had real New York tural divides way too hard, because we pizza and when I started eatu1g my lunch Kavod Ha'briot allow our fe ars about whar we think we with a knife and fo rk, some complete know to separate us from one another. I stranger sitting rwo tables away fe lr com­ remember sitrin& in a very painful meet­ pelled to come over and tell me rhar I was Respect fo r Human Dignity ing one day with eople wh o r thought eating my pizza rhe wrong way - r had to loved and respecte !me. As I sat there and pick it up with my hands, fold it in half listened, what I heard were words rhat and eat it- no utensils were necessary. pierced my spirit as they spoke about how ['II admit l never got the hang of it, they had challenges wirh me because r althoucrh my husband did great, and I had was white, rich and educated. ln a matter to fa ll ack on the fork ro finish my slice. of seconds, I went from chinking they saw However,b no one in that whole pizza place Temple Beth David me as a human being to realizing they had bothered to mention ro Donald and Sarah A Conservative, Egalitarian, Haimish Synagogue. never really connected with me because char rhey were eatu1g rheir slices ulcorrecr­ they could never fo rger the categories rhey ly with chose plastic fo rks. And they were had put me in. doing ir in front of national news cameras! We are all more chan the categories the I'm sure char lirde dining fiasco damages High holiday tickets available. world has created and rhar others put us the chance of ever seeing my GOP Presi­ in. We are human beings, reflections of dential Dream Team of Trump and Palin 3200 St. Paul Blvd. 585/266-3223 the love of rhe Infinite Presence. As I seek campaigning for the White House. http://templebethdavid . uscjhost. net to develop relationships wirb orher cre­ Meanwhile, Charlie Sheen is out of ations of the Infinite in thjs world, I strive Two and a Half Men and Ashton Kutcher to rake rhe advice of Pat Parker and forget is in. Katie Couric has resigned from the and remember the categories and labels CBS Evening News. And Opral1 is over JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET 8 7

- at least, on network TV. f t was also the lnspiritual often times humorous. In the seven years I father and I, we have a real relationship." season of originality at the box office, have been doing this exercise with my stu­ 1 had to giggle for a moment when she with a remake of the Dudley Moore NEVER ASSUME dents, none of them ever rhought to have said that. It fe lt as if she was telling me l movie Arthur, followed by The Ha ngover: By Rev. Dr. a discussion with me about any of these didn't know what their relationship was 2, The Fast and the Furious: 5, Hood­ Sharon Ja cobson things. The studems who were at the table like, having lived with them for 20 some­ winked: 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: with me that day never realized how easy thing ears. Well maybe 1 didn't. There I 4, ' Growing up, y Ktmg-Ftt Panda: 2, Scream: 4 X-Men: and . remember hear­ ir was to make assumptions. go making an assumption. It was after we 5. Needless ro say, for someone with bad i ing my parents and Each time I do this exercise with oth­ had a conversation about how similar our math skills like me, that many numbers other adults say, ers, it is a humbling momenr for us all. lives really were that the wall between us can be very intimidating. All I know is "When you assume, It reminds me how easy it is co make came down. We were no longer making that with the price of a movie theater tick­ •�·_-- you make an ASS assumptions about others and about situ­ assumptions about what our relationships et (nor to mention rhe cost of popcorn!) out of U and ME." ations without ever discussing anything. were like. I'll be staying home and waiting fo r a lot For the last 18 We assume we know what someone likes, One of the things 1 have come to real­ of DVD releases. months, I have been working on no lon­ why something happened, and what will ize is that no longer making assumptions How does one keep his sanity amidst happen next, to name just a few things. I a ger making assumptions in my life. r am is process that requires practice. lt is all this nonsense, you wonder? Well, I've not even sure that in the beginning I real­ always find it interesting to ask my stu­ not one of those things you can just stop been out in the garden most of the time. dents and ochers why they thought that doing cold turkey. It is a process of mas­ ized how often I made asswnprions. I There's nothing Hke lanring, weeding, about me. Whar beliefs are those assump­ cering rhe awareness of when we are doing p knew that I, like so many people, made and watering among the flowers and veg­ tions based on? it and then seeking clarification abou r it assumptions. However, it was not until I etables w calm the mind and soul. At the age of 54, soon to be 55, I have before we automatically fill in the blanks. consciously began to work on not mak­ However, rhe other night, as my hus­ come to the realization that I have made Sometimes removing the assumptions ing them that I realized how often I did. band and I enjoyed dinner our on the many assumptions in my Hfe and never can be scary, because it challenges us co f began to realize how many times I made patio surrounded by all the greenery, Ber­ thought abour whether they were accu­ be aware of our own biases and preju­ nie sighed loudly. assumptions about the little things in rate. Making assumptions has made an dices. Sometimes having meaningful con­ people's lives. "A dmiring all our hard work in the ASS out of me and/or tbe others involved. versations with others can be challenging garden?" I asked. fr really hit me one day when I was There was a point in my life when 1 would because we may have to not only be aware He shrugged his shoulders. "No," he having coffee with a few of my students have tried to justify or defend my assump­ of when we are making assumptions; we replied. "] was just thinkino how much and they began talking about a couple tions. It was easier to try to get off the may have to be aware of when others are nicer it would be out here if there was a at a table near us and creating this whole hook and avoid responsibility for what I making assumptions about us, or at least television set." life about them just by looking at them. I had assumed. we assume they are. I have no idea how my iced tea ended decided to make this a teachable moment What I have come co realize is that What would our Hves be like if we up in his lap. for all of us. the more rin1e I spend seeking clarifi­ stopped mal

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The Gay Alliance offers Yo uth Services for Rochester area LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-25

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Monday and Wednesday Drop-in: 2-6pm Sunday Support Groups: ages 13-23: 2-4pm; ages 18-25: 4:30-6pm

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Youth & A_dult SundaY. group meetings and drop-1ns are on H1atus for the summerl Ashley Shaffer. Photo: Susan Jordan

Meet Ashley community bigger. Shaffer, new Gay Wh ere is your hometown? Baltimore, Maryland Alliance intern We ask the Gay Alliance youth Do you think non-profits, and By Szuan ]ordatt other groups and agencies, can do How are you celebrating PRIDE? Ashley Shaffer of NTID/ more to make their services acces­ RIT has joined rhe Gay Alli­ sibLe to the deaf community? ance staff as an intern this sum­ Ye s, they should do chat mer to create graphics and help because rhe deaf community is with deaf access. To schedule more than ready to enjoy them­ an ASL interpreter for a Pride selves anywhere char would pro­ event, email DeafAccess@gayal­ vide better deaf access. If instead liance.org. there is no deaf access, rhen it Wha t are you studying at would make the deaf commu­ NTID and do you have a good nity step back. idea of what you wa rtt to do? That is not what T want to I have been enjoying study­ see in rhe deaf community. All ing my major -- graphic design I want ro see the deaf commu­ -- si nee rh ree years. Being a nity do is to get recognized, with graphic designer is nor rhe only more motivation and be more idea I want ro do profession­ involved around non-profits, ally. There are so many things other groups, and also a<>encies I love to do, like interior deco­ wirh hearing people. All o us are Dontaee, 18 "Being Peter Nereida, 21 "I am going to Carmella, 16 "Being proud of not diffe rent people. f Pan. Doing the flash mob." march with GAGV and going being gay!" rator, painr, fashion decorator, to be in the [youth] drag Do you think that ASL should craft, and countless ochers. Art show!" is somethjng I want to do for be taught in eLementary and/or the rest of my life. Creativity is high schooLs as a regular part of my passion. the cttrriettlum? Wo uld that make Wh at will you be joettsing on hearing people more sensitive and at the Gay Alliance this summer? aware, and able to commurticate I am planning to focus on more effe ctiveLy? making graphic design things; Yes, I absolutely think hear­ advertisemenr, brochure, logo ing people should do that if they and others for any kind of awe­ are interested to learn how to do some eveor and include Roches­ American Sign Language. [c's ter Pride 2011. cool for rhem to learn their sec­ ond I am also planning to helping or cenrh language to com­ to improve deaf access for the mwlicate with deaf people. deaf community at Rochester There are a lot more deaf Pride 2011. people around the world than Quang, 20 "Gonna go with Gabe, 23 "With respect and Everything I have ro work hearing people ever imagine. GAGV and be happy." dignity and happiness." at as much as I can to reach my American Sign Language is such Courtney, 16 "Wearing a lot goal to make the Gay Alliance a beautiful language. 8 of rainbows!"

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The Empty Closet • Youth Program • lnQueery • SafeZone • CampusOUT The Gay Alliance Rochester Pride Education Program & Speakers Bureau • Rainbow SAGE & & Community Safety Program Anti·Violence Project • L1brary Archives On-line Resource Directory Shoulders to Stand On • Gay Alliance Resource Directory

The Gay Alliance plays a central role in advocating for (GARD) The on-line community tool providing the fair and equ al treatment of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender local, statewide and national resources expression. www.GayAIIiance.org 24/7 at www.GayAIIiance.org. to Many people JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 11

224 Mr. Hope ar the corner of Hamilton. For more information, or to sign up to Program Notes come and learn how to play euchre, con­ tact Ginny by email at rudinandreaxx@ LGBT people in re-entry aol.com. Be sure to watch for information There are 2,500 people each year who on our annual euchre tournament coming return to Momoe County from New on Sept. 25. York's jails and prisons. That's a lot of SAGE Annual Picnic ro people and some of them are bound August brings our Rainbow Sage Pic­ be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or nic. Everyone is welcome to join us. intersex. The location and date are new this LGBTI people in re-entry can have year so mark it down. It will be on Sat­ special needs, like find in supporr when K urday, Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. and the location coming our to a parole ottlcer or helping is Kings Bend Park, 170 West Jefferson parole understand why opposite gender Road in Pittsford. clothes are hanging in the closer. Some SAGE will supply the hot doos and needs are much more dire. hamburgers, rolls and beverage. The rest Gay and bisexual men and cransgen­ is potluck style, so start thinking now der women are at a much higher risk for about what you want to bring. We will rape and sex ual assault while incarcerated. have games to play plus the return of our One study fo und that up co 40 percent infamous BROWN BAG AUCTION to of male prisoners who identified as gay benefit Rainbow SAGE. were sexually abused by other prisoners Driver Safety Class and even prison employees. Some LGBTf Rainbow SAGE is partnering with peo le in re-entry need significant men­ p the Gay Alliance to host a session of the The Great Fro-Down tal health support upon returning to the AA RP Driver Safety Course. This New community. Ride for Pride rider Steve has been growing his hair out since Halloween York State approved training is a rota! of In June, Community Safety Program in order to raise money for the Gay Alliance. He has been offending people all six hours long and will run from 9 a.m.­ Director Kelly Clark presented a training over the greater Rochester area with this mop and, despite many attempts to noon on Aug. 9 and 11 and will be held session to SMART -- the Safer Monroe tame it, it remained intact until Friday, June 17 at Hot Shots Volleyball Club at the AIDS Care offices at 259 Monroe Area Reentry Team. SMART is a coali­ (1046 University Ave.), where, ar 9 p.m., Steve sold raffle rickets fo r $5 each or Ave. # 100 Rochester 14607-3632. The tion of 30 individuals and a encies work­ 5 for $15. The lucky raffle winner got to shave the bead, tame the untamable g driver safety class is an opportunity to ing with people in re-entry fr om jail and and stand tail amongst the fallen shavings! refresh your skU!s and perhaps qualify for prison. In addition to providing basic Photo of the end result in the August EC - if the authorities don't censor it lower insurance rates. Most importantly, LGBTl training, Ms. Clark was also able in the imerest of public health and sanity. the class is open to any driver of any age, ro go into detail about the special needs and besr of all most insurance companies LGBTI people in re-entry may have. Ms. provide a discount to drivers who com­ Clark reoularly attends SMART meeti ngs plete rhe course. You can expect to learn and fiel s calls to the Gay Alliance from parade is sure to impress as they rake the Shortly after DASA passed the Gay d current rules of the road, defensive driv­ people in re-emry needing support. lead on creating a Neverland, complete Alliance staff started to examine the leg­ SAGE to gather at Pride ing techniques, and how to operate your with the Rjde for Pride Pirates! islation to see what the implications were vehicle more safely in today's increasingly The Youth Program also plans on for districts, school buildings and LGBT Picnic for hot dogs challenging driving environment. makino an assortment of crafts to sell at students. While DASA is broader in scope Y On Sunday, July 17 we will once again The course will be taught by Scott their outh booth at the picnic. Along than LGBT issues, it is clear that LGBT have our monthly potluck at the Pride Pic­ Fearing from the Gay Alliance who is also with the annual temporary tattoo sales, needs are an area that most schools and nic in Genesee Valley Park. We will have a a certified AARP Safe Driving Instruc­ there will be fa iry crowns and wands. districts are the least prepared to deal shelter, same location as last year, and we tor. The classroom course costs only $12 The Yo uth also plan on having their own with. will be cooking hot dogs. for AARP members and $14 for non­ barbeque at the picnic to celebrate. If any" "School Districts interested in our 3 members, pre-registration is required. To Mealtime is p.m. Please bring a dish one is interested in donating fo od for the DASA assistance should simply give us a ro pass. To come ro rhe porluck, you musr register, please contact Rainbow Sage at youth BBQ, please contact Jess. Also, the call or email us ar [email protected], 585-244-8640 ext. 15 or rainbowsage@ annual Youth Pride Pageant & Dance have a Picnic ticket. Current SAGE mem­ we would be glad to help them in anyway bers are able to get a discoumed ticket, for gayalHance.org. Registration will dose on is scheduled for 5-9 .m. on July 11 at possible," added Sue Cowell, Executive 3. p ticker information and directions contact Wednesday, Aug. Tilt. [t would be wonderful to have board Director of the Gay Alliance. us by email at rainbowsage@gayalliance. members present to watch the drag show, org or phone at 585-244-8640 Xl5. Youth at Pride volunteer, or simply stop by. Contact Jess PFLAG serves lunch SAGE's Summertime The Youth Program is looking fo rward for more info. to a fu n-filled summer. With Pride just before Pride Parade Euchre is July 10 around the corner, the Youth have already Gay Alliance provides "Mom and Dad wam you to ear a The SAGE euchre club will continue begun preparations fo r the parade. Hav­ Dignity for all Students healthy lunch before you go OUT w to meet over the summer. Because of the ing chosen to collaborate with the Ride play," is the tag line from rhe Rochester 4th of July holiday, euchre will occur on for Pride cyclists, the theme of"Peter Pan" assistance to schools PFLAG Pride Pre-Parade Lunch. Sunday, July 10. The location is South was chosen to go along with "lr's a Gay With the passage of the New York Members of PFLAG will be selling We dge Planning Committee Building, World After All." Their presence in the Stare "Dignity for All Students Act" lunches as a fu ndraiser before the Pride (DASA), school districts around the state Parade on Saturday, July 16 from 11:30 are working at updating policies, and a.m.-1:30 p.m. PFLAG is hosting the implementing new systems to come into lunch sale at Asbury First United Meth­ Educational Outreach full compliance. odist Church at 1050 East Ave., about one However, schools do not need to do block from the Pride Parade lineup. June this work alone, the Gay Alliance is here "PFLAG has been in Rochester for 2011 co help! nearly 25 years," said PFLAG member "Assisting with the implementation of Te ri Boerner. "It was an important source Speaking Engagements DASA is a natural for our organization," of support for my fa mily when my son explained Scott Fearing, Program Direc­ came out. Today we provide support, 6/2: LGBT 101 for Safer Monroe Area Re-Entry Team tor for the Gay Alliance. "If you look at education and advocacy and Pride is a 6/3: LGBT Issues and DV at Wilson Commencement Park our existing programs, we already have fa vorite time ofthe year for our members. 6/7: SpeakOUT Tra ining at Hobart and William Smith Colleges the expertise necessary to assist with suc­ So we thought, what better than to pro­ cessfu l district wide DASA implementa­ vide a good lunch before the Pride Parade 6/8: SpeakOUT Training at Hobart and William Smith Colleges tion.» starts." 6/10: Transitioning Employee Tra ining at Docu-source "Our Youth Program understands The $5 lunch fe atures either a turkey 6/13: LGBT Youth Issues at Metro Council for Te en Potential young people and schools. Our Commu­ or hummus sandwich, pasta salad, chips, 6/14: LGBT Youth Issues at Excellus BCBS nity Safety Program works not only with cookie and water or soda. A child's version 6/24: LGBT Youth Issues in Schools at Indian River Central School victims of crimes, assault and bullying, is available for $3. District {PA} but with the systems that serve the survi­ "It's a great opportunity to support a vors of these bias incidents. valuable commu niry organization while 6/27: SafeZone Tra ining at Hillside AIY Program "Finally, our Training and Education heading towards the parade route. Stop 6/28: 411 on 911 :Emergency Assistance at Gay Alliance {Legal Issues Programs are nationally recognized for the by and get lunch from a mom and dad, a Workshop} quality of the curriculum and the delivery brother, a si ster, a friend or spouse," added of the training," explained Fearing. Boerner. •

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 • Web 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 John Altieri • Executive Director Sue Cowell • Administrative Assistant Laur McSpadden • Program Director Scott Fearing Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan • Design Jim Anderson • Community Safety Kelly Clark • Youth Services Coordinator Jessica Cohen

• Outreach Coordinator Jeanne Gainsburg 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 lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender (LGBT) people are safe, thriving and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBT people, to affirm their identities, and tocreate 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 447 • JULY 2011

support groups, computer lab, referral services Reduction Plus Team offers seNcies to HIV posi­ ing library, and a monthly educational program. and more. Stop by107 Liberty Pole Way (corner tive and those at risk through substance use. All BCCR programs and support services are free. of or (585)420-1400. Resources Pleasant) call Programs include outreach, transitional case Monroe County Women's Health Monroe County Health Department management, free cconfidential testing (Ora­ Partnership Quick Rapid Testing). NYS Dep't. of Health offers at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counseling 111 Westfall Rd., Rochester NY 14692; free on-site confidential and anonymous testing. for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. (585)274-6978. Comprehensive breast cancer AIDS (585)325-5100, M-F 8 am-9 pm, www.huther­ Free testing for HIV (585)753-5481. screening services for uninsured and underin­ exposure d l .co . oye m sured women. is available from New York State Department of StrongMemorial Hospital tli at Geneva Community Health Health: call Rochester Area Regional Ho ne provides a complete range of HIV medical care, Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic (585) 423-8081, or 1-800-962-5063 601 W. Washington St., Geneva. Provides HIV for pay including access to experimental treatmentpro­ 170 Sawgrass Drive. 442-8432. Dr. Wende testing, HIV specialty and primarycare for resi­ phones or calls outside Rochester. Deaf or hear­ tocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual Logan-Young and an all-woman staff provide should call (585)423-8120 dents of Ontarioand surrounding counties. ing impaired people and group psychotherapy. Training of health care mammograms. HIV Mon.-Thurs. 9 am-5 pm; Fridays 9 am-noon. (TOO.) New Rapid Testing now available­ professionals also available. Infectious Disease 315-781-8448. SHARE: Self Help forWomen with Breast test results in 30-40 minutes! Statewide informa­ Clinic, (585) 275-0526. o Psychia­ Department f or Ovarian Cancer tion can be obtained bycalling 1-800-541-AIDS. try, (585) 275-3379. AIDS (585) Training Project, NYS Hotline: 1-866-53SHARE or 1-866-537- Otl1er organizations which provide AIDS-related 275-5693. 4273. seNices are as follows: Parenthood of Rochester and FAMILY Planned Rochester Gay Moms' Group Alternatives forBattered Women AIDS Care Genesee Valley Supportgroup for lesl)an mommies andwan­ 232-7353; TIY 232-1741. AIDS Care is the leading provider of HIVIAIDS (585) 546 2595. Shelter (women offers testing and information w lc . seNices in Rochester and the Finger Lakes. On­ nabe mommies in Rochester and surrounding only), counseling. Lesbians, gay men e ome HIV testing areas. Subscribe: RochesterGayMoms-sub­ site services include: HIV testing and limited STD Rural GAGVAnti Vio lence Project HIV anonymous and confidential, in Alleghany, Liv­ [email protected]. screenings, Primary and Specialty Medical 585-244-8640 ext 17. For women and men. Care, Pharmacy, Behavioral Wellness, Case Man­ ingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Lesb ia n & Gay Family Building Project call 1-800-962-5063. Victim Resource Center of Wayne County agement, Prevention and Education, Clinical Trials, Wayne or Yates Counties, Headquartered in Binghamton and with a Newark N.Y. Hotline 800-456-1 172; office Dental Screenings, Hepatitis C/HIV Co-Infection Action Front Center presence throughout Upstate NY, the Project Positive Dv (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189. Clinic, General Su�ort Groups, i as (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people achieve Group, Women's Supp:Jrt Positively Alive Sup­ prevention education and case management ser­ their goals of building and sustaining healthy Mary MagdaleneHouse G o p AC port r u , Men's Support Group, Treatment vices. Training and technical assistance to seNice families. We do this by providing support, Women's outreach center for HIV positive Education Group, Meals on Wheels Congregate providers. Resource library open to public. All advocacy, information, and access to commu­ women and women at risk. 291 Lyell Ave. Group, Program, Latino Supp:Jrt AIDS Care satel­ seNices free and confidential. Multicultural and nity and sensitive healthcare and other ser­ Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30 pm 458-5728. lite offices in Geneva and Bath, as well as many Noble, manager. bilingual staff. Jearald program vices. Our network of Pride and Joy Families Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ ad hoc groups. AIDS Care is also a leader in pro­ 33 Chestnut St., second floor. Hours 8:30-5 pm, offers social and educational opportunities to Syracuse Region viding services and education to members of the 262-4330; fax 262-4572. r e LGBTQ parents, their children and prospec­ Monday-Friday. F e 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; LGBT community. Contact Information: Website: tive parents. Claudia Stallman, Project Direc­ anonymous HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tues­ Toll-free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned www.acRochester.org. Main Office: 259 Mon­ days, 1-4 tor, 124 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905; Wednesdays pm, provided through Parenthood has led the way in providing high roe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 1-4 pm 607-724-4308; e-mail: LesGayFamBidg@ NYSDOH. Thursdays at Aenon Baptist quality, affordable reproductive health care 585-545-7200 - Health SeNices After Hours: 175 St. aol.com. Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org. Church, Genesee since 1916. Our experienced and compassion­ 585-258-3363; Case Management After Hours Anthony L. Jordan Health Center ate medical staff will listen to your concerns and (Lifeline): 585-275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. FamiliesJ oined by Love Prevention & Primary Care Program answer your questions in a warm, welcoming Finger Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Books and resources for LGBT families. atmosphere. All our seNices are confidential. Geneva, NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Provides Medical Case Management, Mental www.familiesjoinedebylove.org. Office: 122 Liberty St. P 624, Bath, Health, Prtmary Care, HIV Counseling and Testing We accept most insurances; including Medic­ Tier 0 Box Parents, Families and Friends of using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education presen­ aid. You may even qualify for low- to no-cost NY 14810 607-776-9166. The Heatth Outreach Lesbians and Gays (PFL AG) tations, and access to other Jordan seNices. Pre­ family planning services. When you make your Project: 416 CentralAve., Rochester, NY 14605; PFLAG's threefold mission: supporting parents vention & Primary Care is a walk-in program; no appointment, be sure to ask about our sliding 585-454-5556. and family members in coming out appointments necessary. Office hours: Mon.- Frt., process; scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of Gay of the Genesee Valley educating the community; advocating on beha� Alliance 8:30am- 5 pm: extended hours on Monday until ability to pay. and ce of LGBT family members. Regular meetings: provides referrals to physicians seNi agen­ 8 pm. (585) 423-2879; fax (585) 423-2876. cies. (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. Th�dSunday of the month, Open Arms MCC, Website: www.jordanhealth.org. For more infor­ POLITICAL: 740 Marshall Rd. 14624. 1-3 pm. PFLAG@ National Organization for Women Victory Alliance mation, call Program Director Patrick M. Trevor, (585) 423-2879. gagv.us; 585-244-8640 x27. (Greater Rochester NOW) University of Roc11ester Medical Center. One of PO Box93196; (585)234-7019. E-mail : r s h sites wortdwide tlm Adoptive Parent Support Group several e earc t comprise CDC National SIDand AIDS Hotline [email protected] Web page: http:// Monthly potluck lunches. For information, loca­ the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours www.rochesternow.org. vaccine studies tion, call Shari, 350-2529. conducts research sp:Jnsored by a day. TIY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the attempt address: [email protected]. Angel Food Minis try CULTURAL: to discover a vaccine that may one day prevent Fair Hous ing Enforcement Project of Box of fresh/frozen food for $30 in advance. Rochester Women's Community Chorus infection or AIDS. Imagine a world without HIV Menu changes monthly. For information and dis­ 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendaQ. AIDS, t. 585-756- Monroe County learnhow you can help create i tribution sites, call 585-861-4815. 2329; www.vaccineunit.org. 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with housing discrimination on basis of race, orienta­ ONLINE: Threshold tion, HIV status, etc. WOWcny: At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., e-mail: [email protected] PublicInterest LawOffice of Rochester LGBT HEALTH third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confi­ For a list ofLGBlfri endly and competent health Rochester NY Lesbians; 80 St. S ., Suite 701. Free dential HIV, STD testing and General Health Paul t legal services to and human seNice providers in tl1e Rochester groups.aol.com/rochstrtesbians HIV p:Jsitive persons, families. Spanish bilingual Care, ages 12-25. Sliding fee scale, no one and Finger Lakes area, visit the resource direc­ advocates available. All civil cases except divorce; denied, most insurances accepted. Mon., tory page(s) at www.everybodysgood.com. Tt1ese GENERAL: no criminal cases. Ask to speak to someone in Wed., Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Tues., Thurs., 9a.m.- pages are compiled and managed byAIDS Care. Women's Resource Center PILOR. 454-4060. 7p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-2p.m. www.Threshold­ If you are a provider, or know of one, who would YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-7740. Center.org EvergreenHealth Services, Buffalo like to be included, contact them through the Center forHealth and Behavioral Tr aining of Prtmary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing and website or contact Erik Libey directly at (585) SOCIAL: Color Outside the Une Crew Monroe County counseling. (716) 847-0328 210-4192. Contact Jackie Williams, 482-4945. 853 Main St., Rochester 14611. Collaboration Westside Health Services Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Butch Femme Connection: ofMonroe County Health Department and U.R. Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. (254- See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory 288-7208; Provides year-round training in prevention and 6480); Woodward health Center, 480 Genesee under "Health" for GAGV referrals to physicians [email protected] management of STDs, HIV, TB and related issues, (436-3040). IVIAID more. St. H S seNices, su�ort, and seNice agencies. Check our month� and ongoing Calendars such as domestic violence and case manage­ McCree McCullerCenter Wei/ness atUnity and the Gay Groups section for more groups ment. (585)753-5382 v/tty. Health's Connection Clinic and events. For more information, call the Planned Parenthood of theRochester! (585) 368-3200. 89 Genesee St., Bishq) Kear­ WOMEN GAGV at 244-8640 or see www.gayalliance. Syracuse Region ney Bldg., 3rd floor. Full range of servcies, regard­ org. And send us your information! • 114 U v ity NY 14605; of to pay. Caring, confid nd HEALTH: ni ers Ave., Rochester, Toll­ less ability ential a Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Offers confiden­ convenient. 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585- tial HIV testing and information. When you make Catholic Charities AIDS Services 487-3300. Specializing in breast health, diag­ your appointment, be sure to ask about our slid­ A multicultural and bi-lingual staff providing ser­ nostic breast imaging and treatment and ing scale fees. No one is turned &Jayfor lack of ability to pay. vices to a diversity of people infected and affected mammography outreach and education. with HIV.Intensive home-based case management Breast Cancer of Rochester Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS Coalition for all ages; a clinical crisis manager; a child/ 840 University Ave.; 585-473-8177; www.bccr. A collection of agencies providing a multiplicity of adolescent case worker; transitional case man­ org; email: [email protected]. Breast Cancer Coali­ resources and seNices to the upstate New York agement for children and family members going tion provides supp:Jrt seNices that include Brown community. Their offices are located through the through bereavement; recreational and support Bag Fridays: an informal discussion group that Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which also groups for children and teens, and camping expe­ meetsweek� from 12:00-1:30; Breast Cancer provides medical literature and newspaper clip­ riences including Camp SOAR. We coordinate 101 and 201 : programs designed to help those pings, as well as demographic and statistical data HOPWA (Housing Opp:Jrtunities for People with coping with a recent breast cancer diagnosis and for use in developing health care services. (585) AIDS) short term emergency assistance witll rent/ those coping with an advanced breast cancer 461-3520. mortgage/utility payments and limited subsidized diagnosis; Sister Sal<: a program that addresses MOCHA Center of Rochester housing. 1945 E. Ridge Rd., Suite 24, Rochester NY 14622. (585) 339-9800. the issues facing young women with breast can­ Our mission is to improve health and wellness in cer; and the Advanced BreastCancer Support communities of color through inteNention and Huther Doyle Group to support women living with metastatic seNice, with emphasis on LGBTQ programming. 360 East Ave., Rochester 14604. Offers drug, breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Coalition also Youth drop-in center, HIV testing, peer education, alcohol prevention, education, treatment Risk provides information about breast cancer, a lend- JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 13

favorite cool salads. D-I cooks are very JUST US GUYS Hotel and Spa is only 20 minutes from creative! Bring along a favorite to share, downtown Rochester, and offers spec­ or if you prefer, just come and join us for Our members gathered on June 14 at tacular views of the Rochester skyline, great fun and great food! AIDS Care for an ever-popular Potluck Rochester Bristol Hills and Finger Lakes Dinner. The topics of discussion included News from the Pews: What a great region. The evening will include a 50/50 GARAGE SALE we had in Jw1e! I'd like Marriage Equality and the importance of raffle for GAGY and PRIDE 2011 and being heard at a time when there has been Find the friends and fun you co say we sold everything... but we've got fun door prizes! something left for those who missed it. so much said regarding the pros and cons. No Cover/No Dues/Just Conversa­ need in your neighborhood of We can still accept your donations for the The bottom line is that Marriage tion. RSVP not necessary, but would be the community. Equality is a basic issue of civil rights. LGBT "follow-up" sale, not yet scheduled but helpful to the chef preparing the appetiz­ usually held in lace August. Check the Members were urged to express their ers. Mark your calendar and invite your opinion to their respective representatives. BUTCH FEMME website for details. fr iends! Pride? We've got ir! We 'Ll have a dis­ As in rhe past, members of Jusr Us Guys are being encouraged to attend and CONNECTION play booth at both the fe stival and the ROCHESTER RAMS M.C. picnic. Stop by and say hello! support Rochester Pride 2011 Parade-Fes­ The Rochester Burch-Femme Con­ tival-Picnic, July 8-17. Specifically, since May brought us Can-Am weekend, nection will have two dim1er events in One of our members went to the Holy Land not Long ago He took lots of pic­ our normal meeting dare fa lls on July 12, which we must say was a blast. July 2011. On July 9, we will meet at tures and has arranged them inro a slide a goal will be to attend the Third Presby­ The Ottawa Knights came ro co-host East Ridge Diner on East Ridge Road in show co share with us. Join us on the fifth terian Movie Night, which is scheduled the event. Over 60 men in leather congre­ Irondequoit (near Hudson Avenue inter­ Sunday this month co learn more. on that dare. More information about gated from New Mexico to Quebec in chis section) at 7 p.m. As always, you can check for any addi­ this event will be available at www.Gay­ annual celebration of irlternational broth­ On July 23, we will meet at Grand AlUance.org and in the Pride Guide in erhood. The turnout for the weekend was Super Buffet on East Henrietta Road tions or changes to the schedule by look­ ing at our website ... here's the address ... rhis issue. the largest in years! We had a great time at (Route 15A) at 7 p.m. hnp:/lwww.di-rochester.org/. We hope co For more information about the group the ranch for our private party on Sw1day. For more information, contact Kerry/ see you there! and the July 12 function, contact Ron at Thank you to everyone who made this a Max at (585) 288-7208, e-mail Dressy­ 223-2629 or email rmatterl@rochesrer. big success! [email protected] or visit our Facebook rr.com. The weekend of Aug. 26-28 marks page w1der The Rochester Butch-Femme EMPIRE BEARS our Leather Liberation Run. Applications Connection. Well, it's finally, really, summer, even MARY MAGDALENE are now being accepted, so visit our web­ site! Space is limited on the camp rounds. in Rochester. School's out, and many of CHURCH g DIGNITY-INTEGRITY the Empire Bearsgo camping. With your fee of 150 dollars, all food and Some of LIS go every weekend to Jones Mary Magdalene Church is an inclu­ beverages will be provided. Bring your D-1 Rochester continues to meet week­ Pond or Hillside. Some visit a little Less sive Chmch in the Catholic tradition. own tent and enjoy the company of men at Sr. Luke's and Sr. Simon's Church, ly 17 often, bur we all love to get away. Join us for Mass fo llowed by the Bless­ in a private outdoor setting! S. Fitzhugh St., corner of Broad St. We The Rochester Rams M.C. is Roches­ The Bears don't plan many weekend in� of the Pets on July 31 at 4 p.m. at have the fo llowing services and activities events in the sUflllner. The best place to Edmond Lyon Park Gazebo, Main St., ter New York's fo remost gay motorcycle for the month of] Lily. Please note rhat all find us is Wednesday nights ar the Win­ East Rochester. and leather club as well as being one of services start ar 5 p.m. the oldest clubs of type in the couJl­ tonaire at 6, having supper and laughs with For more info contact Tammy Drol­ its First Sunday: Episcopal Mass, with our favorite straight lady waitress, Becky. lette, 585-362-1 155. try. All who are interested in the leather music (includes healing service); Second We also are planning to do mini golf, club scene are invited to check us out. Sunday: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Our general meeting is open to the public a ball game, and a visit to Seabreeze this OUT EQUAL Word, with music; Third Sunday: Epis­ summer. It looks Like they'LL all happen on & and we meet the Wednesday before bar copal Mass in the Chapel; no music rhis a Wednesday night after supper, so join us The PRIDE edition of the Second night at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held at week; Fourth Sunday: Evening Prayer, at the Winconaire, and come along. Thursdays Networking Evenr will be held our home bar, the Bachelor Forum, 670 fo llowed by a Potluck Supper; Fifth Sun­ The Bears had a great rime at the Thursday July 14, 5-7 p.m., in rhe Hori­ University Ave. day: Shorr Prayer Service, foLlowed by a Forum on the ftrst Sacurday ir1 June, and zons Lounge at the Woodcliff Hotel and For more info, visit our website: www. presentation on the Holy Land by one of hope you'll join LIS for some fun on July 2. Spa, 199 Woodcliff Drive, Fairport. This rochesterrams.com. our members. Members usually garber co pass out some is an OFFICIAL PRIDE 2011 EVENT! July Pot Luck Theme: "Summer Sal­ popcorn, and maybe do a raffle for a char­ Located atop wooded hills ir1 Fairport, ads". At last, it time ro indulge in your icy. Hope to see you there. just off 1-490 and Route 96, Woodcliff

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New York Life Insurance Company 375 Woodcliff Dr., Fairport, NY 14450 P. 585.248.6759 [email protected] THECOMPANYYOU KEEP"

NEW YORK LIFE. THE COMPANY YOU KEEP c 2011 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 SMRU 00409010CV (Exp. 06/11) 14 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 447 • JULY 2011

Gay Alliance Youth Group Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton Ages 13-23. Every Sunday, 2-4pm, Ave., 4pm. Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Men's Cooking Group Main St. or satellite location. For Third or fo urth Sundays, 355-7664. weekly location check Youth Calendar, Ongeing ealendat: www.gayalliance.org or e-mail Jess at Civil Rights Front JessC@Gay Alliance.us. On hiatus for Every Tuesday, 5pm, Slllllmer. Equai=Grounds, 750 South Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront. Gay AllianceBoard of MONDAY Directors FRIDAY Rainbow SAGE wordpress.com • MeersThird Wednesdays, 6pm, First Sundays: Euchre Club, 3-6pm. LGBT Support Group Gay Men's AAmeeting 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Third Sundays, Potluck at First New Life Presbyterian Church, Fridays. 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. 243 Rosedale. Fi rst, 3rd Mondays, New FreedomNew Happiness Emmanuel Baptist Church, 7:30-9:30pm. Gu ol, 482-3832. AAGay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian 815 Park Ave. Church, 220 Winton Rd. Men and LilacSqua res women. Open. GLBTQI MotorcycleGroup GaySqua re Dance Group Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Va rious Mondays, 7pm, Open Arms MCC, Support Group for Parents locations. Rod1esterGLBTIQbikers@ 740 Marshall Rd. 467-6456; bdaniels@ who have lostChildren yahoo.com; 467-6456; Rochester frontiernet.net. First, 3rd We dnesdays, llam-12:30pm, [email protected]. Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. AA NA Free syphilis testing GeneseeRegion Home Care. Free. SATURDAY I Meetings AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. 325-1880 442-2220. Rochester Rams Bar Night Every week there are four regularly scheduled COAP Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Rochester Historical Bowling Society AA and two NA meetings in Rochester. ComeOut and Play. Business meeting Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 GLBTI 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, last Wednesday. Equai=GrOLmds, 750 Empire Bears Bar Night 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) South Ave. 7pm,John S., 261-7263. First Sanrrdays. Bachelor Forum, 470 Tuesdays HIV Positive Gay Men Support group University Ave. www.empirebears.org. Empire Bears Narcotics Anonymous Every Monday, 5pm, AIDS Care, Ftrst Wednesdays,7 :45pm,Gay Alliance Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 259 Monroe Ave. 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery Commw1ity Center, 875 E. Main St., 5th 9anl, George Eastman House parking 1124 Culver Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) Gay AllianceYouth Drop-In Hours floor.in [email protected] lot.www.rochesterfrontrtmners.org. This is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who Mondays, Wednesdays, 2-6pm, Gay Rochester Rams General Meeting Empire Bears Potluck have a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifi­ Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. 2nd SatLICdays, GayAlliance Yo uth 2nd Wed nesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor cally a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to people Prince St. entrance, firstfloor. 244-8640, ve Center, 875 E. Main, firstfloor, Prince Forw11, 670 Un i rsityAve. of all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well X 13. www.rochesterran1s.con1 St. entrance. 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. as to anyone who is affected by HIV and AIDS. Fronttunners/Frontwalkers Bringdish to pass. www.en 1pirebears.org. Brothers Keeper Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House Support group for men over 30. Third Cross Dresser Support Group Wednesdays parkinglot. www.rochc.�ntrwmers.org. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA First Santrdays, 6-9pm. call for location: Freedom/New Happiness Group 251-2132; [email protected] Steps Beyond Stems Center, 107 Libetty PoleWay. 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. 420-1400 Cr-dclr.Support Group Guys Night Out Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to 12 Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave. Gay AllianceYouth Drop-In Hours Third Sanrrdays. Social group for Corners. Use the stopjust past the top of the hill at Gay Alliance Library & Archives, Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-7pm, Gay transguys. lpm, Equai=Grow1ds, 750 Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or take the #1 David Bohnen Cyber Center Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. South Ave. [email protected]. Park Ave. to the corner of East and Winton, then walk Evay Monday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Prince St. en trance,first floor. 244-8640 Saturday Night Special Gay AA five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. This is an open Main St. 244-8640. x 13. On hiants forSltmmer. 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Wi nton discussion meeting. All issues - as they relate to our Equality Rochester Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Rd. S. Men and women. Open alcoholism/addiction and recovery - are fair game. 6:30-8:30pm, Metro Justice, 167 Flanders 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. meeting. www.rochesterfrontrwlners.org. St. 426-0862; [email protected] LilacRainbow Alliance for the Fridays (LRAD) 2nd Satllfdays, 6-9pm. Gay Men's nJESDAY Gay Alliance Library & Archives, Deaf David BohnettCyber Center [email protected] 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Just Us Guys • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts Every Wed nesday. 6-8pm. Fi rst floor, Sophia�s Supper Club Gay menof a ll ages. Second Tuesdays, 875 E. Main Sr. 244-8640. First and third Samrdays. http://www. • Men's meeting 6:30pm, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. • Handicapped accessible 223-2629 THURSDAY inspirintal.bizlonline-spiritual-evolurion­ gro/ This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you are Out fur Justice Workshop series Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay shy about meeting people or speaking up in a group, Fourth Tuesdays through Nov. 2011. Concerns SUNDAY you will find this meeting particularly warm and inviting Kelly Clark, 244-8640. 6:30pm, fr rst Thursday. Ralph, Parents Families & Friends of because everyone gets their turn to speak 271-7649 CampusOut CoffeeNight Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) (or pass). As a result, this meeting often runs long, First Tuesdays, 7-IOpm, Equal=Grounds, Queer ReadingRadical Group Third Sw1days, 1-3 pm. Open Arms so plan on more than the usual hour. 750 South Ave. First and third Thmsdays,7pm, MCC, 740 Marshall Rd. 244-8640 ext Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. 27; [email protected]. Saturdays MOCHA Youth Drop-In Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHACenter, 107 Pride at Work Gay Alliance Library & Archives, Saturday Night Special Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders l}.tvid Bohnett CyberCenter 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. 244-8640 St. offThmston Rd. 426-0862. Every Sw1day. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does not go E. Main Sr. 244-8640. by the church on weekend evenings. Ta ke the #1 Park MOCHAHepatitis Clinic Tr ansActionGroup (TAG) Come Out Dancin' Ave. bus to the corner of East and Winton, then walk Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third h1formarion: Peter Vaillancourt, five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole sk8forether@gmail; list serve at Second,fourth Stmdays. 3-5pm. Way, 420-1400 [email protected] Friends Meeting House, 84 Scio Sr., • Open meeting, all are welcome, "straight-friendly" entry on Charlorre St. $5. • Mixed men and women RainbowSAGE Yoga GLOB&L (Gays and Lesbians of • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to basement 6-7pm Open Arms MCC, Bausch & Lomb). Adult DiscussionGroup Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open 125 Norris Drive, 442-6369. Meets every cl1ird Thursday in Area 67 Ages 21+. Sundays, 4:40-6 pm, conference rooma t the Optic Center. Auditorium Center, Gay AllianceYouth discussion. Women's Community Chorus Voi ce mail: 338-8977 Center, 875 E. Main Sr. 244-8640. On Rehearsalsead1 Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, hiants forsummer. Sundays Downto\\�1United Pres. Churd1, 121 N. Rochester Gay Men's Chorus Unity Fellowship Church Step in the Right Direction Firzhugh Street. 234-4441, Do�town United Presbyterian Chmch, 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alliance www.therwcc.org 121 N. Ficrhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Stmdays, 1:30 pm, Lutheran Church of Peace, 125 Caroline Sr., 14620. 520-6188. Church) This is an NA meeting that is open to all Free HIVTesting Free confidential walk-in HIV testing addicts who have a desire to stop using. Although it is Dignity-Integrity Every 9am-7pm.AIDS Care, EveryThmsday night, 5-8pm, AIDS Tuesday, lst Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist not specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is 259 MonroeAve. Care,259 MonroeAve. 442-2220 with music; 2nd Stmday: 5pm Roman welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gen­ WEDNESDAY Partner Bereavement Group Catholic lintrgy of theWord with music; der identities. Each week features a reading from NA First and third Thmsdays, 5:30-7pm. 3rd SWJday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist literature, followed by discussion. Charlie's Group Open drop-in session;professionally led . (quiet); 4th SWlday:5pm Prayers to start Third Wednesdays. Monthly peer­ Freewill donation to hospice requested. theweek, foUowed bypocluck supper. Rochester Gay Men facilitated support group for ma rried men lifetime Care, 3111 Winton Road, Open Arms Metropolitan 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon's Episcopal Church, whoh ave sexwith men. Confidemia l, 214-1414 Community Church 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Fitzhugh free.6:30pm. For info: Scott, 244-8640 x MOCHAJG.tyAllian ce Yo uth Tra ns Street stop on Main Street at the County Office 20; ScottF@Gay Alliance.us. 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, I 0:30am, Group 271-8478 Building and walk south one block. Country Line Dancingffwo Steppi ng First Thursdays, 5-7pm, Gay Alliance • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts Every Wednesday, 140 Alex,7pm. Lessons Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., frr�tfloor Gay Men's AJcoholics Anonymous St. Luke's/St.Simon Cyrene Church, • Men's meeting followed by dancing w1til l Opm, (Prince Sr. entrance). 244-8640 ext 13. 17 S. Fitzhugh Sr. 8:30pm, 232-6720, • NOT handicapped accessible Beginners to advanced. Second Thursdays Weekly. Closed meeting Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open U.R. Pride Network Social and business networking, 5:30- discussion. 7:30pm, Gamble Roomin Rush Rhees 7:30pm. Changing venues. E-mail library.ut [email protected] fingerlakes@outandt'qUal.org JULY 2011 • NUMBER 447 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 15

Lord and Samantha Vega. Advance tick­ or soda. Child's version available for $3. ers: Equal=Grounds, Outlandish, Bach­ Family Day at Memorial Art Gal­ elor Forum, www.osnik.com/ ayalliance. lery, noon-3 pm. Fun activities for kids; � WXXI Radio: States ot Marriage: free admission tO art gallery. Pride 2011 The Debate over Gay Rights airs 10 event. pm on AM 1370/FM-HD 91.5-2 Pro­ PRIDE PA RADE & FESTIVAL gram examines how several states have Celebrate our great victory for mar­ approached legal recognition for gay, les­ riage equality! Parade line up: 2-3 pm, SATURDAY 2 bian and bi couples. Park Ave. at Brunswick/Argyle. March .Empire Bears Bar Night. Bachelor MONDAY 11 down Park and Goodman Sr. to Festival Forum, 670 University Ave. site, Auditorium Cenrer parking lor on Yo uth Dance and Pageant, Tilt College St. Food vendors. DJs Jon Her­ Lake Av enue SUNDAY 3 Nightclub & Ulcralounge, Ages 13-23, bert, Hecror. Headliners: Pepper Mashay, Dignity Integrity Episcopal Mass, drug & alcohol-free event. Crowning of Melissa Ferrick; opening act: Pawan. At Baptist Church with music (includes healing service). 5 Youth Pride Drag King & Queen. $5 at 6:15: Flash mob dance ("Born This Way"). pm, St. Luke's and St. Simon's Church, door. Pizza, soda, dancing to Chuck OJ Fabulous appearances by Your Favorite 17 S. Fitzhugh St. http://www.di-roches­ Argento. Pride 2011 evem. ter.org/. Rochester Queens. 4:30-9:30 p.m. Pride TUESDAY 12 2011 event. A WELCOMING FRIDAY 8 Pride Movie Night and refresh­ SUNDAY 17 & Flag Raising - City Hall, 4-5 pm. ments, 7 pm, Third Presbyterian Church, AFFIRMING Presentation of Grand Marshals. Pride Dignity Integrity Episcopal Mass in 4 Meigs Sc (at East Ave). "Panik, Age 1.5" the Cha el; no music this week. 5 pm, 2011 event. ASL interpreters rovided. p' p in Swedish with English subtitles. Pride St. Luke s and St. Simon's Church, 17 S. CONGREGATION Sassy in the South 5-9 pm. Wed ge , 2011 evenr. Fiulmgh St. http://www.di-rochesrer.org/. South Wedge merchants offer Pride Spe­ Just Us Guys. Group members will PRIDE PICNIC, cials; dance at Boulder Coffee. Pride 2011 Genesee Valley Invites You! attend Movie Night at Third Presbyteri­ Park. $15 at gate; $10 in advance; $5 evenr. For all Pride events: ASL interpret­ an. Info: Ron ar 223-2629 or email rmat­ students. 1-7 pm. Vendors, OJ danc­ ing can be requested at Deafaccess@Gay­ [email protected] 10:00 AM: Alliance.org (before July 8). ing, sports, dog show, antique car show, THURSDAY 14 bounce house, etc. Pride 2011 event. Sunday morning SATURDAY 9 Summer Mayhem: ImageOut Movie SATURDAY 23 Gay Day at Seabreeze 11 am-6 pm. worship service Night. 7 pm: "You Should Meet My Butch Femme Connection Dinner Advance tickers at Gay Alliance, www. Son!" 9 pm; "Ticked Off Trannies with Night. GayAlliance.org -- $22.50, children 2 and Grand Super Buffer on East Hen­ 11:30 AM: Knives". The Cinema, 957 Clinton Ave. rierra Road (Route 15A) at 7 pm. For under free. Rides 11 am-10 pm; unlimited at Goodman St. Pride 2011 event. Class on lgbt waterslides 11 am-10 pm. Pride Pavilion more informacion, contact Kerry/Max at Garth Fagan and Bill T. Jones (585)288-7208, e-mail DressyFemme@ 11 am-4 pm for picnics. Pride 2011 event. liberation theology onscage discussion at Nazareth College aol.com or visit Facebook page under The Butch Femme Connection Dinner dance Festival. Nazareth Arts Center. Rochester Burch-Femme Connection. Childcare Night. East Ridge Diner on East Ridge go.naz.edu I dancef esc. & Road in Irondequoit (near Hudson Ave. PRIDE edition of Out & Equal SUNDAY 24 Sunday School for intersection) at 7 pm. Kerry/Max at (585) Dignity Integrity Evening Prayer, Second Thursdays Networking Event. k children are available. 288-7208, e-mail DressyFemme@aol. 5-7 pm, Horizons Lounge at the Wood­ fo llowed by a Potluc Supper. 5 pm, St. com. Luke's and St. Simon's Church, 17 S. Fit­ diffHorel and Spa, 199 Woodcliff Drive, ff zhugh St. http:l/www.d i-rochester.org/. SUNDAY 10 Fairport, just o I-490 and Route 96. Lake Ave nue Dignity Integrity Roman Catholic 50/50 raffle for CAGY and PRIDE 2011; SUNDAY 31 d Liturgy of the Wo r , with music. 5 pm, fu n door prizes! No Cover/No Dues/just Dignity Integrity Short Prayer Ser­ Baptist Church is located Sr. Luke's and St. Simon's Church, 17 S. Conversation. Pride 2011 evenr. vice, followed by a presentation on the Fitzhugh St. http:l/www.di-rochester.org/. Speed the Plow. Opening night; runs Holy Land by DI member. 5 pm, St. just off Lake Avenue near Pride Drag Brunch. Edibles. Shows through July 17. 7:30 pm, The Scene, Luke's and St. Simon's Church, 17 S. Fit­ the stop light at 145 Lake noon & 2 pm. Kasha Davis, A gy Dune, Hungerford Bldg., 1115 E. Main Sr. $5. zhugh St. http:l/www.di-rochester.org/. g Avenue. Poison Waters, Darienne Lake. Reser­ FRIDAY 15 Mary Magdalene Church Mass followed Blessing vations: www.ediblesrochescer.com; 585- Empty Closet deadline for August by of Pees, 4 pm at Edmond Lyon Park Gazebo, St., 271-4910. issue. 244-9030; [email protected]. Main For more information phone East Rochester. Tammy Drollette, 585- Pride Open Golf Tournament, Tee Pride Shabbat, Temple Sinai, 363 362-1155. rime 1 pm, Brockport Country Club. Penfield Rd. 5:30 pm: pre service Oneg. 6 585- 458-57 65 $90/person, proceeds benefit AIDS Care, pm: Erev Shabbat service. GAGV Yo uth Group. Info, to regis­ Pride Weekend Kick OffParty. Hol­ ter: [email protected]; www.igbo­ 911 my201l.org. Pride 2011 event. iday Inn Airport, Brooks Ave., 7-10 pm. OJ, show, brief announcemems, sash­ Rainbow SAGE euchre. South Wedge Planning Committee Building, 224 Mr. ing of Grand Marshals. No emry fee; cash bar, fo od and prizes. Pride 2011 event. Hope at Hamilton. For information, or SATURDAY 16 to sign up ro leam how to play, contact PFLAG lunch. will Ginny at [email protected]. PFLAG sell Absolut Pride Tea Party ONE Res­ lunches as a fu ndraiser before Parade taurant, 1 Ryan Alley. Pride 2011 evem. from 1 1:30 am-2 pm at Asbury First Unit­ 5 pm. $15. Must be 21 or over. Cash bar, ed Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave. $5 fo od, DJs Henry and Jon Herbert, Fea­ lunch features either turkey or hummus turing Miss Gay Pride Keke Velasquez sandwich, pasta salad, chips, cookie, water

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 15 St. Mary's Place Phone: 585 232-7140 E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.stmarysrochester.org

MASS TIMES Sat: 4pm - Sun: 9 & llam Weekdays: 12:10pm

Classified ads are $5 forthe first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $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 follow ing month's issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Paywhen you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phonenumber. 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 address/phone number.

ANNOUNCEMENTS waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, HIV nega­ Martin Ippolito master electrician. FOR SALE Honda 1988gl1500 motorbike tive. My 10-plus years experience guar­ Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable Midsummer Night's Dream. Light for free. If interested contact Rob­ antees your relaxation and satisfaction. TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. up your path or garden chis summer! Mal­ [email protected]. Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call 585-266-6337. ibu outdoor lights, 50-foot string of fom. in your residence. Reasonable rates. Dis­ PERSONALS Brand new, never unboxed. $79 value for SERVICES cretion a preciared and practiced. Don't Beginning lesbian, hiker, seeks other $59. Offer about to expire: act now! 385- Rochester's Best Man to Man delay; calf me today at 585-773-2410(cell) women to hike and explore Monroe 7931, evenings only. Rubdown. Unwind with this degreed, or 585-235-6688(home) or e-mail me at: Coumy parks. Call Terrie R. at 831-6040. employed, fir, friendly, healthy, Italian [email protected]. GWM. Middle aged, 5'8", 165 lbs., 32" Let's enjoy the nice weather! CRAB 1][}{][3��[p !Jl7 (g[S@�[3LfAT THIS AREA'S FINEST

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Pride Youth lmageOUT's Dance & Drag Pageant Summer Mayhem R 0 C H E S T E R Monday, july 11 Thursday, july 14 5-9pm 7-1 1pm The annual Youth Pride lmageOUT's Pride Week Dance and Drag Pageant will double feature will be held be held at TILT Nightclub, at the Cinema Theater, 957 located at 444 Central Avenue South Clinton Ave., 14620. in Rochester. It will showcase two audience $5 admission includes pizza favorites from their October and two free soda tickets. lineup for one night only. (Additional $.75/ea) DJ Chuck At 7pm, YOU SHOULD Argento will spin the music. MEET MY SON! and 9pm This event is open to all TICKED-OFF TRANNIES LGBTQyouth ages 13-23. WITH KNIVES (Note: This film Straight allies are welcome. contains excessive, graphic EVENT CALENDAR • jULY 8-17 It is an alcohol and drug violence) More information free event. If desired, please at, http://www.imageout.org/ request ASL interpreting by screenings.php Pride Day at Seabree:z;e contacting DeafAccess@ To request interpreting Saturday, july 9 GayAlliance.org before July 5. services contact the lmageOut 11am-10pm by July 8. Use the relay service, Since 1879, Seabreeze has Pride Movie Hight 1-800-662-1220 or e-mail been Rochester's favorite and Refreshments [email protected]. This amusement park, located Tuesday,July 12 event is wheelchair accessible. within view of Lake Ontario, 7-8:l0pm near the north end of Culver The Tuesday movie night Pre-Parade Lunch Road. Seabreeze is the 4th has become a popular with PFLAG oldest amusement park in the event during the annual Saturday,July 16 City Hall nation. (See ad this page.) Rochester Pride Week. And 11:l0am-2pm Rainbow Flag Raising Special Pride Day entrance for the seventh year, Third "Mom and Dad want you Friday, july 8 is only $22.50, but, these Pride Drag Brunch at Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs to eat a healthy lunch before 4-5pm discounted tickets must be EDIBLES Restaurant St (at East Ave) Rochester has you go OUT to play." Support The Rainbow Flag Raising purchased through the Gay Sunday,July 10 been its host. PFLAG's important work by event is held in the atrium Alliance 585-244-8640 or at Shows at 12& 2pm PA TRIK, AGE 1.5 is a 2008 buying a lunch. of the beautiful, historic www.osnik.com/gayalliance Don't be a Drag, Eat with Swedish comedy-drama Your choice of Pita w/Humus Rochester City Hall. There will be a Pride a Qu een. The shows feature film in which a gay Swedish or Turkey Sandwich. ($5 adult/ Learn more about the Pavilion from 11am-4pm for Kasha Davis, Aggy Dune, couple adopt what they at first $3 children). events of the week including picnicking. Running water and Poison Waters, and Darienne believe to be a baby, Patrik, Sale will be at Asbury First any additions or changes. electricity is provided. You Lake. only to have him turn out to United Methodist Church, This is a great opportunity can bring your own food/ Book your reservation at be a homophobic teenager. 1050 East Avenue, Rochester for everyone to help make coolers into the park. www.ediblesrochester.com or This 103 minute film is 14607. LGBT Pride an important part The Jack Rabbit will give call (585) 271-4910. sure to both disturb you and of our city. you a jolt, the Tilt-a-Whirl entertain you. This program will have ASL will spin you right 'round baby Presented in Swedish with interpretation provided. and the Water Park will cool English subtitles. you off. .. Seabreeze is always a good time for people of all Out & Equal Second ages. (Children 2 and under Thursdays Networking admitted free) Be sure to Thursday,July 14 wear your brightest rainbow 5-7pm outfit so we can be seen­ The Pride Edition of everywhere. Absolut Pride Second Thursday will be at If desired, please request Tea Party at One the Horizons Lounge at the ASL interpreting by contacting Sunday, july 10 Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, [email protected] 5pm 199 Woodcliff Drive, Fairport. before July 1. Absolut is the sponsor of Pride giveaways and 50/SO the 2011 Pride Tea Party at raffle to support Pride 2011. One. Join the fun as Pride fills No cover, just good this Eastend establishment conversation. Sassy in the with a Rainbow of fantastic South Wedge fun. Friday, july 8 This is a 21+ event and 5-9pm tickets are SlO in advance and Following the flag raising at $15 at the door. Join local City Hall, grab your friends leaders as the Gay Alliance and head to the South Wedge. formally presents the Pride Merchants in the South 2011 Grand Marshall. Wedge will be offering Cash bar, food, great Pride Specials to community music by DJ Henry and DJ members on this evening, so, Jon Herbert, performances walk the streets of the newest by Miss Gay Pride KeKe Gayborhood in Rochester and Ve lasquez-Lord and Samantha see what Sassy fun awaits. 2nd Annual Pride Vega. 2011 Pride Volunteers will Open Golf Tournament Purchase advance tickets at GAGV pick up event information and Saturday, July 9 www.osnik.com/gayalliance or Family Day instructions for Pride week at 1pm, Tee Time in person at Equai=Grounds, Saturday Equai=Grounds. Brockport Country Outlandish, and Bachelor july 9, 201 1 Participating merchants Club is the location of the Forum. include John's Tex Mex, Ta ttoo tournament. If desired, please request HAT Kamikaze, Echo-Tone Music, Registration is $90/person ASL interpreting by contacting Enfoy a Full D

1011 Rochester PRIDE WEEKEND R 0 CHESTER PRIDE KICKOFF Friday, july 15 7-10pm The 2011 Pride Weekend 1011 Rochester 1011 Rochester 1011 Rochester Kickoff Party will be held at PRIDE PARADE PRIDE FESTIVAL PRIDE PICNIC the Holiday Inn Airport, 911 Saturday,july 16 Saturday, july 16 Sunday,july 17 Brooks Avenue, Rochester, LCBT Pride Family Day at lpm-4:l0pm 4:l0-9:l0pm 1-7pm 14624 (Brooks Ave. and the Memorial Art Callery 1-390). (Line-up 2-3pm) Immediately following A great way to relax after No entry fee, cash bar, food, Saturday,july 16 Join the crowds lining the Parade the annual Pride the Pride parties of Saturday: and prizes. Noon-lpm the streets of Park Avenue Festival will be held behind The Annual Rochester Pride A Pride program will only People of all ages will enjoy and Goodman Streets for the Auditorium Theater on Picnic will again be held in the briefly interrupt the music free admission to the Gallery. Rochester's Annual Pride College Avenue. beautiful Genesee Valley Park. by DJ Chuck Argento and Bring the kids or grandkids for Parade. There will be food and Enjoy the food and dancing: The Sashing of the art activities, giant bubbles, There will be bands, drink (both soft and adult merchandise vendors, antique 2011 Grand Marshal and face painting and more. Hear floats, drag Kings & Qu eens, beverages) vendors and cars, dog show, join in on Honorary Marshal along with the story of Rainbow Fish and motorcycle riders, politicians entertainment. the picnic site contest, and a big thank you for what they make a rainbow fish puppet to (and of course the annual This year's stage lineup is of course, dancing in the have done for the Rochester take home! protesters). more than impressive- our Roundhouse. community. Be done in time to get a Parade steps off at 3pm fe atured entertainers are Entry fee includes entry If desired, please request great seat on the Pride Parade from the corner of Park Ave. Pepper Mashay (back by into the raffle to win a Lottery ASL interpreting by contacting route. and Brunswick. Popu lar Demand) and Melissa Basket. Tickets are $10. in [email protected] If desired, please request Ferrick (performing for the advance, $15. at the gate, ($5. before July 8. ASL interpreting by contacting first time at Rochester Pride!) for students with an I.D. at [email protected] Pawan from Toronto and of gate) before July 8. course, your favorite Rochester Purchase tickets at www. & Upstate NY Qu eens will also osnik.com/gayalliance.org or in be on the Three Olives Stage. person at Outlandish, Roundhouse DJ John Herbert and DJ Equal=Grounds, and Parkleigh. Events at the Hector mix the music to dance If desired, please request the night away. ASL interpreting by contacting Pride Picnic Tickets are SS in advance, [email protected] Sunday July 17 • 1-7pm and $8 at the gate. (SS for before July 8. Genesee Valley Park students with an I.D. at gate) Picnic Entrance Two and Rochester's Got Talent Purchase advance tickets at much of the park has sidewalks Pride Flash Show. www.osnik.com/gayalliance or making many of the activities Wedding Dance Mob ! Dance with Tilt's Own, DJ in person at Equai=Grounds, accessible. Jon Herbert; Rochester's Outlandish, and Parkleigh. At 6:15pm we will play Announcements Own, DJ Hector; ASL Interpretation of the rid Festival Lady Gaga's "Born This Rochester's New, DJ KD. P e Send your wedding stage will be provided. E and Picnic stages Way" - will you be in on announcements and photos fi'J ill have interpreters. With the best Sound of Rochester: w the dance? Visit: � Watch Pride website to [email protected] by Party at UR Place Sound System. for ASL Symbol to be added to July 15 for the August issue. http://www.youtube/ Available to rent for events. www. event listings. Qu estions? com/user/G ayAIIiance partyurplace.com Only $15! [email protected] 4 ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011

IT'S A GAY WORLD AFTER ALL

ANI MATED ON PARK

Rochester's Pride Parade began in 1989. The first Parades took place downtown, but for many years now the LCBT community has marched in rainbow­ hued glory down Park Ave. and Coodman St. The parade represents our diverse community, from babies in strollers to the elders of Rainbow SACE, from faith communities to glittering Q.u eens to supportive elected officials.

Which floats and Stonewall Award: marching units will win Cash Award $150 awards this year? Most imaginative depiction of the 2011 Parade The following awards are theme by a not for profit Float up for grabs: unit.

Muther's Rainbow Award (Remembering Naiomy Kane) Q.u arterly, 1/4 page color Show Stopper Award ad in The Empty Closet Cash Award $300, Best for-profit business Best Float to incorporate float unit portraying pride. the 2011 parade theme. Community Award Cash Award $150 The not for profit Walking unit which best exhibits community pride.

Ruby Slipper Award Cash Award $150 Most imaginative depiction of the 2011 parade theme by a walking unit. Up-to-the-minute interactive map at www.GayAIIiance.org ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011 5

HELLO DARLINGS. MRS. KASHA DAVIS here. N N N busvas lam oson i TER AT IO AL CELEBRITY HOUSEWIFE,

THERE'S ALWAYS TIME FOR a cocktail A PHONE CALL. & so be a dou. PUT DOWN THE MARTINI & CALL.

1be RJKflmtw& �ian Gay Film\1deo & Fem\11

19th Annual Festival October 7-16, 201 1 For more information about the Festival and events held throughout the year, including Pride Week screenings, please visit us at www.imageout.org 6 ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011

THE ROCHESTER PRIDE

SATURDAY, JULY 16 PAWAN

Follow the floats and rainbow flags to the Festival Back by popular demand Lesbian icon Pawan mixes genres Stage, behind the Auditorium Center on College St. The dynamic Pepper Since her first album in '93, Tor onto Pop/R&B recording at Coodman. Pepper Mashay, Melissa Ferrick and Mashay returns to Rochester Melissa Ferrick's music has artist Pawan's music mixes Pride this year. Pepper's new been both raw and polished, the genres of pop, R&B, Pawan will provide the evening's excitement, aided release is a cover of "Use ballsy and vulnerable. In dance and electronica to and abetted by the most fabulous Q.u eens and Djs Somebody" by the rock band her own words, her music is give an innovative, fresh new in town. 6:15 p.m.: Flash mob forms when you hear Kings of Leon. I went with "honest, self-searching and sound. "Hurt Me So Good" "Born This Way" by Lady Caga! Shop at vendor tribal drums and acoustic love-themed." is Pawan's first commercial booths and savor the delicious food and beverages guitars. Pepper says she can't Melissa came out publicly in release. on sale. It's your own private Pride party - with a wait to see her Rochester fans 1995, and has since become The song tells the story few thousand amazing guests! again. "We're gonna have a something of an icon in lesbian of what happens when a good time/' she promises, folk/rock circles: her song relationship between two referring to her much-loved "Drive" is pretty much the lovers is torn apart, as one's 4:30pm Interlude hit "Diving in the Pool". anthem of Sapphic desire. trust in the other is lost. Cates open Your Favorite Rochester 8c Upstate NY Q.u eens 4:30-?pm Music. Dj jon Herbert ?-9:30pm Music by DJ Hector 5:25-5:45pm Introduction of host, 6:45-7:30pm thank yous, Miss and Mr. PEPPER MASHAY Cay Pride Rochester Interlude 5:50-6pm Your Favorite Rochester Parade awards 8c Upstate NY Q.ueens

6pm 8-8:45pm PAWAN MELISSA FERRICK

6:15-6:20pm 9:30pm Flash Mob Dance Festival Closes

We would like to thank Kasha Davis for the dedication to Pride Events over the years! Rochester is lucky to have you! ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011 7

BY THE LADIES

Your Favorite Rochester and Upstate New York Performers on the Pride Festival Stage

DeeDee Dubois Samantha Vega Veronica Lace

-� -- . . �.�\ .., ...... ·� '��. �·- V'ta Valentino Poisonr Waters Aneal Pleasures

rI . ' . . , . !I , . ,_ . • '· • •. •.·� ,� � .4 � �...� :�. Vanity Faire Keke Velasquez-Lord Kyla Minx

rPffiD E ��BAT SHOES

Toclcl L Perlcins at Temple Sinai Rocheste,.,s Most Unique Shoe Store � July 15 t- r- -c I tANDBAGS HATS I COSTUME JEWELRY 5:30pm: Pre-Service Oneg -��-� 6:00pm: Erev Shabbat Service Bnng In this ad for 20°/o OFF your purchase

Temple Sinai 363 Penfield Road Rochester/ NY 14625 www.tsinai.org 9!mbkntCandfe Com yanJ §ift Sfioy DaSilva Premium 100% Soy Candies Joe �-.,.... runique §ijt r.Basfets bid� ']{ove{ties ana 'More 367 Part �venue • 442-5808 585·402·6465 www.ambkntcandfecompany.com New Yol'k State Realtcn0

www.VisitRochester.com 8 ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011

THE ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE 1. emanc.Ono 2.. Cn1rance, TIUO(accessible also Handicap Pari<:I'IQ) 3 Roundhouse 4 RfvoectJond Shelter S CanalShe Side hllf 6 Genefal� enloroCt cl Elri'M'OOCI

GENESEE VA LLEY PARK

After a weekend of partying, parading and fun, relax by the Cenesee River on Sunday, July 17. Rochester gays have picnicked in Cenesee Valley Park since the early 1970s - it's an even older tradition than the Parade. Mix and mingle with old and new friends, '6 chill out under the trees, view the antique car show / and the amazing picnic site contest designs, munch your own picnic food or buy everything from BBQ.to \\liJl d!LIIIIc-.en IC'C IllEnlf\111« . 'T'a

SUND.AY, JULY 17 PRIDE PICNIC 1-7pm

$10 in advance; $15 at gate • Food Ve ndors: Abbott's, Unkl Moes, Sonny V's, Papa • Bounce House johns, Nancy's Fried • Antique Car Show Xtreme Popcorn • Sprint Races - Asphalt by the Reed by Canal Pride Picnic Roundhouse Schedule • Pride Dog Show - Lollypop • Dance Prizes Given Out Farm area; Register online During Each Set day of Picnic - Register at Lollypop Farm Area Dj jon • Tug of War - Grass Beyond DJ Hector Lambda Car Club Marshall Nick • Picnic Site Contest judging: DJ KD Register On-Line, Day of Picnic - Register at Picnic Info Tent

BILL t JONES/ARNIE ZANE DANCE COMPANY Body Against Body revives and reconsiders thegroundbreaking duets and solos that launched Billl Jones and Arme Zane (hrs late pa11ner and collabora10r of T7 years), on the downtown New Yo rk dance scene of the 1980s.

Bill T. Jon� descubes these pieces as being "rooted trl the questrons that Arnie and I found m exploring lrycng to dance together We understood them ln our hves together. 5'4 • Jewish Italian

man. 6' 1" AfricanAmerican man. .• These dtfferences ano how we dared think that we could •. have a public conversation. And, we were companion� .. So,these were very importam cloruments because we were I the! product of a ceftalntime, of a tertatn culr111al ferment, if you will. and we were trying to make rt beautirut.

Friday, July 15 7 pm: Pre-performance lecture - Janet Wong. Asso<:tateA rtistic Director (A 14, Ans Center) 8 prn; Performance A (Body Agamst Body) (Callahar1 Theater} 10 pm· Po�t-show DJSCU!.slon- Bill T.Jones (Callahan Theater) Visit go.naz.eduldancefest for tickets to the Body Against Body performance and a complete listing of Dance Festival events. Nazareth • COLLEGE RG&E. 0Q ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011 9

BACARDt flEACH R 0

IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF ROCHESTER PRIDE 2011. 10 ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011

Tlandish ltdeos. GiftS & DRINK 714 Nocilt Gaa trr• Q Roc.hesfeco NY loC607 RESPONSIBLY

()f1�€fCIDT WIN€

SMillieliiDE Parade! lMI ou BooDJ.t ae PRIDE leslh1ll & I M : M

The Committee for Rochester PRIDE 2011 is happy to announce our Headquarter Hotel: The Holiday Inn Airport, 911 Brooks Ave., Rochester, NY 14624. The Holiday Inn Airport is offering a $99 per night rate! Call 585-328-6000 to make reservations. They have a huge indoor pool, great gym, awesome Italian restaurant and one of the most popular bars on the south side of the city! We look forward to a fantastic Kickoff Party there from 7- 10pm on Friday, july 15, 2011. Visit www.hirochesterairport.com and www.VisitRochester.com and stay a couple days with us!

Free Wine Tasting every Friday "Always fun always free" 149 Park Avenue Rochester, New York 585-211-0590 ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011 11

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1 Pride Pre-Parade 1 • I FAM ILY LUNCH I I Saturday, July 16 1 nightclub 1 11:30am-1:30pm I &ultralounge 1 Asbury First Methodist Church I l1 block from Pride Parade line-up I 1050 East Ave ., Rochester 14607 + now mobile DJ & complete entertainmentsystems 1 I Donation; $ adults; $3 children TILT CLUB: I 5 I (585) 232-8440 Menu; Pita w/ Humus or Turkey Sandwich SOUND DIVISION: (585) 594-9836 I Pasta Salad • Chips and Cookie • Water/Soda I .. ______.. 12 ROCHESTER PRIDE GUIDE JULY 2011

Holiday Inn Rochester Airport

Th e Holiday Inn Rochester Airport where g11ests "STAY YOU"

Hotel Features • 279 Well Appointed Guest Rooms with High Speed Internet Access �...... --....-===� • Largest Indoor Heated Swimming Pool with Whirlpool and Sauna in Rochester • Wireless Internet in all guest rooms and public areas of the hotel

Guest Services • 24-Hour Business Center • 24-Hour Exercise Facility with Tread Mill, Life Cycles, Stainnasters, Free Weights, Elliptical Machine & Three-Station Universal Weight Machine • Complimentary 24-Hour Airport Shuttle Service • Complimentary Local Calls • On-Premise Coin Operated Washer & Dryer • Divino Italian American Restaurant, ROC Bar & Grill, and Room Service

Guest Room Features • Pil1ow Top Mattress, Triple Sheeted Bed Linens, and "Soft"or "Firm" Pillows to Complete a Good Night's Rest • Bathrooms with curved shower rods and fabric shower curtains give you a fresh, spacious feel. • All Deluxe Accommodations include: Iron, Ironing Board, Hair Dryer, Complimentary Hj-Speed Internet, Coffee Maker, In-Room Movies, Cable, and Movie Channels

Meeting and Event Facilities • Perfect fo r Business and Social Events • Over 12,000 Square Feet of Flexible Meeting and Banquet Space • On-Site Catering Featuring Excellent Cuisine by Chef John LaRocca, served with Flair

PROUD SPONSORS OF ROCHESTER PRIDE 2011 Call to reserve your discounted room of $99 from July 8-17, 2011