The Empty Closet local, state and national news, newsmaker interviews, opinion, entertainment, columnists, event calendars, comics, and health resources number 472 a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley octoBER 2013

with a number of community partners who have offered to TM provide us with the space to con- tinue our work. For our Friday Night Youth Group and our reg- ular weekly SAGE meetings, we have arranged for meeting space at Open Arms MCC. They have moved into a new facility at 707 Empowering pride East Main, about two blocks for 40 years4 away. The location is on the bus line and actually provides better parking and access. EC: What about the other Youth events like the long run- ning after-school drop-in and of the Genesee Valley Prom? SCOTT: That’s a great ques- tion. Our Friday nights have become the most popular of our Darren Manzella Lapeira regular Youth events and draw T he Gay Alliance use and looked carefully at the youth from school districts all H eroic veteran dies in accident; at 40: Who are we numbers the room sat unused around the region, so that is why 85% of the time. Dropping our we first focused on finding a challenged DADT and where we are lease at this time will help us home for that activity. going? A talk with to become fiscally sound as we Our after-school drop-in pro- By Susan Jordan LGBT Military Service Members focus our energies on developing gram has changed dramatically Darren Manzella Lapeira, and Veterans now stand on. Even Scott Fearing a long-term solution to provid- in recent years and we are now 36, an Army vet who served after discharge from the US Army, By Susan Jordan ing LGBT Community space. working to create a youth pro- two tours of duty in Iraq and Darren continued his efforts and The Empty Closet sat down EC: Where will the Youth gram that recognizes the many spoke out against the military’s the support of his fellow Veter- with Gay Alliance Acting Group and SAGE meet? changes that have occurred in anti-gay “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ans as a well loved and respect- Executive Director Scott Fear- SCOTT: We are working LGBT lives. At this point all policy, died in a car accident in ed National Veteran Crisis Line ing to have a frank conversa- Rochester City Schools as well Pittsford Aug. 29. Responder at the Canandaigua tion about the organization and as many schools in the region Darren was a brave, powerful VA Medical Center. what he sees for the Gay Alli- have a GSA (Gay Straight Alli- and important voice in the bat- “We have lost a truly heroic ance’s future. The Empty Clos- ance) and so school-aged youth tle to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t young man who put service to et requested this conversation have access to resources and safe Tell”, speaking out about his community and country before because of rumors that are circu- places, and the City Recreation sexuality when it was forbidden self, fighting on the frontlines lating about the changes taking Department is gay-friendly and to do so. His interview with Les- for freedom and equality. My place within Rochester’s oldest is another safe after school space. lie Stahl on “60 Minutes” led to thoughts and prayers go out to LGBT organization. (A t Forty continues page 8) his discharge. He later moved Darren’s husband, Javier, his par- EC: Scott, let’s start with a to the Rochester area where he ents, Nancy and Michael and his very direct and immediate ques- had many close friends. He had extended family.” tion. We understand that you married Javier Lapeira only a few Kevin C.A. Elphick said, have closed the large meeting L ow voter turnout weeks before his death. “Darren was a much-beloved and room, known as the Commu- SLDN wrote at the time of respected colleague. Given the nity Center, on the first floor marks local his discharge, “The Iraq war vet- public manner in which he con- of the Auditorium Center, as of Primary Election eran was the first openly gay fronted ‘Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell’ as Oct. 1. Why was it necessary to active duty service member to an Active Duty soldier in Iraq, close that room? JORDAN SUSAN PHOTO: By Ove Overmyer speak with the media while serv- I cannot help but think of him SF: As I explain in my The underbelly of one of the ing inside a war zone.... Manzel- as a hero. He respectfully chal- monthly column (page 2) there Dawn Balsis is new city’s biggest election upsets in la, 30, enlisted in the U.S. Army lenged his country at the same were a number of contributing history was highlighted by the in 2002 and was twice deployed time he was serving to protect factors that led to giving up the Youth intern; youth lowest-ever voter turnout for a to the Middle East in support of its freedoms. He collaborated space as the most sensible course to meet at Open mayoral primary -- seen most Operation Iraqi Freedom. While with peers to sensitize providers of action for us and for the com- Arms MCC dramatically on the city’s tony under fire on the streets of Bagh- of services to veterans about the munity. It was not an easy deci- east side. dad, he provided medical care to unique needs of LGBT veterans sion, but one that was necessary. By Susan Jordan At midnight on elec- his fellow soldiers, Iraqi Nation- and their loved ones. Darren When I examined the room Dawn Balsis is coming onto tion night, with 166 total dis- al Guardsmen and civilians. He was dedicated and professional the Gay Alliance staff as the tricts reporting, Lovely Warren was awarded the Combat Medi- in his advocacy and support of new Youth Group intern. She amassed 8,515 votes (58.24%) cal Badge, and also received sev- veterans, as well as those serving G ay alliance will welcome the Out Loud Out compared to Mayor Richards’ eral other awards recognizing his in Active Duty. When he told Proud youth to their first meet- 6,060 votes (41.45%). courage and service.” me of his upcoming marriage, I PARTNERSHIPS ing at the new youth space at City Council President Love- John Altieri, former Gay Alli- was immediately impressed with Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main ly Warren managed to beat ance Board President, said, “As we the realization that Darren was T he Gay Alliance St., on Oct. 4. Mayor Tom Richards convinc- celebrate the release of our own riding the cutting edge of his- appreciates the continuing The group will meet on Fri- ingly, winning in parts of Roch- Rochester LGBT history docu- toric and positive changes for partnership of businesses days 7-9 p.m. at Open Arms. ester that previously went for mentary, Shoulders to Stand On, the LGBT community. With his within our community Dawn is a social worker who Mayor Richards and winning we need to celebrate the life of death the LGBT community has who support bigger in areas he had lost. Both Staff Sgt. Darren Manzella Lapei- lost a significant leader and an our mission and vision. completed her masters at Bos- ton University in 2011 and has campaigns told the EC Warren ra as a truly courageous indi- important role model.” P latinum Level worked at a rape crisis center (Voter continues page 3) vidual whose shoulders countless (Vet continues page 3) and domestic abuse shelter. She has been researching youth pro- grams around the country to I mageOut... discern best practices. Contents E xcellus “I like youth,” she said. page 27 Editorials...... 2 “They’re fun to hang out with Local/State News...... 3 and creative. Sometimes we National/International News..... 4 don’t give them the credit they Interview: Molly Clifford...... 7 deserve.” Candidates to Watch...... 12 The Marrying Kind...... 15 Trillium Health She hoped to meet with Shoulders To Stand On ...... 21 many youth before Oct. 4. “I’m Columnists ...... 22 really excited to meet the youth Community ...... 25 and work with them,” she said. Entertainment: ImageOut...... 27 “I want to learn what they think Gay Alliance: History Exhibit...... 30 and what they need.” Rainbow SAGE News...... 31 Calendar...... 34 Logical Operations Gay Alliance Executive Classifieds...... 34 Director Scott Fearing said that Comics...... 34, 35 additional youth programming Proud Publisher of New York and staff will be added as the State’s Oldest Lgbt Newspaper school year continues. ■ 2 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013 G ay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Gay Alliance Board of Trustees W. Bruce Gorman, Co-President and Secretary Emily Jones, Co-President, David Zona, Treasurer, Perspectives John Altieri, Chris Hilderbrant, Jeff Markarian, Peter Mohr, Jessica Muratore, Steve Santacroce, William Schaefer

T he Empty Closet Editor G ay Alliance Executive Director G ay alliance PARTNERSHIPS Susan Jordan Scott Fearing T he Gay Alliance and stubborn enough to resist. nity resource for many years. appreciates the continuing Patti Evans says in her Shoul- In this room we have hosted partnership of businesses ders To Stand On interview that many activities including some within our community she got involved with activism as diverse as our after-school who support our mission for gay rights because Bob men- drop-in programs, train- and vision. tored her at U.R. She said, “I ing and education programs, was mostly responding to Bob SAGE lunches and programs, G old Level Osborn’s taking me on as some- and a variety of community one he should tutor and help forums. The room has also grow, you know? And I want to been a meeting place for other point out with him, the man was organizations such as Equality a bona fide genius and he was [a] Rochester, the Rochester Bears, PhD physicist. But he was also… PFLAG, LORA and the Roch- a member of Mensa, which is ester Transgender Group. like the people with high IQs However, despite this in the country…. And it wasn’t diverse use, when I examined City of Rochester that he had a big ego about it at the space closely and ran some all, you know? In fact – Mensa, numbers it was clear that rent- Absolut/Malibu T hank you, Bob he took it seriously only because A ll together now ing the room was not a good Osborn he really enjoyed correspondence By Scott Fearing use of our funds, or more accu- with other people in it because As the Gay Alliance pre- rately, your funds. S ilver Level By Susan Jordan they operated on the same level For instance, there is no It’s Gay History Month, and pares for its fortieth year to 3 Olives he did….” wrap up, we are laser-focused air conditioning, which makes the Shoulders To Stand On doc- About Bob Osborn’s com- summer use very uncomfort- Baccardi umentary is out as well. This on our future and the future of mitted activism, Patti com- the Rochester LGBT Commu- able. Likewise, there is no way editor is remembering the late mented, “Well he… all his life for us to control the heat, and Bob Osborn, the founder of the nity. Each month in this space believed in human rights, civil I attempt to provide you with on occasion our after school Gay Liberation Front at the Uni- rights. So he was active in the activities were held huddled versity of Rochester. information about the many Civil Rights Movement... you changes that are happening at next to a space heater. It turned Barefoot Wine He formed the group shortly know the famous march with out that the space sat empty after his experience at the Stone- the Gay Alliance. Hedonist Artisan Chocolate Martin Luther King? He was The change that is getting and unused over 80 percent of wall Riots in 1969. The fire there, you know.” the time. So we were paying sparked by Stonewall resulted the most attention right now is John’s Tex Mex Thanks, Bob. We are all bet- the fact that we have cancelled to rent a space that was used in the creation of GLFs in New ter off here in 21st century Roch- for less than two hours a day. York City, Ithaca (Cornell) and ■ our lease on the large Com- ester because you were there. munity Room that we have There are better ways to use here in Rochester. Bob, a grad your donations. student at U.R., started GLF as been renting on the first floor of the Auditorium Center. I As we explore what space an on-campus group; it eventu- we may occupy in the future, ally became the Gay Alliance would like to explain the rea- sons why we took this action we are partnering with other of the Genesee Valley. He orga- organizations in Rochester to nized the first political actions and a little about our plans to help host our programs. For for gay rights in this city. provide uninterrupted services. instance, the Board and staff Bob was among the brave I feel that transparency and at MCC-Open Arms, in their pioneers (including Larry Fine, honesty are critical elements of new location at 707 East Main, Marshall Goldman, AJ Alcala, any relationship, but when it has offered to provide meeting Patti Evans, Bob Crystal, Karen comes to a community agency, space for our popular Friday Hagberg, etc.) who challenged it is critical. evening Youth Group, as well B ronze Level what was then taken for granted You donate your time and as for our SAGE group. by society – that LGBT people money to the Gay Alliance, We are working hard to Ameriprise were pariahs, subhumans and you attend our community build a strong foundation on Canandaigua heartless sexual predators who events, you read our newspa- which, together, we can build National Bank & Trust not only didn’t deserve civil per. That means that we must the Gay Alliance of the future. Corning Inc. rights, but did deserve death, keep you informed about what As the oldest, strongest voice either by murder or by suicide. we do. I take the responsibil- for the LGBT Community in Equal Grounds Coffee It is hard to imagine the ity of being a good steward of Rochester we will be here with House & Gift House courage and resolve it took in your support very seriously. For you, and the LGBTA people Harter Secrest and Emery LLP 1969 to face this bigoted hate your financial support you can yet to come out. By working that has festered for centuries expect that we will use your together we can ensure that the ImageOut -- and still exists. If the injustice gift wisely. future looks very bright. ■ Jaegermeister and violence have now started The Community Room to go away, it is because people that we have rented on the first Kittleberger Florist and like Bob Osborn were dedicated Bob Osborn (right) at the march floor of the Auditorium Center Gifts to social change and were brave to City Hall from Xerox in 1972. has been a wonderful commu- Labor Federation Macy’s

10/13 New York Life The Gay Alliance: Name Out and Equal NY Finger Lakes Forty years of advocating for the fair and Address Outlandish City/State/Zip equal treatment of all people, regardless Sky Vodka of their sexual orientation, gender identity Phone St. John Fisher or gender expression. Join us for forty more! E-mail Tompkins Enterprises Victory Alliance Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100-999 Champion Wegmans ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP ❏ Check enclosed in the amount of ______(check #______) Please charge my credit card in the amount of ______C hampion Level To: ❏ American Express, ❏ Discover, ❏ MasterCard, ❏ Visa Credit card # ______Exp. Date: ______Mass Mutual of Buffalo ❏ I would be proud to have my donation publicly acknowledged. Park Avenue ❏ Please provide me Rainbow SAGE program news (age 50 & over). Merchants Association B enefits include: Subscription to The Empty Closet mailed to home or Pride @Work work, plus privileges at each level. Phone: 585 244-8640 or mail to: Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main St., Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Home delivery of Third Presbyterian Church the Empty Closet is free with your annual membership in the Gay Alliance. The Woolbright Group 40 HCR Home Care octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 3

of homosexuality.” Darren was row,” Warren told a slew of page one told he was “not gay.” That was reporters on election night; if an order. It was wartime, and the elected she will become the city’s Army needed him. first female mayor. “I take noth- NewsFronts (Vet from page 1) During his second tour in ing for granted. I am going to Iraq, he was asked to be inter- campaign until all the votes are A dvocate op/ed viewed by 60 Minutes as part of counted in November.” salutes Manzella a special report about DADT. Richards announced on Sept. L ocal and State By David Stalling http:// He knew the risks but knew it 17 that he will not run for re- www.advocate.com/commen- was time to take a stand and election. Mayoral candidate Alex tary/2013/09/06/op-ed-tribute- help make a difference. He was White has the Green Party line. fallen-soldier-darren-manzella the first openly gay soldier to be Warren’s unofficial vote total P ride Agenda in his locksmith shop on 90th Perhaps it’s the marine in me, interviewed from a combat zone. closely mirrored that of Wade Street when he heard the com- but I don’t use the term hero The report was aired in Decem- Norwood, the endorsed candi- launches trans motion. A law enforcement offi- lightly. It should be reserved for ber 2007, and it led to his even- date in the 2005 mayoral pri- resource guide cial initially told NBC 4 New those who boldly go above and tual discharge in 2008. mary. He lost to eventual mayor York that Orozco was attacked beyond by taking extraordinary After his talk in Boston, Dar- and now lieutenant governor The Pride Agenda has offi- over his cell phone. risks to do what’s right against ren and I walked the Freedom Robert Duffy by 10 percentage cially unveiled the first com- The NY Daily News reports tremendous odds despite real and Trail on a brutally cold day and points. Warren bested Richards prehensive New York State on what set Torres off: potential negative consequences. talked with respect and admi- by 16 percentage points. Transgender Resource Guide. Its “He (Torres) said the vic- Darren Manzella was a hero. ration about those colonial-era To complicate matters, there home at nytransguide.com is the tim was blowing kisses to him. On August 29, 2013, Dar- rebels who risked everything to were the errant polls that showed culmination of a months-long That’s what set him off,” a ren died in a traffic accident in stand up against tyranny and Richards with a sizable and wid- project of finding, vetting and source said. “This is what he is western New York. He was 36. fight for liberty and equality. We ening advantage. But both sides procuring a wide range of trans- claiming.” A bright and beautiful flame stopped to warm up at a bar and say the result could have been to gender resources across the state. ABC News adds: Police say has been extinguished. He left swapped war stories. suppress their turnout, as sup- The user-friendly guide is cat- Torres tried to run from the our world too soon, but he left I shared my own struggles of porters either guessed it was in egorized by topics and includes scene before they apprehended our world a better place. But coming to terms with my sexu- the bag or a lost cause. Ally Resources; Anti-Violence, him. Torres reportedly struggled before this, I had the honor and ality and coming out. I served Warren now has the advan- Self Defense and Survivor against his cuffs minutes after privilege of working with and before “don’t ask, don’t tell,” tage, the Democratic nominee Resources; Disability Resourc- the brutal crime that left eyewit- getting to know Darren during when the unofficial policy — at in a city where enrolled Demo- es; Elder Resources; Employ- nesses speechless. my short time as a grassroots least in the Marine Corps — was crats outnumber all others 3 to ment Resources; Health Services “I really don’t know what to organizer for the Servicemembers “anyone finds out and you’re 2, and now eligible to receive (By Region); HIV/AIDS Ser- think,” witness Julio Lobaton Legal Defense Network (now dead.” I was envious yet hope- party support. vice Organizations; Housing said. “I’m just shaken because OutServe-SLDN), which led the ful when he told me how most of Haag keeps ballot seat on and Shelter; Immigration and what happen to this poor guy... battle to repeal the archaic “don’t his comrades in arms didn’t care. City Council Services for Immigrants; Inter- He was screaming, ‘Help me ask, don’t tell.” They fully accepted him. One There were no big surprises sex/DSD Resources; Legal Ser- help me.’ I tried to intervene, In the winter of 2009 we even invited Darren and his boy- in the Rochester City Council vices (Name Change/Other but then he pulled a knife and traveled to Boston together to friend to her wedding. The only At-Large race, with all incum- Legal Needs); Mental Health started stabbing the guy on the meet with folks working on the soldiers within the ranks still bents winning enough votes to Services (By Region); Partner- floor. Then he went up about repeal of DADT. It was the first holding on to the wrongs of the appear on the Democratic Party ship, Parenting and Families three steps came back.” time I watched him give a speech past were the older ones. Times ballot line for the November (By Region); Prison and Reen- Torres led good samaritans he frequently gave to groups, were changing, and Darren was general election. try Services; Religious Orga- on a chase through the neigh- to the media, and in front of on the front lines. Loretta Scott lead all prima- nizations/Communities (By borhood before police caught up congressional committees to When he was warned to “turn ry vote-getters receiving 19.07% Region); Substance Use and to him. The assailant reportedly change people’s hearts and minds down the flame” he instead piled of the tally. Carolee Conklin Recovery Services; Transition said nothing as he brutalized about gays serving in the mili- on the fuel and fanned flames (14.03%), Jackie Ortiz (13.63%), Resources and Youth Resources. his victim, but laughed when tary. He was persuasive. Not just of change. At a Washington, Dana Miller (13.21%) and Matt Prominently outfitted on the he was finally caught. “He was because he lit up the place with D.C., press conference, he once Haag (10.12%) rounded out the site is a “Do you need sup- laughing, yes,” Lobaton said. his smile, charm, and charisma, said, “This is who I am. This is nominated candidates. port right now?” link that takes “He was laughing like nothing.” but because he spoke honestly, my life. It has never affected my Haag told the EC on Primary the visitor to a page with crisis Read more: http://www.towl- humbly, and sincerely from his job performance.” Once, when Election night, “I am thankful resources, including a list of eroad.com/#ixzz2f9gkXaDp heart based on his own experi- asked if repeal of DADT would to the citizens of Rochester for local hospitals, mental health NYC homocides rise ences, which were impressively negatively affect the military, their support in the Democratic services, and crisis lines. The This is the third anti-LGBT significant. he responded, “I was an openly primary. I’m honored to contin- guide is the first to provide homicide in New York City He enlisted in the Army in gay man in the Army, and the ue to represent the many voic- information for transgender and so far this year, following the 2002, was trained as a medical Army’s still standing.” es of our City. This campaign gender non-conforming New homicides of Mark Carson in specialist, and served two tours The Army is not only still season we spent time knocking Yorkers throughout the state in May and transwomen Islan in Iraq. Among many other dis- standing, it’s stronger — as are on doors, ringing phones, and one easy-to-use space. Nettles in August. tinctions, he was awarded the all branches of our military; as engaging with Rochesterians in “We rarely see multiple anti- Combat Medical Badge. While is our nation — thanks, in no every neighborhood. The spirit 69-year-old man LGBT homicides in New York small part, to Darren Manzella. witnessing the brutalities of war and enthusiasm of Rochester is stabbed to death City in one year,” said Sharon he wondered, like most com- This is who he was. This was inspiring. That being said, the Stapel, Executive Director of the bat soldiers do, if he would ever his life. turnout at this year’s primary in NYC; blew Anti Violence Project. “Since return home. But unlike most was extraordinarily low, and we kisses May, we have seen homicides combat soldiers, he was saddened need to remember that there are in the West Village, Harlem Steven Torres, a 22-year-old by the thought that those he (Voter from page 1) still many big elections coming and Jackson Heights and we in November. We will vote for Bronx man, has been charged loved most may never know all got her supporters to the polls. know that any neighborhood in our Democratic judicial candi- with second-degree murder as a New York City can be impact- of who he was. So he came out to She connected with voters where his friends and family. dates and our council race is still hate crime for stabbing 69-year- ed by anti-LGBT violence. We “I had kept myself in the Richards didn’t and promised not a done deal. Now as always it old Edward Orozco of Queens are extremely concerned about closet for years,” he said, “and I change for a city she said is is important that everyone exer- to death under the elevated 7 this disturbing trend of violence didn’t want to live like that any- in crisis, as violence swelled in cise their right to vote.” train subway station at 90th against our communities.” more.” recent weeks. NYC sees record number of and Roosevelt in Queens on According to the NYPD, He started dating. A few pho- The Sept. 10 election turn- gay candidates advance Sept. 16. Torres has also been charged tos and videos circulated of him out was unofficially just 22.6 Democratic voters in the big Initially it was thought that with the stabbing of a second enjoying time with his boyfriend. percent, which compares with apple sent a record number of the motivation for the attack man, which occurred on Sept. In some they were kissing. Word 36.4 percent in the 2005 may- LGBT candidates to the city was the victim’s cell phone, but 12 inside 9 Stanton Street near gradually got out, rumors spread, oral primary and 44 percent council, electing three incum- NBC New York now reports Bowery, because, reportedly, and he started receiving threat- in the prior mayoral primary bents and three newcomers in that it was because the victim Torres believed that a 47 year ening, anonymous emails. “Turn in 1993. In each instance, the the Democratic primary. was perceived as gay. old unidentified man was mak- down the flame,” said one. Every party’s endorsed candidate lost. Historic wins came in the Witnesses said the knife was ing sexual advances toward him. day he wondered if and when What seemed to bother most outer boroughs, where Brook- nearly eight inches long. The second man Torres claimed military police might show up party operatives was not who lyn’s Carlos Menchaca upset NBC New York reports: was gay survived the injuries. to arrest him. He described it as won the election — it was the incumbent Sara Gonzalez in the A 22-year-old man is accused AVP is reaching out to Make a time of “fear and deep insecu- fact that Democratic Party lead- District 38 race with 58% of of stabbing a 69-year-old man the Road NY and other commu- rity.” ers are seeing a steady drop in the vote. In the Bronx, voters in to death on a Queens street nity based partners, the NYPD Knowing he risked being voter turnout, which says very District 15 elected Ritchie Tor- because he thought he was Hate Crimes Task Force and stripped of rank — which would little about a true representative res with 36% of the vote in gay, police said... Orozco was the Queens District Attorney’s cause him to lose money by being government. a 6-way race. Both Menchaca stabbed near Roosevelt Avenue Office’s, which are current- booted out of the Army — he It was the east side that car- and Torres will become the first and 90th Street in Elmhurst as ly investigating this incident, nevertheless met with his com- ried Mayor Thomas Richards to openly gay Councilmembers he was feeding a parking meter, and Council Members Danny manding officer to discuss his victory just two years ago. The from their respective boroughs. witnesses said. Witnesses ran Dromm and Jimmy Van Bram- struggles and reveal his true self. east side also was the difference Incumbents Danny after Torres and held him for er. “I didn’t know what else to do to maker in the 2005 mayoral pri- Dromm of District 25 police until he was taken into AVP organized a Commu- keep my sanity,” he said. It was mary. Compared with that elec- and Jimmy Van Bramer of Dis- custody. nity Safety Night for Sept. 20 in the right thing to do; individual tion, more than a third fewer trict 26 were unopposed in the “There was a lot of scream- Jackson Height, Queens. More emotional distractions can affect east-side voters cast a ballot this primary elections, while District ing, and all I could see was the information about the Commu- everyone in a combat unit. An time around. 2 Councilwoman Rosie Men- guy was stabbing him -- stab- nity Safety Night updates about investigation was launched and “I’m taking it all in before we dez fended off a primary chal- bing him and stabbing him,” these incidents will be posted on concluded there was “no proof get back to work again tomor- (Voter continues page 6) said Eddie De Jesus, who was AVP’s Facebook. ■ 4 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

terical references to “bathrooms.” passage of the non-discrimination ordi- The measure’s passage follows months nance. Over many months, GetEQUAL of public debate, public prayer against it, Texas has told the stories of those who NewsFronts and headlines over City Councilwoman would be most directly impacted, and Elisa Chan’s remarks on the bill, in which has refused to accept the compromise of she called LGBT people “disgusting”. an exemption that would have dispropor- (towleroad.com) tionately impacted transgender residents. national and international Human Rights Campaign statement Through intensive grassroots organizing San Antonio is the nation’s sev- and direct action, GetEQUAL Texas has enth-largest city... Today’s vote added worked deeply with the CAUSA coalition sexual orientation and gender identity to ensure that a fully inclusive ordinance O klahoma refuses equal a basis for denying custody. protections into ordinances governing city passed. Other grounds include alcoholism, employment, contracting, housing and Jennifer Falcon, lead San Antonio benefits for gay National drug use, and abuse. Alexei Zhuravlev, public accommodations. The City Coun- organizer with GetEQUAL Texas, stated, Guard spouses the author of the bill, referred to the ear- cil passed the updates despite an ugly “Today San Antonio made great strides lier law and said that homosexual “propa- smear campaign mounted by anti-LGBT in the worldwide movement for LGBT By Andy Towle on towleroad.com ganda” had to be banned not only in the activists that included harmful propa- equality. I am proud today to thank our Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has public space “but also in the family.” ganda directed particularly at transgender Councilmembers and the CAUSA coali- ordered the state’s National Guard to stop Zhuravlev’s bill hopes to amend Arti- San Antonians. tion for their hard work, and I’m proud processing military benefits for same-sex cle 69 (Termination of Parental Rights) “The San Antonio City Council did to stand shoulder to shoulder with the couples, the AP reports. of the Family Code with a measure that the right thing today in updating their people of San Antonio who supported this Last month, the Pentagon issued new says that having gay parents can do “great ordinances to reflect the basic value that ordinance after months of debate and long orders offering partner benefits to troops harm” to a child’s mind. all city residents deserve to be treat- hours of testimony. Today is a very, very with same-sex spouses. Said Zhuravlev: “The bill is for those ed equally under the law,” said Human proud day.” Fallin spokesman Alex Weintz told whose families have broken up due to Rights Campaign President Chad Grif- “Today our community took a bold The Associated Press that the governor non-traditional contacts of one of the fin. “Mayor Julian Castro’s support and stand in demanding that all be protected,” was following the wish of Oklahoma spouses, or parents who do not hide sexual leadership on getting this done shows his said Jay Morris-Spriggs, a lead organizer voters, who approved a constitutional relations with persons of the same sex.” real commitment to making San Antonio with GetEQUAL Texas. “The united amendment that prohibits giving benefits Zhuravlev went on to tell the paper that if a world-class city where all citizens are voices of our community could not be of marriage to gay couples. a spouse suspects her husband is a practic- treated with dignity and respect. Today’s silenced and we stand not only with a new Because of that prohibition, Weintz ing homosexual, “We have a court and the vote is a victory, but the attacks we saw city ordinance protecting all of the LGBT said the governor’s legal staff advised the Investigative Committee....” from our opposition in the run-up to this community, but with a new-found sense Oklahoma National Guard not to process Attorneys expressed skepticism, noting -- particularly the transphobic messaging of community that will continue forward requests for benefits from gay couples. that it is difficult to prove certain relation- -- remind us of the ruthless tactics they on the path to full equality.” With the order, Fallin has joined ships and the bill would be used specu- use to promote discrimination against David Cisneros, a San Antonio orga- Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana in refus- latively and create many fraudulent and LGBT people. nizer with GetEQUAL Texas, stated, ing to comply with the order and process provocative custody lawsuits. “HRC was proud to partner with “We are filled with pride in our city, its the spousal benefits, based on state laws In the documents submitted with the the Community Alliance for a United leaders, and those who poured countless banning same-sex marriage. Florida may bill, Zhuravlev referred to the flawed, San Antonio (CAUSA) in bringing the hours, weeks, and months into working also decide not to comply. misleading, and scientifically unsound updates to a successful council vote. San toward this ordinance. As someone who is The American Military Partner Asso- report on gay parenting conducted by Antonio Councilman Diego Bernal was descended from the founding families of ciation (AMPA), the nation’s premier UT-Austin professor Mark Regnerus and the sponsor of this bill, and the ordinance San Antonio, I can honestly say I’ve never resource and support network for LGBT sponsored by U.S. religious right-wing updates also enjoyed the strong backing been prouder of this city and its people.” military families. released a statement in hate groups. of Mayor Julian Castro. Mayor Castro’s “Texas is on the front lines of a nation- response: On Sept. 4, in an interview with the LGBT Liaison Adam Greenup was instru- al movement for civil rights and social “Since the governor of Oklahoma has AP, Russian President Vladimir Putin mental in the success of this ordinance.” progress,” said Heather Cronk, co-direc- decided to join Texas, Mississippi, and denied the existence of anti-gay laws in In addition to CAUSA, a number tor of GetEQUAL. “From immigration Louisiana in playing politics with our Russia, and said athletes and activists of other groups contributed to the vic- to LGBT equality to reproductive justice, military families, we need immediate and would not be punished for expressing sup- all eyes are on Texas. As a native Texan, decisive action from the Administration tory, including Equality Texas, GetEqual port for gay rights at the Sochi Olympics. Texas, the San Antonio Gender Alli- I’m proud that GetEQUAL Texas has put and the Defense Department in affirm- RELATED: Last year Russia’s official a stake in the ground there, ensuring that ing that all military spouses, regardless of ance, Transgender Education Network of state news agency reported that Zhurav- Texas, and the Esperanza Peace & Justice the Lone Star State will become the home sexual orientation, will be treated equally. lev, a member of the ruling United Rus- of an intersectional movement for justice. Our military families should not be left Center. Though the work ahead of us contin- sia Party, had been unanimously elected San Antonio scored 48 out of 100 vulnerable to the prejudice of state gover- to run a reinstated rightwing nationalist ues, today I’m proud of the innumerable nors, and the Defense Department must points on the HRC Foundation’s 2012 LGBT and allied Texans who came for- party. A nationalist party that once called Municipal Equality Index, and HRC use its control of federal funds to stop this itself “Putin’s political spetsnaz,” or special ward, shared their stories, and created an discrimination.” expects that score to improve dramati- unceasing drumbeat for justice.” force, was reinstated in Moscow on Aug. cally this year as a result of Mayor Cas- A spokesman for the Oklahoma 31, six years after the Kremlin had it can- National Guard says that they will now tro’s leadership. The MEI is a nationwide celed. Rodina (“Fatherland”) will remain evaluation of municipal laws affecting the N ew Calif. bill will direct applicants to nearby federal facili- staunchly loyal to President Vladimir ties. He adds, “We want our soldiers to LGBT community. It examines the laws, simplify transgender Putin because of his “patriotic stance,” policies and services of municipalities have all the benefits to which they’re which is also at the core of the party’s ide- legal issues entitled.” from across the country and rates them ology, said new Rodina leader Zhuravlev. on the basis of the inclusivity of LGBT The National Gay and Lesbian Task -JoeMyGod.com people in the city’s laws and policies. Force applauds the signing by Gov. Jerry P roposed Russian bill GetEqual statement Brown of a bill to make it safer and eas- would take children from S an Antonio adopts non- GetEQUAL Texas -- a statewide grass- ier for transgender people to access legal gay parents discrimination ordinance roots social justice organization working name changes and identity documents toward the full equality of all LGBT Tex- that reflect their gender identity. The leg- Gay parents would lose custody of San Antonio, Texas passed an LGBT ans -- celebrated the passage of the city- islation (AB 1121) was recently approved their children under the terms of a new non-discrimination ordinance in a vote wide non-discrimination ordinance. by the state senate and was approved in bill proposed in Russia, the AP reports: of 8-3 on Sept. 5. The ordinance includes GetEQUAL Texas -- members of the the state assembly on May 9. The draft bill, published on parlia- protections for trans citizens in spite of CAUSA coalition that has been working “This vital law does justice for trans- ment’s website on Sept. 5, would make the many attempts by conservative opponents for years to gain these protections – stated gender people in California,” says Rea “fact of nontraditional sexual orientation” to demonize trans people and many hys- that the organization is thrilled with the Carey, executive director of the Nation- octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 5 al Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “Our Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Tickets to the 17th annual Miami cent of respondents who have interacted national transgender discrimination sur- “I am deeply honored to be recognized Recognition Dinner are $250 for general with police reported harassment by police, vey shows pervasive bias against trans- by this wonderful organization that has admission and $350 for VIP admission with much higher rates reported by people gender people when trying to access basic been fighting for LGBT equality for the (which includes a private VIP cocktail of color; Almost half of the respondents services due to an inability to update their past four decades,” said George Takei. “It reception and a meet and greet prior to (46 percent) reported being uncomfort- official documents. This law makes it eas- is a privilege to be part of an event like the the dinner). Tickets are available online able seeking police assistance; 41 percent ier for transgender Californians to freely 17th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner at www.miamirecognitiondinner.org and of respondents reported attempting sui- live the lives we all have the right to have.” that raises money for multiple organiza- by phone at 305.571.1924. Become a fan cide, compared to 1.6 percent of the gen- California previously required a court tions serving our community.” of the Miami Recognition Dinner on eral population. hearing as a prerequisite to changing the This annual fundraising event honors Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/ Private Manning issued a public state- gender marker on a birth certificate. Now individuals for their outstanding contri- MiamiDinner and follow on Twitter and ment, read by her lawyer, which explicitly individuals will be able to avoid going to butions to the social, cultural, political Instagram at @SparkleMRD. and unambiguously stated that she should court and apply directly to the Office of and humanitarian needs of the LGBT be referred to as Chelsea and to use female Vital Records to amend a birth certifi- community. M edia display ignorance, pronouns. The Associated Press and the cate. Additionally, transgender people will George Takei has appeared in more New York Times have both announced no longer have to pay to publish a notice than 40 feature films and hundreds of bias on Manning, trans that they will refer to Chelsea as she of the intended name change in the local television guest-starring roles. He is best people requested, and other media outlets should newspaper for four weeks. AB 1121 will known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helms- do the same. make this process easier, more private and man of the USS Enterprise in the televi- The media has a long and poor track The Associated Press Style Guide more affordable. sion series Star Trek. Takei also portrayed record of reporting on transgender peo- states that when referring to a transgender The Task Force and National Center the character in six “Star Trek” feature ple, and the coverage surrounding Private person, to “Use the pronoun preferred by for Transgender Equality’s groundbreak- films and in an episode of “Star Trek: Chelsea Manning has brought that lack the individuals.” When this guideline is ing study, Injustice at Every Turn: A Voyager.” of fair and accurate coverage into sharp not observed, one can assume a political focus. Report of the National Transgender Dis- An outspoken advocate for civil rights, agenda, bias or ignorance. crimination Survey, revealed that only 24 According to GLAAD, “The coverage The following are commonly accept- Takei has used his unmistakable baritone that we have seen thus far has relied on percent of transgender respondents were in several satiric PSAs, including one in ed guidelines for covering a transgender able to change the gender marker on their stereotypical images, contrived confusion person: Always use a transgender per- response to Tennessee’s infamous “Don’t over names and pronouns, and an obses- birth certificates. Only 59 percent were Say Gay” bill that encourages viewers to son’s preferred name; Whenever possible, able to update their driver’s license. Pre- sion with surgery.” Examples include: ask transgender people which pronoun say, “It’s OK to be Takei.” USA Today displaying a graphic that senting incongruent documents is a seri- In April 2006, Takei embarked on a they would like used; Do not put quota- ous risk for transgender people. Forty-four outlines several of the surgeries transgen- tion marks around either a transgender nationwide speaking tour called “Equality der women may elect to undergo, overem- percent of respondents reported being Trek” in which he talked about his life as person’s preferred name or the pronoun harassed, assaulted, or asked to leave an phasizing and sensationalizing the role of that reflects that person’s gender identity; a gay Japanese American. He married his surgeries in the life of a transgender per- establishment when doing so. life partner of more than 25 years, Brad Avoid pronoun confusion when examin- California joins Oregon, Vermont, son. A transgender identity is not deter- ing the stories and backgrounds of trans- Takei, in 2008 at the Democracy Forum mined by medical procedures. Washington State and the District of of the Japanese American National Muse- gender people prior to their transition. In Columbia in modernizing birth certificate The New York Times, Washington Private Manning’s case, she may simply be um in Los Angeles. In 2009, George and Post, CNN, NPR, NBC, Fox News, statutes and policies, as well as the federal Brad made television history when they referred to as Private Manning. government’s consular reports of births Reuters, and a host of other outlets wrote GLAAD says, “Private Manning’s became the first gay couple to be invited articles that outlined the “struggles” that abroad issued to citizens born outside the to appear on “The Newlywed Game,” the story presents an opportunity for the U.S., in the last five years. media outlets faced in referring to Private media to do a better job of telling the long-running show now airing on GSN Manning as Chelsea or choosing a pro- cable network. They won the game, earn- story of everyday transgender people who noun. The Washington Post, Fox News, are simply trying to live their lives. The ing a $10,000 donation for the Japanese and CNN, still refuse to honor Private American National Museum. media has an opportunity -- and the Manning’s preferred name and pronouns. responsibility -- to improve its reporting In 2012, he starred alongside Martin CNN’s Jake Tapper conducted an Sheen and Jamie Lee Curtis in a perfor- and accurately reflect the lives of trans- interview with a close friend of Manning, gender people.” mance of Dustin Lance Black’s play “8,” continually referring to Manning as Brad- a staged reenactment of the federal trial ley, and also referring to his guest as a “gay that overturned California’s Prop 8 ban man” when she is a transgender woman. L ast month in hate: a on marriage for same-sex couples. The The media disrespected and insulted homophobic news production was held at the Wilshire Ebell all transgender people by using phrases roundup for September Theatre and broadcast on YouTube to like “choose to be a girl,” and by CNN raise money for the American Foundation panelist Richard Herman saying that “Christian” radio show host says for Equal Rights. For more information Manning will “get good practice” as a gays should be told to die at their wed- on George Takei, please visit www.george- woman in prison, presumably referring to ding ceremonies; a Biblical death threat takei.com. rape as a joke. Fox News offended with a could be written in icing on the cake His current projects include the musi- broadcast segment on Private Manning by you considerately make for the wedding, cal “Allegiance,” drawn from his experi- playing Aerosmith’s “Dude (Looks Like he suggests. Anti-gay pastor and host ence of growing up in Japanese American A Lady).” of “Generations Radio” Kevin Swanson internment camps during World War Transgender people face tremendous stated last month on his radio show that II, and the recently published, Oh Myyy! levels of discrimination and violence. attending gay weddings is fine... as long There Goes the Internet. According to the National Coalition of as you quote the bible calling for their The Miami Recognition Dinner will Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), 53% execution. include a cocktail reception followed by of anti-LGBT homicide victims in 2012 In his own words: “[...]attend the wed- a sit-down dinner, awards ceremony and were transgender women—most were ding and hold up the sign Leviticus 20:13 E ngage, Mr. Sulu: Takei dancing. Attendees will also have the transgender women of color. According to word for word: ‘If a man sleeps with a wins Task Force award opportunity to bid on a variety of silent the report “Injustice at Every Turn”: man as he sleeps with a woman the two auction items. Transgender people experience unem- of them have committed an abomination The National Gay and Lesbian Task Over the years — through the Din- ployment at twice the rate of the general and they shall both be put to death.’ You Force has announced that famed actor, ner and its sister event the Winter Party population, with rates for people of color could attend a wedding and hold up that author and social justice activist George Festival — the Task Force has contribut- up to four times the national unemploy- sign[...] If you bake a cake for a homosex- Takei will receive the 2013 National ed approximately $1.65 million to South ment rate. ual wedding you can put Leviticus 20:13 Leadership Award at the 17th Annual Florida grassroots LGBT organizations Ninety percent of transgender people on the cake.” Miami Recognition Dinner, presented by through the Miami Foundation GLBT report experiencing harassment, mistreat- This is nothing new coming from Wells Fargo, on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Community Projects Fund. ment or discrimination on the job; 22 per- (H ate continued page 6) 6 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

in Oman. And if there are, they get three page one years in jail. According to Reuters, “It included a number of interviews with gay men and (Voter continued from page 3) women, including Omanis and expatri- lenge and secured a third term with 81% ates. One expatriate argued that it was not of the vote. Finally, Corey Johnson won difficult to be homosexual in Oman com- the District 3 primary with 63% of the pared to other conservative Gulf states.” vote to succeed Council speaker Christine Oman’s ministry of information Quinn. charged the publisher with “harming soci- Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of ety, its principles, religion, values, the the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and dignity of its people or public manners Institute, praised the outcome. “By elect- through publishing what goes against ing these candidates tonight, New York- media laws and regulations.” ers took a major step toward a Council The first week in September, the news- that truly reflects the incredible diversity paper published a front page apology, of this city.” reading: “TheWeek places on record that All six candidates competed in heavily there was never any intention to know- Democratic districts, making them virtu- ingly or unknowingly cause harm, offend ally assured of victory in November. or hurt the sentiments of the people.” Quinn bid for Mayor falls short The maximum penalty for homosexu- New York City Council Speaker ality in Oman is three years in prison. Christine Quinn, who is openly lesbian, Russia’s “gay propaganda” law finished third in the city’s Democratic doesn’t affect gays… so suppress Olym- mayoral primary, falling short in her bid pic protests. H ardware store proposal comes as big surprise to become the city’s first woman and les- Dmitry Chernyshenko, the organiz- bian mayor. ing chief of the Sochi Games, begged Not your normal trip to the hardware store: With 95% of precincts reporting just the International Olympic Commitee to Dustin arrived at the Home Depot in Salt Lake City thinking he was there to help before midnight on Sept. 11, Quinn had “do something” about all the building his roommate pick out some lighting for a party. When he was taken to the lumber aisle, secured about 15% of the citywide vote. outrage over Russia’s anti-gay laws, con- what he found waiting for him was a mob of friends and family as his marriage proposal She finished behind public advocate Bill cerned about the fallout possible dem- unfolded to the song, “Somebody Loves You” by Betty Who. de Blasio, who led with 40% of the vote, onstrations would cause, the AP reports: Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/#ixzz2emIdTiMt and 2009 nominee William C. Thomp- “It’s very important to have your support The couple said, “Spencer and Dustin would like to thank all of our amazing family son, who placed second with 26.4%. to stop this campaign and this speculation and friends for their continued love and support!” If de Blasio’s margin holds, he will nar- regarding this issue,” Chernyshenko said Points for choosing gay-friendly Home Depot, of course. –JoeMyGod.com rowly reach the 40% threshold needed to at an assembly of members of the IOC. avoid an Oct. 1 runoff with Thompson. Marketing commission chairman “There’s no sugar-coating what a Gerhard Heiberg added: “Especially the tough loss this is for Christine, her sup- American sponsors are afraid what could porters, and all of us here at Victory,” said happen. This could ruin a lot for all of Once inside the property in Bukavu, A few days prior to the attack, Bitorwa, Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of the us.” in the east of the Democratic Republic of one of the executive members of Rainbow Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Insti- Reuters adds that Chernyshenko the Congo (DRC), they assaulted Léonie Sunrise Mapambazuko, a Congolese orga- tute. “But she gave this campaign her all, claimed that the law banning “gay propa- Bitorwa, 40, a lesbian activist who shel- nization that promotes the equal rights and we were proud to stand with her.” ganda” does not affect gays. And because tered gay youth in her home. of LGBT people, had received a series of Some commentators say her defeat Putin recently gave an award to a gay per- Details of the raid in the early after- homophobic threats both on the phone was more a rejection of outgoing Mayor son, Russia respects homosexuals. (Just noon of 22 July have just emerged. A and on the streets of her neighborhood. Michael Bloomberg, who was seen as ignore all those bashings and murders. crowd of approximately 20 neighbors and Bitorwa’s residence provided tempo- Quinn’s mentor, than a rejection of Quinn Think MARKETING!) ‘polices de l’hygiène et l’assainissement’ rary shelter to 21 gay, lesbian, and trans- herself. Bill De Blasio’s wife, who formerly – JoeMyGod.com – a branch of the DRC’s national police gender young people who were rejected identified as lesbian, attacked Quinn dur- Rightwing alternative to Boy Scouts responsible for enforcing sanitation, by their families, either while they were ing the campaign as being unconcerned says no rainbows allowed building, and municipal codes – forced pending reconciliation or when the fam- and uninformed about families because The Washington Times reports: At the their way into Bitorwa’s house wielding ily mediation efforts of Rainbow Sunrise she is a lesbian. opening session, John Stemberger, chair- machetes and hammers. Mapambazuko did not succeed. The Democratic nominee will face man of the board of antigay Trail Life Moments before the attack took place, The former residents would otherwise Republican nominee Joseph J. Lhota in USA, teased the crowd of 1,200, saying she heard the irate throng coming. “I have had to resort to prostituting them- the November general election. ■ he would not be surprised if there were thought I was going to die,” she said. selves in brothels for livelihood, due to “spies” from Grapevine, Texas — BSA’s According to Bitorwa, someone from lack of sufficient means. national home base — in the audience. That the group proclaimed at her door: “It is “I don’t know where the kids went would make sense, since everyone from here that the dirty girl destroys the moral- after the attack,” said Bitorwa, visibly dis- and international supporters to the curious want to know ity of our brothers and sisters by estab- traught, “I’ve tried to contact them, but what’s being planned, he said, adding that lishing a home for homosexuals in our most of them have dispersed.” (Hate continues from page 5) Trail Life USA will not be “anti-BSA.” neighborhood, we don’t want that in our Two months after the attack, only one Swanson. The man has page after page of The conference’s theme was “Honor- neighborhood.” of house’s original residents, a withdrawn his antics listed on Right Wing Watch and ing the Legacy, Raising the Standard.” Bitorwa said she called the head of her young lesbian, continues to sleep in what has declared such insane things as Mark Trail Life USA’s name, drawn from more district (Nyalukemba), who told her that remains of the house – a lean-to with one Twain was possessed by demons, the Col- than 300 options, was carefully vetted he would arrive within minutes but he half exposed to the outside. orado floods were caused by homosexu- and is intended not to be political or con- only arrived two hours later, during which Meanwhile, Bitorwa still lives in rela- ality and the Boy Scouts will have merit troversial, organizers said. “Trail” refers time individuals from the crowd climbed tive homelessness and convalescence. She badges for sodomy and cannibalism; he’s to a pathway and being outdoors, but also to the top of her house and began to has been staying with friends and says her even earned a mention from the Southern symbolizes the passage of life, where there remove roof tiles, while others forced the attempt to return to her house following Poverty Law Center for his hate (sort of are moral choices, and right and wrong door open and broke the windows. its destruction has resulted in more injury. like an Oscar for the bigot crowd). (Towl- paths, said Mr. Stemberger. At this point, Bitorwa said she start- Apparently, someone applied poison to eroad.com) Not that gay scouts wouldn’t be admit- ed to scream, which attracted even more her bedroom doorknob. Senegal’s new Justice Minister Sidiki ted. They would just need to stay closeted attention and caused the crowd’s menaces “It’s crocodile poison,” claimed Héri- Kaba said he’s not yet ready to decriminal- – “no rainbows” allowed, Mr. Stemberger to intensify. When she finally opened the tier Makiwa the traditional herbologist ize homosexuality, AFP reports: says. And under the benevolent influ- door, they started verbally and physically and neighbor who treated her. Bitorwa’s As head of the International Federa- ence of Trail Life they will soon get over attacking her and destroying her property. injuries include chest pains and a bloated tion for Human Rights (FIDH), Kaba their little gay phase and get on the right As the crowd destroyed Bitorwa’s fur- stomach, but she has yet to seek medical fought to reform a law outlawing gay rela- (wing) path. niture, they threatened her saying “if you treatment. tionships, but he told reporters in Dakar do not tell us the truth, we will kill you “It only cost me $20 US [€15] to get on Sept. 5 that on second thought he had Congolese police, mob because we already know that you too treatment from him [Makiwa]. I would dropped his opposition to prosecuting attack gay youth shelter are a lesbian and that you do things that like to see a doctor, but it is much more gays… Senegal’s punishment for homo- are against nature and against Congolese expensive.” sexuality is five years in prison. Police and a mob of neighbors, wield- culture.” Due to her lack of financial means, Oman’s government is suing the tab- ing hammers and machetes, in July raided Damage to the house includes broken Bitorwa was unable to hire a lawyer and loid TheWeek after suspending it from the house of a Congloese lesbian who was dishes, glasses, chairs, burned mattresses, was thus prevented from filing complaints publication following a story it ran about sheltering LGBT young people, Gay Star and a gaping opening facing the rest of the against the police agents and neighbors gays in Oman. It seems there are no gays News reported Sept. 9. city where a wall used to stand. who assaulted her and destroyed her octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 7 house. Just two months earlier, in May 2013, her colleague Joseph Saidi, the president “I was raised in a of Rainbow Sunrise was illegally impris- oned and raped with wooden sticks while family that was deeply police watched. Interview The Congolese penal code neither committed to equality condemns or condones homosexuality. - See more at: http://www. and civil rights; it’s gaystarnews.com/article/cops- M olly Clifford, City Hall and-neighbors-machetes-raid-gay-youth- safe-house090913#sthash.Ad4Bd76C. LGBT liaison a part of who I am. dpuf By Ove Overmyer At Rochester Pride’s Flag Raising cer- I believe that politics A ntigay Exxon wins emony on July 19 at Manhattan Square highest profits, lowest Park, soon to be officially re-named as the and government can HRC score ever Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, Rochester Mayor Tom Richards and City be a force for positive The most profitable corporation the Councilman Matt Haag announced two world has ever known, Exxon is the initiatives that will no doubt improve the change…” quintessential Goliath to many a strug- quality of life for LGBT folks here. gling David. In 2012, Exxon posted the First, the city has added “gender iden- second-highest annual corporate profit in tity and gender expression” to its list of policies as identified by LGBT leadership history (surpassed only by its own 2008 protected classes. Secondly, Mayor Rich- and the Mayor. Most of all, I want to be record): $45 billion—more than the com- ards announced the appointment of Molly a conduit to bring issues of importance to bined profits of Royal Dutch Shell and Clifford, friend and ally, as the newly cre- the LGBT community to the administra- Wal-Mart Stores, the world’s No. 1 and 2 ated LGBT liaison to the Mayor’s Office. tion for awareness and resolution. largest companies that year. The goal of this position is to create Clifford went on to say that the role For its October/November 2013 cover a platform to keep the discussion con- of government plays an extremely impor- story by acclaimed investigative journalist cerning LGBT rights as a main focus of tant part in improving the lives of its resi- Antonia Juhasz, The Advocate examines municipal public policy. Rochester has dents. She said, “I was raised in a family why Exxon has refused to join other cor- long been a leader in civil rights and Haag that was deeply committed to equality porations in supporting its LGBT employ- says this was an important step to make and civil rights; it’s a part of who I am. I ees and families. our practice our policy. roe County Democratic Committee and believe that politics and government can In 2012, and again in 2013, the Haag says as we move forward, this Campaign Manager for Friends of Bob be a force for positive change, and that it Human Rights Campaign gave Exxon position can and will evolve with input Duffy. Before her public employment, is our responsibility to make sure that this Mobil a negative 25 out of 100 possible from LGBT community stakeholders. He Molly was employed as the Marketing community is a place of equal opportu- points on its annual Corporate Equality told the EC, “I am committed to equality and Public Affairs Manager for Rural/ nity for all.” Index. It is the lowest score ever received and will keep working to ensure we make Metro Medical Services and also worked Molly is encouraging area LGBT folks by any corporation. No other company progress on these very important issues.” for the University of Rochester earlier in to contact the Mayor’s Office at City Hall has ever received a negative score. Molly Clifford has held many signifi- her career. (585-428-7045) or her office if they have On the contrary, in 2013, the HRC cant titles throughout her professional Asked what expectations she might any concerns with city government. Scott found nearly 90 percent of Fortune 500 career. Since 2010, she has been the Direc- have for this appointment, she told the Fearing, Interim Executive Director of the companies had adopted written nondis- tor of Fire Administration for the City of EC, “I expect to assist with issues that are Gay Alliance, says he plans on hosting a crimination policies prohibiting harass- Rochester. Other positions held in city important to the LGBT community.” LGBT community-based meet and greet ment and discrimination based on sexual government include the title of Direc- She added, “I also hope to be able to with Molly in the next few weeks. You orientation, as had 94 percent of Fortune tor, Neighborhood Empowerment Teams assist members of the LGBT community can contact her office by calling Molly 100 companies. With the exception of under the Duffy administration. Molly negotiate City government when they Clifford at: 585-428-3673, or via email at: (E xxon continues page 13) also served as Chairman of the Mon- need it and to work on changing City [email protected] . ■

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ed to have this page one conversation with the Empty Closet, I wanted ( At Forty continued from page 3) to address these rumors. We hope to announce our new after- Simply, NO school programs by the end of the year. we are not going We acknowledge that while many away. We are cur- things have changed, that doesn’t mean rently celebrating that all is bright rainbows, but the needs our 40th Anni- are different and our programs need to versary, and I can Fearing reflect the times. The Big Gay Prom, say, with some confidence, that we will which attracts over 250 youth from doz- be around to celebrate our 80th anni- ens of school districts around Western versary. Do Make New York, will definitely continue. Rochester Pride 2013 began our cur- Good Work Good Money EC: Where will the Alliance hold rent changes and it was incredibly suc- larger gatherings, like the organization’s cessful! Next year’s Pride will bring even The Gay Alliance is seeking a Annual Meeting (coming up in Novem- more changes. Last month we had the reliable, energetic self-starter ber), or the Town Hall Forum with RPD to sell Empty Closet advertising premiere of the amazing Shoulders To for a generous commission. For Chief Sheppard that occurred last sum- Stand On feature length documentary. more information, phone Susan mer These two successes have set the stage for Jordan at 244-9030 or e-mail: SCOTT: I believe that the event will more changes to come. [email protected] drive the venue we use. I have been very As you know, the Mayor of Roch- pleased with the responses that I have ester recently created a new position in received as I ask our community part- city government, a Liaison to the LGBT ners for places to hold meetings and spe- Community. I have met with the current cial events. Open Arms, The Red Cross. Liaison and look forward to continuing Empire State College, Trillium Health our work with the person in this position and HCR Home Care our examples under a new Mayoral administration. of our community partners who have Together we will enhance and expand offered to host events with us. the Gay Alliance’s presence as the critical For a while our special events will be Rochester resource that it is. “on the move” which I think is actually a Lastly, I would welcome anyone who good thing, for it will help The Gay Alli- hears a rumor about The Gay Alliance to ance to be out and visible in the broader pick up the phone or drop me an email Rochester community. and know that I will honestly tell you EC: Is it true that the Gay Alliance what is happening. lost NY State funding? If so, what other EC: Thank you for your answers. Do changes will the agency make in the you have any last comments that you coming months? would like to add? SCOTT: Yes, that is true. In June we SCOTT: I am very privileged to work were notified that the State of New York with the Staff and the Board of Directors was not renewing a grant that we had for as we navigate transition. It is an exciting the previous five years. The end of this time for LGBT people and the Gay Alli- grant is a $130,000 cut in our annual ance will continue to adapt and adjust to budget. meet the changing realities. We are creat- I am calling the gap in our budget ing a very exciting future and I look for- “The NY Gap.” We are working hard ward to sharing more about it with Empty to make up the gap by turning to com- Closet readers in the future. ■ munity members, donors and business partners. So far the community has been very responsive. Year to date the number of individuals who have donated and the support from our business partnerships have increased. However, we still have a ways to go to make up the lost funding. So our fun- draising is now focused on repairing the NY Gap, so that as we restructure our programs we can continue our forward movement. I understand that as a community organization we need to be accountable to the community and provide services and programs that community members value and financially support. When we begin to roll out even more of changes, I think people will be very pleased. EC: Gossip has it that the Gay Alli- ance will soon go out of existence. Do you have any response? SCOTT: For community organiza- tions there is no escaping gossip and rumors. That is the reason that I want- octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 9 10 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013 Making the Scene olk W mes a : h P OTO J TRILLIUM WHITE PARTY: The White Party at the Century Club on Sept. 7 benefitted Trillium Health. Above left: Dr. Bill Valenti tries x-ray vision on Diane Chevron.

M y Own Private Rochester: It’s a remarkable group of people. They got together at a time when there was no support for the hard of hearing Paul Allen community, sort of like the history of the LGBT commu- By Susan Jordan nity. Hard of hearing is not the same as the deaf commu- Paul Allen is chair of the ImageOut Film Festival nity. For instance they don’t sign. It’s an invisible group board, and has held the position for the past three sea- as compared with the very well known deaf community sons. He was co-chair with Deanna Baker in 2010 and in Rochester. The group has had some big successes, has been on the board since 2005. like getting Geva, the Auditorium Theatre and now the Born in Perth, Australia, Paul lived there until he was Dryden to put in induction loops, which broadcast sound 11 and then moved to Denmark with his mother and sis- directly to hearing aids.” ter. He returned to Australia for high school and college, Paul’s favorite Rochester places include the Erie Canal and arrived in Rochester on March 3, 2000, to study at trail, where he rides his bike. He adds, “Like Barb Turn- the University of Rochester. er, I love Washington Grove near the reservoir on Cobbs “I came with two suitcases and that was it,” Paul says. Hill. I try to walk there once during each season. It’s He wasn’t out before coming here. “I remember being in about a half hour walk from my house. And it’s spectacu- Perth and googling ‘gay in Rochester NY,’ and found the lar in the fall. I also like skiing at Bristol Mountain. It’s Gay Alliance. So I knew it was a community where being easy and great.” gay is OK.” Paul finds living in Rochester to be easy and great as Paul is a research assistant professor at URMC in the well. “Going to the RPO, for instance,” he said, “it’s so department of neurobiology and anatomy. He and his easy. Where else can you get downtown and park 10 min- partner David Quick live in a 1911 house in the Park utes before a show? There’s such a wonderful quality of an ord Avenue area with their standard poodle, Breaudy. “It has life here. Rochester has an amazing arts scene.” J san really good construction and hundred-year-old windows, A typical Saturday night for Paul and David usually u which is great,” Paul said. But sometimes things need fix- involves dinner with friends. Paul said, “I’ve got a great : ho ing, such as the time when a water main broke while Paul network of friends here. I don’t go to events so much but P TO S and his partner were out of town. “The flooding wasn’t a typical Saturday night would be at a restaurant or my Paul Allen in front of the Little Theatre Cafe. bad,” he added, “but it was unexpected!” house or a friend’s house. As for bars, the Bachelor Forum ImageOut is of course Paul’s favorite local LGBT is my first stop. Then if we’re feeling crazy we go down- Swan on Clinton; of the latter he said, “It’s cheap and organization and event. He says, “For me, it’s not so much town to 140. And the Avenue Pub is right around the cor- cheerful with really great food.” about film as it is arts and culture and community-build- ner from where I live.” He added, “Sundays when we don’t want to cook we ing. I’m not a film buff, but I love ImageOut movies.” Paul says he has many favorite restaurants, including get Sunday Sauce from Tony D’s (at Corn Hill Landing) Paul also volunteers for the Hearing Loss Association Good Luck near Village Gate, Rocco’s on Monroe Ave. or Vietnamese food from Dac Hoa on Monroe. In sum- of America’s Rochester chapter. He said, “They’re won- (Paul recommends the porchetta sandwiches at Friday mer we walk the dog on Park Avenue and eat outside at derful and are having their 30th anniversary this year. lunch), Orange Glory by the Little Theatre and White the Park Avenue Pub, which is fabulous.” octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 11

IMAGEOUT FESTIVAL FAIR: Tickets went on sale Sept. 12 at the Fair, held at the Museum & Science Center. Ticket sales were up 40 percent from last year. Photos: Jill Frier

Paul Allen in front of the Little Theatre Cafe. 12 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013 Candidates to Watch

Dick Beebe cated to Greece when his employer Iber- tain decisions that affect their own area. and there’s significant wetland. The plan drola USA’s predecessor company, Energy Neighborhoods should at least have more is to keep it in its natural condition, We Supervisor East, transferred Dick’s department to say.” will have a trail which will be a connec- Town of Greece Monroe County. Langdon said that PB means that a tion between the 12 Corners to Buckland Candidate Dick proudly served his country in the certain amount of the city budget would Park and the canal trail. New York State National Guard for six be set aside for each neighborhood’s resi- “A lot of people bike or walk to work. By Ove Overmyer years. He is a valued participant in several dents to decide how the money is to be Last year we accomplished the creation If you ask Dick Beebe, the Democratic community organizations, including the spent. Langdon said, “Mayor Richards set of a bike/pedestrian master plan – a road candidate for Greece Town Supervisor, he Greece American Legion, Charlotte Com- aside $200,000 for crime reduction, but map for us as a community. We had a tre- would tell you right up front he brings a munity Association, Harbor Merchant’s in a full PB process this amount would be mendous amount of community involve- wealth of knowledge and life experience Association and Dewey Corridor Neigh- much higher and not be limited as to what ment. This means we’ll become a more to any task at hand. bors, and he worships at Greece United it could be used for. bicycle and pedestrian-friendly commu- Dick is not a newcomer to politics and Methodist Church. He also serves as the “The first city that did this is a city in nity.” this is not his first run for public office Democratic representative on the Board Brazil which has done this for almost 30 Another big concern in Brighton, — he has made a lifetime commitment to of Monroe Security and Safety Systems. years. They started with small amounts as in most towns, is taxes and finan- volunteering for his community and says Dick and Tammy live on Dorsey Road but now distribute 27 percent of the city cial issues. “Brighton finances are very he completely understands the ins and in Greece. They have two grown children, budget. Applied to Rochester’s budget, strong,” Moehle said. “Last year we had outs of running local governments. Rick and Danielle. ■ that percentage would amount to $54 a tax increase of only about one percent Mr. Beebe was the Mayor of Homer, million. We’re not calling for this imme- – an indication that we’re providing qual- NY, where he previously served as Vil- Drew Langdon diately, but we need at least a million for ity services in a cost effective way. It’s not lage Trustee, Fire Chief, President of the each quadrant, which could be divided up cheap to have a good police department Homer Fire Department, and Deputy Rochester City Council further.” Police Commissioner. After moving to Candidate Langdon suggests that such funds Monroe County in 2003, Dick was elect- could be used for needs like a grocery ed to the County Legislature and repre- By Susan Jordan store in the southwest part of the city, sented Greece in the 6th District from Drew Langdon is running for City improving traffic control, more parks, etc. 2007 to 2011. He currently serves on the Council on the Green Party ticket. The The Green Party is deeply concerned New York State Democratic Committee, Party’s ideas on workplace democracy, about environmental issues. Langdon said, representing Greece, Parma, and Ogden. neighborhood assemblies and participa- “We’re a long way from a car-free city. But tory budgeting are unfamiliar to most we need massive investments in the public Rochestarians; Langdon said, “People are transport system. Not just buses, but light very used to the way things are.” rail and subways. We have to make our pub- He explained, “The worker coopera- lic transport systems more convenient. As a tive and participatory budgeting (PB) are Council member, I would not have much similar in that it’s ordinary people who control over this. Our public buses are run should have a say over how our commu- by the state, although they act like a private nity is run. A worker cooperative instead for-profit. I would lobby the bus authorities of a top-down corporate structure would to expand service and stop saying there’s mean that the workers own the company no money, which is not true. We currently and make the decisions that affect them.” give millions in corporate welfare, which we He continued, “The average CEO could use for other projects.” makes around 350 times what the lowest- The Green Party refuses money from Bill Moehle paid worker makes, which I don’t find corporations, which Langdon says “puts acceptable. The other significant factor us at a disadvantage, but if we are elect- – but people in Brighton overwhelmingly where the workers vote on company pol- ed we won’t be indebted to corporate support the police department. We have icy is that companies would no longer be interests instead of the people’s interests. a diverse police force, including LGBT outsourcing jobs. We need to have com- Money in politics is a huge issue. We need officers.” munity conversations on these issues.” public financing of our elections, not cor- Moehle said that education has always Langdon believes that transition to Dick Beebe porate interests. There was a low turnout been important to the town. “I’m also this model would have major effects on for the primary partly because people proud of Empire State College moving As a legislator, Dick received wide- the Rochester community and economy, tune out because they don’t see another their regional headquarters to Brighton,” spread bipartisan praise in the Mon- for instance lowering unemployment rates option.” he said. “They originally thought of buy- roe County Legislature, especially for and levels of poverty. Langdon said that the Green Party ing land on Clinton Avenue which was his efforts to win support for his bill to American politics are heavily influ- supports LGBT rights and is concerned taxable, and that would have taken the restrict protests at military funerals. about poverty in the LGBT community. land off the tax rolls. We asked if they Beebe says he knows there is a bright The myth that the LGBT community is had looked at land that was already tax future for the Town of Greece. He envi- wealthy is just that – a myth. Langdon exempt, and with help from Democratic sions a town government that’s open, said he feels there is a need for commu- Party chair Joe Morelle, we started a dia- where everybody knows what is going on nity conversation on the issue of LGBT logue. They will now move to land that’s and is held to the highest standards of poverty, citing a recent Williams Institute owned by the state and was formerly occu- accountability. study, which says that poverty hits LGBT pied by Finger Lakes Community Col- Dick’s vision for town operations families first. He said, “We have to elimi- lege. Now it will be Empire State College. would include more transparency, fair nate homophobia and also the causes of That will be one more educational focal taxes and honest accounting. He says he’ll poverty.” point for Brighton.” welcome suggestions for reducing waste- Langdon said, “One of our Green Sustainability is an issue important ful spending, and the town’s annual bud- Party mayors in NYS was the first in the to Brighton residents, Moehle said. “In get will be presented to the public before state to marry same sex couples before keeping with the goal of sustainability, we Election Day. Beebe often reminds Greece it was legal, which really pushed aware- have banned fracking.” No one has actu- residents that their town has been subject- ness of the issue. We support passage of ally started to apply for fracking rights ed to one scandal after another, brought GENDA.” in the town, and New York State has on by decades of questionable one-party The November issue of The Empty Closet not yet ruled on the fracking issue, but rule. He says the incumbents show no will include interviews with Alex White, Bill Moehle said, “This is important for interest in making local government more Green Party candidate for Mayor, and other industrial-related activities related to transparent or accountable to the people. Democratic candidate Lovely Warren. ■ fracking (like waste storage).” In an October 2011 EC interview, Drew Langdon Brighton has had pro-LGBT policies Beebe talked candidly about being a B ill Moehle for some years. Moehle said, “I’m the parent of a gay daughter. He said, “Our enced now by which candidate and party ONLY Town Supervisor in New York daughter told us she was gay a long time have the most money, and which corpora- Supervisor State that the Pride Agenda has endorsed. ago and we just wanted it to not interfere tions and other entities that candidate will Town of Brighton That’s unfortunate! I was endorsed for a with her career or happiness.” be accountable to if elected – as opposed lot of reasons, including my record. We Beebe went on to say, “Tammy and I to being accountable to his or her con- By Susan Jordan developed a policy years ago providing have had the chance to talk to and work stituents. Bill Moehle is running for re-election health care coverage for domestic partners with parents of gay children. Living in a Langdon said, “Neighborhood assem- as Brighton Town Supervisor. The Repub- of town employees – long before marriage small rural village of 3,000 people it was blies and PB would increase people’s con- lican Party has not put up a candidate to was legalized. That’s a policy I wrote as tough, but we took a stand and defended trol over the political process. Currently oppose him. Bill Moehle told the EC, Town Attorney. I’ve been actively engaged our daughter and her rights, as well as we have a city government which operates “Even though I don’t have an opponent, in rallies for marriage rights and ENDA, many others.” downtown and most people don’t know I’m out knocking on doors and going which I feel strongly about. In addition to his public service their Council members. Even if people to block parties and that’s a great way to “I’m an elected official and attorney, accomplishments, Dick’s thirty-year pri- want to give Council members feedback, learn what’s on people’s minds.” and also consider myself an activist. Gay vate sector career in computer operations it’s very difficult because of our structure. He said one issue he hears a lot about rights is a basic civil rights issue, so it’s included major companies such as Smith- “One way to deal with this is to cre- is open space. “I’m proud that we closed a combination of all those things that Corona and Chicago Pneumatic. He is ate neighborhood assemblies rather than on the purchase of 72 acres of land, from makes up my record.” currently employed at Iberdrola USA in the current neighborhood associations behind Brith Kodesh to Westfall Road,” New York State has yet to protect Rochester. Dick and his wife Tammy relo- – which City Hall can ignore. Assem- he said. “A large part of that is woodlot transgender citizens. Moehle noted, “I’ve blies would have the power to make cer- octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 13 directed our Town Attorney Ken Gor- Someone must think there’s an upside. I http://www.advocate.com/print-issue/ don to draft a basic anti-discrimination national don’t know what it is…. So, now I’m like, current-issue/2013/09/03/whats-wrong- protection that would include trans- and international ‘OK, how much longer are you going to exxon gender people. We’ve long had a broad be out of step with the rest of us?’” Journalist Antonia Juhasz is a Fellow anti-harassment and anti-discrimination (Exxon from page 6) “Exxon is just such a rogue outfit,” of the Investigative Reporting Program, ordinance – our harassment law covers Exxon, all of the Fortune 10 compa- says Congressman Alan Lowenthal of specializing in oil and energy. She is the any form of harassment, whether against nies have adopted such policies, as have California, a cosponsor of the Employ- author of several books on the oil indus- transgender employees, or for people’s Exxon’s largest oil company competitors. ment Non-Discrimination Act and the try, including Black Tide. She lives in San political views, or for sexual harassment. Over 62 percent of Fortune 500 compa- sponsor of an amendment barring Exxon Francisco. Follow Juhasz on Twitter @ “The state legislature has not approved nies had domestic partner health benefits. from winning future government oil and AntoniaJuhasz. GENDA, though, so we feel it is impor- Over 70 percent of the Fortune 100 pro- gas leases until it changes its LGBT poli- tant to include protections against all hibited discrimination based on gender cies. “You don’t have to be progressive just P ope says church must forms of discrimination. We keep urging to join the rest of the human race and not identity or expression. end obsession with our state officials to support GENDA, Exxon not only failed to meet a single discriminate. I don’t get it.” and we will keep doing that.” one of these or the other HRC criteria for President Barack Obama indicated as gays, abortion Moehle said that the anti-discrimina- a candidate in 2008 that he would sign an LGBT-inclusive workplace, it has also Pope Francis has given a wide-ranging tion ordinance will include public accom- actively worked for 15 years against annu- an executive order banning federal con- modations. Discrimination against gay tractors from discriminating on the basis interview to America magazine in which al shareholder resolutions calling for such he gives his most extensive remarks to men, lesbians and bisexuals is covered by inclusion. And Exxon isn’t simply stuck of sexual orientation or gender identity. state laws such as SONDA and marriage date on the role of the church with regard in the early ’90s — it has actually erased Exxon is a leading recipient of government equality, but trans people are not includ- contracts and would be heavily impacted to homosexuality, as well as abortion and ed. Moehle said, “I believe trans peo- nondiscriminatory and partner benefit contraception. policies in place in companies it has pur- by such an order. Even more impactful, of ple need equal protection. I expect that course, would be passage of ENDA. Says Francis: “We need to proclaim chased: Mobil Oil Corporation, in 1999, before long, state laws will be expanded to But Exxon rarely sits by and waits for the Gospel on every street corner,” the include trans New Yorkers. I really believe and XTO Energy, in 2010. It is the only government action to affect it. More often pope says, “preaching the good news that as a community, when anyone’s basic company known to have ever permanent- than not, it is Exxon instead that changes of the kingdom and healing, even with rights are in jeopardy, ALL of our rights ly done so. government policy. Since 2008, Exxon our preaching, every kind of disease and are in jeopardy. You are dehumanizing “It was a slap in the face,” says Tom has spent nearly $90 million lobbying the wound. In Buenos Aires I used to receive people, and that’s not right. Allen of the reversal of Mobil’s LGBT federal government and almost $6 mil- letters from homosexual persons who are “One thing that makes Brighton stand policies. “We worked so hard to get them, lion in federal campaign contributions. ‘socially wounded’ because they tell me out is our diversity, including our signifi- and this took us back 30 years.” Allen CEO Rex Tillerson has personally visited that they feel like the church has always cant LGBT community. That has a posi- went to work at Mobil when he was 23 the White House a minimum of 13 times condemned them. But the church does tive impact economically – that LGBT years old and stayed with the company since 2009. not want to do this. During the return people, residents or in business, know that through the Exxon merger until his retire- Exxon’s publicly available disclosure flight from Rio de Janeiro I said that if a this is an LGBT-friendly community.” ment in 2010, after 35 years of service. “I forms do not indicate that its lobby- homosexual person is of good will and is Bill Moehle believes that there are find myself embarrassed today that I have ists have addressed LGBT-related employ- in search of God, I am no one to judge. many Republicans who oppose their par- to defend where I work,” Allen continues. ment issues with the federal government. By saying this, I said what the catechism ty’s views on LGBT rights and other “And the bigger slap in the face is that it Tillerson, however, is not a registered lob- says. Religion has the right to express its issues. He said, “This week, you could just keeps going. Every single year at that byist and does not have to disclose the opinion in the service of the people, but have knocked me over with a feather – [expletive] stockholders’ meeting, they contents of his meetings. In an email, God in creation has set us free: it is not two people active in Republican politics slap us in the face again.” White House spokesman Shin Inouye possible to interfere spiritually in the life asked me for a lawn sign! One said he was A gay former employee of XTO Ener- writes, “Regarding Mr. Tillerson’s visits to of a person. embarrassed by his party.” gy and Exxon, who spoke on the condi- the White House, we routinely meet with “A person once asked me, in a pro- He added, “The question I’m asked tion of anonymity for fear of retribution, a wide range of stakeholders, including vocative manner, if I approved of homo- most is, ‘are you enjoying the job?’ The says of the change in policy, “I feel business leaders, on a variety of issues.” sexuality. I replied with another question: answer is a resounding YES! I love Brigh- that [Exxon is like that] racist old aunt, The Advocate has filed a Freedom of ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, ton and working to make it a better com- that racist grandfather figure, that person Information Act request for the details of does he endorse the existence of this per- munity.” ■ completely out of touch with the times. I those visits. son with love, or reject and condemn this don’t see the upside to the company for Read The Advocate’s full cover story person?’ We must always consider the continuing [the discriminatory policies]. and essays now at: (Pope continues page 14) 14 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

tion, Francis is hitting at those Catholic Catholics support equal marriage, com- Court to make that decision,” said Ban- national leaders who use gay rights and abortion pared to 53 percent of the country as a vard. Many of the couple’s friends who and international to wield political power, putting them on whole. Despite this broad support among live at the veteran’s home attended the notice. Again, his comments don’t change the laity, last year the Church hierarchy small and simple ceremony. “The world the church’s doctrine, but they do a lot to was one of the biggest investors in anti- is changing, we have to go along with it,” (Pope from page 13) change its focus. That can only be seen LGBT campaigns in the United States— said one guest. person. Here we enter into the mystery as a huge shift.” - Michelangelo Signorile, spending nearly $2 million in the failed Facility director Neal Asper said news of of the human being. In life, God accom- writing for the Huffington Post. attempts to write discrimination into the two men getting married at the VA home panies persons, and we must accompany From the Human Rights Campaign: Minnesota constitution and stem mar- wasn’t well received by everyone. A town them, starting from their situation. It Human Rights Campaign (HRC) presi- riage equality in Maine, Maryland, and hall meeting was held at the VA home to is necessary to accompany them with dent Chad Griffin wrote to the head of Washington. address concerns from other residents. mercy. When that happens, the Holy the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- Griffin’s letters are available online Spirit inspires the priest to say the right ops and the CEO of Knights of Colum- here: http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/ P roject asks pro-gay thing.” bus – an affiliate of the Roman Catholic resources/Letters_to_Catholic_Hierar- He later adds that the Catholic Church Church – calling on them to follow Pope chy_Leaders.pdf Christians to affirm needs to end its obsession with abortion Francis’ message of welcome and mercy support publicly and gay marriage: “We cannot insist only for gays and lesbians. on issues related to abortion, gay marriage In a wide-ranging interview released The NALT Christians Project and the use of contraceptive methods. in a publication of the Jesuit order, Pope (NotAllLikeThat.org) was launched Sept. This is not possible. I have not spoken Francis expanded dramatically on his 4, giving Christians everywhere an oppor- much about these things, and I was rep- recent comments that “if a homosexual tunity to publicly proclaim their uncon- rimanded for that. But when we speak person is of good will and is in search of ditional love and support for their gay, about these issues, we have to talk about God, I am no one to judge”—making lesbian, bisexual, and transgender friends them in a context. The teaching of the clear that he intended that tolerant mes- and family members. church, for that matter, is clear and I am sage to apply to all lesbian and gay peo- This new movement, inspired by Dan a son of the church, but it is not necessary ple, not just priests and members of the Savage’s “It Gets Better” project, encour- to talk about these issues all the time.” Roman Catholic Church hierarchy. ages LGBT-affirming Christians to upload However by Sept. 20 the pope was “This is a remarkable moment,” wrote videos that unapologetically express their again attacking abortion rights. Griffin. “In the past, the pronouncements full acceptance of LGBT people. Reactions of some leaders in the Church hierar- B ishop Tutu: gay rights This project was created by Christian Michael Signorile commented, “By chy have given license to those who dis- most pressing issue for author John Shore and Truth Wins Out, a saying that ‘it is not necessary to talk criminate, hate and even commit violence non-profit organization that counters reli- about these issues all the time,’ Francis is against LGBT people. Christians today gious extremism. It will be an online plat- slamming people like Maggie Gallagher, “So today, in light of the Pope’s form that directly challenges the idea that “It isn’t that it’s questionable when anti-gay Christians represent all or even former president of the National Orga- remarkable interview, I urge you to end you speak up for the right of people with nization for Marriage (NOM), who has your organization’s public opposition to most of the Christian faithful. The project different sexual orientation. People took kicks-off with a promotional video from made it her life work to constantly talk legal equality for LGBT people immedi- some part of us and used it to discrimi- about gay marriage -- touting her Catho- ately. Doing anything less will put you author and advocate Dan Savage. nate against us. In our case, it was our Co-sponsors of the project include the lic beliefs -- and stop marriage equality in direct conflict with Pope Francis’ mes- ethnicity; it’s precisely the same thing by pitting groups against one another. sage of welcome and mercy — and create Association of Welcoming and Affirming for sexual orientation. People are killed Baptists, Auburn Theological Seminary, Francis is slapping at blowhards like Bill an even greater gulf between you and the because they’re gay. I don’t think, ‘What Donohue of the Catholic League, who, broad majority of the American Catholic Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in do I want to do today? I want to speak up Religion and Ministry, Covenant Net- if he didn’t talk about gay marriage and laity, who support their LGBT neighbors’ on gay rights.’ No. It’s God catching me abortion all the time, would not be invited freedom to marry the person they love in work of Presbyterians, The Evangelical by my neck.” Network, Faith in America, GLAD Alli- onto TV talk shows to discuss much of a civil ceremony.” – Retired Anglican Archbishop and anything. [snip] As HRC has previously noted, the vast ance, Many Voices, Methodists in New Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu Directions, and Reconciling Ministries “And in saying ‘I have never been a majority of lay Catholics in the United speaking with Charisma News on “the right-winger’ in the same interview in States support LGBT equality. A recent Network. most pressing issue in which Christians “We are playing a symphony inspired which he’s criticizing the church for being poll from New York Times/CBS News need to relate their faith to power and too ‘obsessed’ with gay marriage and abor- found that more than six in ten American by Christ’s Great Commandment that all injustice.” of his followers love our neighbors as we Full story here: http://www.queerty. love ourselves,” said NALT co-founder com/archbishop-desmond-tutu-most- John Shore. “If you’re an LGBT-affirming pressing-issue-for-christians-is-gay-rights- Christian, there is a seat waiting for you 20130918/#ixzz2fFXOodRz in the orchestra of The NALT Christians Project.” O penly gay Anglican “The NALT Christians Project aims priest heads Canada’s to inspire Christian LGBT allies to move their support from the shadows into the military chaplains public square,” said Wayne Besen, Truth An openly gay Anglican priest. Brig.- Wins Out’s Executive Director. “Through Gen. John Fletcher, has been appointed to their NALT videos, Christians will put head the chaplaincy of Canada’s military. their values into action, and lead the clar- His recent appointment is in sharp ion, Bible-based call for freedom and jus- contrast to past military policy, which tice for all people.” allowed discrimination against gays and This project will also send a power- lesbians. Fletcher said he came out not ful message of encouragement to LGBT long after a landmark court decision youth who are growing up in unsupport- struck down the rule in 1992, alleviating ive environments. his fears about what could happen to his “This project is designed to reach career if he did come out. people like myself when I was sixteen Fletcher acknowledges that some may and growing up in a conservative reli- find it odd, or even scandalous, that he is gious community,” said NALT Christians a career military man, a priest and homo- Project co-founder and Truth Wins Out sexual. Associate Director Evan Hurst. “I wish “I equally understand that some peo- I had known about the millions of lov- ple will be excited and encouraged by the ing Christians who take Jesus’ teachings openness of my own church, to allow me seriously, and if this project can help keep to exercise this ministry and certainly LGBT youth from the spiritual turmoil encouraged that I’m free to work within a of being convinced they are hell-bound Canadian military that simply doesn’t dis- simply for being who they are, then we’ve criminate on (the basis of) these things,” done our jobs.” he said. Frequently, well-intentioned progres- -JoeMyGod.com sive Christians approach LGBT people to say high-profile fundamentalist Chris- tians who dominate the airwaves do not S enior couple marries in speak for them, because they believe in veterans’ home equality for their LGBT brothers and sis- ters. Dan Savage has dubbed these folks A gay couple together for 20 years has “NALT Christians,” because they often gotten married at their senior living home say that they are “not all like that,” mean- for veterans in a first for the facility. ing they are not anti-gay. John Banvard, 95, and 67-year-old Gerard Nadeau, who served in Vietnam, said they wanted to have their ceremony R eport finds wage, among friends, so they chose to have it at health inequities for the Veteran’s Home, where they’ve lived trans workers for the last three years. They decided to get married after the Supreme Court’s A new report released Sept. 6 offers actions earlier this year, which allowed the most comprehensive analysis to date same-sex couples to marry. of the inequities facing transgender work- “We were waiting on the Supreme ( Report continues page 16) octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 15 T he Marrying Kind: senior couples wed legally after many years together

By Susan Jordan said, “I hated it! Too hot and humid!” Karen Monast and Barb Bonin met in Barb said, “I loved it!” 1993 and have been together for 20 years. The disappearance of DOMA means On Oct. 14, 2008, they married legally in that the couple can now file joint tax Chicopee, Mass. returns, as the IRS is treating same sex Barb told The Empty Closet, “We met couples the same way that heterosexual through a mutual friend. She was having a married couples are treated. Karen said, game night and invited a couple of people. “You can amend your taxes back three We were from two different backgrounds. years, so we should try to do an appeal Karen was out and I wasn’t, for various to get back the money that we had to pay reasons – mainly my job.” before we could file jointly.” Karen said, “We decided we would get Barb explained, “I had health coverage married early in our relationship, but it through Karen’s job, and she had to pay wasn’t legal. Barb wasn’t out to her family, taxes on my health insurance, which was so out of respect to them we didn’t wed regarded as extra income for her.” while her parents were alive.” “So I had to pay tax on that,” Karen Karen was at the 1993 march on said. “I worked for a large company and Washington and has been out since she was fortunate to have been offered health was 27. She talked about her activism insurance at all. But that was because Barb Bonin and Karen Monast. Photo: Susan Jordan at the Rainbow SAGE Intergenerational I was represented by the United Auto Panel last spring. Workers (UAW) and unions are very ben- The overturn of DOMA was the cru- eficial to people! The health benefits were coaster. At first I thought marriage was Van added, “We go to the same cial factor in their decision to marry legal- negotiated through my union.” a patriarchal institution, so we rejected it church. We’ve met a lot of friends through Barb said, “But the federal government altogether.” the church.” ly. Now retired, the two were concerned Van added, “We didn’t really discuss He continued, “We’re very lucky to that if one died or had to go to a nursing didn’t recognize the company’s health insurance for unmarried partners. It was it.” have great support from our families, home, the other would lose their house. Ralph continued, “We were in a cou- which a lot of people don’t have. I had Karen commented, “We protected our- easier for me to retire knowing that I had full coverage – otherwise I’d still be work- ples group of about 20 couples and it was four brothers and when my father passed selves as best we could, but when our law- wonderful to get to know women socially, away, my mother set the tone – that they yer said that marriage would show our full ing.” The couple credits the strength and and other couples, as a way to support our would accept us.” intent, we decided to go ahead and marry relationship. Some couples we met had “She was quite the matriarch,” Ralph in Massachusetts.” durability of their marriage to the fact that they share the same values, although been together for 50 years!” said, and Van added, “She lived to be The couple does not plan to wed So once marriage equality was a fact 102.” again, now that marriage equality is legal they have completely different person- alities. Then there are the separate bank in our state, Ralph and Van re-considered. Ralph said, “My family was very dif- in NYS. The 2008 wedding in Massa- The small 2012 ceremony took place in ferent. My mother never visited Rochester chusetts was “no frills,” but Karen and accounts! Barb said, “Karen and I have the same the chapel at Third Presbyterian, where because she thought if she accepted us she Barb say the Justice of the Peace and his Ralph and Van are devoted members of would have to reject her religion. But after assistants went out of their way to make core values and that’s very important in a relationship. We’re close in age and we the congregation. About the second mar- Mom passed away, Dad came to visit. The the ceremony special. People in Chicopee trust each other completely.” riage ceremony, when more of their fam- first day we went to Jines – a neutral place. asked why they were in town, and when Karen added, “She was blindly trust- ily attended, Ralph said, “We knew it was Well, there was a Tuesday night gay group they said they were there to get married, ing at the beginning of our relationship! something that would take some plan- of guys there; we go to cheap restaurants “they were all so friendly and congratula- (Laughs) Although Barb was an accoun- ning.” on Tuesday nights. They love to tell jokes tory.” tant, I take care of the joint accounts. We Ralph’s family holds an annual reunion and my father does as well. They hit it off They did not have a honeymoon then, also have separate bank accounts, which is in the summer, so Ralph and Van’s wed- and we had to drag him away from the but a year later, for their first-year anniver- helpful! We have joint accounts for joint ding became the reunion for 2013. He restaurant because he enjoyed our friends sary, Karen took Barb to Hawaii. Karen things and separate accounts for our per- said, “About 40 people from both families so much.” sonal use. So if she wants to spend a lot of came. We ended up asking our siblings to One of Ralph’s sisters is a Mennonite money on something, I don’t care!” be our wedding partners. So our brothers missionary in Africa. He said, “Her hus- About their different personalities, and sisters and their spouses preceded us band Mark is a Mennonite missionary Barb said, “You have to allow the other down the aisle.” too. She told him about us and how trou- person freedom. I’m an extroverted, social Van said, “We went into the church and bled she was, and Mark said, ‘Angela, you person. I like to play golf and go out to people started applauding. I’d never been don’t need to play God. Let God be God. dinner.” at a wedding where people applauded.” Your job is to love your brother.’ It was “Whereas,” Karen said, “I’m on the Ralph and Van were not as affected like a burden lifted off her, and when she computer or reading or watching TV. by the overturn of DOMA as Karen told me, I was struck by – how profound When I worked I had the night shift, so I and Barb, because both had separate and how simple. never got to be at home and watch TV in health insurance. Ralph commented, “I “The other thing that happened was the evening! But we do have some things do appreciate the fact that the IRS has that my nieces and nephews call Van in common: we’re both Miami Dolphins issued a decision that federal tax filing is ‘Uncle Van.’ Most significant to me was fans – I’m a convert!” based on where your civil marriage con- making up the invitation list for the wed- The couple lives in Parma and has a tract was signed, not where you live. So if ding and realizing how blessed we are to dog (Rosie Marie, a two-year-old Cava- we move to Florida, or Xerox moves me to have these wonderful friends. Reading all lier King Charles spaniel/Shi Tzu) and a another state, for federal purposes we are their responses was an amazing thing.” ■ cat (Cali, a 12-year-old calico). “When still considered married.” we were first together, we had five cats What accounts for and two dogs,” Karen said. “Because we the durability of their were young and stupid, we threw them all relationship? Van said, together – but everything was fine.” “Good friendship. We She summed up, “We handle things enjoy each other’s compa- with a sense of humor – that helps our ny, even though we have marriage too!” different interests. He’s a Ralph Carter and Van Van Zanten rabid movie-goer and I’m Ralph and Van are newlyweds, having not. I prefer sports and married on July 20, 2013 – Pride Parade gardening.” Day – at Third Presbyterian Church. Ralph said, “Part of They have been together for 33 years. it is that there’s a differ- Ralph works at Xerox, and is active in ence in our ages…. We Galaxe and Out & Equal, while Van, early on developed a rou- born in the Netherlands, is retired from tine – during the week I his job with a steel company. The couple have my committees and lives on Highland Ave. – a compromise Van has his, and of course between city and suburbs. we check in with each Actually, July 20 was the second cer- other. But we reserve the emony for Ralph and Van, who had weekends to be together. been officially married by Rev. Deborah When a couple does that Hughes at a small ceremony at Third you give each other space. Presbyterian in 2012. Since not all of their What I really like is that families could be present at that time, our personalities comple- they scheduled a second wedding. ment each other. I can get The two met on Oct. 21, 1980 at Dig- obsessed with a problem nity Integrity. Van said, “Our first date on an emotional level, and was racquetball at JCC.” Van will suggest a solution Van said the couple decided to marry – like a family conference after New York legalized same sex mar- on where we should live. riage in 2011. Ralph said, “I had asked Instead of digging in our Van. But during our whole relationship, heels, we figured out what the topic of marriage has been a roller we both liked.” Van Van Zanten and Ralph Carter on July 20. 16 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

being fired just because he or she is trans- tion of fundamental rights on the basis of within Title 38 of the U.S. Code, has, national and gender.” a group’s identity. until now, prevented the Executive Branch international Among the burdens and inequities The complaint names some prominent from providing spousal benefits to veter- faced by transgender workers: Ugandans as Lively’s co-conspirators, not ans — and in some instances active-duty (R eport continued from page 14) Pervasive misunderstanding, hiring as co-defendants in the case, including service members and reservists — who are bias, and on-the-job discrimination. Many Stephen Langa, Martin Ssempa, James in same-sex marriages recognized under ers in the American workforce — from Americans have very little understanding Buturo, David Bahati, and Simon Lokodo. state law. finding and keeping good jobs, to hav- of what it means to be transgender. As Since they are not parties to the lawsuit, In a letter to Congressional leaders, ing equal access to job-related benefits, a result, for transgender people seeking the Court cannot issue any judgments to obtaining adequate health insurance Holder stated that the President’s decision work, the entire job search and hiring pro- against them. Put another way, SMUG was consistent with the Court’s decision in coverage. cess is full of challenges, particularly if a has not sued anyone but Lively in this “A Broken Bargain for Transgender Windsor in June. legal name or gender on an identity docu- particular case – despite claims by antigay “Although the Supreme Court did not Workers” is a companion to the recently ment (for example, a driver’s license) does released report, “A Broken Bargain: Dis- minister Ssempa that he is being sued. directly address the constitutionality of not match the outward appearance of the SMUG seeks damages for the harms it the Title 38 provisions in Windsor, the crimination, Fewer Benefits and More applicant. Once a transgender employee is Taxes for LGBT Workers.” and its members have suffered as a result of reasoning of the opinion strongly supports hired, he or she may face many forms of the persecution conspiracy; a declaration the conclusion that those provisions are The report also offers specific recom- harassment and discrimination, including mendations for policymakers and employ- stating that Lively’s conduct has violated unconstitutional under the Fifth Amend- denial of promotions or unfair firing. international law; and an injunction pre- ment,” Holder wrote. ers to reduce and eliminate inequities Wage inequities. In addition to job for transgender workers and help restore venting Lively from undertaking further The decision not to enforce Title 38 discrimination, transgender employees actions, including plotting and conspiring aligns with the Obama administration’s America’s basic workplace bargain of fair- face wage disparities that make it harder ness and equality. “A Broken Bargain for with others, to deny fundamental rights determination last year that two provi- for them to provide for themselves and to SMUG and the LGBTI community in sions of Title 38 that govern benefits for Transgender Workers” is co-authored by their families. the Movement Advancement Project, or Uganda. veterans and their families were uncon- Lack of explicit legal protec- The Court’s August 14, 2013 Ruling: stitutional as applied to legally married MAP; the National Center for Trans- tions. Transgender workers facing dis- gender Equality, or NCTE; the Center In mid-2012, Lively sought to dis- same-sex couples. At that time, the Attor- crimination may seek recourse by filing miss the case on a multitude of grounds, ney General informed Congress that the for American Progress, or CAP; and the a complaint with the Equal Employment Human Rights Campaign, or HRC, in all of which the Court denied in its rul- Department would no longer defend the Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, for ing this past August. Significantly, the Title 38 provisions, but that the Execu- partnership with Freedom to Work, the sex discrimination under Title VII of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Court found that many international legal tive Branch would continue to enforce Civil Rights Act. The EEOC will work authorities support the principle that wide- them. The announcement makes clear Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, and to mediate a settlement on the worker’s SEIU. spread, systematic persecution of individu- that enforcement of the provision in Title behalf and has done so successfully. How- als based on their sexual orientation and 38 defining marriage as between a man Transgender workers at high risk of ever, EEOC rulings are not binding on unemployment, poverty gender identity constitutes a crime against and a woman will now cease. private employers, furthering the need for humanity that violates international law. The announcement comes after the Recent CAP polling shows that 73 explicit nondiscrimination protections for percent of voters support protecting trans- Another significant finding by the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group transgender workers under federal law. Court was that SMUG’s complaint did (BLAG) recently decided to stop defend- gender people from discrimination in Inability to update identity docu- employment. Despite this strong public not attack Lively’s speech but his partici- ing the Title 38 provisions in pending ments. Intrusive and burdensome require- pation in the conspiracy to bring about cases. In addition, late in August, a fed- support, no federal law provides explicit ments can still make it difficult or legal protections for transgender workers the denial of fundamental rights of the eral district court in California held the impossible for many transgender people to LGBTI community in Uganda. Title 38 provisions unconstitutional on based on gender identity/expression, and obtain accurate and consistent identifica- only 17 states and the District of Colum- The Court explained that speech is equal protection grounds. After consider- tion documents. often a method of aiding and abetting ation of these developments and a recom- bia offer these protections. As a result, Unequal access to health insurance transgender workers face higher rates of a crime, or participating in a conspir- mendation by the Attorney General, the benefits. Exclusions in health insurance acy to commit a crime, and in such unemployment and are at greater risk of often deny transgender workers access President directed the Executive Branch poverty. situations freedom of speech is not pro- to cease enforcement of the Title 38 pro- to both basic health care and transition- tected by the U.S. Constitution. Further- “A Broken Bargain for Transgender related care. visions. Workers” reveals that: Transgender work- more, the Court recognized that SMUG’s Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Denial of personal medical allegations go beyond mere speech; they ers report unemployment at twice the rate leave. Employers may deny transgender Louisiana are nonetheless refusing to give of the population as a whole (14 percent describe Lively’s management of actual equal benefits to same sex spouses of workers leave for necessary transition-relat- crimes, including repression of SMUG’s versus seven percent at the time the work- ed care, incorrectly stating that such care National Guard members and other mili- ers were surveyed); More than 4 in 10 freedom of expression through intimida- tary personnel. does not constitute a “serious medical con- tion, false arrests, assaults, and criminal- transgender people (44 percent) who are dition.” As a result, transgender employees currently working are underemployed; ization of peaceful activity and of simply may face a difficult choice: put their jobs being LGBTI. H ate group NOM goes Transgender workers are nearly four times at risk to care for themselves, or make do more likely than the population as a whole Next Steps after Calif. trans youth without the necessary health care and put The Court ordered that the parties to have a household income of less than their health in jeopardy. By Andrew Potts on gaystarnews.com $10,000 (15 percent versus four percent at develop a plan for the taking of evidence in order to prepare for trial. The anti-gay National Organization the time the workers were surveyed). for Marriage (NOM) group that put “This new report underscores the SMUG v. Scott Lively: This phase of the case will take 6-12 months (or longer), and will require the same-sex marriage on the ballot in Cali- harsh reality of what it means to live status of the crime fornia in 2008 is now seeking to do the and work as a transgender person in this parties to produce evidence – in the form against humanity case of documents and testimony – to one same to California’s AB 1266 law which country,” said Mara Keisling, executive allows transgender teens access to the director of NCTE. “Like other work- On March 14, 2012, SMUG (Sexual another. This evidence will then be used by SMUG to support the allegations it facilities of their choice and to play on the ers, transgender Americans deserve to be Minorities Uganda) filed a federal civil sports teams of their choice. judged by our work and contributions and lawsuit against Scott Lively, the president made in the complaint. not by one aspect of who we are.” It will also be used by Lively to attempt NOM are hoping to gather 504,760 of Abiding Truth Ministries, in a United voter signatures against AB 1266, which How Americans’ basic bargain is States federal court in Springfield, Mass. to show that SMUG’s allegations are not broken for transgender workers true or to support his defenses against would be enough to place its repeal on The suit alleges Lively’s active partici- the November 2014 ballot, and would “Unfair laws and policies impose real, pation in a conspiracy to persecute LGBTI the claims. If the Court believes there everyday burdens on transgender workers is enough evidence to support SMUG’s suspend the law until Californians can persons in Uganda. It further alleges that vote on it. across the country,” said Ineke Mushovic, this persecution has been widespread or claims, the case will proceed to trial. executive director of MAP. “It’s shocking The judge’s ruling is not normal- NOM president Brian Brown claimed systematic, and thus constitutes a crime the law was part of a wider conspiracy to that in this day and age, federal nondis- against humanity under international law. ly appealable at this point in the case. crimination law still does not explicitly However, Lively’s attorneys have recent- end traditional gender roles in the United Persecution is defined in international States. “AB1266, the co-ed bathroom law, protect a high-performing worker from law as the intentional and severe depriva- ly sought special permission to take an appeal. SMUG will oppose that effort and is a horrible attempt by activists to strip continue preparing for the evidence-gath- society of all gender roles and uses chil- ering phase. dren as a weapon in their culture war,” Brown said. “Opening our most vulner- able areas at school including showers, S ame sex spouses bathrooms and changing rooms to mem- of vets will get equal bers of the opposite sex is politically-cor- rect madness that risks the privacy and benefits, Holder says security of our children and grandchil- In the Obama administration’s latest dren. They are forcing our school children step to ensure equal treatment for same- to be exposed in showers and bathrooms sex married couples following the Supreme to members of the opposite sex who claim Court’s decision to strike down a key sec- a gender identity with that sex,” Brown tion of the Defense of Marriage Act, U.S. said…. Attorney General Eric Holder announced NOM and the anti-trans coalition Sept. 4 that President Obama has directed Privacy for All Students, seeking to enlist the Executive Branch to take steps allow- the support of minority groups, have pro- ing for same-sex spouses of military veter- duced versions of their petition in Rus- ans to collect federal benefits. sian, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. The new policy means that the admin- AB 1266 states, “a pupil shall be per- istration will no longer enforce statutory mitted to participate in sex-segregated language governing the Veterans Admin- school programs and activities, including istration (VA) and the Department of athletic teams and competitions, and use Defense (DoD) that restricts the award- facilities consistent with his or her gender ing of spousal benefits to opposite-sex identity, irrespective of the gender listed marriages only. The language, contained on the pupil’s records.” ■ octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 17 18 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

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TM for those on Medicare, for individuals and families, and for business. Excellus’s com- petent staff helps clients explore services to meet their individual needs and get the most for their health care dollar. Excellus has been a strong community partner for the City of Rochester and has provided the Rochester community with excellent health insurance services for over 75 years. For more information go to www.excel- lusbcbs.com or call 454-1700. Logical Operations is the dominant learning solutions provider in instructor- led training. For over 30 years, Logical Operations has provided the highest qual- ity business training curriculum designed to meet the specific needs of its clients. They develop and publish the most wide- ly used and respected business training courseware available today providing cli- The Elton St. Gay Alliance Community Center opened in 1990. ents with the best value for their dollar. Logical Operations drives industry inno- need. Trillium Health is the cutting edge subcultures and organizations, forced to T he financial shoulders vation. They are committed to offering for health care in the Rochester Commu- hide from social hostility beginning in the most relevant training solutions that of the Gay Alliance: our nity. For more information go to www. the 1930s through 1950s. In the ‘60s and completely transform today’s classroom trilliumhealthny.org or call 545-7200. ‘70s, influenced by the civil rights move- sponsors with quality professional training pro- Our Gold Level Sponsors ($5000+) ment and the women’s rights movement, grams with flexible delivery platforms. By Evelyn Bailey Reed Eye Associates, City of Roches- a parallel movement -- “gay liberation” For more information go to logicalopera- ter, Absolut/Malibu -- stepped into the national arena, becom- The Gay Alliance sponsors play a criti- tions.com or call 1-800-456-4677. cal role in maintaining and growing the Our Silver Level Sponsors ($3000+) ing more visible through protests against Trillium Health is a community of Bacardi, Bachelor Forum, Barefoot discriminatory employment practices and agency. medical and social service professionals All are listed in The Empty Closet. Wine, Hedonist Artisan Chocolate, John’s police harassment. who meet patients in a beautiful, healing Rochester’s LGBT community has Because they appear every month, our environment where they can feel support- Tex Mex, Lake Beverage, Nixon Peabody, sponsors get repetitive visibility, but who Professional Tutoring Service, Xerox always been part of a region that has been a ed, and receive integrated personalized Our Bronze Level Sponsors ($1000) powerful voice for dignity and civil rights: are they really? primary and continuing care for all their Our Platinum Level Sponsors Ameriprise, Avenue Pub, Canandai- a region built on the quest of people seek- medical needs. Trillium Health model of ing to better their lives with opportunities ($10,000 +) treatment has become a benchmark in gua National Bank & Trust, Corning Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is a Inc., Equal Grounds Coffee House & to express free thought, innovation, edu- long-term HIV care. Patients and clients cation and worship. Today, we “stand on non-profit health insurance company are offered an expansive array of medical, Gift House, Harter Secrest and Emery headquartered in Rochester. It is part of LLP, ImageOut, Jaegermeister, Kittle- the shoulders” of many people who made prevention, and social services, making it Rochester a city that celebrates diversity the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. easier for patients and clients to receive berger Florist and Gifts, Labor Federa- Excellus BCBS is upstate New York’s larg- tion, Macy’s, New York Life, Out and and has often set benchmarks for civil lib- the comprehensive range of cutting-edge erties throughout the nation. Shoulders to est nonprofit health plan offering coverage medical care and support services they Equal NY Finger Lakes, Outlandish, Skyºy Vodka, St. John Fisher, Tompkins Stand On shows that Upstate New York is Enterprise, Victory Alliance, Wegmans, socially and economically viable because Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP. of a strong LGBT community. Our Champion Level Sponsors But even as history is being made, it Mass Mutual of Buffalo, Park Ave- remains fragile and can be quickly lost. nue Merchants Association, Pride@Work, The archival and documentary project Third Presbyterian Church, The Wool- will safeguard Rochester’s LGBT history bright Group, HCR Home Care. so that it will be available to teach and Shoulders to Stand On THANKS all inspire future generations. of our Gay Alliance sponsors for their past Be proud and join hundreds of your and continued support. The Gay Alliance friends, brothers and sisters in celebrat- could not do this vital work without you. ing 40+ years of Rochester’s gay libera- Shoulders To Stand On challenges you to tion! Together, all of our “shoulders” will invite others to be part of our Financial create the next 40 years of gay liberation Shoulders. in Rochester! Come share in the sense of pride and accomplishment our early pio- I mageOut presents neers set in motion. world premiere of H istory Corner Shoulders to Stand On A monthly newsletter of the Gay Alli- documentary ance of the Genesee Valley, October, 1973: MON 1 OCT; GAGV CENTER By Evelyn Bailey OPEN TO PUBLIC. Press, politicians, Over nine years in the making, interested professionals, professors, and “Shoulders To Stand On,” the docu- straight public invited to tour the center mentary on the history of the Rochester and meet GAGV officials and non-closet- LGBT community will have its world ed members. An out-of-the-closet night for premiere on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. the GAGV. 7:30 pm GAGV Center, 8l2 at the Dryden Theatre at the George East- Brown St. (rear). man House. SUN 7 OCT: BUSINESS MEET- “Shoulders To Stand On” captures ING/GAY TOWN MEETING, Your the stories, struggles and achievements chance to compliment, complain, suggest, of our LGBT pioneers, who often made demand etc. An open forum for directing important sacrifices to make Rochester the organization. For members and non- and Upstate New York a better place to members. 7:30 on (Town Meeting 8:30). live. The documentary highlights many THURS 11 OCT; (Tentative) MEET- events that put Rochester in the local and ING OF AREA GAY ORGANIZA- national spotlight, and celebrates the spirit TIONS. GAGV Center, 7:30 pm. of a community that is bound together SUN 14 OCT: PROGRAM: “GAY with a steadfast sense of pride. AWARENESS” An analysis of our feelings Shoulders to Stand On is an archi- towards each other. 7:30 pm. Center. val and documentary project exploring SUN 21 OCT: SOCIAL: “ COFFEE and safeguarding the history of Roch- HOUSE EVENING” An unstructured ester’s LGBT community. The project evening of conversation, congeniality, low goes back to as far 1897, when Rochester key entertainment, and fun and games. kept a watchful eye on the trial and sen- 7:30 pm. tencing of the gay British writer Oscar SUN 28 OCT: “NYSCGO CON- Wilde. It explores the involvement of FERENCE SUMMARY” and relaxation the LGBT community and its support after the conference. 7:30 GAGV Center. of the movement for a woman’s right to (NYSCGO – New York State Coalition of vote. The project uncovers underground Gay Organizations) ■

22 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

F aith Matters dominately poor communities and communities of color have brought H arlem LGBTQ residents unimaginable improved services to the at risk area the city has long forgotten, like police protection, Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Columnists By Rev. Irene boutique shops, to name a few. But their Monroe presence has also created great resentment Gentrifica- by those who were not forced to relocate tion of neigh- from these communities, but rather are borhoods always The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers left to see the uncomfortable changes. disrupts exist- I’m told the resentment of white queers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the ing communi- Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. taking up residence in Harlem has oddly ties within them. been expressed more openly toward black Sometimes LGBTQs in the form of homophobic and the disrup- transphobic slurs and attacks. tion brought on by gentrification is Asha Greene, a trans woman, and G rowing Up he thinks he could snag for me to draw. expressed in anger and violence toward He hasn’t pulled this off but I appreci- Maureen Ryan, a lesbian, are recent grad- Straight Friends not only the transitional group usher- uates from NYU. While attending NYU ate the concern. Richard loves cats. And ing in the change, but also toward its By Eric Bellmann while I want always to be there for him, they lived in one of school’s leased apart- existing denizens of the community. ments, but moved uptown when they “I don’t know when his adored 20-year-old Spike goes In the pre-dawn hours of a Saturday in off to pussy cat heaven, I’m moving to the realized they couldn’t afford the rents in why you like me?” August, Islan Nettle, 21, who also went by the area. Marilyn says this Sahara. Richie is a whiz with the internet the names Vaughn Nettles and Alon Net- and endlessly forwards me items about gay “My neighbor who has lived in this matter-of-fact- tles, was strolling and lollygagging with building for over 20 years never speaks to ly as we are driv- rights or things he knows will amuse me, a group of her sister-friends on Frederick like clips of Freddie Mercury, who had he Maureen and barely speaks to me. When ing to lunch. I’m Douglas Boulevard between 147th and she, on this rare occasion, spoke to me, it surprised, I hardly lived would be 67. 148th Streets in Harlem. When she and I have steady ongoing contact with was because I helped her with her grocer- know what to say. the girls were recognized as transgender ies. Expecting a thank you she said instead “Well, you are Richie. He’s a once a week bartender and women, Paris Wilson, 20, began spew- occasionally I visit him and perch at the that she hated seeing the sight of me and a good person”, is what I come up with. ing homophobic epithets. Enraged by the my partner move in. She said to me ‘see We’ve known one another for more than end of the bar sipping a Shirley Temple. sight of the women Wilson crossed the He calls me Ma. I like that a lot. He what you bringing up in here’ referring 40 years. Now she asks? In terms of tra- street to where the women were and sav- to my girlfriend being white. ‘And she’ll jectories of life, in truth we have little in loathes the Wegmans’ rooster even more agely pummeled Nettles, resulting in her than I. That’s kind of gay. be bringing more of her kind,’” Asha said. common. She a great-grandmother now death, for allegedly being teased for flirt- Transphobia in black communities with no idea, she laughingly says, of how I met Linda eons ago when she worked ing with a transgender woman. as a travel agent. She booked flights when leave members of our community espe- many descendants she has. Nettle’s death has shaken parts of cially vulnerable, like Nettles. And our I’m relative-free. We rarely talk on the I went to visit my sister and quickly got Harlem, especially the Hamilton Heights me to New Mexico when my mother was communities must be held accountable. phone, get together maybe three or four community where Nettles was killed. While Harlem has always had a trans- times a year. close to death. Linda likes to travel and Hamilton Heights in the last decade does lots of research, keeps files of inter- gender community, it has never had to I met Marilyn through her brother, a has gradually emerged as an LGBTQ take seriously public charges of a hate co-worker on my first teaching job and I esting places. community. A clear example of a new When I complained I was bored by my crime perpetrated against one of its trans- had a life consuming crush on him. He queer Harlem was in April 2010 when the gender residents. Nettle’s mother along faded, she remained. We saw each other annual trips to relatives in Germany, she Harlem Stage premiered the new docu- told me of a woman starting a tour busi- with several Harlem LGBTQ groups are more often back then. mentary short film, “Marriage Equality: contesting Wilson’s low bail set at $2,000. Marilyn is a remarkable, stoic, private ness in Turkey. I signed on. That changed Byron Rushing and the Fight for Fair- my life. I would never have begun the Such a low bail sends no meaningful mes- person with the usual share of miseries: ness,” allowing the largest public dialogue sage about the crime and the value of the a divorce, a return to employment with odyssey of twice a year extended visits to on same-sex marriage by LGBTQ people Turkey that ultimately totaled 18 trips lives of its transgender residents. a physically arduous job, a bout of can- of color in the country. New York native In 2013 Harlem is unquestionably a cer, perhaps a lapse of faith, a stressful over 11 years without her help. She waters and award-winning African American gay my plants, collects my mail even now community in transition — and not only relationship with a parent, the turmoil of filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris directed with its new residents. her children finding their way. She dis- when I go to New York. I return the favor the film, sponsored by the Human Rights when she and her husband leave town. The up tick of insults and assaults on likes cats although for years she owned Campaign. Harlem’s predominately black LGBTQ a wonderful, mellow gray cat that often Linda is an avid New York Times read- In June 2010, Harlem saw its first er and saves me interesting articles. Our communities, some contest, is largely sprawled on the kitchen table. I adore cats. Pride. But Harlem still remains as a com- because of gentrification — a commu- “Here kitty, kitty” I’d croon. She likes taste in movies could not be more dissimi- plicated both open and closeted queer lar, but what the hell at least she gets out nity’s feelings and frustrations wrongly dogs, vulgar annoyances they seem to me, social hot spot. Harlem’s transgender expressed in both homophobic and trans- far too eager. of the house and into a theater, the only community wrestles more than any of us way, I maintain, to see a movie. Netflix phobic ways. What binds us is honesty and concern, LGBQs with Harlem’s homophobia. Homo and trans phobia are forms of values and ideas. House bound during is TV, sorry. In her rather restrained way “In Harlem, it can be dangerous for she is always concerned. We also have in bigotry. Long-term residents of Harlem years of child rearing, she read voracious- transgenders to approach men. Some of know bigotry all too well as recipients. ly. Several years ago I gave her a subscrip- common aching bodies from too much the men are very aggressive and close- exercise. It’s the little things that form a Hopefully they won’t become experts on tion to The New Yorker. She’s given me minded. You have to be careful who you the other side, too. plants for my garden. And she has paid lasting bond. approach,” Ms. Jennifer told DNAinfo attention as only a thoughtful mother These folks are part of my daily life. I New York. could to my struggles, including my evo- think, too, of Judy, now living in France The struggle of Harlem’s transgender A Few Bricks Short lution as an out gay person. for more than twenty years. I’ve been community dates back, at least on record, You Need Therapy She has, from a distance, lived through there three times. Judy encouraged me to the early 1900s. the social and legal changes that have to buy my house. While driving around By the time of the Harlem Renaissance, By David Hull enhanced my life. She has never judged Rochester she would point out places roughly from 1920—1935, LGBTQ Afri- Over this past me. Even when I once flashed at her a that would be suitable, including the very can Americans carved out for themselves summer my shoul- terrifically juicy polaroid of a conquest! house I now live in. Judy, also an artist, a queer space of self-expression. Its trans- der starting hurt- How’s that for acceptance, the bottom is an ardent Liberal and I think sitting gender community during this era was ing; just a little at line of what every gay man craves? And so in her kitchen talking with her and her notoriously cheered and despised for their first, but then as we continue. husband about politics and culture helped drag ball extravaganzas. Langston Hughes the yard work sea- Richard is another matter altogether. me understand that I was an intellectual. depicted the balls as “spectacles of color.” son progressed, the We met in an aerobics class twenty-odd I look forward to her twice a year visits George Chauncey, author of Gay New pain increased. By years ago. He’s short, muscular, bald — here. York, wrote that during this period, “Per- the beginning of well he has a shaved head to be more pre- Then there is Sally, my BFF, the haps nowhere were more men willing to autumn, it wasn’t just an ache anymore, cise. He has a real old-time butch tattoo. woman who lets me stay in her guest venture out in public in drag than in Har- but a real “ouchy”. One day, in class, I said, “Hi, girl- room in New York. We have similar lem.” But the visibility of Harlem’s entire I have no idea how I injured it, but friend!” We’ve been friends ever since. enough tastes in theater and films. She’s LGBTQ communities for the most part my husband Bernie insisted that I go see And that has been at times a trial. Richard opened me up to the world of better res- was forced to be on the “down low.” my doctor. My doctor referred me to an is a whiner. Oh my God, you don’t want taurants and chamber concerts. I went With a new black and visible LGBTQ orthopedic specialist. I was shocked -- an to know. with her to the hospital before she had face emerging in Harlem in the last orthopedic specialist? That’s a doctor for But when a dozen years ago I hit an knee replacement surgery and I’ve been at decade, so too is a white one. old people! I wasn’t going to any orthope- emotional bottom over yet another failed her side after she got a diagnosis of breast When rents became prohibitive, espe- dic specialist! romance, the one I thought was God’s cancer. We’ve watched “The Wire” and cially in Greenwich Village — NYC’s gay “Keep an open mind,” said my doc- answer and when I entered a phase of “Breaking Bad”. Last year she went with mecca — many Manhattan LGBTQs tor. “Would it help you feel better if I prolonged grief and behaved very, very me to Gay Pride and each Halloween we took either a bridge over to Brooklyn or a mentioned that this orthopedic specialist badly, Richard would sit for hours outside put on our Mickey Mouse hats and wan- train up to Harlem. works at the office of sports medicine and Park Avenue coffee shops as I sobbed and der 8th Avenue. Could I ask for more? “Gays have often been at the fore- his patients tend to be injured professional rehashed my heart-ache. He was always Gay friends seem to materialize and front of gentrification in New York City and college athletes?” there for me. I can never, ever repay him. then evaporate. I don’t know why. I am and elsewhere in the nation, said Charles I smiled and shrugged. “Well, if He thought the bozo was a shit head and not an easy person to love, that’s for sure. Kaiser, author of “The Gay Metropolis, a young, muscular athletes can give it a try, he was right. Richard is also a cancer sur- I could speculate that we sometimes don’t History of Gay Life in New York,” who is then I suppose I can too.” vivor, to say nothing of having been at love ourselves very much, maybe that’s quoted in “Harlem Journal: Gay White So I went to see the orthopedic special- Kent State when the state police opened part of the reason. I ‘m not sure what Pioneers, on New Ground.” And the ist, who diagnosed me with tendonitis and fire. would be gained by figuring that one number of whites in Harlem in the last prescribed therapy. Now and then, blessed boy that he is, out. For the time being, I’ll just count my decade has nearly doubled from 9.9 per- “Oh, no,” I said. “No therapy for me! Rich says he thinks he’s found a knockout blessings. cent to 16.6 percent. I’m fine. I don’t need to be on some doc- hunk at his very macho gym, someone Email: [email protected] These new LGBTQ residents in pre- tor’s couch while he evaluates my child- hood and analyzes my nightmares and octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 23 asks me what I think a bunch of ink blots be unprofessional if they let me wet down After the female lays her eggs, she a long-standing wacky tradition. We look like. I’m not going for therapy.” their T-shirts with my water bottle before selects the winning sperm packet, tosses play disguise-a-celery-keeper. (How she The orthopedic specialist sighed. “I I started my session, I slowly got bet- the others. Well, guess what? Most of the acquired that green plastic, 1960s ves- meant physical therapy,” he said. “Just ter; the pain decreased and my strength time cuttlefish females select drag queens’ sel, minus its white cover, is too long to keep an open mind; it’s therapy for your improved. sperm packets, opting for genes of clever- print.) We pass Tacky Celery back and shoulder.” So, I guess the point is – who would ness, not brawn. forth. Tacky has been: a witch, ghost, rab- That got my attention. “Oh! Is that the have thought that physical therapy actu- Speaking of tossing. On September bit, duck, cornucopia; trees: apple, Christ- place where you send all the injured ath- ally works? My grandmother used to say, 25th, methodically I went through the mas, Easter. Such a laugh. We have been letes?” I asked enthusiastically. “Life is what happens when you’re busy sturdy pages of our… my 2004 wedding doing this for thirty-four years. Such a When I arrived at the physical therapy making other plans”. I can put my own album. Editing. Removing photographs challenge. center the next day, I was anxious to see spin on that because I now believe that of ex-wife’s family. Of her friends. Her Fear not, I will save spaces for the all the athletes, sweating and straining “recovery is what happens when you’re former lovers. (Which makes me won- 2014 Pride parade pictures. Floats with at the exercise equipment. Instead, I saw busy sexually harassing your handsome der about Lesbians and their penchant Flamboyant cuttlefish and other bach- three other old people just like me: a pair therapist”. for keeping Formers. A kind of perpetual elors. Floats showcasing drag queens, drag of overweight, gray-haired guys riding Obviously, you just have to keep an care?) kings, and drag cuttlefish. And when I exercise bikes and a middle-aged woman open mind. Of course I, one of the brides, had hear some curbside heckler rave about two stretching giant rubber bands that were Contact David at davidhull59@aol. been caught in many shots. Tossed those by two on Noah’s purported ark, I plan attached to the wall. And the big TV com into a to-go-envelope. But first, with sur- to toss previously-enjoyed cuttlebones at in the corner was tuned to The Price is gical precision, I cut a tidy, triangular his feet. Right. C leaning My Closet shape… decapitated myself. I refused to And on and on…. Sections of my sis- If I wanted to look at an old person remain in that once-upon-a-time fiction. ter, my sons, my faithful friends. But I watching The Price is Right, I would have P icture this Then I decided, as long as I had all my need my old-fashioned faces-book. I do stayed home and looked at my husband. By Meredith albums out, I might as well do a different not want Facebook and DVDs to store This was not the physical therapy that I Elizabeth kind of sorting: my Get-Serious Discard- my life. Because I need to hold pictures wanted! Reiniger ing. Been-there scenery shots, done-that in my hands. “Hi, you must be David, right?” There are drag flower close-ups. Kittens’ every cute I will never forget the days following I turned to the desk around the corner. queens in the ocean. move; ditto dogs. Beloved but deceased Ginger’s funeral. We all gathered at her And there they stood. Obviously, Mother four-leggeds: in blizzard-deep snow, mud, kitchen table to celebrate her life. Shar- Two of them. Nature loves flashy. flower beds, ponds. Stretching, jump- ing snapshots, we elders told the stories Their name tags identified them as And obviously, ing, running, sitting. Curled… on chairs, behind each picture, passing on our fam- “Therapist: Shawn” and “Therapist: Mother Nature clothes piles, my pillow. Next to… each ily history to the next generation. I cannot Mark ”. adores gayness. other, my shoes, stuffed animals, plants. imagine gathering around an electronic The name tags could also have labeled Who are these nautical drag queens? In bathtubs, bowls, food dishes. Adored screen. them as: “Therapist: Yummy” and “Ther- Certainly not Homo sapiens. Certainly pets, their sleeping so precious that I have And yes, I still have my head shots, apist: Yummier”. not Homo-LGBTIQQT-S. They are cut- ten… thirty-three… many… too many those 223 excised triangles. My liberated Therapist: Shawn was tall, thin and tlefish. Which are not fish. In fact, cut- pictures of slumber positions. heads are tucked into a plush velvet box. very handsome with short, trimmed tlefish are mollusks, outrageous lavender I knew my work was not done. Someday I will want to hold those pic- blonde hair. Therapist: Mark was tall, tan, mollusks with green blood. Attacked every album. Removed slice-of- tures in my hands. muscular with dark hair, a scruffy chin The star of the show is Flamboyant life photos. Smiles caught by a butterfly MeredithElizabethReiniger@gmail. and he was wearing a tight T-shirt that Cuttlefish. He flaunts his broad mantle collector. A predator who snatched a liv- com showed off his biceps. Now this is what and blade-like arms. And when he has a ing creature. Chloroformed it. Pierced I thought physical therapy was all about. hissy fit… just marvelous. He flashes a it with dainty pins. Fixed it to a card. What’s Bothering “I’ll show you our equipment,” said pattern of dark brown, black, and white The dignity and soul of beauty captured. Brandon? Therapist: Shawn. “Then every time you through his flesh. Accessorizes with yel- Filled my wastebasket. But could not come to therapy, Mark and I will take low patches around his oval mantle, yel- empty my brain. Trouble in the turns working on you.” Holy Naughty low patches around his three eyes, and red Ravaged albums were scattered at my Necropolis Talk, Batman – my husband was never tips on his eight arms. feet. I turned page after page, staring at going to be believe this! No doubt about it, The Bachelor blank spaces where once there was a story By Brandon W. And so, for the next 45 minutes, Ther- Forum needs a Flamboyant Cuttlefish in of our Us. I did not want empty. I felt Brooks apist: Shawn showed me how to work my their aquarium. Furthermore, GAGV will compelled to sacrifice chronology. Com- I am so glad I sore shoulder on some exercise equipment need cuttlefish floats in our 2014 Pride pulsive and slightly frenzied, I was driven am from the East and then he put me on a table and had me Parade. to remedy. Mechanically: slide out a pic- Coast. For one, I lie still as he massaged and stretched my… Here is more proof that gods created ture; shove it in a vacant spot. Slide; shove. don’t have to deal well, it was just my shoulder, but it felt cross-dressing. Cuttlefish mate face to Slide; shove. Until finally I held, albeit with as many fad really good. Although Therapist: Shawn face. An 8-armed male grasps a 6-armed disorderly, fully-filled albums. diets and all that didn’t seem to notice the double entendres female in his tentacles and inserts his Not to worry. I found solace when I feigned positivity. when I mentioned to him that he could: sperm packet into her pouch. Then he remembered that winter was inevitable. Secondly, and “pull it a little harder for me.” Straight stands guard for a few hours, waiting Days with no gardens needing my atten- most importantly, everything here on guys are so oblivious! for mama cuttlefish to lay her eggs in a tion, no kayak jaunts, no geo-caching the East Coast is older. Older things, as But, here’s the weird thing – even row, at which point she will select only safaris. Days of snow-quiet. Endless min- I have noted in earlier columns, appeal to though I never saw any injured athletes at one sperm packet. However, because the utes to rearrange all my photographs. Into me because of their history and deep reso- the therapy center, just usually those same female cleverly mates with several poten- topics. Yes. Calendar consistency is no nance, and because everything “new” it two guys on the bikes and that woman tial fathers, the big guys have to hang longer my need. seems is made out of pure and utter crap. with the exercise bands, her name is Flor- around (they are, in fact, buoyant) chal- No, I told myself, I do not really care The old interests me greatly, especially ence by the way, my shoulder got better. lenging each other, tussling for domina- when I did thus and so. I treasure who. when it conveys some semblance of the And from watching The Price is Right, tion and the best den. Yes, people sections will make me happy. past to my very own present. I learned that the actual price of a John Meanwhile, enter stage right: a runt I will make a COUSINS section: Ginger, One of the many gems of Rochester Deere EZ Trac residential lawn mower is guy. In disguise. He tucks in his extra two Elaine, Kathleen, Bill, and Bob. Re-unit- plays testament to this idea that the old 2,999.99! arms, folds his mantle under so he looks ed with my paternal cousins, I am again a is better than the new, and that is Mt. All through my therapy sessions, as like a female carrying an egg sac, and then part of their lives. I get to share their chil- Hope Cemetery. Mt. Hope Cemetery, Therapist: Shawn and Therapist: Mark he displays female mottled-color patterns. dren and grandchildren, which is a rather located on Mt. Hope Avenue in The refused to cooperate with my special Thus in camouflage, he glides his drag large number of fantastically fascinating South Wedge, is America’s first munici- requests because they claimed it was queen self right by his wrestling rivals. persons. pal rural cemetery. Covering more than against the therapy center policy to work Undetected, he faces his woman and adds And surely I will make a part for 190 acres of wooded drumlins and eskers, with their shirts off, or they felt it would his sperm packet into the competition. my WOMYN wonder: Donna. We have Mt. Hope Cemetery showcases some of 24 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013 the finest graves and grave monuments in Gravestones are made for the living, to be monetary donation. ly reminder from your Self to your self.” New York State. read and remembered. The respectfully untouchable of Mt. He invited people “to take stock, think There are a few Colonial-era graves, Cemeteries once served a very impor- Hope Cemetery have been defiled and about your truth and what needs some but a vast majority of the graves are from tant social function for towns and cit- molested, and I’m pissed off. Is this per- work? Whatever it is, own it. Write it the middle of the 19th century (some may ies, including Rochester. Everyone to be haps another result of death being so far down. Make a postcard and send it to casually refer to this time as Victorian seen, alive and dead, could be found at removed from society? Is there no respect yourself as a reminder of what you have even though we are in fact, American) the cemetery of your town. In fact, Mt. for the dead any longer? If only the dead decided to let go of.” She thought this onward. With Rochester being part of Hope Cemetery was one of the first cem- could speak beyond the words engraved sounded like me and something we could the “Burned-Over District” of Upstate eteries specifically crafted with a park- on their own stones. I’m certain they do here at Inspiritual. New York, Mt. Hope Cemetery contains like design, including established paths would have some choice words to share Jane was right; it does sounds like the remains of numerous abolitionists and walkways, ponds and benches, and indeed. Ouija Board or not, I’d like to something I would do. I have been doing and civil rights workers, most notably exotic imported trees. Mt. Hope Cem- think that I would be able to find a way something similar with several of my cli- Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Doug- etery is truly a gloriously beautiful place to voice my disapproval of these vandals. ents. I have them write themselves love las. Even more interesting is Mt. Hope’s in Rochester, if not my personal favorite. Besides trying to contact the dead, letters for forty days. After all who knows fabled catacomb system, with mysteri- So, you may ask, what exactly both- there are some very concrete ways that we better what you need to hear than you. ously sealed-off entrances in The Sunken ers Brandon about Mt. Hope Cemetery? as community members of Rochester can Who better understands how to par- Garden of neighboring Warner Castle. No, it’s not the fact that Friends of indeed make an impact or improvement ent and nurture you than you? I am not Mt. Hope Cemetery, with its beau- Mt. Hope vehemently denies the exis- upon these cowardly and disgraceful acts talking about those hot, steamy, passion- tifully sloping hills, hidden grottos and tence of its catacombs, or that Barnabas of vandalism. Friends of Mt. Hope, an ate letters, although that might be what idyllic scenic vistas, is one of my own Collins (à la Jonathan Frid) does not agency devoted to maintaining the cul- you need to hear, but letters that nurture resting places of choice; I come here to reside here. What has been bothering tural and historical potency of Mt. Hope your soul, telling you what you most read and roam, occasionally picnic and and genuinely disturbing me is the steep Cemetery in the Rochester area, is one of need to hear. even sun-bathe in the hot months. It’s increase in vandalism that the cemetery those ways. Friends of Mt. Hope offers So what do you need to hear? What the perfect spot for a quiet morning has incurred over the past few years, this many informative services such as tours do you need to tell yourself to feel loved? jog, a leisurely afternoon promenade, summer especially. and guided walks, as well as volunteering Rather than wait for someone else to tell and because of its amazing selection of Beautiful mausoleums have had their opportunities with their landscape com- you what you need to give you or tell you memorial artwork, Mt. Hope presents genuine Tiffany-glass smashed in, while mittee, adopt-a-grave programs, gate- what you need to feel loved, give it to the rare opportunity to collect some stone crosses lie strewn across the grass, house captains, and tour guides. One can yourself. Anytime you need to feel loved, great grave-rubbings. having been freshly pulverized into bits. even become a member through a small sit down, and write yourself a love letter. Nowadays, death is so far removed Countless gravestones, no longer majes- and reasonable (truly) donation. What’s Tell yourself exactly what you need to from society and our minds. Advances tic and timeless, have been pushed over more, they even offer thorough genea- hear at any moment of your life. in medicine have allowed us to live lon- and dislodged from their respectful logical services. What more to ask? One of my clients got quite creative ger and healthier lives, while cosmetics foundations and namesakes. The slate Mt. Hope Cemetery is a rare sight with this and had different stationary and surgeries cater to our fear of even roof of the old crematorium, built with to see in comparison to today’s grid-like and writing supplies for different days. looking old. Death has been put into ornate stonework of the Gothic Revival cemeteries, and as such must be treasured On the days she needed to nurture her the corner, removed to the outskirts of style, has been spray painted with com- and maintained fiercely. And before you inner child, she had very bright, cheer- society’s psyche much like the cemeter- mon graffiti tags. Why not at least with think that Mt. Hope Cemetery has noth- ful children’s stationary and wrote in ies that were removed from town cen- the artful graffiti one sees throughout ing to do with you, just remember these crayons and markers. On the days she ters and church-yards. A very visible The South Wedge or the abandoned sub- wise words: needed to remind herself that she was an consequence of this is the current trend way system, one may wonder. I think it’s “Remember me as you pass by, awesome person just as she was, she had with gravestones and grave monuments; because the individuals responsible for As you are now, so once was I, scented stationary that was very tranquil they’re boring and square, created quick- those murals are real artists, aware and As I am now, so you will be, and peaceful and wrote in pens. On the ly after-the-fact in order to hasten the observant of respectful slumber, and not Prepare for death and follow me.” days she needed to remind herself that grieving process. Most modern cemeter- mediocre vandals with a bone to pick. Questions, comments or critique? Please she was worthy of being loved by some- ies showcase graves of this fashion, over- The repairs needed to bring Mt. feel free to e-mail the author at brandon- [email protected] one else she would write herself love let- stating the loss of this truly forgotten art Hope back to what it was at the begin- ters from her spouse to be. Sometimes form. Mt. Hope’s graves (at least in the ning of this very summer are countless, and would require a terrific amount of she would include tickets to a play, or old section), are anything but boring, I nspiritual a gift certificate to her favorite restau- and truly speak to the idea that graves are intensive hands-on labor, not to mention a large monetary donation; a very large Love Letters rant, and one time her letter came with not about the past, but in fact the future. a dozen red roses and a box of gourmet By Rev. Dr. chocolates, which she had delivered to Sharon Jacobson her at her workplace. I have a dear Sometimes we need those reminders friend, who I may of what we need to let go of in our lives. never meet, who Nobody can help us let go of something. lives in Australia. Our friends and family can support us, I love Jane because but only we can take the action to trans- it seems as if when- form our lives and let things go. Who ever I am thinking better knows how to inspire or remind about her I get an ourselves what we need to let go of in our email from her. lives than ourselves? What if you created The other day was no different. I a series of postcards about what you need was thinking about what I wanted to to let go of and gave them to friends to share about empowerment and how you mail out to you periodically throughout can empower yourself, when up pops an the year? email from Jane. She was at fair where Transformation in our lives requires her daughter-in-law had a booth when action. Any action, which we take in our she came upon a booth “run by Ben Lee. lives to enhance the quality of our lives, He is a very famous Australian musician is an action of love, whether it is an act but resides in the US.” of giving ourselves an affirmation, writ- Ben’s booth was about Handmade ing a love letter, sending a postcard, or Postcard Making: The purpose of this performing a random act of kindness for booth was to help “combat spiritual ourselves. Take a moment to do some- amnesia. Send yourself an important thing loving for you. If for no other rea- truth that you forget too often. A friend- son, because you are worthy. ■ octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 25

cards and games. rium Center, 875 E Main St., on the last October is ImageOut month, so many Saturday of each month between 3–5:30 members will be at the film festival. We p.m. Parking is available in the back of Community encourage everyone to attend the movies. the building off of Prince St. and Col- The Bears also get together to bowl, play lege Ave. games, and meet new friends. We’d be Note: if there is a guard at the booth, glad to meet you. WOOF! just say you’re here for the Gay Alliance Find the friends, fun, and common interests you’re looking for through and they have instructions to let you in the various groups listed here. L et’s Meet without paying the parking fee. Once in the door, walk down the hall to the main The Lesbian singles group Let’s Meet lobby, turn right just past the guard’s Butch Femme Chocolate Cake (treat). Maybe it just has will be meeting on Friday, Oct. 25 at booth and the elevator is right there. On a tricky name, like Moldy Jello? Whatev- Trata, in the former Armory at 14 Culver the fifth floor just follow the signs to the Connection er it is, bring it along and, while you’re at Rd., at 6:30 p.m. meeting. it, ask a friend or two to join us for food Let’s Meet stands for Lesbians Evolv- Also if you’re coming by bus get off The Rochester Butch-Femme Con- ing Their Singleness (by) Meeting (and) nection supper club will have two events and fun. There is always plenty to share! at the Prince St. stop, walk up the side- Calendar Keepers: Save Sunday, Oct. Eating Enthusiastically Together. To walk to the first set of doors at the main in October 2013. RSVP, call Ramona at 585-490-1424. Our Annual Fall Potluck will be held 20 and plan to join us for our 38th Anni- entrance (they have the number 875 in Saturday, Oct. 12 at the home of one of versary! Following our service we’ll be large letters over them). Once you’re in our members in Fairport. Bring a dish to going to a local restaurant for dinner. O pen Arms MCC the lobby head toward the elevator and go All are welcome to join us at the service. up to the fifth floor and follow the signs. pass and join us! Open Arms MCC has moved to its Our second event will be a dinner You’re welcome to join us for dinner as Our website is: www.rnytg.org or well, but we’ll need a head count. Call the new location: 707 East Main St. in Roch- on Facebook at: https://www.facebook. night out on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Pepper- ester. com/RochesterTransGroup. mints Diner on West Henrietta Rd. (Rte. D-I Hotline at 585-234-5092 to reserve a seat at dinner. Wedding space and a children’s min- . 15) in Henrietta at 7 p.m. istry are available. Services are Sundays at For further information on both You’ll want to be sure to visit us in ROMANS November to see the redesigned wor- 10:30 a.m. For more information about events, please contact Kerry/Max at ship space upstairs at St. Luke’s and St. the church, call 271-8478. The ROMANS resumed its regu- [email protected] or (585) 288- Simon’s. We’ve been watching the prog- lar monthly meeting in September 7208. ress, worshipping in the chapel while the O ut & Equal and the October meeting will be held in work is being done. The changes are Rochester. Dignity Integrity remarkable! Out & Equal’s October Second Members will be able to enjoy the hot You can always call the D-I Hotline Thursdays Networking event will take tub after the meeting. Rochester Natur- D-I Rochester meets weekly at 5 p.m. at 585-234-5092 or visit the website at place on Oct. 10 at Constellation Brands, ists’ monthly nude swim has also resumed at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 www.di-rochester.org/ for updates on ser- 207 High Point Dr., Building 100, in on the first weekend of each month South Fitzhugh St., corner of Broad St. vices and other activities. Victor. (except January) until April 2014. We have the following services and activi- The event will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m ROMANS members support and ties for the month of October 2013. EMPIRE BEARS enjoy the swim and traditionally meet 1st Sunday: Quiet Episcopal Mass/ R ochester Trans for a clothed dinner before the event. In Healing Service in the Chapel. BRRRRR! It was a chilly summer, it’s Group addition, there are two scheduled Men 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Litur- a brisk fall, and a cold winter is coming. Only swims in November 2013 and Feb- gy of the Word, with music. The Empire Bears love to get together for Our next RTG meeting is on Satur- ruary 2014. These swims take place in 3rd Sunday: Episcopal Mass with fun, warm times. day, Oct. 26 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. We will the basement of a home and the facility music. Every Wednesday evening at 6, we’re be celebrating our second anniversary! includes a swimming pool, sauna and 4th Sunday: Evening Prayer, followed at the Wintonaire having supper with our Fall is here, a time of transitions, so hot tub. by a Potluck Dinner! favorite waitress and den mother, Becky. come on, come to a meeting and find Information on ROMANS activities Our Potluck theme for October is We’re at the GAGV (fifth floor) on sec- out you are not the only one and you are can be found on our website at http:// “Trick or Treat”. I don’t know about you, ond Saturdays having a potluck. It starts NOT alone! www.wnyromans.com, via email wnyro- but this theme makes me think of foods at 6:30. Bring a dish, and we provide pop, We meet in the Gay Alliance’s office [email protected] or by calling 585-281- like Liver and Lima Beans (trick) and paper, and plastic. Supper is followed by on the fifth floor located in the Audito- 4964. ■

Glenn Zermeño, LCSW Individual, Couple & Group Psychotherapy

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S teven Grant Douglas haunts Arts & Entertainment the Auditorium Theatre in one holding a ticket stub to the “Ghost” Opening Night Screenings. For those just looking to chat, grab By Susan Jordan a drink, and enjoy appetizers, Steven Grant Douglas stars both venues will have relaxed as Sam in the musical “Ghost,” areas reserved exclusively for coming to the Auditorium ImageOut patrons and members Theatre Oct. 8-13. Tickets are to mingle with visiting special available at the box office, at guests and stars. 800-745-3000, or from Tick- Following the Friday Oct. 18 etmaster.com. screenings The Bachelor Forum Steven told The Empty (670 University Avenue, Roches- Closet, “I grew up in a very small, rural community in ter) will be hosting an ImageOut Steven Grant Douglas Second Friday (of the Film Fes- Northwestern Minneso- tival) Party from 8 p.m. to 2 ta where theater is barely a a.m. with drink specials all night hobby. However, I had been When asked which per- and pizza from 11 p.m. to 2 singing Disney songs with my formers have inspired him a.m. ImageOut ticket stub hold- mom since birth, and decid- most, Steven said, “Truthful- From “G.B.F.” ers can get a free drink at The ed to pursue a career in the- ly I grew up admiring Ash- ater around the age of 16. At ton Kutcher’s boyish charm opening and closing parties, as Bachelor Forum throughout the I mageOut is back: 10-day festival. that time, I had the oppor- and hopeless romanticism. well as public discussions with tunity to play Harold Hill in Shifting more into musicals will screen 63 guest artists affiliated with the ImageOut’s Closing Night Party on Saturday, Oct. 19 will ‘The Music Man’ and Marius though, I would say Norbert films in 10 days showcased films. The full lineup in ‘Les Miserables’. I’ve never Leo Butz is a huge inspiration. is online at imageout.org. Tick- be at the Village Gate Atrium Attention movie buffs: it’s (274 N. Goodman St., Roch- looked back since.” He’s great at what he does, et prices range from $7 to $15, His career started with the with very little effort. He’s that time of the year again! with $2 in-person discounts for ester) from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.). The 21st annual ImageOut ImageOut fans will close out the usual struggles. “I traveled to both strong and sensitive at young adults age 24 and young- NYC once a year in college and the same time. It’s amazing.” Film Festival, New York State’s er and seniors age 65 and older. 21st festival with complimentary largest LGBT film festival, has food and a cash bar with signa- gradually dampened my feet What are the biggest chal- Tickets for the festival can be into the performing industry,” lenges to playing a ghost? Ste- announced its 2013 program purchased online now through ture ImageOut cocktails, with lineup, running Oct. 11 to 20. a DJ providing the soundtrack he said. “This included the ven responded, “Sam is an Oct. 10 at imageout.org. common activities of crashing enormous role to take on, and Featured will be 63 films from The ImageOut Next Gen- for dancing and discussion of 21 countries screened over 10 the movies screened during the on a friend’s couch, waiting in that’s even if you eliminate eration Series, a focus on LGBT a room all day to (sometimes the fact that the late, incred- days. The three Rochester venues youth, includes seven feature- festival. hosting the screenings are The not) be seen, and trying to ibly talented Patrick Swayze Little Theatre, Dryden Theatre sing my face off before noon brought him into existence. In at George Eastman House, and o’clock. After graduating from our musical, Sam’s songs are Ingle Auditorium at the Roches- the University of Minnesota sky high, his physical journey ter Institute of Technology. Duluth with a BFA in Musical is aggressive and exhausting, With annual attendance of Theatre, I worked in a couple and on top of that, he has to more than 10,000, ImageOut of regional circuits, one in live in the world of the play continues to draw diverse audi- Upstate New York, and anoth- with everyone else onstage. ences regionally and beyond. er in the Twin Cities (Minne- My take on this role has been To pre-screen and secure the apolis/St. Paul) of Minnesota.” (S teven continues on page 28) best available films, ImageOut members attend several festivals throughout the year, including Sundance, Cannes, and Berlin. This year’s Festival includes a M eet “Me and events during the summer of North American premiere, a Jezebel” this 1985 when the legendary Bette U.S. premiere, and three East Davis came to stay in Fuller’s Coast premieres. month at family home in Connecticut ImageOut will also screen Blackfriars for what was only to be one the official world premiere of night, but instead turned into an “Shoulders To Stand On,” the “Me and Jezebel”, the com- entire month. After dinner with Gay Alliance’s documentary edy by Elizabeth L. Fuller, is a mutual friend of Davis’ at Full- film project about the LGBT From “Reaching for the Moon.” coming to Blackfriars Theatre er’s home, and a friendly phone history of Rochester. “This is the this month. call from Davis herself, Eliza- movie to bring your family and length films, including Sun- Accessibility The show, based on the true beth agrees to let Bette Davis friends to,” said Paul Allen, Ima- dance selection VALENTINE ImageOut remains commit- life account of Fuller, recounts (Mt ee continues on page 28) geOut Board chairman. “It’s the ROAD. All programs in this ted to keeping the Festival acces- story of our community, and it’s series are free to anyone under sible. Single ticket prices, prior perfect for anyone who wants to the age of 21. Tickets can be to young adult or senior dis- learn what it was like in Roches- obtained in advance and at the count, will range from $7 to $15. ter through the decades, during box office before each screening. Discounts for In-Person Tick- the fight for equality and recog- Festival Parties et Purchases: a $2 discount is nition.” The 2013 ImageOut Open- available to individuals over the Evidence of anticipated suc- ing Night Celebrations on Fri- age of 65 or under 25 for most cess for the upcoming festival is day, Oct. 11 will be twice as films shown during the Festival. the ticket-sales report from the fun this year with two venues: The Next Generation Series, Festival Fair held in early Sep- 140 Alex Bar & Grill (140 Alex- featuring films for and about tember, the first opportunity to ander St., Rochester) from 9 LGBT young people, is free to purchase tickets. Ticket sales at p.m. to 1 a.m. The second party anyone under 21. that event were 40 percent above ramps up at 11 p.m. at Tilt Quick-Response (QR) codes last year’s sales and the sale of Night Club and Ultralounge give festivalgoers access to Ima- festival passes is running 50 per- (444 Central Ave., Rochester). geOut’s Mobile website. This cent above last year. Admission to each venue is free website will have the entire pro- The festival will feature for ImageOut members and any- gram lineup, film descriptions, trailers, and other information to help those on the move take advantage of all the festival has to offer. Look for QR codes in the ImageOut printed program as well as at festival venues. ImageOut Tickets On Sale Wednesday, Oct. 2: In-Per- son Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5: In-Person Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office 12:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8: Final In-Per- son Ticket Sales at ImageOut Office 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10: Online Ticket Sales end at 5 p.m. EST. ■ From “Free Fall.” Ed Popil and Tom Smalley in “Me & Jezebel.” 28 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

(S teven continued from page 27) (Mt ee continued from page 27) hours are Monday through Friday, 10 Bad Guys (or Girls) who seek global or to make big, confident choices, right or reside with her during the course of a New a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 4 even cosmic domination. wrong, and truly trust my director(s), York hotel strike. p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are Often the Bad Guys are demons, designers, and fellow cast mates to help Throughout her month-long stay, accepted at no additional charge. but in some books, the hero is a demon, steer me in a better direction. I really Davis controls what is for dinner and Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, or part demon. In the well-written and think we’re on this journey together. when the family goes out, shares her not-for-profit theatre, is located on Roch- funny Rachel Morgan books by Kim All of us.” thoughts on spiritualism and childrear- ester’s “Theatre Row,” at 795 East Main Harrison (“Ever After,” etc.), Rachel is What can audiences expect from ing, and recounts her stories about Paul St. Parking is available on site. Handi- a (good) part-demon who is trained by this production, especially those who Newman and Joan Crawford. Feeding capped seating is available. For more and befriends (be-fiends?) a demon called have only seen the film? “They can on the tension she creates, Davis makes information regarding Blackfriars The- Algaliarept, Al for short, who isn’t such expect to be blown away by its rock- the most of her time with Fuller’s family, atre, visit their website at www.blackfri- a bad guy after all. For a demon. Rachel in’ music, stunning choreography, controlling them until her departure at ars.org. also has a lesbian vampire ex and busi- and unforgettable stage illusions. We the end of the strike. The play is strange- ness partner named Ivy and another busi- have the thrilling responsibility to fuse ly reminiscent of a classic film in which ness partner named Jenks, a pixy with together a brilliant drama with some Davis starred – “The Man Who Came major attitude and 37 children, who keeps of the most magnificent special effects. To Dinner.” swearing “Tink’s thong!” and shedding And deep down, the love story is truly “Me and Jezebel” stars Ed Popil and pixy dust. touching. Plus, those who have seen the Tom Smalley, who are also known around The latest Yasmine Galenorn “Other- movie will see a few iconic moments Rochester as their alter egos, Kasha Davis world” book will be published in January. right before their eyes (no spoilers and Aggy Dune, a.k.a. The Big Wigs. “Crimson Veil” is the further adventures of the three D’Artigo sisters, all half- here).” They will bring their incredible talents as female impersonators to the stage by fae, who travel between the Otherworld What lies ahead for the actor, and and Earthside, fighting the usual Bad what would he do if he could choose bringing Elizabeth Fuller and Bette Davis to life. Demons. This installment focuses on anything? Steven says, “At this point The production will be designed and Menolly, the vampire sister, who is now in my career, it would be live onstage directed by Blackfriars Artistic Director married to her gorgeous lesbian girlfriend, in a musical, because that is where my John Haldoupis. “I’m thrilled to work a werepuma. Menolly is actually bi, but ultimate passion lies. I’d love to play with these two gifted performers in a play her lesbian bride is the love of her life (or Andrew Jackson in ‘Bloody, Bloody that explores -- just what is it like to meet afterlife). The Otherworld series is one of Andrew Jackson’. I’ve never seen it, but your favorite movie star? We are going the few with a queer hero, but many of I love the soundtrack, and the idea of to have a ball. It’s such a funny play,” he the books feature lesbian, bi and gay male combining history with rock music and commented. characters. ridiculous comedy is unbelievably awe- “Me and Jezebel” will be performed at Another lesbian supe hero is found in some.” Blackfriars Theatre (795 East Main St., Tanya Huff’s “Long Hot Summoning,” What would a successful young Rochester 14605) beginning Oct. 18 and in which Diana Hansen, a Keeper or “sort actor tell young people who dream of a running through Nov. 2. Performances of wizard,” falls in love with a female mall Broadway career? are Friday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, elf (don’t ask). “Wow... This is a hard one,” Steven Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 Still waiting for a trans hero; since said. “I would say definitely sing, act, p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Fri- H alloween reading: kick- there are so many existing characters who dance (all that good stuff), but also day, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26 can transform into different genders or don’t forget to live a life of variety and at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.; Fri- ass supe heroes part II species at the drop of a witch’s hat, a spe- excitement. Take on hobbies that aren’t day, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. By Susan Jordan cifically trans, intersex or genderqueer theater related, travel to see other parts 2 at 8 p.m. Last April, The Empty Closet explored protagonist wouldn’t be that hard to cre- of our world, surround yourself with Tickets are $28.50-$36.50 and avail- the wildly popular genre of kick-ass super- ate! In fact there are so many of these positive energy, and always listen to the able in person at Blackfriars Theatre, natural (supe) heroes. This pulp genre has books that there could be a genderqueer people who are trying to support you online at www.blackfriars.org, or by call- flooded the shelves of libraries and book- kick-ass supe out there already – lurking, (example: teachers, parents, older sib- ing 585-454-1260. If available, tickets stores since the start of the new millen- shambling, flying with the Moon Mother lings, etc.) You never know when that can be purchased at the door beginning nium. Ideal beach reading, this reviewer and generally saving the multi-dimension- knowledge could come in handy. Never one-hour prior to performance. Seating suggested. al universe. stop dreaming, #believe.” ■ for this production is reserved. Box Office It is now October, time for occult light reading, and the genre is livelier I mageArt’s “I do?!” looks than ever. Dozens of new eldritch titles at marriage issues have been spawned since last spring. The genre is officially described as “urban fan- ImageArt’s 14th annual exhibition, tasy” – which is strange, since many of “i do?!”, will exhibit 16 works of art by the books take place in northern forests 13 artists that address the diversity and or the steamy bayous of Louisiana – but weight behind the word “marriage” from the books are still labeled “urban.” Funny multiple points of view. how words lose their meaning. The national and international debate Last April this reviewer noted that the over marriage equality remains hot, as female heroes (“heroine” is outdated) of supporters of equality continue to win vic- these books, almost all by female authors, tories as well as see setbacks. This political include “witches, vampires, werewolves, debate has spurred much conversation on half-fae, half-demons, half-sirens or you the social institution of marriage. name it. They hang out, cast spells, have The artists selected by the ImageArt sex and/or engage in mortal combat with jury address a range of topics, including witches, wizards, vampires, werewolves, love and commitment as well as gender elementals, demons, maenads, dryads, roles and stereotypes. Traditional media ghosts, elves, fae, dragons, zombies, bone- like watercolor, acrylic paint and photog- walkers, pixies, mer-people, gargoyles, raphy join forces with sculptural works, goblins, and the historic non-vampire digital printing and some not-so tradition- undead (like pirate Jean Lafitte).” al media to tell a variety of stories. Now add to that list golems, trolls, Some works address the feelings of Grim Reapers, Gray Walkers, dwarves, incompleteness or invisibility that are mummies, ghouls, manticores, lep- sometimes felt by those in same sex rechauns, ancient goddesses and gods, unions not backed by the law or accepted sprites, half-serpent women, snarky talk- by society, while other works stir stereo- ing cats, unicorns, extraterrestrial aliens types, gender and ethnicity into the mar- and were-everything you can imagine – riage pot (or is that bed?). Several works and some things you probably can’t. The have been inspired by traditional mar- novels by the late L.A. Banks (“Conquer riage related phrases, such as how a cou- the Dark,” etc.) involve, among other ple can get through rough times or how beings, a group of mostly black warrior one might disparagingly refer to a spouse. archangels who have been stranded here Other pieces celebrate love, commitment, on earth for 26,000 years opposing evil and family in an open and straightfor- demons, and who have evolved into a ward manner. rowdy, fun-loving crew of Jack Daniels “This is an exciting show! The mes- drinkers living in Philadelphia. sages conveyed by these works will get There are some amusing books about viewers thinking,” said committee mem- male and female supes, by male authors ber Randall Cook. and by male and female collaborators. The opening reception is Oct. 4, from However, the female supe hero genre, as 6 to 9 p.m. at the Visual Studies Work- written by women, is interesting because shop Bookstore Gallery, 31 Prince St. The it represents a very 21st century view of exhibition and opening reception are free womanhood. No longer the passive prin- and open to the public. The exhibition cesses who need rescuing, many of the will run from Oct. 4 to Oct. 26. Gallery females in urban fantasy are leather-clad hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 martial arts experts with super powers a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays Oct. 6 and 13, 11 who are more likely to cause others to a.m. to 5 p.m. need rescue. Usually their task is to pro- Accompanying the exhibition, tect the innocent and save the world from ImageArt and Visual Studies Workshop octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 29 have organized a panel discussion address- explain the songs sung in her native lan- Maryland along with his opinions and ing marriage equality and the role of guage. how he voted. Actors are included, one activism in art lead by moderator Dr. Jon- “People will walk away from this event of whom will portray Thomas Jefferson. athan Katz. Visual and cultural theorist with a renewed hope and energy from the Travel We go to the front of The House Dr. Douglas Crimp, artist Scott McCa- healing gift of music,” Shenandoah says, (after signing our names) where the read- rney and activists Anne Tischer and Bess “for our planet, those yet unborn and ing of the Declaration of Independence Watts will join the discussion. The pro- those who continue to care for the ani- takes place. Each of us is given a few lines gram will be held Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. at mals which bring such joy and happiness.” Quincy is a mass of to read out loud. Visual Studies Workshop and is free and Benefiting not-for-profit organizations history part 1 I have, of course eaten. Burke’s Sea- open to the public. include Pitty Love Rescue, Inc., Four- food is both a market and small res- ImageArt is also presenting the annual Legged Friends Animal Adoptions, Inc., By Merle Exit taurant. The house special is a seafood postcard show and benefit sale, “Wish you Caring Hearts for RIT Homeless Cats, Travel five miles south of Boston, chowder with clams, haddock (local Were Queer 4,” which will run concur- Animal Service League, Inc., Nuts for Mass. and you will be in the historic fish), scallops, lobster and shrimp. Lob- rently with “i do?!”. Artists submit a post- Mutts Rescue, Inc., Rochester Hope for city of Quincy, the birthplace of two ster roll had a good portion of meat and card sized original work of art, which will Pets, Greece Residents Assisting Stray presidents, John Adams and his son John little filler. www.burkeseafood.com be for sale for $10 each during the exhibi- Pets (GRASP), PAWS (Providing Ani- Quincy Adams. Add the birthplace of Fuji Group is the company that tion. Proceeds benefit ImageArt. mal Welfare Services) of Rochester, Res- John Hancock and you have the makings Jimmy Liang runs with other partners. ImageArt is a program of ImageOut cued Treasures Pet Adoptions, Habitat for of the Declaration of Independence. Since I love sushi, I dined at Fuji 1546. Film Festival. Cats – all of Rochester – and Lollypop One great way to get there is via Mega- Salmon Wonton Chips was a sort of tar- Farm, Humane Society of Greater Roch- bus taking you into Boston. A one-way tare-chutney texture using the raw salm- “ This Old Cat”: Joanne ester (Fairport), the Humane Society of trip can cost as little as one dollar! www. on, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and spicy Wayne County (Lyons), Barn Cat Out- megabus.com mayo atop wonton chips. I then chose Shenandoah sings for reach (Springwater), the Humane Society I first visit the Quincy Historical five of Jimmy’s signature maki rolls, animal welfare of Livingston County (Avon) and SusieQ Society that takes me through over 400 all of which were outstanding. www. Dog ResQ (Conesus). years of historic highlights. Granite work- fuji1546.com Grammy® award winning singer-song- Shenandoah, a supporter of women’s ers and ship builders were much of the In a letter from John Adams to his writer Joanne Shenandoah will be per- rights, world peace, child advocacy and start. There is also information on John wife Abigail, he wrote, “The second day forming at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Asbury environmental responsibility, also feels ani- and Abigail Adams, Anne Hutchinson of July, 1776, will be the most memo- First UMC (1050 East Ave.). mal welfare is an integral part of the world and two particular companies: the first rable epoch in the history of America. The concert benefits 15 different local in which we live. “It is said that we all have Dunkin’ Donuts (still at the same loca- I am apt to believe that it will be cel- animal organizations in Monroe, Wayne a place here upon the earth and each comes tion) and Howard Johnsons. www.quin- ebrated by succeeding generations as the and Livingston counties. with them – including animals – a respon- cyhistory.org great anniversary festival. It ought to be For this event Shenandoah, an Oneida sibility, “Shenandoah says. “It is said within Here, the celebration of the Decla- commemorated as the day of deliver- Iroquois, will be joined on stage by her Iroquois culture that we are to respect one ration is held on July 3 in the town of ance, by solemn acts of devotion to God sister, Diane, and her daughter, Leah, another and the natural world.” Hough’s Neck. It begins with a bonfire Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with a recent graduate of RIT. Shenandoah This event will bring music lovers, on the beach and culminates with fire- pomp and parade, with shows, games, is one of America’s most celebrated and animal lovers and Native American cul- works in both Hough’s Neck and across sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illumi- critically acclaimed musicians. Her music ture together. Event attendees also will the waterway. nations, from one end of this continent has been used in soundtracks on the likes be able to browse the information tables It is July 4th and what better way to to the other, from this time forward for- of HBO, PBS and The Discovery Chan- for the participating animal organizations celebrate the Declaration than attending ever more.” nel and she has appeared locally at the and learn more about ways to help home- a reenactment of the Continental Con- The tradition in Quincy is to cele- Ganondagan Native American Dance and less animals. gress’s finalization? I am taken to a place brate the evening of the 3rd as I ventured Music Festival. Tickets are available from any of par- called The House, located at 65 Adams to the town of Hough’s Neck to view the Shenandoah has been able to chan- ticipating organizations for a $20 dona- Street, the residence of the Adams fam- long tradition of a bonfire on the beach nel her love of pop, folk and classical into tion per person, and 100 percent of the ily for four generations. The grounds and fireworks coming from across the her ancestor-inspired music. An evening ticket price will go directly to that organi- are known as “Peace field” and include way at Weymouth’s Wessagusset Beach. with Shenandoah is a cultural and cel- zation. To reserve tickets online visit the the gardens and Carriage House where Hough’s Neck residents were barbecuing ebratory experience, combining original event’s official web page: http://www.thi- we meet “Abigail Adams” and become all about. inspirational compositions with the sto- soldcat.com/js/JoanneShenandoah.html one of 56 delegates. I am given papers Stay tuned for the July 4th celebra- ries behind the music. She takes time to For information (585)369-4687. ■ with information on William Paca from tion and more. ■ 30 G ay alliancethe empty closet new • the gays a lliancefor of thes geeneseeptem valleyb • neumberr 2013472 • octoBER 2013 Youth G ay Alliance Youth Program The Gay Alliance Youth program empowers today’s teens to meet today’s challenges! It provides a safe space to explore their identity, make friends, build community, gain life skills, become a leader and have fun! Out Loud Out Proud Youth meet 7-9pm on Fridays at Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. For information: in preserving its history. The Stonewall 585 244-8640 or www. activists are passing away and their papers gayalliance.org/events/youth and archives are being preserved by major institutions like the Smithsonian, which Gay Alliance took Rochester’s Helping People with Auditorium Theater Bldg, AIDS and Empty Closet archives into 875 E. Main Street, 5th Floor their collection last year. The fact that we Rochester, New York 14605 have a high quality documentary film and Phone: 585 244-8640 a high quality archive shows that we are a part of national LGBT history.” For information on how to rent the exhibit, contact Scott Fearing at the Gay Alliance at 585-244-8640, or info@gayal- “Forging Alliances,” the GAGV Library & Archive exhibit, was seen by 800 people at liance.org. the Pride Festival on July 20.

GAGV Archives history books, magazines and display cases full of political buttons and other artifacts. The exhibit from Pride is now Rochester history traced by the materials available for rent dates back even before Stonewall. The catalogues were created by Library By Susan Jordan & Archive team members Jamie Allen Now people all over WNY (and all (George Eastman House photo cura- over the country for that matter) can tor) and Alice Carver-Kubik (RIT archi- bring “Forging Alliances: Rochester’s vist). Jamie Allen told The Empty Closet, LGBT Story” to their college, company, “We’ve tried to make the exhibit adapt- church or other group. able.” T he Gay Alliance The exhibit highlights some of the key Now that the exhibit has been cre- Library & Archives Hours: people, places, issues, actions and events ated, Library and Archive team member Every Monday & Wednesday: that make up our Rochester LGBT story Gerry Szymanski said, “We’re going to over the past 40-plus years. It drew 800 6-8pm. 875 E. Main Street, (off make sure that people find out about it.” Prince St. lobby) First Floor people last summer during Pride, when it Jamie Allen noted that it can be rented was on display at Manhattan Square Park. for a weekend or a month. It would be 585-244-8640 “Forging Alliances” consists of 23 ideal for “Gay Days” or “Weeks” at local three by six foot vinyl panels, which can schools and colleges, for national or state be suspended from wires or pipes by loops LGBT conferences, and also for compa- – the exhibit is “pipe and drape ready”. nies or churches interested in the history countless hours towards the planning of The panels will also have grommets, of Rochester’s LGBT community. Roc Pride 2013. The weekend of Pride, which will enable them to be attached to Gerry Szymanski said, “I think the G ay Alliance Volunteer- Kellie and Craig both rode in the opening hooks on walls. The whole exhibit takes value is that it is an example of what a of-the-Month: Kellie ceremony Rainbow Ride on Friday, spent up 66 running feet, but the panels can particular place can be and do. Rochester Ronald the entire day from early in the morn- also be attached to each other and become is not a big city but this shows what a typi- ing to very late at night helping with the double-sided. The exhibit also includes cal American city or town can accomplish Congratulations to Kellie Ronald for Festival on Saturday (Craig’s band Gran- being chosen as the Gay Alliance Volun- crew donated their performance time and teer-of-the-Month. equipment as musicians at the Festival!), Kellie and her husband Craig first and then they were up again bright and S peaking Engagements & Tabling, September came on the scene in 2010 as extremely early on Sunday helping to break down generous donors to the very first Ride For the Festival site and working at the Pride 9/9 ...... Sharing Our Stories at the Gay Alliance Pride, the Gay Alliance bike ride fundrais- Fundraiser Picnic. They also donated a 9/21...... Tabling at LORA’s End of Summer Bash er. By 2012 Kellie and Craig had opened dozen tickets for low-income individuals 9/24...... Tabling at St. John Fisher’s Health and Wellness Fair up their home as “base” for Ride For who could not otherwise enjoy the Fes- 9/29...... Transgender Inclusion at Dignity-Integrity Pride, managing the kick off and host- tival! Some comments: ing the end party for Ride For Pride 2012 Kellie has trained as a Gay Alliance “They were so open and accepting of our questions. I wish it was longer! and 2013. Speakers Bureau member and has been How can I get more involved?” In the fall of 2012, Kellie accepted the out to speak about being an ally at the “I learned it’s not necessary to know all the terms in order to provide a safe place.” role of DinesOUT Coordinator, donat- Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John “The openness and willingness to be as open as possible was great. I loved the ing many, many hours to visiting local Fisher College. overall energy of the presenters.” restaurants and arranging the best Dine- Thank you to Kellie and her hus- “The presenters were comfortable and really funny. I love it!” sOUT ever! band Craig from the staff and board “They knew their stuff!” In the winter of 2012, Kellie became at the Gay Alliance for all of your hard a Pride Chair and active member of the work, commitment and generosity. You Pride Development Committee, donating are the best! ■

T he Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley: is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (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 to create an atmosphere where the diversity of our community can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. 875 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 4 Phone: (585) 244-8640 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Web: www.gayalliance.org E-mail: [email protected] Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm Board Co-Presidents: Emily Jones, Bruce Gorman Acting Executive Director: Scott Fearing Outreach: Jeanne Gainsburg Database: Kat Wiggall Youth Intern: Dawn Balsis Book keeper: Christopher Hennelly The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan Graphic Designer: Jim Anderson of the Genesee Valley E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (585) 244-9030 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030 Empowering pride for 40 years octoBer G 2013a • ynumber alliance 472 • gay alliance onewf the genesees fvalleyor • t hes eemptyptem closet ber 2013 31

SAGE PAGEMole Day – October 23 (yep, It’s in the air… Rainbow Sage News you heard that right) Navy Day (United States) Can you feel it? Change is in – October 27 the air! Welcome to the month of National Stamp Collecting October. Month (United States) We are now in autumn, a sea- National Arts & Humanities son of change for both the earth Month (United States) around us and for us at Rainbow Domestic Violence Awareness SAGE. Due to state budget cuts, Month we no longer have a space for our National Squirrel Awareness senior center to meet. BUT we are Month NOT going away! The two signs associated with Like colorful leaves coming off of the month of October are Libra a tree, we too are looking for a new and Scorpio. People born from place to land. During the month of October 1st to October 22nd are October we will be meeting at vari- members of the Libra sign. As ous coffee shops and restaurants as Audet Price comments, “Sage returned to Artisan Works again on Sept. 8, several a Libra desires security and har- we look for a new space (see Cal- years after our last visit there. Always so many wonderful art works and antiques; the mony above all else, those born endar on this page). The best way firehouse is just amazing. The Frank Lloyd Wright room is amazing too. If you have not been to the Artisan Works, folks, you really need to go. It is a place no one should miss under the sign can be identified to find out where we are going and if you are into Art and Surprises. We all had a great time being together.” by the organization applied to all what we are doing is to come to the aspects of their lives. For those coffee shops or restaurants each Join SAGE for coffee and October facts and fun born from Oct. 23 to Oct. 31, they week and stay connected. conversation are members of the Scorpio sign. You can also call The Gay Alli- The month of October is the It is coffee, dessert, conversa- tenth month of the Gregorian year, The Scorpio is resilient and opin- ance at 585-244-8640 to find out ionated, which explains why they our happenings. This will be a tion and games. Be sure to join but it is also the first full month of us for our new get-togethers – at fall in the year. The early nights are amongst the most driven of the great opportunity for us to explore zodiac signs. ■ a lot of what Rochester has to offer Crossroads Coffee House, 725 and breezy temperatures of Octo- the LGBT senior community. So Goodman St., at 11:30 a.m. on ber perfectly capture the spirit of here we go… ready for change, Oct. 8 and 27, and at 6:30 p.m. autumn. As the month ends, chil- knowing that everything will be on Oct. 15 at Equal Grounds, 750 dren are given one of their most fresh, new and green on the other South Ave. Come and have a great loved holidays, as they dress as side, just like the coming spring. time. For more October get-togeth- their favorite frightful characters D ers, see the Calendar! on Halloween. October is also home to numerous other national Yoga is on hold; not your and international holidays, includ- breathing! It’s a Halloween Party on ing Leif Erikson Day, Columbus During our yoga sessions we Rainbow SAGE is getting ready Day, Canada’s Thanksgiving and for a spooktacular time. We are GAR have learned how to take a deep Free Thought Day. Here are some breath in and a deep breath out as having a Halloween party on Sat- other dates of interest in October: T he Gay Alliance we stretch and exercise to relieve urday Oct. 26 from 4-8 p.m. at National Fire Prevention On-Line Resource stress and get us ready for the day. a member’s home. Meet at 3:30 Week (United States and Canada) Directory (GARD) p.m. at McDonalds Restaurant, It is our hope you continue this - October 7–13 The online community tool practice as we look for a new loca- 820 Culver Rd. The cost is $5 to World Animal Day - October 4. help with food and supplies. There providing local, statewide and tion to have yoga. We want to say National Coming Out national resources, 24/7 at: will be food, fun and monsters. thanks to Thomas Somerville for Day – October 11. www.GayAlliance.org being our instructor and hope he Please bring a bag of treats to Apple Day – October 21 will continue on with us when we share. Boo! are ready to go again.

Euchre continues on in October SAGE Calendar for October Yep, euchre is a done deal… See how I did that… deal, oh never mind. Oct. 1..... Meet at Antoinetta’s Restaurant, 1160 Jay St., for lunch. 11:30am. Our next euchre club date is Sun- Oct. 3..... Meet 11:30am at American Red Cross, 75 Prince St., for lunch. Bring dish to pass; Audet will give day, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. The location is zucchini bread demonstration. always South Wedge Planning Com- Oct. 8..... Meet Crossroads Coffee House, 725 Goodman St., 11:30am. Brown bag or buy lunch. mittee Building, 224 Mt. Hope Ave. Oct. 10... 11am, meet at Library downtown: 115 South Ave. It’s a great time and sometimes after- Oct. 15... Meet 11:30am at Applebee’s, 3349 Monroe Ave., Pittsford. RSVP to 244-8640 by Oct. 10. wards the group goes out for a meal. Many thanks Barb and Karen for 6:30pm meet at Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave., for coffee and conversation. being our euchre hosts each month. Oct. 17.... 10:30am breakfast at Friendly’s, 2425 Henrietta Rd. To Audet’s afterwards for movie or games! Oct. 22... Meet at Crossroads Coffee House, 725 Goodman St., 11am. Brown bag or buy lunch. P rogram Partner Oct. 24... Meet at Starry Night Café, 696 University Ave., 11am. Euchre or scrabble. Oct. 26... Halloween Party at member’s house. Meet at McDonalds restaurant, 820 Culver Rd., around 3:30pm. Oct. 29... Meet at Golden Corral, 400 Jefferson Rd., 11:30am RSVP at 244-8640 by Oct. 24. Oct. 31... Meet 11:30am, Sugar Mountain Bake Shoppe, 258 Alexander St. 32 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

Action Front Center CNY Depression Bi-Polar Support (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV The Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance of prevention education and case management Central New York Support Group Adult Group Resources services. Training and technical assistance to meets the third Thursday of every month from service providers. Resource library open to 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at SAGE Upstate, 431 E. Fay- public. All services free and confidential. Multi- ette St, Syracuse, NY 13202. The Youth Group Check our monthly and ongoing calendar Volunteer Legal Services Project cultural and bilingual staff. 33 Chestnut St., meets the second Monday of every month from as well as the community section for more (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org. 1 second floor. Hours 8:30-5pm, Monday-Friday. 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Transitions Living Services, groups and events. For further information, West Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY 262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free anonymous 420 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. call the Gay Alliance at 244-8640 or visit: 14614. Free legal services for low-income HIV HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tuesdays, www.gayalliance.org. And send us your positive clients. No criminal cases. Appoint- Wednesdays 1-4pm, provided through NYS- information. ments are scheduled at area medical provider DOH. Thursdays 1-4pm at Aenon Baptist TRANSGENDER locations or by calling 295-5708. Church, 175 Genesee St. Rochester Trans Group Social/educational group for gender variant BISE XUality Trillium Health Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, people and friends. Last Saturday, 3-5pm, Trillium Health is the leading provider of HIV/ Prevention and Primary Care. GAGV 5th floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. resources AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Provides Medical Case Management, Mental www.rnytg.org Lakes. On-site services include HIV testing and AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisex- Health, Primary Care, HIV Counseling and Test- Volunteer Legal Services Project uality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Spe- ing (using rapid testing) Hepatitis C rapid test- cialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org.1 Network; Bi Café; Bi Definition: Milwaukee; ing and services, Educational Presentations, West Main St. Suite 500, Rochester, NY BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP); Satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. Trillium and access to other Jordan Services. Preven- Health is also a leader in providing services and 14614. Free legal services for low-income cli- Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual Women’s tion and Primary Care is a walk-in program; no ents seeking a name change. Other legal ser- Network; ComBIne - Columbus, Ohio; Dallas/ education to members of the LGBT community. appointment necessary. Office Hours are Mon- Contact Information: Website: www.trillium- vices for low-income clients include family law Fort Worth Bi Net; Fenway Health’s Bi Health day thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more issues, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance Program; Los Angeles Bi Task Force; New York healthny.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., information call (585) 423-2872; fax (585) Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545- hearings, wills and advance directive docu- Area Bisexual Network; Robyn Ochs’s site; 423-2876. Website www.jordanhealth.org. For ments for clients with serious illnesses. Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network; The Bi 7200, Health Services After Hours: 585-258- more information, call the Program Manager Writers Association; The Bisexual Resource 3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): Charlie Lytle,(585) 423-2872. Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Center (email [email protected]) 585-275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. Finger Support Group Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline Thursdays 5:30-6:30 GAGV Library, 1st floor, NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Tier 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a off Prince St. lobby 875 E. Main St., Ages CULTURAL Office: 122 Liberty St. Box 624, Bath, NY day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail 13-18. 244-8640 address: [email protected]. Rochester Women’s Community Chorus 14810 607-776-9166. The Health Outreach Genesee Valley Gender Variants 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar). Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY Fair Housing Enforcement Project Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. 14605; 585-454-5556. Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus of Monroe County [email protected] www.thergmc.org Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with Guys Night Out Referrals to physicians and service agencies. housing discrimination on basis of race, orien- Social group for transmen. Third Saturdays, (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. tation, HIV status, etc. 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguys- deaf services [email protected] Advocacy for Abused Deaf Victims Victory Alliance Public Interest Law Office of Rochester Mailing address: c/o ASADV, P.O. Box 20023, University of Rochester Medical Center. One of 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services Rochester, NY 14602. 24-Hour Hotline: ASAD- several research sites worldwide that comprise to HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilin- Women [email protected]; VP: 866-936-8976; TTY/ the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site gual advocates available. All civil cases except l esbians of color FAX : 585-232-2854. conducts research vaccine studies sponsored divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to www.oursistacircle.com. by National Institutes of Health (NIH). 585-756- someone in PILOR. 454-4060. The first social networking site for lesbians of Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf 2329; www.vaccineunit.org. Black, Asian, African American, Latina, Native (LRAD) Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo Threshold Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing American, Pacific Islander, Chicano, Biracial & Meets second Saturdays, 6-9pm. For location, other lesbians of color, launched 2009. OurSis- information: [email protected] At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., and counseling. (716) 847-0328 third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confiden- taCircle the first free social networking site to Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance Westside Health Services offer Skype mental health counseling. No nudity tial HIV, STD testing and General Health Care, Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. RIT/NTID student group. lgbt health (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189. For a list of LGBT-friendly and competent Angel Food Ministry at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counsel- Mary Magdalene House ing for HIV and other sexually transmitted dis- health and human service providers in Women’s outreach center for HIV positive Box of fresh/frozen food for $30 in advance. the Rochester and Finger Lakes area, Menu changes monthly. For information and eases. (585) 753-5481. women and women at risk. 291 Lyell Ave. visit the resource directory page(s) at Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30pm 458-5728. distribution sites, call 585 861-4815. Strong Memorial Hospital www.everybodysgood.com. provides a complete range of HIV medical care, Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ including access to experimental treatment pro- Trillium Health Syracuse Region HIV/AIDS tocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual See www.trilliumhealthny.org 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Toll- Free testing for HIV exposure and group psychotherapy. Training of health HCR Home Care free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned Par- is available from New York State Department of care professionals also available. Infectious Dis- We provide a full multidisciplinary team consist- enthood has led the way in providing high Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at ease Clinic, (585) 275-0526. Department of ing of nursing, social work, physical, occupational, quality, affordable reproductive health care (585) 423-8081, or 1 800 962-5063 for pay Psychiatry, (585) 275-3379. AIDS Training and speech therapies as well as home health aides since 1916. All services are confidential. phones or calls outside Rochester. Deaf or Project, (585) 275-5693. Accept most insurances; including Medicaid. who have completed the eight-hour cultural com- You may qualify for low- to no-cost family plan- hearing impaired people should call (585) 423- petency program provided by the Gay Alliance. For 8120 (TDD.) New Rapid HIV Testing now avail- Planned Parenthood of Rochester and ning services. When you make your appoint- Genesee Valley more information, contact us at 585-272-1930 or ment, ask about our sliding scale fees. No one able in 30-40 minutes! Statewide information visit us online at HCRhealth.com. can be obtained by calling 1 800 541-AIDS. Offers testing and information (585) 546 2595. turned away for lack of ability to pay. Other organizations which provide AIDS-related Rural HIV testing Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Women’s Resource Center services are as follows: Anonymous and confidential, in Allegany, See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-7740. Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, under “Health” for Gay Alliance referrals to phy- Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1 800 962-5063. sicians and service agencies. octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 33

R ochester Ongoing Calendar AA/NA identity issues, share personal experiences and Genesee Valley Gender Variants Mn o days increase self-esteem. The group is facilitated 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV Meetings L.O.R.A. – Coffee Special by Delaina Fico. LMSW. For more information, [email protected] Monday Nights – 7 pm, Equal Grounds. Fam- please contact Delaina Fico at dfico@arcmon- Every week there are four regularly ily, Friends & Allies Welcome! Contact Person: roe.org or 585-271-0661 ext. 1552. scheduled GLBTI AA and two inclusive Cathie Timian. More info: www.l-o-r-a.com; Email: FRIY DA s [email protected] Gay Alliance Board of Directors NA meetings in Rochester. Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, Gay Men's AA meeting Gay Alliance Library & Archives, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Mon./Wed. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 New Freedom New Happiness AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, Gay Alliance Youth T suesday Born That Way 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. Fridays, 7-9pm, Open Arms MCC, Narcotics Anonymous Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Group. 707 E. Main St., 244-8640 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Support Group for Parents who have lost Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 Meigs St. GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654-7516. Children is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations. have a desire to stop using. Although it is not Free syphilis testing Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Gene- [email protected]; 467- specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is wel- Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. 442- see Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 6456; [email protected]. coming to people of all sexual orientations and 2220. COAP gender identities, as well as to anyone who is Rochester Historical Bowling Society Come Out and Play. Wednesday game nights. SATURY DA s affected by HIV and AIDS. 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, 8-11 pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Rochester Rams Bar Night 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) 7pm, [email protected]. Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, We dnesdays HIV Positive Men’s Support group Rochester Rams General Meeting 670 University Ave. 271-6930 New Freedom/New Happiness Group 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Every Monday, 5pm, Trillium Health Center for 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, Rochester Trans Group Positive Living, 259 Monroe Ave. 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to Social/educational group for gender-variant 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Brothers Keeper people, friends. Last Saturdays, 3-5:30pm, the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House park- Support group for men over 30. Third Wednes- GAGV fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East ing lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. days, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Lib- Frontrunners/Frontwalkers and Winton, then walk five minutes south erty Pole Way. 420-1400 (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion Steps Beyond Stems 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. HIV+ Mixed Men’s Group rochesterfrontrunners.org. meeting. All issues – as they relate to our alco- Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, holism/addiction and recovery – are fair game. 289 Monroe Ave. Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Empire Bears Potluck Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. 2nd Saturdays, GAGV, 875 E. Main, 5th floor, Equality Rochester Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Prince St. entrance. 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Fisr day 2nd Mondays, 7-8:30 pm, Equal=Grounds. Bring dish to pass. www.empirebears.org. 426-0862; [email protected] 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. Gay Men’s www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Cross Dresser Support Group 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Gay Alliance Library & Archives, First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and T uesdays David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Mon./Wed. 251-2132; [email protected] addicts 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 • Men’s meeting Charlie’s Group Guys Night Out • Handicapped accessible 2nd Tuesdays. Monthly peer-facilitated support Empire Bears GNO, social group for transmen, now meets on This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you group for married men who have sex with men. Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at The Win- the second Saturday of the month, @ 1pm @ are shy about meeting people or speaking up in Confidential, free. For time, place: email: char- tonaire. www.empirebears.com Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. a group, you will find this meeting particularly [email protected]. Saturday Night Special Gay AA warm and inviting because everyone gets their MOCHA Youth Drop-In 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meet- Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, Ts hur days Men and women. Open meeting. ing often runs long, so plan on more than the 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 usual hour. Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic Concerns 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. [email protected] 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 S aturdays Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Tues- Sophia’s Supper Club days, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420- Queer Radical Reading Group First and third Saturdays. http://www.inspiritu- Saturday Night Special 1400 First and third Thursdays, 7pm, al.biz/online-spiritual-evolution-gro/ 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Women’s Community Chorus Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Down- Pride at Work not go by the church on weekend evenings. town United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. S undays Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East Street. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org off Thurston Rd. 426-0862. Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians and Winton, then walk five minutes south And Gays (PFLAG) (uphill) on Winton. Free HIV Testing GLOB&L (Gays & Lesbians of Bausch & For location: 244-8460; pflag@gayalliance. • Open meeting, all are welcome, “straight- 9am-7pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Lomb). org. friendly” Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 confer- • Mixed men and women ence room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: Rochester General Assembly • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to We dnesdays 338-8977 Sundays, Flying Squirrel Community Center, basement 285 Clarissa St. L.O.R.A Knitting Group Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by Now meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Unity Fellowship Church open discussion. the month from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Cross Roads 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Sundays, 1:30 pm, Lutheran Church of Peace, Coffee House, 752 South Goodman St. 125 Caroline St., 14620. 520-6188. Free confidential walk-in HIV testing Sn u days Identity Group Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, Trillium Health, Dignity-Integrity Step in the Right Direction The Identity Group is for LGBT identified indi- 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alli- viduals who have a developmental disability 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the ance Church) This is an NA meeting that is diagnosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4 Out & Equal Second Thursdays Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm. open to all addicts who have a desire to stop pm at ARC Health Services (2060 Brighton- Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to using. Although it is not specifically a gay-ori- Henrietta Townline Rd. 14623). The goal of the Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outand- start the week, followed by potluck supper. equal.org ented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all group is to provide a safe space to discuss Open Arms Metropolitan Community sexual orientations and gender identities. Each Church week features a reading from NA literature, fol- 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 10:30am, 271-8478 lowed by discussion. Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous Rochester Gay Men St. Luke’s/St. Simon Cyrene Church, 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8pm, 232-6720, Weekly. 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Closed meeting Fitzhugh Street stop on Main Street at the Coun- ty Office Building and walk south one block. Men’s Cooking Group • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664. addicts Civil Rights Front • Men’s meeting Every Tuesday, 5pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South • NOT handicapped accessible Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront.wordpress.com Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion.

T he Gay Alliance Annual Meeting is coming up in November. See the November EC for details! 34 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013 October Classifieds SATURDAY 12 Shoulders To Stand On: the LGBT Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words History of Rochester NY. World pre- is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad miere. 11 am, Dryden Theatre. and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Roch- Butch Femme Connection. Annu- ester, New York 14605. al fall potluck will be held at home of Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance. The member in Fairport. Bring dish to pass. deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We Kerry/Max at [email protected] cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will or (585) 288-7208. accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will SUNY DA 13 be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. Dignity Integrity. Roman Catholic The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm, may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number. Fitzhugh St. TUESDAY 15 at Open Arms Metropolitan Commu- Empty Closet deadline ANNOUNCEMENTS for Novem- Children’s Ministry nity Church 707 E. Main St. info@ ber. 244-9030; [email protected] thriving at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church openarmsmcc.org (585) 271-8478 FRI8 DAY 1 for toddlers to ‘tweens. Join us for vibrant, Handyman: Simple repairs or full THURSDAY 3 Women’s Alliance 25th Anniversary inclusive, progressive worship on Sun- renovations, no job is too large or small. Legacy Women Institute Interna- celebration of diversity and leadership. days at 10:30am. 707 E. Main St. info@ Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Interi- Xerox diversity caucus groups invite local or & Exterior. 35 years experience. Call tional’s Women Week End. Mother openarmsmcc.org (585) 271-8478. colleagues to join professional & personal Cash paid for CDs, DVDs & Blu- Alan & Bill 585-204-0632 or cell 304- Of Nations Tour ($99). Private bus tour development event Oct. 18-19 at Radisson to Ganondagan, Seneca Falls Women’s Rays. Highest prices in Rochester. Free 517-6832. Rochester Riverside. Xerox International Martin Ippolito master electrician. Rights National Park, Women’s Hall of pick up. Call 465-8643. Women’s Conference & GALAXe Pride- Fame, Susan B. Anthony House. 7:30 Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable at-Work pre-conference and workshop SERVICES am–4 pm: leaving from the Academy of Man to Man Rubdown. TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. Silver Sponsorship; includes speakers, Relax with 585-266-6337. Medicine, 1441 East Ave. Reservations this experienced, fit, healthy. middle-aged, via www.legacywomenweekend.com workshops, executive networking. https:// Hate to paint or clean gutters? I have www.conference.com/eventmanager/onli- non-smoking GWM. Central location. tall ladders! Dale’s Pleasure Painting and Private home. Incalls/outcalls. Reasonable FRIDAY 4 neregistration.asp?eventcode=7EDhttp:// Gutter Cleaning has very reasonable rates rates. cell#585-773-2410 or home#585- Image Art’s I do?! opening recep- www.facebook.com/l/lAQHqjfSzAQE- for painting year round and gutter clean- tion from 6 -9 pm at Visual Studies diUxLuV-6jell5soSdsk6pqUYqylJ14QM- 235-6688 or email:magichands@roches- ter.rr.com ing in spring or fall. 585-576-5042. Email Workshop Bookstore Gallery, 31 Prince Rg/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conference. [email protected]. St. Free and open to public Oct. 4-Oct. com%2Feventmanager%2Fonlineregistra Ask questions. Established life coach 26. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Sat- tion.asp%3Feventcode%3D7ED opens your direction about goals, ques- HOUSEMATES urday 10 am to 4 pm, Sundays Oct. 6 Pride Shabbat 2013. 6 pm, Temple tions, issues using classic tarot symbology Seeking employed housemate to and 13, 11 am to 5 pm. Sinai, 363 Penfield Rd. Temple Sinai’s and fascinating, confidential discussion. share large suburban home. Off street Legacy Women Institute Interna- Annual Pride Shabbat Service: Affirm- $65/hour in your home/office. kivawyan- parking, internet, cable, telephone, fur- tional’s Women Week End. Workshops ing and celebrating Temple Sinai’s com- [email protected] nished private bedroom. Rent includes (free with $59 weekend conference reg- mitment to LGBTQ members. Public Wedding Space and clergy servic- food (you cook or I cook or together). Call istration). Reservations via www.legacy- welcome. es available. Celebrate your special day 266-4582. womenweekend.com Bear Auction Benefit, SATURY DA 20 Oct. 4-5, ImageOut Closing Night. Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. “GBF,” 10 pm. To benefit Gay Alliance. Hosted 7:30 pm, Dryden Theatre. Closing night by Mr. NYS Bear and Cub 2013, Chris party: Village Gate Atrium, 274 N. Good- Thornton and Chris Phillips. man St. 10 pm-1 am. SATURDAY 5 SUNY DA 21 Legacy Women Institute Interna- Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass tional’s Women Week End confer- with music. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. ence. 8am-9pm, Weekend Conference Simon’s Church, 17 South Fitzhugh St. Price $59; Concert: $35 adults/ $20 ages Celebrating 38th anniversary; dinner at 13 and under. Ticket packages viewed restaurant follows service. Call D-I Hot- online. Keynote speakers, live entertain- line, 585-234-5092, for reservations. ment: throughout conference: The Spir- FRI5 DAY 2 it of Thunderheart, all-women Mohawk Marriage Equality and Activism in drum band; Evening concert 7-9 pm: Art. Panel discussion, 6 pm at Visual Songs of Legacy – special tribute to Studies Workshop, 31 Prince St. Free, women vocalists performed by Cinna- open to public. Sponsored by ImageArt mon Jones, special guests. Reservations and Visual Studies. Moderator Dr. Jona- via www.legacywomenweekend.com than Katz. Panel: visual and cultural Margo Gomez: A Night of Come- theorist Dr. Douglas Crimp, artist Scott dy. Corning Museum of Glass, Corning McCarney, activists Anne Tischer and NY, 7:30 pm. Free. Sponsored by Spec- Bess Watts. tra, Corning Incorporated’s group for Let’s Meet. Lesbian singles group LGBT employees. Email SPECTRA@ dines at Trata, 145 Culver Rd., at 6:30 corning.com or call (607)438-5297. pm. To RSVP, call Ramona at 585-490- SUNY DA 6 1424. Dignity Integrity. Quiet Episco- SATURY DA 26 pal Mass/Healing Service in the Cha- Rochester Trans Group. Meeting pel. 5 pm at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s 3-5:30 pm, GAGV office lounge, upstairs Church, 17 South Fitzhugh St. on fifth floor at 875 E. Main St. Open Rainbow SAGE Euchre. 3 pm. discussion support group. South Wedge Planning Committee Butch Femme Connection. Din- Building, 224 Mt. Hope Ave. ner night out at Peppermints Diner on Bachelor Forum 40th Anniversary West Henrietta Rd. (Rte. 15) in Henri- Party. 670 University Ave. 4-9 pm. etta, 7 pm. Contact Kerry/Max at Dressy- THURSDAY 10 [email protected] or (585) 288-7208. Out & Equal’s Second Thursdays Rainbow SAGE Halloween Party at Networking event. 5:30-7:30 pm, at member’s home. Meet 3:30 pm, McDon- Constellation Brands, 207 High Point alds Restaurant, 820 Culver Rd. $5 to Dr., Building 100, Victor. help with food and supplies. frY iDA 11 SUNY DA 27 Coming Out Day. Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer, ImageOut Film Festival opening followed by Potluck Dinner -- theme for night. “Reaching for the Moon,” 6:30 October is “Trick or Treat”. 5 pm at St. pm, Little Theatre 1. “Free Fall,” 9:30 Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 South pm, Little Theatre 1. Opening night Fitzhugh St. celebration, 140 Alex, 9 pm; Tilt Night THURSDAY 31 Club & UltraLounge, 11 pm. Festival Halloween, Samhain. Ancient Celtic runs through Oct. 20. Full listing of Fire Feast marking the death and rebirth films: www.imageout.org of the year. Sacred tree: ivy. octoBer 2013 • number 472 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 35

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Bed & Breakfast Rochester, New York 14605 © 2013, All rights reserved. Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertising that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will “get” that particular person if you patronize the establishment advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homo- phobic will be refused; advertisements from organizations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti-gay will also be refused. All political advertisements must contain infor- mation about who placed them and a method of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or “attack” advertisements, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose interest the ad is being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival product, or in the political area, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out sup- posed flaws and to persuade the public not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet maintains, within legal boundaries, neutrality regarding products, political candidates and parties. However, “attack” ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence that the information in the ad is true do not further in any way the objectives and policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, includ- ing the primary tenet that The Empty Closet’s purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community and to provide an impartial forum for ideas. Submissions: For publication, submit news items, ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, photographs or art by mail or in per- son to The Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. Design services for non-camera ready ads are available for a fee. ([email protected]) Publication Information: The Empty Closet is published 11 times a year (Decem- ber and January combined) by The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approxi- mately 5000 copies of each issue are distributed during the first week of the month, some by mail in a plain sealed envelope. The publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles is not an indication of the sexual or affectional orientation of that person or the members of that organization. For further informa- tion, please write to The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emp- [email protected]. The Empty Closet is the official publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and national gay- related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from the local gay community; to help pro- mote leadership within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate. Part of our purpose is to maintain a middle position with respect to the entire community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consid- eration the views of all – women, men, people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessar- ily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney. Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other con- tributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the edi- tor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605; e-mail: [email protected]. The online edi- tion of EC is available at www.gayalliance.org.

PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 740 Marshall Road, Rochester, NY 14624 from 1 to 3pm. Questions? Call: 585-244-8640 and leave a message, or e-mail: [email protected] - Join us! 36 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 472 • octoBER 2013

H&R Block would like to celebrate with you and your family! The IRS has made their determination on how they will handle Same Sex Marriage Returns and our Tax Professionals are ready to assist you with this joyous occasion!

Please join us at the following locations on the dates specified as our Tax Professionals will be there to assist Same Sex Couples with amending their returns.

Stone Ridge Plaza Monroe Avenue October 11, 1pm-6pm October 17, 11am-7pm 1512 Ridge Rd. W 891 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14615 Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 225-7868 (585) 473-3072

South Avenue Stone Ridge Plaza October 12, 10am-5pm October 18, 1pm-6pm 696 South Avenue 1512 Ridge Road, W. Rochester, NY 14620 Rochester, NY 14615 (585) 506-9940 (585) 225-7868

We will have refreshments and look forward to enjoying this wonderful occasion with you. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment that works best for you as times will fill up quickly!