TThhee RRaaiinnbbooww TTiimYearm 1, Vol. 4 •e eMarch 15-31ss 2007 www.therainbowtimesmass.com Your LGBT News Connection in Western Mass., parts of Connecticut and Vermont

TRT Justice’s Atty. Jennifer Dexter dis- First U.S. military member wounded in cusses DUI effects on a divorced couple and how Iraq war “comes out,” speaks for HRC it can affect children’s custody rights. WASHINGTON—Late service and received a in February, the first U.S. medical discharge from military personnel wound- the military. See Page 5 ed in the Iraq war, retired Alva publicly Marine Staff Sgt. Eric announced, for the first Alva, came out as a time, that he is gay on : One prick can change your life. Don’t man. The Human Rights February 28 during a miss seeing this great film Campaign announced that Capitol Hill press confer- about the HIV epidemic, Alva will serve as a ence to reintroduce the from acclaimed director national spokesperson in Military Readiness Thom Fitzgerald. an effort to repeal the U.S. Enhancement Act, legisla- See Page 8 military’s discriminatory tion to repeal the ban “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” against openly gay and policy. Americans serving TRT’s LGBT Health On March 21, 2003, in the military. Doctor Renee Lang talks Alva was in charge of 11 “When Eric Alva lost his about mood and substance Marines in a supply unit in leg in Iraq, it didn’t matter -abuse disorders ... their causes and consequences Iraq when he stepped on a whether he was gay or on users and why. landmine, losing his right straight, only that he was a leg. Alva spent months of courageous American See Page 4 rehabilitation at Walter serving his country,” said Reed Army Hospital Don’t miss any shows, where he was visited by President Joe Solmonese. any LGBT events, or TRT President Bush, First Lady “Eric’s voice represents even meetings of your favorite groups. Laura Bush and former the sacrifice of thousands Submit your free listings Calendar Defense Secretary Donald of gay and lesbian service Retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, came out as a gay man and is now to be published online Out & About! Rumsfeld. He was award- an advocate and HRC spokesperson working to repeal the ban and in print. ed a Purple Heart for his against openly gay and serving in the military. Photo: HRC See Page 10 See Don’t Ask Page 3 A celebration of her life: A farewell to Victoria White A computer that fits in founder of eclecTechs, a and Barkley, accompanied Lowry read excerpts the palm of your hand!? BY: LINDSAY WILSON technical support compa- friends as they reminisced from an email that Victoria TRT’s Just Tech Column TRT Reporter this time focuses on the ny, and Dog Hampton a about Victoria. had written that described amazingly Small Flipstart On March 10, the friends dog daycare service. She Nancy Lowry said her the delight Victoria found mini computer. It weighs and family of Victoria passed away on March 2, friendship with Victoria in everyday moments. less than 2 pounds! Alger White filled the after battling metastatic grew through their dogs. “Happiness can be lying See Page 6 Grace Episcopal Church in breast cancer. “People date the time they in bed and listening to a Amherst for a celebration Two of Victoria’s have known Victoria by dog mutter ... hearing an Holyoke’s LGBTQ Youth Alliance News Page 10 of her life. A Northampton beloved dogs, Cisco, Dog the dogs they have Health Disparities in the LGBT community Page 15 resident, Victoria was the Hampton’s “spokesdog” known,” she said. See Victoria Page 3 Street Sense: Should Stanton (FL City Manager) be fired due to his sex-change operation decision? “That’s changing the stream “There shouldn’t be any discrim- “I don’t think personally that they halfway down isn’t it? They hired ination at all. They should be free should have thrown him out of a guy and now he wants to be a to change their sex. Maybe it office, but since it’s an elected woman? So I don’t agree with depends on his [Stanton’s] job position, if they choose to that. You know, they hired a per- though. Like does his gender impeach him for whatever rea- son. It would be similar if some- have anything to do with why he son, that’s their [the communi- one became an alcoholic on the had that job? Is he a profession- ty’s] choice.” job.” al wrestler? … Because he’d be fired if that were the case.”

Mike Jablonski, Hadley Jack Reynolds, Northampton Jesse Lashway, Northampton 2 • March 15-31, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Editorials Love, rights and ... the rest of it BY: J.M. THE JP* trality” is perhaps the most Another “star” in office? TRT Columnist dangerous and insidious form of complicity. BY: NICOLE LASHOMB the bill that would have intention of stepping into ccording to TRT Editor-in-Chief allowed for gay marriage the 2008 presidential race. Webster’s Ninth Clearly, this is the case in to be legal in California. However, the differences New Collegiate today’s world-- in regards am sure that I am not A Instead of supporting that between this “district Dictionary, an ally is “one to economic oppression the only person who bill, he vowed to stand by attorney” and the “termi- that is associated with and disparity, civil rights was shocked when I domestic partnerships. It is nator” are marked. another as a helper.” The for all people regardless of Republican Arnold amazing how this one Thompson is pro-life verb form is “to connect or or gen- Schwarzenegger was issue is used as a pivotal and wants the federal form a relation between.” J.M. the JP der identity, and the elected as the 38th political tool that will courts to overturn Roe vs. Historically, allies from Commons in England to exploitation of entire Governor of California. influence people’s minds Wade. Obviously, he also privilege have worked to demand for the end of the countries. After all, what could “the single handedly. It certain- opposes gay marriage and influence the social con- slave trade (enacted 60 Allies may be movers terminator” possibly know ly influenced mine. After gun control. sciousness of their peers years before slavery was and shakers or they may about politics? all, if one does not support Thompson supports the and to end injustice in var- abolished in the United be the everyday neighbor, Since he has been in basic human rights, what war in Iraq and supports ious forms. States). The script, direc- the shopkeeper, and the office, Schwarzenegger does that say about that Bush’s decision to send There have been a few tion and acting are superb. colleague. They are heroes has proved to be quite particular person? Why is more troops there. In addi- deeply moving films in The story is very real and and yet they do not feel competent in particular “We the people ...” only tion, he has expressed that recent months, and most heartbreaking, and there is heroic. They are far more political arenas such as fis- for a particular group of he would pardon Libby’s of them do not come from humor in the pathos. I concerned with how to cal policies, healthcare for people? conviction of perjury and the American film indus- could say much about it love than with fearing the children and generating an Hollywood icon Arnold obstruction of justice. try. Go and see Children of here, but I will stick to the repercussions of rocking active plan for a greener Schwarzenegger and his Could this possibly be Men, Babel, Volver, and point regarding allies. the boat. environment. These types * J.M. Sorrell is a Justice of political policies cannot another Bush in the mak- Pan’s Labyrinth. But the The timeless theme of of improvements, I would the Peace. She believes that begin to compare to the ing, only this time another must see movie is the film demonstrates that argue, are important to people have the potential for most imminent threat of Republican who exploits Amazing Grace. an ally in a position of most of us. However, cer- profound change and growth, the “star powers.” Fred his stardom to gain admit- Amazing Grace tells the power has a moral respon- that we require helpers, and tainly all of us remember Thompson, 64, known for tance into the White story of William sibility to act on what s/he that we must insist on justice when Governor his character on Law and House and continue the Wilberforce, the first knows to be atrocities of in all forms as consciously Schwarzenegger vetoed Order has announced his division of this country? member in the House of injustice. So-called “neu- and consistently as possible. Transition: The hardest thing you’ll ever do www.therainbowtimesmass.com BY: JANE HAMEL the puritan ethics of the mal.” It didn’t work for me, Actualized news, polls, free chat, personals, TRT Columnist 50’s and who just happened either.For those transgen- video news, everyday ... all LGBTQ! ransition, is it the to be a little girl in a little dered whose lives then hit path for all trans- boy’s body. So I adapted the wall like a speeding Tgendered people? (this is a questionable train and they find that they The Rainbow Times Is it the “trans-mission” for “choice” and probably cannot live another minute 13 Old South St. • Suite 2C all of us? They sound more akin to “instinctive as the person they’ve been Northampton, MA 01060 self-preservation”) in the pretending to be, this is the alike. They can be sluggish www.therainbowtimesmass.com and on some occasions just only way that seemed “It’s Not A Choice!” [email protected] break down completely. acceptable to my parents, moment. Phone: 413-204-8959 • Fax: 866-310-8512 Both have many parts which was to put my “self” I was already in bad shape Jane Hamel Holly Leonard which only a specialist can away in a safe place and act arriving at my “train- Publisher Gricel M. Ocasio L.J. Cruz properly put into place. son, transition is being like the tough little boy wreck.” I had stretched the Editor-In-Chief Jane Hamel And how many of us really sliced open, revealing they wanted me to be. That limits of denial into a seri- every nuance of a self in Nicole Lashomb Writers: understand them? Ok, act went on with constant ous drinking problem. The María León Sales & Distribution denial, turning that self revisions and refinements last thing I wanted to say to Lindsay Wilson lame analogy. Ben Peterson If you’re not transgen- inside-out and upside (i.e. acting more manly) to my family on top of that (Street Sense) Columnists: dered, and that would be down, being put through ensure the secrecy and was: “and by the way, I J.M. Sorrell hours upon hours (years, Dr. Renee Lang most of you, transition safety of “me” for fifty can’t live as a man any- Atty. Jennifer Dexter Webmaster: means going off to college, actually) of unbearable years. This part of my story more.” So, I began my Jarred Johnson moving back home when physical and emotional is not unique. In fact, for transition. I chose therapy The Rainbow Times is published by The Rainbow Times, LLC. The arti- you graduate and can’t find pain, and losing everything trans-folk of my genera- in the hopes of saving my cles written by the writers, columnists, and correspondents express their a job, changing jobs, mov- you’ve worked for and tion, this behavior is quite marriage, but it didn’t take opinion, and do not represent the endorsement or opinion of The cherished in your miserable Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. To write letters to the editor, please ing in with or being thrown common. When I read long to realize the futility send your letters, with your name, address and phone number to: The out by a loved one; you get “trying-to-be-normal” life, Jenny Boylan’s “She’s Not of that. It was transition or Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail any comment/s to the the picture. It’s a change of or not. There” (a must-read) I suicide. See, there are editor at: [email protected]. All submissions will be Once again I’m speaking edited according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, LLC lifestyle. I don’t mean to thought, “Hey, that’s My choices. My therapist was reserves the right not to print any or all content, or advertisements for suggest that those aren’t from my own perspective. life!” In her book she talks quite correct when she said any reason at all. To receive The Rainbow Times at your home via reg- potentially traumatic That of a “first wave” baby about getting married as a ular mail, or through electronic delivery, please visit our website. The boomer who was force-fed content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the sole property of The Rainbow events, but to a trans-per- means of becoming “nor- See Transition Page 6 Times and it cannot be reproduced without TRT’s consent. www.therainbowtimesmass.comCover• The Rainbow StoriesTimes • March 15-31, 2007 • 3

accompanied Victoria and diagonosed with lym- Expo showcases local and regional Victoria from Page 1 her partner in marriage, phedema in 2004. health professionals in Northampton 83-year-old rummaging Deborah Lohmeyer, on a Fleming said that though out alternative therapies or sale at the expo. for his own breakfast … RV trip to Key West last she had only known BY: LINDSAY WILSON TRT Reporter who are thinking of a mix- Michael Redsky of and the knowing that one month. Fleming said that Victoria for a few years, ture of traditional and Redsky Medicine, a 10th will never catch up on even though Victoria was she was able to see On March 10 and 11, the alternative therapies can generation Cherokee med- one’s paperwork,” she sick during the trip, she Victoria’s impact on “so Whole Health Expo was find their way to the peo- icine man and visionary, wrote. was always smiling. “She many different people’s held at the Clarion Hotel ple and make decisions serenaded attendees by Reverend Robert was such a trooper,” she lives on so many different in Northampton. The expo through two days of inves- playing his flute. Redsky, Hirschfeld described said. According to levels. …A day is long showcased about 80 tigation,” said Brady. “I who promotes “power Victoria as a renaissance Fleming, this good spirit enough to make an exhibitors and included always tell people it’s kind healing” retreats, sold woman. He said that was typical of Victoria. impact with Victoria,” lectures and presentations of like Brigadoon, except handmade turquoise jew- Victoria had earned a “She was always inter- she said. from approximately 60 instead of every hundred elry and spoke about “the degree in Chemistry and ested in what everybody Fleming’s daughter, speakers. The expo is years, it’s once a year.” importance of the femi- taught at an Ivy League was doing and it was a sin- Hannah Smith, got into based out of Northampton The event showcased nine energy” on Sunday school before starting her cere interest. When she an accident while driving and was one of Whole many local as well as morning. “We recom- own business. said how are ya? She real- back from college to Health’s nine regional regional vendors from mend that every woman “Nothing held her back, ly wanted to know,” she attend the service. shows. It typically attracts New England and New wear turquoise,” he said. not even a diagnosis,” he said. Fleming said the car may 1000-1500 people over York. Exhibitors offered a “Women have powerful said. “Her love was Before their friendship, be totaled, but Hannah two days. variety of services includ- voices and they do not use robust, and it extended Fleming was Victoria’s was unharmed. “Victoria According to Whole ing tarot readings, aura them. Turquoise helps the beyond our species.” physical therapist. They is already our guardian Health Expo Account photography, Reiki thera- voice.” Friend Kathy Fleming met when Victoria was angel,” she said. Executive Scott Brady, the goal of the expo is to bring py, clinical thermography Jennifer Condoulis of uniform of the U.S. with key congressional a community of people and hypnosis. A selection Eaton, NH sold all natural Marine Corps, my mission leaders to urge the repeal Don’t Ask from Page 1 who “are of like-minded of nutritional supplements, bath and body products continues to be protecting of this costly, discrimina- thought” together on a healthy pet food, hand- made from goat’s milk. members fighting for the the rights and freedoms of tory policy during the yearly basis. made t-shirts, bath and safety and freedom of all all Americans.” Human Rights Campaign Americans. We believe his “People who are seeking body products and New “We salute Eric for his lobby day on Thursday, Age books were also for See Expo on Page 4 story should help move bravery on and off the bat- March 1. this issue forward and edu- tlefield,” continued In 2005, the Government cate Congress as to why Solmonese. “The courage Accountability Office esti- it’s so important to lift the and sacrifice of gay and mated that the cost to discriminatory ban that lesbian service members, recruit and train replace- compromises our nation’s like Eric Alva, should be ments for enlisted service security.” heralded, not silenced.” members separated under “My proudest moment in As spokesperson for the the “Don’t Ask, Don’t the military came when I Human Rights Campaign, Tell” ban was more than would confide in one of Alva will raise awareness $190 million from fiscal my friends about my sexu- of the harmful effects of years 1994 through 2003. al orientation, and they the “Don’t Ask, Don’t For more information on still treated me with the Tell” policy through pub- Eric Alva or to download same respect as before,” lic appearances, media high-resolution photos of said Alva. “And although interviews and blog post- Alva, please visit: I’m no longer wearing the ings. Alva will also meet www.hrc.org/alva Pampered Pet Sitting, LLC • Offices in two locations to serve you better • Reduced stress for your pet • Consistent diet & exercise • No travel Anxiety • Routine Checking of your home while you are away • Love & attention for your pet when you cannot be there!

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This health concerns for lesbians appetite loss or overeating, state of being can be dies, and nutritional supple- medical column is used for and . According to chronic pain and insomnia, achieved. ments. informational purposes. If a survey done in 2000, les- and substance abuse, occur. The conventional treat- Specific amino acid sup- you have any questions, bians ranked depression and Causes of neurotransmit- ment of depression focuses plements provide the build- please contact Dr. Lang at mental health as their num- ter imbalances include a primarily on using selective ing blocks to many neuro- [email protected] ber one health concern, history of emotional trauma serotonin reuptake transmitters and when used (death, divorce, abuse), inhibitors (SSRI’s) to treat in appropriate dosages pro- while gay men ranked it Expo from Page 3 second to HIV/AIDS. poor dietary choices, a the presumed decreased vide symptom relief. Dr. Renee Lang, ND Substance abuse, including digestive disorder, an exces- serotonin levels. Though Combining amino acids The milk is supplied by alcohol and other recre- sive stress history, poor interfere with the REM sometimes necessary in with adrenal supportive and Condoulis’s 15 goats and ational drugs, ranked sec- sleep patterns, and a chronic state, thereby diminishing acute crisis, this approach nourishing herbs, including some of her products, such ond and third respectively illness. The cycle of neuro- the healing qualities of does not adequately address ashwaganda and oatstraw, as goat’s milk soap, take as for lesbians and gay men. transmitter imbalances and sleep. the complexity of the neuro- provides deeper healing. long as 6 weeks to produce. Incidence of depression, depression, goes round and The insidious nature of transmitter imbalances. Repairing any underlying Representatives from affecting about 10% of the round, interfering with depression makes it difficult Multiple neurotransmitter digestive disturbance is cru- Goddard College handed adult US population, is one’s ability to implement for some people to realize imbalances often exist cial to treating depression out information on their higher in the gay and les- the changes needed to cor- their condition. Symptoms including serotonin, and substance abuse disor- BA, MA, and MFA degree bian community due to con- rect the problem. creep in and over time an dopamine, epinephrine ders. Whole body health programs. tinued discrimination and Neurotransmitter imbal- individual forgets what it’s (adrenaline), and GABA. requires proper digestion “Our programs are really lack of support. Women ances also lead to drug, like to feel “normal” or Over time, the use of SSRI’s and absorption. unique and we have a lot of experience depression twice alcohol, and nicotine addic- good. They gradually accli- causes a decreased produc- Successful treatment non-traditional students,” as often as men. Wage dis- tion. These substances bind mate and accept their state tion of serotonin and the requires an integrative said Admissions Counselor crepancies in a two woman at receptor sites in the brain, of depression and don’t number of serotonin recep- approach using psychother- Lara Durston. “So we have household decreases the replace the natural neuro- realize that they need help. tors. This results in an over- apy, nutritional and lifestyle to think outside the box. resources available to les- transmitters, and provide an Additionally, the wide use all reduction of serotonin, counseling, improved sleep We’ve found that [the bians for healthcare. artificial stimulate of the and acceptance of recre- greater than existed prior to and digestive health, and expo] attracts an eclectic In our work- and goal-ori- receptors resulting in ational drugs and alcohol in the use of anti-depressants. neurotransmitter rebalanc- crowd,” she said. ented society, depression increased feelings of well- the gay community often Similarly the traditional ing. Diet is crucial to one’s Donna Lynn Postle carries a stigma. This added being. However, continued masks or downplays addic- approach to treating sub- overall health. Nutrients in passed out samples of Goji to the persistent stigma of use causes an even greater tive behavior. stance abuse relies on with- food provide the basic Juice, a “Himalayan health being gay in our society, imbalance in neurotransmit- Assessing one’s own drawal, counseling, and building blocks for all secret” derived from the increases the difficulty for ter levels, resulting in an addictive behavior requires often the concomitant use of facets of our body and our Goji berry. According to an individual suffering from increased need for the drug honesty, self-reflection, and medications (SSRIs, health. Essential dietary Postle, Goji is the most depression to access and and a continual cycle of often, external input. methadone). This approach changes include decreasing nutritionally based fruit on obtain healthcare. Partially addiction. Briefly, substance abuse is may be effective in the or avoiding caffeine, sugar, the planet and the only as a result, self-medication Both depression and sub- characterized by the over- short-term. However, it alcohol, simple carbohy- food to have all four poly- with drugs and alcohol fre- stance abuse often interfere use of mood and/or behav- ignores the underlying neu- drates and sweets. saccharides. quently occurs. with the quality of one’s ior-altering substances that rotransmitter imbalances Finally, in order to “It balances the body so Symptoms of depression sleep. Sleep provides a nec- interfere with life’s respon- and the accompanying achieve a true healing, the that it can heal itself,” she and substance abuse behav- essary time of restoration sibilities and/or cause harm digestive disorders and underlying cause must be said. ior result from a biochemi- and replenishment for the to oneself or others. nutritional deficiencies. treated. This cause may be The expo is produced by cal imbalance. Brain chemi- body. A healthy night’s Additionally, the use of sub- The naturopathic a deep emotional trauma Jonathon Podolsky, and cals, called neurotransmit- sleep requires seven to eight stances to avoid dealing approach focuses on rebal- from childhood, a more their office is located on ters, regulate mood, hours of sound sleep with with underlying ancing the neurotransmit- recent event, and/or the 108 Main St. in appetite, feelings of well- cycles of both deep/REM mental/emotional issues ters levels naturally and traumas associated with Northampton. For more being, and energy levels in and light sleep. Alcohol, falls into this category. treating the individual holis- being gay in our society. If information about future the body. If imbalanced, recreational drugs, and Neurotransmitter imbal- tically. The implemented not adequately healed, the expo’s visit: www.world- symptoms of depression sleep medications often ance is treatable. Safe and natural therapies stimulate neurotransmitter levels will healthexpo.com. Pioneer Naturopathic Medicine MusicMusic Lessons: Lessons: Banjo, Banjo, Fiddle Fiddle & Guitar Dr. Renee Lang, ND • Bluegrass and Clawhammer banjo technique for Naturopathic Doctor beginning and advanced players, old and young. Serving 2 locations: • Guitar and Fiddle lessons • Lessons at two locations in Northampton & 16 Armory St., #9 The Healing Way Amherst! Northampton, MA 01060 Brattleboro, VT • 30+ years of playing and teaching experience Phone: 413.582.0303 Phone: 802-254-4369 Fax: 413.582.0355 Call Jane Hamel now to schedule your www.pioneernaturalmedicine.com lesson at 413-341-3259. www.therainbowtimesmass.comQueer• The Rainbow TimesJustice • March 15-31, 2007 • 5 Will my DUI affect my chances of custody? By: ATTORNEY JENNIFER L. Assuming you loose your DEXTER* license, how will you take TRT COLUMNIST the children to their activi- Q. I am in the middle of a ties, school, the hospital, divorce. My soon to be ex- grocery store and any- wife and I have 2 children. where else they need or Very recently I was arrest- want to go? The short ed for driving under the answer—you can’t. You influence of alcohol. Will now become a liability and my arrest affect my visitation will have to suf- chances of getting custody fice. of my kids? On the other hand, if this —Dazed and Confused, is your first offense it Springfield, Mass. Attorney Jennifer Dexter should be irrelevant as A. Dear Dazed and in the house of correc- long as the children were Confused: tions, a two-week vacation not present and therefore You have a very interest- at an in-patient alcohol should not affect the ing situation. Normally an treatment facility and high divorce proceedings. arrest for operating under dollar fines. Now, keep in *Attorney Jennifer L. the influence of alcohol mind that a good attorney Dexter earned a B.A. in will not affect a divorce. can probably negotiate a Psychology from The deal to get you out of University of Central But whether or not this Florida. She moved to doing time in the house of remains true depends on Massachusetts to attend law further information; 1) is corrections. But, you will school at The Western New this your first OUI or a also loose your license for England College of Law in subsequent offense? If this at least two years with the Springfield, Mass. She is a is your first offense, you possibility of getting a member of the Massachusetts are probably not looking at “Cinderella license” after Bar and has a Solo General any jail. You will have to a year and one half. Practice in the Pioneer Valley pay some steep fines and What does this have to Area. do with your divorce and The information contained go to drug and alcohol herein is intended for educa- custody? Well, if you treatment, and there is a tional purposes only and does good chance you will not loose your license it will not represent legal advice. loose your license (unless be used against you as a Should you need legal advice, you refused the breath-a- negative factor in your please contact an attorney. lizer, which creates a ability to care for your If you have legal questions whole new situation). But, children. As I have stated that are unanswered, or if if this is a second or third in past articles, judges you would like to know more offense and you are con- decide custody and visita- about a specifid topic, then tion based on what is in send your questions to: victed, you are looking at a [email protected] mandatory thirty-day stay the child’s best interest. This could be your same-sex marriage announcement For a small fee, you also can have your same-sex wedding photo, marriage or anniversary announcement/s published at MMOO The Rainbow Times. YOU HAVE THE OCCA- DDEE SION, WE HAVE THE TIME! 413-204-8959 www.therainbowtimesmass.com Jennifer L. Dexter Attorney at Law & Notary Public Specializing in: Real Estate, Family Law, Wills, Education Law & Criminal Law 95 State St., Suite 724 Springfield, MA 01103 [email protected] 413-214-7625 Just6 • March 15-31, 2007 Tech• The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Apple says updated iTunes still faces Vista-compatibility problems BY: MAY WONG could fix the problems. Windows contacts with an to make sure their software AP Technology Writer Apple removed that out- iPod. The text and graphics is compatible with Vista. SAN JOSE, California right warning from its Web of iTunes running on a The new operating system (AP)—An update to Apple site on Monday and stated Vista machine also may not launched Jan. 30. Inc.’s iTunes music soft- instead that the updated be correctly displayed, Though Microsoft and ware still has not resolved iTunes is recommended for = though resizing the iTunes Apple are partners in some some of the compatibility use with most editions of screen should correct the cases—iTunes works with problems with Microsoft Windows Vista. But Apple issue. Windows PCs and Corp.’s new operating sys- also conceded that some Apple also reminded Microsoft Office has a ver- tem. glitches, including possible and would not say how iTunes Store is no longer users that iTunes remains sion for Macs—the two are The iTunes program is corruption of a user's iPod much longer users would an issue. unsupported on 64-bit edi- also longtime rivals. They key to synching music on player upon ejection from a have to wait for iTunes to But in addition to the tions of either Windows XP compete in computer sys- computers with iPod PC, remain. be completely Vista-friend- iPod-ejection problem, or Windows Vista. tems, which Microsoft portable players, and the “Apple is actively work- ly. Apple warned that iTunes Microsoft has said it is dominates, and in the digi- latest version, iTunes 7.1, ing with Microsoft to According to the notice 7.1 may still exhibit diffi- working with a long list of tal music arena, which comes a month after the resolve a few remaining posted on Apple's Web site, culties synchronizing partners, including Apple, Apple dominates. the previous glitch that pre- iPod and Macintosh com- known issues,” the posting far do we want to go to fact to be brought up here vented Vista users from puter maker warned PC stated. change that body into how is that surgery does not playing music or video pur- Transition from Page 2 users against installing Apple representatives we see ourselves? I began define transition. While Windows Vista until Apple declined further comment chased from the online “This will be the hardest thing you’ll ever do.” I hormone treatments HRT does affect the emo- was lucky to be in New (Hormone Replacement tional side as well as the FlipStart Labs to ship its 1st super- York at the time, finding Therapy, HRT) three years physical, GRS, and in my Kit Rachlin, a wonderful after beginning therapy to case that would be a compact PC in March gender-therapist who held begin the feminization vaginoplasty, is a cosmetic my hand through the scary process which was like procedure the same as a SEATTLE (AP)— back. It sports a 5.6-inch (LID™) module first steps, and having the going through puberty and nose or boob-job. It’s not a FlipStart Labs, a technolo- screen and measures less Bluetooth®, Wide area net- support groups of the menopause at the same magic pill that turns a man gy incubator started by than 1.5 inches thick when working, Ethernet Project at time—sensitive nipples, into a woman. However, multibillionaire Microsoft equipped with a slim bat- (10/100Mbit), Support for the “Center,” both of hot flashes and oh, the and this is a huge howev- Corp. co-founder Paul tery, and it packs a 30 giga- external VGA, NTSC TV which I can’t recommend crying! The Harry er, this procedure is a Allen, said recently that it byte hard drive and 512 Output, Additional USB highly enough. Benjamin “Standards of medical necessity in will ship its first megabytes of memory. 2.0 ports, and DVD- It was at the GIP groups Care for Gender Identity regards to the mental super- When the computer CD/RW drive. where I met others in var- Disorders” (we’ll discuss health and emotional well- compact is closed, a small The company will ship ious stages of transition. these in a future column), being of a . PC this panel on the top can versions that run Being young didn’t mean recommend at least six The has month. display e-mail, con- Microsoft's new operating it was going to be easier, months of therapy with a adopted that as fact in The tacts and calen- system, Vista Business, as meeting those trans-men second opinion by a psy- their medical practice cit- FlipStart dar informa- well as the previous incar- and women who had liter- chiatrist before starting ing the HB Standards of device tion. nation of Windows, XP ally been thrown out onto HRT, and living full time Care as basis and desig- weighs less Professional. the street by their parents in the role of your per- nating it the “Harry than 2 Optional FlipStart will retail for and families. Rejection ceived gender for at least Benjamin Syndrome.” Of pounds and is features $1,999. For more informa- hurts just as much whether one year before undergo- course here in the United smaller than an include: Low-Power tion visit: http://www.flip- it’s from your wife of ing GRS (gender re- States where the AMA is average trade paper- Interactive Display start.com twenty years or your par- assignment surgery). I feel run by puritanical privi- ents and siblings. The age the same way now about leged White males in bed at which you start transi- this as I did then. My tran- with the insurance compa- tion may have commonal- sition was so traumatic nies, (oops, I’m ranting ities as mentioned before, that I was not going to political), only a handful but the differences can be instigate or rush any of private very large com- like hiking the same trail changes. I would wait panies will provide health in different seasons— until I had no choice but to insurance to cover GRS. flowers and sunshine for make that change, or in So, that leaves me, fully some, mud, ice and snow other words, I let the tran- transitioned, four years of for others. sition determine its own hormone therapy, three Then there’s the physical timeline. As a rule, or at years of living as “the real aspects to transitioning. least as an incredibly me” still waiting for that Once we’ve accepted that strong opinion, I believe medically necessary cos- we were born into the this to be the healthiest metic surgery and likely wrong body, (accepting is approach, but like always, because of that, still suf- different from knowing; that’s me. fering from clinical I’ve always known) how Another very important depression. www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • March 15-31, 2007 • 7 Your Subaru will come with an honest deal AND an honest dealer!

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PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF NORTHAMPTON PRIDE 48 Damon Rd., Northampton, MA 413-584-5355 www.stevelewiscars.com Q8 • March Entertainment 15-31, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com ‘Out of Sync,’ a memoir by former ’N Sync ‘Vagina Monologues’ author at NY school singer Lance Bass, to be released later in ’07 where girls performing play were suspended NEW YORK (AP)— an imprint of Simon & up with the funds for the CROSS RIVER, N.Y. Mississippi native Lance Schuster. trip. (AP)—The author of a Bass “tells all about his The publisher promises a Bass announced in July well-known feminist play life, his music and his sex- behind-the-scenes look at that he is gay. He has said has agreed to speak at a uality” in an upcoming the 27-year-old singer’s that he didn’t reveal this school district where autobiography, the pub- days in boy band ’N Sync, earlier because he didn’t three girls were suspend- lisher announced as well as his headline- want to affect ’N Sync’s ed after they used the Wednesday. making venture to undergo popularity. The band, word “vagina” while “Out of Sync” is sched- astronaut training for a known for a string of hits reciting the play. Hannah Levinson, Megan sions prompted charges uled for publication in Russian space mission, including “Bye Bye Bye” Eve Ensler, who wrote Reback and Elan Stahl. of censorship, and Ensler October, said Simon which didn't pan out and “It's Gonna Be Me,” “The Vagina The girls were suspend- said they were “a throw- Spotlight Entertainment, because he couldn't come went on hiatus in 2002. Monologues,” has accept- ed for a day each after back to the Dark Ages.” ed an invitation to speak they included the word District Superintendent Tuesday at a school the- Shows not to miss & the networks that support us “vagina” in an excerpt Bob Lichtenfeld then ater, just before a meeting The L Word: Will Bette and Tina First Comes Love 2: This series the Top 10 LGBT music videos from the play that they postponed the suspen- of the board of education, get back together? Is Jody real- challenges about-to-be-married each week. From Christina read aloud at a school sions for further study. and will appear with the ly leaving the show? Don’t miss gay and lesbian couples to fulfill Aquilera's latest hit to new event last week. John Jay Susan Celia Swan, girls, said school board out, for there are only 2 shows a long-held wish to have the videos, The Click List High School Principal Ensler’s assistant, con- member Peter Breslin on left! Showtime! Sundays @ 10 wedding of their dreams. Find is where the best Pop, R&B and Richard Leprine said they firmed that the writer Friday's “Today” show. EST. out! Dance videos live each week, had agreed not to use the would appear at the Breslin appeared with Southern Comfort: Robert Liberty: 3 Stories About Life and seen from the unique perspec- word. school. 16-year-old juniors Eads, a man, is Death - A touching exploration tive of the LGBT community. News of the suspen- dying of ovarian cancer. This of death that reminds us that life Open Bar: (Reruns) Join Tyler documentary follows his strug- is not only worth living, but cel- Robuck, fresh out of the closet, One prick can change your life ... 3 Needles gle with the disease as he ebrating. Three women in differ- as he struggles to connect with SAN JOSE, CA —The reveals traumatic events as well ent stages of life whose stories the LGBT community by open- DVD premiere of Thom as stories of personal triumph. will correct misconceptions ing a in West Highlighted are the often poor about age and sexual orienta- Hollywood. Ignoring his family's Fitzgerald’s 3 Needles, his medical attention transgender tion. Part of Logo Documentary words of caution, Tyler dives acclaimed portrait of the people receive and the love series. March 17 @ 8 a.m. head first into the project but global AIDS crisis, starring , Chloë Sevigny, expressed between family LOGO’s Be Real: Stories from quickly realizes that he may just members faced with terminal ill- Queer America - This documen- be in over his head. LOGO 3/30 Shawn Ashmore, Stockard ness. tary takes a close look at the from 4-6:30 p.m. Channing, , and real lives of the LGBT commu- Paradise Falls: Intrigue, lust, . 3 Gay Best Sellers nity around the country. suspense and a bit of magic Needles presents stories 1. Sun Kissed Addressing a wide range of pepper in the stories of the from the AIDS pandemic in 2. Dantes Cove Season 2 issues including religion, race, eclectic characters in this quaint China, Africa, and Canada, 3. 3 Needles sexual violence, and illness, hamlet. Paradise Falls is like a and hits the streets on April 4. Outlaugh these people dispel stereotypes gay Northern Exposure with a 3, 2007 with a Suggested 5. Available Men and live their lives unapologeti- bit of Desperate Housewives Retail Price of $24.95. cally and with authenticity. 3/21 thrown in for a twist. 6. C.R.A.Z.Y. Thom Fitzgerald created @ 8 p.m. Exclusively on here! In China, Ping (Lucy Channing), who herself 7. Dantes Cove 3 Needles to present a por- Liu) is a pregnant young goes to extreme lengths to trait of people all over the 8. A Love To Hide LOGO’s The Click List is the Stay tuned to TRT for more TV woman running a black provide for the family’s 9. Open Cam only place where you can find shows not to miss & Check out world who struggle to sus- market blood collection future. And, in Africa, 10. Another Gay Movie our site for more news! tain their spirits in the face scam that creates a mini- Sister Clara (Chloë of the deadly AIDS crisis. epidemic in a rural village. Sevigny) is a young novice This luminous film visits In Montreal, Denys nun driven to convert the rural China, a plantation in (Shawn Ashmore) is a porn rapidly dying Africans to South Africa, and actor hiding his positive Catholicism and makes a Montreal’s porn industry, HIV status in order to con- desperate bargain with a to tell three separate yet tinue working and support- corrupt plantation owner to universal stories from the ing his mother (Stockard help prevent the spread of pandemic. HIV in the region. Sandra Oh and Olympia Dukakis 525 Bernardston Rd. Greenfield, MA 01301 portray nuns in the same www.Benchmark-Pratt.com order who accompany her on the journey. Meg Merrigan Find this and other titles at Northampton’s Pride & Buyer/Seller Agent 413-774-1200 x 114 Joy, via TRT’s website, or Serving Hampshire & 413-773-3881 - fax directly from Wolfe Video Franklin County [email protected] at: wolfevideo.com. TRT Local Entertainmentwww.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times scene • March 15-31, 2007 • 9 Rufus Reid to headline 10th Annual HCC Festival March 30-31 HOLYOKE—The public school jazz musicians in a any aspect of the HCC Jazz New Jersey State Council bass method. It was recent- is invited to Holyoke free concert that is also Festival, please call Deb on the Arts fellowship, and ly released on DVD. Community College March open to the public. Golas at (413) 552-2485. the Charlie Parker Jazz This two-day event is 30-31 for the 10th Annual Also on Saturday, from 9 A native of Atlanta, Reid Composition Award. A sponsored by the HCC Jazz Festival. a.m. to 4 p.m., Reid and has received numerous noted jazz educator, Reid's Music Department, the The two-day festival will other music educators will awards and recognition for book “The Evolving HCC Music Club, and kick-off in the Leslie lead a series of jazz work- his work, including the Bassist” is widely recog- Gerry's Music Shop in Phillips Forum on Friday shops, which the public is 2005 Mellon Jazz Living nized as having set the South Hadley. night March 30 with a con- invited to observe. Jazz Legacy Award, the 2006 industry standard for the cert by New Jersey record- musicians from Hampshire ing artist Rufus Reid, Regional, Holyoke, Most visited lesbian and gay places accompanied by the Amherst Regional, According to a recently Amherst Jazz Orchestra. Cathedral, Ellington, released research study by The concert begins at 8 Enfield high schools will Community Marketing, p.m., and tickets will be participate in these work- Inc. (CMI), New York City available at the door. shops, which will be cri- continues to rank as the General admission is $10, tiqued by a panel of music No. 1 destination for US ($8 for students and sen- educators. Students tapped gay men, followed by Las iors.) Members of the HCC to receive honorable men- Vegas, San Francisco and Rufus Reid community will receive tions by that panel will be Los Angeles. In the study, free admission. announced at the 4 p.m. 31, 4-6 p.m. where he will New York City came out Reid will return to the concert. perform with select high on top in all three cate- Forum on Saturday, March For more information on gories: leisure/vacation, business and personal (vis- Artists picked to put in City Hall its to family/friends) travel. The big Apple ranks at #1 amongst gay men. NY City came out on SAN FRANCISCO Group to create a bust of a better place to come to if However despite the top in all categories researched. Photo by: Gricel M. Ocasio (AP)— More than 28 Milk. The winning design the pressures at home are New York’s overall popu- and Provincetown. year. Canada, Mexico, the years after he was assassi- was selected from more too great. Hope that all larity among gay men, the It is also significant to United Kingdom, France, CMI study found that gay nated, the first openly gay than 40 entries and three will be right,'' the inscrip- note that 71% of lesbians and Italy (in that order) are and lesbian travel prefer- man to hold a prominent finalists in a privately tion will read. and gay men have a valid the most visited countries ences vary greatly by gen- elected position in the funded competition. The Harvey Milk City passport, and that 68% of gays and lesbians with gay der and age. is getting a The bronze sculpture of Hall Memorial the gay men and 57% of men more showing a clear In fact, while the Big place in City Hall. Milk will sit atop a stone Committee, which spent the lesbians surveyed used preference for Europe and Apple was ranked No. 1 by Harvey Milk was elected base inscribed with a the last six years raising their passport to travel lesbians favoring Mexico. gay men, it ranked No. 3 to the San Francisco Board quote from one of his most money for the project, said internationally in the last of Supervisors in 1977 and famous speeches, the so- it hopes to install the among lesbian respon- shot to death a year later called Hope Speech he sculpture on May, 22, dents, who ranked Las along with Mayor George gave in 1978. 2008, which would have Vegas No. 1, followed by Sally M. Masters San Francisco, New York Moscone by fellow super- ``The only thing they been Milk's 78th birthday. Justice of the Peace visor Dan White. have to look forward to is In the years since his A panel of local judges hope. And you have to death, Milk has become Celebrating all relationships! picked the Berkeley-based give them hope. Hope for the most recognizable Specializing in same-sex weddings, baby Daub, Firmin, a better world, hope for a martyr of the gay rights blessings, and other celebrations! Hendrickson Sculpture better tomorrow, hope for movement. Creating personalized events that touch hearts and make memories.

Lesbian Best Sellers 1. Loving Annabelle www.seriosmarket.com 2. She Likes Girls “Where customers are friends & friends are customers.” 3. The L Word: Season 1 Family Owned & Operated since 1950! 4. The L Word: Season 3 WE DELIVER! 5. In Her Line Of Fire Groceries • Deli • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables 6. Cynara STORE HOURS: DAILY SPECIALS TO GO 7. Women In Love Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 8. Outlaugh Quality Meats Old Fashioned Service since 1950! Sat.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. 413-527-7879 Sun.: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 9. Big Dreams in Little 65 State St. • Northampton, MA 01060 Hope [email protected] 413-584-2633 10. Notes On A Scandal www.mastersjp.com Announcements10 • March 15-31, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Rainbow Revolution in the little city that could: Holyoke, Massachusetts

BY: VIVIANA VALIENTE* culture,” or “they just have diverse backgrounds TRT Special to learn to be Americans.” together. Allies are very Back in 2005 an unlikely My response is usually to important in the struggle Volunteer Application offer historical reasons for for justice. Allies are the Join an energetic group of volunteers who organize Northampton’s Annual and and powerful partnership was born between a children’s resistance to young people and adults at Rally to celebrate the diversity and vitality of the area’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender assimilation. There’s the high school and com- community. There are a variety of different volunteer opportunities which encompass as little or Holyoke High 10th grader named Alex and myself. always a lingering feeling munity who have come to as much as you have time to offer. Please fill out the information below as accurately as possi- of alienation due to the fact appreciate and understand ble so that we may place you in the most appropriate volunteer capacity. We hope that your All of this happened while that I have to—once the importance of reassert- experience with Northampton Pride will be enjoyable and fulfilling! Thank you. working as an academic adviser for Upward Bound, again—explain what I ing every individual’s Name ______Phone (H): ______a federally funded program think should have been human rights. Allies have Address: ______Phone (w): ______for 1st generation/low learned in high school or the advantage of being the City/State/Zip: ______Cell: ______income students at least college—to appreci- insiders in a social system ______Email: ______Holyoke High School. ate and celebrate differ- that creates privilege for I became aware of the ences. I have a language I those who conform to the Marketing Committee: Time available: lack of a support system for can use to reassert my dominant discourse. They __ Writing __ As Needed rights as an individual and are the bridge between the __ Editing __ One time LGBTQ students. As an academic adviser, and a member of a particular hearts and minds of people __ Selling Ads __ Ongoing culture. However, when of different persuasions. __ Proofing because of my personal experiences as a Puerto oppressive language is And so, an unlikely part- __ Web Design Please Circle: Rican lesbian in today’s used such as the “f” and nership was born between a __ Graphic Design Best Days: S Su M T W Th F society, I engaged my stu- “n” words, phrases such as young White man, and a “that’s so gay, that’s so Puerto Rican teacher. General Times: ______dents in conversations about human rights and retarded,” etc., (can be The connection made __ Set-up/Clean up Other skills that I have or tasks I would be offensive, perhaps you can between this young man __ Peace Keeping/Parade Coordinator willing to do: ______social justice. These con- insinuate the words without and I, based on mutual __ Soliciting Donations/Fundraising ______versations are vital when writing them),” and many respect and commitment to __ Staffing Beverage Area ______advising students who others are used in class- social justice, led to the __ Selling Merchandise ______come from historical rooms, halls and cafeterias formation of the Holyoke __ Posting Flyers ______oppressed socio-economic by students without a High School Gay/Straight __ Stuffing Mailers ______backgrounds. They are a teacher’s interference. Alliance. Any organization __ Photography/Videography ______part of their educational __ Public Relations ______foundation and the back- Then, we as adults are with a real social impact __ Event Planning ______bone of their strength as helping to perpetuate hate has a philosophical/moral college-bound students. As and ignorance. influence behind it. In our part of an informal survey Some Upward Bound case, we worked with what of their school social cli- programs require students I call a Gandhian Model of Celebrate 26 Years of mate, I asked Alex and to perform 36 hours of Social Justice. I’ve always PRIDE with US!!! other students to notice and community service a year admired the way that record the language used in order to prepare them to Gandhi liberated India Theme: “United for Equality” around them that related to be well-rounded citizens. I from British colonialism suggested to my 10th grade using non-violence, defy- When: May 5, 2007. issues of race, gender and class. One of the students students that we work ing unfair laws and policies Visit our website: www.northamptonpride.org/ took the assignment at towards the creation of a and using those that school organization that advance his cause. or E-mail us at: heart and what he recorded was an eye-opening experi- would address discrimina- Gandhi was a trained [email protected] ence for everyone. tion based on gender orien- lawyer and he knew that As an educator, I feel tation, race, ability level the law was the backbone confident and prepared to and class. We concluded of both colonial oppression To volunteer, or comment please contact us at: challenge oppressive work that forming an LGBTQ and liberation. He studied 413-586-5602 or 1-877-743-3627 environments. I am an club would be beneficial British law and then used openly gay teacher and since the rights of that spe- his knowledge to the Donate $20.00 & Help PRIDE! youth worker, and, as cific school community advantage of his nation. Name: ______Org.: ______such, I seek environments were still being denied with This is the premise of our Address: ______in which I feel safe and the everyday use of oppres- movement towards equali- sive language on the part of ty at the High School and Zip Code: ______Phone: ______Check to Volunteer: respected. I have experi- enced situations where I some students and faculty. city level. We researched Email: ______What entertainer/event would you like PRIDE We thought a the law and found what to bring this year? ______have found my co-workers making discriminatory Gay/Straight Alliance would be the base of our THANK YOU FOR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT OF PRIDE! comments such as “if those would be the most effective Send check to: Northampton Pride • P.O. Box 866 • Northampton, MA, 01061 kids would just adapt to our vehicle to bring people of See Holyoke GSA Page 14 PridEnvironment:www.therainbowtimesmass.com Earth• The Rainbow Times • March Talk 15-31, 2007 • 11 How can I dispose of my old phonebooks? Dear EarthTalk: My local envelopes in its bills creat- they are then collected and recycler won’t take my old ed from old Smart Yellow sent off to recyclers. phonebooks. What should Pages phonebooks. I do with them? According to Los Gatos, But those whose towns —Jake, Westport, CT California’s Green Valley won’t accept phonebooks Recycling, if all at all and who can’t find any recyclers Americans recycled their anywhere else to drop won’t accept phonebooks for a year, we them need not fret. Old Mtelephone would save 650,000 tons phonebooks have many books because the fibers of paper and free up two practical uses. Their pages used to make the books’ million cubic yards of make excellent fire starters lightweight pages are too landfill space. Modesto, in a wood-burning fire- short to be reformulated California’s Parks, place or outdoor fire pit. into new paper. In fact, Recreation & Balled up or shredded mixing old phonebooks in Neighborhoods phonebook pages also with other waste paper can Department, which lets make nice packaging filler even contaminate the city residents include in place of problematic batch, hindering the recy- phonebooks with their reg- polystyrene “peanuts.” clability of the other paper ular curbside pickup, says fibers. that for each 500 books Phonebook pages can Nonetheless, phonebook recycled, we save 7,000 also be shredded and used papers are 100 percent gallons of water, 3.3 cubic as mulch to keep weeds recyclable and are used yards of landfill space, 17 down in your garden. The primarily to—you guessed to 31 trees and 4,100 kilo- paper is biodegradable and it—make new phone- watts of electricity, will eventually return back books! In fact, most enough to power an aver- to the soil. Those with an phonebooks distributed age home for six months. artistic bent can use old today are made from re- Consumers trying to do phonebooks to make flip- fabricated old phonebook the right thing should find book style animated draw- pages mixed with some out when and how their ings, as described by ani- scrap wood to strengthen town or phone company mator Robert Truscio on the fibers for re-use. Old will accept phonebooks his “Drawings That phonebooks are also for recycling. Some will Move” instructional web- sometimes recycled into only take phonebooks site. If all Americans recycled their phonebooks for a year, we would save 650,000 tons of paper insulation materials, ceil- back at certain times of There are also a number and free up two million cubic yards of landfill space. ing tiles and roofing sur- year, often when new of telephone book collec- lector Gwillim Law sells EarthTalk, c/o E/The m. Read past columns at: faces, as well as paper books are being distrib- tors; some who make old phonebooks from all Environmental Magazine, www.emagazine.com/eart towels, grocery bags, cere- uted. Some schools, echo- money selling their stock 50 U.S. states as well as P.O. Box 5098, Westport, htalk/archives.php. al boxes and office papers. ing the “newspaper to those with a historical from most Canadian and CT 06881; submit it at: In fact, in a gesture both drives” of bygone days, interest or who are Australian provinces. www.emagazine.com/eart Haven’t met the symbolic and practical, run contests in which stu- researching family Got an environmental htalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: right person? Pacific Bell/SBC now dents bring old phone- genealogies. Lifelong col- question? Send it to: [email protected] includes payment books to school where The Law Office of Kim E. Zadworny, LLC We can help! therainbowtimesmass.com Attorney at Law • Free LGBT chat • Free Personals Real LGBT news updated constantly Attorney Zadworny specializes in: • Free Calendar Free personals • Family Law • Estate Planning and Probate Law • Real Estate • Civil and Criminal Matters Right from the start, Free calendar listing of events* Atty. Zadworny is an active member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Free chat the right word, the Hampshire County Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Women's Bar local LGBT match Free vote casting for featured polls Association. She is also a member of the Hampshire County Probate Court right at home ... TRT Constantly updated LGBT Videos Committee and the Pioneer Valley Estate Planning Council. Personals & Chat. Submit your Video for consideration The Maplewood Shops Don’t miss it! Buy popular LGBT products 2 Conz St. • Unit 52 • Suite 1 Visit us online! Subscribe to TRT online Northampton, MA 01060 Add your favorite distribution point 413.586.2132 • Fax: 413.586.2167 therainbowtimesmass.com 12Calendar • March 15-31, 2007 • The Rainbow ofTimes • www.therainbowtimesmass.comEvents What is too many miles on an engine? TTRRTT CCaalleennddaarr BY: STEPHEN M. LEWIS are extremely important, TRT Auto Specialist especially the temperature Free HIV Rapid Testing; young gay lovers choose to may form. FMI: 413-247- I’ll bet you wouldn’t think gauge (should be in the March 14 & 15, 9-3 p.m.; risk their lives to hide a child- 3257 or 413-253-3049. I’m biased, but I am. UMass Campus Center; Call hood Jewish friend. Then, an middle), and the check ANNUAL HCC JAZZ Bob at 413-747-5144. act of betrayal threatens Actually, depending on the engine light, which by the FESTIVAL; Friday, March 30, them all. Thursday, March 15, service history of a vehi- SENIOR CITIZEN’S BOWL- 8:00 p.m.; 10th Amherst Jazz way does not mean to 7:00 p.m. & Friday, March 23, ING LEAGUE; Mondays at Orchestra featuring guest cle, if service history is “check” and see if you 10:00 p.m. at the Pleasant 12:30 p.m. - Canal Lanes, artist Rufus Reid, bass. good any engine “should” Street Theatre; $8. On have an engine. Route 5, Southampton. Admission is FREE for HCC Stephen M. Lewis Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 last at least 100,000 miles. Lastly, if your car is using students, faculty and staff President, Steve Lewis Subaru EMERGENCY p.m., at the Basketball Hall of Imports, with the proper a quart of oil in 1,000 with valid ID. Industry. It’s not uncom- CONTRACEPTION (EC) is Fame; $8. Screened as part maintenance “should” miles or less, you probably NOW available without a pre- of the Pioneer Valley Jewish BOWLING: Monday, April 2 7 mon; actually it’s common have no problem reaching have a problem. scription at all Tapestry Film Festival. Information: p.m. at Brattleboro Bowl. We for Steve Lewis Subaru to 200,000 miles. Any further questions feel Health Services sites. Call www.ValleyJewishFilm.com each rent our own shoes, have 4 or 5 Subaru’s a (413) 586-2539. then split the cost of the Here’s the Bias: The aver- free to call me at 413-584- MARRIAGE EQUALITY week in for normal service lanes. age ownership of a Subaru 5355 or E-Mail me at LGBTI HEALTH SUMMIT; VOLUNTEER KICK- OFF; with 200,000-300,000 March 14-18, 2007; Join the campaign to ensure CORE GROUP: Thursday, is 8 years. That is the high- [email protected] miles on them. Philadelphia, PA, marriage equality for all! Tue, April 12; 6 p.m. at the est in the U.S. Auto om. Happy Motoring! www.healthsummit2007.org Mar 27 6:00 pm - 9:00 p.m.; Menspace. Help guide the Watch the gauges! They 11 Beacon Street Suite 1125, Men's Program! 6 p.m. CAFE & CONVERSATION; Boston. potluck, 6:30 p.m. discussion. Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.; CDH looks for more volunteers as it grows All welcome. at the Northampton Council LOVER OTHER; Thursday, NORTHAMPTON— than 29,000 hours by departments. on Aging, NCOA; 240 Main March 29; Living in exile from SPIRITUALITY: Friday, April While Cooley Dickinson staffing the coffee and gift Call Robin Kline at (413) St., Suite 1 Northampton France on the Jersey Isle 13; 7 p.m. at the Menspace. Hospital prepares to unveil shops, transporting mail to 582-2251 for more infor- Phone: 587-1228 during World War II, lesbians Open discussion of men's 116,000 square feet of new hospital departments and mation or visit CDH Claude Cahun and Marcel spirituality. GLBTQ HOLYOKE space next month, greeting visitors. “Our vol- online: www.cooley-dickin- Moore make art, love and TASKFORCE MEETING; LEATHER POTLUCK: commit imaginative acts of Volunteer Services unteers are truly the back- son.org and click on the Thursday, March 29th at the Saturday, April 14; 6:30 p.m. resistance against the Nazi Director Robin Kline antic- bone of this organization.” Volunteer Application Girls, Inc. Teen Center (6 at the Menspace. Our ongo- occupation. This unique doc- ipates the need for more Kline is interviewing for quick link. Open Square Way). Info: ing leather/bdsm interest umentary memorializes their volunteers. the following positions: The New Patient 413-537-3005. group is holding a potluck daring heroism by revisiting starting at 6:30 p.m. “We need at least 30 new information desk greeter, Building and Kittredge VOLUNTEER AT THE how the sisters’ pursuit of art BOOK CLUB: Thursday, volunteers to help keep our unit greeter, delivery per- Surgery Center at Cooley HOLYOKE ST. PATRICK'S challenged the politics and April 19; 7 p.m.; at the operations running son, volunteers for the Gift Dickinson Hospital will DAY PARADE. Help pass out gender conventions of the Menspace. The book for April smoothly,” Kline said, not- Shop, Coffee Shop Central open in April. stickers and signs as well as time. Film Talk! w/producer is The Dave Kopay Story. collect signatures in support Barbara Hammer. Thursday, ing that in 2006, 294 vol- Sterile Supply and the of gay marriage. This is a March 29, 8:00 pm, Smith GAYME NIGHT: Friday, April unteers contributed more Linen and Transportation great opportunity to work with College, Stoddard Hall; Free; 20; 7pm, at Howie’s. Bring a team of volunteers at the Screened as part of the your favorite board game and Coulter uses the word “faggot” second largest St. Patrick's Pioneer Valley Jewish Film join the fun! to refer to Democratic candidate Day celebration in the coun- Festival. Information: BEAR-LY CONNECTING: try. Sun, Mar 18 10:00 am - www.ValleyJewishFilm.com Saturday, April 21; 6:30-9:30 According to a recent minded activists have 6:00 p.m.; North Hampden p.m. at the Menspace. Human Rights update and responded to the its call to St.; Holyoke; Information: Mature Lesbian Support Group; Group for women "Connecting" is a small group CNN report, at least three take action against Ann http://www.massequality.org/ for 8 to 10 guys that offers major companies want their Coulter after she used the “F events/ 55+ meets monthly at the Northampton Council on discussion centered on how Serving the ads pulled from Ann Coulter’s word” at a public event. But THE RAINBOW TIMES Aging at 240 Main St., at 6 we meet and connect with GLBT community Web site, after customer com- the media group that syndi- INAUGURATION PARTY; p.m., the second Monday of other guys and keep it for 14 years plained about the right-wing cates Coulter’s column flatly Friday, March 23 @ 8 p.m. at each month. FMI: Jennifer healthy and satisfying when commentator referring to defied these protests. In a we do. This month's 20 Crafts Ave. (Pride & Joy Higgins at 413-587-1226. Democratic presidential candi- special plea, the HRC wants Store); Come and join us with "Connecting" evening will be • Eyecare and Exams date John Edwards as a “fag- LGBTQ and allies to keep the some wine, cheese, grapes DISCUSSION GROUP FOR focused on Bears and their • Optical Boutique and some other goodies. LESBIANS 40+ meets every admirers. Besides bringing got.” heat on Coulter by encourag- Meet the staff of The Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 together bears for this one • International CNN reported that Verizon, ing individual newspapers to Rainbow Times and have a p.m. at the Stonewall Center event, "Bear-ly Connecting" Eyewear Selection Sallie Mae and Georgia-based not provide platforms to big- good time meeting others! All at UMass. Topics chosen by will hopefully be the begin- • Prescriptions Filled NetBank each said they didn't ots. invited! Information: 413-204- group consensus the previ- ning of regular get-togethers know their ads were on To take action go to: 8959. ous week. This is a warm and for the bear community in the AnnCoulter.com until they http://www.hrcactioncenter.org welcoming group of intelligent greater Brattleboro area. 413-584-6616 A LOVE TO HIDE; Thursday, women. Information email to: received the complaints. /actioncenter/notice-descrip- CONNECTION’S MAILING March 15, March 21, March [email protected] The HRC has reported that tion.tcl?newsletter_id=687244 23; It is 1942, Paris. The NIGHT: Tuesday, April 24; 6 247 Pleasant St., Northampton so far, more than 40,000 fair- 5 Nazis are persecuting the Older Lesbian Discussion p.m. at the APSV office. We'll “third sex” by rounding up Groups-Amherst/NoHo Area. be stuffing the newsletter, homosexuals and deporting New members accepted on and we could definitely use CDH offers convenient blood pressure clinic them to concentration camps. space-available basis. If help! Pizza compliments of NORTHAMPTON — Cooley’s monthly blood pressure clinic will be offered on Thursday, Against this backdrop, two enough interest, new groups the The Men's Program. March 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Nurses perform the blood pressure checks. This event is free; pre-registration is Submit your non-profit calendar event* to [email protected] not required. For easy access to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, use the Main *Certain restrictions apply. Small for-profit events/groups, 35 words or less, are considered Entrance. Free valet parking service is available. for a small fee. Large/for-profit events are not considered. All submissions appear online. “Family” Newswww.therainbowtimesmass.com From• The Rainbow AroundTimes • March 15-31, 2007 • 13 Gay couple claims lawyer for the government, Kalama Valley-Hawaii Kai, Gray Black said Stanton's idents, and consecrate another gay hospital discrimination said the policy is a way to who voted against it. “The surprise announcement that activists persuaded him to bishop or authorize official BAKERSFIELD, Calif. protect military unit cohe- gay community has said he was pursuing plans to stand his ground. prayers for same-sex cou- (AP)—Officials at San sion and reduce sexual ten- unequivocally they want become Susan Stanton “It’s almost an obligation ples. If it doesn’t, the Joaquin Community sion. He said similar con- same-sex marriage or civil “caused stress, turmoil, dis- now,” Stanton said. “This church risks a much- Hospital said they were cerns about romantically unions, and not this bill.” traction and work disrup- isn’t just about Steve reduced role in the investigating why a lesbian involved heterosexual cou- But opponents to civil tion” in the city. His con- Stanton. It’s not about Anglican family of church- was kept out of the emer- ples led the military to cre- unions, especially the tract says he can be fired Largo. It reflects the es that trace their roots back gency room while her part- ate separate housing for Roman Catholic Church, without cause at any time. nation’s struggle to deal to the Church of England. ner’s biological daughter men and women. backed the so-called recip- Almost 500 people with morality, sexuality and Jefferts Schori personally was treated for a fever. “Congress’ rationale ... is rocal benefits bill because it packed in Largo City Hall gender.” supports ordaining gays Donna Jones, 40, said she that that kind of coupling extends rights without bas- for a contentious meeting and voted to confirm and her partner, Sharolyn creates problems,” he said. ing them on sexual prefer- that ended with the vote Gay Bishop Says No Robinson in 2003; but, not- Takata, 38, took their The “don’t ask, don’t tell” ence. against Stanton. Many to Ultimatum ing that the season of daughter to the emergency policy prohibits the military “The main purpose of spoke in his favor, but more BY: RACHEL ZOLL/AP Lent was beginning, room Sunday with a 104- from asking about the sexu- reciprocal benefits was to called for his dismissal. The first openly she said Anglican degree fever. The pair com- al orientation of service provide benefits to people Mayor Patricia Gerard gay Episcopal bishop, leaders—called pri- plained to hospital officials members but requires dis- in need in a way that was and Commissioner Rodney whose consecration mates—were asking after a security guard made charge of those who not based on sex partner Woods voted to let Stanton has brought the world’s for a "fast" by both sides Jones stay in the waiting acknowledge being gay or status,” said Kelly Rosati, a keep his job. The other Anglicans to the brink of in the debate. Conservative room but allowed other engaging in homosexu- spokeswoman for the commissioners said he’d schism, said recently that Anglican leaders have been couples to enter the emer- al activity. Hawaii Catholic lost too much credibility. the Episcopal Church asked to stop crossing into gency room. Church and executive For his appeal, Stanton should not give in to Episcopal territory to take Jones and Takata are reg- Bill to increase director for the Hawaii said he would bring in demands that it roll back its control of breakaway con- istered domestic partners, unmarried part- Family Forum. “Same activists, business experts acceptance of gays. servative parishes. giving Jones a role similar ner benefits passes sex couples may be eligi- and doctors to describe the New Hampshire Bishop Robinson said gays and to a stepparent to Takata’s By Mark Niesse/AP Writer ble to receive benefits, but gender reassignment V. Gene Robinson said in a lesbians were being asked biological daughter. HONOLULU (AP)— it isn't the reason benefits process and how it has been statement that to sacrifice much more than “Instead of being there to Same-sex partners and fam- are provided.” successful in other work- Episcopalians should set others. He compared support her, I wasn’t ily members who live places. A hearing date has aside the Anglican Anglicans who oppose full allowed back,” said Jones. together could receive sim- Largo city manager not been set. Communion’s request for acceptance of gays and les- “How do you explain to ilar health benefits as mar- who wants sex change Stanton’s attorney, Karen now “and get on with the bians to the Pharisees, and your daughter the security ried couples under a bill will fight to keep job Doering, said Largo reacted work of the Gospel” even at said Jesus would never guard is anti-gay?” passed Thursday in the BY:PHIL DAVIS/AP Writer too quickly to the sex the risk of losing their place have been asked to halt his Hospital officials said the state House. LARGO, Fla. (AP)–A change news. in the Anglican fellowship. ministries out of sensitivity guard kept Jones out The bill extends state and city manager facing dis- “This is essentially giving “Doesn’t Jesus challenge to them. because of crowding con- county health coverage to missal after going public the heckler’s veto to those the greater whole to sacri- “How will we explain cerns, but that the incident couples who aren't legally with plans to get a sex who are unfamiliar with fice itself for those on the this ‘forbearance’ to all was under investigation. allowed to marry. The change said he plans to what they don’t under- margins?” Robinson said. those gay and lesbian measure passed by a 34-6 fight to keep his job, stand,” said Doering, who “Now is the time for ... Christians who have come Gay veterans call for vote, with 11 representa- because his case represents is also the senior counsel courage, not fear.” to the Episcopal Church ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ tives absent. It now the struggle “to deal with for the National Center for It was Robinson’s first because, for the first time reversal advances to the state morality, sexuality and gen- Lesbian Rights. public statement on an ulti- ever, they have believed BOSTON (AP)—Twelve Senate. der.” Stanton, who built a repu- matum that Anglican lead- that there is a place for gay and lesbian veterans “This will expand rights Steve Stanton said he tation as a forceful adminis- ers issued last week during them at God’s table, not who were dismissed under for everybody,” said Rep. would try to persuade the trator, almost didn’t appeal a meeting in Tanzania. simply beneath it, hoping the military’s “don’t ask, Joe Bertram, D-Makena- Largo City Commission to the commission’s decision. They gave the U.S. denom- for fallen scraps?” he don’t tell” policy asked a Kihei. reverse its 5-2 vote last But he said hundreds of ination until Sept. 30 to wrote. federal appeals court The measure was pro- month to begin the process phone calls from Largo res- unequivocally pledge not to Wednesday to reinstate posed as a replacement for of firing him. His appeal of their lawsuit challenging legislation that would have that vote means the com- the policy. allowed gay couples to mission must now hold In arguments before the enter into civil unions. another public hearing so 1st U.S. Circuit Court of After more than five hours he can make a final appeal Appeals, one veteran com- of testimony, that proposal to keep the post he has held pared the policy to govern- didn't have enough support for 14 years. ment-sanctioned discrimi- in a House committee to The commission had nation against blacks. advance last week. given Stanton generally “Systematically in the In previous hearings, gay good reviews and a hefty military today, gays are rights advocates argued raise last year for his man- Welcoming being harassed, hounded, against this bill because agement of the city's $130 Lesbians & Bisexual harmed,” former Army they said it undermined million budget and roughly Women Capt. James Pietrangelo II their push for civil unions. 1,200 employees in the told the court. “This is seg- “No one in the gay com- community of 76,000 west regation all over again.” munity wanted this bill,” of Tampa. But Gregory Katsas, a said Rep. Gene Ward, R- But Commissioner Mary Education14 • March 15-31, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Consensus Guidelines for public schools on issues of sexual orientation WASHINGTON, D.C.— The nonpartisan guidelines • Provide educational CEAI is a professional schools are safe and effec- “The strength of these The first consensus guide- call on school officials to opportunities for adminis- association of Christian tive environments for each guidelines is the focus to lines created to help educa- be “fair, honest brokers of a trators, teachers, parents educators serving in public and every student." include all stakeholders tors, students and parents dialogue that involves all and students about basic and private schools. “Our endorsement of the impacted by this issue, develop local policies and stakeholders and seeks the First Amendment princi- GLSEN is a national edu- guidelines for Public which clearly includes the practices to address issues common good.” The rec- ples of rights, responsibili- cation organization focused Schools and Sexual Faith Community. We need involving sexual orienta- ommended strategies ties and respect. on ensuring safe schools Orientation is in no way a to be sensitive to listen and tion in public schools were include: Primary drafters of the for all students. wandering away from, show respect for individu- announced today by the • Create a “common guidelines were Haynes "So often our national change or compromise of als with opinions on all First Amendment Center. ground” task force, with and Wayne Jacobsen of discourse focuses on those our long established sup- sides of this issue even if "Americans are deeply representatives with a wide BridgeBuilders, an organi- issues which divide us. port of traditional family we don't agree with them. divided over homosexuali- range of community views, zation that helps schools These guidelines highlight, values and Biblical stan- In this type of environ- ty in our society," said to advise school officials and communities find com- however, that respect is our dards,” said Finn Laursen, ment, those expressing Charles Haynes, senior on issues such as safety in mon ground on religious common American value," executive director, views based on religious scholar at the First school, student expression issues. Representatives noted GLSEN founder and Christian Educators. “We convictions or personal Amendment Center. "But if and curricula; from the Christian Executive Director Kevin have all seen a growing experience can do so with- school officials and com- • Agree on protecting Educators Association Jennings. "I want to per- hostility in the schooling out violating their own per- munity members use the everyone’s First International (CEAI) and sonally commend our col- community centered on sonal convictions,” ground rules of the First Amendment rights and the Gay, Lesbian and leagues from CEAI, the this issue. It is evident that Laursen said. Amendment, they can reach a shared understand- Straight Education First Amendment Center, emotions escalate when not Two national educational reach agreement on how ing of current law; Network (GLSEN) also and so many educators, all stakeholders are includ- leadership groups, the public schools can guard • Avoid “us v. them” politi- served on the drafting com- religious leaders and influ- ed from the onset and the American Association of the rights of all students in cal arguments, and permit mittee and endorsed the encers who are joining issues surrounding homo- a safe learning environ- all sides in the debate to be process recommended in together in this great effort sexuality come in ‘under See Education Page 15 ment." heard; the guide. to ensure America's the radar.’

important word, since it whenever they feel unsafe some opposition to the school officials violated uncool. The faculty is more Holyoke GSA from Page 10 promotes an environment or threatened. I tell them to Second Diversity their parental right to teach conscious about the rights in which staff and students record abusive or oppres- Assembly at Holyoke High their own morals to their of LGBTQ students but equality campaign, M.G.L. should assume that sive language noting the sponsored by the GSA. The children. They said they there is still a lack of inter- Chapter 76, Section 5. LGBTQ students are mem- time, date and place where school principal is thinking wanted to be notified vention. We need more Once we had gathered the bers of the school commu- they heard it and to pass it about allowing parents to before gay couples were ongoing training for facul- information needed to sup- nity and every classroom, on to their school principal. “opt out” their children discussed so they could ty, staff, and students. port our effort to form a and therefore encourages As adults, we should be from the assembly, but this remove their children from Teachers need to be held GSA, we made copies of everyone to behave in a held accountable for creat- might also be a violation of the classrooms. The judge accountable. They need to the law, wrote a mission manner that does not vio- ing an environment in the law. Alex Morse, who dismissed their arguments. use inclusive language statement and a petition to late the rights of any stu- which youth can thrive free is now a Senior at HHS and We all can learn by within the classroom and start the organization. We dent. Simply said, it is now of fear and alienation. This president of the GSA, came researching the truth, the not assume everybody is gathered signatures from a crime to violate the message is one that needs to me with great news and laws, and defending what straight.” students, faculty and per- human rights of gay and to be reinforced on a daily informed me about a ruling is right. Needless to say, I You can help Holyoke sonnel and gave it to the lesbian youth in any school basis by school faculty and made by Judge Mark Wolf: am very proud of Alex. He High students by calling school principal. This part in the commonwealth of staff. “On Friday, February 23, knows how to research and the school’s principal at of the process was fairly Massachusetts. The com- Teachers are responsible 2007, U.S. District Judge use the law to remind 413-534-2020 and ask him easy since Gov. Weld had mission also recommended for stopping whatever they Mark Wolf from Boston, school officials about his to support this year’s GSA made it a law to protect educating students and fac- are doing to address violent threw out a lawsuit filed by rights. I asked him if he has Diversity Assembly for LGBTQ students in ulty about the existence of and oppressive language parents who wanted to seen any positive changes ALL students and faculty. Massachusetts high the law and about the right within the classroom, if not keep their young children at Holyoke High since the Nobody should opt out of schools, and had gone even it guarantees in order to out of conviction, then from learning about same- formation of HHS GSA an education. further by making recom- create a more supportive because it is the law. There sex marriage. Judge Wolf back in 2005 and he said: For more information on mendations as to how to and accepting atmosphere are many ways to keep this said federal courts have “The HHS Gay/Straight how to help youth thrive make the law work in in public schools for all message fresh in schools. decided in other cases that Alliance has established a free of fear and oppression, schools. Gov. Weld also youth. Holding diversity assem- parents’ rights to exercise sense of appreciation for and to learn more about mandated schools across Knowledge is power. blies, organizing anti-bul- their religious beliefs are diversity and LGBTQ stu- what Holyoke youth is Mass. to “amend existing Every time a gay or lesbian lying and safe space cam- not violated when their dents feel more comfort- doing to create a better anti-harassment policies to youth comes to me for sup- paigns, and by making sure children are exposed to able and confident to face world, read the next article include: prohibiting vio- port or encouragement, the the Massachusetts Gay and contrary ideas in school. the struggle for equality. about Rainbow Youth in lence, harassment, and ver- first thing I do is give them Lesbian Students’ Rights Schools are ‘entitled to They feel part of a commu- the City of Holyoke. Peace bal abuse directed against a copy of The Law is posted in faculty teach anything that is rea- nity. Students still have to out. gay and lesbian students Massachusetts Gay and lounges and examined at sonably related to the goals challenge each other and *The author is Girls, and those perceived to be Lesbian Students’ Right the beginning of every of preparing students to their teachers about Inc.’s Mentoring Program gay or lesbian.” Notice the Law. I tell them to put it in school year are some of the become engaged and pro- derogatory language, but Coordinator. Info at: language used. their pocket, and show it to ways to do so. ductive citizens.’” Both slowly and gradually being [email protected] “Perceived” being a very their friends and teachers This year there has been couples claimed Lexington homophobic is becoming om the Politicswww.therainbowtimesmass.com that• The AffectRainbow Times • March 15-31, Us 2007 • 15 Healthy People 2010: Companion Document for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Health Lesbian, gay, bisexual, (Health Resources and • Elders in same-sex rela- • Designate LGBT popula- managed care, Medicaid, and transgender (LGBT) Services Administration) tionships are at high risk tions as a "special popula- Medicare, and State health is emerging as a awarded the Gay and of economic devastation tion" of concern by federal Children's Health national health concern Lesbian Medical due to the fact that legal health agencies. Insurance Program because of a growing body Association (GLMA) a protections are not afford- • Increase the number of providers. of evidence of health dis- contract to gather experts ed to same-sex couples national surveys which ask • Develop demonstration parities experienced by from across the country to (e.g. Medicaid spend- questions about LGBT sta- projects, which include LGBT people. Some agen- write a HP 2010 compan- down protections). tus to enable monitoring of community coalitions, to cies of the U.S. ion document on LGBT • HIV/AIDS continues to the health of all address the substance Department of Health and health. devastate LGBT popula- Americans. abuse prevention and Human Services are The Healthy People tions, including men who • Increase the number of treatment needs of LGBT broadening their focus on 2010 Companion have sex with men, partic- LGBT people with health communities. populations who experi- Document for LGBT ularly men of color, trans- insurance. • Support research to iden- • LGBT people are often ence health disparities to Health covers a range of gender women (male to • Increase the number of tify the patterns of hate reluctant to seek care or to include those defined by health issues, including: female), and LGBT injec- individuals treated for crimes, and publish crimi- "come out" to health sexual orientation and Access to Quality Health tion drug users. non-life threatening sexu- nal justice findings by providers, leading to gender identity. For the Care, Cancer, Mental In addition, the ally transmitted diseases to state and local jurisdic- under-screening and inter- first time, the ten-year fed- Health, Tobacco and Companion Document decrease the likelihood of tions. vention likely to result in eral plan for improving the Substance Use, Public makes specific health- HIV transmission. This report comes to poor health. nation’s health, called Health Infrastructure, and related and broader policy • Target LGBT popula- TRT from From the • Gay men and lesbian Healthy People 2010 Violence Prevention. The recommendations for tions in the health promo- National Coalition of women are at increased (HP2010), includes sexual Companion Document Congress and federal tion campaigns of national LGBT Health. For a copy risk for certain cancers orientation in 29 health notes research showing agencies that will reduce health agencies, such as of the full Healthy People (lung, cervical, breast, and objectives. Concerned that: LGBT health disparities, smoking prevention and 2010 Companion anal cancer), due to a high- with the lack of knowl- • LGBT youth are much such as: cessation activities. Document for LGBT er prevalence of smoking edge about LGBT health more likely to be victim- • Prohibit discrimination • Incorporate LGBT cul- Health please visit: and inadequate risk assess- among the general popula- ized in school and to against LGBT persons by tural competence into the www.lgbthealth.net/down- ment and screening by tion of health care plan- attempt suicide than het- organizations that receive training of all health pro- loads/hp2010doc.pdf providers. ners and providers, HRSA erosexual youth. federal funding. fessionals, and particularly Clinton Opens Door to Gay Activists Priests to purify site after Bush visit BY: DEVLIN BARRETT/AP helped defeat the Senate from Juan Carlos Llorca/AP Bush will visited Sunday, States has neglected the Democrat Hillary federal amend- New York, GUATEMALA CITY — 200 masked students bat- region and at combating Mayan priests will purify a tled 300 riot police with the rising influence of Rodham Clinton told the ment which would Clinton pub- sacred archaeological site rocks and small homemade Venezuelan leftist nation”s leading gay have banned licly opposed to eliminate “bad spirits” explosives. President Hugo Chavez, rights group in an unpubli- same-sex mar- that policy. after President Bush visits The tour is aimed at chal- who has called Bush “his- cized speech that she riage. Previous to next week, said an official lenging a widespread per- tory's greatest killer” and wants a partnership with “I want you to Bill Clinton’s with close ties to the group. ception that the United “the devil.” gays if elected president. know that this is administration, “That a person like Clinton also said she exactly the kind of gays were flat- (Bush), with the persecu- Education from Page 14 Amendment freedoms tion of our migrant brothers through information and opposes the “don’t ask, partnership we Sen. Hillary R. Clinton ly forbidden School Administrators and in the United States, with education. The center don’t tell” policy regard- will have when I from serving in the Association for the wars he has provoked, serves as a forum for the ing gays in the military am president,” Clinton the military. Supervision and Curriculum is going to walk in our study and exploration of that was instituted during told the group. “I want Sen. Clinton said it Development (ASCD) have sacred lands, is an offense free-expression issues, her husband’s presidency. you to know that just as would be safer for the also endorsed the guide- for the Mayan people and including freedom of lines. “I am proud to stand by you always have an open nation if openly gay sol- their culture,” said Juan speech, of the press and of The new guidelines are the your side,” Clinton said in door to my senate office, diers, sailors, Marines, Tiney, director of a Mayan religion, the right to assem- latest in a series of com- a keynote speech Friday to you will always have an and airmen could wear the nongovernmental organi- ble and petition the govern- mon-ground statements the Human Rights open door to the White uniform. zation with close ties to ment. The First developed and published by Campaign. Neither House and together we “This policy doesn’t just Mayan religious and politi- Amendment Center is an the First Amendment Center Clinton’s campaign nor can continue this journey.” hurt gays and lesbians, it cal leaders. operating program of the and endorsed by a broad Bush’s seven-day tour of Freedom Forum and is her Senate office made Clinton’s husband Bill hurts all our troops and range of religious and edu- Latin America includes a associated with the any announcement that Clinton was president this to me is a matter of cational groups. In 2000, stopover beginning late Newseum. For a copy of she would be making the when the Pentagon insti- national security and three of these consensus Sunday in Guatemala. the concensus guidelines Friday address. tuted the “don’t ask, don’t we’re going to fix it,” guides on religious liberty Bush’s trip has already has visit: www.firstamendment- In the speech, Clinton tell” policy, which says Clinton said. in public schools were sent sparked protests elsewhere center.org/about.aspx?id=1 by the U.S. Department of joked that she shares the gays may serve in the mil- Her chief rivals for the in Latin America, including 6611 For more information Education to every public same initials as the group, itary only if they keep Democratic nomination, protests and clashes with about the First Amendment school in the United States. and pledged to maintain their sexual orientation John Edwards and Barack police in Brazil hours Center: Jenny Atkinson, The First Amendment the same close working private. In 1999, as she Obama, also favor repeal- before his arrival. In 615-727-1325 or jatkin- Center works to preserve relationship that last year prepared to run for the ing the policy. Bogota, Colombia, which [email protected]. and protect First Sports16 • March 15-31, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Activists say health care plans contain hidden costs BY: STEVE LEBLANC mental health and sub- copayments. $2,000 deductible. Instead out-of-pocket expenses, people are uninsured and Associated Press Writer stance abuse services, Copayments are a of co-insurance, hospital the plans are barred from do not qualify for state- BOSTON (AP)—Health rehabilitation services, defined dollar amount for stays are included in the denying coverage for pre- subsidized plans. care activists say the low- hospice and vision care. a specific service. Co- deductible, after which the existing conditions. Perhaps the single cost health plans unveiled But critics point to what insurance is a percentage plan would pay the rest. Waiting periods also are biggest cost driver is age. recently by Gov. Deval they say are the hidden of the bill for services. The inclusion of co- banned. Under the least expensive Patrick—some with costs in the plans, from Under the lowest cost insurance in some plans is The panel also insisted plans, those aged 56 or monthly premiums as low deductibles as high as plan offered by Blue part of the balancing act that routine doctors visits older will still be paying as $175—sound too good $2,000 to the reliance on Cross Blue Shield, for insurers are performing as —like annual physicals or far more between $347 to be true, but officials say “co-insurance” to cover example, a 37-year-old they try to drive down well-baby check-ups—be and $505 in monthly pre- will they put insurance in some pricier medical uninsured resident would monthly premiums. included before any miums. the reach of thousands. expenses. pay $275 a month for an “We’re obviously not a deductible kicks in. In two weeks, the board “It does show that we “The low premiums insurance plan that has no big fan of this,'' said John Kingsdale said the plans is scheduled to decide can use competition and mask the real costs,'' said deductible, but requires 35 McDonough, executive are a bargain compared to whether insurers can offer choice to make health care the Rev. Hurmon percent co-insurance for director of the group anything offered on the even lower cost versions more affordable,” said Jon Hamilton of the Greater inpatient hospital visits. Health Care for All. market now. of the plans without Kingsdale, executive Boston Interfaith That means someone McDonough said it's “Would I like to offer mandatory prescription director of the Organization. “There are a with the plan who ends up one example of the impor- health care for $2? Yes.'' drug coverage. Commonwealth Health significant number of in the hospital would have tance of educating the He said. “I'd also like to On May 1 consumers Insurance Connector, folks who still can't afford to pay 35 percent of their public about the mind- buy a Jaguar for $5.” should be able to start which gave the state’s those products.” bill up to a state-mandated numbing details of the The lower-cost private signing up for the new “seal of approval” to Hamilton said he was maximum of $5,000 for plans. health plans are intended plans through the connec- seven lower-cost plans. especially concerned that all out-of-pocket expens- Connector officials said for uninsured residents tor. By July 1, all Kingsdale said that some plans bring down es, or $10,000 for a fami- the state is mandating earning too much to quali- Massachusetts residents while the plans vary by the cost of monthly premi- ly. important consumer pro- fy for subsidized care— must have insurance or price and cost sharing, all ums by relying on “co- The lowest cost plan tections in the plans. In about $29,400 annually face tax penalties. offer outpatient medical insurance” instead of offered by Tufts Health addition to the $5,000 a for an individual. An esti- care, emergency care, more traditional, fixed Plan, in contrast, has a year individual cap on mated 160,000 to 200,000 Massachusetts 3, Maine 2 Women’s Pro Football Team in Western Mass. AMHERST, Mass. 11:12 of the final period. ing period. UMass The Central Mass Ravens are still holding tryouts for their full (AP)— John Wessbecker Brent Shepheard pulled answered with a second- scored the game-winning Maine to 3-2 on a power period power play goal contact women’s football team. They play by NFL rules and goal, and Jon Quick had play just over a minute from Kevin Jarman, and wear the same professional equipment. The season runs from 38 saves as later. Alex Berry's goal five mid-April until June. For more information visit the Central Massachusetts edged Sixteen of Quick's minutes into the third. Mass Ravens at www.centralmassravens.com. Maine 3-2 recently to saves came in the final Berry also assisted on take a 1-0 lead in their period. Jarman's goal. www.centralmassravens.com best-of-three Hockey Billy Ryan put the Dave Wilson had 21 East quarterfinal series. Black Bears on the score- saves for Maine. Wessbecker put the board on a power play The teams meet again CAROL WILLIFORD Minutemen up 3-1 at near the end of the open- soon. BOOKKEEPING PLUS ACCOUNTING and TThhee RRaaiinnbbooww TTiimmeess TAX SERVICES Wine & Cheese Inauguration Party 4 Stanley Street Brought to you by: Pride & Joy Easthampton, MA 01027 Friday, March 23, 2007 @ 8 p.m. Phone/Fax: (413) 529-0889 • E-mail: [email protected] 20 Crafts Ave., Northampton, MA Are you a sports writer? Are sports your Come and share with us with some wine, cheese & a passion? Or, do you play for a local team? few other goodies. Meet some of the featured speakers and the staff of The Rainbow Times! Have your sports event/s published in The Rainbow Times! Have your sports photos be part of the LGBT publication that will recog RSVP by email: [email protected], or CALL: nize your achievements: The Rainbow Times! 413-204-8959 Submit your event & photos to: [email protected]