Year 1, Vol. 9 • June 7-21, 2007 www.therainbowtimesmass.com The FREE Street Sense: Should people Why It’s Wrong to Vote on vote on a civil right? Anyone’s Rights. RainbowTimes p. 2 p. 12 Your LGBTQ News Source in Western MA, Southern VT, and Northern CT Kevin Aviance: Where do DEMOCRATIC presidential Bouncing Back hopefuls stand on LGBT issues? FIND OUT! from BRUTAL ATTACK! p. 13 Our exclusive interview. p. 3 International QUEER Screenplay contest announced. p. 9

PARADISE CITY: 15,000 visitors attend festival p. 15

COMING OUT STORIES: Attitude is everything, student who comes out. p. 11 2 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Opionions Street Sense: Do you think that on June 14th, the legis- Love, Rights…and the Rest of It lature will vote in favor of sending the marriage amend- By: JM the JP*/TRT Columnist wrong with ment to the voters? Should people vote on a civil right? ear and entitlement seem to be being queer. “... I hope that people “I think leaving it up to responsible for the majority of We sacrifice can marry basically the people is a better Fharm that is inflicted in our per- self-love for whoever they choose. I decision than either the sonal lives and in the world at large. In the benefit of think marriage is a per- supreme court or con- this scheme, we all participate to some a good job, a sonal thing and that if gress voting on it. I think extent. family who the state’s going to get that if it is a civil right, Just recently, I read an article about a accepts other involved, make every- and someone has to person who was described as “fearless” parts of us, or thing a civil union, so vote on it to decide it’s throughout this detailed story of her life. a feeling of I’m engaged to my better to leave it up to Noticeably missing was the fact that she J.M. the JP safety. fiancé, and heterosexual marriage should be a civil the majority of the voters, then to have a few people is a lesbian. In a larger context, fear and entitlement union, everything should be a civil union. And all represent everyone in a decision this great.” Last summer, I attended the run hand in hand to create national, cul- marriages can be within their own. If the Catholic Church wants to say we only marry men and women, —Anja Waechter-Bourbeau, Northampton International LGBT Human Rights tural, and religious chauvinism. People hey that’s your right, whatever! But according to state Conference in Montreal. Amazing people fear or misunderstand what they don’t law, state rights, and civil rights, it’s all universal, it from every continent participated, includ- know. Whole countries engage in greed matters not who you marry.” ing prime ministers, religious leaders, and privilege to justify horrific harm, and —Jonathon Kennedy, Northampton activists, and writers. I was surprised and they use fear as a motivator. very moved by the simple mantra So, readers, how do we transcend fear “Hopefully they will put it “I think they will. You on the ballot. Why do would think that people throughout the conference: The single and entitlement in this world as it is? they want it put on the would have enough most important thing we can do to further What do we do to transform things? ballot, because they common sense to treat our rights and ability to live in the world Write in. I would love to open this dis- want it resended? people correctly without safely is to COME OUT. cussion further. Peace. Certainly people should having to seek legisla- Speakers from middle Eastern, African *J. Mary Sorrell is a Justice of the Peace and an vote on it, if it’s that tive solutions to what and eastern European countries—where elder advocate. She feels compassion for every- important. But if it’s for should be normal per- homosexuality is a crime punishable by a one in the LGBT community—out, in, and in the nefarious reasons, that sonal behavior ... So it seems like a back door way prison sentence or execution—were very process of coming out. She believes we have they feel there is a groundswell to resend that right, of going around it. They’ll say ‘well the people have clear about this. Despite the obvious then I’m a little bit ambivalent about putting it on the spoken’ but I mean you know, that’s assuming that tremendous power to heal ourselves and others risks, they expressed that living in fear is on this journey. ballot. So it depends on what the reasons are behind the people know enough about the issue to actually an unacceptable option. it. I think most people in Massachusetts accept it.” make a vote and I don’t think that the electered is When we do not come out, we actively —Marcia Tecca, Hebron, CT that educated on a lot of issues anymore.” participate in fear and tragic compliance —Jim Sullivan, Northampton The Rainbow Times with the notion that there is something 13 Old South St. • Suite 2C Northampton, MA 01060 I remember ... I always will remember! www.therainbowtimesmass.com By: Jane Hamel/TRT Columnist Ford. meant for a lonely person. I wanted to do [email protected] [email protected] fter Memorial Day, 2007, my nothing else. I felt connected to something I remember – Phone: 413-204-8959 • Fax: 866-310-8512 thoughts are scattered in all direc- Rachael’s that transcended my confusion. There is an tions. I can feel another depres- immense sensuality in wave riding. A older brother Viviana Valiente sion coming on because most of my memo- Fluidity, gracefulness, hyper-awareness, Publisher killed him- Gricel M. Ocasio Jane Hamel ries recall family experiences before my self. No one mixed with awesome and overwhelming Jack/ie Kennedy banishment. So rather than bore you with power. I had no need for religion. Editor-In-Chief ever said why. Writers: whiny drivel, I’ve dug this rather appropri- Nicole Lashomb I remember – joining the Navy to escape Lindsay Wilson I remember – Sales & ate poem out of the archives. It was written (Street Sense) my brother my past and avoid being drafted. I was torn Distribution some years ago when I was part of a writ- between duty to my country and being led J.M. Sorrell ing/therapy trans-support group in NYC. being born Ben Peterson by a wrong-minded government. My con- Webmaster: I REMEMBER Jane Hamel when I was Columnists: flict led to a nervous breakdown and an Dr. Renee Lang Jarred Johnson I remember – a re-occurring dream of a cou- eight years old. No one paid much attention to me after that. unsanctioned vacation which led to an inter- Atty. Jennifer ple on very high stepladders painting a rain- esting experience in military prison. Dexter bow. I remember – sneaking up to my grand- mother’s apartment and trying on her I remember – that my first marriage was The Rainbow Times is published by The Rainbow I remember – Norbert drowned in the terrible. Times, LLC. The articles written by the writers, millpond. I was four years old. corsets. It gave me a girl’s shape. I never columnists, and correspondents express their opin- told anyone how much I wanted to be a girl. I remember – drinking becoming my ion, and do not represent the endorsement or opin- I remember – when I became too old for favorite pastime. It drowned out the female ion of The Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. To I remember – being very awkward when it Mommy to put nail polish on me too. I had voice that wouldn’t shut up. I had a friend write letters to the editor, please send your letters, to become a boy. came time to date girls. I was at first with your name, address and phone number to: The attracted to those who were larger than me who saw it as self- destructive. He set me up Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail I remember – that school milk tasted differ- for some reason, but it never went well. I on a blind date. I never thought I would ever any comment/s to the editor at: editor@therainbow- ent than home milk. never knew what to do or say. To avoid the love a person as much as I did this woman. timesmass.com. All submissions will be edited I felt it was necessary to tell her of my inner according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, I remember – when the Pony Boy ice cream confusion, I found myself being rude, feelings before we went further. That was LLC reserves the right not to print any or all con- trucks were pulled by real ponies. which I always felt terrible about. I felt dif- tent, or advertisements for any reason at all. To ferent and very lonely. I was not one of the twenty years ago. The drinking finally receive The Rainbow Times at your home via regu- I remember – going to Fenway Park, where boys, but I acted like them out of fear of stopped because I chose to. That unlocked lar mail, or through electronic delivery, please visit my grandfather always got us a box seat our website. The content and graphics (photos, etc.) anyone knowing that I thought like a girl. so many years of kept feelings and allowed near the Red Sox dugout. I saw Ted the first step on the path to transitioning. are the sole property of The Rainbow Times and it cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s consent. Williams hit a grand slam off of Whitey I remember – discovering surfing. It was I’m going surfing this Saturday. — Jane www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • June 7-21, 2007 • 3 ocal LNews Kevin Aviance: Bouncing Back By: Michael A. Knipp*/Exclusive Report for TRT told later that I was kicked in the head rag artist Kevin Aviance is used over 30 times. to having his picture in the MK: What was going through your mind? Dpapers. KA: I knew I did not want my story to end Just not when his jaw is wired shut. like that. By now, most of the gay community MK: At the time of the attack, you had knows the story of what happened that been performing in New York for a long muggy summer night last June when time. Did you ever imagine something Aviance exited popular bar the Phoenix, like this could happen? in New York City’s East Village: four KA: Never. I believed New York to be men, ages 17 to 21, brutally attacked and very safe. I had lived there for such a long beat the chart-topping performer, leaving time and I had never had problems him battered and bloodied on the street. before. According to the Associated Press, “the MK: Four suspects were arrested under men followed Aviance, called him New York's hate-crime law – and subse- derogatory names and threw two garbage quently sentenced to prison – but reports bags and a paint can at the singer before say that up to seven men were involved in surrounding and attacking him.” After the the attack. How many guys were there? violence ended, a passing stranger walked KA: I know for a fact that four guys were Members of the founding members of the Holyoke Pride Alliance and the Prom Organizing Committee Aviance to Beth Israel Medical Center in involved. take some time to bond and build memories at the prom. Photo courtesy of: HPA. Manhattan, where he received treatment MK: Do you think you were targeted for injuries, including a broken jaw and a specifically, or were you just in the wrong Holyoke Youth Prom a success bruised knee. place at the wrong time? High School and Holyoke High School’s And that was just the beginning of the KA: Wrong place, wrong time. By: Lindsay Wilson/TRT Reporter MK: Have you seen or spoken to your HOLYOKE, MA—On Saturday, May GSA’s, The Rainbow Times, and by indi- grief and terror to follow. viduals at the Holyoke Health Center. More than the physical damage to his attackers since that night last June – per- 19, the Holyoke Pride Alliance held a haps in court? If so, what did you say to youth pride prom at Open Square in The prom’s entertainment included a body, the mental tragedy Aviance experi- speech by Holyoke Mayor Michael enced raised painful questions: How them? If not, what would you say to Holyoke. The prom was the first event sponsored Sullivan, performances by drag queens could this happen? What do I do? Will I them? by the alliance, a group that was formed and kings, an open-mike segment, and of ever be safe again? KA: No, I have not seen them at all. only six months ago, and which consists course, dancing. The crowd was enter- In one of his first interviews since that MK: Have you forgiven these men for tained by the music played by DJ what they did to you? of 15 active members and 40 online mem- dreadful night a year ago this month, bers, according to founding member, Thonsey. Aviance talks candidly about what actual- KA: I was brought up to forgive those The event also featured a graffiti wall who do wrong so, yes, in many ways I Alex Morse. ly happened that night, his recovery, the Morse, a Holyoke High senior, said the for youth to write down their feelings, as have forgiven them. death threats, leaving the Big Apple, for- group originally met to plan for a day well as framed instant photos. Tapestry MK: How have your fans supported you giving his attackers, and, in true Aviance similar to Boston’s Youth Pride, which Health was also at the event, distributing fashion, his new line of women’s shoes. through this? includes a parade, rally and a dance— information and facilitating games. Because, well, you can’t keep a good KA: If it wasn't for my fans and friends I something they wish to accomplish next “I think when some people hear about girl down. really don’t know where I would be. year. the western mass youth pride prom, they Michael A. Knipp: If it’s not too difficult MK: Since the attacks, you've received The prom was a free event supported by may think it’s only for LGBT people, but to talk about, can you tell me what actual- numerous death threats. How do you a grant funded through HYPE (Holyoke we ly happened the night you were attacked? handle that? Youth Pride Empowerment), a support See Holyoke Youth page 5 Kevin Aviance: [I had] just finished a KA: I received threats during the trial, but group for LGBT youth at Girl’s Inc in photo shoot and I was having a great day. now that the matter is resolved they have Holyoke, as well as donations from I was walking home, I was dressed nor- thankfully stopped. GLAD Greenfield, Springfield Central mal. I passed by a group of young men when one of them made a comment. I See Bouncing kept walking and minding my own busi- Back Page 6 ness, but they wouldn't leave me alone. Serving the The next thing I knew I was on the GLBT community ground and they were kicking me. I was for 14 years Pampered Pet Sitting, LLC • Eyecare and Exams • Offices in two locations to serve you better • Reduced stress for your pet • Consistent diet & exercise • No travel Anxiety • Routine • Optical Boutique Checking of your home while you are away • Love & attention for • International your pet when you cannot be there! Eyewear Selection Call today for a FREE consultation! • Prescriptions Filled Candy A. Laflam, President 247 Northampton St. • Suite 12 Easthampton, MA • 01027 413-584-6616 • 413-529-0011 • Goshen: 413-268-3447 Cell: 413-695-0427 www.pamperedpetsit.net E-mail: [email protected] 247 Pleasant St., Northampton 4 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com LgBtHealth Doctors warn sunworshippers to protect their skin TRENTON, N.J. (AP)—Too much of a Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. good thing can be painful, even deadly, People should also check sunscreen Tips on how to protect yourself from the sun's dangers: when it comes to sunshine. labels to see exactly what the product • Limit time in the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. So with summer just about in full does; the SPF, or sun protection factor, swing, dermatologists and skin cancer listed on the bottle only refers to protec- • Wear a hat that covers the whole scalp, face, neck and ears. Wear a shirt and cover other skin researchers say people should limit their tion against ultraviolet B rays, which pri- as much as possible with tightly woven clothing. If wearing a thin, light-colored shirt, apply sun- time in the sun and take other steps to marily cause sunburn. UVA rays pene- screen beneath it. protect themselves from the sun. trate the skin more deeply and are the “Enjoy it, but enjoy it in moderation main cause of skin cancer and premature • Apply sunscreen daily on unprotected skin using a product that has broad protection against and with common sense,” said Dr. Warren aging, so sunscreens that provide broad both UVA rays, the main cause of skin cancer and premature aging, and UVB rays (which cause Heymann, head of the division of derma- UVA and UVB protection are best. sunburn). tology at Cooper University Hospital in Products with the ingredients Helioplex Camden. or Mexoryl are “photo stable,” so they • Pick a product with an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 15. Note the SPF refers only to With skin cancer on the rise, doctors aren’t broken down quickly by UVA rays protection against UVB rays, not the more-dangerous UVA rays. have been issuing such warnings for and work for a few hours. Chemical-free years, but many people don’t heed blockers containing titanium oxide or • Follow manufacturer's directions, but in general apply about 30 minutes before going in the them—or wrongly think slapping on a lit- zinc oxide, which also protect well sun; reapply every two to three hours and after swimming, toweling off or heavy sweating. tle sunscreen once before a full day at the against both UVA and UVB rays, are a beach or pool is all they need. That's the particularly good choice for anyone expe- • Use sunscreen more often on children, and be especially protective of infants, keeping them in biggest mistake people make, Heymann riencing rashes from other sunscreens, the shade. said. Heymann added. “It’s not enough. If you’re going to be “Some people are a lot more prone to • Keep sunscreen handy with an extra bottle in your car or in your child's backpack. outside, try to stay out of the midday sun, developing skin cancer,” Lee said. stay in the shade, wear appropriate cloth- Those include fair-skinned people who • Wear sunglasses that protect eyes from ultraviolet rays. ing,” use sunscreen and reapply it every burn rather than tan, people who have pared to decades ago when attire covered more skin, said Conney. two to three hours and after swimming or previously had melanoma or have a fam- heavy sweating, Heymann said. ily history of it, and people with “atypi- Appropriate clothing includes a hat that cal” moles: ones that are asymmetrical, covers the scalp, long sleeves if it's not have jagged borders or varying colors, too hot and fabrics that aren't open- and are about one-quarter inch in diame- weaved or too thin. ter or larger. Those moles and any show- A thin, white T-shirt allows the ultravi- ing signs of changes should be checked, olet rays that cause skin cancer and sun- because skin cancer usually is curable if burn to penetrate, so sunscreen should be treated early. applied underneath, said Dr. Jonathan This year, the American Cancer Society Lee, a melanoma specialist at the Cancer estimates about 59,000 Americans will be Institute of New Jersey in New diagnosed with melanoma, and about Brunswick, part of the University of 8,110 will die of it. That’s up from about 48,250 new melanoma cases in 2002, when deaths were Jennifer L. Dexter slightly higher at about Attorney at Law & Notary Public 9,900, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Specializing in: Real Estate, Family L-to-R: Iain Gill, Education GMDVP and Dennis Berounsky, survivor speaker. and Prevention. Photo courtesy of: GMDVP Law, Wills, Education Law & Reasons for the increase in Criminal Law cases include the thinning of GMDVP: It’s all in the Presentation 95 State St., Suite 724 the ozone layer, use of tan- The Gay Men’s Domestic Violence tional training a survivor of domestic vio- Springfield, MA 01103 ning salons and people Project (GMDVP) is looking to engage lence will also come and share his story [email protected] going outside more—and with LGBT community organizations and from a personal perspective, followed by 413-214-7625 wearing less clothing com- service providers to help Gay, Bisexual a more in-depth educational discussion. and Transgender (GBT) identifying men If you interested in receiving training This could be your same-sex marriage announcement recognize abuse in their own lives and to please get in contact with Iain Gill in our empower to get the help they need. The Education Department to discuss details For a small fee, you also can have your organization has 4 locations including (617-354-6056). You can also visit same-sex wedding photo, marriage or one in Western Massachusetts. GMDVP’s website at anniversary announcement/s published at GMDVP can visit your organization, http://www.gmdvp.org/. MMOO The Rainbow Times. YOU HAVE THE OCCA- DDEE workplace, community centre, or college “Remember: One in four gay men expe- SION, WE HAVE THE TIME! 413-204-8959 and present a dynamic workshop on GBT rience domestic violence.” www.therainbowtimesmass.com domestic violence. As part of this educa- www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • June 7-21, 2007 • 5 Justice Large breasts=No job? Queer Dear Queer Justice: entity runs this — Holyoke Youth from page 3 people on human rights in general.” I am a female with a fairly large chest. I company. want to stress the fact that it’s for their “A couple of years ago we really didn’t applied for a job at a location I will not dis- Your next allies and for everyone to have fun,” said have a GSA, gay people didn’t really close. I was informed by a reliable source move will Morse, who added that the prom was have any visibility on campus,” said that one member of the search committee depend on the meant to give students an opportunity to Morse. “We’ve had a school-wide assem- said that I should not be working there response you meet other gay youth from outside their bly, a sticker campaign, a teacher train- because of the size of my chest. I did not get receive to your school or city. ing, and this month we’re doing LGBTQ the job. What should I do? —Betsy letter. Should Morse said the alliance was formed as a announcements and history on the inter- you decide to com every morning so we’re pretty sup- Dear Betsy: way to consistently work on issues per- consult a lawyer, ported. We just want people to know that Unfortunately you are the victim of sex- taining to the LGBT community. The there are some Northampton isn’t the only place where ual harassment. Both State and Federal alliance’s next project is to start a issues you gay people can feel comfortable and it’s law is clear about this. Holyoke PFLAG chapter, (parents, fami- should consider not the only place where activism goes Unwanted sexual advances, sexual Attorney Jennifer Dexter lies, and friends of lesbians and gays). such as what do on.” jokes, sexual comments, sexual gestures The chapter would focus on the parents of you want? What LGBT people and would help parents to or any behavior of would make * HYPE, a support group for teens, meets on a sexual nature Unwanted sexual advances, sexual jokes, sexual play a role in advocating for social equal- comments, sexual gestures or any behavior of a you whole? ity. Wednesdays at Girls Inc in Holyoke from 5:15 within the work p.m. – 7 p.m. sexual nature within the work place is considered Do you want The group is also planning to imple- place is considered * To join the Holyoke Pride Alliance, email: sexual harassment and is actionable civilly and the job? Do ment educational campaigns throughout sexual harassment [email protected] or call Girl’s Inc at possibly criminally. —Atty. J. Dexter you want mon- the city, to support the GSA’s at local high and is actionable etary compen- 533-0796 x 113. civilly and possibly criminally. This is a schools, and in general, just advocate for sation? Do you want the company to be change. clear case for a civil action. punished? How far are you willing to If you want you can consult a personal The idea for the group, originally take the law suit? Are you willing to go named The GLBTQ taskforce, began two injury attorney. If you wish to go it alone, to trial or are you looking to settle? your first step would be to write a letter to years ago when Morse started collaborat- Assuming you can offer evidence to ing with Girl’s Inc. Volunteer the Board of Trustees (if one exists) or the support the facts, you have a good case. head of Human Resources, or whatever Coordinator, Viviana Valiente, during an Good luck! Outward Bound program. GLAAD’s Spanish language visibility ad campaign It was at this time Valiente noticed that students needed more support, and that Los Angeles—The Gay & Lesbian on sexual orientation and gender identity. the schools needed more education on Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) “All Latino families have cousins, human rights. announced today its first-ever print and nieces, brothers, aunts and friends who are “We decided that a GSA would be the online advertising campaign to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender,” best vehicle to bring people together,” she visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and said Mónica Taher, GLAAD’s people of said. “So that started and everything transgender (LGBT) Latinos. The cam- color media strategy director. “GLAAD snowballed into something bigger and paign will run the second and third week hopes this campaign will spark conversa- bigger. We ended up having a school wide of May in HOY, one of the nation’s top tions about love and acceptance to help assembly which was very successful here, Spanish-language newspapers with a end homophobia and discrimination in the and the kids got standing ovations.” daily circulation of 169,000 in New York, Latino community.” Valiente said she would also like to start Chicago and Los Angeles. The ads will About GLAAD a program similar to foster care for gay also appear on univision.com’s (www.uni- The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against youth. “We meet a lot of youth who their vision.com) homepage and Mujer Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to parents threaten to kick them out when (Woman) and Familia (Family) landing promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and they come out, or they are actually home- pages, which receive a combined 3.4 mil- inclusive representation of people and less, or they quit school because they are lion visits per day. events in the media as a means of elimi- being harassed,” she said. “… A PFLAG GLAAD’s campaign will focus on cre- nating homophobia and discrimination [chapter] will be a very good ating visibility of the LGBT Latino com- based on gender identity and sexual orien- support system for the kids munity in Spanish-language media as a tation. For more information, please visit and if we have some of means to eradicate discrimination based www.glaad.org. those adults … we could have them as foster parents. Tell your Senators: Pass the Matthew Shepard Act! Part of the mission is edu- In a hard-won victory, hate crimes legis- do so visit: www.hrcactioncenter.org/cam- cating the community and lation has passed the House of paign/matthew_shepard giving back to the commu- Representatives. The bill nity so that people are now goes to the U.S. Senate - respected and are treated where the radical right, terri- with dignity … so hopefully fied of this legislation, has we’ll be hosts of good faith and we’ll be able to educate stepped up their attacks. It is essential that the Senate passes this bill with a broad enough majority to dis- therainbowtimesmass.com courage a presidential veto. Tell your Senators to support Real news, your news ... updated everyday! Featuring also the the Matthew Shepard Act. To companies who want your business ... respectfully. 6 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Entertainment If it makes you think, then it serves its purpose By: Jack/ie Kennedy/Columnist Christian. Let’s talk about fun stuff. talists, animal rights advocates and abor- mistreatment, hatred, and even death. o the presidential candidates I don’t care much for The View, but I tion opponents who, according to this Look at David Hyde Pierce, the Frasier have been asked for their opinions started watching the darn show when website, should also be considered terror- dude. Even he had a hard time “coming Son several topics of interest to the Rosie O’Donnell showed her opinionated ists. The Bible Thumpers from the South out.” For those of you out there who think LGBTQ community. Let’s see, from the self on it. Rosie just calls them as she sees keep adding insults to “God’s children,” that I’ve chosen this “lifestyle,” I tell you answers it seems like we have a bunch of them and many people because in their eyes this: “Sure, I’ve chosen a life of shame, of tors s iars ula al people, scared of the conservatives, who don’t like her, or dis- L imp Ga u God’s children are persecution, of humiliation, of not possi- eve an ys x are dodging questions back and forth at agree with her opin- thi s m u e c only from one color, bly having any rights to marry, of living wing r s hi this stage. Why do we have to be afraid of ions. When they don’t s ers d i ld one race, one gender in fear, or having my family disown me es e b a a g d bu people who called themselves Christians, have a good come-back d es r u s (maybe two), one (wait, that’s happened already!)” Try this ocrit e lt e ju hyp e r but who practice none of Christ’s teach- for her outspoken r a r s political party, with lifestyle, I tell you, and once you’re wear- hiles s bus e op er r ings? I don’t know about you, but I don’t views, they just go ed s s the same mentality as ing my shoes I bet you won’t call it a p addic fe beaters remember when Jesus used the word after her by using “per- sex ts wi the majority. Again, lifestyle either. I say, some of your hetero- homosexual in the Bible, or when he used sonal attacks.” Come Are you too good to be here? doesn’t this sound sexual/bisexual/swinger lifestyle (in the division as a way of showing others how on people, can’t you just lose an argu- exactly like what Jesus teachings were closet too) is just the ‘convenient’ to desegregate and take away people’s ment? Why does everyone has to be about? What are these people going to do lifestyle to hide into so that you can do all inalienable rights. But wait, that’s hap- right? when they find themselves charring with the things that we come out in the open pening now and there is a nation full of Now, what’s with PlanetOut.com going their fellow believers in this craze and and say. How’s that for honesty? Gulp! hypocrites proclaiming that it’s all ok into bankruptcy by next Fall? Did you cynical cycle of theirs? On earth they Here’s some tequila, so don’t sweat it, for because they’re following Christ’s pre- know that? Well, according to a report by throws stones at some, while award oth- you’ll never understand it. cepts. What precepts were those? Are the San Francisco Chronicle, it seems ers? In that place, I think they’ll be doing Ok, so this turned out to be not an enter- they making up these as they go around like they are just trying to survive these something else still trying to figure out tainment show. But, do enjoy Pride, go living, and is anyone going to stop them? days. It seems like several reasons have where they went all wrong. Go figure! out and celebrate. For those of you who This too remains to be seen. I say, let’s left the gay company with almost no fuel No, I’m not a Republican, but I ain’t a are our allies, go and celebrate with your vote for the people without regards to left to survive. Amongst the reasons are democrat either. I call it as I see it, friends, family, significant others, etc. color, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual ori- the decline in ad personals, and less because I’m tired of the hypocrisy that We’re good people and we deserve the entation or disorientation, credo, etc. The advertising revenue. If PlanetOut doesn’t exists around here. I smell a fish, from the love that was also promised to us, by the more divisions that we add, the more come up with the $15 million it owes to White House and up and down, and side same God that everyone has. Amen! Later superior some groups claim to be, and act meet the terms of an existing loan, it by side and well, below too. Are you kid- lads, Gals, Trannies, Hetero’s, Q’s, all! on it too. God makes them and they get could just go ka-put! What’s with that? ding me, below is where the fun is! To contact me, for all of my adoring together! Amen! Anyway, let’s just repeat it all LGBTQ Some people wonder how LGBT peo- fans, shoot me an e-mail at: kennedy- But, I’ve had enough with this frantic people are terrorists! I’ve said it, for I’ve ple can live a life of deceit for a long time [email protected] attempt to make people listen to what read it on a website that also included a before “coming out of the closet?” I say, Rock on, for I’ll be back! should really mean to be a “true” list of groups composed of environmen- because it’s a hard life of abuse, neglect,

my new shoe line. kind of things don't happen to anyone summer through Global Footwear — Bouncing Back, from page 3 MK: But by leaving the city you called else? Working with legislators? Partners. How has this new project helped MK: You've also dealt with accusations home, do you feel it sends a message to Crusading for victims' rights? you get back to life? Where can women that you provoked the attack. What do your attackers that they've won? KA: I can and will do as much as I can, find the shoes when the line launches? you say to that? KA: No. I don't believe so at all. I’m not but first I need to work on myself and the KA: Before going into treatment I met KA: I've never responded to any of those gone from pain of it. You with Global Footwear Partners and it was accusations, nor will I ever acknowledge NYC forever More than the physical damage to his see, it’s hard great. I love shoes. Anytime you work on them. and I didn't body, the mental tragedy Aviance to stand for any kind of art it helps. And shoes are not MK: Because of the intensity of the ongo- leave because other when only a fetish, they are now my art. of them. I left experienced raised painful questions: you cannot Women can find my shoes online at ing trials following the attack, you've How could this happen? What do I do? moved from New York. because of stand for www.kevinavianceworld.com and at KA: I needed a place to completely heal me. I needed Will I ever be safe again? —M. Knipp yourself. retailers nationwide. so I moved away. It's been six months. to work on my MK:MK: It's pride season, perhaps a bitter- The move was the best thing for me. It’s soul and find myself again. I really could- Obviously there’s a physical toll the sweet time of year for you now, but where hard to heal in the spotlight. It’s hard to n't do it with all the press around me all attack took on you, but mentally what did will you be this summer? live up to your own madness. I needed a the time. it do to you? KA: Pride has always been a celebration place to rest and work on my music and MK: It's been a year since the attacks. Are KA: It made me feel beaten in a lot of for me and I always get to celebrate it you more cautious than you ways – in ways I have never felt before. more than once. I am so lucky to be able were before? Are you con- MK: Have you fully recovered? to travel to different places to meet gay Edward Olmstead, LMHC stantly watching your back KA: I still have some aches and pains and people around the world. [Anyone] can now? Or have you regained mentally I’m better than I was six months check my Web site for the dates. Psychotherapy and Coaching your sense of security, con- ago, but not complete. MK: Finally, any words for your fans? Individuals, Couples, Families, Students, Employees sidering that security was MK: How have you changed since the KA: Thank you so much for helping me there in the first place? attack? Are you performing? through a very hard year. If it wasn’t for 53 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060 KA: I'm not 100 percent KA: I am so grateful for life. I am per- my fans I really don’t know where I’d be. there yet, but I'm working forming. I will never stop performing. (413) 585-8284 * Michael A. Knipp is a 26-year-old Baltimore- on it. MK: During your recovery, you found based freelancer and the founder of Line/Byline [email protected] MK: What are you doing solace in designing your own collection Communications at: www.myspace.com/rox- www.EdOlm.com now to make sure that these of women's shoes which you'll launch this mikey. www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • June 7-21, 2007 • 7 8 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Movie Reviews 3 Needles: Film Review By: J.M. Sorrell/TRT Columnist ters as though they are every day occur- Needles is a poignant, difficult, rences that you may find extremely dis- and unusual story about the global turbing. Our PTSD-reliant explanations 3realities of AIDS as public health are irrelevant in the raw world of suffer- and economic crises. There are three ing conveyed in the film. broad stories with multiple themes Demons and saints come in all in each of them, and this density shapes and sizes in these stories, will leave you feeling and thinking and it is not about us joining for days to come. together to fight this disease. The If you have seen other Canadian- film is compelling because it is so made films (e.g., The Sweet unique, because humor is infused Hereafter), you will recognize the into the dialogue at the most unex- direct, unflinching approach pected moments, and used here. The cast is bril- because the messages are liant. Actors include Lucy subtle and meant to be Liu, Stockard Channing, open to all forms of Olympia Dukakis, interpretation. Shawn Ashmore, and 3 Needles is Ian Roberts. Thom important Fitzgerald wrote, because it boldly Based on true events, ‘Gracie’ is a well- directed and pro- demonstrates that duced the film. the AIDS crisis is intentioned formulaic sports movie The stories take place in rural China, far from over on a global scale. It origi- against-all-odds kind of movie from writ- nally opened on December 1, 2006 By: Christy Lemire/AP Movie Critic Africa, and Canada. While they vary in NEW YORK (AP)—If you competed in ers Karen Janszen and Lisa Marie plot and character development, a com- (World AIDS Day) in movie theatres Peterson, which doesn’t make it terribly throughout the United States. It is now high school athletics, you might be able mon thread is how ignorance and greed compelling. But it does offer a message available on DVD. Check stores and to overlook the fact that “Gracie” is just work hand in hand in various cultures to that all girls should hear: “You can do online companies for prices. It’s a keeper another formulaic, if well-intentioned, create a public health tragedy. anything,” Johnny’s mantra for his Along the way, things happen to charac- of the weird sort. sports movie. That it is based on true events, both younger sister. And in her first leading devastating and uplifting, theoretically role, Schroeder has a likable, natural should give it more heft. So should the presence. (Previously she appeared on the fact that it was directed by Davis soaps “General Hospital” and “Port Guggenheim, an Oscar winner this year Charles.”) for the documentary “An Inconvenient But then she’s forced to undergo the Truth.” Not that the film is boring—it obligatory training montage, in which breezes through life-altering develop- Gracie wakes up early, runs up and down ments superficially and with dizzying hills and grunts and sweats her way speed. through sit-ups and chin-ups. There are Inspired by the childhood of his wife, the bullies who don’t want her joining in Elisabeth Shue, and her family, their reindeer games, led by the mulleted Guggenheim tells the story of teenage Kyle (Christopher Shand), who has the Gracie (Carly Schroeder), who wants to added incentive of feeling jilted by her. play on the varsity boys soccer team, In time—in no time at all, actually— unheard of in suburban 1978 New Jersey. Gracie will change everyone’s minds. She has driven toward this goal after her Dad comes around all of a sudden and older brother, Johnny (Jesse Lee Soffer), decides to devote all his time to turning dies in a car accident. Johnny was her her into a star athlete. He even helps her protector, biggest supporter–and star of petition the school to change its rules and the soccer team. allow a girl to try out for a boys’ team. (In real life, Shue’s older brother, (Shue’s brother Andrew, formerly of William, died in an accident when she “Melrose Place” and the Los Angeles was 24. Before that, as a girl, Shue was Galaxy soccer team, plays one of the the only girl on an all-boys soccer team.) coaches.) No one believes in Gracie—not her dad And those classmates who once scoffed (Dermot Mulroney), who obsessively at her? They turn into her biggest cheer- runs her brothers through drills in the leaders. backyard but excludes her, or her mom If this sounds familiar, you may be (Shue herself), who is not into sports at remembering “The Karate Kid”—the all. The other girls think she’s weird for movie that made Shue a star back in being such a tomboy and wonder whether 1984. she’s a lesbian. “Gracie,” a Picturehouse release, runs You can probably guess what happens. 90 minutes. Two stars out of four. This is a feel-good, come-from-behind, www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • June 7-21, 2007 • 9 Entertainment International Queer Screenplay contest announced! The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY Boulder, Colorado 80306, phone: (303) CONTEST, a screenplay contest dedicat- 629-3072. Online, you can visit: ed to the positive portrayal of gays, les- www.OneInTenScreenplayContest.com, bians, bisexuals, trangendered and queer or, for more information, you can e-mail: individuals in film, celebrates it's 9th [email protected]. anniversary this year. Entries are now being accepted online and are limited to TRT BLOGGER the first 250 entries for 2007. Executive Director, David Jensen, "We are pleased to continue the contest and are amazed therainbowtimes- with the high caliber screenplays received Cherub Productions, Final Draft, scr(i)pt addressed stamped envelope to: year after year." magazine, www.inktip.com, and www.sel- CHERUB PRODUCTIONS, One In Ten mass.com/blog The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY lascript.com. Screenplay Contest, Post Office Box 540 CONTEST has gained respect and notori- The submission deadline for 2007 ONE ety from Hollywood studios, agents and IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST is Gay Best Sellers* Lesbian Best Sellers* producers. Entries for 2007 are being September 1, 2007. Entry forms are avail- 1. Desert Hearts 2-Disc... accepted online at: able online through the contest 1. Outlaugh! 2. Big Dreams in Little www.OneInTenScreenplayContest.com website:www.OneInTenScreenplayContes 2. A Love To Hide Hope Prizes for 2007 include cash, industry t.com. Entry forms may also be obtained 3. Whole New Thing 3. Loving Annabelle exposure and merchandise. The One In through the mail by sending a self 4. Sun Kissed 4. Outlaugh! Ten Screenplay Contest is sponsored by: 5. Available Men 5. The Investigator 6. Queer As Folk: Season 1 6. Just the Two Of Us Have fun at more PRIDE PARADES! 7. Open Cam 7. She Likes Girls 8. Noahs Arc: The Complete... 8. The L Word: Season 1 2007 Boston Dyke March; June 8, 2007 Bloor, west on Bloor to Yonge and then 6:00 p.m.; Boston Common Gazebo; south on Yonge to Wood St.; FMI visit: 9. Gay Sex in the 70s 9. That Tender Touch Everyone is invited and welcome to march. http://www.pridetoronto.com/ 10. Another Gay Movie 10. The L Word: Season 3 No registration is necessary. Bring banners, Toronto, Canada 2007 Pride; Sunday, June * By wolfevideo.com * By wolfevideo.com noise makers, puppets, friends, fun. 24, 2007, 2:00 p.m.; The Pride Parade is the 2007 Boston Pride Parade; Saturday Jun 9, climax of Pride Week; the Parade starts at 2007 12:00 p.m.; Registration opens at 9:30 the corner of Bloor Street East and Church a.m. The Parade will be televised live at City Street, moves westward to Yonge Street, pro- Hall Plaza. ceeds south on Yonge Street to Gerrard 2007 Boston Pride Festival; Saturday Jun 9, Street, moves eastward on Gerrard Street 2007 1:00 p.m.; Note the change of location and finishes at Church Street; FMI visit: of the Festival for 2007: it will be held at http://www.pridetoronto.com/ City Hall Plaza. NY Pride Parade; Sunday, June 24, 2007; Philly Pride Parade and Festival; Sunday 8:30a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; New York Pride June 10, 2007; The Parade begins at 13th Parade; 5th Avenue & 52nd Street; New and Locust and ends at Penn's Landing; York, NY 10019 FMI: www.phillypride.org/ CT Pride, Sat. June 30th; Bushnell Park; 11 Canada’s Dyke March Route 2007; June a.m. - 5 p.m.; www.connecticutpride.org. 23, 2007, 2:00 p.m.; starts at Church and For more information about other March Hayden Streets, moves north on Church to & Rallies, please visit: ww.interpride.org 10 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com nvironment PErid Decline of honeybee populations, what is being done? Dear EarthTalk: What is causing the dra- tion towers. The increased radiation given matic decline in honeybee populations in off by such devices may interfere with the U.S. and elsewhere in recent years, bees’ ability to navigate. A small study at and what is being done about it? Germany’s Landau University found that —James Harris, Akron, Ohio bees would not return to their hives when mobile phones were placed nearby. ids everywhere may revel in the Further research is currently underway in fact that bees are no longer the U.S. to determine the extent of such Kstinging them as frequently on radiation-related phenomena on bees and playgrounds and in backyards, but the other insect populations. decline in honey bee populations in the Biologists also wonder if global warm- U.S. and elsewhere signals a major envi- ing may be exaggerating the growth rates ronmental imbalance that could have far- of pathogens such as the mites, viruses reaching implications for our agricultural and fungi that are known to take their toll food supply. on bee colonies. The unusual hot-and- Brought here from Europe in the 1600s, cold winter weather fluctuations in recent honeybees have become widespread years, also blamed on global warming, across North America and are bred com- may also be wreaking havoc on bee pop- mercially for their abilities to pollinate ulations accustomed to more consistent crops—90 different farm-grown foods seasonal weather patterns. including many fruits and nuts depend on A recent gathering of leading bee biolo- them—and produce honey. But in recent gists yielded no consensus, but most years populations across the continent agree that a combination of factors is like- have plummeted by as much as 70 per- ly to blame. “We’re going to see a lot of cent, and biologists are still scratching money poured into this problem,” says their heads as to why and what to do University of Maryland entomologist about the problem which they have Galen Dively, one of the nation’s leading termed “colony collapse disorder” bee researchers. He reports that the feder- (CCD). al government plans an allocation of $80 Many believe that our increasing use of million to fund research in connection chemical pesticides and herbicides, which with CCD. “What we’re looking for,” bees ingest during their daily pollination Dively says, “is some commonality rounds, are largely to blame. Commercial which can lead us to a cause.” beehives are also subjected to direct Contacts: Organic Consumers chemical fumigation at regular intervals Association Bees Info, www.organic- to ward off destructive mites. Another Photo courtesy: Getty Images consumers.org/bees.cfm; Colony leading suspect is genetically modified Collapse Disorder in Honey Bees, crops, which may generate pollen with icals and genetically modified crops are Many believe that chemical pesticides and herbi- http://pestalert.ifas.ufl.edu/Colony_Colla compromised nutritional value. avoided, are not experiencing the same cides, which bees ingest during their daily polli- pse_Disorder.htm. It may be that the build-up of both syn- kind of catastrophic collapses, according nation rounds, are largely to blame for the Got an environmental question? Send thetic chemicals and genetically modified to the non-profit Organic Consumers insects' mysterious disappearance. Other theo- it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental crop pollen has reached a “tipping point,” Association. ries include the growth in pathogens brought on Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT stressing bee populations to the point of Bee populations may also be vulnerable by global warming, and increases in atmospher- 06881; submit it at: collapse. Lending credence to this theory to other factors, such as the recent ic electromagnetic radiation resulting from grow- www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, is that organic bee colonies, where chem- increase in atmospheric electromagnetic ing numbers of cell phones and wireless com- or e-mail: [email protected]. munication towers. Read past columns at: radiation as a result of growing numbers emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php. of cell phones and wireless communica-

www.seriosmarket.com “Where customers are friends & friends are customers.” Family Owned & Operated since 1950! Groceries • Deli • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables WE DELIVER! STORE HOURS: DAILY SPECIALS TO GO Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Quality Meats Old Fashioned Service since 1950! Sat.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sun.: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 65 State St. • Northampton, MA 01060 413-584-2633 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • June 7-21, 2007 • 11 ut O tories ComingS Attitude is everything, student who comes out HOLYOKE, MA—Hard times have not realized I was smart.” “I technically wasn’t qualified mathe- hardened Malissa A. Vyce. Vyce has been slow to accept such matically, because I hadn’t taken a calcu- The 25-year-old Holyoke native, who praise, but she never had trouble embrac- lus class, but he looked at my grades and graduated with honors from Holyoke ing her natural affinity for engineering. waived it,” she says. “He was putting Community College on June 2, is remark- “When I was a kid, I made my own confidence in me. And that told me I can ably calm—even upbeat—when she telephone because my mother had do it and I will do it.” describes a childhood marked by sub- smashed our phone. I just took pieces Greeney’s faith was not misplaced. stance abuse, chaos, and poverty. from different things and put it together. Vyce went on to become a central figure “Other people can break their promises You had to unplug it from the wall to in the college’s engineering and science to you, but I can’t break the promises I hang up, but it worked.” programs, often volunteering to represent make to myself. That’s really important,” Though she was in the top classes in the department at public events. says Vyce, who plans to finish her under- high school, Vyce remained something of After she leaves HCC on June 2, graduate work in engineering at the a non-entity in the hallways. Other top Malissa Vyce wants to study sustainable University of Massachusetts this fall. students were tapped for awards and energy and do graduate work at a top “Growing up, I saw that through educa- recognition while Vyce was inexplicably school like MIT. If failure is in her future, tion I could better myself. I promised overlooked. A talented soccer player, she it will have to put up a good fight. Vyce’s myself that I would work hard, graduate found the playing field camaraderie dis- determination—and optimism—are not from high school and keep going.” solved into polite distance off the field. easily shaken. Mission accomplished. And then some. Did her decision to come out as a lesbian “I wouldn’t give up my childhood for Vyce’s resume reads like that of any make things harder? Vyce doesn’t know, anything, because I learned so much. top-notch student: president of the HCC but she doesn’t second-guess herself Early on, I looked at what my parents did, Engineering Club, recipient of the HCC either. A story about another very brave young and decided I would do the opposite,” she Leadership Recognition Award, tapped to “I came out in high school because I felt woman, Malissa A. Vyce, who came out in says. “And I’ve kind of got this belief that receive the Yadavendra Sharma scholar- like I needed to hold the door open for high school and whose story is as remarkable it doesn’t matter what people do to you. ship. Vyce is one of three HCC stu- other young people in my situation,” as you will imagine. Photo by: HCC. Why imitate their behavior or retaliate? dents who has been nominated to she says. “I knew I was strong wearing. They wanted to know what I At a very young age, I decided the best receive a coveted NASA Space enough, and, because I didn’t care was thinking,” she says. “I found out that thing you can do is pray for them, show research grant this summer. what people thought, it was easy.” the teachers were saying nice things them love. Ask yourself: ‘what would None of this fell into Vyce’s lap. At 16, Vyce decided it was time to about me behind my back.” Jesus do?’ Then do it.” The child of parents who struggled make a final break with her parents. Vyce smiles broadly when she remem- with mental illness and substance She dropped out of high school so she bers HCC physics professor Robert —A related Coming Out Story p. 14 abuse, Vyce had to carve hope from a could support herself and her younger sis- Greeney lobbying her to take a class. world that was full of dysfunction. She ter. bears them no ill will now, but admits that “It was the most painful thing I ever their problems were hard to handle when did, but I had to do it,” she says. “I knew she was growing up. Sometimes there someday I would graduate, but, at that was food in the house. Sometimes not. time, I also knew that I didn’t want to be Sometimes her mother was pleasant. in a position where I had to beg. It’s won- Other times, abusive. And while her derful when you have someone at home father provided Vyce with early memories to back you up, but I had to work.” of love and support, she soon realized that Vyce worked odd jobs for a year, but he was haunted by his own demons – she didn’t forget her vow. In 2000, she alcoholism and chronic depression. became the first person in her family to As a youngster, her chaotic home life graduate from high school, robes and all. made Vyce clam up when she went to Two years later, she continued her school. Her teachers thought she had a unprecedented journey, enrolling at HCC. learning disability. Vyce knew better. That’s when her natural intelligence and “I just didn’t want to talk,” she said. affable manner began to turn heads. “But I was getting everything…And “At HCC, people talked positively when they tested me, in junior high, they about me. They didn’t look at what I was

Welcoming Lesbians & Bisexual Women

Lanie Bud, Company Founders Welcoming Lesbians & Bisexual Women! 12 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Calendar TRTTRT PRIDEPRIDE CalendarCalendar Why It’s Wrong to Vote on SENIOR CITIZEN’S the ongoing marriage Friendly Improv Comedy BOWLING LEAGUE; equality struggle in MA. Co- Show to benefit the the Anyone’s Rights* Mondays at 12:30 p.m. - sponsored with the Amherst Public Libraries; t’s wrong to vote on anyone’s rights. marriage rights of straight people, so why Canal Lanes, Route 5, Stonewall Center of UMass. Saturday, June 9; 7:00 p.m.; Our constitution was created to pro- would we vote on marriage rights for gay Southampton. Jones Library; 43 Amity MEN'S SUPPORT GROUP; Itect everyone—and it should never people? Putting this amendment on the Street, Amherst. Suggested SOCIAL GROUP FOR Any male 18 or older; an be amended to discriminate against any- ballot is discrimination. donation: $10 for adults, $5 LESBIANS opportunity for men to share one. When we let one group of people start Our opponents are just one step away for children under 12 years We always meet on the first their experiences, thoughts, old. Benefit event to help voting on the rights of another group, we from putting a discriminatory anti-mar- and third Friday's of the and feelings about life's the Amherst public libraries no longer have a democracy. riage Constitutional amendment month. For information call journey. Support group not buy books. Event proceeds Basic rights like marriage do not on the November 2008 ballot. 413-687-2065 a therapy group. Free. will benefit the Annual Fund belong on an election ballot. If that happens, we’ll set a Every Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 EMERGENCY Drive. FMI: 413-259-3090 Marriage provides important pro- dangerous precedent of p.m., Brattleboro, VT. FMI: CONTRACEPTION (EC) is or www.joneslibrary.org. tections to couples and their allowing a public vote on 802-258-3914. NOW available without a children, especially health care. basic civil rights and face OutFilm CT Movies Coming prescription at all Tapestry ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE: The children of gay and lesbian a long, divisive attack up: (FMI: www.ctglff.org/) Health Services sites. Call THE POP MUSIC OF THE couples deserve equal protec- campaign on gay and les- (413) 586-2539. GO WEST; June 7 @ 7:30 1960s; Dates: 6/6 through p.m.; (Ahmed Imamovic, tion, and those protections should bian families. CAFE & CONVERSATION; 6/27; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Cost: Bosnia-Herzogovina, 2005, not be put at risk in a public vote. We could lose a statewide Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.; $65; GCC Downtown 97 min); This extraordinary The Constitution gives legisla- ballot campaign. Local and at the Northampton Council Center; FMI: 413-775-1803. and courageous film takes tors the responsibility to decide national opponents of mar- on Aging, NCOA; 240 Main place during the collapse of what’s appropriate to put on the riage equality, including out- St., Suite 1 Northampton WESTERN MASS LOBBY Yugoslavia into hatred and ballot. Keeping discrimination off of-state groups like Focus on Phone: 587-1228 DAY; Thu, Jun 7 in ethnic war in the ‘90s. Two Springfield, MA; 10:30 a.m. the ballot is the right thing to do. the Family, would run a mas- lovers, a Serb, Milan, and a Legislators have an obligation to sive, well-funded campaign MATURE LESBIAN to 3:00 p.m. Join other Muslim, Kenan, flee to protect people from discrimination to write discrimination into SUPPORT GROUP; Group Western Massachusetts Milan’s home village, hop- for women 55+ meets residents to lobby your leg- ing to find a way to the and protect their basic rights. That means our Constitution. Across the nation, we’ve monthly at the Northampton islators to support marriage Netherlands. Serbo- keeping discrimination off the ballot. lost 26 out of 27 similar ballot initiatives Council on Aging at 240 equality. Location: Tapestry Croatian with English subti- Who are we to judge other people and –even in progressive states like Oregon Main St., at 6 p.m., the sec- Health, 365 Bay St., tles. $15 Adults; $12 vote on their rights? Voters should not be and Wisconsin, even when marriage equal- ond Monday of each month. Springfield. Students asked to cast judgments on their neighbors ity supporters have outspent their oppo- FMI: Jennifer Higgins at and deny them basic rights. A vote to put nents, and even when initial public opinion 413-587-1226. NOHO PHONEBANK FOR ITTY BITTY TITTY EQUALITY; Join other these rights on the ballot is a vote to dis- data predicted a win for marriage equality. COMMITTEE; June 8 @ criminate. This is why we need to stop this ballot adovcates as we call 7:30 p.m.; (Jamie Babbit, DISCUSSION GROUP Southerners didn't get to vote on deseg- amendment now, and this is why we need FOR LESBIANS 40+ meets MassEquality members and USA, 2007, 85 min); Don’t every Wednesday from 6 ask them to take action for miss this engaging ride regation. Protection of individual rights is every single supporter of marriage equali- p.m. to 8 p.m. at the equality; Mon, Jun 11 & through the mosh-pit of 20- a fundamental part of our democracy. This ty to take action. Take action by visiting: Stonewall Center at UMass. Tuesday June 12 (both something girlie-activism. is why we do not allow the majority to http://www.massequality.org/action/ Topics chosen by group days at the same time) from vote on the basic rights of minorities. * Most of the content of this report was repro- consensus the previous 6:30 - 9 p.m.; Market BOY CULTURE; June 9 @ Win or lose, it’s still wrong to vote on duced with the contribution of www.massequal- Research Building, 31 7:30 p.m.; (Q. Allan Brocka, week. This is a warm and people’s rights. We wouldn’t vote on the ity.org and can be found on its website. welcoming group of intelli- Trumbull Road, NoHo. USA, 2006, 88 min); A gent women. Information sharply written gay comedy LGBTQ CATHOLIC MASS, of manners adapted from a email to: July 1 (Sunday), 4:30 p.m. Automotive Questions & Answers [email protected] critically-acclaimed novel are $5.00 less than a at the Helen Hills Hills about three roommates, By: Steve Lewis/Auto Columnist “quick service,” and OLDER LESBIAN Chapel, Smith College in hustling and the human Well we got some more questions, so here DISCUSSION GROUPS; Northampton. Main cele- heart. we go! for the most part, we Amherst/NoHo Area. New brant will be Fr. Marc Question: My car is leaking fluid. How use a better grade oil. members accepted on Reeves, SJ. Dinner, cour- GMDVP’S ANNUAL PRIDE do I know what it is? A: There are three flu- We will also do an oil space-available basis. If tesy of the Smith College BRUNCH; June 9; 10 a.m.- ids in your car. There is oil (black), transmis- change on any vehi- enough interest, new Chapel & Office of 11:30 a.m.; Laurel Grill & sion fluid (dark red), or coolant (usually cle at a competitive groups may form. FMI: 413- Institutional Diversity, will Bar, 42 Berkeley Street, bright green). All are very important to the price. follow at 6:00 p.m. at the 247-3257 or 413-253-3049. Boston, MA; Champagne safety and longevity of your automobile. Stephen M. Lewis Question: Is using Bodman Lounge, to be fol- Brunch; $35 that go to sup- President, Steve Lewis a hand held cell COURTING EQUALITY Whoever does the normal servicing of your lowed by informal group dis- port the Gay Men’s Subaru phone while driving DOCUMENTARY; A car should be able to tell you what is leaking cussion. Questions/com- Domestic Violence Project’s in Massachusetts illegal? A: Not yet! But I Documentary History of ments, and RSVPs, please: vital work With gay, bi-sexu- and suggest a repair. If you don't know any- America's First Legal one, our service department at Steve Lewis presume soon. You can get a Bluetooth [email protected] or al men and transgender vic- (whatever that name means) which alleviates Same-Sex Marriages; June [email protected]. tims/survivors of domestic Subaru will diagnose the leak(s) at no charge. 28, Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Question: Is it true that Jiffy Lube has all the distraction. There are two types avail- Violence; For tickets please able. One is a headset (remember Lily Food for Thought THE HA-HA SISTER- visit our website bad service? Several of my friends had Tomlin?) and the other attaches to your sun Bookstore, Amherst, MA. HOOD; Literature through www.gmdvp.org or call 617- problems ... A: Steve Lewis Subaru has Authors will show slides Laughter!; A Family- 354-6056. replaced several engines because of shoddy visor. For under $50.00 I just got the "sun from the book and discuss workmanship at Jiffy Lube. Their mechanics visor" model, boy, is my life easier, and, the guy in front, behind, or beside me is a lot Submit your non-profit calendar event* to [email protected] have no training, and are virtually at the low end of the pay scale. New car dealers have to safer. Thanks for the questions. Keep them *Certain restrictions apply. Small for-profit events/groups, 35 words or less, are considered compete with the “quick service” operation. coming. Happy Motoring! Please send ques- for a small fee. Large/for-profit events are not considered. All submissions appear online. If you drive a Subaru our oil change prices tions to: [email protected] www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • June 7-21, 2007 • 13 & ational PoliticsNews At 100-day mark, same-sex couples call NJ civil union law unfair By: Tom Hester Jr./AP As New about how Cash didn't want to identify his employ- TRENTON, N.J. (AP)—Craig Ross and Jersey reaches employers and er, but described it as a large financial serv- Richard Cash had been together as a couple the 100-day insurers refused ices and technology firm based out-of- in a long-distance relationship for nearly mark to recognize state. Goldstein said most problems he's five years when New Jersey moved to Wednesday civil unions. heard about stem from private employers allow same-sex couples to enter civil since the “New Jersey's who are governed by federal laws that don't unions intended to give them the legal ben- state's civil civil union law mandate benefits to same-sex couples. efits of marriage. union law is not providing “Companies with federally regulated So Ross relocated from Florida, and the went into equal rights to benefit plans are allowed—but not couple looked forward to what they effect, Ross same-sex cou- required—to deny coverage to their thought would be full recognition of their and Cash's sit- ples on any- employees' same-sex partners,'' said relationship. uation is one thing near a Moore, who added that the state has ``This was the state where our relation- of the glaring consistent encouraged employers to provide coverage ship would finally be recognized,'' Cash examples that basis,'' said to same-sex couples even if they're not said. advocates of Steven required to. The Franklin Township residents got same-sex Goldstein, State and local governments are mandat- their civil union on April 12. But Ross, 46, marriages chairman of ed to abide by the civil union law. and Cash, 54, say it hasn't translated into point to when Garden State New Jersey adopted its civil union’s law the benefits they'd been expecting. they argue Equality. in December after the state Supreme Court Specifically, after Ross was laid off from that civil Lee Moore, ruled it unconstitutional to deny same-sex his job at an insurance company, Cash's unions aren't spokesman for couples access to marriage protections. employer refused to give Ross health bene- enough. Attorney General Stuart Rabner, said the The unions offer the legal protections of fits, forcing Ross to pay $445 per month on After the civil union law went into effect, state hasn't received civil rights complaints marriage, but are not called marriages. health insurance. 852 same-sex couples applied to form civil concerning civil unions, but has received Vermont, Connecticut and California have ``We're very frustrated,'' Ross said, unions in New Jersey. In that same time about 90 inquiries per month from people similar laws. The only state where gay cou- speaking from their Somerset County period, a leading gay rights group said it's having problems obtaining either health or ples can get legally married is home. received complaints from 114 couples pension benefits. Massachusetts.

The Human Rights Campaign released its 2008 Democratic presidential candidate questionnaire outlining where the announced candidates for president stand on issues important to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The HRC, the nation’s largest gay civil rights organization, released the questionnaires along with a report card based upon the candidates’ responses in order to assist pro-equality voters in determining the public policy positions of the candidates. To view onlinevisit: www.hrc.org. According to a poll released by Washington Post/ABC News placed Clinton in the lead of the Democratic field with 43%. 14 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com Education Leader in diversity graduates from HCC By: Lindsay Wilson/TRT Reporter faculty and the administration, which HOLYOKE, MA—Years ago, while “illustrates HCC’s commitment to help- Victoria Mitchell was maintaining fishing ing first-year students. I can vouch for boats in Maine and Alaska, she probably that.” never pictured her graduation from “What really struck me in my first Holyoke Community College on June semester was the time my instructors took 2nd. to make sure their students understood Mitchell, who came to HCC as a non- the material. This level of involvement matriculated student from the University has been instrumental in my success at of Maine, did boat maintenance and sold HCC,” said Mitchell. “As I leave here and commercial fishing gear, before moving head off to further my education, I know to Mass. three years ago. that my experiences at HCC have given “It was awful,” she said. “It was cold me the skills to be a successful student and stinky and hard … sometimes it was and leader. Thank you!” exciting.” In the fall, Mitchell will be enrolled in Mitchell was often one of only a few the bachelor’s of social work program at women working on the boats, and always Elms College. felt pressured to “stay in the closet.” “I’m really going to miss it here and it “That was the only time in over 20 has been a great experience. I know stu- years I’ve felt like that. It was best. I was- dents who have not had a good experi- n’t there to talk about my private life,” ence, but I think that if you don’t speak she said. up, then a lot of times people aren’t going According to Mitchell, most of the peo- to speak up for you. So, coming from a ple on the boats were straight. long line of outspoken women, I don’t sit “People hooked up on the boats, and back and take it!” yeah, it was awful. It was hard,” she said. Mitchell said she hopes other LGBT But Mitchell’s life changed after a car people are never afraid to come out of the closet or to be who they are. accident left her unable to perform physi- Victoria Mitchell, HCC Graduate, Class of 2007. cal labor. “Don’t feel like you’re alone, especial- “I was hurt pretty badly, and I couldn’t offers support and advising to adult said. “I found a place where I’m comfort- ly if you go to HCC," she said. “Because go fishing anymore,” she said. “I finally women returning to college, and able, and I really like the instructors … there is quite a gay population here. ... decided that I needed to learn something “STRIVE,” a the instructors Don't let that hinder you from being out so that I could make a living. I don’t program that here really and seen on campus.” know that I ever would have gone back to caters to first- “Don’t feel like you’re alone, especially if want to see Mitchell lives in Holyoke with her part- school if I hadn’t been in an accident.” generation col- you go to HCC," Mitchell said. “Because their students ner, Vanessa Raubaugh and their three After five semesters as a part-time stu- lege students. there is quite a gay population here. ... Don't excel.” dogs: Frita, Belle and Shasta. dent, Mitchell graduated with an associ- For Mitchell, let that hinder you from being out and seen As one of ate’s degree in liberal arts from HCC. graduation is four students GCC to offer New workshop Mitchell was involved with two pro- “exciting and a on campus.” elected who grams at HCC: “New Directions,” which little sad.” gave a speech on the music of the 1960s “I don’t really want to leave HCC,” she at graduation, Mitchell spoke highly of GCC’s Office of Community Education is pleased to offer a new workshop, All State probing minority struggles on teacher license exam You Need is Love: The Pop Music of the 1960s. Popular music changed dramati- MALDEN, Mass. (AP)—The state said Heidi 700 blacks, 500 Hispanics and 350 cally between 1960 and 1969, from “The Department of Education will investigate Guarino, Asians, Guarino said. The department Twist” through the Beatles to Woodstock. why minorities performed significantly spokeswoman will look into the relatively low number In this course, we will cover the dance worse than whites in the teacher license for the of minority candidates, in hopes of mak- crazes and “girl group” songs of the exams, the department said recently. Department of ing the minority teacher population more Kennedy years, the “British Invasion”, According to results from the 2005- Education. proportionate with the minority student Motown and soul, as well as psychedelic 2006 Massachusetts Tests for Educator “We truly population, she said. and hard rock. Particular attention will be Licensure, which was given several times don't know what “It really makes a difference in schools paid to how the music reflected and influ- during that period, 77 percent of white the problem is,” when kids can see themselves in teach- enced the Civil Rights movement, the teacher candidates passed the writing she said. ers,'' Guarino said. Vietnam War, feminism, and the counter- exam, compared to 48 percent of A department The results of the MTEL test also culture. The instructor for this class is Hispanic and 46 percent of black test tak- advisory coun- showed significantly higher scores for Michael Schonbach, the owner of Still ers. cil will probe native English speakers, as well as for Records After All These Years. On the reading exam, 86 percent of possible prob- females in certain subjects. For instance, This workshop will be offered at GCC’s white candidates passed, compared to 62 lems in teacher preparation, including at females outperformed males 71 percent convenient Downtown Center location on percent of black test takers and 61 percent the college level, Guarino said. The tests to 60 percent on the Foundations of four consecutive Wednesdays, June 6 of Hispanic candidates. are already reviewed for gender, ethnic, Reading tests and 70 to 48 percent on the through 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To The department analyzed the tests for linguistic or racial bias, she said. Reading Specialist test. register call (413) 775-1803 (business the first time this year after a request from The vast majority of test takers are Candidates must pass the reading and hours) or any time with a credit card by calling (413) 774-7690. Please register no education professionals who suspected white, with about 12,000 taking the read- writing exams to qualify for a license. later than June 4. The fee for this work- there may be a disparity in the results, ing and writing exams, compared to about shop is $65. www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • June 7-21, 2007 • 15 Arts Paradise City: 15,000 visitors attend festival By: Nicole Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief of silver and started playing with it and from that moment on, I knew it was jew- NORTHAMPTON, MA—On elry.” Memorial Day weekend, nearly 15,000 Currently Rona Fisher Jewelry Designs visitors and 250 art exhibitors gathered at operates out of Philadelphia, PA, where Northampton’s Three she and her life County Fairgrounds partner, Emily Sims to attend the Paradise work and reside. City Arts Festival, “We do love according to the working with ‘fami- Founding Director of ly,’” said Fisher. “It the art show. makes everything “This particular much more fun to show received rave be working with the reviews from both LGBT community. artists and attendees; Thanks to daytime they loved the diversi- TV and the media, ty and the high quality [LGBT] couples are of the works on dis- also being handed play and the great down the family weather had everyone diamonds, just like Photo by: Linda Post in extraordinarily the straight couples. Elegant, upbeat jazz standards by this Valley quartet combine the sounds of bass, keyboard, It is an affirmation good moods,” said drums and saxophone. Expect hear awesome sax solos performed by Ron Smith, the head to what we do.” Linda Post, Founding of the Northfield Mount Herman Jazz Department! Director, Paradise Another exhibitor, City Arts Festivals. Dave Morrison who For more information about the ecityarts.com or e-mail lpost@paradis- “The Sculpture specializes in wood- Paradise City Arts Festival, call 1-800- ecityarts.com. Garden was a big hit, en boxes from 511-9725, visitits website: www.paradis- with a record number domestic, exotic, of people casting figured and burled votes for the ‘People’s hardwoods Choice Award for explained to TRT Outstanding Outdoor the success that Art.’ The winner was Paradise City Arts local metal sculptor Festival has brought and furniture maker to him. Matthew Johnson.” “For 17 years I A wide variety of have been doing exhibitor works this as a fulltime included artistic business,” said pieces made of glass, Morrison. “I travel wood, ceramics, pho- from coast to coast exhibiting. tographs, metals, fab- Photo by: N. Lashomb/ TRT rics, leathers, and [Paradise City Arts steel to create beauti- Rona Fisher’s, a customized jewelry design- Festival] is a good fully crafted pieces er, took part in the Paradise City Festival. show. I will be back such as unique jewel- [to exhibit] again ry, specialty wooden boxes, garden art, for the October show as well.” furniture, framed artwork, sculptures, In addition to displaying their art work, clothing, wallets, purses, blown glass fig- several artists from the festival also urines, water fountains and much more. donated items to WGBY Public An exhibitor at this year’s spring show, Television’s live and silent auction. Rona Fisher, a customized jewelry “All of the money from the bids help designer for over 20 years, studied Fine support the work that we do at WGBY Arts Painting in college but never thought Public TV,” said Charley Rose, Director she would be where she is today. of Corporate Support and Events, WGBY. “I wanted nothing to do with jewelry,” Paradise City has been ranked among said Rona Fisher of Rona Fisher Jewelry the top five fine art/craft fairs in America Design. “I thought it was too prissy. I for the past three years by AmericanStyle attended an arts show and realized that Magazine. Paradise City Arts festival will you can do anything; you can do art in be holding its fall show during Columbus any medium. One day I picked up a piece Day weekend on October 6, 7, & 8, 2007. 16 • June 7-21, 2007 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com