Sharon Gless

Year 3, Vol. 10 • Nov. 5 - Dec. 2, 2009 www.therainbowtimes.com The free!

RainbowYour LGBTQ News in MA, RI, North T Centralimes CT & Southern VT P ho to : National G a r y L a p o o Equality n March p.20

Karen Williams

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c o JbDubs m Hannah Free p.5 Gay Hip Hop Artist Photo: Hal Baim tells all ... Boston Pride calls for Anniversary theme p.9 p.B-16 News from the Ocean State Rhode Island pp.15-17 2 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Is Obama doing enough? The Controversial Couch By: Gricel M. Ocasio/TRT Publisher level. It becomes a sovereign mess for our ac- Lie back and Listen. Then get up and do something our other states, aside from countants and a reminder of our second-class By: Suan Ambrose*/TRT Columnist Massachusetts, have legalized status in this country. I know of many friends they were left bundles of cash; same-sex marriage and now the and family members who suffer from anxiety weden: a far-away land of then there’s not such a rush to Fcommonwealth is suing the federal during this time. But, the reminder that I am snow and ice, fair-skinned, remarry, is there? government to provide federal benefits not an equal is something that I live with ev- blue-eyed beauties and … a But I digress. Svillage of 25,000 hot lesbians? Too good to be Let’s look at more of the story translated to the same-sex married couples in all eryday, especially once you have such rights five states: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, at the state level. It is discrimination when true? I wish I had known that before I booked from Shanghaiist.com: my trip with Scandinavian Airlines. If men transgress into the forbidden city,

pinions Massachusetts, New Hampshire and others who have also entered into matrimony Vermont. But, the Obama administra- agreements in these five states have more It all started a few weeks ago when the Xinhua they will be beaten half to death. The citizens of Chako Paul are mostly engaged in the O tion is not biting. than 1,074 civil rights that the rest of us, the news agency in China reported the existence Why can’t same-sex couples who are legal- second-class citizens of this country, do not of a city in the northern woods of Sweden forest industry; because of such many of the ly married in these five states, like any other have. At least the state government of these where women were living together to satisfy women wear thick belts full of woodworking heterosexual married couple, be afforded the five states is reaping the benefits that same- their sexual desires. And, um, no, it’s really not equipment. I hear an ad for Strap-On Tools in there same rights at the federal level? According sex marriage has brought in these times filled Northampton! somewhere. to a recent AP story, the lawsuit states that with financial hardship. We are good for some This much-sought city, Chako Paul, was Some go into nearby cities to work and re- “the 16,000 same-sex couples who have things, but not others. If Uncle Sam did the supposedly founded in 1820 by a rich widow turn to Chako Paul by night. Chako Paul’s married since the state allowed it in 2004 are math, and educated the naïve Republican and and is guarded by two blonde guards that will tourism industry is increasingly prosperous, being unfairly denied federal benefits given conservative Democrat base, they would un- strike down men that try to enter this delicious with hotels and restaurants everywhere that to heterosexual couples.” When income tax derstand that by doing the right thing (by its place of lesbian love. This does sound remi- cater specifically to women around the world. time comes, we do cannot claim our spouses citizens) could also improve the economy. niscent of my time at the Michigan Women’s Now if that isn’t something to go to Sweden in the federal returns, as we do at the state See Opinion on page 18 Music Festival, but just two blonde guards? for! What a great concept! ABBA hasn’t been Please. heard from for so long it’s possible the Swedes However, the widow concept gives some came up with this idea on their own to lure the credibility to the tale because we know lots Chinese and others to their shores! Now if only of widows who prefer the company of each The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later things that come up in relationship, other instead of another old crust that tells By J.M. Sorrell/ TRT Reporter hard in less than a months’ time to make this See Couch on Page 12 n October 12, 1998, Matthew Shepard happen, and after expenses, all monies raised them what to do with their lives. Especially if died from wounds inflicted by two went to the “No On 1” campaign to preserve men who tortured and murdered him same-sex marriage rights in Maine. onO the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. Short- Several things struck me. First, the produc- The Rainbow Times ly after his death, the Tectonic Theater Project tion was free of charge and open to the pub- Letters to the Editor 351 Pleasant Street, #322 created The Laramie Project from interviews lic. Those who could donated to cover costs. Northampton, MA 01060 with townspeople. It was made into a film for Secondly, the assortment of heroes on stage Dear Editor, www.therainbowtimesnews.com HBO. reminded me of how fortunate I am to live in I loved the coverage the Rainbow Times [email protected] Ten years later, the group returned to Lara- this city. is having. I liked the “Couch” story by Su- [email protected] mie to talk to people about what occurred or The reading was a bit long/drawn out at zan Ambrose. But, when it comes to Elton [email protected] changed in Laramie since Shepard’s death. times, and the characters from academia pon- John, I just think he’s too old to have kids! MA: 413.204.8959 & 518.391.2617 The Epilogue was performed on October 12, tificated a bit much, and yet as a whole, the Great points she made though. Boston & RI: 617.438.4364 2009 in over 130 towns and cities around the reading was magnificent. I was especially -Jackie M., Northampton, MA Fax: 617.987.0059 world including Northampton, Massachusetts. moved when Publisher Columnists Chris Rohmann and Meg Gage produced Stan Rosenberg read the part of the (Repub- Dear Editor, Gricel M. Ocasio Suzan Ambrose and directed the staged reading at the Acad- lican) governor of Wyoming. As it turned out, The “Hatred in Medford” story was Paul P. Jesep emy of Music. The eighteen performers for the proposed DOMA (Defense of Marriage Editor-In-Chief Deja N. Greenlaw right on! I know because I live in Jamaica NIcole Lashomb the production included local actors, politi- Act) in Wyoming failed by a vote of 35-25, Plains and there’s so much discrimina- Tetty Gorfine cians, and activists. At least 600 people were with a large percentage of Republican politi- J.M. Sorrell tion here toward the LGBT community. It Sales Manager Lorelei Erisis in attendance. Countless volunteers worked cians weighing in about fairness and respect. Bill Berggren really astonishes me to find this kind of Jason Lydon See Laramie Project on page 12 bigotry in Massachusetts. I moved here Distribution Mgr. because of same-sex marriage and have Sales Associates SJ Seymour found that, like the article says, “espe- Liz Johnson Chris Gilmore cially in New England” we have to keep Reporters Lisa A. Eramo C’mon Out - Just Ask! Advice column our eyes open. That church in Medford is Ad Design anti-gay and those people spread hatred Tynan Power By: Tetty Gorfine/TRT Columnist As I think about your question, Bob Boudreau constantly. What kind of “Christians” are Joe Siegel Hey Tetty: the issue that comes to mind is they? But, keep it up, your work is truly Webmaster I'm 36 and I've just met this re- about awareness and how much great TRT! Jarred Johnson ally amazing guy. The only thing a couple values it. When consid- -Jonathan S., Jamaica Plains is that he's 58. I'm really attracted ering any difference or issue that The Rainbow Times is published monthly by The Rain- to him and I think he's great. He emerges in relationship, for me the bow Times, LLC. TRT is affiliated with AP/Newsfinder, Dear Editor, thinks he's too old for me but I question is, what, if any, does this QSyndicate, & the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of I love the Ask a Transwoman column, don't. What do you think about age difference mean to each per- Commerce. The articles written by the writers, colum- but I also get so confused by all of the nists, and correspondents express their opinion, and do relationships where there is a big son? There may be little attached terminology used. My brother is gay and not represent the endorsement or opinion of The Rain- age difference? For me, it's the to this difference, or it could have I’m straight, but I love the content of your bow Times, LLC or its owners. To write letters to the person, not the age that matters. great meaning. If I as the older editor, please send your letters, with your name, address paper. This specific column makes me But I’m not sure. I would like to person can only feel wanted or and phone number to: The Rainbow Times (address very confused. This cisgender thing that get your perspective. needed by taking care of a younger shown above), or e-mail any comment/s to the editor Ms. Erisis talks about and some of the person, I certainly want to be aware of this. at: [email protected]. All submissions Thank you, Joe other stuff she writes about sounds really will be edited according to space constraints. The Rain- And should the younger person be unknow- Hi Joe: “out there.” I wish trans people could un- bow Times, LLC reserves the right not to print any or ingly looking for someone to take care of From my perspective Joe, in an adult re- derstand that it’s hard to grasp all of the all content, or advertisements for any reason at all. TRT them, there could be problems down the road is not responsible for advertising content. To receive lationship, age, per se is not the issue. Age “things” that they’re throwing to people when the excitement of new love subsides and The Rainbow Times at your home via regular mail, or differences may bring up many different life right now. We’re still trying to understand both parties begin to through electronic delivery, please visit our website. The experiences. Age difference however, is only how a trans man wants to be with whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the sole one of thousands of differences couples may See C’mon Out on page 12 See Letters on page 18 property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and they cannot be experience. reproduced at all without TRT’s consent. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 3 GBBC promotes professional networking opportunities for the LGBT community By: Lisa A. Eramo/TRT Reporter all GBBC events, helpful in build- event. “[The event] definitely had a Boston N What began as an informal gathering of 12 discounted insur- ing a profes- positive effect on our internal commu- individuals in 1990, the Greater Boston Busi- ance, membership sional network nity,” she says. ness Council (GBBC)—an affiliate of the to the NGLCC, on which she can Recognizing corporations for their National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Com- and more. Busi- rely when assist- support of the LGBT community is merce (NGLCC)—is now one of the oldest ness members are ing job seekers important, says Travers. “In today’s gay chambers of commerce in the country. also listed in the who want more world, we’ve been practicing and Its mission? To promote a positive image of GBBC’s business i n f o r m a t i o n preaching tolerance and diversity. I re- the diversity of LGBT citizens and enhance the directory. about a particular ally have to recognize and commend personal, professional, and social growth of its “The biggest profession. these corporations,” says Travers.

members. This year, the organization celebrates benefit is being In addition to Each corporate sponsor’s business ews its 20th anniversary. able to meet with its individual and logo is placed prominently on the GB- The GBBC currently has more than 2,000 LGBT people who business mem- BC’s Web site, indicating its advocacy members from a variety of professional back- are like-minded bers, the GBBC for LGBT inclusion. grounds, and the numbers keep growing. and interested in has 18 corporate In light of its growing member- Any business, individual, or corporation can making connec- GBBC members networking at the annual Makin’ Waves sponsors, includ- ship, the GBBC continues to focus join the GBBC as long as it is willing to work tions,” says Rick Dance Party Cruise. Photo Courtesy of the GBBC ing Legal Sea on giving back to the community. The within the organization’s mission. “The one Kraft, GBBC Foods, Sun Life GBBC is part of a national scholarship thing this organization will not do is discrimi- member and at- Financial Inc., program through the Point Foundation nate,” says Ed Travers, president of the GBBC. torney with Kraft Law Offices. Kraft, who Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, Mas- that offers financial assistance for LGBT stu- The organization offers nearly 30 social and joined the organization four years ago, says sachusetts General Hospital, Hard Rock Café, dents pursuing higher education. networking events per year that are open to its his membership has allowed him to network Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the Hyatt “We felt strongly that we allocate a con- members and the public (for a non-discounted with other small and large business owners. Regency Boston to name a few. sumable amount of funds to the LGBT youth rate). Events run the gamut from networking Some of these connections have even led to Tasha Morris, diversity and inclusion con- in this country,” says Travers. lunches to professional development sessions client referrals. sultant for Sun Life Financial Inc., says Sun In addition, the GBBC offers a nonprofit and lectures. The GBBC’s annual Makin’ Waves Kimberly Bisset, GBBC member and CEO Life’s two-year corporate sponsorship is part affiliate program in which nonprofit orga- Dance Party Cruise—its most popular event— of Radiate Career Consulting, says her reasons of a larger diversity inclusion strategy. She nizations that are created solely to support offers members an opportunity to network while for joining more than four years ago are two- adds that the professional connections she’s the LGBT community receive a free GBBC enjoying a cruise on the Boston harbor. fold. “I wanted a professional referral base. I made at various GBBC events have been help- membership, provided that they meet certain And it doesn’t stop there. The GBBC also also wanted to develop my business more in ful in her role to enhance overall inclusion of other criteria. The program currently includes offers referrals and provides a directory of the LGBT community. I’m a lesbian woman, the LGBT community into the corporation’s 22 organizations, including Greater Boston LGBT-friendly businesses on its Web site, all and I wanted to serve more lesbian clients,” workforce. PFLAG, the LGBT Aging Project, and Fen- of which is free to the public. she adds. For example, Sun Life recently hosted a way Health to name a few. GBBC members have access to a wide va- As a career consultant, Bisset says her PFLAG panel discussion for all employees For more information about GBBC member- riety of benefits, including discounted rates to GBBC membership has been particularly that was led by a speaker she met at a GBBC ship options or events, visit www.gbbc.org. 4 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com

Lesbian Best Sellers* Family, Faith, and God:Justice 1. The L Word Final Season By: Paul P. Jesep/ TRT Columnist able chair without any thoughts is one of life’s you more in tune with people, yourself, and 2. Girl Seeks Girl – Chica ysticism, self-awareness, or a deep- simple pleasures. the world around you. Busca Chica er consciousness can originate from Silence is experiential. It’s something you It can assist in connecting the worldly with 3. Steam - the Movie silence. Using silence is a mean- need to feel and not mentally process. If the the spiritual. Silence complemented with still- 4. She Likes Girls 4: Tomboys ingfulM way to embrace your core being that sunrise is especially spectacular that morning ness provides an inner refuge, a sanctuary sometimes causes profound, positive experi- don’t let the voice in your head tell you. Just from all of life’s ups and downs. It is simplic- and Tough Girls ences. It’s a spiritual tool all too often over- sit, take it in, keep your brain still, and enjoy. ity at its most majestic and beautiful. 5. Ghosted looked. Sometimes it’s mistaken for reading Feel it. Don’t think it. Experience it. Soak it in According to Lao Tzu, the 6th century B.C. 6. Itty Bitty Titty Committee the newspaper on a lazy Sunday or watching with the eyes and soul. sage who nurtured a mystical philosophy, “no 7. Drifting Flowers one of those inane weekday news programs in Think about tears of joy or pain. We’ve all thought, no action, no movement, total still- 8. The Secrets the morning before work while enjoying tea, experienced them. There is an emotional ex- ness: only thus can one manifest the true na- coffee, or Diet Pepsi. pression that comes from within that often has ture and law of things from within and uncon- 9. I Can’t Think Straight Silence requires “thoughtlessness.” Empty an absence of thought. sciously, and at last become one with heaven 10. Loving Annabelle your mind of every worry and personal or pro- Some reading this column engage in silence and earth.” fessional task that needs to be accomplished on a regular basis. But for those of you who He further observed that “at the center of Gay Best Sellers* during the day. If you find yourself starting to have never tried you’ll be greatly rewarded if your being you have the answer” of who you 1. Pageant think about something stop. Silence requires you do. There will be a peacefulness within are and what you must do in this world to be 2. Hollywood je taime focus, practice, and discipline. that you never knew could exist. If you find organically part of it to help make it and your- There are times I enjoy gentle music dur- that silence is unsettling then ask yourself 3. Were the World Mine self complete. This is personal enlightenment. 4. Eating Out 3: All You Can ing my early morning routine. Late at night I why. Your subconscious is trying to tell you Silence. It is something wonderful that all of sometimes enjoy a British comedy or a re-run something. us can use to enhance life’s journey and our Eat of Fran Drescher in the Nanny to decompress. Mystics, theologians, and spiritual guides unique spiritual path. 5. Newcastle Yet there is nothing more powerful in the and teachers of different backgrounds and de- 6. Mulligans morning or evening than sitting in silence for nominations have often said in various ways several minutes without a thought or care in that you can find God in silence. It can help * Paul is a practicing attorney in Albany, 7. Half-Life the world. Even good thoughts should be put you be connected to a greater universal pow- priest and prelate in the Eastern Orthodox 8. Redwoods side. Don’t think about anything. Watching a er. It is a spiritually transcendental experience Church, and author of “Crucifying Jesus and 9. Tru Loved sunrise, observing the evening stars, walking that has nothing to do with organized religion. Secularizing America – the Republic of Faith 10. Little Ashes among trees during the autumn splendor, or Finding time each week for silence can lead to without Wisdom.” He may be reached at Vla- just enjoying the silence sitting in a comfort- an individual spiritual awakening that makes [email protected]. *By wolfevideo.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 5 Lesbian Film Sweeping The Nation, HANNAH FREE, Premieres in Northampton NORTHAMPTON, Mass.–HANNAH FREE, a really nice thing.” starring Emmy award winner Sharon Gless “This is a wonderful film and it is playing (“Cagney & Lacey”, “Queer As Folk”, “Burn to sold out crowds at film festivals around the Notice”), will premiere in western Massachu- country. Out! For Reel’s screening will sell setts for one night only on Friday, November out as well so we are encouraging everyone 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy of Music The- to buy their tickets early and not wait until the atre, Northampton, MA. last minute,” says Michaels. Out! For Reel, New England’s popular les- Over 300 people are expected at OFR’s bian, gay, bisexual, and transgender film se- After Party following the film at the Grand ries, is presenting the premiere as well as host- Ballroom, Hotel Northampton, King St, ing a huge after party beginning at 9:30 p.m. Northampton. There will be catered food, at the Hotel Northampton’s Grand Ballroom. cash bars, and DJ Jodi from Ogunquit’s popu- HANNAH FREE Director, Wendy Jo Carl- lar women’s dances, providing the crowd with ton, will be flying in from Chicago, to make a hot music to dance to. special guest appearance and host a Q&A with Tickets: $12.50 Advance, $14.50 Door, $20 the audience. Film + Party, $10 for students with ID (Door “We are honored and thrilled to have Wendy only). Included in the ticket price is the Acad- Jo attend our premiere screening,” says Jaime emy of Music facility fee of $1. Michaels, producer of Out! For Reel. “She’ll For Online Tickets and more information be able to give us the inside scoop in the mak- visit www.OutForReel.org. ing of the film and working with Sharon Gless. Advance tickets: Broadside Bookshop, 247 I know that all the Sharon Gless fans will love Main St., Northampton, Booklinks Bookseller to hear all about it.” (Inside Thornes), Northampton, Academy of HANNAH FREE is passionate lesbian Music Theatre Box Office, Northampton, drama about a lifelong love affair between an Food For Thought Books, Amherst, World independent spirit and the woman she calls Eye Bookshop, Greenfield, and The Odyssey home. Weaving between past and present, the Bookshop, South Hadley. film reveals how the women maintained their Sharon Gless, the winner of two Emmys and devoted love relationship despite a marriage, a a Golden Globe award for her role as Cagney world war, infidelities, and family denial. in the television show, “Cagney & Lacey” and The Huffington Post states in its review of who now co-stars in USA Network’s hit se- HANNAH FREE, “Ms. Gless delivers a stellar ries “Burn Notice”, made her stage debut in performance that is gritty, poignant, and real.” Springfield, MA at Stage West Theater. Sharon Gless said, in a Windy City Times Out! For Reel, based in Northampton, Mas- interview, “HANNAH FREE is a very unusu- sachusetts, screens the best in award-winning al, very intimate story—and it’s a story that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender films really needs to be told,” said . “I’ve always be- from around the world on a monthly basis dur- lieved that for an actor, your initial intention is ing a ten month season, beginning each year to entertain. But if you can educate also, that’s in September. www.therainbowtimesnews.com 6 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Transactivism: Trans hatred that leads to crime must stop By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw/TRT Columnist ever find out that Brandon Teena, a Transman who was beaten Imagine that you are on a date and it’sz go- he made love to a by two men and then raped by them. They ing quite well! You are a woman who is getting “man!” He starts to were going to show “her” that “she” was not T.D.O.R. Events connected to a man and everything is going like freak. He looks at a man but a woman! He was brutally beaten Springfield, MA a dream! It’s going to be a nice night!!! you and you open and killed also. It doesn’t stop there, there are Nov. 13; 6:30pm You met at a Coffee Shoppe and you both hit your eyes, not to many, many more terrible instances and not all UniTy of the Pioneer Valley it off right away. After an hour or so he asks if the loving soul who of them are aimed at Transgenders. How about Transgender Day of Remembrance, (TDOR) you would like to go somewhere for a drink. has just made you Matthew Shepard’s horrible experience of be- 3300 Main St, Springfield, MA It feels right so you ask yourself “Why not?” the happiest girl in ing beaten to near death and left for 6 days tied The program will include speakers and musicians and everyone’s participation is and you agree to his offer. At the club you the world, but to to a fence in rural Wyoming? These are all hei- encouraged as we pay respect to our brothers laugh and drink and flirt. He asks you to dance a scared, murder- nous crimes and no one should have to experi- and sisters and we help bring awareness to ous man! He then slowly with him. You smile and do so. After a ence what these souls have had to endure! the surrounding area. Everyone is welcome. punches you and Deja Nicole Greenlaw* few drinks he asks you to spend the night. You All hate crimes must be stopped, no matter if UniTy will sponsor a buffet directly following think about it, look at him and smile and ac- chokes you and beats you and beats you and they are against Transwomen, Transmen, Gays, the TDOR. beats you! You are confused, and then in shock, cept. After all, it’s been a while ... The alcohol Lesbians, or anyone! This has been a long, Amherst, Massachusetts you see your blood! He may knife you several is rushing to your head and he smiles and leads overdue issue to be reckoned with and the U.S. Nov. 19, 2009; 7 p.m. you to lay with him. You happily oblige and times or even shoot you a few times. You think Government has finally come to the task of at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Am- nice things happen! to yourself, “This can’t really be happening! recently voting for the latest Hate Crimes bill herst, Meeting House. You are now nested in his “nook,” (where one Tonight was such a wonderful time and he was after years of LGBT lobbying. 121 North Pleasant St. Amherst, MA lays their head on the shoulder of the other so such a wonderful man. How can this really be These hate crimes are unacceptable but they FMI, UMass Stonewall Center: stonewall@ that their arm can cuddle you)! You are lay- happening? You see more and more of your will still occur. The general public needs to stuaf.umass.edu or (413) 545-4824. ing in the arms of a man who has just made blood everywhere now! Then, the worst hits know about the truth and to see how horrible Providence, Rhode Island love to you. What a great night! You are sooo you! You realize that are going to die! that these crimes really are. That is why we, Nov. 18, 2009; Vigil at 6pm happy, you close your eyes, give him one more After you pass he now has to get rid of your Transgenders, hold our annual “Transgender at Brown University on the main Green. hug and you are ready for sweet dreams ... then, body. Maybe he will take you out to the out- Day of Remembrance” (TDOR). We need to Burlington, Vermont it happens! skirts of town where you will be buried in a show the world what is happening and we need Nov. 20, 2009; 6:00 - 8:00 His brain has been numbed by the lovemak- hastily dug shallow grave, maybe you will be help in getting this to stop! I ask all of you to Burlington College (in the Gallery) 95 North ing, but now he is coming down off that bliss- dismembered and scattered, perhaps thrown please attend one of the local TDORs to help Ave, Burlington, VT 05401 ful high and now he has to come to terms with into the river, or possibly even thrown into the raise awareness. Please look for TDORs start- For more information contact: dawn@ru12. having been with a Transwoman, who, sudden- nearest dumpster. A once wonderful night with ing on Friday November 13th through Sunday org or [email protected] ly in his eyes, is perceived to be a man who has a promise of a loving mate is now a nightmare, November 22. Boston, MA became a woman. It hits him! He thinks that he which ended up with your brutal beatings and Nov. 20; 7-9:30pm has just made love to a man! He starts worry- finally, your death. You can find more information about more St. Luke’s & St. Margaret’s in Allston ing about his sexuality and what will happen if This is one of the horrendous scenarios of a TDOR observances and information by visiting 5 St Lukes Rd, Allston, MA (617) 782-2029 his friends, co-workers, neighbors and family Transgender death. There are many others, like this link: www.transgenderdor.org Ask a Transwoman: Do I sound angry? It’s because I am! By: Lorelei Erisis*/TRT Columnist --Strong Butch for this we said it price we all, even they, pay to simply be who ometimes I don’t understand how a Wow. Just wow. I was sitting at the kitchen was because there we are. We all too regularly lose friends, family friend of mine, who is a trans man calls table with my girlfriend Widow last night were no gay peo- and very often our whole support network. We himself straight and then complains that talking and drinking cheap red wine and I ple in the Bible are ostracized, beaten, marginalized and belit- She doesn’t have the full support of the L&G read this question to her. I will, primarily due that drove! tled, frequently even by our own closest allies. community. But when somebody is a transgen- to issues of space, not relate the two or three Back to my Many in the transgender community still der person, how is it possible that they classify hours of intense discussion that followed. But point, what bugs feel badly burned by our exclusion from into a heterosexual terminology of straight? if Jack M. of Florence, MA thinks these questions me about all this ENDA last year. When the going gets tough, For example, if there is a “straight” trans sometimes strike a nerve with me, he should hear is that marriage, the “L&G Community” rarely seems to hesi- man and has had his documents changed to how my sweet love reacts! while an impor- tate to sideline or just outright drop their trans reflect his gender, then that means that he can Personally, and I’ve mentioned this before, I allies. tant issue, is not go and get married to another woman and find it immensely frustrating that this issue of I believe that this is beginning to change, reap all of the benefits of traditional marriage same-sex marriage keeps being presented as anywhere near the Lorelei Erisis* but it’s at least partly because transgender despite the fact that he, biologically speaking, the premier issue that we should all be focus- very basic human folks have started to stand up and say, “We is a she. I think part of the tension, at least in ing on. I find it offensive in fact. rights that trans people are still fighting for. will not be quiet anymore! We will no longer the lesbian community with trans men, is that Don’t get me wrong I believe in and support We’re talking basic bread and butter rights be ignored!” while we are still fighting for gender equal- same-sex marriage. I have done so at great here like the right to not be fired from your job Do I sound angry? It’s because I am. ity and marriage rights throughout the nation, and impressive volume! Ironically, I’m not just because of who you are or, to be able to I generally, in these columns, try not to let the trans men reap those benefits of straight even a big believer in the traditional institu- even get a job in the first place! Or, what about that show through. I try to be affable and pa- heterosexual status. Sometimes they use the tion of marriage. Buy me several drinks and the right to not be beaten or killed because you tient. Anger tends to shut people down and L&G community to advance their cause and you’re sure to hear the spectacular and surreal differ in some way from what is laughingly they stop listening. Also, I believe that the then they leave US behind as well, once they story of how my own marriage ended. I like called “the norm?” And to expect the full and great majority of people are good and decent don’t need us anymore. Comments? being with a person simply because we like equal protection of the law if you are! and want to understand and be supportive, if each other and make good partners. I do not These are not just trans rights we are fight- you just give them the chance to be. wish to own my partners or ing for or gay rights, these are human rights. But, you did not actually ask me a question be owned by them. That said, I’m talking about the right to be treated with Butchy L, you asked for my comments. rights should not be selectively the same basic dignity that all people deserve, And, my primary comment in regards to what applied. If a thing is going to no matter who you are or how you identify, or you have written is that it is a perfect repre- be called a “right,” it should be even where you come from. sentation of the misunderstanding and igno- applied to all people, regard- So yeah, you know what? If some of the rance that transgender people face from even less. Heck even things we call trans men you know seem a little over-excited our closest allies. “privileges” in this country about being able to marry the person they love I’m going to break it down for you. A trans- aren’t so selectively implied. I or get a job more easily than they could before man is a man. Period. Seriously. That’s it. mean could you imagine if we they transitioned, try to cut them a little slack. Yes, he has had the experience of transitioning said that gay people couldn’t It is small reward for those trans people who drive?! And as our criteria from one gender to another. Hence, the are able to “pass” in that way, compared to the See Angry on page 8 www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 7 Cooley Dickinson Hospital Craft Fair Scheduled AIDS CARE/Hampshire County W NORTHAMPTON–Cooley Dickinson Hospi- available at all hospital information tal will hold its annual Craft Fair on Friday, desks and in the Pastoral Care Office, announces annual fundraiser, sponsors Mass N Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital’s or to download a form visit: www. NORTHAMPTON, Mass.–Organizers are CARE/Hampshire County, a Northampton- Main Entrance Hallway. Items on sale will cooley-dickinson.org/auxiliary/trees- gearing up for the much anticipated 16th an- based agency that provides comprehensive include pottery, assorted fleece items, hand- of-love-and-thanksgiving. For more nual Chocolate Dessert Buffet & Silent Auc- support services for people living with HIV/ painted items, jewelry, paintings, quilts, soaps information, call Janice in the CDH tion that will be held on Sunday, November AIDS throughout Hampshire County. Public Relations Office at 413-582- wall hangings and vintage heart ornaments. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Tickets are $15 donation per person and can 2422. Conference Center. be purchased in advance or at the door. At the annual event that draws chocolate The major sponsors of the 16th annual Annual Trees of Love Light- lovers and silent auction aficionados from event to date include The Clarion Hotel and Prostate Cancer Screen- ews across the region, guests sample chocolate Conference Center, Florence Savings Bank, ing Ceremony Scheduled ing Clinic desserts and bid on a variety of items, all to Northampton Cooperative Bank, and Webs at Cooley Dickinson NORTHAMPTON–The annual Pros- benefit a good cause. Pioneer Valley bakeries America’s Yarn Store. NORTHAMPTON–On Sunday, Nov. 22 at tate Cancer Screening Clinic spon- and restaurants donate more than 70 chocolate To make arrangements to donate an auction item or a chocolate dessert, call (413) 586- 4:30 p.m., community members are invited to sored by Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s desserts, cookies and cakes that will be avail- Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s main entrance to able for sampling at the event. For those whose 8288 ext 5. Cancer Care Program will be held on Satur- participate in the lighting of more than 2,000 chocolate cravings are harder to satisfy, there For ticket information or more information day, Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon. will be a chocolate fountain overflowing to about AIDS CARE/Hampshire County, call lights as part of the 12th annual Trees of Love Prostate cancer is the most common can- create culinary delights with marshmallows, (413) 586-8288 ext. 5. AIDS CARE/Hamp- & Thanksgiving project. cer among men. Men ages 50 to 75 are en- fruit, pretzels, and more. Hundreds of auction shire County is a program of Cooley Dickin- Karen Marney, chairperson of the Trees of couraged to sign up for a rectal exam and items will be auctioned off to benefit AIDS- son Hospital. Love & Thanksgiving Committee, says each PSA blood test. African American men and gift of $10 will sponsor a light in honor of men with a family history of prostate cancer or in memory of someone special. Commu- should be screened starting at age 40. nity members are encouraged to pay tribute Exams will be provided by the physicians to someone special by donating to this proj- from the Urology Group of Western New ect. The people being honored and the donors England. Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s lab will be posted at Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s will provide the blood tests. main entrance. Pre-registration is required as a limited The Trees of Love & Thanksgiving project number of appointments will be offered. To advertise with is sponsored by the Pastoral Care Commit- schedule an appointment, call the Cancer The Rainbow Times tee and the CDH Auxiliary. Donor forms are Care Program office at 582-2028. 8 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com From Angry on page 8 maybe get a better job. I have heard this same “trans” descriptor. It is not appropriate and opinion from perfectly nice, decent, wonder- Creep of the Week: Keith Bardwell is in fact belittling to refer to a transman as ful people! And, I suspect that most of them By: D’Anne Witkowski* man and a white woman get married. Every- a “she.” Or a transwoman as a “he” for that have no idea how incredible offensive and op quiz: You are a Justice of the Peace one knows that children from such a union matter! short-sighted this opinion is. It presupposes that the ability to get hitched legally is worth in Louisiana and a couple comes to you would never be accepted anywhere. Now, I may not personally dig the inflex- to be married. The woman is white, the “There is a problem with both groups accept- ibility of labels like straight, but the norm losing your family, rejecting your identity, leaving your community, etc. They don’t even Pman is black. You turn them away because ing a child from such a marriage,” Bardwell in this society is that a man who is attracted consider for a moment how wildly difficult it you don’t want them to have mixed race ba- said. “I think those children suffer and I won’t to women and not to other men, unless they bies. You are: help put them through it.” choose to identify themselves differently, is simply to get people to call you by a whole A) Racist. “Perhaps he’s worried the kids will grow up would generally be referred to as “straight,” different set of pronouns! B) A defender of children. and be president,” Bill Quigley, director of the at least in regards to their sexual orientation. I have met a lot of transmen at this point and I am confident in telling you that not a single C) Treating everyone equally. Center for Constitutional Rights and Justice, So, it would be perfectly accurate and norma- told the AP. tively acceptable for a transgender man who one I’ve met transitioned to make it easier to If you answered both B and C, then you’re get married. probably Keith Bardwell, a New Orleans Jus- The irony of Bardwell’s motives also did prefers the romantic and sexual company of not escape Bill Burton, Obama’s deputy press women to identify as “straight,” no matter It’s a little like saying an amputee got rid of tice of the Peace who recently declined to their legs so they could always have a comfy marry an interracial couple because, in his ex- secretary. “I’ve found that actually the chil- how much this bugs you or what an incredibly dren of biracial couples can do pretty good,” sexy butch dyke they may have appeared to be chair to sit in. Or, get the good parking spots. perience, those kinds of marriages just don’t Perhaps it never occurred to you that it might tend to last. he said. before they transitioned. When Bardwell appeared on CBS’ “The And, yes, I have spoken to some close les- be a whole lot easier and less expensive to Not surprisingly, Bardwell is getting a lot of simply move to a state where same-sex mar- shit for his stance, and folks, including Loui- Early Show” he stated that being interracial bian friends about this. I understand how frus- isn’t the only reason he would refuse to marry trating it is that “all of the good Butch Dykes riage is legal than it is to change your gender. siana Gov. Bobby Jindal, are calling for his Fair enough. I forgive you. I am thankful resignation. a couple. He’d also say no if they were drunk are transitioning.” Seriously, I get it. It sucks. or stoned. One of the biggest objections that I received actually that you have sent me this “question” “I’m not a racist. I just don’t believe in mix- Butchy! It needed to be answered. ing the races that way,” Bardwell told the As- “Racial discrimination has been a violation myself from my female friends when I decid- of Louisiana and U.S. law for decades,” said ed to transition was that it wasn’t fair, because My best hope is that maybe by reading this; sociated Press. Bardwell has never married an you can have a fresh start with your friend. interracial couple in his entire career. “I try to Quigley, obviously not getting the whole post- I was one of the best men they knew! And, I race thing. “No public official has the right to was pretty darned good at it by the end dear Because after all, isn’t a good friendship more treat everyone equally,” he said. important than a common label? See? He’s not a racist. Duh, obviously. And pick and choose which laws they are going to readers. But that’s almost entirely because I follow.” was faking it. It was a role I had learned how That’s all for your friendly neighborhood anyway, with the election of Barack Obama, TransWoman this month dear readers, but America has finally proven that racism no lon- As for Bardwell, he’s unapologetic. “It’s to play and I like to think that I’m a pretty kind of hard to apologize for something that good actor. But it was just that, a role, a char- keep those cards, letters and emails coming! ger exists in this country. We are so post-race Your questions need answers, and maybe I’m that you can even believe that mixing races you really and truly feel down in your heart acter, a suit I used to hide in plain sight. I was you haven’t done wrong,” he said according then and I am now, a woman. So I transi- just a little bit of a masochist, but I love to an- is horrible and still not be a racist. So long swer them! After all, dispelling ignorance (and as you have black friends, of course. Does to the New York Daily News. tioned. Hence a transwoman. “I’m sorry, you know, that I offended the There is a trend in the lesbian community a good drink) is what makes me feel alive! Bardwell? Yes. Slainte! “I have piles and piles of black friends,” he couple, but I did help them and tell them who to talk about how these transmen have tran- to go to and to get married. And they went and sitioned simply to gain the right to marry and * To contact Lorelei, please email her at: said. “They come to my home, I marry them, [email protected] they use my bathroom. I treat them just like got married, and they should be happily mar- everyone else.” ried, and I don’t see what the problem is now,” OK, wait. Bardwell keeps his black friends he told “The Early Show.” in piles? What? Are they buried in his yard? Uh, the problem, dude, is you. I’m sorry. I’m being too hard on Bardwell. Af- ter all, he lets blacks use his bathroom. See? *D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since Not racist. 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (be- Besides, Bardwell is a man who puts chil- lieve it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps dren first, especially hypothetical mixed race of the world she reviews rock and roll shows children who might face hypothetical adver- in Detroit with her twin sister and teaches sity someday because some idiot let a black writing at the University of Michigan www.therainbowtimesmass.com Calendar of Events? Get all of the event information online: www.therainbowtimesmass.com/calendar.html

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Lesbian Best Sellers* Gay Best Sellers* 1. Newcastle 1. The L Word Final Season 2. Girl Seeks Girl - Chica... 2. Pageant 3. Steam - the Movie 3. Were the World Mine 4. She Likes Girls 4:... 4. Eating Out 3: All You Can... 5. Drifting Flowers 5. The New Twenty 6. Itty Bitty Titty Committee 6. Mulligans 7. Butch Jamie 7. Redwoods 8. The Secrets 8. Lilies 9. Village Affair, A 9. Pedro 10. Girl Play 10. Hollywood Je taime * By wolfevideo.com * By wolfevideo.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 9 Boston Pride announces call for 40th Anniversary theme Boston, MA--The Boston Pride Com- our theme needs to be special.” mittee is excited to announce the nomina- The Boston Pride Committee first tion period for the 2010 Pride theme. opened the annual theme nomination pro- “This is a special year for us” said Linda cess to the public when searching for the DeMarco, President of the Board of Di- theme for the 2008 celebration, and the rectors for the Committee. “This year will number of submissions has grown expo- mark our 40th anniversary, and we have a nentially since then. Anyone can nominate lot to celebrate.” a theme by visiting www.bostonpride.org/ DeMarco went on to explain that it was theme. The nomination period will open 40 years ago that a group from the com- November 1st and remain open until No- munity gathered on the Boston Common to vember 15th. The Committee will then protest the discrimination they were facing. compile the nominations, and open the “The discrimination was literally kill- voting period to the public on November ing people in our community,” DeMarco 22nd. The results will be announced after added, “and after the Stonewall uprising, December 5th. Boston’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- Questions can be directed to info@bos- gender (LGBT) community responded. tonpride.org or by calling the Committee’s Because of this remarkable anniversary, PrideLine at 617-262-9405. International Transgender Day of Remembrance ransgender-supportive groups in the Mitchell, a founder of Recovering the Prom- Pioneer Valley will be holding events ise Ministries; Reverend Liza Neal, the min- the week of November 16 to recognize ister of the Village Congregational Church in theT 11th Annual International Transgender Cummington and the director of the Spiritual Day of Remembrance. The Day of Remem- Life Office at Hampshire College; and Gunner brance memorializes individuals who have Scott, the director of the Massachusetts Trans- been killed throughout the world in the previ- gender Political Coalition. A reception spon- ous year because of anti-transgender hatred. sored by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Since last year’s event, more than 100 people Amherst will follow the event. are known to have been murdered because of A number of area churches and synagogues their gender identity/expression. will also be incorporating the experiences of The Transgender Day of Remembrance will transgender people into their services and be observed in the Pioneer Valley on Thurs- programs the week of the Day of Remem- day, November 19 at 7 p.m. at the Unitar- brance. Among the religious groups partici- ian Universalist Society of Amherst meeting- pating are Beit Ahavah: The Reform Syna- house (121 North Pleasant Street). Speakers gogue of Greater Northampton; Belchertown at the memorial will include Reverend Alison United Church of Christ; First Churches of Wohler, the minister of the Unitarian Univer- Northampton; First Congregational Church, salist Society of Amherst; Rabbi Raquel Kos- United Church of Christ, Amherst; Hayden- ovske, the rabbi of Beit Ahavah: The Reform ville Congregational Church; North Congre- Synagogue of Greater Northampton; Rabbi gational Church, Amherst; North Hadley Con- David Dunn Bauer, the rabbi of the Jew- gregational Church; St. John’s Episcopal ish Community of Amherst; Reverend Louis See Transgender on page 22 10 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Howard Dean: Speaker at Fenway Health’s Board of Visitor’s Meeting Governor Howard Dean, former people in our neighborhood, the LGBT com- Chair of the Democratic National munity, people living with HIV/AIDS and the Committee, presidential candidate, broader population. The Fenway Institute at author and physician, delivered the Fenway Health is an interdisciplinary center keynote speech at Fenway Health’s for research, training, education and policy annual Board of Visitor’s meeting development focusing on national and inter-

News late last month in the conference cen- national health issues. On March 30, 2009, ter at Fenway Health’s 1340 Boylston Street home. The program included Fenway Health opened the doors of its new an update on the state of Fenway 1340 Boylston Street home, the largest facil- MA Health from Dr. Stephen L. Boswell, ity ever constructed by an organization with a Fenway’s President & CEO, and a specific mission to serve the LGBT commu- panel discussion in response to Gov- nity. More at www.fenwayhealth.org. ernor Dean’s speech. Other panelists Carl Rosendorf, independent consultant included: James Hunt, President & and former President & COO of Smartbar- CEO of the Massachusetts League of gains.com, is the Chair of Fenway’s Board Community Health Centers; Dr. Gene of visitors. Established in 2005, the mission Lindsay, President & CEO of Atrius of Fenway’s Board of Visitors is to heighten Health and Harvard Vanguard; and, the visibility of Fenway Health and to provide additional expertise and experience to sup- Eastern Lynn Nicolas, FACHE, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Hospital port the organization. Members are interested Association. and influential members of the community, & The panel was moderated by Nancy patients, donors, and friends who lend their Turnbull, Associate Dean for Educa- contacts, connections, and goodwill to help tional Programs at the Harvard School advance Fenway’s mission. of Public Health. Other notable attendees included: State Representative Carl Sciortino, Cambridge Mayor De- nise Simmons, Steve Grossman, Pres- Fenway Health President & CEO Dr. Stephen Boswell with Governor Howard Dean at Fen- ident of Grossman Marketing Group way Health’s annual Board of Visitor’s Meeting on October 21 at Fenway Health, Ansin and candidate for Massachusetts State TRT Building, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston. Governor Dean delivered the keynote speech on Central Treasurer, Ron Ansin, philanthropist, The Health of Our Nation and then participated in a panel discussion on the topic. About 140 and Dennis Duffy, Duffy Design Group. If you “queer” them... members of the Board of Visitors were in attendance. Photo: Marilyn Humphries For nearly forty years, Fenway Health has ...they will come! been working to make life healthier for the The Rainbow Times

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009Central • 11 Hate Crimes Legislation passes: Remain vigilant! By: Jason Lydon/TRT Columnist tion in prison Black and Latino men make ized by hateful individuals or groups desire While New England States work n October 28, 2009 the President up more than half of the 2.4 million people the involvement of law enforcement agencies to expand Hate Crimes legislation Obama signed the Defense Authori- who are incarcerated. There are no statistics in solving their problems. This Act does not attention must be given to impor- zation Bill, which had the Matthew available on the number of queer/trans/gender work to address the underlying injustices that tant critiques. In New York the Syl- ShepardO Act attached to it. This Act is the fed- non-conforming people who are locked up, allow oppressive and hateful violence to con- via Rivera Law Project, and a coali-

eral hate crimes legislation that mainstream however we know that our communities are tinue. This Act can even be used by straight tion of other groups, expressed their & gay and lesbian organizations have been push- disproportionately impacted by homelessness, people against us. Dwayne Buckle, who nonsupport for hate crimes legisla- ing for nearly a decade now. The passage of economic exploitation, police harassment, and harassed a group of Black lesbians in New tion in their own state. These orga- this bill is lauded as a step forward for glbt/ nizations, comprised primarily of Eastern queer people. Support flows freely for hate queer people of color and low-in- crimes legislation without any time offered “In the United Central & Eastern MA News States today 1 in come people, highlight the fact that for further discussion of the implications such the passage of hate crimes legisla- policies will have on communities most im- 99 people are incarcerated (Pew Foundation, 2009). Of this tion harms queer communities of pacted by the reach of the U.S. penal system. color and low-income queers. Not The passage of the Matthew Shepard Act will population in prison Black and Latino men make up more than everyone is celebrating the passage lead to more power within the federal gov- of the Matthew Shepard Act. The ernment to put more people behind bars and half of the 2.4 million people who are incarcerated. There are no conversation about what queer lib- to grow our already exploding prison popula- eration means must include a de- MA tion. The Matthew Shepard Act intends to de- statistics available on the number of queer/trans/gender non- bate about the violence imposed by crease violence yet relies on a system of vio- hate crimes legislation. lence to achieve its goals. Not only will this conforming people who are locked up, however we know that our News Act give more power to a system that tears at www.therainbowtimesnews,com the fabric of our humanity it was passed in co- communities are disproportionately impacted by homelessness, alition with the funding of the U.S. military’s offensive operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and economic exploitation, police harassment, and addiction.” Pakistan. Advocates for the Matthew Shepard Act cel- addiction. These factors lead to more queer/ York City, is threatening to sue the women ebrated their victory of removing an amend- trans/gender non-conforming people being in- who defended themselves against him claim- ment that would have allowed the death pen- carcerated. The very system of punishment ing they committed a hate crime against him alty in hate crimes cases. This is, certainly, a that the hate crimes legislation depends on is as a straight man. The government does not good development but the examination of the the same system that harms our communities. recognize the role of institutional power, thus prison system must go deeper. In the United The Matthew Shepard Act increases funding these hate crimes statutes can be used against States today 1 in 99 people are incarcerated for prosecution in local and federal cases. The those who are striving to get the legislation 413-204-8959 (Pew Foundation, 2009). Of this popula- Act assumes that those who have been victim- passed in the first place. 12 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com couch from page 2 Laramie Project from page 2 ing does each person assign to the likes of the tion a few possibilities. How we cope with I had a “lesbianscope” so I could find it! It seemed clear that this would not have other? How much do we have to be alike and that anxiety is individual as well. Some peo- The Swedish internet was actually crippled as been unlikely without the tragedy and sub- agree? Can both people respect the other’s ple engage in some form of exercise or physi- millions of Chinese men tried to locate this city sequent growth that occurred after Mat- preference and find ways to both be true to cal activity, some people may eat and others of luscious lesbos. And why, I ask? Why are thew Shepard’s death. that preference but also be flexible enough to may bite their fingernails. Our coping mecha- hetero men trying to find a city where women The interviews with the two murderers build a bridge between those differences? nisms are vast. People with OCD attempt to prefer women? What would they hope to do were disturbing and moving. It is hard to Being willing to explore differences and cope with their anxiety by fixating on one or reconcile that good resides with evil when understanding how they affect each person two things and try to gain mastery over them. there? Gain entry in more ways than one? such an atrocity is committed. It is also and the relationship is what is important here. An extremely orderly person is trying to gain And that’s the dichotomy: chicks doing necessary for healing. Committing to awareness, becoming curious control over something that feels out of con- chicks is exciting to men but guys on guys are I met Shepard’s mom when she came as to our motivations is part of what keeps trol. A person who washes their hands over repulsive enough to kill over. And of course, to speak at Amherst College several years us alive as separate humans beings and as a and over again is trying to rid themselves of the city of Chako Paul is right out of a straight ago. She told me she was not into public couple. In order to thrive, relationships must some threat. The OCD behavior is only trying man’s fantasy novel with the lesbians be- speaking at all but that her comfort level be watered and fertilized just as any other to manage the underlying anxiety. ing from Sweden, complete with tall, blond was hugely superseded by her desire to living organism. Our differences actually, I Marsha, we all do things to manage our anx- guards and let’s not forget 25,000 hot women make meaning out of her son’s death. believe can bring some of these nutrients as iety. Your friend is most likely not crazy. She all conjugated in one place! This particular production in Northamp- long as the people involved are not threatened is human and struggling with something. Di- What!? There aren’t enough straight women ton on an October night was magic. I never by them. Should important differences go un- agnosis itself only points to a cluster of symp- on this planet to scratch that itch? Men have underestimate the power of art to heal and spoken, when people insist on keeping things toms. It does not say much about the person to have lesbians because these women don’t transform us. status quo, then drought is likely to follow. as a whole human being. Diagnosing while know real pleasure until they’ve met Mr. Pe- I think Joe, perhaps I’ve given you more helpful in certain situations can also impede nis up close and personal? I beg to differ. How than that for which you asked. Talk to this seeing a person as whole. We human beings many of women have heard that line? How C’mon Out from page 12 man about age since it is a concern for you. are complex and must, in my opinion be seen many of us decided/were pressured to give feel the constriction of these roles. Do your best to be open and curious. If you in many different lights, not just a cluster of that perspective a try only to be disappointed Now Joe, in no way am I saying this ex- both can do this, you may just be laying a sol- symptoms. or feel slightly used like a Kleenex after a bad ample applies to you and this new man. We id foundation for the future. If you can, talk to your friend about what cold? could be discussing a class difference, a po- Good luck Joe. their experiencing. Your curiosity may make There will always be those who think les- litical difference, personality differences and Best, Tetty your friend feel that you care. It may help you bians are just women who haven’t found the so on. The point I am trying to make is that understand your friend better and bring the right man (aka D-i-c-k) but we know better. the things that come up in relationship, by Dr. Tetty: two of you closer. And we don’t have to live in the forests of themselves probably have little meaning. The I have a friend who is OCD. I really like Best to you Marsha, Tetty Sweden with 25,000 others to have legiti- meaning is in how each person relates to the this person but should I be worried that she is macy, although that sounds like a heck of a issue. For example, if two people have very crazy? I met her at school this semester and C’mon Out! Submit your questions good time. different styles in socializing, where one per- really like her. It’s nothing romantic but if to Tetty Gorfine, Director of LifeCourse Better not forget my “woodworking” belt on son likes to go out a lot and the other likes to she is crazy I don’t know that we should be Counseling Center. Simply go to www. this vacation; and throw it in my luggage, just stay at home more, neither of these styles have friends. Can you help me? lifecourse.net and click on “Ask Us A Ques- in case. meaning by themselves. They only represent Thanks a lot. Marsha tion.” All questions will be answered on the what each person prefers. But should one per- bulletin board. One or two will be printed * Suzan Ambrose is often seen wandering the son in the couple not like that the other goes Dear Marsha: next month here in The Rainbow Times. forests of Vermont and Western Massachusetts out more often, or should one always want the Relax. OCD, obsessive compulsive disor- with her hiking stick when she’s not writing partner to go out when he/she does not want, der does sound rather daunting, doesn’t it? *Tetty also been a psychotherapist since diligently for The Rainbow Times. then there may be a problem. From this point, Our diagnostic terms can sound really “out 1980. She has worked extensively with LG- the question, again, is one of awareness. Here there” and scary. This one, as others, come BTQ individuals, couples and groups and has I begin to ask, what does it mean to each of with much stigma and lack of understanding. supervised both clinicians and therapists in the people that the other leans in the direction So I will explain to you a little about that with training. Her vision and leadership spirited TRT they do? Where are the threats, what mean- which your friend is struggling. nearly all of LifeCourse Counseling Center’s I think of OCD as a way in which anxiety programs. Tetty has also been on numerous is felt and expressed. The root, I believe is radio talk shows and television programs. anxiety. Now who doesn’t have some of this? She has presented at professional conferences We all experience anxiety differently. We can on topics pertinent to gay, lesbian, bisexual become jittery, agitated, or angry, just to men- and transgender individuals.

Tell them you saw their ad here! www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 13

Latino Pride • Boston MA Photos by: Bill Berggren 14 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Deep Inside Hollywood: Peter Paige directing: Madonna gives it another try By Romeo San Vicente* reason than being discovered as gay, it’s non- Madonna makes another movie. fiction that will shake you up. And soon it will Guy assists. be Peter Paige’s (Queer As Folk) third feature Madonna is going to direct again. film as a director. The indie drama Paige is What, you say you didn’t know she’d helming will be titled simply Sex Crime Panic already directed one feature film? and will follow the harrowing story of a group Well, she did. And it was called “Filth of men suffering under American anti-gay and Wisdom.” It was bad. Came out in laws half a century ago. And, OK, sure, maybe that doesn’t sound like much fun to watch, Q-Wood 2008. A handful of people saw it. So she’s giving it another go. After prom- but when did important history lessons ever ising not to be in the film, the former Mrs. promise you a rose garden? Casting now, the Guy Ritchie has received generous help from film shoots mid-2010. That gives you plenty her filmmaking ex-husband in finding a cast of time to read that book first. for the currently titled W.E., a romantic comedy with roots in the relationship between Gay neo-Nazis in love Britain’s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. The “Hitler was gay” crowd is going to like Meeting with respected U.K. actors Mark this one. Homosexuals sporting shaved heads Strong and Toby Kebbell (both from Ritchie’s who also have a fondness for swastikas have cool crime-comedy RocknRolla), the singer generally been the sole provenance of avant- is also seeking a big name to help boost the garde Canadian filmmaker Bruce LaBruce, film’s budget. In other words, she’s going to but it looks like the shiny leather boot is now have to get Guy to call Gerard Butler for her, on the other foot. At the recent Rome Film too – and that this movie is at least a couple Festival, critics and jury members alike went of years away from any ticket-purchasing op- gaga over Brotherhood, a film generally con- Photo by: Christopher Lim/Ping Pong Playa LLC portunity. sidered to be the best of the fest. Director look for it to hit art-house screens, or at least Nicolo Donato sets his story in present-day Welcome to the Dollhouse, and she screamed stateside film festivals, sometime in 2010. Peter Paige in a Panic Denmark, where neo-Nazis perpetrate violent and screamed while her blood rained down If you want to know more about the bad crimes against gays and foreign immigrants. onto another naked woman who paid to old days and how homosexual citizens of the So naturally things get a little awkward when Heather Matarazzo as Jessica Simpson. torture her in Hostel 2. Now she’s playing US United States had to live extremely discreet new recruit Lars (Thure Lindhart) finds that Yes, really. Weekly cover staple Jessica Simpson – sort lives not so long ago, you should really read he has feelings for gang leader Jimmy (David Heather Matarazzo is a brave young per- of. Matarazzo has signed on to play the lead Neil Miller’s disturbing book Sex Crime Pan- Dencik) and that those feelings wind up being former, and not just because she came out of role in Magnus!, a new film from gay Fat the closet. She played the aggressively nerdy ic: A Journey to the Paranoid Heart of the mutual. Given its timeliness to say nothing of Girls director Ash Christian. And while (and horribly dressed) Dawn Wiener in her 1950s. Filled with instances of incarceration the film’s sex and violence Brotherhood looks See Hollywood on page 16 in prisons and mental hospitals for no other like a good candidate to get a U.S. release; film debut, the modern classic pain-comedy www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 15 Rhode Island MERI advocates for same-sex couples’ right to marry in Rhode Island By: Lisa A. Eramo/TRT Reporter “Take whatever time you have to make your Another common legal question The words “I do” continue to fall on deaf desires known to your legislators. Governor is how same-sex couples can ensure ears in Rhode Island thanks to marriage equal- Carcieri can do whatever he wants, but the legal protection to their children. ity legislation currently stalled in the House people of Rhode Island—through their elect- “When a child is born into a legal and Senate. ed representatives at the statehouse—need to marriage, it is presumed to be the But one group seeks to change all of that. show him that he doesn’t get to decide for ev- legal child of both spouses. When a Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI), same-sex couple doesn’t have a [le- erybody,” she adds. whose acronym aptly signifies the right for gal marriage], the person who is not Legislators need to hear how a lack of mar- which it supports, considers advocacy and the birth parent is considered a legal riage equality affects peoples’ lives, says education its primary missions. stranger to that child right up until Richard Corso, 38, of Providence, who serves MERI’s educational efforts have included there is a second parent adoption,” on the board of directors for MERI as well as hosting discussion groups as well speaking in says Loewy. on several of its committees. Don Laliberte (left) and Richard Corso (right) churches, civic groups, and at schools during GLAD has published a marriage “Personal stories make all of the difference after a press conference and rally for MERI diversity week. MERI also commonly col- guide recently updated in July to when you are working for change on issues held last February• Photo: Richard Corso laborates with local universities to show the help Rhode Island couples navigate this legal such as this. The more personal connections documentary “Saving Marriage,” which de- maze. Download it at “http://www.glad.org/ legislatures have to our community, the harder Karen Loewy, senior staff attorney for Gay tails the legal journey for marriage equality in uploads/docs/publications/ri-marriage-guide. it will be for them to say no to us when or if it & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Massachusetts. pdf” GLAD also sponsors a legal information comes to voting,” he says. says extending health and other benefits to And so far, the efforts seem to be paying hotline that individuals can call with specif- Corso and his partner, Don Laliberte, 47, same-sex partners commonly poses a com- off. A 2009 study conducted by researchers ic questions. The InfoLine is open Monday who have been together for almost 10 years, mon legal conundrum. Although some em- at Brown University found that Rhode Island through Friday 1:30-4:30 EST at 800-455- say they prefer to wait to get married until ployers provide same-sex domestic partner voters favor same-sex marriage by a margin GLAD. they can do it in Rhode Island. Until then, benefits, there are restrictions placed on these of 60% to 31%. Editor’s note: For more information about they have sought legal protection through benefits (i.e., couples must be living together “People are educating themselves, and they MERI, visit http://www.marriageequalityri. wills, powers of attorney, durable powers of for at least one year in order to be eligible). don’t want to be seen as a community that org/. On Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30pm, attorney, and more. Many employers simply don’t extend the ben- doesn’t welcome all of its citizens and treat MERI will host its monthly base building Rhode Island’s current lack of marriage efits, citing the Defense of Marriage Act as a them all equally. That’s not how Rhode Is- meeting to train those interested in working equality means same-sex couples must go to reason why they can’t do so, she adds. landers want to be thought of because that’s with the community and their legislators. For great lengths to legally protect themselves or “I think employers need to understand that not who we are,” says Kathy Kushnir, execu- more information about this meeting that is achieve the same rights as heterosexual cou- there is nothing…that prevents them from tive director of MERI. open to the public, email Kathy Kushnir at ples, says Kushnir. “You can’t really piece to- doing the right thing,” she says, adding that There are many ways in which individuals [email protected]. The meet- gether more than 1,000 federal rights and hun- she frequently meets with employers and can become involved advocacy for marriage ing takes place the second Tuesday of every dreds of state rights. You can’t write enough personnel to advocate on behalf of same-sex equality, the most important of which is to month at MERI’s main office located at 17 contracts to cover all of it,” she adds. couples. contact your legislator, says Kushnir. Gordon Ave, Suite 205, in Providence.

16 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com From Hollywood on page 14 Rhode Island’s Youth Pride honors Christian says that it’s not exactly Simp- son’s life story, Matarazzo will play a Vorro, Stewart and Megghe trailer-trash gal who loves singing and gets cast in a local production of Jesus Christ By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter The demand for services for GLBTQQ Superstar. Romeo’s already intrigued, Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI), Rhode Island’s only youth has increased, according to Robinson, statewide nonprofit organization devoted to who said between 25 and 40 kids come into but the casting of the hilarious Jennifer serving the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, the center every day. Positive developments Coolidge as Matarazzo’s mom makes for Transgender, Queer, and Questioning youth, include the large increase in the number of the perfect cherry on top. Shooting starts will honor several outstanding individuals Gay/Straight Alliances in schools throughout in late November, which means Magnus! on Friday, November 13 at the Providence the state. And the queer youth have taken a should be ready to hit all the queer film Biltmore. Kick Up Your Heels is the theme page from the playbook of their elders and fests next summer, just in time for Simp- of this year’s event, which also doubles as a have become active in the fight for equal son to start a tabloid feud with everyone fundraiser. rights. involved. The event will include dinner, a silent auc- “We’ve seen more kids get involved on an tion, awards, dancing, and the chance to show activist and advocacy level,” Robinson noted. *Romeo San Vicente wants you to join the Rhode Island’s LGBTQQ youth that they are Kick Up Your Heels will serve as a tribute Special People Club. He can be reached valued. All proceeds help to support YPI’s to the dedication and commitment exhibited care of this publication or at DeepInside- programs and services, working to make by YPI’s staff and volunteers, as well as a re- [email protected]. Rhode Island’s families, schools, and com- minder of the importance of offering a support munities safer and more welcoming for young system for queer youth. LGBTQQ people and their allies. “It’s about celebrating the work we do with- This year’s honorees include Beth Vorro, a in the community,” Robinson added. There is another PFLAG chapter in former YPI Board President, Kaytee Stewart YPI began as a support group of the YWCA Rhode Island for LGBTQ families! and AJ Megghe, and the Rhode Island College of Greater RI in December of 1992. It expand- The East Bay chapter meets the third School of Social Work. ed rapidly to meet the needs of its constitu- Tuesday of each month at the East Bay Vorro will receive the Founders Award for ency and work on the environmental change Center, 2 Old County Road, Barrington, “the impact her volunteer work with the or- needed. YPI has drop-in centers in Newport RI. The East Bay chapter has been es- ganization has had,” said James Robinson, and Providence. They are safe, youth-centered tablished as a satellite group of PFLAG Executive Director of YPI. spaces that are home to YPI programming. South/Central Rhode Island. For direc- Stewart and Megghe will be honored with The Way Out is a peer support group which is tions go to www.eastbay.org/locations- the Luis Pagan Youth Leadership Award for offered weekly in Newport and Providence. hours.htm . For more information about the work they have done on behalf of YPI. Pa- YPI’s GSA Coalition is a youth organizing the meeting, call the East Bay Chapter gan was a longtime YPI member who died in project connecting students from high school PFLAG South Central Rhode Island at 2007 while on vacation in Mexico. GSAs to each other and community resources. 401-952-6720. The Coalition empowers youth to share their experiences, strategies and ideas on combat- ing homophobia and transphobia in their schools through discussions, workshops, social events, and community outreach. YPI offers a Drop-In Center at 171 Chestnut Street in Providence, and additional programs in Newport. For more information, please call (401) 421-5626, or go to: www.youthpride-ri.org

Subscribe to The Rainbow Times TheRainBowTimesNews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 17 Hundreds attend AIDS Project Rhode Island’s WORLD AIDS DAY! WEAR YOUR RED ON DECEMBER 1ST 22nd Annual Walk for Life Rhode Island By: Kalene Brennan/AIDS Care Ocean State PROVIDENCE, RI—In support of World AIDS Day on December 1st, AIDS Care Ocean State will be offering free, anonymous HIV testing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at our Prevention Center located at 605 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI. Test- ing is provided in a safe, confidential environment and is one of the many services AIDS Care Ocean State provides to our clients. If you cannot come in on World AIDS Day, please call 401-781-0665 to schedule an appointment. In addition to free HIV testing, be sure to

keep an eye out for our local drag queens who will be distributing safe sex kits at gay bars in News the Providence area. Stop by and say hello to AIDS. For more information about our lovely queens and grab a free sex kit to AIDS Care Ocean State, please visit support World AIDS Day. www.aidscareos.org. Respect and pro- AIDS Care Ocean State is the largest AIDS tect yourself on December 1st by get- Service organization in Rhode Island and is ting tested and picking up your safe sex committed to providing quality programs and kits to help prevent the spread of HIV/ services to those affected or affected by HIV/ AIDS.

Mayor Cicilline presents a check to APRI board members. Photo: Joe Siegel

More than $29,000 has been raised, with the majority of the money from on-line dona- tions. Mayor David Cicilline, who walked with a large contingent of volunteers, presented a check for $10,000 to AIDS Project Rhode Island. Cicilline praised APRI’s education, advocacy, and outreach programs, noting the sig- nificance of the work the organization does on behalf of those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. A group of walkers, Mayor Cicilline and his team The Walk for Life was sponsored by the (in blue shirts). Photo: Joe Siegel Cardi Bros, Textron, and the City of Provi- dence. AIDS Project Rhode Island offers a vari- Several hundred participants gathered at ety of programs including case management, Roger Williams Memorial Park in Providence mental health and substance abuse treatment on Sunday, October 25 for AIDS Project and safety net services, such as emergency Rhode Island’s 22nd annual Walk for Life. rental and utility payments. The organization The event raises thousands of dollars for the also offers a meal site and a drop-in center. agency’s programs and services. AIDS Project Rhode Island is located at 404 The 3 kilometer walk took the walkers Wickenden St., Providence. through parts of the city’s Fox Point neighbor- For more information, go to www.aid- Miss Kitty Litter addresses the walkers. Photo: Joe Siegel hood and through the East Side. sprojectri.org, or call 401-831-5522.

Upcoming Editions: • Dec. 2009 Holiday Guide • Jan. 2010 New Year’s Special • Feb. 2010 Valentine’s Guide 413.204.8059 18 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Letters from page 2 Karen Williams performs at One Big Event Opinion from page 2 a man. Couldn’t the trans man before the The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health writer, and an inspirational lecturer. Armed “change” have stayed a woman and love a Collective is pleased to announce that with her “heal with humor” philosophy, she But, the current older lawmakers must man anyway? renowned comedian Karen Williams gives humor workshops specifically designed be gone before we see any real change. -Heather T., Greenfield, MA will be this year’s entertainment at One to build self-awareness and self-confidence, The Obama administration is catching on Dear Heather, Big Event on Satur- and to encourage tolerance and to some things and fulfilling certain prom- I think that there is a big difference between day, November 14th respect for the dignity of hu- ises, but is that enough? gender identity and sexual orientation. Per- News at the Hilton Hart- man life. She is creator of the This month, we celebrate the Transgen- haps that will help you understand how some- ford Hotel. This an- Humor-at-Large workshop se- der Day of Remembrance and I wonder one who has transiotioned can still fall in love nual fundraiser for the ries and founder of the National if the current law will really protect our with whomever they feel that special connec- state’s only health or- Women’s Comedy Conference. Trans brothers and sisters. Safety comes tion with. However, I believe that you should CT ganization devoted to Featured in the award-winning first. It must in this case. But, as we contin- submit your questions to Lorelei Erisis. I am the LGBT community comedy/documentary “We’re ue to witness, LGBT hatred in Massachu- certain that she will be able to better answer is always a great time. Last Funny That Way,” she’s shown setts (one of the most progressive places your concerns. year we sold out, so mark regularly on HBO and was a in America) continues to take place, even Thank you, The Editor your calendar now! nominee for the 1999 GLAMA when we are possibly afforded more rights Karen is one of the most Award for her outrageously than any other place. Will the hate crimes Dear Editor, prominent lesbian come- funny comedy CD, “human be- legislation that was signed into law last I was really bummed to find out that Bos- dians working today. Her ings: what a concept” (Uproar month really prevent future harm to our ton lost the Gay Games bid. I wanted to thank new special on the Logo Records). As a solo entertainer, Trans people? Or, will it just be there for you for your coverage of this story. We sure Network, I Need a Snack, Karen Williams delights SRO the books? Will it be just like the equal- deserved it! was captured live for a audiences from San Francisco pay bill signed in his first 100 days? Or, -Gary M., Boston, MA. sold-out audience at the to South Beach to Sydney. As will it just become a bunch of legal gibber- Knitting Factory in Hollywood. Karen shares adjunct faculty at Cleveland State University, ish that has not shown results yet? Is new her stories about sex, online dating and cus- Professor Williams taught a Senior Seminar in legislation effective, or is it there to quiet tomer service in the irreverently hilarious way Stand-Up Comedy. us down? There are many laws that protect only Karen can deliver. Now she comes to This year, ING is our Biggest Sponsor and members of minority groups, but do these Hartford to deliver her wisdom in person. Citizens Bank and Van Horst General Con- laws really protect us, or are they a mock- As a single lesbian mom living in Berkeley tractors are our Really Really Big Sponsors. ery only followed by some and ignored by in the 1980s, Karen Williams started doing Tickets for One Big Event are $100, $150 the small, but reigning majority? stand-up comedy “because it was something and $200. For more information, contact Co- I could do that didn’t cost anything.” Known ordinator Dan Millett at: [email protected]” Until next time, advertise with for her quick repartee, insightful commentary [email protected] or at (860)278-4163 x18. Gricel M. Ocasio The Rainbow Times and audience rapport, Williams is a comic For more information and updates, go to our craftmaster, a gifted actor, a multitalented website: www.onebigevent.org. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 19 HRC: Justice For ALL WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, recently expanded its Justice For All educational curriculum to cover issues addressing gender identity and expression. The newest addition to the curriculum provides educators with three new lesson plans that will help them to engage their students in discussing gender identity and how gender identity discrimination affects people in education, employment, and family law. “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and legal rights have been overlooked in educational curricula around the country. It is our hope that the gender identity curriculum will encourage teachers to discuss gender identity and expression openly and frankly with their students,” said Human Rights Cam- paign Foundation President Joe Solmonese. Created through a grant from the Open So- ciety Institute, the Justice For All program was developed to inform the public about the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting the civil rights of LGBT Ameri- cans. In particular, the Justice For All program responds to rhetorical attacks on “activist judges” by opponents of LGBT civil rights, increases awareness on attempts by state and federal legislators to reduce the power of the judicial branch, and highlights the growing threats of violence against federal and state judges who have been involved in deciding LGBT civil rights cases. In 2006, the Justice For All curriculum was created to provide college and high school educators in the fields of social studies, history, government, and humanities with the tools to discuss issues affecting LGBT civil rights with their students. The gender identity lesson plans are the second expansion of the curriculum, which earlier this year was modi- fied to include sections on the Equal Protec- tion Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. To date, educators from over 650 colleges, high schools, and middle schools have used the Justice For All curriculum in teaching thousands of students the fundamentals of civil rights and how these issues affect the LGBT community. Educators who are interested in learning more about the gender identity mod- ules or the entire Justice For All curriculum can visit the Justice For All website at www. hrc.org/justice or contact us at justiceforall@ hrc.org. The Human Right’s Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. 20 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com DC March for LGBT Equality: A Success By: J.M. Sorrell and Gary Lapon activity of regular people, so I was inspired Early last summer, I heard that a by reports of a new, youthful, diverse, largely grassroots national march was being working class LGBT movement and wanted considered for LGBT equality in DC. to help it take the next step: a national march My immediate internal response was to for full civil equality. feel we should have a bus from west- The contradiction between growing sup- News ern Massachusetts. A woman I met at a port for LGBT equality and the discrimination rally suggested I contact Gary Lapon, still on the books at the federal, state, and lo- an ally and a socialist, to help with or- cal level is large enough to drive a movement ganizing. through, and given the hopes and confidence of We met regularly and began spread- a young generation that just played a leading ing the word. Before I knew it, Gary role in electing an African American President reserved two buses and was convinced in a country based on slavery, I became con- NoHo they would be filled. He met with Five vinced that the potential exists to build a new College students, and helped inspire a third civil rights movement for LGBT equality. bus (Hampshire College). I met a wonderful group of activists who My two jobs precluded me from going to came together to make this happen; The Rain- DC, so I was happy to support the process bow Times, Pride & Joy, Out For Reel film and be with Gary in spirit. Gary did fill those festival, and Amherst Community Television buses and I suspect there is no stopping him all provided us with free publicity, which is as the work continues. He is one of my he- greatly appreciated. Photo by: Gary Lapoon roes. In this one-on-one interview, I asked JM: What excited you the most about your him about the march, his experiences, etc. experience at the DC march/rally? Any sur- out is a testament to effectiveness of indepen- ized discrimination right now...” JM: Describe your interest in the march. prises? dent grassroots organizing, and the demand— Also inspiring was the talent and enthusi- How did you come to this place? I was surprised by the turnout of over full civil equality for LGBT people in all asm of students from UMass and Hampshire I was excited by the response to the passage 200,000 people. The march was organized matters governed by civil law in all 50 states, College. Madeline Burrows, Hampshire class of Proposition 8, which took away same-sex in large part by new activists with limited now—resonated with people who, as march of 2013 and a leader in bringing a bus of over marriage in California. Tens of thousands resources, only 1 paid organizer, less than steering committee member Sherry Wolf 50 Hampshire students, explained: of predominately young people took to the $250,000, no corporate sponsorship, and very writes, are sick of “begging for crumbs.” “This generation of students [faces] a loom- streets in anger in California, joined by simi- little assistance or support from mainstream I was excited to collaborate with the Grad- ing contradiction: we’ve grown up in a society lar numbers across the country. I take a prin- LGBT rights organizations. uate Employees’ Organization (UAW Local far more open to sexuality and gender vari- cipled stand against all forms of oppression Given these factors, I thought that 50,000 2322) at UMass Amherst, whose financial ance than ever before, but LGBT Americans and believe that real change requires the self- would be a success. That so many people came support was essential. Christopher Sweet- lack basic civil rights. With huge budget cuts apple, a GEO organizer who played a leading less students are able to afford college...lack- role, explained the need for labor to support ing job security due to discrimination takes LGBT equality: on a whole new meaning in this economic “Economic justice is crucial to fighting all crisis. Students played a leading role in the other forms of oppression, and thus unions sit-ins that sparked the civil rights movement like ours support the struggles of many mi- that overthrew Jim Crow in the 1960s, and norities—LGBT people against homo/trans- students today are playing a leading role in phobia, but also the struggles of non-whites initiating building a civil rights front on col- against persistent racial oppression, women lege campuses across the country.” against ... misogyny and people of differing JM: What now? physical abilities to find accommodation and The next step is to build a local chapter of respect in society...second, there are members Equality Across America (over 20 of us are within our unions—gay men, trans and bisex- already involved), composed of students and ual people, lesbians—who suffer from legal- others, to continue to educate, agitate, and organize for LGBT civil rights. We need your talent and energy, whether you’re Marilyn A. Huffman LGBT or an ally, a student Certﬁ ed Hypnotherapist or a worker, an experienced Tobacco Treatment Specialist activist or someone getting Hypnotherapy for: involved for the first time. • pre & post surgery anxiety Join us and let’s make his- • pain management tory by making LGBT in- • habitual behaviors equality history! Traditional therapy for Check us out online at individuals & couples equalitywmass.blogspot. • • com and get involved in our 413 529 0889 era’s civil rights movement! www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • 21 Neither rain nor cold could keep them from this march: Transgender Community rallies for rights By: Tynan Power/TRT Reporter gional event, but plans to hold it in Vermont NORTHAMPTON, Mass.–On October 3, this year fell through. transgender activists and allies took to the “I think that really upset people and it made streets to show their pride. Braving rain and some people angry, like: how can this happen? an early October chill, they filled Main Street We have to have something,” said transgender with colorful balloons and banners as they activist Bet Power. “So Christa Hilfers said marched to a rally in the Armory Street park- that there is going to be a New England Trans ing lot. Pride and we are going to have it in Northamp- The rally opened with a welcome by MC ton and it's going to happen if I have to do it Tammy Twotone, followed by a proclama- single-handedly.” tion by Northampton Mayor Clare Higgins. This year the event like many trans peopleu- Michael Bardsley, a Northampton City Coun- nderwent a name change. cilor and candidate for mayor, also spoke at “It is the New England Trans United Pride the event. March and Rally now,” Power said. “It’s im- Gunner Scott, director of the Massachu- portant because we feel the transgender com- setts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), munity is such a big umbrella. We really all spoke persuasively about the effort to add need to pull together to be a social force for gender identity and expression to existing legislative change and social change.” anti-discrimination laws in Massachusetts. Organizers hoped last year’s experience “It’s time for us to take back our rights and would make planning easier this year, but the our power in our communities,” Scott said. economic downturn brought new challenges. “We have waited and waited and waited. “We have a lot less money. Times are re- We will keep coming back. We will not back ally hard. We are having major sponsors say down.” to us they don't have money because their The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition had a sizable contingent at the event. Others brought more light-hearted fare to budgets have been cut.” Photo by: Tynan Power. Throughout the event, police and a group the stage. Miss Trans Northampton, Lorelei ing us in previous years and they used those on the group’s website. of legal observers from GLAD kept watch. Erisis, performed a hilarious quick-change photographs in an exploitive way on different “We can't prevent them from showing “The idea of a legal observer is something gender transition, and event organizers staged websites,” Levi said. up. They are entitled to show up,” said that has been advanced by the National a burlesque-style number. Music included per- This year, legal observers asked people with Levi. “The bigger issue is that some Lawyers Guild. The idea is that the legal formances by local singer-songwriters Arjuna cameras for their names, but did not pre- [trans] people worry about going to an event observers are there to keep anything from go- Greist and Lezlee-Anne Rios. vent anyone from photographing the event. because they are afraid of being harassed. So ing wrong,” said Jennifer Levi of GLAD. “It’s Earlier this year, it looked like the march One organizer, Danicamarie Ali, identified an the idea is to have people there to ensure that a proactive rather than reactive strategy.” might not happen. Last year’s New England opposition group member at the rally; how- nothing happens that might make the attend- “There were people that were photograph- Trans Pride was envisioned as a rotating re- ever, no photos or videos of the event appear ees more uncomfortable.”

The advertise Rainbow with Times

The advertise Rainbow with Times 22 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com From Transgender on page 9 Church, Northampton; Unitarian Society ¡Vamos a dar gracias! Es necesario of Northampton and Florence; Unitarian By: Wilfred Labiosa* lizaron al igual tra comunidad. Octavo, tenemos que dar Universalist Society of Amherst; United racias damos en este mes de que en Nueva gracias que tenemos este vehículo para edu- Methodist Church of Holyoke, South Hadley Noviembre, en verdad de- York, Rhode carnos. Este periódico está fundado por una and Granby; Village Congregational Church, beríamos dar gracias a través Island, y en Latina lesbiana y es importante dar gracias y Cummington; and Westhampton Congrega- deG todo el año. Hay muchas personas tional Church, United Church of Christ. otros estados seguir creciendo. También al igual tenemos que deben dar gracias pero no las dan. donde iguales que dar gracias que tenemos organizaciones “The growing involvement of religious Gracias a quien(es) y por qué es su de- groups in the Day of Remembrance and (o peores) co- como Somos Latin@s que siguen creando es- cisión pero sí pienso que nuestra comu- other transgender-focused events has been a nidad Latina y GLBT ha tenido un año sas suceden. pacios para aprender y reunirnos como comu- welcomed addition,” states Genny Janiczek increíble. Estas son sólo nueve cosas Quinto, hay nidad LGBT durante todo el año (y durante la Beemyn, the director of the University of para reflexionar y dar gracias. mas políti- semana anual de Orgullo Latino). Massachusetts Amherst Stonewall Center Primero tenemos un presidente que cos Latinos y Y por ultimo demos gracias ya que todavía and an organizer of the Pioneer Valley Day nos escucha, entiende y que lucha por GLBT que en estamos aquí y que hay personas que están of Remembrance for the past four years. “It los derechos de todo/as. Sabemos que cualquier otro sacrificando sus vidas para que nosotros po- shows that gender prejudice impacts every- ha tomado más tiempo de lo que nos año de elecciones locales y las otras personas damos vivir en esta democracia. Ello/as son one and should be important to everyone. prometió, pero por lo menos podemos en la política nos incluyen en sus campañas y los héroes. Demos gracias a esto/as héroes The Day of Remembrance is about--not just Calendar of Events?for--transgender Get all ofpeople.” the event information online: pensar que el cambio viene y que todo nos ofrecen más atención (bueno ¡la mayoría!). de nuestra época. Ello/as son lo/as que deben In conjunction with the Day of Remem- cambio toma tiempo. Sexto, tenemos un movimiento nacional Lati- estar ganando galardones y www.therainbowtimesmass.com/calendar.html beneficios. Es brance, two new transgender films will also Segundo, tenemos a la primera juez no que está creciendo más y más y paso a paso increíble que estos héroes cuando regresan llamado Unid@s: La Organización Nacional tienen problemas en recibir beneficios y cui- have their New England premieres. Riot de la Corte Suprema que es Latina. Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Latino GLBT de Derechos Humanos. Esta or- dado de salud. Espero que pronto podamos Vamos a ver como va esto. Tercero, Performance will be shown on Tuesday, la legislación en el estado de Massa- ganización llega en momento clave para llenar participar de un programa de salud que nos November 17 at 7 p.m. in room 137 of the el vacío que tenemos a nivel nacional. incluya a todo/as por igual. Visión Latina Boston Visión chusetts para inclusión de nuestra co- Isenberg School of Management at the Uni- munidad transgénero va por el cami- Séptimo, demos gracias para que las redadas Por supuesto que no nos podemos dormir versity of Massachusetts, Amherst. The no correcto. Cuarto, nuestra comunidad se disminuyan en nuestra región. Por supuesto ya que todavía hay mucho por hacer pero en filmmakers, Simon Strikeback and Mad- movilizó (y se moviliza) cuando hay atropel- todavía siguen deportando a nuestra gente y el Día de Acción de Gracias vamos a tomar sen Minax, will lead a discussion after the los en contra de nuestra gente. Por ejemplo, separando a nuestras familias pero el porcen- unos momentos para reflexionar y dar gracias screening. Diagnosing Difference, a film cuando una iglesia en el pueblo de Medford taje es más bajo. Es tiempo de dar gracias y por todo lo que tenemos y pensar en las co- about the pathologizing of transsexuality, de Massachusetts escribió en su rotulo frases seguir pidiendo fuerzas para seguir el trabajo sas que en los próximos meses y año debemos will be shown on Thursday, November 12 at abogando por una póliza justa de inmigración de alcanzar par que en el año entrante demos 7 p.m. in room 101 of the UMass Campus TRT homofóbicas, no solo los periódicos pero leg- Center. Dr. Shelley Janiczek Woodson, a isladores y la comunidad en general se movi- que incluya derechos para esta parte de nues- gracias. Gracias a mi familia extendida, esposo, licensed psychologist and gender therapist, will lead a discussion following the film. If you compañero/as de trabajo y de “lucha”. Doy Both films are free and open to the public. gracias a este periódico por darme esta opor- Sponsors of the Pioneer Valley Day of “queer” tunidad y reconocer la importancia de esta co- Remembrance include the UMass Stone- lumna. ¡Gracias! wall Center, the UMass Everywoman’s them ... *Escrito por Wilfred Labiosa, activista local, Center, the Hampshire College Spiritual miembro de las Mesas Directivas de Unid@s, Life Office, the Amherst College Rainbow ... they will la Organización Nacional Latina GLBT y de Room, Beit Ahavah: The Reform Syna- come! Boston Pride. Editado por Gricel Martínez gogue of Greater Northampton, the Unitar- Ocasio. ian Universalist Society of Amherst, LGBT To read this article in english: www.therain- Associates of Western Massachusetts, and bowtimesmass.com/latinvisionnovember The Rainbow Times. For more information, contact the UMass Stonewall Center: stone- [email protected] or (413) 545-4824.

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class, reawakening his dormant artistic side. sports. He didn’t even really like them.” Sports New Jersey, “Sodomy is Sin” sign behind them. Ahearn now 45 He flourished – and felt free to reach beyond Ahearn has been humbled to learn that his gender lines. When he entered grad school, While looking ahead to a show in spent hours pur- own biases needed reworking. Four years ago, he decided to focus on traditionally feminine April, Ahearn is continuing with large- suing sand art, he followed his husband Doug from the San scale cage fighters. At a recent flea textile crafts as “a way to make a commentary Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento when he decoupage and about gender.” In his first semester he created market he found a gun-parts catalog. was promoted. the like with a floral pattern. The flowers’ centers were He is integrating that into a quilt. “The political environment is quite differ- his craft-loving baseballs; the petals, footballs. “Stitching and crafts are my life,” ent here. The socioeconomic demographics mother. Yet as That year, flipping through channels on TV, Ahearn says. “There’s something so are similar to the area in which I grew up,” he grew older he he discovered cage fighting (mixed martial wonderful about making something Ahearn notes. He was surprised that people in believed that to arts). Ahearn was intrigued to find some of the in this increasingly digital world. The trick is Sacramento were “nice – not like the demons fighters – “nearly nude men with hot bodies” – to have fun and be lighthearted as I deliver fit in with peers, I remember from my youth in a similar area.” caught in compromising sexual positions. He my message. People seem more willing to he had to be in the closet about crafting (and He asked himself how many of his youthful took screen shots of the images, and machine- reflect on serious topics like homophobia other things). Eventually, his creative activi- terrors “were in my own head.” stitched outlines of them on Bristol board. and gender roles if the message is delivered ties ceased. A decade after he first found cage fighters, in a non-threatening way. I hope that when From age 8 to 17, Ahearn swam competi- A friend told a mixed martial practitioner Ahearn began revisiting his work. “There’s about Ahearn’s work. The fighter responded: they see my work, viewers will engage in a tively. He played soccer until early adoles- something fun, so subversive, about seeing dialogue about the confining nature of behav- “Sometimes it just feels good to punch some- cence, then ran high school cross-country for them immortalized in sexual positions,” he ioral norms.” two years. His blue-collar, middle class, early one in the face.” That was a telling remark. says. “I did a series of 16 of these two years That’s a crafty way to deliver a very impor- 1980s environment and Catholic upbringing “He responded to a comment about the homo- ago. The response has been so supportive, tant message. made it difficult to come out as gay. So, he eroticism of fighting with a violent comment,” from both the LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ com- Bren Ahearn’s Web site is www.brenahearn. says, “I felt disconnected from both my team- Ahearn says. munities.” com. His e-mail address is brenahearn@sbc- mates and the gay community that was pre- He recently began work on his thesis. It ex- He continues to seek out gender-non-con- global.net sented to me through the lens of mass media. plores the art of men like Paul Cadmus (who forming areas for inspiration. Last year, he *Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soc- And that image wasn’t very flattering.” painted “YMCA Locker Room” in 1933) began a series of cross-stitch samplers. “They cer coach, gay activist, and author of the Ahearn learned early that rigid adherence and Eugene Frederik Jansson, who painted were created centuries ago as a way to teach "Jocks" series of books on gay male athletes. to gender roles is “a violent tool employed numerous bathhouse and pool scenes in the little girls the ABCs, and show that they were Visit his Web site at www.danwoog.com. He by society to keep girls and boys in line.” In early 20th century. In a self-portrait bathhouse proper marriage material,” Ahearn explains. can be reached care of this publication or at first grade, he realized he was not supposed scene, Jansson depicted himself as a dandy in “I’ve tried to incorporate lessons I’ve learned [email protected]. Event of the town

From L-R are Imperial Crown Prince Michael The Garden Room of the Historic Biltmore Ho- tel in Providence, LaValley, David N. Cicilline, Mayor of Providence, RI, RI was transformed into “The Imperial Crown Princess Jacqueline DiMera, Imperial Imperial Cabaret” for the backdrop of the Imperial Crown Prince “Big Daddy” Austen Daniels, Karen Crown Prince & Princess Ball presented by the Adams, WPRI 12 Anchorwoman, Imperial Crown Prince Imperial Court of Rhode Island at event Justinius Phoenix. was hosted by Their Most Imperial Providence. and Sov-The ereign Highnesses Imperial Crown Princes Aus- ten Daniels, Michael LaValley, Justinius Phoenix and Imperial Crown Princess Jacqueline DiMera (former Miss Gay Rhode Island 2008). ity ball featured performers and guests The char- all over the United States spanning such as, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Canada Buffalo, from places New York, Massachusetts and St. Catharines, Ontario. The attendees gathered together in their glitz and glam all to raise money for the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Rhode Island Pride.

Imperial Court of Rhode Island Photo credit: Bill Berggren 24 • Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2009 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com