Section A NEW YORK STATE'S OLDEST LGBT PUBLICATION

LGBT Health Month Partnerships includes 30 events The Gay Alliance appreciates By Susan jordan the continuing partnership There is an LGBT Health of businesses within our Month event almost every day community who support this March, relating to the health our mission and vision. and wellbeino of LGBT peo­ Platinum: ple in the Roc ester community. Some fo cus hon medical mat­ ters, some on poUtical or legal MorganStanley issues, and others are social or Smith Barney entertainment events, but all will remind us to think about and Gold: rake care of our health and the health of those we love. In a society where LG BT people often experience bigot­ Met life ry, hatred and discrimination Silver: - even from some healrhcare providers -- we must make spe­ cial efforts ro ensure that we are Excenus+' getting the care we need and deserve. Tuesday, March 1 is the NY N t XON PEA BOOYu•· LGBT Health Month Kick-Off Coffee Night from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. THE IIAI:HBLDH at Equal Grounds Coffee House, -t 750 South Ave. Meet some of FORUM Rochester/Finger lakes lead organizer Anne Tischer ftOCMUUIL lltW ,_ the Health Momh organizers MENY •-wW..A..t.al.LIU.II U� meets with Senator Joe Robach (R-56) at his Albany office on and participatin organizations g Feb. 8. Sen. Robach endorses the concept of civil unions, with­ and Jearn more about the events out accepting that this form of second-class "marriage" is not TOMPKINrS of Health Monrh. Colin Cof­ an adequate substitute for legal marriage. Photo: Ove Overmyer fey from Renewing Massage and a representative from Rochester I think we have their attention. Bronze: Community Acupuncture will Marriage equality activists The votes aren't completely there also be on hand to talk about converge on Albany; advocates yet but we are working on it." the benefits of holistic health MENY organizers have Kodak services like massage and acu­ say "This year feels different" recently fo cused their attention puncture. While you're there, just on the senate where 60 of enter a drawing for a cool Equal By Ove Overmyer Andrew Cuomo, New York's the 62 stare senators received vis­ aut&E..QU\l"' .,,. '"""''" Grounds souvenir and compli­ Albany, N.Y. Same-sex mar­ new Democratic governor, has its from pro-marriage support­ menrary massage services. riage advocates are hoping 2011 repeatedly emphasized that he ers. The Stare Senate, which Get active on Wednesday, n;Td1 is the year. More than 350 New wants ro be the governor who holds a 32-30 Republican major­ March 2, at the LGBT Equal­ Yorkers from all four corners of signs rhe law that makes mar­ ir.y, has been lobbied heavily by < ity and Justice Town Hall Meet­ rhe state braved winter condi­ riage equality a reality, saying in both opponents and supporters ...... - ---· ing hosted by the Pride Agenda tions and beaded to Albany on "We Bausch&lomb his Jan. 5 inaugw·al speech, of the Marriage Equality Bill. --�...- at 7 p.m., at Downtown United Feb. 8 to lobby Senate lawmak­ believe in justice for all, and then Newly elected Buffalo Sena­ Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fit­. ers, urging them ro pass a mar­ let's pass marriage equality this tor Tim Kennedy (D-58) said zhugh St. riage equality bill. year once and for all." he hears his constituents loud The Pride Agenda will give About 110 people from the To be sure, State Senate and dear and plans to work very an update on the status ofLGBT Buffalo and Rochester region Republicans voted 30-0 against hard to get rhe bill passed. He ITT legislation, including marriage mer in the early hours to rake the bill in December 2009, but also told a group of Albany visi­ IIIYJMI -&- equality and transgender civil buses to rhe state capital. In long Island's Dean Skelos, the tors on Feb. 8, "I also plan to co­ rights legislation (GENOA), all, organizers estimated that new GOP Senate majority lead­ sponsor GENOA as well - we give an update on the work the rhe grassroots group, Marriage er, told the Log Cabin Republi­ need ro get these things done." Pride Agenda is doing, and dis­ Equality New York (MENY), cans and YNN's Liz Benjamin (Marriage continues page 3) cuss ways to plug into work brought twice as many people last October he would bring the for LGBT equality and jus­ this year than last to lobby on issue before his party colleagues rice through rne Pride Agenda. behalf of residents seeking legal during the 2011-2012 Legisla­ (llealth contin ues page 3) protections for same-sex couples. ture, pred icting, "I think our conference would say pur ir up, gmans ler it up" for a floor vote. Anne Tischer, Rochester resi­ Champion: Register now for dent and Rochester/Finger Lakes lead organizer for MENY, said Pride and Joy this year feels a little bit differ­ Families ent than years past. "We feel Conference Like we're developing really good momentum -- there is real ener­ 0 CORNING Pride and Joy Families will gy out there," she said. 'We've be hosting a conference here in never had that kind of direct, April Register now for t e 2011 unequivocal, explicit commit­ -\ � Ba11k&Trust h -� � � Pride and Joy Families Week­ ment before." Marriage advocates told The -... end Conference, ro be held April EMPIR.ESTATE. 8-10 in Rochester, at the RIT Inn Empty Closet that they are con­ Et,n.tl· Cro•ut�Lesbian and Gay ly, really close," added Tischer. Calendar ...... 19 mfJ Family Building Project (www. California," by llan H. Meyer, "Our most recent trip to talk to Classifieds...... 19 ,. T�t�Nft. prideandjoyfamilies.org); AIDS (P&J continues page 8) lawmakers did not go unnoticed. 2 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLE Y

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Perspeetives 875 E. Main Street, Su�e 500 Rochester, New York 14605 © 2011, All rights reserved.

Editor-In-Chief: SUsan Jordan FROM THE FROM THE Staff Reporters: Ove Overmyer. Laur McSpadden Empty Closet Editor Executive Director Graphic Design: Jim Anderson SUSAN JORDAN SUE COWELL Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertise· ments that contain nude drawilgs or pho· before Halloween - it has to if value of the gift and eliminate aU tographs. nor does � print advertisilg that capital ga ins taxes. This would states that the person pictured in the ad is it will be out and on the streets for sale. or that you will "get" that particular by Nov. 1. So Halloween photos allow you to make a substantially person if you patronize the establishment obviously have to wait to be pub­ greater gift than you otherwise advertised. 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Have you ever is defined as one that focuses upon a rival checked out the photo galleries Valley." This is rhe most com­ product, or il the pol�ical area. a rival elec­ mon pl:umedgift and it may pro­ tion candidate or party. il order to pont out with the slide show option? supposed flaws and to persuade the pub· We also now have che inevi­ vide you with valuable estaet tax lie not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The table Facebook page! savings. Empty Closet maintails, within legal bound­ Lffe Insurance: A large gift aries, neutrality regarding products, political Click on Empty Freelance censorship It is tax time again! candidates and parties. However, •attack" On another topic, EC read­ with a small cost ads that fail toprovide u ndisputable evidence Closet News I pull together all of that the information the ad is true do not ers need co know char when they As my One of the simplest ways co 11 cax information, I am reminded further il any way the objectives and poli­ There are a couple of Empty go into non-gay businesses that make a signific:u1t contribution cies of the Gay Allianceor TheEmpty Closet, this a good rime of year Closet matters to talk about this stock the EC, they may have co is to is to give a life insurance poli­ including the primary tene t that The Empty month. To start with, have you do some excavation before locat­ think about estate planning and cy. This may provide you with Closet's purpose is to inform the Rochester tax consequences of decisions I gay commun�y and to provide an impartial ever visited the Gay Alliance ing the stack of that month's income and estate tax savings. forum for ideas. make. 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Items have you - or rhey simply take gagv.us) you see in the prim edition may che whole bundle to rhe nearest ple who the Gay Alliance has and reinvest in higher income rouched in borh small and large vehicles? The trust may help you Publication Information: nor always .make it onto che web dumpster. Freelance censorship The Empty Closet is published 11 times a page and v1ce versa. is alive and well in Rochester. ways. The future of the Gay to: eliminate capital gains raxes, year (December and January combined) by Alliance will remain strong with reduce or eliminate estate taxes, The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance For instance, breaking news We don't blame the propri­ of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approxinately these gifrs. 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Name Letters to the editor: I I The opilions of columnists, ed�orial writers NEVER and other contrbutilg wr�ers are their own Address and do not necessarily reflect the collective I I attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee MISS AN Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print let­ City/State/Zip ters at the editor's discretion and on a space I I available basis. Only one letter by the same ISSUE Phone writer il a six-month period is allowed. We will not printpersonal attacks on individuals, I I nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes E:mail between ndividuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print I I anonymous letters if the name and phone Membership levels: number are provided to the Ed�or: confi· dentiality will be respected. Submissions are 0 0 I $30-99 Advocate $100-999 Champion I due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty 0 Triangle Club 0 Stonewall Closet. 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Roch­ $1,000-4,999 $5,000+ ester, NY 14605: e-mail: emptycloset@gagv. I I us. Online edition of EC available at www. include a subscription to The Empty Closet Benefits gayalliance.org. I mailed to home or work, plus privileges at each level. I Phone: 585 244-8640 or mail to the Gay Alliance, I 875 E. Main St., Suite 500, Rochester, New York 14605 I Home Delivery of The Empty Closet is Free with your I annual membership in the Gay Alliance. I 3/11 • ------• MARCH 2011 • NUMBER 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 3

ranging from "incremental legis­ lation" to "civil unions" to "civil marriage". They get that action is expected. We clearly com­ municated chat legal marriage a11d only legal marriage will sat­ isfy us. The budget fight is the first legislative priority in Albany, but LOCAL AND STATE marriage will be on the agenda this session... and we are mobi­ lizing. TO GET INVOLVED: a successful marriage vote LGBT citizens take this Attend rhe EROC Monthly action in Albany session. The consensus was that Meeting (third Wednesday) 6:30 - a successful voce is possible ... if 8 p.m., Boulder Coffee Shop, 955 By Anne Tischer, Equality we do the grou11dwork at home. Ave. Rochester (EROC) Genesee Street at Brooks Every voce matters and Roches­ Attend the 2/26 "Strategic What's happening with Mar­ ter has to produce one or two a11d Tactical Training for activ­ positive GOP voces. riage Equality legislation in New ists" at Metro Jus rice. FOR CARLOS WITH LOVE: Carlos Feb. 8 - Marriage Equal­ York State? Lots! Attend the 3/5 "Marriage Cruz, who performed as Naiomy ity Day in Albany drew over EROC members have been Maners Community Potluck" at Kane at his club Muthers for many to Albany several times over the 350 people. Thanks to generous the GAGV. years and was a winner of the Miss last month: financial supporters, Rochester Gay Rochester title, passed away Friend us on Facebook: Mar­ in January in Florida. A memorial Jan. 18 - We joined Pride at joined Buffalo in sending two riage Equality New York Roch­ Work AFL-CJO, Citizen Action buses of people from Western gathering was held Feb. 27 at 140 ester Finger Lakes Chapter Alex. Above: Carlos and his partner and Marriage Equality New New York to speak with our Blog: http://equalityroc. Brian were Grand Marshals of the York co talk with Senator Jim state legislators. We came home blogspot.com/ Rochester Pride Parade in 2005. Alesi of Rochester and Senator energized and optimistic. Carlos is shown with his nephew John Flanagan of Long Island. What has changed? It was Christian. (Photo: Ove Overmyer) Apparently there were eight sup­ obvious ro the long-rime lob­ May 10 is Equality Carlos had many devoted friends who are grieving his byists in rhe group that the loss. Kasha Davis posted on Facebook, "Carlos and portive GOP votes rounded up & Justice Day for December's failed marriage GOP caucus is actively discuss­ Brian ..• I send you love, prayers, peace and many many voce, bur the political climate ing whar to do about the mar­ Activists from across the stare thanks for sharing your talent and giving me a chance to perform for the first time at your bar. Muthers was my was so poisonous rhar the GOP riage issue. The latest polls show will gather in Albany on May 10 home for many years .•. and when I spoke to my husband just circled rhe wagons. The Log 56-58 percent public support for the Empire State Pride Agen­ today he said 'just think about how many people they have for marria�e and there are vaUd da's Equality & Justice Day. Cabin Republicans were quite made happy over the years •.. what a legacy'! Ms. Kane influential in Albany recruiting reasons why the GOP major­ "If we're going to pass legis­ YOU'RE SIMPLY THE BEST! ...Looking at so many pro­ GOP supporr at chat time. ity would not wanr to be per­ lation to allow loving, same-sex file pies come up with his smiling face brings tears to my Jan. 22 - Several EROC ceived as being obstructionists couples to marry, protect the eyes. So, so many fun, funny and crazy memories!" members attended the "Grass who cannot work effectively in a basic civil rights of transgen­ Tops" LGBT caucus sponsored bi-partisan collaboration. der New Yorkers, and maintain by Marriage Equality New Movement was seen in talks funding for culturally compe­ York, Empire State Pride Agen­ with all four Rochester GOP tent health and humm services and allied New Yorkers and a with your legislator about the da, Human Rights Campaign senators we mer with on Feb. for LGBT people, it is critical unique opportunity to bring the issues that matter to our com­ and Freedom to Marry. Over 50 8. They clearly understand the that our legislators hear from movement together, strengthen munity. Join us and make your LGBT organizations and many issue a11d are sensitive to the vul­ constituents who care about our ties and build the coalitions voice heard!" political supporters from every nerabilities of same-sex couples equality and justice," the Pride we need to win. It includes a The Pride Agenda's theme level of governmem attended and families... and every one Agenda says. "This is the larg­ rally, workshops, caucuses and chis year is "OUT for Equal­ and discussed the prospects for of them is calking "solutions"... est statewide gathering ofLGBT an oppommicy r.o speak directly icy."•

the governor's executive branch Robert is a 52-year-old wise­ Health Month visits Gay Bowl­ andequal.org or www.oeNYfm­ and the new Republican Senate cracking cowboy, warm and gre­ ing. Time is 7 p.m., place Clover gerlakes.groupsite.com majority. garious, who was born female Lru1es (2750 Monroe Ave.) Join Friday, March 11 is the date Page One Rochester resident Todd a11dIacer transitioned into living the Rochester Victory Alliance for the LGBT Community Faith (Marriagefrom page 1) Plank, a well-known political as a man. The ftlm finds Robert and other LGBT Health Month Service, "At the End of the Tun­ Transgender activists have activist in LGBT circles, said 15 years later, during the extraor­ organizers ro visit with Roches­ nel: Light and Healing," 7 p.m. been concerned that all atten­ he rhoughr Tue sday>s visit by dinary last year of his life, as he ter's very popular gay bowling at Peace Lutheran Church, 125 tion is on marriage equality and M.ENY activists was very pro­ falls headlong into a passion­ league. Socialize, have a snack, Caroline St. Coinciding with the transgender civil rights bill ductive. "We aren't going any­ ate romance with Lola, a viva­ learn more abour Health Month both LGBT Health Month and will be ignored. where and the lawmakers seemed cious and magnetic woman who and, space permitting, bowl a "The National Week of Prayer "It's all about rhe word," responsive to our message -- and was born male. Free admission. few frames! for the Healing of AIDS," this added Tischer. ''The LGBT the question is really when this More information: www.gayal­ Tuesday, March 8 features visioning service sponsored by community wants the word thing is going to happen, not if," liance.org. Tm1s Talk: Gender Fluidity, Unity Fellowship Church and 'marria � and th opposition he said. • Saturday, March 5 brings from 6-8 p.m. in rhe GAGV the Minority AIDS Initiative of . �� . . � thmks ctvd umons are enough "Marriage Matters: Potluck for Youth Center (875 E. Main Sr.) AIDS Care wiU celebrate faith, -- and that's pretty much what Progress," from 5:30-8 p.m. at Join pru1elisrs from our commu­ health ru1d spiJirualiry. Contact: (Healthfrom page we heard from Senator Joseph 1) rhe GAGV Youth Center, first nity representing the fuJI spec­ Jackie Do7jer, jdozier@acRoch­ Robach too. We still have a way Contact: Alden Bashaw, WNY floor, 875 E. Main Sr. This trum of transgender experience ester.org or (585)210-4126. to go with him." Organizer, abashaw@prideagen­ community dinner sponsored by to discuss gender expression and On Saturday, March 12, Conservatives are nor willing da.org or (585) 271-2420. Equality Rochester (EROC) will the fluidity of identity. Con­ Geva Theater presents "Stop to concede that civil unions are On Thursday, March 3, incorporate a marriage equal­ tact: Jess Cohen, [email protected] Kiss" at 1:30 p.m. and at 7 p.m., not accepted by insurrulCe com­ AIDS Cru·e will hold a Legal ity strategy discussion and work or (585)244-8640. at Geva Theater Nextstage, 75 panies and other entities, a11d Healrhcare Issues Workshop, on the "Marriage Video Lobby­ Wednesday, March 9 is all Woodbury Blvd. Enjoy a night that this kind of second class from 6-7:30 p.m. at their Geneva ing Project" being planned with about LGBT Youth & Health­ of theater as Out of Pocket Pro­ "marriage" is nor adequate. Office, 605 W. Washington Sr. Outspoken for Equality Buffalo. care. Between 3-4:30 p.m., ductions and Geva's Nextstage This lobbying effort comes in Geneva. LGBT people's rights All are welcome, bring a dish to in the GAGV Youth Center, present playwright Diana Son's after a Jan. 22 off-the-record and wishes are often not equally pass; donations are appreciated. a discussion with Dr. Suzanne Off-Broadway hit, "SropKiss." Albany gathering of about 75 protected/respected in healrhcru·e Contact/RSVP: Anne Tischer, Lee will help LGBT youth and Proceeds from this production powerhouse representatives from serrinos -- this workshop will [email protected] or young adults learn more about of"Srop Kiss" wiU benefit Roch­ 50 organizations that supporr provide insight into how LGBT (585)426-0862 how they can find a gay-friendly ester Pride 2011. Tickers: $20; marriage equality - a meeting people and families Call protect On Sunday, March 6, learn doctor and get rhe best health­ contact: boxoffice@gevatheatre. that was initially dosed to the themselves legally in these siw­ about LGBT Self Defense, from care possible. This event open org or www.gevatheatre.org press. Sources told The Empty ations. Contact: Chris Morrow, 4:30-6 p.m. at the GAGV Youth to ages 13-23 only! Contact: African American women CLoset that Rochester City Cow1- [email protected] or Center (875 E. Main St.) LGBT Jess Cohen, [email protected] or and art are the focus on Satur­ cilman Matt Haag and Assem­ (585)210-4196. people are the targets of some of (585) 244-8640. day, March 12. Something for blyman Harry Bronson (D-131) On Friday, March 4, plan the most violent crimes in Amer­ On Thursday, March 10, the Siscas will present "Reclaim­ were both in attendance. Haag to attend the T.G.I.F./InQueery ica. Join us in a queer-friendly Out & Equal's 2nd Thursday ing Your Personal Power" from cold The Empty CLoset on Jan. film screening of "South­ space to learn more about bias­ Networking Event will rake 3-4:30 p.m. ar MOCHA Center 23 chat advocates and lawmak­ ern Comfort," at 7 p.m. in the related crime and some basic place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at (107 Liberty Pole Way). ln honor ers discussed the near-term pros­ GAGV Community Room at strategies to prorecr yourself. Tapas 177, 177 Sr. Paul St. Join of LGBT Health Month and peers for making New York the 875 E. Main Sr. The GAGV's This event is open to partici­ Our & Equal for their monthly National Women's HIV/AIDS sixth state to allow same-sex weekly 'Think Gay It's Friday" pants 21 a11d over ONLY. Con­ meet and greet time to snack, Awareness Day, Tom Somerville couples to marry. (TGIF) series reruns up with tact: Jess Cohen, jessc@gagv. socialize and network with other will conduct a fine art workshop The Empty Closet bas also InQueery to presenr the award­ us or (585)244-8640 or Allegra LGBT community members in at the MOCHA Center focused learned that most activity sur­ winning Him "Southern Com­ A nka, aan [email protected] our area. This event is open to on women and refocusing their rounding the marriage equality fort". It tells the true story of a or (585)210-4178. ages 21 and over only! Contact: energy. "Something for the Sis- bill is coming from two camps -- beautiful and remarkable love. On Monday, March 7, LGBT Ralph Carter, fingerlakes@our- (Health continues page 7) 4 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

come at his request and added that they dered, according to the paper. would help to investigate "the murder of -Biabbeando journalists and what is alleged to be one or t\¥0 gays who were murdered". Federal cuts may hurt Newsfronts has been concerned the UNAIDS by recent reported killings of rransgender people with HIVI AIDS people in Honduras. Since late Novem­ On Feb. 11, the House Appropriations ber 2010, ftve individuals from the trans­ Committee introduced a Conrinuino Res­ NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL oender community have been reportedly olution bill that, while funding the fuderal killed in separate incidents in the country. government for the remainder of the fiscal The motive for these killings has not been Department of Justice "Federal law requires the attorney gen­ year, would also mean billions of dollars determined. sixth murder now been eral to inform Congress of its intent not A has in cuts to agencies and programs that are will stop defending reported. to defend the law. Unfortunately, antigay critical for people living with HIV/AIDS "UNAIDS urges the Government of discriminatory DOMA leaders in Congress will likely take u and America's response to the epidemic. p Honduras to rake every step to investigate DOM N.s defense. We urge them to think The Committee's proposed cuts The Depanment of Justice made a twice about this decision and to not tether these killings thoroughly," said Michel include, among others, $1.3 billion from decision on Feb. 23 char heightened scru­ themselves to a patently discriminatory Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS. Commw1ity Health Centers, $1 .57 billion tiny applies ro sexual orientation clas­ forms of discrimination, including law that tmdermines our nation's funda­ "All from rhe National Institutes of Health, sifications such as that involved in the rransphobia, block access to HlV preven­ mental principle of equality. $923 million from the Centers for Disease Defense of Marriage Act. In a letter sent tion programmes and impact rhe quality "We thank President Obama and Control and Prevention, $327 million co Speaker John Boehner, Attorney Gen­ Attorney General Holder for their leader­ of care for people living with HIV" from Family Planning and $280 million eral Eric Holder details rhe decision, ship on this issue, and their comrniunem Honduras has committed to protect­ from rhe Substance Abuse and Mental will writing rhac rhe Depanmenr no lon­ to e uality for all Americans." ing rhe human rights of all individuals in Health Services Administration. ger defend Section of DOMA, which q 3 "This is a monumental decision for various international and regional resolu­ "The wide swath of cuts proposed by defines "marriage" and "spouse" as refer­ tions. "I urge all stares to provide adequate the thousands of same-sex couples and Chairman Rogers and his Republican riw only to opposite-sex marriages. protection to transgender people," said r their families who want nothing more colleagues is extremely troubling," said T Obama Administration's decision he than the same rights and dignity afforded Mr. Sidibe. National Minority AIDS Council Dep­ nor co continue its defense of the so-called to ocher married couples," said Human UNAIDS expresses its full support uty Executive Director Daniel C. Mon­ "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) in Rights Campaign President Joe Solmo­ for the community of transgender people toya."The economy has already left mar1y who court was hailed by activists have nese. "As the President has stated pre­ in Honduras and for the Larin American AIDS service providers struggling to meet long been critical of the Administration's viously, DOMA unfairly discriminates Network of Transgender People (RED­ the needs of their commu niries an.d the continual defense of the discriminatory in their efforts ro stop against Americans and we applaud him LACTRANS) ramifications of further curs in federal measure. DOMA, a child of the Righr's for fulfilling his oath to defend critical intimidation and violence against trans­ funding for these programs would be cat­ gender individuals. long crusade against LGBT Americans constitutional principles." astrophic. The Chairman may see these and their families, denies federal recogni­ "Congressional leaders must not waste On Jan. 13, a number of LGBT rights programs as non-essential, bur hundreds tion and benefits co legally married same­ another taxpayer dollar defending this advocates protested outside rhe nation­ of thousands of people depend on them co sex couples and purports to allow states patently unconstitutional law," said Sol­ al Public Prosecutor's office demanding for their lives." deny recognition to those couples as well. monese. "The federal government has no action. Holding barmers that called for Already enormous, the riming of these Michael Keegan, President of Peo le p business picking and choosing which legal an end to hare crimes and graphic images cuts makes them even more problematic. fo l­ of murdered trar1soendcr women that had For the American Way, issued the marriages they want to recognize. Instead For the past five months, the federal gov­ lowing statement: "In the 15 years since been featured on the cover of several local Congress should take this opportunity to ernment has been operating on a continu­ DOMA was made law, it has burt untold wipe the stain of marriage discrirnioarion tabloids, activists argued char rhe govern­ ing resolution chat maintained fw1ding at numbers of gay and lesbian Americans, from our laws." ment-sponsored institution had done little FY 2010 levels. Implementing such draco­ depriving them of the rights to enjoy DOMA, passed in 1996, denies mar­ to seem the violence. nian spending reductions with just seven the full benefits of marriage and forcing ried same-sex couples over 1,000 rights, According to La Prensa, activists called months left in the fiscal year would place them co live as second class citizens. The attention to the killing of of well-known beneftrs and responsibilities tied ro mar­ an impossible burden on these programs. President has chosen to defend the Con­ riage under federal law. These include ar1d respected LGBT rights activist Wal­ "Agencies have budgeted rhe last five er Troche-t on Dec. 13, 2009 and the fact stitution of rhe United Stares over a dis­ Social Security survivors' benefits, family t months on the assumption that their criminatory and clearly unconsricu rional and medical leave, equal compensation that his mw-der was still unresolved a year funding would remain ar leasr relarively law. That decision should be commended. as federal employees, and immigration after his death. close to 2010 levels," continued Montoya. A discriminatory law like DOMA has no rights, among many ochers. Jose Zembrano, one of the protesters, "Now, some on the House Appropria­ place." said that there was hate in Honduran soci­ tions Committee want to pull the rug out Said Equality Marrers President Rich­ ety towards sexual diversity. "Just in the U.S. to help Honduras from under them, leaving them just seven ard Socarides, "This is a very significant last 45 days we have learned of the kill­ months to enact massive cuts." and welcomed development. I commend track killers of up to 31 ing of five of our (transgender) friends," rhe President on his bold leadership. It transgender women he said. GLAAD launches People means that the discriminatory and harm­ The activists said they knew of 31 ful Defense of Marriage Acr is on its last Following the statement by United rrar1sgender women who had been mur­ of Color Media Training legs. The federal government is one big States President Barack Obarna on rhe dered since June 28, 2009. Institute in NY, LA step closer to providing equal rights and brutal murders of gay people in Uganda Later, La Tribuna reported that Sandra responsibilities to millions of loving and and Honduras, Honduran president Por­ Ponce, rhe Public Prosecutor herself, had The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against legally married same-sex couples. This is ftrio Lobo Sosa held a press conference stepped our of her office and expressed Defamation (GLAAD), on Feb. 8 an important moment in the struggle for and annou11ced rhac rhe United Scares concern about these crimes: announced the launch of its People of full equality and rhe Presidenr deserves a Department of Stare had committed co The Prosecutor's Offtce is giving prior­ Color Media Training Institute as a part lor of credir." send trained personnel to investigate the ity ro every case, independently of wh eth­ of rhe organization's National People of John D. Podesta, President and CEO recent number of rransgender murders -­ er it's ow· responsibility to pursue state Color Media Iniriarive. of the Center for American Progress, even as he took the opportunity to officials who commit human rights viola­ play The Media Training Institute, funded released the following statement: "DOMA down rhe number of transgender murders. tions while on duty; nevertheless, taking by the Arcus Foundation and created spe­ is a discriminatory law that targets gay According co La Tribuna, Lobo said note that there mighr be an element of cifically for people of color who are LGBT men and women simply because of their that the U.S. Department of State had discrimination and homophobia in these or LGBT allies, will develop a group of sexual orientation. It serves no purpose committed to send an expert on police killings, we have put them under inves­ passionate and visible leaders to speak in but co advance discrimination. DOMA investigations and a legal adviser who tigation." national media outlets about issues that should be repealed, and if Congress fails would evaluate all imernal investigations On Jan. 17, La Prensa reported yet impact the lives of LGBT people and their to do so, T hope to see it struck down by on these crimes so far. The Honduran another murder of a transgender woman: families. the courts in the months ahead. president said char rhe assistance would the sixth t.ransgender woman found mur- The Institute will consist of a two-day,

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advanced spokesperson training program have seen. When all heads were counted, op's statement and his work through the have fo u11d char civil union falls far short in New York and Los Angeles, where 143 MPs voted for Bill C.389 and 135 St. Paul's Centre in Kampala may be of marriage with all its tangible and intan· GLAAD staff, leading journalists and voted against. obtained fr om Rev. Canon Albert Ogle at gible significance in our lives. Many of talking heads and key media trainers will -The Vancouver Sun aogle@stpaulsfow1d arion.com. those states - Com1ecticur, New Hamp· develop Institute participants in the areas shire, and even Vermont, which fi rsr ere· of fr aming and messaging for on-camera Ugandan Bishop breaks Hawaii House approves ated civil w1ion - have since pushed past and radio interviews. civil union to marriage, reco nizing rhe silence on Kato murder civil unions, 31·19 g Applicants to the Institute are asked to inadequacy and unfairness of a separate submit an application through GLAAD's The Rr. Rev. Christopher Senyonjo, On Feb. 11, the Hawaii State House and unequal status. website: http://www.glaad.org/programs/ retired Anglican bishop of West Bugan· passed SB 232 SOl HDl by a 31·19 vote. "Loving and committed same-sex cou· pocmedia. The program will be limited to da, issued his first public statement Feb. The bill provides that equal rights pies have the freedom to marry in 12 25-30 people, and participanrs will receive 9 on rhe recent murder of human rights and responsibilities of married couples in countries on fo ur continents - as well as ongoing support, coaching and training advocate David Kato, asking for church Hawaii be afforded to thousands of non· in five states and rhe District of Columbia from GLAAD staff, including quarterly suppport. married couples in the state - including here at home - and rhe sky has not fallen progress reviews. The bishop worked with Kaco through same-sex couples. and the sun continues to rise every morn· "While the visibility of LGBT people Integrity Uganda and the Civil Society "Today is a great day for the people of ing. As soon as the governor signs the and issues continues to �row, fa r too often Coalition (composed of 34 human rights Hawaii," said Alan Spector, co-chair for final bill, Hawaii should move swiftly to the voices, views and taces of people of organizations including rhe St. Paul's Equality Hawaii. "The action taken by finish the job by ending exclusion from color are underrepresemed, if represented Centre for Reconciliation and Equality, rhe House today sends a strong message marriage itself, allowing all committed at all, in American news, emenainmenc headed by the bishop). Both men were that our state recognizes the importance couples ro share in the same responsibili· and online media,'' said GLAAD's Senior pictured on the front page of the comro· of moving towards equality. Providing ties, same respect, and same rules." Director of Media Programs Rash ad Rob­ versial Ugandan tabloid "Rolling Stone" equal rights to the lesbian, gay, bisexual "The Human Rights Campaign con· inson. "This initiative will help us ele­ where the names and addresses of leading and transgender community is long over· gratulates the Hawaii House of Repre· vate more voices and continue GLAAD's LGBT Ugandans and allies were exposed, due and we thank all those who have sentatives for overwhelmingly supporting ongoing effortto ensure that LGBT issues with a call for their execution. Karo was stood with us to make this day a reality." the equal dignity and respect of Hawaii's are represenred in a fa ir, accurate and one of the plaintiffs in the case that sue· After minor changes were made in lesbian, gay, bisexual and rransoender inclusive way ·· celebratin the rich diver· g cessfully brought a court injunction to the House, the bill now heads back ro the fa milies,'' said Joe Solmonese, presi ent of siry of the community and our allies." d stop the paper's publication. Senate for agreement on the amendments the Human Rights Campaign. "No child Bishop Christopher, 79, retired 10 before heading to Gov. Neil Abercrombie of a same-sex fa mily should have to grow Canada passes years ago and opened a counseling cen· for his signature. SB 232 SOl passed the up with less protections or thinking their transgender civil rights ter in Kampala where he began to offer Hawaii Senate on Jan. 28, by a 19-6 vote. fa mily is less legitimate or loving than others." measure, 143·135 pastoral care to marginalized people, Except for some technical corrections and including the LGBT community and has implementation amendments, the bill is When Hawaii's civil unions law is Canada's House of Commons passed a been an advocate for decriminalization identical to HB 444, the civil unions signed, the state will join 13 other states bill Feb. 9 thar will amend the Canadian of homosexuality in Uganda and around bill passed in 2010. That bill passed the plus Washington, D.C. with laws pro· Human Rights Acr and Criminal Code the world. The bishop recently attended House and Senate with near supeQnajori· vidjng an expansive form of state-level to protect transgender and transsexual a UN consultarion of faith communities ties before Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed it. relationship recognition for gay and les· Canadians from discrimination. gathered in New York where rhe call for No override vote was held. bian couples. Connecticut, Iowa, Massa· "It's a great day," said rhe bill's author, decriminalization gained support from Said Evan Wolfson, fo under and presi· chuserts, New Hampshire, Vermont and NDP MP Bill Siksay. "lt's been in the many fa ith leaders. dem of Freedom to Marry, ''The cam· Washington D.C. provide marriage ro works for six years, and it's great to see The bishop's statement is an open let­ paign to win marriage nationwide, on the same-sex couples under state Law. New York and Maryland recognize our-of-juris· people fr om all parties supporti11g the bill. ter ro the Most Reverend Rowan Wil· passage of a bill char once approved by the This is nor a partisan issue, it's a human Iiams, Archbishop of Canterbury and State Senate would create civil union for diction same-sex marriages, bur do nor rights issue." fel low bishops of the 70 million-strong same-sex couples in Hawaii.'' (Wolfson provide marriage licenses ro same-sex "This bill is about extending human Anglican Communion. The statement was co·c�nsel in the landmark Hawaii couples in state. Five other states - Cali­ rights to some of the most vulnerable calls for rhe Anglican Church to be more marriage case, Baehr v. Miike, which in fornia, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and among us," said Sid Ryan, President of aggressive in its protection of human the 1990s launched the current nation· Washington - provide same-sex couples the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). rights, particularly in Africa, where sig· wide conversation around the fr eedom to with access to almost of all rhe state level "Denying rhe rights of some has never nificant support for continued criminal· marry.) benefits and responsibilities of marriage, protected our society and has always izarion of homosexuality is coming from ''By again resoundingly passing a civil through either civil unions or domestic undermined our integrity. It is past rime religious leaders, including visiting con· union bill that Governor Neil Abercrom· partnerships. A new law providing for that we extend human rights and crimi· servative extremists from the US. bie has promised to sign, Hawaij's leg· ci vil unions in Ulinois will take effect on nal code protections to trans-identified The Anglican Church of Uganda with islature acted to acknowledge the state's June 1. people." its 10 million members has been sup· loving and committed gay and lesbian Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, and Wis· The Canadian Human Rights Act and portive of the recent Bahati Bill, which is couples and their fa milies and ro provide consin provide �ay and lesbian couples fe deral hate crimes laws do nor explicitly proposing more harsh sentences and calls them a measure of protections under the with limited rights and beneflts, nor all protect people from discrimination based for family members to report on suspect· law - protections of particular impor· rights provided to married couples. An on gender identity or expression. Bill ed LGBT people. The Church has made ranee during rhese tough economic times. attorney general opinion and subsequent C-389, proposed by NDP MP Bill Siksay public statements where rhey are criti· This is a victory for all fa milies, because court ruling in Rhode Island resulted in limited recognition of our-of-jurisdiction (Burnaby-Dou�las, B.C.), seeks to correct cal of applying internationally recognized it strengthens the lives of many cou· that by amend i ng legislation to include human rights standards to the LGBT ples and their loved ones while taking marriages of same-sex couples. gender identity and oender expression as community in Uganda. The bishop joins nothing away fr om anyone else, there· California recognized marriage for prohibited grounds of discrimination and other Anglican bishops including three by strengthening the entire ohana, the same-sex couples between June a.Jld adding crimes motivated by transphobia bishops in New York who responded to entire community. Freedom to Marry November of 2008, before voters approved to the list of crimes treated as potential the Kato murder with a similar call for applauds Equality Hawaii for irs leader· Proposition 8, which purports to amend hate crimes. greater religious advocacy in the face of ship in securing needed protections for the state constitution to proh ibit mar· "How many assaults, how many sui· anti-gay legislation and increasing vio· Hawaii's fa milies. riage equality. Couples married during cides will be enough ro make us rake lence. "While a welcome step, civil union char window remain married under Cali· action? One is roo many,'' said Ryan. "It U.S. rightwing Christianisr leaders is no substitute for the full measure of fo rnia law, but all other same-sex couples is a national shame that trans-identified W

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the community. The "Love Your Boobs" bia among caregivers or me internalized Breast Casting evenc was popular last year homophobia chat leads gay people co rhinl< and will be coming back this year. We've we aren't really worth taking care oP. cried to link Health Month co local events EL: [ think both are significant prob­ that are happening already. And the Victo­ lems, bur I do think homophobia in the ryAlliance (HNVaccine Trials at UR) is health care system is rhc greater problem. doing bar outreach this month - they have If we could have a new generation of Erik Libey works a very strong volunteer group. professionals who were able to give di£. at AIDS Care and is EC: Is New York's (and the country 's) ferem and better messages about being active in New York's financial crisis aleadyr impacting medical queer and healthy simultaneously, then we Health al1d Humal1 care for low-income LGBT people? Seems would see LGBT people raking better care Services Network. He like the first things to be cut are always of themselves. is a key organizer of education and health care for the poor... Impoverished people, people of color, LGBT Health Month. EL: It certainly has come up. I'd say gay people and women have always got­ Empty Closer: that LGBT people and medical care were ten the message that they are second best Who organizes Health already disadvantaged. Twelve percent of or worthless. Month alld how did it the general porulation isn't insmed - while EC: Anyming else our readers should come about? 22 percenr o the LGBT communiry is know about Health Month? Erik Libey: LGBT uninsured -which speaks to our inabiliry EL: The most important thing I want Health Week is a to access health care. people to know is mat Health Month is not national event, held I'd suggest that trans people - espe­ BORING. It's nor all workshops that don't the last week in March cially uans people of color - are especially engage morepeople. We try to offer some­ and organized by the deprived of health care. thing for everyone - and if some people National Coalition for One outcome of state and federal heald1 just want to socialize rather than go to a LGBT Health. We insurance is that LGBT pe o le will starr political panel - that's OK. did it for mree years p - bearing an unequal parr of th at sacrifice. So I ur e people ro look cal·efully at the Sue Cowell g 2007-2009. Many groups that are feeUn the pressures calendar of events al1d see if there is at least and I chair a commit­ g are rhe very ones that provide rich services ONE event mar appeals ro them. Initially tee as parr of the NYS to the LGBT population. I'd like people to just show up at all event Health and Humall The healthcare debate is about every­ that they will enjoy - but I'd also like to Services Network. Last one, bur as LGBT people it behooves us to encourage people, in addition, to consider year we decided mar a understand the debate, since we are under­ going to all event mey normally wouldn't week isn't long enough. insured and under-served. We need to attend, like gay men going to a women's So we claimed the understand how this can impact ourselves event, or non-tJallS people going to a trans­ whole month of March as LGBT Health Erik Libey: Health Month gender event. As a community, we become Month for New York State. and others in the commu11iry. healthier nor just learning about ourselves By Susan jordan Rochesert is the most active site, but EC: Which is the greater barrier to good health care for gays - homopho- - bur also learning about each other. • ChalKes are most members of the there are also activities in NYC, Albany, Rochester LGBT community will Staten Island and Buffalo - and there encounter Health Month messages this could be more coming up. month, since practically all events, social, EC: What do you hope for from me artistic and political, in our area in events? What is most effective in reaching Mal·ch will include information about people - do they tend to go to me social or Elaine Elkins, M.S. how queer people can improve their artistic events more than the political and health and well-being. Taking care of medical presentations? Psychotherapist ourselves is always good - and LGBT EL: I chink historically that people do 244--4837 people face grearer challenges than het­ go to the more social events. We're th rilled erosexuals when ir comes ro obtaining mat ImageOut will screen films again this Individual & Relationship Counseling high-qualiry al1d non-oppressive health year. That will be popular. care. Information and support can help! Some of the events are tailored to Anxiety & Depression Loneliness & Separation Conflict Resolution Communication Skills Sexual Abuse Recovery Drug & Alcohol Abuse 247 PARK AVENUE Grief & Loss ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14607 585.244.06 13 EXT. 5

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(Healthfr om page 3) day, March 23. A Pride 2011 Planning mg Parry, 5-7 p.m., Genesee Valley Park to try your luck and support a great cause! cas" is a group for women of color 25+ held Meet ing will take place fr om 6-7:30 p.m. lnCioor Ice Rjnk, 131 Elmwood Ave. Spon­ This event is open to ages 21 & over only. monthly on the second and fo urth Satur­ in the GAGV Nopper Room (fifth floor, sored by Our & Equal of the Finger Lakes. Contact: www.gayall iance.org. days. Contact: Judith Bauman, jbauman@ 875 E. Mrun Sr.) Rochester's 2011 Pride Free admission. Skare rental $3 (all are On Monday, March 28, Rated F hosts mochacenter.org or (585)420-1400. Celebration will be July 8-17. Join this welcome to bring their own skates free of "Love Your Boobs: Breast Casting" (Parr On Sunday, March 13, Come Out meet ing with Pride orgaruzers to learn charge). Discounted snacks and beverage 1), fr om 7-9 p.m. at Flying Squirrel Com­ Dancin' wiJJ meet fr om 3:30-5:30 p.m. how you can show your pride, volw1teer fr om concessions. Contact: fingerlakes@ murury Space, 285 Clarissa St. Rated at the Friends Meetinghouse, 84 Scio and get involved in exciting events like ourandequal.org or visit www.oeNYfin­ F and Love Youi Boobs Breast Casting St. (entrance on Charlotte Sr., opposite the Parade and Festival on July 16 or the gerlakes.groupsite.com for derails. are back! Join us for their second armu­ East End parking garage). Come Out annual Pride Picnic on July 17, as well as It's back to the theatre on Saturday, al breast casting event in recognition of Dancin' is a new Rochester group creat­ many other events throughout the week! March 26, for "V Day 2011: The Vagi­ LGBT Health Month. This rime around, ing an LGBT Social Dance Commwliry. Comacr: Pride Co-Chair Michael Hardy na Monologues" at 7 p.m. at Hochstein the event will be in two pares, happening Join the fun for a mirli lesson on SWING [email protected]. School of Music, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. over TWO days. On Monday, March 28, and open dance! Cover charge: $5/person. On Thursday, March 24, Health Join LGBT Health Month at the Roch­ we'll be casting ourselves in a fw1, body­ Tllis event is intended fo r adults 18+. Con­ Month goes ro the movies (sponsored by ester Community Performance of Eve positive environment. $10 suggested dona­ tact: [email protected] or [mageOUT), at both 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Ensler's smash hit, sponsored by Planned tion (Nobody turned away; 50 percent of (585) 244-8640. at Cinema Theatre, 957 South Clinton Parenthood and rrusing fu nds for Rape proceeds will be donated to the Maut­ Women will also want to acrend the Ave. ImageOur: The Rochester Lesbian Crisis Service and the VDay 2011 spot­ ner Project, a lesbian breast health orga­ event on Tuesday, March 15: "Black Les­ & Gay Film & Video Festival once again light: the women and girls of Haiti. nization). Tllis event is open to women bians Matter: A Panel & Discussion" joins LGBT Health Month with two Advance tickets: $20 general & $10 stu­ and people of trans experience. For more from 7-9 p.m. at Downtown United Pres­ free film screenings and an opportullity dent/senior (tickets $5 additional at the information or to RSVP contact Sady byterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Sr. to learn more about how to get involved door) For tickers and information: www. and Allegra by March 25 at ratedfteam@ Co-sponsored by AIDS Care, MOCHA and volumeer with ImageOur. This year's pprsr.org or email vdayrochester@gmail. gmail.com. Cenrer and rhe NYCLU, this moderated screenings will fe ature two popular tides com Political action can be empowering. community panel will review some of the from rhe 2010 fe stival: "FIT" showing at Save Sunday, March 27 for the Monte Monday, March 28 is set for Community key findings of d1e Zuna Institute's (www. 6 p.m. and "Children of God" showing at Carlo Night Fundraiser, 2-7 p.m. at 140 Ambassador Trru ning, hosted by the Pride zunainstitute.org) 2010 report "Black Les­ 9 p.m. These screen ings are free and open Alex Bar & Grill (140 Alexander Sr.) A<>enda at 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Unit­ bians Matter" and engage in a community to the public on a first come, first seared March into Pride Monte Carlo style! ed Presbyterian Church (121 N. Fitzhugh dialogue about the issues of lesbian and bi basis. More information about the films: Come our and enjoy an even ing of fu n, Sr.) The Pride Agenda will host a training women of color in our community. Con­ www.imageour.org. prizes, music, cash bar and more. This on how to be an effect ive advocate in your tact: Allegra Anka, aanka@acRochesrer. On Friday, March 25, get a workout event is a fundraiser to support Rochester community and to youi elected officials {Health 8) org or (585)210-4178. at the LGBT (and Our Allies) Ice Skat- Pride 2011. $10 gees you 20,000 "dollars" continues page Thursday, March 17 is the Sr. Patrick's Day HIV/STD Testing Event, from 2-5 p.m. at MOCHA Center (107 Liberty Pole Way). The MOCHA Center is get­ ring into the Sc. Patrick's Day spirit by reminding you to get be healthy and know your sraws! Free HIV and STD resting will be available. Incentives will be pro­ vided. Contact: Michael Booth, mbooth@ mochacenrer.org or (585)420-1400. More chearre is conling up on Friday, Whe reas,The Empty Closet, first published in 1971, is the Rochester region's first and only newspaper for March 18. Bread & Water Theater pres­ the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) community, as well as the oldest continuously published ents"Lambda Project: The End" at 8 p.m. gay newspaper in New York State, and oldest in the entire United States, and at Bread & Water Theatre Mainsrage, 243 2"d Rosedale Sc. In 2003 J.R. Teeter, artis­ tic director of the Bread & Water The­ Whe reas,The Empty Closet, originally published by the Gay Liberation Front, a student group fonned at atre, starred rhe Lambda Project, which the nivers ty of Rochester part o the gay movement, currenUy published by the Gay Alliance collected and told the real-Ufe stories of U i as f liberation and of the Genesee VaUey, Incorporated. has chronicled the political and social events affecting the gay community GLBTIQ people from all over the world in a show that is equal parts performance, over a 40 year period of unprecedented change, and monologue and soul searching honesty. This"LGBT Health Month Night Our at The Empty Closet is of great historical significance to the Rochester region, documeming the the Theater" is rhe filial installment in the Whereas, eight-year series. (The show will also run social, political, religious. cultural, artistic, business, and literary contributions of thousands of diverse 3/19 at 8 p.m. and 3/20 at 2 p.m.). Tick­ individuals in lhe GLBT community, while simultaneously providing a historically accurate record of social ets: $12 (General) and $6 (Studenr/Senior) changes that have occurred as a result of our local GLBT community's struggle for equal rights and social Contact: www.breadandwaterrheatre.org acceptance, as well as lheir fight against discrimination, violence and hate crimes, and or call 585-271-5523 Music is the fo cus on Saturday, March 19 as the Rochester Gay Men's Chorus Whereas, because of its historical significance, the Rochester Public Library, University of Rochester, and presents their Spring Concert "Moments Cornell University have all sought to collect all issues of the Empty Closet, and through a collaboration with the in Time," 8 p.m. at Hochstein School of U of R, lhe complete collection of this socially important publication will soon be available on lhe Internet, and Music, 50 N. Plymourh Ave. For ticket information, visit www.rhergmc.org. Join Rainbow SAGE and LGBT youth The Empty Closet has contributed greatly to lhe Rochester region's national reputation for on Sunday, March 20 for the Annual W/iereas, Intergenerational Panel. It's 4 p.m. at leadership in social tolerance, has served as an educational tool for the non-GLBT community, and has helped First Unjve rs alist Church (150 S. Clinton build social capit.ll. Ave.) The Panel has become an annual tradition in our community, bringing together diverse individuals from various we. Rochester City Council President Lovely A. Warren, Vice President Elaine M. age groups to talk about the unique issues f}.{p� fJJierejore. and experiences of living and agmg in the Spaull, and Councilrnembers Matt Haag, Carolec A. Conklin. Adam C. McFadden, Dana K. Miller, Jacklyn LGBT community. Chili and beverages Ortiz. Carla M. Palumbo. and Loreua C. Scou, on lhis 27m day of February, 2011, congratulate the Empty will be provided after the event -- all are Closet on lhe occasion of its 40m annive.rsary, extend our sincere appreciation and thanks for serving as a much­ welcome to bring a dessert to pass. (ASL needed voice for the GLBT community, and acknowledge your Lremendous literary accomplishments over lhe interpreting available upon request.) Con­ past four decades. tact: Ginny or Saundra at (585)473-4765. Tr ansgender issues take center stage again on Tuesday, March 22, with "Name Change & Other Transgender Legal Issues" (GAGV Out for Justice Workshop Series). The workshop runs 6:30-8 p.m. � .S l J/;t�� in the GAGV Community Room (875 d:t �:::�ice Pr � ��:c��councilmember E. Main St., next to the Youth Center). �� � i.�a �� Members of the transgender community have a variety of unique legal issues and den Dana Miller lacklyn Ortiz needs, ranging fr om navigating the system K. Councilmember Cou ilmember Councilmember for name changes and legal documenta­ � tion to insuring their basic righrs with regard to healthcare. This session will !P/.t,I provide an overview of some of the needs /),)x. PalumboCJ.f 1tiJ'/( J;� of trans members of our community and �Council member provide tips/tools for se lf-protection. Con­ tact: Allegra Anka, aanka@acRochester. org or (585)210-4178, or Kelly Clark, kel­ [email protected] or (585)244-8640. Get involved in your community and help with planning for Pride on Wednes- 8 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

(Health continued fr om page 7) (Pride & Joy continuedfrom page I) Gallagher, CLTC; To ny Perri; D. Bruce NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL for marriage equality and rransgender civil PhD, Mailman School of Public Health, Carter, PhD; Leigh Rochelle Woodley; rights in New York Stare. Conracr: Alden Columbia University. Dr. Meyer studies Darren Cosgrove; Brian Frank; Mohan (Newsfronts continuedfrom page 5) Bashaw WNY Organizer, abashaw@ the mental health effects of prejudice and Krishna, LMSW, MA; Blythe Bennett; prideagenda.org or (585) 271-2420. stigma on LGB and gender non-conform­ Gary Berk, MD; Bryan Thompson and or after November 5, 2008 as si milar to Back ro the Flying Squirrel on Tues­ ing individuals. He was an Expert Wit­ Sean Massey, Ph D. domestic partnerships. day, March 29, as Rated F hosts "Love ness at the Prop 8 trial in California. The conference weekend will also Same-sex couples do not receive feder­ Yow· Boobs: Breast Casting" (Part 2). lr's Educational workshops for LGBTQ include culwral events. On Friday eve­ al rights and benefits in any stare. For an 7-9 p.m. at Flying Squirrel Community adults and their allies will deal with a ning a reception/dirmer will feature a spe­ electronic map showing where marriage Space (285 Clarissa St.) This event is open wide range of topics including Child­ cial appearance by the LGBTQ Gospel equality stands in the states, visit: www. to women and people of trans experience. care (ages six months to seven years); Choir of Unity Fellowship Church. On HRC.org/Srare_Laws. For more information or ro RSVP con­ COLAGE programs for grades 3-5 and Saturday ImageOut will show films in tact Sady and Allegra by March 25 at rat­ 6-12; a Family Dance; Resource/Vendor the LGBT Film Festival screening room. Hate group AFA slurs [email protected]. Fair; Sunday offsite excursions to Roches­ On Sawrday night, a Family Dance will Native Americans On Wednesday, March 30, there's a ter-area attractions (discounts available); be open ro the entire commw1ity ($5 at Queer Youth Sexual Health Discussion Pre-Conference Provider Training Day, the door for those not registered for the Tr uth Wins Our condemned the Group (for ages 13-23 ONLY), 5-6 p.m. Friday, April 8: "Straight Talk about Conference). OJ Chuck Argento willplay American Family Association (AFA) on at the GAGV Youth Cenrer (875 E. Main LGBTQ Lives: Working with LGBTQ tu11es for all ages from 7:30-11 p.m. Feb. 8 for writing a remarkably bigoted, St.) Enjoy a frank, open discussion and Individuals and Families in Professional To support the Conference/Provider racist article, tided "Native Americans Q&A session wi th Erik Libey from AIDS Settings" for educators/health and human Training Day, you can attend the con­ Morally Disqualified Themselves From Care about sex, sexuality and staying service providers and students. ference; spread the word ro friends, col­ the Land." safe and healthy -- geared specifically for Registration fees are $50/$35 stu­ leagues and clients; offer to volunteer, The AFA is best known for its anti-gay LGBT youth and young adults. Contact: dents. Deadline to register is April 1. purchase an ad in the Program Book, activism and launch of boycotts against Jess Cohen, [email protected] or (585)244- Adult educational rograms will exhibit at the Resource/Vendor Fair, and/ companies that it deems too gay-friendly. l p 8640 or Erik Libey, e ibey@acRochester. include a Teen Panel: Kids with LGBTQ or make a donation. The latest op-ed by the organization's org or (585)210-4192. Parents Speak Out; lmageOut Film Fes­ Conference hotel spokesperson, Bryan Fischer, provides yet Finally, on Thursday, March 31, the tival screening room; Are We There Yet? RJT Inn and Conference Center is another reason why corporations should Love and Forgiveness Project will screen Taking Stock of Our Progress Towards a spacious facility with many amenities, ignore pressure campaigns by the AFA, "Beyond Hatred" at 6:30 p.m. in the Full Acceptance; Gender in LGBTQ including a beautiful pool with lifeguard, Truth Wins Out says. GAGV Community Room (875 E. Main Families; A "How To" Session for excellent food, and a history of welcom­ "We are appalled by the Ameri­ St.) "Beyond Hatred" captures the power LGBTQ People Seeking to Become Fos­ ing our community. The hotel is conve­ can Family Association's reprehensible of human beings to move from grief and ter/Adoptive Parents in NY State; Learn niently located at Exit 46 on the New remarks that distort history and demean hatred toward forgiveness and healing to Social Dance; LG BT at School; Legal York State Thruway. A block of rooms Native Americans," said Tr uth Wins under the most extreme circumstances. and Policy Protections for LGBTQs; has been reserved at the speci al Confer­ Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. Filmmaker Olivier Meyrou captures Estate Planning for GLBTs; Senior ence rate of $89/night (March 17 dead­ aft er "Responsible companies should no longer what happens rhe hate crime. He Issues/Gay and Lesbian Grandparents; line). Overnioht accommodations are nor give The American Family Association begins filming with the Chenu family Parenting Teen s; Emerging Issues for included in the registration fee and must the time of day and their boycott threats 700 days after rheir son Frans:ois' sense­ Gay Dads; Building an LGBTQ-lnclu­ be made directly with the hotel at 585- should be ignored. This organization has sive Family Library; GLBT Issues in less murder and just momhs before the 359-1800 or www.ritinn.com. shown itself tuillr to be part of the adult a Rural Area; Public Parenting: How Registration fees, deadlines and trial of his accused killers. What lessons conversation and it certainly does not rep­ We Navigate Public Space; Support for what's included: can we learn from the Chenus that may resent the majority of families." apply ro the pain and suffering in our Parents, Friends and Family members Online registration is available at The American Family Association was own lives? Discussion to follow. French of LGBTQ people; Support for families www.prideandjoyconference.or or by recently certified as an official hate group with English subtitles. Free and open to with children with special needs. � phone at 607-724-4308. Both tull Con­ by the Sourhern Poverty Law Center. the public. Speakers/presenters are Erik Libey; fe rence and Saturday-only registration This event is a collaboration with Matt Juda, Ed.D.; Darnell L. Pierce, Fischer's latest column provides evidence are being offered. Full conference regis­ that this was a wise decision by SPLC. the award-winning documentary series MA; Han Meyer, PhD; Peg Johnston; tration includes Friday dinner, Saturday "In all the discussions about the Euro­ POV (www.pbs.org/pov). Contact: Kelly Arlene (Ari) Lev, LCSW-R, CASAC; breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, Sunday Clark, [email protected] or 585- Fred Elia; Esther Brill; Jennifer Gravitz; pean settlement of the New World, one breakfast, all educational materials and fe ature has been conspicuously absenr: 244-8640. Alden Bashaw; KaeLy n Rich; Carol K. on-site programs for adults and children, the role that the superstition, savagery and including childcare. Saturday-only regis­ sexual immorality of native Americans tration includes breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, educational materials and on-site played in making them morally disquali­ programs for adults and children, includ­ fied from sovereign control of American ing childcare. soil," Bryan Fischer wrote on the website, Early bird registration by March 8 "Rightly Concerned" a project of The (also the deadline for registration of chil­ American Family Association. dren of aU ages): Adult full conference: "This nauseating rhetoric is usually $75; Child (8-12 years old) full confer­ reserved for LGBT people, but apparent­ ence $55; Child (six months-seven years ly the American Fan1ily Association has old) full conference: $45; Adult Saturday­ more than one group it likes to dehuman­ only: $45; Child (8-12 years) Satmday­ ize," said Truth Wins Out's Wayne Besen. only: $35; Child (six months-seven years "The true character of the AFA has been old) Saturday-only: $30. revealed and no corporation or politician .For registration after March 8: Adult can retend that this group has even a full conference: $90; Adult Saturday­ sharJ of credibility. The only reasonable only: $60. Deadline to register children: response to AFA threats is to not return March 8. Deadline for all Conference their calls and pretend they don't exist." registration: March 25. Scholarships are The AFA is a Tupelo, Mississippi­ available. For free local housing options, based organization known for launching visit www.couchsurfing.org. failed boycotts against companies such Previous Upstate LGBTQ Families as The Walt Disney Company, Home Conferences by Lesbian and Gay Fam­ Depot, Wal Ma.rt, Ford Motor Company ily Building Project were held in Ithaca, and McDonald's. The group once accused March 2001, Binghamton, November Mighry Mouse of snorting cocaine. 2005, and Utica April 2009. Native American organizations Reactions from the Utica confer­ declined to dignify the statements with ence: a comment. "I really enjoyed myself, and learned an awful lot." Killer of trans woman "Thanks for the opportunity to con­ nect with other gay families!" gets 111 years "Great Job with the conference. It was Justice has been doled our to the mur­ wonderful -- both the information pro­ derer of transwoman Ashley Santiago, vided and the buliding/solidifying of the whose brutally stabbed body was fow1d in community for both parents and kids." her Puerto Rico home last April. "I commend rhe organizers for all of Michael Lavers reports at Edge News: the wonderful activities for kids and espe­ "A Puerto Rican man who confessed cially for providing lifeguards for extend­ to murdering a transgender woman in her ed hours by the pool." Corozal home received a 111-year prison '

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S1JNJ)AY MUNDAY ou MATTERS There are lots of ways to take care of yourse• '. You don't have to do everyth.ng. Just do something.

Te • us what you are do·ng to show that your hea th matters. Jo n the conversat"on on Facebook at "• Y LGBT Hea th Month." 6 LCIBT 7 Health Mol

Yo u can also get involved locally by attending one of the many events listed here being planned in the Rochester area for Health Month !I

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20 21 lntergeneratlonal Panel 4pm 1_. Universalist Church (150 S. Clinton Ave.)

Formore Info on any ofthe events listed,ca ll Erik Ubeyat (585) 210-4192 or visit us online at

www.everybodiJood.com/HealthMonth201 1 Squlrl (281 Clarissa All events are free unlessotherwise noted. Many include refreshments. RSVP REQUIR

arebrought youby the following partnering organizations: LGBTHealth Monthevents to marriage eq uality new york AIDS CARE 1l1c Cemcr for Positive Living '@' UPJm� �� A Planned MOCHA t flll t ., .. ... , ,... Gaxr�!!�. of the Rochester/SyracuseParenthood' Region Inc. CENTER VICTORY n.f� llllfl AlLIANCE MARCH 2011 • NUMBER 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 11

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Our History Is Our in the 1920s some women assumed these heterosexual tried sleeping with women, Strength personae. though many kept their heterosexual I the 1950s and 1960s, however, identity. Bisexual organizipg also began. By Evelyn Bailey the roles were pervasive and not lim­ However, with the advent of second From the very beginning of time, ited to North America: from 1940 to wave fe minism, lesbian as a political iden­ women have been viewed as the "weak­ 1970, butch/femme bar culture flour­ tity grew to describe a social philosophy er" sex. However, when you look at the ished in Britain, though there were fewer among women, often overshadowino sex­ women who wrote our history with their class distinctions. They further identified ual desire as a defining trait. A ml litant lives, they can hardly be identified as members of a group that had been mar­ femitlist oroanization named Radicales­ "weak"! ginalized; women who had been rejected bians published a manifesto in 1970 enti­ The women involved in the gay history by most of society bad an inside view of tled "The Woman-Identified Woman" of Rochester in the 1970s came out of a an exclusive group of people that took a that declared, "A lesbian is the rage of all closeted fr ightened homosexual culture. high amount of knowledge to function women. condensed to the point of explo- Community meeting places consisted of in. Burch and femme were considered SIOn". bars that were commonly raided by police coarse by American lesbians of higher Militant fe minists expressed their dis­ once a month on average, with those social standing during this period. Here dain with an inherently sexist and patri­ arrested exposed in newspapers. in Rochester, the Riverview Bar on South archal society, and concluded the most In response, eight women in San Fran­ Ave. by the inner loop was the hub of the effective way to overcome sexism and cisco mer in their living rooms in 1955 to lesbian bar culture in the '70s and into attain the equality of women would be socialize and have a place to dance. When the '80s. Many wealthier women mar­ to deny men any power or pleasure from they decided to make it a regular meeting, ried to satisfy their fam ilial obligations, women. For women who subscribed to they became the first organization for les­ and others escaped to Europe ro live as this philosophy - dubbing themselves bians in the U.S., tided the Daughters of expatriates. lesbian-feminists - lesbian was a term Bilitis (DOB). The DOB beoan publish­ TO STAND ON The social rigidity of the 1950s and chosen by women to describe any woman ing a magazine titled The Ldder in 1956; early 1960s encountered a backlash as who dedicated her approach to social inside the fronr cover of every issue was and societ y at lar&e, lesbian subculture social movements to improve the standing interaction and political motivation to the their mission statement, the fust of which developed extremely rigid gender roles of African Americans, the poor, women, welfare of women. Sexual desire was not stated was "Education of the varianr". between women, particularly among the and gays all became prominent. Of the the defining characteristic of a lesbian­ It was intended to provide women working class in the U.S. and Cana­ latter two, the gay rights movement and fem inist, but rather her focus on politics. with knowledge about homosexuality - da. Although many municipalities had the fe minist movement connected after Independence fr om men as oppressors specifically relating to women and famous enacted laws against cross-dressing, some a violent confrontation occurred in New was a central tenet of lesbian-feminism, lesbians in history. However, by 1956 the women would socialize in bars as butches, York City in the 1969 Stonewall riots. and many believers strove to separate term "lesbian" had such a negative mean­ dressed in men's clothing and mirror­ What followed was a movement char­ themselves physically and economically ing that the DOB refused to use it as ing traditional masculine behavior. Oth­ acterized by a surge of gay activism and from traditional male-centered culture. In a descriptor, choosing "variant" instead. ers wore traditionally fem inine clothing ferniJlist consciousness that fu rther trans­ the ideal society, named Lesbian Nation, The DOB spread to Chicago, New York, and assumed a more diminutive role as formed the defrnition of lesbian. "woman" and "lesbian" were interchange­ and Los Angeles, and The Ladderwas fe mmes. The sexual revolution in the 1970s able. mailed to hundreds - evemually thou­ Butch and fe mme modes of social­ introduced the differentiation berween Onto this stage step the women of the sands - of DOB members discussing ization were so integral within lesbian idenrity and sexual behavior for women. Gay Liberation Front at the University of the nature of homosexuality, sometimes bars that women who refused to choose Many women rook advantage of their Rochester. In 1970, the political fem inist challenging the idea that it was a sickness, between the two were ignored, or at least new social fr eedom to try new experienc­ climate was challenging. The women of with readers offer ing their own reasons were unable to dare anyone, a11d butch es. Women who previously identified as (S houlders continue ou page 14) why they were lesbians, and suggesting women becoming romantically involved ways to cope with the condition or soci­ with other butch women or femmes with ety's response to it. other fem mes was unacceptable. Butch As a reflection of categories of sexual­ women were nor a novelty in the 1950s; SUMMER 2011 iry so sharply defined by the government even in Harlem and Greenwich Village

Exciting plans are underway for Pride Picnic Let your "pride talent" show at the Pride Picnic 2011 Talent Show. It's not too early to start planning! Information and registration for ms can be fo und online at Rochester Pride 2011, Gay Alliance, Equai=Grow1ds and Outlandish websites. There is a istration the state Capitol in Albany ro demand re_g fee of $10, which is not refundable. After your paper History Corner tee changes in scare laws. Tllis will be our work is in, and paid, there will be an audition from which approximately 15 acts will be chosen to perform. March 1971 Rochester Gay Libera­ response ro rhe introduction of a homo­ We are also highlighting a Dance Contest. Your fa vorite DJs will identifythe tion Front Schedule sexual law reform bill by Franz Leichrner. winners for each spin. Of course rhe Bounce House, Dog Show and Picnic Site March 6 - Homosexuality in segre­ Demands will be the repeal of the con­ sensual sodomy, solicitation, loitering and Contest are on the venue. gated institutions: A study of one or more The Rochester Pride Picnic 2011 will be THE PLACE TO BE on Sunday of the fo llowing: prisons, reformatories, impersonation laws and enactmenr of a July 17. Don't miss it! mental institutions, private schools, reli­ Fair Employment Act and Fair Housing gious orders. law for gays. March 20 - COMING OUT: personal March 13 -7:30 p.m. rally; 10:30 p.m. testimony and discussion on the problem dance with rock band and go-go dancers. of living openly and fi nding a place in Sunday March 14: 12:30 p.m. Prayer the world - lead by 50 area ministers; 2 p.m. one March 1971 - Speakers Bureau mile march ending with a rally on the Geri Stanton March 3-Rochester Institute ofTech­ Capitol steps. Counseling Services nology. Contemporary Social Problems: March 8 - Boxer Joe Frazier defeats YS Li censed Menr:U He:'llth Counselor Don D., Sue Minor, R.J. Alcala Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Gar­ Sign Language Skilled March 11 - Brockpon Stare College. den. Seminar on Human Va lues: Karen Hag­ March 1 - A bomb explodes in the berg, Dick Meisenzahl, R.J. Alcala, Mar­ men's room at the United States Capi­ shall G. tol. Weather Underground Organization March 19 - Geneseo State College. claims responsibility. Individual • Couple • Group Morning: Psychology of Motivation. March 28-The Ed Sullivan Show airs Afternoon: The American Family: Mar­ its final episode. shall G., Karen Hagberg, Sue Minor, R.J. March 29 - A Los Angeles, Califor­ Alcala. nia jury recommends the death penalty March 31- Monroe Community Col­ for Charles Manson and three fe male fol­ lege. Social Problems. Morning: The Male lowers. HomosexuaL Afternoon: The Female March 5 - The Pakistani army occu­ Homosexual: R.J. Alcala, Mike Jones, Par pies East Pakistan Fvans, Sue Minor. March 7 - The British postal work­ March 1971 NYS, USA, The Wo rld ers' strike, led by U PW General Secretary March 13114 - State March of the Gay Tom Jackson, ends after 47 days. Unveiling: On March 13 and 14th gay March 12 - Hafez al-Assad becomes people in New York State will march on president of Syria. • 14 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

{S houlders continuedfr om page 13) the woman through the power, accom­ meeting at the "Women's Center" on NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL rhe Gay Liberation Front were tenacious plishments and ego of men. Through Rape. This meeting was rhe beginning of and courageous. Patti Evans, Karen Hag­ conscious-raising groups, women shifted the fou11ding of the Rape Crisis Cenrer. {Newsfronts contitzuedfr om page 8) berg, Sue Minor, Debbie Lestz and many from self-hare that the male defined cul­ In November 1973 GROW opened an others to follow were the voices of gay ture had taught them to self acceptance. office at the Genesee Coop, 713 Momoe N.C. gay couple suffers men and women on the U of R Campus, Another form of oppression that con­ Ave., second floor. The story is told that the Eastman School of Music, and the sciousness-raising groups fo cused on was when the women moved to the Coop, the harassment, arson greater Rochester community. sexual oppression. Women's Liberation room they were in was heated. The Gay The Clayton, North Carolina home "Gay Liberation is more than a group rejected rigid sex roles that were part of Alliance, mostly a men's organization at of a gay couple was destroye d by arson on of oppressed people joined together to the dehumanization process acting upon the time, had their offices ar 812 Brown Feb. 4 after the pair had suffered more seek freedom and justice. Gay Libera­ women. Sex roles subordinate women St., in the back of a broken down garage than a year of ami-gay harassment. tion is a call to power." These are the ftrst to men and forbid women the primacy that was unheated. The two groups, The couple, who did not want to two sentences of Debbie Lestz's article of asserting their own needs. It was the GROW and the Gay Alliance, deter­ be identified out of fear for their safety, "A Manifesto", in the first edition of The primacy of women relating to women, mined that it would be of mutual benefit Empty Closet. is staying in a morel after fire ripped They reflect the sense of of women creating a new consciousness to borh �roups to combine their resources through the house on New Castle Court, of and with each other, which was at the empowerment that gay liberation and the and work together. In April l974, the Gay off Guy Road, around. I :30 a.m. Feb. 4. fe minist movement gave women in the heart of Women's Liberation and the basis Alliance moves to rhe Genesee Coop. As They were out of town when the fire early '70s. for the Cultural Revolution. they say, the rest is history! was set. A neighbor reported it. The fire is Sue Minor, in the 1971 February­ Patti Evans and Karen Hagberg were Shoulders To Stand On is proud The EmptyCloset, being investigated as an arson, said John­ March issue of reponed two of the shoulders rhe GLF Speakers of the many women, gay and straight, ston County Sheriff Steve BineU, but he on the Women's Liberation Movement Bureau stood on. Both Patti and Karen whose achievements, contributions, and The said it does not appear to be related to a in Rochester. Sue stated char Rochester's said in rhe 1971 April-May issue of srrength have furthered rhe cause of Empty Closet string of suspicious ftres in the area. Women's Liberation has about 60 women that everyone attending equal rights and justice for women. A neighbor, who asked to remain who range in occupations from secreraries their engagements fe lt good about finally anonymous for fear of backlash against ro students to full-time mothers and from being able to discuss openly a previous­ Archival Consultant her, said there have been at least three ages 18 to 37. ly taboo subject with people who were Alice Carver-Kubik separate incidents of anti-gay harassment Rochester women's liberation consist­ willing ro be honest about themselves at the home. A note with aerogatory lan­ ed of six small groups which met one with others. The previously misinformed presents at Ottawa guage was left in the mailbox, an anti­ night a week at the homes of the women. curiosity of the audience made itself photographic meeting gay slur was written on the house with a fe lt by rhe barrage of questions direct­ These groups gathered in a citywide meet­ marker, and the tires of a car arked in ed ro rhe members of rhe G LF. They By Evelyn Bailey p ing once each month to exchange ideas the garage were slashed, the neighbor said. and ro build closer ties amongst all the came to feel that they were answering a GAGV Archival Consultant Alice One neighbor spoke to local news, women. The connecting thread in these need that had, until then, gone largely Carver-Kubik, with her colleague Ralph saying, "I fe lt sick to my stomach. I felt groups was chat in rhis male defined cul­ ignored. The basic format ofeach speak­ Weigandt, presented their work and so sorry for the two gentlemen. They lost ture it was necessary for women to share ing engagement was to read a short brief research on Daguerreotype Research everything. We do believe that this is a their views and feelings in order to devel­ prepared statement, which was then fol­ Portal, a web-based conservation doc­ hate crime." op respect for each ocher and break the lowed by a brief informal talk on the gay umentation tool (research.mfa.org/mel­ -JoeMyGod.com bonds of male dominance. liberation and the organization in Roch­ lon), at the Ottawa conference of the To accomplish this goal, rhe small ester. After this there would be time for Photographic Materials Group (PMG). Transgender report finds questions and discussion. groups worked on consciousness-raising. Ralph Wiegandt, Senior Project Con­ "Injustice at Every Turn" Unlike male-dominated meetings, each In Februaq 1972, Parri Evans invited servator and Alice Carver-Kubik, Conser­ woman in Women's Liberation partici­ gay women to form the first gay con­ vation Project Research Associate, George The National Gay and Lesbian pated in rhe free-flowing discussion and sciousness raising group for women in Eastman House International Museum of Task Force and the National Cenrer for in the decision-making processes. the City. In February 1973, Grow, Gay Photography and Film, did a presentation Transgender Equality (NCTE) on Feb. Societally-ingrained competitiveness Revolution of Women, as the wom­ on Advancements in Image-based Condi­ 4 released a comprehensive new report, and distrust for one another were dealt en's group came co be called, celebrated tion Reporting for Daguerreotypes: Opti­ "Injustice at Every Tu rn," revealing the with in these non-directed groups. Since its first Anniversary. GROW held their mizing Microscopy to Accompany High depth of discrimination against transgen­ men were not present, the women looked meetings at the "Women's Center" at 185 Resolution Images, and Sharing them in der and gender non- conforming people to each ocher for approval and support; East Ave. the Daguerreotype Research Portal at the in a wide range of areas, including educa­ In May of 1973, GROW called a in contrast to our society which views Photographic Materials Group (PMG), a tion, health care, employment, and hous­ sp ecialty group of the American Institute ing. (See page B 12) for Conservation of Historic and Artis­ The study, based on rhe results &om tic Works (AIC) biannual conference in the National Transgender Discrimination Ottawa, Canada. Survey (NTDS), was based on responses The AIC is the only national mem­ from over 6,450 participants. The NTDS bership organization in the United Stares is the first large-scale national study of dedicated to the preservation of cultural discrimination against transgender and material. The AIC is the nadonal mem­ gender non-conforming Americans, and UTiandish bership organization of conservation pro­ paints a more complete picture than any fessionals. From humble beginnings and prior research to date. Videos, Gifts &Lea.tber a handful of members in 1972, AIC has Among the key findings from "Injus­ grown to over 3,500 conservators, educa­ tice at Ever y Turn": tors, scientists, studenrs, archivists, art Whereif's IN +o beOlff Respondents were nearly four rimes historians, and other conservation enthu­ more likely to live in extreme pover­ siasts in over 20 cotumies arotmd the ty, with household income of less than Wes+ern NewYork's Prel'liere G�ff &lesbi�n V.deo & GiA-��re world, all of whom have the same goal: $10,000. to preserve the material evidence of our Respondents were twice as likely to past so we can learn from it roday and be unemployed compared to the popula­ appreciate it in the future. tion as a whole. Half of those surveyed The American Institute for Conser­ reported experiencing harassment or other vation of Historic and Artistic Works mistreatment in the workplace, and one plays a crucial role in establishing and in four were fi red because of their gender upholding professional standards, pro­ identity or expression. moting research and publications, pro­ While discrimination was pervasive viding educational opportunities, and for the entire sample, it was particularly fostering the exchange of knowledge pronounced for people of color. African­ among conservators, allied professionals, American transgender respondents fared ey and the public. far worse than all others in many areas The Phorographic Materials Group studied. (PMG) of the American Institute for Housing discrimination was also com­ Conservation consists of about 300 mon; 19 percent reported being refused a members who are interested in photo­ graphic preservation, conservation treat• home or apartment and 11 percent report­ �eletfPreviously Viewed DVDs ed being evicted because of their gender menr, history and technology. The various backgrounds and inter­ identity or expression. One in :fiverespon­ ests of PMG members mirror the diver­ dents experienced homelessness because of sity of materials found in phorographic their gender identity or expression. media: paper, metals, plastic film, glass An astonishing 41 percent of respon­ ' dents reported attempting suicide, com­ and composite objects, including album and book structures. pared to only 1.6 percent of the general The Gay Alliance recognizes Alice population. I for her expertise in the area of Photo­ Discrimination in health care and graphic Conservation and her passion, poor health outcomes were frequently commitment and dedication in meet­ experienced by respondents. Nineteen Outllndllh VIdeos, Glfta & Lelther ing the challenges that conservation and percent reported being refused care due 274 NorthGoodman Street (In theVIllage Gala) to bias against transgender or gender-non­ Houra: Monday- 5atuntay 11 AMuntll 9 PM & Sundays Noon untll 5 � preservation present in the 21st century. Afllr-Houra VldtoiDVD DropBox It Available! The Gay Alliance and Shoulders To conforming people, with this figure even Phone: 585.780.8383 • www.outlandllh1.eorn • outlandllh@frontlemelnet Stand On are proud to have an expert of higher for respondents of color. Respon­ such international renown for its Archi­ dents also had over four times the national val Consultant for the 2010-2011 DHP average of HIV infection. Documentation Phase lJ Grant. • Ha(NeWWo\\Jsl�»1 ztm��e "!� MARCH 2011 • NUMBER 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 15

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(N ewsfronts continuedfrom page 14) sion would not be likely until some time it is in effect. We look forward to assist· able to marry at a time and place of their reported by 22 percent of respondents and in 2012, or December 2011 (California ing the California Supreme Court reach choosing, equally loving LGBT families nearly half were uncomfortable seeking law gives appellate courts three months to an answer to the question before them must endure months and years of legal police assistance. decide a case after oral ar�uments). That so that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals uncertainty. Despite the hardships they often face, would mean the case would not get back can affirm the district court's ruling and "They have waited long enough. transgender and gender non-conforming to the Ninth Circuit until some time after end the state-sanctioned discrimination That is why we are asking the California persons persevere. Over 78 percent report­ that, probably in 2012. When they would of Prop 8. Supreme Court to move expeditiously to ed feeling more comfortable at work and issue an opinion on standing and/or an "The American Foundation for Equal resolve the standing question once and for their performance improving after transi­ opinion of the actual case (whether Prop· Rights (AFER) is committed to achieving all. And we are confident that no matter tioning, despite the same levels of harass­ osition 8 violates the US Constitution) is the freedom to marry for all Americans. what their decision, Judge Walker's ruling ment in the workplace. anyone's guess. We look forward to taking this case to will ultimately be upheld and the days of Said Rea Carey, Executive Director of In any case any decision is likely to the U.S. Supreme Court, which 14 times second class citizenship for thousands of the Task Force, "By shedding light on the be appealed to the US Supreme Court, before has de clared that marriage is a fun­ California families will be relegated to the discrimination that rransgender Ameri­ which would not likely hear the case until damental right for every American." dustbin of history." cans face, this study poses a challenge late 2012 or 2013. "One thing is clear: NCLR response: to us all. No one should be out of a job, Marriage equality (or denial of marriage "For same-sex couples waiting to Massachusetts governor livino in poverty, or faced with sub-par equality) in California via the courts is a marry, and for all LG BT Californians health care simply because of their gender long, long way off."(Jpmassar on Feb 16, waiting to be treated as equal citizens, extends transgender identity or expression. The scope of the on pamshouseblend.com) the knowledge that they must endure fur­ non-discrimination problem is clear, and now we must come Lambda Legal response ther delay is incredibly painful and frus­ together to solve it." "Because the federal appeals judg­ trating. Prop 8 should never have been protections Said Mara Keisling, Executive Direc­ es said they need clarification, we look permitted on the ballot. The rights of a Massachusetts GovernorDeval Patrick tor of NCTE: "Reading these results is forward to a decision by the California minority should never be put to a popular on Feb. 17 issued two executive orders, heartbreaking on a personal level - each 8 Supreme Court confirming that initiative vote. Prop was a toxic, anti-democratic numbers and which extend measure that continues to wreak havoc in 526 527, of these facts and figures represents pain proponents lack legal standing to continue nondiscrimination protections to state and hardship endured by real people, the Perry case. They are not law enforcers, the lives of real people and families. The employees on the basis of gender identity every single day. This survey is a call to and have the same limited rights as every­ court should move as quickly as possible and expression, and apply to all state agen­ the conscience of every American who one else to litigate only when their own to resolve this issue. cies and programs, as well as businesses believes that everyone has the right to a rights are at stake, not merely to assert "It is clear that California law does their opinions about others' rights. not give initiative proponents the power that contract with the state. fair chance to work hard, to have a roof The National Gay and Lesbian Task overhead, and to support a family. Equal­ "Initiative proponents also cannot ste to override elected state officials who into the shoes of the attorney genera F., have decided not to appeal a federal court Force was pleased to provide technical ity, not discrimination, is the ideal that assistance to Massachusetts Equality Americans believe in, have fought for, and the governor or other state officials. The decision holding that a challenged state and Massachusetts Transgender Politi­ need to apply here." reason for this is basic: the governor and law is unconstitutional. The California attorney general are elected by the people Supreme Court should rule according· cal Coalition in their effort to secure this order. California Supreme to represent all the people, not just one ly, and the Ninth Circuit should affirm point of view on one issue, out of count­ Judge Walker's ruling. Prop 8 is blatantly Said Rea Carey, executive director of Court accepts Prop 8 less, competino concerns. Most impor­ unconstitutional, and it is past time for it the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, question, delays ruling tantly, state officials swear an oath to to be gone." "We commend Governor Deval Patrick uphold the federal and state constitutions, Courage Ca mpaign response: for today's historic achievement in ensur· The California Supreme Court has including their abiding promises of equal "Today's California Supreme Court ing that all state employees, regardless of decided to accept the Ninth Circuit Court protection and due process for everyone. ruling does not change the fact that gender identity and expression, are equally of Appeals request to decide whether the Initiative proponents take no such oath, a federal court has ruled Proposition protected from discrimination under the Defendant-Intervenor's in Perry v Schwar· and have no such duties." 8 unconstitutional, but it does mean law. We applaud the Commonwealth's zenegger (the Proposition 8 case) have AFER response: that thousands of loving LGBT families continued commitment to equal opportu· standing under California law to act as "More than six months ago, the fed­ remain in legal limbo -- unable to exer­ nity and inclusion in its state workplaces, defendants in the case. eral district court declared unequivocally cise their constitutional right to access as well as services, programs and con­ As the notice says, oral arguments are that Prop 8 is unconstitutional and that the security and recognition that only tracts. This is a tremendous step forward. expected to be heard sometime in Sep­ it causes grave harm to gay and lesbian come with marriage. It is unfortunate We would like to thank everyone involved tember of 20ll. That would mean a deci- couples and their families each day that that while many California families are in today's developments, including Massa· Pleasant Street Apothecary has just Randy G. 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Michael Hardy and Virginia Clark at Out & Equal's Second Thursday social networking event on Feb. 10. The group met at the new HQ of Constellation Brands. Next up: Ta pas 177 on March 10.

OUT & EQUAL visits Constellation Brands in Victor. Above: Julie Deutsch

Kevin wins the 50/50 raffle. Photos: Jim Wilkins

M.E.N./

�"I DO" � support marriage equality

ALBANY SCENEMAKERS: Over 350 marriage equality activists made over 60 visits to lawmak­ Activist and long time ally Jamie Whitbeck makes another ers at the state capital on Feb. 8. (See article, page A 1.) Photo: Ove Overmyer trip to Albany on Feb. 8. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Rochester residents Denise Finnerty and partner Courtney Bette prep for a legislative visitation session with Senator Joe SUNY Brockport students at MENY Lobby Day: left to right: Carolanne Maimone, Ashley Robach at MENY Lobby Day Feb. 8. Photo: Ove Overmyer Zayas, EROC's Todd Plank, Stephanie Quackenbush and Nicole Elliott. Photo: Ove Overmyer MARCH 2011 • NUMBER 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 19

My Own Private can women who meet to Rochester: Mary socialize at various ven­ ues. We do a Mardi Gras Ann Sanford bar crawl every year, end­ By Susa11 Jordan ing up at Beale St. on South Ave." Everyone has their own pri· Another favorite place vate Rochester. This month, is the Gatehouse restau­ Mary Ann Sanford rakes us on a rant in Village Gate, for tour of her favorite places, people their creme brulee mar· and things. tinis. "My favorite fun thing in Under favorite things, winter is shoppin� for vintage Mary Ann lists the Roch­ clothes," the stylish and sophis· ester Jazz Festival and the ricated Mary Ann says. "I love Clarissa Street/Pythodd Utter Clutter on Park at Meigs. reunion -"Anything to The owner is so nice - once do with jazz!" A native of she even loaned me a big har Los Angeles, who lived that had belonged to her mother for many years in NYC, A creme brulee martini at Gate house and let me take it out of state! I Mary Ann wishes she also love Far Out Vintage and had been in Rochester Ricky's Place in Village Gate. place without Mary Ann and for the old days on Clarissa Sr. ''Art galleries are another Judith. Her other favorite clung is favorite of mine. I love Bao­ Her church plays a central dancing and she is excited about bab and there's a small black­ role in her life. "I am a deacon at starting her own dance group. owned gallery downtown in the Utliry Fellowship Church. Any· "I love to dance," she says, "and Fitzhugh Building, where the thing associated with my church I used to be a dancer. 1 taught owner gives art lessons." is very important to me," she ballet at Brockport. Now I'm Mary Ann's favorite person is says. UFC will welcome its new starting a Praise Dance group. Vintage shopping at Village Gate. Photos: Susan Jordan of course her partner Judith. She pastor, Reverend Alicia Heath­ Praise dancing is dance during is a Marriage Equality activist Toby, this month, and more big religious services. It's a ministry, but I ulled our my old ballet the Auditorium Center." 'p and interested in politics. ''I'm news may be in rhe offing. part lyric dancing, pantomime, shoes.' She is looking for a large Stay tuned for next month's active in Pride at Work," she "I also enjoy spending time jazz, ballet - aU mixed together. dance studio for the new group, "My Own Private Rochester" - says ·· and few rights rallies rake with a group of African Ameri· I'm rusty on my choreography, "Right now we're rehearsing in who will be next to tell all?

ESPA 2010 STAR AWARDS: On Jan. 27, the Empire State Pride Agenda presented the Rochester STAR Awards to three area residents. The 2010 awards are given to ESPA volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty in the fight for equality and justice. The event was held at the Alfonso David, Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights, speaks to Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. The 2010 Award recipients are activists Jim Bergeron and LGBT lobbyists on Feb. 8. Anne Tischer. Jarrett Felton was named the 2010 recipient of the Rising STAR Award. Above, left to right: Alden M. Bashaw, ESPA Western New York Organizer, Jim Bergeron, Jarrett Felton, Anne Tischer, and Pam Barres, ESPA Foundation Board of Directors. Photo: Ove Overmyer

Albany photos this page by Jim Wilkins.

Joe and Haby Reilly, Jeff Friedman of MENY, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

Gary Hulbert, Brad Whitware and Alyssa Coats. David Carlucci and Jeff Friedman. MENY's Ron Zacchi. Sen. Tom Duane. 20 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

xerox rJ\

--­ RO CHESTER lnlernatlonal Section B

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMUNITY

Va gina Monologues gives voice to women March 26 By Lattr McSpaddm Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region pres­ ents V-Day Rochester 2011, which includes a series of events :;: designed co educate the com­ � muniry about and bring an end ::1 to violence a ainst women and � � girls. Proceeds fr om all V-Day � events will benefit Rape Crisis � Service in Monroe County and 0g the 2011 V-Day Global Spot- � light, rhe wotnen and girls of UR Pride Network Haiti. The main V-Day event is presents trans a benefit performance of play­ comic lan Harvie wrioln and V-Day fo under Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues. The University of Rochester This performance will rake place Pride Network, a student orga­ on Saturday, March 26 at 7 nization that supports LGBT p.m. at the Hochstein School of studems on campus, presents Music, 50 N. Plymouth St. transgendered stand-up come­ This performance will be dian Ian Harvie. ASL i merpreted . Andrea Leahey-Carella performs "Tell Me More, Purple," a story featured in this year's "Lambda 8 The Va gina Monologues The performance is p.m. is Project: The End" at the Rainbow Theatre Festival, opening March 18. on Friday, March 25, in Hub­ so much more than a dramatic bell Auditorium, located in production: it is non-fictional Hutchison Hall on the Univer­ artistry that gives voice to the Rainbow Theatre Festival returns with four plays sity's Rjver Campus. experiences of women around By Susan Jordart is As one of the fi rst open­ rhe world. Eve Ensler inter­ ''The Paris Lerrer'' an absorb­ Rochester's onl annual ing play abom power and money, ly transgendered comics, Ian viewed thousands of women r Harvie has been dubbed "quite about their life experiences LGBT theatre fe stiva is coming and the ruinous effects they can back this month, presented by have on friendship, love, marria e, possibly the most unique before compi.ling the mono­ g stand-up comic in the country" logues. The hope that motivates Bread & Water Theatre. and ultimately one's self. In this 2000, by Frontiers Magazine, while Y-Day is that an increase in "Founded in Bread & modern tragedy set in urban New Curve Magazine says he is the awareness and visibility of the Water Theatre is committed to York City, Wall Street powerhouse "comedian Margaret Cho can't pain, stren th and tritunph of making the arts accessible and Sandy Sonenberg finds his per­ g affordable to a broad-based aud i­ sonal and professional life threat­ stop raving about." womankind throughout history According to his website, (combined with continual fund­ ence and acting as a positive ened by the unraveling secrets of agent of change in the commu­ ills past. After burying his true Harvie's repertoire includes his raising effort) will, ultimately, (H arvie continues page 4) (Vagina continues page 3) nity," the group says. sexual identity, a lethal affa ir with Onder the artistic direction a young male associate forces of J.R. Teeter, BWT "develops Sonenberg to confronr a Lifetime theatre that speaks to our liv­ of llllfequited love and betrayal. ing, evolving and dramatically Performance Dates: April 8, 9, 15, changing world through new JR Teeter 16, at 8 p.m.; 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.) and rare works of drama and Empty Closer: The theme aspires to be a major force in Empty Closet recently about the for this year's fe stival is Indigo, American theatre, providing upcoming Rainbow Theatre one of the colors of the Rainbow audiences with challenging con­ Festival, whlch again tills year Flag of queer liberation. What temporary drama and innovative will bring plays about LGBT does Indigo sign ify and how do commw1ity outreach programs." lives to the stage. The fe stival the plays reflect that? J.R. Teeter spoke with The will rake place at 243 Roseda.le ] R Teeter: It signifies serenity Sr. (at Momoe Ave.). and harmony. We'd have a pre� (Rainbow continues page 3) The fe stival's eigh�year-long "Lambda Project" fi tlishes with Teeter's "Lambda Project: The End," fe aturing the real-life sto­ ries of people on the topic of Fun awaits at Marcy Savastano, right, with Stephanie Roosa. LGBT identity and the Rainbow Monte Carlo Night Pride Flag. Perfor mance dates: A conversation with Marcy March 18-20, with March 18 Has the long, and 19 as benefits for the GAGV. dreary winter left Savastano of "StopKiss" "The Quintessential Image" you pitting fo r excite­ by Jane Chambers is a ground­ ment? Pine away no By Susan Jordan with a heartbreaking and poi­ breaking portrayal of an inter­ longer. March 27 is Marcy Savastano stars with gnant situation that doesn't pull view between talk show host rhe second annual "Monte Carlo Stephanie Roosa in Out of Pock­ punches in its realism. It's hard Margaret Foy and Lacey Lani­ Nighr" - a chance to play big et Productions' "StopKiss," at at rimes and moving at times er, Nobel Laureate and six-time spender at a fabulous casino and Geva's Nextstage, March 11-19. and comical ar rimes, bur it is winner of the Pulir-ter Prize for al so donate to Rochester Pride The play, about the tmexpected above all genuine. Back by popular photography. [n a gossipy inter­ and the Cultural Festival. view, private truths are revealed The casino runs fr om 4-7 bond between two women, is EC: What are the most demand: An directed by Mario Savastano. rewarding - and most challeng­ and set against public images. p.m. at 140 Alex Bar & Grill, Proceeds will benefit Pride 2011. ing - aspects of working on rhis Evening with Mrs. Chambers was a groundbreak­ 140 Alexander St. A donation of Empty Closer: Why did you production? Kasha Davis ing playwright who became $10 oe ts you 20,000 "dollars" to select "SropKjss"? What do you MS: Working on the char­ known for her honest portrayal play black jack, craps and roulette feel is important about the play? acter of Callie has been diffi­ Method Machine presents of lesbian relationships. and win great prizes. Dealers will Marcy Savastano: Stephanie cult for me because 1 generally Ed Popil 's "An Everling wirh In "The Postcard," two Jew­ facilitate the gaming. Also on tap: and 1 have been interested in approach everything from a dif­ Mrs. Kasha Davis," starring the ish women gain insight into music and a cash bar. producing this play for a while ferent perspective than she does; Queen of Suburbia and Imerna­ their personal struggles when "The evenr gives one a rasre because we wanted to work Callie tends to avoid and deny, tional Celebrity Housewife. they buy a postcard showing two of being at a casino without leav­ wgether on something we felt allowing life and people w push Kasha will deliver lessons on chlldren in rhe Warsaw ghetto. ing the city," said Carrie Vernon, strongly about - a piece that her in any given direction. So life, love and looking fabulous A mysterious journey Lmfolds, GAGV treasurer. spoke to us and had a message it's been challenging to solve the ar MuCCC, 142 Atlantic Ave., bringing the children and lovers Anne Fantigrossi enjoyed last we could get behind. Diana puzzle of her mind, what drives March 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. together and connecting the past year's event and is looking for­ Son (the playwright) sets the her, what makes her decide to Tickers are $10 at the door, and present. These two produc­ ward to this year's even more. "I 585- piece "Now" and I think it's rake certain paths and avoid or in advance by calling tions will be parr of a double fea­ really love &etti ng out and sup­ important to keep that imme­ or hers. 244-0640. ture performance. Performance porting Pride," she said. diacy in mind. The most rewardj ng aspect Writer/performer Ed Po pi I Dates: March 25, 26, and April For more information, visit It's a contemporary story (S topKiss continues page 3) (Kasha conti1zues page 3) 1, 2 at 8 p.m.; April 3 at 2 p.m. www.GayAllia.nce.org. • 2 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

issues. We have to take one step back from with a queer man in his 50s, and he was whatever we see the initial issue to be and fee ling disheartened because he fe lt that see where it connects." young people were not involved enough in "We are inspired by the people we meet progressive movements. He asked, 'When when we're touring," Pat said. "That's will the revolution come?' And I said, 'It's really the motivation for so much of our already happening.' writing: we're moved. by some incredible "It wasn t just on January 25 that the story someone tells us. Then, duough revolution starred in E�ypt, and it didn't these stories, we learn more about our· just happen on the day that Mubaral< selves - we write fr om the place where stepped down: it has been happening we connect with these people and their for generations," she continued. "People experiences, which in turn helps our audi· have been educating themselves, becom· ences connect to experiences that could ing revolutioni1-ed, and finally there was otherwise remain very distant." the one drop that turned the tide. That "So often, our experience of the world is happening right here, right now. The that is �iven to us through the media tide has turned in some remarkable ways: is that the news is all bad and we're all change is slow, and we don't often see it powerless, that there's nothing we can do umil we're looking back on it." because the issues are too big," Sandy said. "Change is slow and steady," added "The news is written fr om a place where Sandy. "You know, the work of Roches· they give rhe information, but they kill ter Roots is revolutionary. So many of us emma's revolution: Pat Humphries Sandy Photo: Tom Wolff. the story. We take seriously our responsi· don't ever pur our hands into the soil, and & 0. bility to not only convey the information rhe world. is tu ruing into a very concrete bur to help people see themselves in the place. The fa ct char Rochester Roots is March 11 concert to benefit Rochester Roots stories, to see that individual experiences bringing the gardens back to the youth and choices matter and make a difference. and back to places where they haven't By Laur McSpaddm organization that works towards creat· Without that sense of hope, nothing ever been , well, the implications of that are On March 11, Rochester Roots will be ing a locally sustainable fo od system that changes." truly revolutionary. And when you look celebrating their 20th anniversary with a ensures community fo od security through Their name is inspired by Emma back over history, we can see that revo· special benefit concert fe aturing the music the creation of urban school and commu· Goldman's of the talented and inspiring two-woman nity garden based educational programs famous quota· band. emma's revolution. for both youth and adults. cion, "If I can't The concert will be fr om 8 until One of the common themes in the dance, ] don't 10 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church music of emma's revolution is the impor· wam ro be part of Rochester, 220 Winton Road South ranee of expanding the scope of who and of. your revolu· (14610). what we care about. Their songs touch on non." emma's revolution is the duo fo rmed environmemal issues, political situations "I think it's by musicians, activists and parrners in at home and abroad, and social justice really impor· "love, life and justice" Pat Humphries concerns. rant for us to and. Sandy 0. Their music has been fea· "One thing that's become really impor· expand the defi· cured on Pacifica's "Democracy NOW!" rant to me as an activist and as a human nition of revolu· and NPR's '1\ll Things Considered," being is the fact that issues are intercon· tion," Par said. praised by Alice Walker and Pete Seeger, nected," said Sandy in an interview with '1\s Tracy Chap· and perfor med around the world. Their The Empty Closet. "If 1 care about the man said, 'Rev­ songs bring together heartfelt lyrics, intri· environment, then r also care about end· olution sounds care melodies and energizing rhythms, ing war, because of the many ways that Like a whisper.' resulting in music that simultaneously war affects the earth. ff we are thinking While we were inspires, educates and emertains the lis· of immigration rights, then we must also in Ames, Iowa reners. think about LGBT rights. There is a lot of recently for a Rochester Roots is a local non-profit strength in making connections between show, we spoke Photo: Diane Mason ROARING INTO ROCHESTER!

�fSNEf P 1 E sf NTs THE ION lNG BROADWAY' S AWARD- WINNING BEST MUSICAL

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lutions are really the most successful ing and moving moment." as a career because of the Holocaust (he Also, on the first two days of "The through nonviolent means." "I think that some people were surprised is now retired). He's gay himself and he Lambda Project" -March 18 and 19 - all Music and art are definitely important to see, nor only Westerners who cared, but worked with gay service members who proceeds will go to the Gay Alliance. This parts of nonviolenc revolutions. "The arts, who cared enough to get the song trans­ were in the closet. He knew they were gay kicks off our fe stival, and I'd love to have rather than just telling people something, lated, to be there, to really indicate that we and he has joined a gay vets' group. a full house! • can truly compel people in the direction were connected," Sandy added. "There is So this will be one of our stories this of making change," said Par. "They bring so much in life that draws us all together year. Once this year's festival is over, T and indicates how similar we all really are." forrh a whole-body way of being informed will start researching stories for next year. (Vagina frompage 1) and being moved: they enoage us on so Although many of their songs grapple The overall goal is to make the whole with profound issues, it would be inac­ help to bring about an end to male vio­ many levels, not just inte lectually, but process available to theatre groups. They lence against women. i curate to assume that their music is in physically and spiritually. I truly believe it are people's experiences in a certain place Presale rickets for The Vagina Mono­ changes us. Information and lectures that any way saddening. On the contrary, it is and time, and ] want them to be out there lo ues are available at the discounted rare come to s wa s of speech are valu­ uplifting and inspiring. "People who come - even if it's just in a high school gym - g u by y of $20 for the general public and $10 for able, but music and art change is unto the to the show can ex ect a great rime," Sandy people overcoming obstacles, finding our p students and seniors: they can be pur­ said. "We laugh a lot. There's a lot of exu­ who agenrs of change ourselves." they really are. I think it's a very valu­ chased at Aaron's Alley, Parkleigh, berance and joy." Equal emma's revolution tours an impressive able thing. Grounds, all Planned Parenthood loca­ 200 Anyone who is interested in learning days per year in the comforr of their EC: Do you also get stories from tions, or online at www. prsr.or Tickets more about emma's revolution and their p & hybrid car. 'We both really love ir when aroLmd the world? are also available ar the door at the rare of we're on the road," Sandy said. "Being music should visit their website (http:// JRT: Yes. We one person's srory had $25 for the general public and $15 for stu­ www.emmasrevolution.com/) and Reverb­ from Adelaide, Australia. That was in a on the road is moving between two com­ dents and seniors. munities, two communities who want to Nation page (http://www.reverbnation. previous year. "The Lambda Project" is a com/#!/emmasrevolution). The first of the V-Day events, a screen­ see us and share their experiences wirh us. great way to include all the issues. ing of the documentary UntiL the Vio­ Tickers to the show are $20 in advance We're going ro all these differenc places EC: Kelly Clark tells me that her "Fol­ lence Stops, occurred on Feb. 28. If you or $25 at the door, with a reduced student, and getting to share the good news of low M Lead Project" has had to be can­ missed this powerful film, which docu­ youth and low-income ticket price of $15. y what people are doing everywhere." celed because she couldn't find enough ments how The Vagina Monologues grew A premium package, which i11dudes a wine "Touring is a great exercise in commu­ transgender actors to fill the cast. Might into an international grassroots movement and hors d'oeuvres reception with perform­ nity-building," added Pat. "People come it be re-scheduled for next year? called V-Day, you. are strongly encoura ed ers as well as from row table searing, is g to our shows after hearing one of our J RT: That's what we're hoping for next to watch it on your own: it is available songs, or their kids come home singing available through advance purchase only year. She wants to work with transgender for $50 per person. through Nerflix, as well as video retailers. them, or any number of all the differenc people telling their own stories. And we A Advance tickers are available through third V-Day related evem is a drag ways people find us: it's nor a homogenous want to include transgender plays. It's just 10 PayPal at www.rochesterroots.org or www. show to be held on Thursday, March group of people who are aligned around a struggle to find people. 140 emmasrevolution.com. at Alex Bar and Grill. The show will the issues that we sing about. We have the I remember one year I had tO play 9 10 Also: in case seeing them once isn't start at p.m., and will feature local precious opportunity to draw these people six roles because not enough good actors drao queens and kings, as well as the DJ enough, emma's revolution will also be per­ together, to create community for them showed u.p. Initially it was hard to recruit skil s of Bud Budinski. Admission is $10, forming on March 12 at 7 p.m. in Syracuse and for us, and then go to the next com­ both straight and LGBT actors. andl tickers can be purchased ar the door. at a benefit concert for ArtRage Gallery munity and do it again." EC: Can you talk about Bread & The V-Day movement is now in its at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist One of their many deeply inspir­ Water Theatre and how it has grown? 13th year. It has raised over $75 million Society, 3800 E Genesee St. (13214). Tick­ ing and illuminatin experiences centers JRT: We won City Newspaper's Best internationally and educated millions of g are $15 around their be autifu l, gentle song "We ers for this performance in advance of Rochester Award for "Nijinsky's Last $20 people about the issues that surround vio­ are One," which they wrote about the or at the door. Advance tickets are Dance," which was part of the Festival last 505 lence against women and girls, as well as pain caused by the separation between available ar ArtRage Gallery, Hawley year. So that got us a little bit of notice. (13203), 315-218-5711, the efforts that are tal

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(Vagina frompage 3) Garland with his grandmother, fails in his interviewed by Ensler. Each role must marriage to a woman he loves, and discov­ therefore be approached with sensitivity ers his inner Lady with a newfound man. and a willingness ro honor the women Throw in some torch songs and Broadway whose lives are being portrayed. lullabyes and you have an evening full of Something to look forward to in rhis wit, qlamou.r and pathos. year's performance is the monologue he show, which was a hit at Geva's "They Bear the Girl Our of My Boy ... or FestivalT of New Theatre last November, so they tried," which explores the expe­ is directed by David Henderson, with riences of some of the rranswomen who music direction by Tony Valentin. Ed has Ensler has interviewed through rhe years. appeared in two productions of Michael This is an optional monologue that is not Steck's "Lipstick Massacre," at MuCCC included in aU performances, and it is not and Geva Nextstage, and he has collabo­ to be missed. Seriously. Take advantage of rated. with Steck in a series of short vid­ the opportunity to see this piece. eos, "KASHA COOKS." Ed as Kasha ca11 Though all of the monologues are be experienced at 140 Alex Bar & Grill, emotionally charged, it would be a mis­ Edibles Drag Brunch a11d the BIG WIGS take to assume char the play is entirely show at Golden Ponds. heavy and melancholy: although some of If you didn't have a chance to catch the fiie the pieces are heart-wrenching, there is show at Geva last fall, this is your window also a great deal of humor within many of of opportunity! • the monologues. �'Yenj£e "No matter who you are, whether it be male, female, black, white, gay or straight, we can all understand that vio­ Pub) lence MUST stop," said Michelle lnclema, a V-D ay team member. "By buying a ticker to this show, you are contributing 35 Ye ar Ladmark wwards ending the violence. When you come to this show, be prepared to laugh, cry, become empowered and maybe blush the (jay a little. in Community "The VaginaMonologues is 100 percent Happy Ho ur every day of the week! electricity from the opening hilarity ro the dramatic conclusion," she continued. Ha lf-priced well drinks, drafts & "You will not be disappointed!" To become a sponsor, or ro donate to $4 Ca llDrinks 4p m -Rpm rhe V-Day raffle, please send an e-mail [email protected]. • Ma rch Events

{Harvie from page 1) "eccentric views on love, families, ado­ lescence, substance abuse, and gender Ma rch Hh-F ATTUE SDA Y! identification ..." delivered in a way rhar For March, Gallery at 2 fo r 1 Ma rgaritas " ...could pur any audience at ease, while Equai:Grounds features his folksy, ingenuous delivery almost $12 Bucket of Coronas bottles) -- bur not quite -- tempers his zinger Patrizia Lalfer (4 punch lines, making them not just The Gallery @ Equal=Grounds is hilarious but seriously twisted." Ma rch lP -ST. PA TRICKSDAYPARADE Gerring his srarc in comedy clubs pleased to present "CORPORA" (in Latin, meaning bodies), drawings throughout Boston, Harvie has per­ by Open at - Party after the Pa rade!! Patrizia Laffer. The opening reception formed at a variety of comedy festi­ 2pm vals, including NYC Pride in New York will be March 4 and the show will be up $3 Killian s Ir ish Red Bottles City, South Beach Comedy Festival until March 25. Ms. Lalfer was born and raised in $7 Con way Irish Ale Pi tch ers in Miami, and rhe Los Angeles Com­ Italy, which was where she studied art. edy Arts Festival in Los Angeles. Har­ vie also is the host of "The Ian Harvie After her marriage to a man originally N.Y., Ma rch -ST. PA TRICKSDAY Show," a web-based comedy series that from Auburn, they came to the U.S. J?h mixes guest appearances into his stand­ and currently live in Auburn with their $3 Ja meson Irish lVhiskey up routine. toddler, Anna. Tickers, which go on sale Tuesday, Says Gallery director Beth Bloom, $3 Killian s Ir ish Red Bottles March l, are $5 for University tll1der­ "The work is fascinating. It is both sensual and abstract, while not overtly sexual. Ms. $7 Con way Irish Ale Pi tch ers raduares, $7 for graduate students, � Lalfer's tacu Icy and staff, and $10 for mem­ work is fluid and unrestrained. am bers of the community. Tickers can I delighted to have the opportunity to show Ms. Lalfer's work, as this is her be purchased at the Common Market ftrst show since she arrived in the Unit­ in Wilson Commons, Equal Grounds TheBest We ekend Sp ecials in To wn! ed States. I hope you will join us for our (750 South Ave.), OUTlandish (274 3 fo r 2 Thursdays N. Goodman Sr.), and online ar www. opening reception." urrochesterrickets.com. The event is co­ -2am Four free films to watch JOpm sponsored by the Pride Alliance, the Flash back Fridays Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, UR out for this month ResLife, the Office of the University ALL Well Drinks & Beer just $1.50 Inrercessor, the Susan B. Amhony Insti­ On March 4, TGIF (Think Gay It's tute, and the Women's Studies Under­ Friday) screens "Sou rhern Comfort", at 7 lOpm -lam graduate Council. • p.m. in the GAGV Community Room, Saturday Nigh ts 875 E. Main Sr. Free. www.gayalliance. org. $1 Offall Bottled Beers (S topKiss ImageOur's screening for LGBT from page I) Health Month is March 24, featuring two 10pm-2am of the project is working with the great free films: "FlT" at 6 p.m. and "Children cast and crew we've assembled. They're of God" at 9 p.m. at the Cinema Theatre, quintessential professionals and are all 957 South Clinton Ave. The films a1·e free smart and willing to cake risks; it's been and open to public on a first come, first an exciting and gratifying process so far. I seated basis. More information at www. hope the show reflects our joy and work! imageour.org. Be sure to ch eck out our Fa ce book EC: What should .EC readers know The Gay Alliance Love and Forgive­ Page and become a Fa n! abour the acwrs and the director? ness Project screens "Beyond Hatred" on We're doing rhis show because we love March 31 at 6:30 p.m. in GAGV Com­ it and irs message - we're nor being paid munity Room (875 E. Main Sr., first any compensation but instead are donat­ floor.) ing our time for a great cause! So, come Filmmaker Olivier Meyrou captures S ERVING ROCHEST E R " $ support rhe show and PRIDE! what happens after a hare crime. Dis­ SERVING ROCH E ST E R "$ EC: Anything you would like ro add? cussion to follow. The film is in French MS: Happy Anniversary, EC! • 'ih e �venue Pu6 with English subtitles; free and open to 522 'Monroe �Avenue the public. This screening is in collab­ oration with the award.-wil11ling docu­ 585-244-4960 (Kasha POV fr om page 1) mentary series (www.pbs.or�(pov). charts the progress of a you11g boy in Contact: Kelly Clark, kellyc@gayaltiance. rural Pennsylvania as he listens ro Judy org or 585-244-8640. • • 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET

bones in my body remained intact. old, my dog-eared skin is pucke�e� parch­ With equal nimbleness, I recently ment paper. Wide blue veins, twt�tt�g and made a slide into home base. The dog turning, bulge to the surface. Mtlltons of was on one end of the leash and I on the miniscule fu rrows fan across my hands. Columnists other. He merrily trod up the porch steps. Countless brown spots scatter over my 1 The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other _ unfortunately tripped up the stairs, exe­ well-used hands, my old legs, my every­ contributing writers are their own and do not necessanly reflect cuting a full body slam. Knocked nearly thing else. senseless, I wondered if I could pull my I think those brown spots are the the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley cell phone out of my coat pocket ro make beauty marks of my pos_t-girlliood_ self, or The Empty Closet. the 1-Can.'t-Get-U call. Then Vegas res­ certification of my PreviOusly Enjoyed cued me. His taif wagging, he gave my status. A11dI really don't want to change Growing Up one feel better. The neighbor and I are nose a wet lick. That seemed to soothe how I look. Instead, I want to change my WINTER closer. I contemplate offering a BJ to the my wrecked knee and wrenched shoulder. vocabulary. I need to select new words to After these many self-assaults, my celebrate my current self. snowplow guy, in a�preci_ation for his By Eric Bel/mann altered behavior. (I dtd thJs a couple of internal equipment began to have flash­ I like Mary Daly's idea of an outra- The sensible backs. My shoulder recalled the day that geous, Be-laughing womyn. years ago but he just grinned and said, . advice one hears, "I'm OK." Then I thought it was worth a my spade and f marched tO our front And 1 like the term used to descnbe when someone is shot. What isn't worth a shot?) oarden determined to cut Out a maraud­ rhe spotted coat of a Shar Pei. Yes, these tailgating you, is frlo m;ss of weeds. My knee remembered will be a very good way to begin my re­ I may have hir a new low last week. h to pull over and let Leaving Weomans I saw one of the He!p­ w en I put my foot on rhe. edge. of the naming. rhem pass. Why ino Hands kids ahead of me. lmpresstve spade and shifted my full wetght,_ Intend­ Hence, at this moment, I am happy can't I be sensible? sh�u lders. Very impressive. ing ro fu mly jam rhe tool deep 1nto the ro announce that I am a Crackpot Crone, Every morn- So, sweetly I said, "Eicher you're wear­ soil. My back recollect�d �he momem that an Old One who loves her flowered skin. ing, as I drive home ino a lot of clothes or you have very well the spade refused to dtg m, the very sec­ Me redithElizabeth Rdniger@jrontier- from the gym along Penfield Road, inevi­ de�eloped shoulders." "Both," was rhe ond that there was no penetration. A las, net.rzet tably there's a car right behind me, way reply. there was only a flip, a twist, and a hurling too close in my opinion. Will you respect me more, or re�ard of my body parts. A Few Bricks Short A guy I knew a while ba�k told me me as a timid creep, that I let it go ar tbat? And all those intricately connected DRIVING MISS CRAZY about a time when he was tailgated. He I continued on ro my car, dumbfounded pans are, after all, mere flesh and bones. rhought to himself, "Well, if you w_am to that I had just hit on a Helping Hand kid And all those parts of my Mortal Machine By David Hull fuck me, you're going to have to kiss me at the supermarker. Can I be the only gee­ are sixry-seven years old. That equals l was almost first," then slammed on his brakes and zer queen ro have hit on one of these kids? 24,455 days of constant use. And vari­ killed in an auto laughed as the railgater spun off the road. Well, rhey have some responsibility, using ous occasions of misuse. No wonder I am accident the other Bmch gay. a label like thar. experiencing As-We-Age P�o�lems. day while entering I'm more passive. I slow down. I do My only excuse is: Jack Frost made I hasten to add that th1s ts not meant the parking lot of exactly what Triple A and every other sane me do it. to be a hiss and moan story. I am not try­ Dunkin' Dough­ advice oiver warns one must not do. I slow How the hell are you getting through ing co gain sympathy. I am sharing My nuts. Yes, Dunkin' down � five miles below the speed limit. this long winter of discontent? Truths. Doughnuts - a And ] watch the driver behind me fu ming EmaiL· elbcad@rit. edu That's what people do. They tell oth­ place rhat cele­ as best I can though my rear view mirror. ers, in great detail, about their _physical brates life with sweet, sugary, glaze-coat­ ] relish his rage. Quite rse. perv� . Cleaning My Closet realities. For example, I have patd atten­ ed joy and caffeine-so�ked happiness and This is not my only htghway qutrk. tion to mothers reportino the entire birrh­ OLD NESS � T almost tasted the bttter flavor of hot, Perhaps because as a pedes�·ian. i� N_ ew ino process. From friet s and family, I � steaming death. It was a harsh jolt of con­ York City I ,have a t�ever-�ndmg urttatton By Meredith ha e heard about every bone broken by tradictions! with people s obsesst�n wtth �ell phones, I Elizabeth Reiniger blunt force trauma. And more important- Okay, so maybe I'm being a bit_ overly­ watch for drivers at u1tersecuons who are ly, I have oladly listened. . Nor sheep. My li dramatic (as my husband, Bernte says; ralking on their cells. I honk: I g�srure. Basica y we all have an m_herenr need "I wouldn't expect it any other �ay, dar­ Curious, rhey roll down thelf wmdow. spouse counts dead to rell and to learn about bemg human. people when she ling."), but ir was reall� �rustr�tmg. T�e And I scream, "Criminal!" And speed We listen to stories about others' heart­ driver who almost collidmg wtth me 1n away. Drives rhem nurs. can't get ro sleep. I breaks and hemorrhoids. We listen to sto­ am nor yet on her rhe parking lor was talking ?n her cell This is especially perverse of me, con­ ries about others' marriages and migraines. phone wirh one hand and holdmg a cu� of sidering that the very few ti'_ll�S l get � call list. We humans pay close attention to Some days, coffee in the other - and she wa� steenng on my cell phone while dnvmg, 1 g1ggle tales rhar allow us ro mutter, "There bur with her chin! I'm sorry, bur a chm should with joy. It makes me feel so modern, so however, I do fe el for rhe race of goddess, o [." Unless the nearly eligible for that lisr. Recent!� I g g not be driving a car - unless you have technolooically with it. Go figure. storyteller is Old. Then listeners tend to an Asian chauffeur and then you should experienced dizziness, nauseousness, s�m­ Let not foroet about compulsive turn away. respectfully call him 'Mr. Chin!' rexters. ��Nothing llke sitt�g in a novie ningness, and headachen�ss. Was I facmg The very yotLUg are likely to decl�re 1 "Hey, you almost killed me!" I shouted theater and watching rhe lmle blue hghrs� death by wooziness? r dectded needed to that the Old Ones are always complam­ seek medical advice beyond WebDoctor. out the window as I passed the woman throtwhob ur the darkened auditorium. ing. Many of the Getting Older listeners who had skidded ro a stop in the middle Locally the miscreants are tee!l gers as My in-rhe-flesh doctor con�ucted a turn away in fear. All of them are try­ � low-tech rest: while he looked mro my of the parking lor. "Be careful!" . one might expect. In New York 1ts always ino co ionoreb the fact that they are not She momenrarily rook her chin off the adults, both men and women, for whom eyes, I had to throw myself backwards, i;munc to Agility Failure, not safe from turnino my head to and fro. For my first steering wheel to yell: "Shut up! I'm on rhe the rules do not apply. And when I speak Body Malfunctions. Not immor�l. . phone! A11dyou made me spill _�Y drit1�!" artemp�, I accidentally flo�ped m�self to someone in a New York audience about Nevertheless, as an Elder, my jOb ts to I just don't get it. Folks dnv�ng whtle checking messages on th ir ce_ll phones, onro rhe cardiogram machme. Bestdes teach the young about life. ] ust as I must � clumsiness, the test indicated rhat I was chattino on cell phones, texttng mes­ you know what they say? Medtcal Emer­ tell them the stories about My Old Days, I sages, ;hat's next? Why doesn't someone oency." It's always a medical emergency. only suffering from an As-We-Age Prob­ must teach them about my Getting Older lem. install a DVD player on the dashbo�rd b All this quirky behavior �eems aggra­ and Older Days. I must refuse to be silent. of vehicles so drivers can watch movtes vated by the long, dreary WLU er we are Diaonosis: BPPV. Frankly, I needed (In fact, call me, I really must rell you , � . to hearb only that first word: _BEN IGN. while traveling down the high:-vay? T�at enduring. Thats my excuse. Irs JUSt too about my sciatic nerve pains.) . way ou could cut off truck dnvers :-vh1le much. I heaved a big sigh. No bram surgery A11yway, it is certain tha I will con­ y required. . � watching Duel or speed through toter­ I have a neighbor, nice lady, h� done tinue ch urnino our the chromcles of elder­ sections enjoying Bullir_t or, �y p�rso�1al a lot to improve her propert durmg the It seems that Benign Paroxysmal Posi­ hood. 1 will shw1 words that try to cover y tional Vertigo is a situation where a slight favorite, drive off a cltff whtle vtewmg two years since she moved 111: Al� asset up my age. I am not Sixty-seven years Thehna & Louise. to the neighborhood. And she ts fn endly. movemem of the head causes tiny calcium youno; I am old. Sixty-seven is not the stones to leave rheir proper location in rhe fl I thought ralkit1g on a �ell phone and Well, not so fr iendly once the snow start­ new fty. Sixry-seven is w�y old. Yes, I rexting while driving was illegal. Is that ed to pile u . inner ear. Wandering about, Ear Rocks am old and alive and mobtle. Those are . p slosh around in rhe ear canal. Unruly my mistake? I've never met anyone ':ho She walks her dog. My snowplow guys all good. . . . rocks create mixed messages. Thus my has gotten pulled over by a cop for usmg dump the snow from my driveway onto I also refuse to be invtstble. I will nor a cell phone while drivin . I've never the sidewalk in large hunks that clog the brain became baffled. More than usual. avoid the truth telling of phorographs. I � I was relieved to learn rhat I did not heard of anyone who got a ttcket for �ex­ sidewalk where she walks her dog. Many will not drape black over my _mirror� like ring while behind the w�eel of a movmg discussions about getting the plow guys to have ro have a halo screwed into my my mother did. My reflected nn�ge ts not scull to keep my head still. The pr�scrip­ vehicle. I did debate callmg 911 to reporr pur the snow somewhere else. No .tho�ght frightening. A bit shocking at nmes, but the person who almost crashed into me tion: diagram-specified head rolling. I . ro walking the dog in the other duecuon. still loveable. at Dunl

(C olumnists continuedf rom page 5) luckily, when I slammed on my brakes Misconstrued by racist images of zom­ can and European whites and multiracial that I had ridden across the street without to avoid crashing in the parking lot, my bies rising from graves, jungle drums, orgi­ Haitians, is where many LGBTQ people looking both ways, he would punish me glove compartment fell open, spilling the astic ceremonies, ritualizing malevolent will informally gather for dinner parties, at by taking my bike away for two days. And conrenrs omo the from passenger's seat powers of black magic and engaging in restaura.nts and beaches. The well-known the time my Mom caught my brother and and revealing a Dunkin' Doughnuts one­ cannibalism, by today's popular culture four-star tourist hotel, the Hotel Montana me trying to run the lawn mower while free-coffee coupon that I had forgotten I images, courtesy of Hollywood's and New in the hills of Petionville, that was recent­ standing behind it on a skateboard, she had pur in there. So, I guess it's true; every Orleans' wurism industries, Vodou is a ly destroyed by the quake, is one of the rook our skateboards away for a month dark cloud does have a silver lining - even persecuted religion. hot spots. And these queers hold positions (we did still have to mow the lawn every if she's wearing roo much eye shadow and But Haitian Vodou is an ancestral folk as government officials, business people, Saturday though). Consequences - if it's has a really bad perm. religion whose tenets have always been NGO and UN aid workers. ood enough for kids, it's good enough You can contact David at David­ queer-friendly. For the poorer classes of LGBTQ Hai­ � tor adult drivers. hul159@aol. com Ironically, homosexuality has been legal tians, however, who live, work and socialize After all, as much as it is considered in Haiti since 1986. Bur few protections in one of the densely populated and impro­ "an American right," being able to drive Faith Matters and provisions come with it. For example, vised towns like the capital city of Port-au­ really is a privilege. Walking is a right VODOU'S ACCEPTANCE OF same-sex marriage and civil unions are not Prince, discrimination on the basis of their - you can walk anywhere you want on recognized. It's unclear whether LGBTQ sexual orientation and gender expression is public land without permission (although GAYS couples can adopt children or have cus­ commonplace. tody of their own children. LGBTQ Hai­ For example, rhe 2002 documentary I wouldn't recommend walking in fr ont By Rev. lrme who tians don't openly serve in the military. "Des Hommes et Dieux (Of Men and of someone is texting while driving) Mo1Jroe and ic's nor a problem. But if you want to They don't have an anti-hare crime bill that Gods)," by anthropologist Anne Lescot, drive a car - you have to obtain a license. In celebrat- specifically addresses discrimination and exposed rhe daily struggles of Haitian ing Black History It is illegal to drive without a license. harassment LGBTQ Haitians fa ce, due to rranswomen. Blondine in the film said, Month this year, I Of course, it's illegal to drive while their sexual orientation or gender identity. "When people insult me because I wear a wanted our West talking on your cell phone too. However, I Minimally, LGBTQ Haitians are ro­ dress I am not ashamed of how I am. Masi­ .African ancestral p believe if someone is irresponsible enough tected under irs Constitution as stated in sis (gay males) can't walk down the street in religious contribu­ to dangerously talk on a cell hone or .Article 35-2, that prohibits discrimination a wig and dress." p tions to also be lift­ text or drive while imoxicated (don't even in the workplace based on "sex, beliefs, Bur with the ancestral religious belief ed up. One of them get me started on that!) then the govern­ opinions and marital status." And the Unit­ that behavior is guided by a spirit (loa), for me, as a lesbian, is the contribution of ment (or your parents) should take away ed Nation's International Bill of Human gay males in Haitian Vodou are under the Vodou. your License. The consequence is that you Rights mainly protects LGBTQ Haitians. divine protection of ErzuJie Freda, the spirit Why? lose your privilege - at least for a while. With no queer enclaves in Pon-au-Prince of love. And as a feminine spirit, gay males Because of its spiritual tenets of accep­ I firmly believe norhing would teach a and other big cities throughout Haiti, many are allowed to imitate and worship he r. driver a lesson more quickly than havin� tance of all people of all sexual orientations LGBTQ Haitians are left puzzled by what And lesbians (madivins) are consid­ and ge nder expressions. ro rake ublic transportation to et bac it means that homosexuality is legal in their ered to be under the patronage of Erzulle p � As one of the eligions brought to the and forth to work for a few months. k r country. Damor, a fierce protector of women and New World by the African Diaspora, there But in the end, this story ends hap­ However, as in all repressively homo­ children experiencing domestic violence. is no religion that frightens and fascinates pily. I did get my glazed doughnut and phobic cultures, LGBTQ people have Erzulie Dantor is bisexual, bur she prefers the world over as much as Vodou. always found ways to express and ro live the company of women. out their true authentic lives. In Haiti, how As a monotheistic religion, Vodou openly queer you are depends nor only on believes in one God, but many spirits called your class, profession and skin complexion, "!was" that have both dark and light si des. Veterinary Hospital but also your religious affiliation. The spirit "!was" are the varied expressions In a country rhat is predominately of God in rhe world, and these spirits over­ Roman Catholic, homosexuality is con­ see all human activities by fo rming cotmec­ Andy Fleming, DVM demned. But Haiti's LGBTQ middle and tions between the material world people live professional classes ftnd ways to socialize in and the spiritual world they derive from. 1311 Marsh Road out of the public "gaydar" and with impu­ Two different fo rms of Vodou exist. Pittsford, NY 14534 nity. While it is true that Vodou evolved in (585) 248-9590 For example, Petionville, an upscale New Orleans at the same time it was tak­ suburb of Port-au-Prince of mostly Ameri- ing shape in Haiti, New Orleans' Vo dou, known as the Vodou capital of the U.S., was not suppressed and was allowed to Susan SanFilippo, C.S.W. flourish between both irs black and white 234-3561 ci tizens. Haiti's, however, was not. Counseling & Psychotherapy And, hiding itselfbehind the trappings of Catholicism, Vo dou in Haiti was unof.. - IW'Iljlco11't lift befi 1ir? ficial and largely practiced in secret w1til - [/ 1 change, U'i/1 ll( yportnn-? recently. -ll7hat iffect d08JII!Y past have 011 111t? Why Vo dou as a religion, many people - ll7hot can 1 do abo11t nr yfu ture? ask? Individual and couples therapy (sliding fee scale) Vod.ouenables Haitians to connect with 500 Helendale Road, Suite 155, Rochester N.Y. 14609 LakeAvenue and preserve their West Mr ican heritage, to link ro their ancestral spirits who affect Baptist Church everyday events of their lives, and to bond with their local communities . •... a Rom a" r.a tholtt .And poorer classes of LGBTQ Haitians ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH parshi ;, diXJ) fiWWn l<«hotu thnt u A WELCOMING have at least rwoways to openly express and 15 St. Mary's Place wd tcming loa/If" celebrate who they are -- in Vodou and in Phone: 585 232-7140 & AFFIRMING Rara fe stivals. 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around Youth and Senior issues and a return of discussions about healthy sexuality and passion. This mix of issues represents what I believe to be at the heart of the conference -- the work of building a movemenr that ben­ efits all. Livino a good life free ll Paul A. Anderson Award for At the closing plenary at ofprejudice, a fe where you feel Youth Leadership winner Creating Change, U.S. Rep. safe, a life that is aurhemic. This Alyssa Veil addresses the Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) said is somethino that can be, and crowd at Creating Change in that America is ready for should be, fur everyone. Equal­ Minneapolis. She accepted equality. Calling on everyone ity is not ftnite. There is plenty the Paul A. Anderson Award to remember that we cre­ to go around. for Youth Leadership. A high ate change, he stated, "Poli­ On Thursday, Feb. 3 from school senior in Blake Upper ticians don't make change, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., I attended a ses­ School (MN), Alyssa deliv­ people make change." Photo: sion called lnrersectional Move­ ered a senior speech titled NGLTF ment Building, facilitated by "The Ultimatum of GLBT Dis­ Chuck Renslow, often called "The Leatherman of the Centu­ crimination," sharing her ry," received the Leather Leadership Award for his outstand­ Beth Zemsky, long a leading journey of coming out, talk­ were over 2500 people in atten­ ing lifetime work of creating leather community institutions to activist in the LGBT movement. ing about LGBT youth suicide dance, over 175 workshops, fo ur foster a leather cultural identity and to preserve its history. A The session description includes and her own experiences. major plenary sessions, two large Leather Color Guard paved the way for Matt Foreman, former loft language about the need to She is a gifted hockey player, social events, recovery, elder, Task Force executive director, and Tyler McCormick, Interna­ y understand cultural and politi­ artist and student leader in youth, disability, people of color, tional Mr. Leather 2010, who presented the award to Renslow. the school's Gay Straight Alli­ Photo: NGLTF cal context when doing social Bi/Pan/Fiuid, and transgender justice work. Examination of ance. Photo: NGLTF hospitality suites and five differ­ the historical trajectory of social em spiritual gatherings. Creating Change: came on Thursday afternoon movements, and the need to Change conference was about If you consider yourself an IT'S ALL ABOUT WE as ] was rushing out to grab explore organizational strategies expanding the "we." l have activist or a person who cares some lunch between sessions. As to move us towards transforma­ never attended a gathering that about social justice, let me By Scott Fearing I passed a Subway shop, there tional goals. so successfully brought people strongly encourage you to attend Through some careful sched­ was a line of people waiting to ft was a long day, but one together and encouraged discus­ the Creating Ch ange Confer­ uling I fo und myself in Min­ order; many were wearing the of the most compelling days I sions that expanded everyone's ence. Next year you will not nesota on Feb. 1-6, to fulflll a hot pink conference lanyards. have spent examining the social concepts of who we are as a have to travel ro the fr ozen Mid­ number of obligations, personal But one person caught my eye, movemem that I have been a part social justice movement. west to attend, it will be right and professional. and the eyes of many of the of and rhe work that I have done Discussions flowed across here on the eastern seaboard in To the warm blooded read­ working people rushing about over the past 20 years. To be in a racial, economic, age, gender, Baltimore, Md. So do yourself a ing this, it may seem ludicrous to around me. room with nearly 80 other activ­ disabiliry, ethnic and fa ith lines. favor and add attendance at this visit the frozen prairie mid-win­ Being Minnesota, tall, mus- ists, the majority of whom work Self Identification remained conference into your budget and ter, but, as a native Minnesotan in faith based organizations, and rightfully relevant, and never calendar now, because, 1 think, (or "H. omosotan" as a popuI ar ro discuss the strategic develop­ dismissed, but the discussions "We" all need to be there! conference T-shirt declared), I ment of a movement for fw1- were focuse d on adjusting the The 24th National Confer­ was surprised to fi nd tempera­ damenral social transformation frame of social justice work in ence on LGBT Equality: Cre­ tuies above zero. I had carefully was very powerful. order to develop new advocacy ating Change; January 25 - 29, manipulated my schedule so that Zemsky led us through a tools. 2012; Hilton Baltimore, Balti­ I could attend the 23rd Annual series of discussions about the Over the five days of the Cre­ more, Maryland. http://www. National Conference on LGBT work we do, why we do it, and ating Change conference there creatingchange.org/ • Equality, Creating Change, our passion. In the end, we real­ organized by rhe National Gay ized that we all want the same and Lesbian Task Force. thing, a world where everyone is Over the years, I have attend­ seen as valuable and deserving of ed almost half of these confer­ full equality, where people will ences, and each time J have all feel safe and able to achieve walked away with renewed ener­ At the plenary honoring the to their full potential. Indigenous Peoples of the gy and passion to continue doing As the workshop progressed, Americas, international­ w it became clear to me that hold the organizing work needed ly known poet and activist r move towards a more just soci­ Chrystos said, "Everything these goals for everyone, nor just ety. you need to learn can be LGBT people. And that while I I also need to emphasize the found for free, in close obser­ have always worked to be inclu­ power of gathering in large num­ vation of your relationships sive, it is a sad reality that too bers. I have been in downtown with the earth, with each often I only think of the injus­ Minneapolis hundreds of times. other and with yourselves." tices that LGBT people face. But it was an incredible expe­ Chrystos closed by reading Amazino how life is about rience to be walking through her poem "Song for a Lakota being aske the right questions, Woman." Photo: NGLTF d the downtown skyways with so and not necessarily about find­ many queers. ing the answers. ln this case My favorite "Minneapolis has cular, good-looking, blonde the question from Zemsky was, never been so queer" momenr Germanic/Nordic types are "How do you define We?" not uncommon, but the young When asked about impor­ man who fir this description was tance of the work I do, I will wearing a pair of spike-heeled often reply, "We deserve equal black pumps with his skinny cut treatment and equal rights." jeans. That is uncommon, and a Because I am so stuck in my own lovely bit of gender play that is identity politics, I never realized State of the Movement: not likely to happen unless you just how selfish this abbreviated are hanging out with over 2500 response is. REA CAREY SPEAKS AT THE CREATING CHANGE LGBT people. The work needs to always CONFERENCE As trite as it sounds, each be about a bigger "we." This time I attend Creating Change, is something that the gay com­ Na tioual Gay and Lesbian Ta sk Force Executive Director Rea it gets better. All aspects of the munity learned when in the Carey presented the annual State of the Movement address at Creat­ ing CIJange. Wh atfollows isan excerpt Careysspeech {n ote the Kylar Broadus received the entire conference improve. The early 1970s we became rhe Gay from Susan J. Hyde Award for Lon­ learning is more practical, the and Lesbian commwlity. And, mmtion of Rochester's To ny Perri.) Th e fu ll text is at www.gayal­ gevity in the Movement for plenary and keynote addresses we learned again in the 1980s liance.org (Empty Closet News}. his work. Broadus, a profes­ are more inspiring, and the con­ when we became the Gay, Les­ After the ups, and the downs, of this past year, I've found myself at sor, attorney and activist, has versations are more intense and bian, Bisexual community, and times angry, tired and saddened yet also excited and hopeful. Today, J been on the board of direc­ valuable. a ain by the 1990s as we became stand with you, not defeated but rather energized and focused. tors of the Stonewall Demo­ g Some of the hiohlighcs of this the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Today I am ready for change - and I know you are too. crats since 1998, and serves on the board of directors of year's Creating Change Confer­ Transgender communities. Peter LaBarbera, president of the righr-wing, so-called Ameri­ the National Black Justice ence include: A number of full It is about this ever expand­ cans for Truth about Homosexuality, saidin a communication to his Coalition. He founded the day Institutes on a variety of ing definition of who "we" members last July, "The gay movement has made significant headway Trans People of Color Coali­ topics; A focus on faith com­ are. Our work continues to be through personal insrrucrion and ft rsthand training... We're com­ tion, the only national social mw1ities caiJed Practice Spirit: the expansion of "we" until it pletely out gtmned ... They've got the Creating Change conference justice organization serving Do Justice; Visible participation encompasses the fu ll equality of fr om the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force train(ing) thousands transgender people of color. by Native and Tw o-Spirit com­ all people. of people per year." Photo: NGLTF munity members; Organizing The 23rd Annual Creating Well, Peter LaBarbera, here we are. And, yes, once again you are MARCH 2011 • NUMBER 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 13 outnumbered! You are outnumbered by ln the last 10 years alone, we've made the over 2,500 pe ople here and the thou­ significant progress. ln 2000, there were sands of others who are fo llowin� this just 700 Gay-Straight Alliances in high Program Notes conference on-line all over the world. schools. Today there are over 4,000. And We've been through a lot in the 38 LGBT-inclusion in ami-bullying policies years since the Task Force was fo unded. is now considered a "best practice" by the Community Safety Rural Outreach We've faced tough rimes before bur we U.S. Departmem of Education. Just in the last week we have received calls from Seneca and Wayne Counties and will not stop until we create the necessary In 2000, just about half a percent of locales in rural Monroe County reminding us that LGBT people live everywhere and change to live our lives freely! Welcome Fortune 500 companies protected work­ unfortunately have a need for anti-violence services too. everyone to Creating Change 2011! ers based on gender identity. Today, over For LGBT people, life in rural America can be very isolating which in turn can ....Our national culture of divide and 43 percent do. And 89 percem of Fortune increase our vulnerability to harm. In addition ro anti-LGBT sentiment that can lead conquer has taken us to the brink. This 500 companies include sexual oriema­ to hate violence, the isolation of rural communities can often compound the affects of year on too many occasions, as a nation, tion in their nondiscrimination policies. partner abuse. Lack of local services and difficulty with transportation to larger towns we've looked over the edge. It's time we Today, there are now over 1,000 appoint­ and ci ties make it very difficult for LGBT fo lks in rural communities to get tbe help together take a step back; make that, a ed and elected officials around the world they need. few steps back. - over 700 of them in the U.S. alone. Luckily, we here at the AVP spend a great deal of time making connections with other We do have a choice. We can choose And just three short years ago, fe deral pol­ victims' service providers across the region, even in rural communities. Our work is pay­ change. We can show this country what icies were littered with discrimination and ing off, as the calls that we received this week have been referrals from some of those rural real community looks like. ignored our lives. Bur even there we've providers seeking to offer better connection and support for the LGBT victims they are As you've heard, we have with us this made progress. working with. Until there are no more victims, building the network of services and sup­ weekend many of our brorhers and sisters And look around you; this is one of the port for ALL LGBT fo lks is what our work is all about! who do their work through organizing largest Creating Change conferences ever. Do you know of a rural organization or health care provider that might welcome our in communities of faith. A focus of this Think we're backing down? Think we're support? Please shoot us a note at [email protected] or call Kelly ar 585-244-8640. weekend will be on building stronger ties pressing pause? Nor a chance. Queer College Tours are back and better than ever! with rhe faith community, bridging the Yes, we have more to accomplish, more The Youth Program will once again be traveling to area colleges and universities to fa ith and secular worlds, and developing ro push for. Bur, like those who have gone increase exposure to LGBTQ friendly higher education. a vision that will enable us to move for­ before us to get us to this place, we must As LGBTQyouth are more Ukely to drop our of secondary school than their heterosex­ ward together. always have a vision for more. We will ual counterparts, the hope is that these toms will improve youth investment in their future. For me, being an activist - a secular never give up. We will never allow our We are currently scheduling tours, including Syracuse University, University of Roch­ activist - devoting myself to the hi her anger to turn into apathy; never allow our & ester, Nazareth, and StJohn Fisher College. purpose of working for LGBT freedom fr ustration to turn inro fe ar. Also, new this year are Queer Career To urs. The Yo uth Program will be uaveling to and equality, for human rights, is very Yes, this year has been a bit of a roller­ local agencies and businesses to learn about LGBTQaffirming workplaces and career much a spiritual practice. Activism con­ coaster. But now is nor the time ro get off opportunities. Already on the lineup: Strong Museum of Play, Equal Grounds Coffee, nects us ro each other, to those we've the ride. This is ir, this is rhe work, this is and Dorje Adornments! never mer and those of future generations the movement fo rward. And sometimes You can support Queer College and Career Tours by visiting Equai=Grounds or Out­ who will benefit from our actions and our moving forward includes highs and lows, landish during the month of February and purchasing a paper graduation cap! Donate work. peaks and valleys. online at the Tour specific fund-raising page at www.FirstGiving.com Donations from l have faith in social change. Faith in This last year, we fe lt the high of community members help to keep these tours FREE to youth! all of us in this room and across the coun­ repealing "Don't Ask, Don'rTell." And we Also, if you think Youth Program members would benefit from a tour of your work� try who will not take no for an answer, fe lt the low of our nation's elected leaders place, please contact Jess Cohen, Youth Services Director, at [email protected]. who will not tolerate abuses of basic failing to pass the DREAM Act. Rainbow SAGE stays active human rights and who have proven again We experienced the strength of stand­ Rainbow SAGE recently joined the Gay Alliance family of community programs and and again that change is possible. ing side by side with our friends in the has been busy planning events to meet the needs of LGBTQ seniors in the area. Their For many, faith is believing in the labor, fe minist and civil rights movements programs are open to anyone 21 and over, for intergenerarional communication is an unseen. It is confidence, that what we for the One Nation rall , calling attention y important part of their mission. Consider joining them at any of their events. Contact hope for and aspire to, will come to be. to tbe need for jobs and economic justice. 585-244-8640 15 Now I don't have to tell you, the LGBT And we experienced the depths of [email protected] or call ext. 20 community is a group that knows a lot despair as more LGBT young people March events: SAGE Intergenerational Panel and Potluck Su11day, March at rhe about fa ith. We cling to it every day, to were harassed and bullied to death and First Universalist Church, 150 Clinton Ave. Free. Please join us for the panel discussion the belief in things yet unseen. Despite of hearing that our brother in this work, and relaxing conversation, meet new people and have a good meal wid1 friends. the barriers, despite the ups and downs, David Kato, was murdered just last week Monrhly SAGE Men's Group meers for conversation and support on the third we keep steady on our march, our eyes - violence that has been fueled by U.S.­ Wednesdays each month. This month the meeting will be on March 16 from 6-8 p.m. ever on the prize. It's our faith in the based evangelicals fa nning the flames in the Gay Alliance Community Room on the first floor of the Auditorium Center, 875 promise of this country and the goodness of homophobia in Uganda. Workers for East Main St., Rochester 14605. Monthly SAGE Women's Group meets for conversation and support on the last Mon­ of people that kee s us going. Even when human rights across the globe literally risk f day of the month, March 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Gay Alliance Community Room the full extent o that promise remains their lives. on the first floor of the Auditorium Center, 875 East Main St., Rochester 14605. unseen. We hold fast. We still believe. To all of our brothers and sisters work­ It's proven a hard march, but one that ing for change in Uganda, our hearts are others have taken successfully before us. wirh you and we stand beside you as we It's in their fo otsteps that we travel - all fight state-sanctioned violence, dis­ confident that their outcomes can also be crimination and religious bigotry, here Educational Outreach ours. And that in time, our fo otsteps too and abroad. will help others. And thar if we persevere, Up and down, high and low - it's the if we keefJ our fa ith, if we stay strong and nature of the struggle for human rights, unified, ifwe stay true to what we struggle for LGBT civil rights. February 201 1 for -we will be rewarded .... (Movement continuespage 17) Speaking engagements/presentations by the Gay Alliance staff and volunteers

Gay Alliance Yo uth 2/1 Transgender Panel at RIT 2/1 SafeZone Train-the-Trainer for School Without Walls Students The Gay Alliance offers Youth Services 2/2 LGBT Youth Issues/Suicide Prevention at Center For Youth for Rochester area LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-25 2/4 Before Stonewall: Screening and Discussion at the Gay Alliance Check out what's happening at: 2/5 Creating an Open & Affi rming Congregation at Irondequoit United www.gayalliance.org or contact [email protected] Church of Christ 2/8 Transgender Issues in Healthcare at University of Rochester Monday and Wednesday Drop-in: 2-6pm Sunday Support Groups: ages 13-23: 2-4pm; ages 18-25: 4:30-6pm 2/11 SafeZone Training at IBERO/PRYD 2/15 LGBT Issues in Healthcare at University of Rochester Special Interest: Transgender Youth, Arts/Crafts, Movies, Writing 2/16 LGBT Youth Issues at North Street Recreation Center Special Events: Youth Dances, Day of Silence, Big Gay Prom, 2/18 Excluded: Screening and Discussion at the Gay Alliance Pool Table, LGBTQ Youth Library, Internet Access 2/18 SpeakOUT Training at the Gay Alliance

Fun, friendly, safe adults are needed to volunteer their time and 2/19 SpeakOUT Tr aining at the Gay Alliance talents, providing positive role models, maybe sharing a talent 2/22 LGBT 101 at SUNY Brockport or skill. Contact Scott Fearing, Outreach Coordinator for an 2/22 Adoption & Custody Issues at the Gay Alliance application: [email protected] or 585-244-8640, ext. 14 2/27 LGBT Youth Issues at Asbury First United Methodist Youth Group

The Gay Alliance 875 E. Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY 14605 • Hours Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm • Phone (585) 244-8640 • Fax (585) 244-8246 • Web www.gayalliance.org Empty Closet Phone (585) 244-9030 • Empty Closet Fax (585) 244-8246 • Empty Closet Advertising (585) 244-9030 • Empty Closet E-mail [email protected] Board President John Altieri • Executive Director Sue Cowell • Administrative Assistant Laur McSpadden • Program Director Scott Fearing Empty Closet Editor Susan Jordan • Design Jim Anderson • Community Safety Kelly Clark • Youth Services Coordinator Jessica Cohen CampusOut Assistant Mariam Mull • Outreach Coordinator Jeanne Gainsburg Youth Group Youth Center, 1st floor - Ages 13-23 Sundays 2-4 pm; Agas 18-25 Sundays 4:30-6pm • http://youth.gayalliance.org for after school schedule and special events. The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender (LGBT) people

are safe, thriving and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBT people, to affirm their identities, and to create an atmosphere where the diversity of our community can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. 14 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

Programs include outreach, transitional case Monroe County Women's Health management, free cconfidential testing (Ora­ Partnership Quick Rapid Testing). NYS Dep't. ofHealth offers 111 Westfall Rd., Rochester NY 14692; Resources free on-site confidential and anonymous testing. (585)274-6978. Comprehensive breast cancer (585)325-5100, M-F 8 am-9 pm, www.huther­ screening seNices for uninsured and undertn­ doyle.com. sured women. Strong Memorial Hospital provides a complete range of HIV medical care, Geneva Community Health Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic AIDS 601 W. Washington St., Geneva. Provides HIV 170 Sawgrass Drtve. 442-8432. Dr. Wende testing for HIV exposure including 3ccess to experimental treatmentpro­ Free testing, HIV specialty and primary care for resi­ Logan-Young and an all-woman staff provide is available from New York State Department of tocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual dents of Ontario and surrounding counties. mammograms. Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at and group psychotherapy. Training of health care Mon.-Thurs. 9 am-5 pm; Fridays 9 am-noon. (585) 423-8081 , or 1-800-962-5063 for pay professionals also available. Infectious Disease SHARE: Self Help forWomen withBreast 315-781-8448. phones or calls outside Rochester. Deaf or hear­ Clinic, (585) 275-0526. Department of Psychia­ or Ovarian Cancer ing impaired people should call (585)423-8120 try, (585) 275-3379. AIDS Training Project, (585) NYS Hotline: 1-866-53SHARE or 1-866-537- (TOO.) New Rapid HIV Testing now available­ 275-5693. FAMILY 4273. test results in 30-40 minutes! Statewide informa­ Planned Parenthoodof Rochester and Rochester Gay Moms' Group AIDS Rochester Women's Health Outreach tion can be obtained by calling 1-800-541-AIDS. Genesee Valley Supportgroup for lestlan mommies andwan­ 259 Monroe Ave. ARI has services for HIV Otherorganizations which provide AIDS-related offers testing and information (585) 546 2595. nabemommies in Rochester and surrounding positive women andothers in thelesbian com­ seNices are as follows: areas. Subscrtbe: RochesterGayMoms-sub­ HIV munity. 442-2220. Rural testing [email protected]. AIDSCare anonymous and confidential, in Alleghany, Liv­ AIDS Care AIDS Care, the leading provider of HIV/AIDS ser­ ingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, 259 Monroe Ave. 244-9000; TIY (585)461- Lesb ia n & Gay Family Building Project vices in Rochester and the Finger Lakes, was Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1-800-962-5063. 9202. HIV and Primary care medical seNices Headquartered in Binghamton and with a formed by the January 2010 merger of AIDS for HIV positive women, their negative partners Action Front Center presence throughout Upstate NY, the Project Community Health Center and AIDS Rochester. and family members. OB/GYN, HIV pre-test and (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV is dedicated to helping LGBTO people achieve On-site services include: HIV testing and limited post-test counseling. Confidential or free HIV prevention educationand case management ser­ their goals of building and sustaining healthy STD screenings, Primary and HIV Specialty Medi­ testing. vices. Training and technical assistance to seNice families. We do this by providing support, cal Care, Pharmacy, Behavioral Wellness, Case providers. Resource libraryopen to public. All advocacy, information, and accessto commu­ Alternatives for Battered Women Management, Prevention and Education, Clinical seNices free and confidential. Multicultural and nity and sensitive healthcare and other ser­ 232-7353; TIY 232-1741 . Shelter (women Trials, Dental Screenings, Hepatitis C Co-Infection bilingual staff. Jearald Noble, program manager. vices. Our network of Pride and Joy Families only), counseling. Lesbians, gay men welcome. Clinic, Housing SeNices, Laboratory, Nutrition 33 ChestnutS t., second floor. Hours 8:30-5 pm, offers social and educational opportunities to SeNices, Peer Interaction, Smoking Cessation, GAGVAnti Vio lence Project Monday-Friday. 262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free LGBTQ parents, their children and prospec­ Substance Use and Addiction Counseling, Sup­ 585-244-8640 ext 17. For women and men. anonymous HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tues­ tive parents. Claudia Stallman, Project Direc­ port Groups, Transportation Services, Treatment days, Wednesdays 1-4 pm, provided through tor, 124 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905; Victim Resource Center of Wayne County Adherence Counseling, and Women's Health NYSDOH. Thursdays 1-4 pm at Aenon Baptist 607-724-4308; e-mail: LesGayFamBidg@ Newark N.Y. Hotline 800-456-1172; office Care. AIDS Care is also a leader in providing ser­ Church. 175 Genesee St. (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189. vices and education to members of the LGBT aol.com. Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org. community. Contact Information: Website: www. AnthonyL. JordanHealth Center FamiliesJoined by Love Mal}' Magdalene House acRochester.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Prevention & Primal}' Care Program Books andresources for LGBT families. Women's outreach center for HIV positive Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545- Provides Medical Case Management, Mental www.familiesjoinedebylove.org. women and women atri sk. 291 Lyell Ave. 7200 - Health SeNicesAfter Hours: 585-258- Health, Prtmary Care, HIV Counseling and Testing Open Mon-Frt. 6:30-9:30 pm 458-5728. Parents, Families and of 3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education presen­ Friends Lesbians and Gays (PFL AG) Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syr­ 585-275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. Finger tations, and access to other Jordan seNices. Pre­ PFLAG's threefold mission: supporting par­ acuse Region Primary Care walk- in Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, vention & is a program; no 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; appointments necessary. Office hours: Mon.- Frt., ents and family members in coming out pro­ NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Tier Office: Toll-free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned 8:30am-5 pm: extended hours on Monday until cess; educating tl1e community; advocating 122 Liberty St. P 0 Box 624, Bath, NY 14810 Parenthood has led the way in providing high 8 pm. (585) 423-2879; (585) 423-2876. on behalf of LGBT family members. Regular 607-776-9166. The Health Outreach Project: 416 fax quality, affordable reproductive health care Website: www.jordanhealth.org. For more infor­ meetings: first Tuesday 7-9 pm, St. Thomas CentralAve., Rochester, NY 14605; 585-454-5556. since 1916. Our experienced and compassion­ mation, call Program Director Patrick M. Trevor, Episcopal Church, corner Winton and Highland; Gay of the Valley ate medical staff will listen to your concerns and Alliance Genesee (585) 423-2879. third Sunday, 2-4 prn, Napper Room, fifth floor, provides referrals to physicians and seNice agen­ Aud�orium Center, 875 E. Main St. PFLAG@ answer your questions in a warm, welcoming cies. (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. CDC National STDand AIDS Hotline gagv.us; 585-244-8640 x27. atmosphere. All our seNices are confidential. 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours We accept most insurances; including Medic­ Victol}' Alliance a day. TIY seNice: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail aid. You may even qualify for low- to no-cost University of Rochester Medical Center. One of address: [email protected]. family planning seNices. When you make your RochesterTRANS TransgenderGENDER Organization: several research sites wortdwide tl1at comprise appointment, be sure to ask about our sliding Fa ir Housing Enforcement Proj ect see Ongoing calendar the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site of scale fees. No one is turned away for lack of Monroe County conducts research vaccine studies sponsored by ability to pay. National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the attempt 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with housing discrimination on basis of race, orienta­ LGBT HEALTH to discover a vaccine that may one day prevent For a list ofLGBT -friendly and competent healtl1 POLITICAL: tion, HIV status, etc. HIV infection or AIDS. Imagine a world without and human seNice providers in the Rochester National Organization for Women AIDS, learn how you can help create it. 585-756- PublicInterest Law Office of Rochester and Finger Lakes area, visit the resource direc­ (Greater Rochester NOW) 2329; www.vaccineunit.org. 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services to tory page(s) at www.everybodysgood.com. These PO Box93196; (585)234-7019. E-mail : [email protected] Web page: http:// Center forHealth and Behavioral Tr aining of HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilingual pages are compiled and managed byAIDS Care. www.rochestemow.org. MonroeCounty advocates available. All civil cases except divorce; If you are a provider, or know of one, who would no criminal cases. Ask to speak to someone in like to be included, contact them through the 853 Main St., Rochester 14611. Collaboration CULTURAL: of Monroe County Health Department and U.R. PILOR. 454-4060. webs�e or contact Erik Libey directly at (585) Rochester Women's Community Chorus Provides year-round training in prevention and 210-4192. EvergreenHealth Servi ces, Buffalo 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendaQ . management of STDs, HIV, TB and related issues, Prtmary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing and Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley such as domestic violence and case manage­ counseling. (716) 847-0328 See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory ONLINE: ment. (585)753-5382 v/tty. Westside Heanh Services under "Health" for GAGV referrals to physicians WOWcny: Planned Parenthood ofthe Rochester/ Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. (254- and seNice agencies. e-mail: [email protected] Syracuse Region 6480); Woodward health Center, 480 Genesee Rochester NY Lesbians; 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Toll­ St. (436-3040). HIVIAIDS seNices, support, more. groups.aol.com/rochst�esbians free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Offers confiden­ WOMEN McCree Wei/ness Center at Unity tial HIV testing and information. When you make McCuller HEALTH: GENERAL: Health's Connection your appointment, be sure to ask about our slid­ Clinic HighlandHospital Breast Imaging Center Women's Resource Center (585) 368-3200. 89 GeneseeSt., BishqJ Kear­ ing scale fees. No one is turned away for lackof 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585- YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-7740. ability to pay. ney Bldg., 3rd floor. Full range ofservcies, regard­ 487-3300. Specializing in breast health, diag­ less of ability to pay. Caring, confidential and nostic breast imaging and treatment and SOCIAL: Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS convenient. mammography outreach and education. Color Outside the Une Crew A collection of agencies providing a multiplicity of Catholic Charities AIDS Services Contact Jackie Williams, 482-4945. resources and services to the upstate New York Breast CancerCoalition of Rochester A multicultural and bi-lingual staff providing ser­ community. Their offices are located through the 840 University Ave.; 585-473-8177; www.bccr. Butch Femme Connection: vices to a diversity of people infected and affected Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which also org; email: [email protected]. Breast Cancer Coali­ 288-7208; [email protected] witll HIV.Intensive home-based case management provides medical literature and newspaper clip­ tion provides support seNices that include Brown for all ages; a clinical crisis manager; a child/ Check our monthly and ongoing Calendars pings, as well as demographic and statistical data Bag Fridays: an informal discussion group that adolescent case worker; transitional case man­ and theGay Groups section for more groups for use in developing health care seNices. (585) meets weekly from 12:00-1 :30; Breast Cancer agement for children and family members going and events. For more information, call the 461-3520. 101 and 201 : programs designed to help those through bereavement; recreational and support GAGV at 244-8640 or see www.gayalliance. coping with a recent breast cancer diagnosis and MOCHA Center of Rochester groups for children and teens, and camping expe­ org. And send us your information! those coping with an advanced breast cancer Our mission is to improve health and wellness in riences including Camp SOAR. We coordinate diagnosis; Sister Sak: a program that addresses communities of color through inteNention and HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with the issues facing young women with breast can­ seNice, with emphasis on LGBTQ programming. AIDS) short term emergency assistance with renV cer; and the Advanced Breast Cancer Support Youth drop-in center, HIV testing, peer education, mortgage/utility payments and limited subsidized Group to support women living with metastatic support groups, computer lab, referral seNices housing. 1945 E. Ridge Rd., Suite 24, Rochester breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Coalition also and more. Stop by 107 Liberty Pole Way (corner NY 14622. (585) 339-9800. provides information about breastcancer, a lend­ of Pleasant) or call (585)420-1400. Huther Doyle ing library, and a monthly educational program. Monroe County Health Department 360 East Ave., Rochester 14604. Offers drug, All BCCR programs and support seNices are free. at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counseling alcohol prevention, education, treatment. Risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Reduction Plus Team offers servcies to HIV posi­ (585)753-5481 . tive and thoseat risk through substance use. MARCH 2011 • NUMBER 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 15

EMPIRE BEARS Have we had enough cold yet? The BEARS are getting tired of hibernation, Groups and want to get out! Saturday nighr, the 5th, is BEAR­ NIGHT ar the FORUM. We'll be there Find the friends and fun you with snacks for you, and good times for need in your neighborhood of all. Saturday the 12th is our monthly sec­ the LGBT community. ond Saturday potluck at the GAGV Yo uth Center. It starts at 6:30, and we ear at 7. BUTCH FEMME The BEARS have pop, paper, and plastic. CONNECTION The theme for March is Mexican fo ods, but you know the BEARS! We'll eat any­ The Rochester Butch-Femme Con­ thing! nection will have two din11er events in Other events planned for March March 2011. include attending the RGMC concert on On March 5, we will meet at Famous the 19th, a Sunday afternoon parry at the Dave's BBQ on West Ridge Road in FORUM, which we hope to plan for rhe Greece at 7 p.m. 20th, and a trip south to the Maple Tree On March 19, we will meet at Jay's [nn for a pancake lunch. We're also going Diner on West Henrietta Road (Route 15) to try dinner at Stone's Countryside Inn. in Henrietta at 7 p.m. As always, you can find the BEARS For more information, contact Kerry/ at The Wimonaire having supper every Max at (585) 288-7208, e-mail Dressy­ Wednesday at 6. Look for us ar the Cin­ [email protected] or visit our Facebook ema taking in a movie. If you like to play page w1der The Rochester Butch-Femme NIGHT OUT: A few Just Us Guys members dining out at Flavors of Asia on a board games or cards, we often play at our cold winter night. Photo: Howard Green Connection. potluck or set up other nights. Members are already looking forward to spring and JUST US GUYS COME OUT DANCIN' the start of camping season. If any of these things sound like fun Nine brave souls gathered on a bitter cold winter night this past month to par­ Come Out Dancin', Greater Roches­ to you, join us for supper on a Wednes­ take of some Asian food at the Flavors of Asia restaurant. The evening was conclud­ ter's newly fo rmed LBGT Social Dance day. Say hello at BEARNIGHT. Check ed by seeing the latest Harry Potter movie at The Cinema. Community, is now underway. Our "Kick us our at www.empirebears.org. And if Looking forward ro a break in this winter weather, the group will gather ar 6:30 Off Event" was held on Sunday, Jan. 23 you'd like ro volunteer to help update our p.m. on Tuesday, March 8 at AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., fo r a potluck dinner. and received rave reviews. website, send an email. We'd love to meet Our new meeting space is located on the lower level as you exit the escalator. Being We have met a total of three rimes and u the response has been fa ntastic. Approxi­ yo . WOOF! Shrove Tuesday, this will mark for many the begi1111ing of Lem the fo llowing day mately people were in attendance at on Ash Wednesday. 32 Our April gathering at AIDS Care fe ature a program including Bruce each dance session. EQUALITY ROCHESTER/ 12 will Woolley and Evelyn Bailey, who will discuss ongoing efforts of Shoulders to Stand Esther Brill, co-fow1der of the Roches­ MENY·ROC On. It is important for us all to be familiar with how we might help with this proj­ ter Swing Dance Network, and R] Ruble By A11neTisci Jer ect. Gathering time will be 6:30 p.m. have been teaching us Swing Basics. The For more information about the group, the March potluck, and the April pro­ group has had fun testing their dance A NY Senate marriage vote is predict­ gram, contact Ron at 223-2629 or email [email protected]. skills, learning new steps and getting to ed to happen by June! Most people did know one another socially. If ever you not anticipate that the momentum toward have wanted ro dance with others in marriage legislation would be so strong a supportive community environment, this year. Bur latest statewide polls show here's your chance. 58 percent of New Yorkers fa vor marriage Video Advocacy Project. All are welcome, shall Rd., Rochester 14624, at 7 p.m. We meet on the second and fourth for same-sex couples. bring a dish or a donation is OK. We are a fun, lively and fr iendly group Sundays ofeach month through the 22nd Equality Rochester, which is parr of Please RSVP at (585) 426-0862 or made up of singles, couples, men, and of May at the Friends Meetinghouse, 84 the Marriage Equality New York network, (585)755-9398. For information about women, young and you ng at heart; when Scio St. (across from the East End Park­ invites you to be part of history and help upcoming EROC meetin�s contact: anne. we aren't learning new calls, we are telling Gara e with the entrance on Char­ make this happen in Join us on [email protected] (585 J426-0862. stories, jokes, and lively anecdotes. We ing & 2011. lotte St.) trom 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cost is $5 Saturday, March 5, 5:30-8 p.m. for the usually learn a couple of new calls each per person. During the month of March "Marriage Matters Potluck for Progress" FLOWER CITY PRIDE night, and if we make mistakes, our caller wi II review the calls for us. We are a very we are learning Salsa. The schedule is as in the GAGV Yo uth Center, first floor, BAND: 875 E. Main St. easy goin agroup, and missteps happen. fo llows: 3:30 p.m. -- Mini-Lesson (Salsa TIME TO STRIKE UP THE f Basics); 4-5:30 p.m. -- Open Dance. This is a community dinner celebrat­ There wil be someone there to guide you to where you need to be. The night is for Wear comfortable clothing and dean, ing all relationships and fo cusing dis­ BAND dry-soled shoes that allow you to twist cussion on the activities that Rochester fun and having a good rime. and turn easily. Bring water to quench people can do to advance the cause. The Flower City Pride Band is getting For more information, call Bob at 467- your thirst. See you on the dance floor. Among the initiatives will be a Marriage ready to start the 2011 marching season! 6456, or e-mail bmdaniels@frontieroet. Formerly BASSically TREBLEmakers, ner. Hope to see you soon. Flower City Pride has been Rochester's lesbian/gay band since 1993. RAINBOW SAGE The band is open to all adult LGBT musicians and allies, of all skill levels. Hi everyone and welcome tO March. We welcome musicians on any traditional I can smell spring in rhe air, can't you? I band instrument, flags, baton twirlers and can't wait to sir on the patio and smell the volw1reers. fr esh spring air. The spring makes park­ The summer season will include per­ ing your car easier too and here are some Jennifer L. Gravitz, Esq. fo rmances ar AIDS Walk, Rochester places you can park your car and enjoy a Pride, and other community events. Dur­ Rainbow SAGE activity. Quality legalservices provided with ing the summer we have primarily march­ Come and join us fo r euchre on SuJl­ old fashioned care in the privacy of your home or office ing and pep band performances, so it is day, March 6. We are lookina for some an easy time ro join the band ... and join fresh new players, so come andjoin us. It the fun! is a lor of fun. We meet the first Sunday F.state Buying!Sdling Real Partnership and Estate Planrung Rehearsal begins in April! of every month at South Wedge Planning Wills and Eaate �ttlement HIV/AIDS Plan ning Flower City Pride is a member of the Commission Building, 224 Mr. Hope Consumer Bankroptcy Uncontested Divorce Lesbian and Gay Band Association. As Ave. Game play starts at 3 p.m. Please Name Changes Misdemeanor Offenses such, our members are eligible to perform RSVP to Ginny at rudinandreaxx@aol. TnO:.c Viol.ations OWl at LGBA events, as some did for the 2009 com. Obama Inauguration. Do you like a cup of coffee and great For more information, contact Andy conversation? Would you like ro know 3349 Monroe Ave. Suite 344 Rochester, NY 14618 Virgin at [email protected]. more about us? Come and join us for cof­ (585) 244-8295 fee and conversation on Saturday, March GAY SQUARE DA NCE 12 at Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. The rime is 10 a.m. GROUP - THE LILAC If you have nor joined our men's group SQUARES yet, you need to. Our own Tony Perri will lead you into conversation about Do-Sa-Do Va lentine was the theme of needs and issues for older LGBT men. the Open House at 140 Alex on Feb. 12! But watch our, sometimes he has a little We had a good turnout and a fun time project to do -- bur it is all in fun and a that night. We had an enthusiastic group great learningexperience. The next group dancing their heans away. meers on Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30 Our next Open House will be on p.m. The location is the GAGV Com­ March 12 at 7:30 at 140 Alex. Hope to see munity Room, 875 East Main St. on rhe you there! The Lilac Squares meets each first floor, next to the GAGV Library Monday at the Open Arms Metropolitan and Youth Community Room. For more Community Church located on 740 Mar- (Groups continuepage 16) 16 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

(G roups continuedfrom page 15} All who are interested in the leather club preeminenr national organization devoted of the year. informacion on our men's group, conract scene are invited r.o check us our. to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgen­ NETWORKING Tony at [email protected]. Our general meeting is open to the der (LGBT) community in the workplace. OENYFL sponsors and hosts an ongo­ lr is hard to believe another year has public and we meet the Wednesday before OENYFL is one of 17 Our & Equal ing monthly event known as the Second gone by, but Sunday, March 20 is our bar night at 7:30 p.m. each month. Meet­ regional affiliates throughout rhe United Thursdays Networking Event. Second eighth Annual lntergenerational Panel. ings are held in our clubhouse at our home States. Our members are located in Roch­ Thursdays are held at high-end hotels We will have a broad spectrum of speakers bar, the Bachelor Forum, 670 University ester, Buffalo, Corning, Binghamton, and restaurants, and attract upwards of from youth to elders, and from all LGBT Ave. Our next general meeting will be Ithaca, Syracuse and points in between. 75 to 100 attendees. OENYFL uses these walks of life. Come hear their stories and on Wednesday, March 16. For more info, We are the second largest affiliate, with events to marker our educational evenrs, gain better awareness and understand­ please visit our website: 429 members in our online community, and to meet current and potential mem­ ing of our stories from the past and the www. rochesterrams.com. following only Adanta. bers. In addition, attendees leverage the present, as we look to the fu ture. There Our mission is to educate and empow­ events to network, identify resources for wi II be a question and answer period after ROCHESTER GLBTQI er organizations, human resource pro­ their company leaders, and to engage with the speakers and our potluck to follow fe ssionals, Employee Resource Groups OENYFL. MOTORCYCLE GROUP where you can warm up with a nice bowl (ERGs) and individual employees through Our nexr evenr will be raking place programs and services that result in equal on March 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Tapas of chili. The location is First Universalist We can't wait for the riding season to policies, opportunities, practices, and ben­ 177, 177 St. Paul Sr., Rochester. Par­ Church Sanctuary, corner of South Clin­ starr! Ir has been snowy for way too long! efits in the workplace regardless of sexual ticipants need to over 21. There is no ton Avenue and Court St. Starti11g time Our group is made up of newbies, eo­ be p orientation, gender identity, expression, or cover char plus we'll have free appetiz­ is 4 p.m. ple who put on a lot of mileage, and long ge, Tr is something new. The Rainbow time bikers. We are all joined, apart from characteristics. ers, with dinner and drink specials. Also, SAGE Breakfast Clu b meets to eat break­ Out & Equal provides enriching work­ there's great on-street parking at and near the obvious, by our spore, and helping fa st (thus the name) at locations around place services and programs to achieve our by the restaurant! Lasdy, there will be a each other. A real nice group of people ! Rochester. We will be meeting on Sat­ For more information, look at our goal: to promote equality for all individu­ 50/50 drawing for GAGV and Pride 2011. urday March 26 at East Ridge Family Yahoo group profile: RochesterGLBTQ­ als, including rhe LGBT community, UPCOMING EVENT Diner, 1925 East Ridge Road. Time is lbikers. You can also call Bob at 467- families, and allies in the workplace. LGBT (and Our Allies) Ice Skating 10 a.m. 6456, or e-mail bmdaniels@fromierner. Here are some of the major areas in Parry, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., at Genesee Val­ I have heard time and time again how net. Let's ride with pride! which OENYFL is making contributions: ley Park fndoor lee Rink, 131 Elmwood our women's group is fa ntastic. Well find EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Ave. Come OUT of the cold and have a OENY FL will paJtner with affi liates health skate with fa mily, fr iends and/or our for yourself on Monday, March 28 at ROMANS CELEBRATE y ll a.m. Eileen Brophy will facilitate the Metro NY, Philadelphia and Washington, coworkers. Free. Skate rental $3 (all are discussion on LGBT issues and needs for TWENTIETH YEAR DC to create the third Our and Equal welcome ro bring their own skates free of Northeast Regional Work lace Summit charge). Discounted snacks and bevera es women. They meet the last Monday of The Rochester Male Naturists club g here in Rochester on Aprif 14. National from the concessions stand. Contact: fin­ every monrh at the GAGV Community (ROMANS) is celebrating 20 years of 875 leaders from companies who are pushing [email protected] or visit www. Room, East Main St., first floor next hosting male social nudity in 2011. to the GAGV Library and Youth Com­ the boundaries to attain LGBT workplace oeNYfmgerlakes.groupsite.com for fur­ The group was founded in 1991 as munity Room. For more information on equality will lead workshops and panels at ther derails. "Hosting Upstate Nude Guys". In that our women's group conracr Eileen at ebro­ the conference. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT year gasoline was $1.12 per gallon, rhe [email protected]. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM- OENYFL encourages members to vol­ DOW broke 3000, Microsoft introduced MING unteer with LGBT organizations through That rakes care of our activities for MS DOS 5.0, and the internet reached In addition to partnering with the the annual United Way Day of Caring. March. We are a busy bunch indeed and one million users. Many things have regional affiliates for the conference, OENYFL members' donations ro the hope you will keep coming to our events. changed in the years since, including OENYFL conducts at least fo ur educa­ GAGV enabled OENYFL to recog­ Here are some fuwre dates of activities be changing the group's name from Hosting tional workshops per year. In January we nized as a 2010 sponsoring community coming to mark down on your calendar. Upstate Nude Guys (HUNG) to the less presented "Understanding and Manag­ organization. More information will come as we have it provocative ROMANS. ing LGBT issues in the Workplace," led If you'd like to learn more about available. Open to all gay-friendly men age 21 by Janet Donner, engineer, ITT and Vita us, please visit us on the web at Imps:// June 19 - Rainbow Sage Birthday and over, the group hosts a wide range of Trincali, Director of Corporate Train­ oenyfingerlakes.groupsire.com. Bash clothes-free activities including swims, the ing, MerLife. In our April article we will Also, fmd us on Facebook and Linked July 16-Pride Week Parade occasional volleyball game, camping, and July 17 - Pride Week Picnic describe the highlights of the upcoming In. Search for "Our and Equal NY Finger monthly pot lucks and dinners. Recent Summit and the workshops for the rest Lakes." • August 20 - Rainbow Sage Picnic meetings have included a nude wine tast­ October 29 - Fall Dance ing fe aturing Australia11 wines, a neck ties · only conresr, a demonstration of elecrro­ - ROCHESTER RAMS M.C. stim, and a nude yoga session. The group Mountain Rise THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH co-hosts a nude picnic each summer at United Church Of Christ The Ra1ns thank everyone who braved Jones Pond with In The Buff, the Buffalo A community of faith where in Perinton the cold to join us for our "Leather men's naturist group, and spends several No matter who yott are and Chains" barnight on Feb. 19 at the LGBT persons are welcomed as days at the GNI (Gay Naturist Llterna­ or where yott are on life's jowrney, Forum. full partners in m n stry tional) gathering in the Poconos held in i i yott're welcome here! It was great to break our of the cabin August. fe ver and host a great evening among The Rev. Dr. Greg Osterberg, ROMANS supports the Naturist SUNDAY WORSHIP Pastor fr iends. Action Committee and the Image Out 8:30am Third Church chapel Suzanne Gangemi, On Jan. 16, the Rams sat down to an as East Avenue at Arnold Park Festival, well doing presentations at the Family Ufe Ministries excellent meal at Shea's to celebrate the Northeast Naturist Festival and ma11ning 1 0:45am Third Church sanctuary Sunday lOam installation of Mike A. as our president information booths at the Rochester Gay East Avenue at Meigs Street for 2011, and to show our appreciation for Alliance Pride Picnic and the Rochester Communion: First Sunday o{ Month the great job that Bob F. has done for the Erotic ArtsFestival. LGBT SUPPORT GROUP Worship in Jazz:Second Sunday of Month past two years as our president. Members come from many walks of 7:30pm First & Third Mondays Children/Youth Christian Education at Ute Presbyterian Church We invite you to join us at rhe Bach­ life and a variety of age groups and geo­ New available during Worship 243 Rosedale (at Monroe) elor Forum on March 19 for our "Trailer graphic locations, including Erie, Livings­ Nursery Care Available Tr ash" barnighr. Come dressed in your ton, Seneca, and Monroe Counties. One II Accessible and Audio Loop Available ripped, worn, and torn jea11s. We 'll be member lives in Brooklyn. 2 Mountain Rise, Fairport NY 14450 ready at 9 p.m. to serve you the cold drink � �ltd �erian Church The group is always looking for men �oo'ltln g the Llghr (OffRt. 31 just east of Kreag Road) of your choice. willing to do informal presentations on 4 Meigs Street (at East Avenue) 585.271.6513 Phone: (585) 223-2433 With the spring comes our annual www.mtriseucc.org travel, hobbies, healm, local history, the www.thirdpresbyterian.or Can-Am Weekend, where we invite a fe l­ arts, books, legal issues, fimess, or other g low club to come to Rochester. Can-Am interesting topics. The club can be con­ 2011 is scheduled for May 20 mrough tacted at their new website www.wnyro­ May 22 with our brothers and guests, the mans.com. Ottawa Knights from Omario. A closed ofeC!au.e:J� · party and barbeque will take place on WHAT IS OUT EQUAL? � Sunday afternoon. Space is limited; ftll & out your application early. More derails By Emily ]ones, & HEATING and fo rms for this event can be found on Chair of the Out & Equal New Yo rk PlUMBIIi our website. Finger Lakes (OENYFL) Council 663-2940 The Rochester Rams M.C. is West­ For those of you who are not famil­ PliMBINI, HUTINI,HYDII RUSHING, SEWO CAMEIA Will OwtttJttNotr�eC""" QPerate(l • AviWI>IJIO 24 nours 7 aaysa.....,. ern New York's fo remost gay motorcycle iar with Our & Equal New York Finger Loyal, dtlp&ndabl• m bu,_MS$ •�11177 and leather club as well as being one of Lakes (OENYFL), we wanted to rake a ReS>d6nbiJIVld Com-fOal • PrumOing �f>S«J M304 rhe oldest clubs of its type in the country. moment to give you an overview of this

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{Movement co1ttiuuedfr om 13) page [raq, Uganda and Cameroon. Judith, who Our movement has been built on more a shared fi ght. But the harder we work, the more describes herself as "straight, suburban, than 40 years of sacrifice and commit­ • Third, we must be more open aJld committed we remain, the stronger we religious and passionate," is with us here ment; we've been through too much co accepting of help from our straight allies will be and the more peaks we will see in today. ever let one election or one referendum and non-LGBT movement colleagues and our fu ture. People like Des Shelton and Sarah or one Tea Party stop us. The end of leaders. Honestly, 20, 15 or even 10 years Consider what we accomplished just Lindstrom who live right here and wanted DADT didn't just happen. Its roots can be ago, there were not a lot of non-LGBT this year: Once a<>ain, those opposed to walk together in their school's Snow traced back decades. Its demise was fo re­ progressive groups pounding on our door, to our equality tried to take away basic Day celebration. Des and Sarah had been shadowed by the racial integration of the looking to help us with ENDA or ream LGBT nondiscrimination protections in elected by their classmates to join the roy­ military and women being able to serve with our grassroots activists to help pass Bowling Green, Ohio. But, once again, alty contingent at the celebration. School alongside men. protections on the state or local levels. like we did the year before in Kalamazoo, officials quickly declared chat no students And that's the way of social change - There were some, but not many. But, it Michigan, and the year before that in would walk with other students, break­ it stands on the shoulders of and bears the is also true that we didn't always ask for Gainesville, Florida - we waged a grass­ ing a long uadition in order to deny Des fi ngerprints of those who came before us. help or do the work necessary to make roots campaign, faced down attacks, and and Sarah their request to march together. And so even now, when many think the the connections. We got used to work­ we won. Well done, Ohio. Des and Sarah, with help from legal orga­ tide is flowing against us, our progress ing alone, talking only to ourselves, mes­ And in over 15 towns - towns like nizations and advocates, fo ught back and will not be stopped . We will set our expec­ saging only to ourselves (yes, some of our Missoula, Montana; Taylorsville, Utah the school officials reconsidered, inviting tations high and we will pursue them. We campaign ads over the years made us feel and Haverford, Pennsylvania - organiz­ all scudems to walk with ocher students, are not only fighting for legal equality. good, but they didn't change votes). But ers were successful in passing trans-inclu­ indudin Des and Sarah. Des, Sarah and We wane to transform society, securing _g now chat's changed. We have fr iends. We sive nondiscrimination laws. We've seen some ot their classmates are attending unconditional justice and freedom not have allies. And we need to listen and again and again rhat grassroots power, Creating Change chis week. just for LGBT people, but fo r all people. work with them in a way chat acknowl­ time-rested and increasin�ly sophisticated People like Lori Buckwalter, a radio ln fa ct, long before our movement edges their commitment and values their campaigning, and neighbors talking to programmer in rhe Northwest, who came talked about equality, we (and other partnership. neighbors, always win the day. As we've out as a transgender woman on the air six movements before us) spoke of freedom • And finally, if you work at or vol­ long said at the Task Force, "Equality months ago. Recently, a woman told Lori and liberation - concepts that cannot unteer for an LGBT organization, rake a Begins At Home!" that her coming out had "saved a friend's be limited. Freedom and liberation, by moment to identify existing coalitions - Congratulations to all the local and life" - a trans woman who despaired to their very nature, resist restriction. And or start them - that address economic or state organizations and grassroots orga­ come our and was suicidal. Lori wrote to so when we seek equality, when we seek tax policy, racial justice, criminal justice nizers for rhe wins chis year. And, on me, "This may not be a huge change ­ freedom and liberation, we seek it not just or other issues not always considered to be the fe deral level, the Task Force and our just one precious life - but I'm as proud for ourselves, but for all people .... LGBT issues. Join them, share your per­ partner organizations in our New Begin­ and happy as 1 could be to have given ...change is happening, whether or not spectives from the LGBT community and ning Initiative have succeeded in gaining hope." the halls of Congress reflect it. It's just show or learn about how these issues are protections for some of the most vulner­ People like Carole Stoneking, a another example of our national leader­ LGBT issues. We can't just show up when able in our community and at some of the 73-year-old woman from South Carolina, ship being out of touch with the people. we want help on marriage or nondiscrimi­ most vulnerable moments we face. who came out in 1956 when she was 19 Take marriage equality - a majority nation and expect it from our allies. lf we Moments like when your partner goes years old. As an OLOCer, an "Old Les­ of Americans, including more than a few do not see our work in an expansive way, co the hospital, sick or hurt and needs bian Organizing for Change," she is mak­ notable Republicans, now state their sup­ in a way that speaks to the many issues in you at her side. One year ago, we could ing sure that women over 60 know there port for it, even if a majority of Congress our lives, partner with progressive orga­ be barred at the door. Now, because of a is an organization that cares about them. and the President state they do not. Our nizations and show up on those broader presidential order, 90 percent of hospitals She has had both hips replaced, both nation is changing rapidly. Unfortunately, issues, we will be halted in our progress. must let us in to be with our loved ones. wrists replaced, both cataracts removed, at the moment, our government is not, We will not make progress .... One year ago, LGBT fa milies in need and she keeps on going. Carole is with us but .itwill. We 'll make sure of that...... These are challenging times - for could be turned away by a homophobic here today. That's why we at the Task Force have everyone. These are times when our com­ gatekeeper as they applied for public hous­ And people like Tony Perri and his been holding meetings with civil rights mon struggles ought to be bringing us ing or a home loan. But just this month, grandson, who shared their experiences leaders, union leaders, immigration and together rather than teaJ·in� us apaJ-r. It's the U.S. Department of Housing and through National Public Radio's Story other progressive leaders so rhat we may too easy in tough times to look fo r some­ Urban Development announced numer­ Corps, of growing up gay in the '40s and think together, strategize together and one to blame, someone to point a finger ous changes that will protect LGBT peo­ '50s and in the '90s and 2000s - both as work together to keep the momentum at as we ease our own pain by causing ple as we seek the basic human right of out gay men. Their stories are now parr of of progress ever fo rward even as some pain for another. It's happening every shelter for ourselves and our families. the Library of Congress archives. in government want co move backward. day, and it's dragging our country down. Now some people call this piecemeal Tony is with us here today. Yes, we wiU continue to work on LGBT­ Because if we don't believe in each progress. I say this isn't piecemeal if you Judith, Lori, Des & Sarah, Carole and specific legislation, to organize for ballot other, if we can't trust each other, if we are poor, or elderly, or need a roof over Tony... you are my heroes ... measures, to train leaders and grassroo ts can'r put another's interests ahead of our your head, or don't wane co experience ... Bur what really is our vision for organizers for the campaigns of the day. own, if we can't wish another happiness, the indignity of contorting our family change? How high can we reach? That's But truly transformative chaJ1ge, if we fe ar another's success more chan we realities into a government fo rm that once up to us. change that shifts the very fo undations of hope for our own, then we are lost.... only gave you the choice of "mother and As fo r those who oppose us, who want our society, chan�e that seeks to impact ...Unf ortunately, but not surprisingly, father". This progress isn't piecemeal. It's to hold us down and back, they have less hearts, minds and behavior - this is the many of us have internalized the limita­ powerful. And it moves us forward as a to say about what we achieve than we do. change that lasts. And this is the change tions that have existed or still do e�ist in people and a society. And that means we - right here in this to which we are called.... as we make deci­ society for LGBT people. Today, I am And, of course, we had a big success in room and listening ar home - we can sions about what's next for us, there are a asking us to resist with all our will those the 11th hour of the 2010 congressional be either the architects of our freedom or few things we should consider: limitations, co be, as Gandhi said, "the session. After generations of hiding pic­ the silent witnesses of lost opportunity. • First, we must make our movement change you want to see in the world." tures of each ocher and writing love let­ Our path ... the vision of our fu ture ... we one that truly represents the racial, gender r ask that we truly feel our power, ters in coded language; after generations decide. But we must be careful. aJld economic diversity of our communi­ allow ourselves to envision a new fu ture. of service members' partners nor being If we decide our movement is about ty. We cannot make rhe progress we need We can gain motivation and inspiration allowed the dignity to know whether their jusr one issue or a few issues, then we will to make on the many issues that affect the from ourselves and each other if we act partners are safe or have died, because the have trapped ourselves with self-imposed lives of LGBT people with so many of our as if change is right around the corner ­ military didn't recognize their love; after and limited expectations. We cannot just organizations run by white people. The because it is! ge nerations of being asked co risk their be about marriage or military service or more diverse and more represemarive we Let us act as if one day, no one - not lives while being fo rced to lie; after 17 immigration fairness-we must be about are, the stronger we will be. And to that here, not in Uganda, not in Egypt, not years of working to overturn an immoral all these things and more. Our movement end, rhe Task Force is working duough anywhere - will be murdered or silenced law... My fr iends, we succeeded in over­ must be interconnected with others, not our Academy for Leadership and Action simply because of who we are, who we turning "Don't Ask, Don't Tel l.".... single-issue fo cused. to increase the number and diversity of love, or because we work for freedom and This year the LGBT community Our goal cannot be one issue, nor even people skilled at stepping into staff, board human rights. showed that we care about the many a brief checklist. Our siohts must be set aJld volunteer roles of our movement. Act as if OUR dream, our vision of issues that affect our lives - jobs and beyond what most consi er to be equality. • Second, we must work harder to freedom WILL come true - and that it economic security; social security, immi­ Our oal must be unconditionald justice. A make gender identity and expression cen­ will come true MUCH sooner than we'd � gration and in health-care reform work transtormed society. tral to our work. We ALL have a gender imagined. - which, by the way, will benefit more And to achieve that, we must work dif­ identity. We all express our genders in dif­ Act as if we will have an LGBT-sup­ LGBT people than any LGBT-specific fe rently. When there is a victory, yes, we fe rent ways. Our transgender brothers and porcive Congress and President in 2012 legislation we've been working on. As you can breathe it, savor it, but then immedi­ sisters are bearing the brunt of discrimina­ - and start organizing the vote now! know, health-care reform is under attack ately we must ask, "What's next?" That tion, but it is discrimination that is also an Act as if all LGBT people understand and we must let our voices be heard. must be our vision for the fu ture, and chat attack on those of us who do not identify chat immigration reform, prison reform, When you take a step back, and cake a must become what we expect from our­ as transgender. disability justice, racial and economic jus­ look, this is remarkable progress. But this selves, from each other, from our leaders In fact, just this morning, we released tice are LG BT issues. is only part of the story, only part of the and from our movement .... the report on the National Transgender Act as if all people know they will change. .Every day, there are individual For us, the next year will be a time Discrimination Survey: Injustice ar Every be more free co express themselves as we people who are creating change in ways when we fo cus on broadening our com­ Turn. We were proud to have done this work for sexual freedom. that are truly inspiring. munity and alliances, when we work in partnership with the National Center Act as if you, you are the person who This year, as I was working on this together to strengthen our relationships for Transgender Equality.... The sur­ will create the change to set us all free. speech, I asked people across the coumry and when we work together with our vey provides groundbreaking data about When we leave this week, let us to send me a message about how they are friends to lift both ourselves and them. transgender and gender non-conforming inspire each other co lead, to create a soci­ creating change. Congress is going co be less receptive, people. The results show that rransgender ety where justice is unconditional, where Hu11dreds of you responded. but we've been there before. In what was people - and especially transgender peo­ the strength of diversity is not a goal but People like the Rev. Judith Hanlon, thought the best of times or the worst of ple of color - fa ce devastating levels of a given, and where the concern is not who who along with her friend, attorney Lisa times, we've always made progress. discrimination in every area of life - and we love but that we love. Weinberg, fo rmed a community organi­ But, in particular, we've always made they show incredible resilience even in the Believe in us. Believe in yourself. zation char supports LGBT asylum seek­ progress in building our grassroots power face of such discrimination. Believe that che sweetness of freedom will, ers. So far, they have helped 22 people and making positive change happen for The survey is a wake-up call and a call one day, be on all of our lips. from countries, including El Salvador, LGBT people at the local and state level. to action for our movement. This must be And let's go Create Change! • 18 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

Adult Discussion Group GAGVYouth Group Ages21 +. Sundays, 4:40-6 pm, Ages 13-23. Every Sunday, 2-4pm, Auditorium Cener,t GAGV Youth GAGV Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Center, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. or satellite location. For weekly location MONDAY U.R. Pride Network MOCHA/GAGVYouthTrans Group Unity Fellowship Church check Youth Calendar, 7:30pm, Gamble Room in Rush Rhees First Thursdays, 5-7pm, GAGV Youth www.gayalliance.org or e-mail Jess at LGBT Support Group Sundays, lOam, Auditorium Center, Library. [email protected] Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor [email protected]. New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 875 E. Main St., Prince St. wi ng. (Prince St. entrance). 244-8640 ext 13. Rosedale. First, 3rd Mondays, RochesterTransgender Organizati on 568-8391 Rainbow SAGE Second Wed nesdays. 6:30-9pm. 140 AQA First Sundays: EuchreOub, 3·6pm. 7:30-9:30 pm. Carol, 482-3832. Dignity-Integrity AlexBar& Grill J40AlexanderSt. Su port group fortransgender people of Third Sundays, Potluckat First IliacSquares p lst Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist color. ThirdThursdays, 5:30-?pm, Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton Gay Square DanceGroup Gay AllianceBoard ofDirectors with music; 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman MOCHA, 107 Liberty Pole Way. Ave., 4pm. Mondays, 7pm, Open Arms MCC, Meets Third Wed nesdays, 6pm, Catholic Liturgy of theWord with 420-1400. Men's CookingGroup 740 Marshall Rd. 520-5358; 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Second Thursdays Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664. [email protected]. New FreedomNew Happiness Social and businessnetworking, 5:30- Prayers to start the \-\reek,fo llowed by a Free syphilis testing AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unirarian Civil Rights Front 7:30pm. Changing venues. E-mail potluck supper. AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. Church, 220 Winton Rd. Men and Every Tuesday, 5pm, Equai=Grounds, fingerlakes@outa ndequal.org 442-2220. women. Open. OpenArms Metr opolitan 750 South Ave. http�/wvvw. Gay & Lesbian Cancer Support Community Ch urch Rochester Historical BowlingSociety Support Group for Parents who civilrightsfront.wordpress.com Group 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, !0:30am, 7:15pm, Mondays. Gover Lanes, ltaveChildren lost Second Thursdays, 6-7:30pm, Gilda's 271-8478 2750 MonroeAve. (Group is fuJIJ First, 3rd Wed nesdays, I lam-I 2:30pm, Oubhouse, 255 Alexander St. RSVP: GayMen's Alcoholics Anonymous HIV Positive Gay Men Support group Third Pr�byterian Church, 4 Meigs St. GeneseeRegion Home Care. Free. 423-9700; [email protected] St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, Every Monday,5pm, AIDS Care, 325-1880 FRIDAY 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8:30pm, 232-6720, 259 Monroe Ave. COAP Gay Men's meeting Weekly. Closed meeting GAGVYouth Dro p-InHours AA ComeOut and Play. Business mee ting Mondays, Wednesdays, 2-6pm, GAGV Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Oosed meeting. last Wtrl nesday. Equal Grotmds Co ffee Emmanud Baptist Church, Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St Shop, 750 South Ave. 7pm, John S., Park entrance, ftrst floor. 244-8640, x 13. 815 Ave. 261-7263. GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Frontrunners!Frontwalkers Empire Bears Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House First Wednesdays, 7:45pm, GAGV locations. RochesterGLBTIQbikers@ ROCHESTER pruking lot.www.rocksterfiontnummorg. Community Center, 875 E. Main St., ya hoo.com; 478-1565; Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support fifth floor. [email protected] bmdaniels@frontiernetnet. AA MEETINCS Group Rochester Rams General Meeting TGIF- GAGV Mondays, 7·8pm, 289 Monroe Ave. 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Game ni ht s or film screenings. 6:30-9 g Every week there are four regularly scheduled GAGV library&Archives, David Forum, 670 UniversityAve. pro, Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. BohnettCyber Center www.rochesterrams.com Through March 25. GLBTI AA meetings in Rochester. EveryMonday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Brothers Keeper Main St. 244-8640. SATURDAY Support group for men over 30. Third Rochester Night TUESDAY We dnesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Rams Bar Wednesdays Third Saturdays, Bachelor New Freedom/New Happiness Group Center, I 07 Liberty Pole Way. 8pm-2am, Just Us Guys Forum, 420-1400 670 UniversityAve. 271-6930 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Bus Gay men of all ages. Second Tuesdays, Empire Bears BarNight Care, Ave. GAGVYouth Drop-In Hours riders: Take the last #18 University bus to 12 Corners. Use 6:30pm, AIDS 259 Monroe FLC St Saturdays. Bachelor Forum, 223-2629 Mondays, We dnesdays, 3-7pm, GAGV the stop just past the top of the hill at Hillside Ave. and before 470 UniversityAve. irebears. www.emp org. Youth Cent er, 875E. Main St. Prince Outfur Justice Wo rkshopser es Highland Ave. Or take the Park Ave. to the corner of East i St. entrance, fLCSt floor. 244-8640 x 13. Frontrunners!Frontw.ukers #1 Fourth Tuesdays through Nov. 2011. George Eastman House and Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Winton. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, parking Kelly Clark, 244-8640. lotwww.rochesterfronrrunners.org. This is an open discussion meeting. All issues - as they relate PFLAG program meeting 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Empire Bears Potluck to our alcoholism/addiction and recovery - are fair game. First Tuesdays. 7·9pm meeting. St. 2nd Sa turdays, GAGV Youth Center, Thomas Church,Winton & Highland. GAGV Library & Archives,David E. fi t floor, Prince St. BohnettCyber Center 875 Main, rs CampusOut CoffeeNight entrance. 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. First floor, Fridays EveryWed nesday. 6-8pm. Bring to viww.em Gay Men's First Tuesdays, 7-lOpm, dish pass. pirebears.org. 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. Equai=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Cross DresserSupport Group 7:30 p.m. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. THURSDAY • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts MOCHA Youth Drop-In First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: Tu es.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, Presbyteriansfur Lesbian and Gay 251-2132; [email protected] • Men's meeting Concerns RochesterTransgender Organization 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; • Handicapped accessible 244-8640 6:30pm, firstThursday. Ralph, Last Saturdays, 2:30·5pm, Gay Alliance This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you are shy about MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic 271-7649 Community Room, 875 E. Main St., first floor (next to Youth Center). meeting people or speaking up in a group, you will find this Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Queer Radical ReadingGr oup Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole First and third. Thursdays, 7pm, Guys Night Out meeting particularly warm and inviting because everyone gets Way, 420-1400 Equal= Grounds, 750 South Ave. Third Saturdays. Social group for their turn to speak (or pass). f>.sa result, this meeting often runs transguys. lpm, Egual=Grounds, 750 Rainbow SAGE Yoga Pride at Work long, so plan on more than the usual hour. South Ave. [email protected]. 6-7pm Open Arms MCC, First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders 125 Norris Drive, 442-6369. St. offThtmton Rd. 426-0862. SaturdayNigh t SpecialGay AA Wo men's Community Chorus TransAction Group (TAG) 7pm, Unitarian Ch urch,220 Winton Saturdays Rd. S. Men and women. Open meeting. Saturday Night Special Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Information: Peter Vaillancourt, p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, S. Winton Rd. Bus Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 sk8forether@gmail; list serve at Iliac RainbowAlliance for the 7 220 N. Fitzhugh Street 234-4441, [email protected] Deaf(LRAD) 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does not go by the church www.therwcc.org GLOB&L (Gays and Lesbians of [email protected] on weekend evenings. Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner FreeHIVTesting Bausch &Lomb). SUNDAY of East and Winton, then walk five minutes south {uphill) on Every Tuesday, 9am-7pm. AIDS Care, Meets everythird Thursday in Area 67 conference room at the Optic Center. Parents Families& Friends of Winton. 259 Monroe Ave. Lesbians Gays(PFLAG) Voice mail: 338-8977 and • Open meeting, all are welcome, "straight-friendly" WEDNESDAY Third Sundays, 2-4 m. Nopper Room, Rochester Gay Men'sChorus p •Mixed men and women Gay Alliance, fifth floor, 875 E. Main Charlie's Grou Downtown United Presbyterian p St. PFLAG@gayallia nce.org. • Handicapped accessible, take the elevator to the basement Third Wed nesdays . Monthly peer· Church, St. 121 N. Fitzhugh 6:30-9pm, GAGVLibrary&Archives, David Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion. facilitated suppport group for married 423-0650 sex Bohnett Cyber Center men who have withmen. Free confidential walk-inHIV Confidential, free. 6:30pm. For info: Every Sunday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Sundays Scott, x testing Main St. 244-8640. Rochester Gay Men 244-8640 20; [email protected]. night, EveryThursday 5-8pm, AIDS Come Out Dancin' Country Line DandngffwoStepping Care, 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 8 p.m. at St. Luke/St. Simon's Episcopal Church, 17 S. fourth 3- Every Wednesday, Muthers, 40 S. Second, Sundays. 5pm. Friends Fitzhugh St. Bus riders use the Fitzhugh St. stop on Main St. Partner BereavementGroup Union, 7pm, Lessons followed by Meeting Hou5e, 84 Scio St., entry on at the County Office Building and walk south one block. First and third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm. Charlone r dancing untU JOpm, Beginners to S . $5. Open drop-in session; professionally led. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts advanced. Freewill donation to hospice requested . • Men's meeting Lifetime Care, 3lll Winton Road, • NOT handicapped accessible 214-1414 Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open discussion. MARCH 2011 • NUMBER 443 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 19

of lesbian, bi women of color. Contact: their own skates). Discounted snacks and Allegra Anka, [email protected] or beverages from concessionsstand . Contact: (585) 210-4178. [email protected] or visit www. THURSDAY 17 oeNYfingerlakes.groupsite.com. TGIF: Games Night. St. Patrick's Day HIV/STD Testing GAGY Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Free. 6:30-9 pm. Event, 2-5 pm, MOCHA Center (107 Lib­ TUESDAY 1 of transgender experience discuss erty Pole Way) . Free HN and STD testing Last "Frozen Fridays" event. LGBT Health Month Kick-Off Cot: expression, fluidity of identity. Jess will be available. Incentives will be pro­ Transgender comedian Ian Harvie at fee Hour. 7-9 pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 [email protected] or (585)244-8640. vided . Contact: Michael Booth, mbooth@ UR, presented by Pride Network. 8 pm, Hubbell Auditorium, Hutchison Hall, UR South Ave. WEDNESDAY 9 mochacemer.org or (585) 420-1400. River Campus. $5 for undergraduates, $7 WEDNESDAY 3 LGBT Yo uth & Healthcare. 3-4:30 FRIDAY 18 graduate students, fa culty, staff; $10 ge n­ LGBT Equality and Justice Town Hall pm, GAGV Youth Center. Discussion with Rainbow Theatre Festival. Opening eral admission, available at Common Mar­ Meeting, by Dr. Suzanne Lee. Open to ages 13-23 only! hosted Pride Agenda, 7 pm, night of "The Lambda Project: the End". ket in Wilson Commons, Equal Grounds Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 Jess Cohen, [email protected]; (585)244-8640. Produced by Bread & Water Theatre. Vari­ (750 South Ave.), OUTlandish (274 N. N. FitZhu h St. Alden Bashaw, abashaw@ g THURSDAY 10 ous plays through April 17, 243 Rosedale Goodman Sr.) prideagenda.org or (585) 271-2420. Out & Equal Second Thursdays Net­ Sr. at Monroe Ave. Friday, Saturday at 8 SATURDAY 26 FRIDAY 4 working event. 5:30-7:30 pm, Tapas 177, pm; Stmday ar 2 pm. Single tickets $6-$12; The Vagina Monologues by Eve Gallery @ Equal=Grounds. "Corpo­ 177 St. Paul St. Contact: Ralph Cart­ season tickets $20-$30. 585-271-5523. Ensler. 7 pm, Hochstein, N. Plymouth. f 50 ra" by Patrizia La1 er. Opening reception; er, [email protected] or www. SATURDAY 19 Produced by V-Day Rochester. Proceeds show runs through March 25. oeNYfmgerlakes.groupsire.com Erotic Night at Equal=Grounds, 750 to Planned Parenthood of Rochester/Syra­ An Evening with Mrs. Kasha V Day Drag Show. 9 pro-midnight, South Ave. Music, poetry, art. 8 pm. cuse Region's Rape Crisis Service and the Davis, by Ed Popil, presented by Method 140 Alex Bar & Grill, $10. vdayrochester@ Reserve seats ar 585-242-7842. women and girls of Haiti. $20 ($10 stu­ Machine, 8 pm, MuCCC, 142 Atlantic gmail.com; 546-2771 x 346. Butch Femme Connection Dinner dents/seniors in advance); $25/$15 at door. Ave. Also March 5. $10. 244-0640. FRIDAY 11 Out. Meet at Jay's Diner on West Henri­ www. pprsr.org. Bridge the Generation Gap: Queer "At the End of the Tunnel: Light & etta Road (Route 15) in Henrietta, 7 p.m. SUNDAY 27 Mixer. 5-7 pm, SUNY Geneseo. Healing." and (585)288-7208, e-mail DressyFemme@aol. TGIF (Think Gay It's Friday): National Week of Prayer March Into Pride Monte Carlo Style. Screen­ Healing for AIDS. 7 prn, Peace Lutheran com or Facebook page under The Roches­ ing of "Southern Comfort", 7 pm, GAGV ter Butch-Femme Connection. Casino night fu11draiser for Pride 20ll. 4-7 Church, 125 Caroline St. Visioning service prn, 140 Alex Bar Grill, 140 Alexander Community Room, 875 E. Main Sr. Free. Rochester Gay Men's Chorus Con­ & sponsored by Unity Fellowship Church, St. $10. Vvww.GayAIIiance.org. www.gayalliance.org. cert. Minority AIDS Initiative of AIDS Care. "Mornems in Time," 8 prn, Hoch­ Come Out Dandn'. Friends Meeting SATURDAY 5 N. Contact: Jackie Dozier, jdozier@acRoches­ stein School of Music, 50 Plymouth House, 84 Scio St., entrance on Charlotte Marriage Matters: Potluck for Prog­ ter.org or (585)210-4126. Ave. Ticket info: www.rhergmc.org. St. 3:30-4 pm. ress, 5:30-8 pm at GAGV Yo uth Center, TGIF: Games night. GAGV Youth Rochester Rams bar night. 'Trailer first floor, 875 E. Main St. Sponsored by Center, 875 E. Main St. Free. 6:30-9 pm. Trash". 9 prn, Bachelor Forum, 670 Uni­ MONDAY 28 Equality Rochester (EROC). All welcome, emma's revolution. 20th anniversary versity Ave. Rated F hosts "Love Your Boobs: bring dish to pass; donations appreciated. concert for Rochester Roots. 8 pm, First SUNDAY 20 Breast Casting" (Parr 1), 7-9 prn, Flying Contact/RSVP: ArU1e Tischer, anne.tisch­ Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. Ve rnal equinox Squirrel Community Space, 285 Clarissa erl @gmail.corn or (585)426-0862 StopKiss. Out of Pocket Productions Rainbow SAGE/GAGV Youth 8th St. Event will be in two parts (also March MoeTown 20ll. Party for lesbians and presents play by Diana Son, with Marcy J. Annual lntergenerarional Panel. 4 pm, 29). $10 suggested donation (nobody away). their friends. Garnes, fireplace, old school Savastano, Stephanie Roosa. Also March First Universalist Church, corner of Clin­ turned 50 percent of proceeds will be donated to the Mautner Project, les­ lesbian potluck, hip hop line dancing, D]s 12 at 1:30, 7 pm. Geva Theatre Center, ton and Court St. downtown. Chili dinner. bian breast health organization. Open to JoJo and Ellen-0. $5 donation appreciated. 232-GEVA; gevatheatre.org. Proceeds to ASL interpreting available. Contact: Ginny women, people of trans experience. Info, to For location, call Ramona, 244-1640. Pride 2011. or Saundra, (585) 473-4765. Butch Femme Connection Dinner SATURDAY 12 RSVP: contact Sady and Allegraby March Out. TUESDAY 22 25 at [email protected] Meet at Famous Dave's BBQ on West Empire Bears Second Saturday Pot­ Ridge Rd. in Greece, 7 pm. (585) 288- Name Change & Other Transgen­ Cotntnunity Ambassador Training, luck. 6:30, theme "Mexican". GAGV der Legal Issues (GAGV Out for Jus­ hosted by Empire State Pride Agenda, 7208; e-mail [email protected]. Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor. ROMANS ochester Male Naturists) tice Workshop Series). The workshop runs 6:30 pm, Downtown United Presbyterian (R Lilac Squares Dance, 7: , Alex 30 140 6:30-8 prn in the GAGV Cornmw1ity Church (121 N. Fitzhugh St.). Contact: clothed meet and greet at restaurant prior Bar Grill, 140 Alexander St. 467-6456. to monthly clothes-free swim and gym. & Room (875 E. Main Sr., next to the Youth Alden Bashaw WNY Organizer, abashaw@ Something for the Sistas presents Center). Contact: Allegra Anka, aanka@ prideagenda.org or (585) 271-2420. 5:45 pm. www.wnyromans.com or call "Reclaiming Your Personal Power" 3-4:30 acRochester.org or (585) 210-4178, or Kelly 585-281-4964 for location. Open to all prn, MOCHA Center (107 Liberty Pole TUESDAY 29 gay-friendly men 21 and over. Clark, [email protected] or (585) 244-8640. Way). LGBT Health Month and Nation­ Rated F hosts "Love Your Boobs: BEAR Night at the Forum, 670 Uni­ WEDNESDAY 23 al Women's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Breast Casting" (Part 2). 7-9 pm, Flying versity Ave., 9 prn. www.empirebears.org. Torn Somerville conducts fine art work­ Pride 2011 Planning Meeting, 6-7:30 Squirrel Community Space (285 Clarissa SUNDAY 6 a pm, Napper Room (fifth floor, shop. Contact: Judith Bauman, jbaum n@ GAGV St.) Open to women and people of trans LGBT Self Defense, 4:30-6 pm, mochacencer.org or (585)420-1400. 875 E. Main Sr.) Rochester's 2011 Pride experience. Sady and Allegra, ratedftearn@ GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main St.) SUNDAY 13 Celebration is July 8-17. Contact: Pride grnail.com. Open to participants 21 and over ONLY. Come Out Dancin', Co-Chair, Michael Hardy michaelh@gay­ WEDNESDAY 30 3:30-5:30 alliaoce.com Comact: Jess Cohen, [email protected] or pm, Friends Meetinghouse, 84 Scio St. Queer Yo uth Sexual Health Discus­ (585) 244-8640 or Allegra Anka, aanka@ (entrance on Charlotte Sr. opposite East THURSDAY 24 sion Group (for ages 13-23 ONLY), 5-6 acRochester.org or (585) 210-4178. End parking garage). 3:30-4 pm: Mini ImageOut: The Rochester Lesbian & p.m. at the GAGV Yo uth Center (875 MONDAY 7 lesson on salsa. 4-5:30 pm; open dance. Gay Film & Vi deo Festival joins LGBT E. Maio St.) Q&A session with Erik LGBT Health Month at Gay Bowling. Cover charge: $5/person. Adults 18+! Info: Health Month with two free film screen­ libey from AIDS Care. Contact: Jess 7 pm, Clover Lanes (2750 Monroe Ave.) [email protected] or (585) ings: "FIT" 6 pm and "Children of God" Cohen, [email protected] or (585)244-8640 LGBT Health Month, Victory Alliance. 244-8640. 9 pm. Cinema Theatre, 957 South Clin­ or Erik Libey, [email protected] or TUESDAY 8 TUESDAY 15 ton Ave. Free and open to public on first (585)21 0-4192. come, first seated basis. More information Mardi Gras «Black Lesbians Matter: Panel THURSDAY 31 A & at www.imageour.org. Just Us Guys potluck, 6:30 pm, AIDS Discussion," 7-9 pm, Downtown United Love and Forgiveness Project screens Care, 259 Monroe Ave. Presentation by Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. FRIDAY 25 "Beyond Hatred" 6:30 pm in GAGV Shoulders to Stand On. 223-2629; rmat­ Co-sponsored by AIDS Care, MOCHA LGBT (and Our Allies) Ice Skating Community Room (875 E. Main Sr., first [email protected]. Center and the NYCLU. Panel will review Party. 5 prn-7 pm. Genesee Valley Park floor.) Free and open to the public. Col­ Trans Talk: Gender Fluidity, 6-8 key findings ofZuna [nstiture's (www.zun­ Indoor Ice Rink, 131 Elmwood Ave. Spon­ laboration with documentary series POV pm, GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main ainstitute.org) 2010 report "Black Lesbians sored by Out & Equal of rhe Finger Lakes. (www.pbs.org/pov). Contact: Kelly Clark, St.) Panelists representing full spectrum Matter"; community dialogue about issues Free. Skate rental $3 (all welcome to bring [email protected] or 585-244-8640.

Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet. 875 E. Main Street. Suite 500, Rochester. NY 14605. Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance or G/'GV. The deadline isthe 15th of the month, for the following month's issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will be published, but we must beable to confirm placement. The Empty Closet isnot responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must usetheir own box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number.

ANNOUNCEMENTS d & d free, HN negative. My 1 years Defining Ourselves - Therapy Group Is your computer bugging you? Does 14 week old male and fe male English experience guarantees your relaxation and for Gay Men. Group therapy can be par­ it need some TLC? Call Anya at Turnquist Bull Dog puppies are looking for a good satisfaction. Hotel visit, in call in my home ticularly valuable when you are in transition Computer Services to get rid of those pesky out call in your residence. Reasonable (leaving or beginning a relationship, chang­ co home to go to. Both Akc and Nkc Regis­ or bugs and get your mputerin topnotch shape rates. Discretion appreciated and practiced. ing careers, daring, coming out, giving up tered, shots up to date, well vaccinated. If again. (585) 482-4484; www.rurnquist.name interested in more information, email: djar­ Don't delay, call me roday at 585-773- bad habits) or in helping you to remove bar­ Tu rnquist Computer Services. Because you [email protected]. 2410(cell) or 585-235-6688(home) or e-mail riers so that you can make a change. Con­ want to use your computer, not ftx it. me at: [email protected]. tact (585)729-8893 or www.ricklocey.com. SERVICES FOR SALE Treat yourself to a very soothing, relax­ Martin Ippolito master electrician. Rochester's Best Man to Man Rub­ ing massage by a licensed massage therapist. Electrical work , telephone jacks, cable TV; Light up your path or garden this down. Unwind with this degreed, employed, Massage reduces stress and can enhance burglar alarm systems, paddle fa ns. 585- summer! Malibu outdoor lights, 50-foot fit, fr iend.ly, healthy, Italian GWM. Middle your well-being. Convenient central loca­ 266-6337. string of four. Brand new, never unboxed. aged, 5'8", 16 5lbs., 32" waist, nonsmoker, tions. Call John at 585-314-0197. $79 value for $69. 385-7931. 20 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 443 • MARCH 2011

Northeast Regional Wo rkplace Summit

Rochester Riverside Convention Center Thursday, April 14, 2011, 8am-5pm

Out & Equal New York Finger Lakes invites you to attend The Third Annual Northeast Regional Workplace Summit.

Summit introduction by Selisse Berry, Founder and Executive Director, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, San Francisco Keynote address: "The Levi Strauss & Co.™ Brand's White Knot Campaign in Support of Marriage Equality," by Enrique Atienza, Vice President, Levi's® and Dockers® Retail Stores and Operations, Americas 12 engaging workshops by national thought leaders followed by End of Summit celebration.

LGBT workplace equality is good for employees and for business. Receive actionable ideas to engage LGBT employees, allies, and management and make a difference at your workplace.

Summit registration is $90 for business professionals, $50 non-profit professionals and $40 students. Luncheon with keynote address only is $50

Together we can all make a difference!

Register today: www.outandequal.org/northeast-regional-summit

7 _Kodak Excellus +.V GOLD: Eastman Kodak Company GOLD : Excellus BlueCross BlueShield A nonprofrt independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association CORNING Met· ife SILVER: Corning Inc BRONZE : MetLife Financial Group of Upstate New York

COMMUNITY PA RTNER SUMMIT SPONSORS

In Partnership with Out & Equal Workplace Advocates™ educates and empowers organizations, human resources professionals, Out & Equal New York Finger Lakes, employee resource groups, and individual employees through programs and services that result in equal policies, Metro New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, opportunities, practices, and benefits in the workplace inclusive of all of sexual orientations, gender identities, and the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley expressions, and characteristics. Learn more at www.OutandEqual.org.