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YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT’S AT STAKE US Supreme Court It’s like a rainbow bee hive LANCASTER LGBTQ+ COALITION hears three crucial IS BUZZING ALL OVER WITH ACTIVITY

By Frank Pizzoli “We established ourselves to provide services and LGBT employment advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ people, both “The Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition advocates for individuals and the community,” Foley says, adding the health, rights, and visibility of LGBTQ+ people that the organization will also support the hard work cases across Lancaster County,” Karen Foley tells The of existing organizations to achieve statewide non- Central Voice. She’s one of many ‘founders’ who are discrimination legislation as the legislature returns working organically to coordinate people, resources, from its summer recess. House Bill 1404 by Rep. Dan By Sharon R. López and activity. They’re definitely not resume . Frankel and Senate Bill 614 by Sen. Farnese now await A registered 501c(3) organization, the coalition action. With similar language, they provide basic civil ederal law does not explicitly protect gay and officially launched July 15 when that region’s Pride rights for individuals. Pennsylvania has had employees from discrimination. How- Week began, culminating in a July 20 Pride celebra- similar legislation introduced in 2011, 2013, 2016, and F tion in Clipper Stadium. 2018. And that’s where all activity stopped. ever, the Supreme Court of the United States A collectively prepared Coalition statement pre- (SCOTUS) has decided to hear three cases that pared by Cameron Childers says: What’s the end game? “A place where all LGBTQ+ people live courageous, involve LGBT rights and non-discrimination in We believe in highlighting and advancing issues of intersectionality and equity. full, and authentic lives—an affirming Lancaster City employment. We believe in advocating specifically for the more and county where we live and thrive,” Foley says. Two of the three cases SCOTUS agreed to hear address vulnerable subsets of our population. Please see LANCASTER COALITION, page 21 civil rights protections for lesbian, gay and bi-sexual employees and one addresses employees. These are the first big cases being heard by the Court since Justice Kennedy left the court. Kennedy was a champion of LGBT protections and his absence on the court leaves many wondering if the outcome of these cases will be protective of LGBT rights in the workplace. All three cases are being heard together and oral ar- guments are set for October 8, 2019. SCOTUS discussed these cases at least fourteen times at their weekly conferences before finally deciding to hear them and decide what protections LGBT have in the workplace. cases The question presented on the two sexual orienta- tion cases is the same. The question is: Whether the prohibition in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a)(1), against employment discrimina- tion “because of . . . sex” encompasses discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation? The Court will be looking for argument on the intent and the plain language of the statute. Does sex discrimination include sexual orientation? The cases being heard came from two different circuit courts, Bostock is from the 11th Circuit and Zarda from the 2nd Circuit, and have they reach contradictory outcomes and legal analysis. Bostock The Bostock case involved a gay man, Bostock who claimed he was fired by the Clayton County Juvenile Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition founding members, from left: Xavier Garcia-Molina, Lee Cohen, Karen Please see SUPREME COURT, page 20 Foley; and Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace celebrating 2019 Lancaster Pride at Clipper Stadium. Celebrate family.

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only as a man born in Soviet Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia in 1981. It said he had been drunk during the INTERNATIONAL attack. | WIKIPEDIA PHOTO STATE ISTANBUL ERIE JAPAN LGBT community ‘socially unacceptable’ Erie passes ban Police used tear gas to Japanese lawyers ask for swift action Erie City Council passed an ordinance June 5 disperse hundreds of In this 2015 Facebook photo, prohibiting mental health practitioners from con- people at a banned gay Koyuki Higashi (left) and ducting conversion therapy on a minor to change pride march in Istanbul Hiroko Masuhara celebrate their sexual orientation or reports reports Deutsche Welle. and hold up their same-sex Michael Mahler, Editor, Erie Gay News. This was Activists had gathered to marriage certificate in the final step for passing the ordinance. Speaking promote rights for gay and Tokyo. Last month 13 gay in favor of the ban was Rev. Dr. Rich McCarty of transgender people. They couples filed a lawsuit Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and Community had hoped the ban would be arguing the country’s United Church. Rev. Dr. McCarty pointed out that lifted.Police pushed back crowds celebrating Istan- general rejection of same- this type of therapy can have a very harmful effect bul’s 17th march, an event Turkish author- sex marriage rights violates the constitution. Law- on youth, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression, ities had banned for the fifth year in a row. The rally, yers in Japan have asked the government to swiftly and suicide, and that numerous national mental on a side street off Istanbul’s main pedestrian legalize same-sex marriage, arguing that the current health and human services strongly oppose this type avenue, drew several hundred people who cheered legal procedures go against the Constitution. of so-called therapy. Opposing passage of the ban and waved rainbow flags. Chants of “shoulder to The lawyers say the current legislation, which does was Dr. John Diamond, who claimed that passage of shoulder against fascism” and “we will not be quiet” not recognize same-sex marriage, ignores the free- the ban would be unconstitutional. He stated that he were heard among the crowd. Amnesty International dom of marriage and equality for all people stipu- would file a lawsuit for violation of his civil rights. had urged Turkey to lift the “arbitrary ban” on the lated in the Constitution. They say banning same-sex In an Erie News Now report he was described as a pride march. It said authorities rejected all suggested marriage is a serious violation of human rights. “conversion therapist counselor.” locations in the city by deeming the LGBT commu- nity “societally objectionable.” | FACEBOOK PHOTO SERBIA NATIONAL Amazon bans; House balks; TWO assails Truth Wins Out assailed the House Republican Told only men & woman can marry PUERTO RICO Study Committee after Vice News revealed that the A lesbian couple launched a group, representing 70% of GOP House members, landmark bid to win legal Gov. Rossello resigns over text message hatched a plan to pressure Amazon into reinstat- Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo recognition for same-sex ing books from a discredited conversion therapist, Rosselló resigned amid a partners in Serbia, saying the late Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, whose work demeans scandal over sexist, homo- they wanted to step out and and dehumanizes LGBT people. Nicolosi was the phobic and otherwise stand up for LGBT+ rights founder of the notorious National Association for offensive text messages he in the Balkans reports Research and Therapy of (NARTH), and his inner circle ex- Rachel Savage, Thomson which displayed great disdain for LGBT people, once changed reported Bobby Reuters Foundation. It is referring to them as a “purple menace.” The plan Allyn and Scott Neuman for the first such legal challenge to be filed in Serbia, to harass Amazon is ironic, considering it follows NPR. The leaked texts set which has come under fire in the West over minority a landmark video apology last month by several off mass demonstrations and widespread calls for his rights and widespread . Jelena Dubovi high-profile former “ex-gay” conversion leaders who departure. “I was willing to face any challenge, fully and Suncica Kopunovic, from the northern city of now call for a federal ban on the destructive practice. understanding that I would prevail against any Novi Sad, tried to get a civil partnership at the “It is reprehensible that the GOP is now pressuring accusation or process,” Rosselló, a Democrat who municipal registrar’s office in April, but were told Amazon to reinstate discredited books that abuse was elected in 2016, said at the time. Earlier Rossello that only men and women can marry and turned and dehumanize LGBT people,” said Truth Wins had promised not to seek a second term, but he away, their lawyer said. “As not many same-sex Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “Conversion acknowledged that he had “heard the demand of the couples in Serbia are willing to step out, we decided therapy is a waste of time and money, which divides people. I hope this decision serves as a call to citizen to stand for all of us and try to fight and aim to win,” families and destroys lives. Amazon was correct to reconciliation,” he said. | WIKIPEDIA PHOTO said Dubovi, 27, who began dating 29-year-old stop peddling a fraudulent product that causes real Kopunovic four years ago then proposed to her in TEXAS harm and heartache. There are simply no happy end- 2016. “We are not afraid... we got sick of hiding who ings with conversion therapy.” we are, because that is actually nothing bad,” Dubovi Waco day care denies admission told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. “We “We are gay. Our daughter ALLENTOWN just love each other, which is absolutely a normal is not” A Waco couple said thing.” Serbia’s government did not respond to after a day care denied LGBT Center joins discrimination suit (L) Photo of Aimee Stephens requests for comment. | PHOTO BY BALKANIST their daughter admission Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT upon learning her parents Community Center has RUSSIA are in a lesbian marriage. joined Transgender Legal Brittney Ready and her Defense & Education Fund Russia arrests man over murder of activist wife, Stacey, have been married for two years and Elena Grigoryeva, 41, was (TLDEF) and 32 other have four kids. Their youngest daughter, Callie, was stabbed eight times in the LGBT organizations in fil- on the waiting list at Parkview Christian Acad- face and back by an assail- ing a “friend of the court” brief in support of Aimee emy until they got a call saying the day care finally ant whom she knew follow- Stephens in her case before the U.S. Supreme Court. had an opening. ing an argument between The case R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. Equal Brittney wrote on Facebook that the director was them, the Russian Investiga- Employment Opportunity Commission could reverse sweet and welcoming to the couple and their daugh- tive Committee, which longstanding precedent that transgender people are ter. It wasn’t until they were ready to leave that they handles major crimes, said. protected from employment discrimination under ran into problems. “We go to leave with paperwork Grigoryeva was a human rights and LGBTQ rights Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The amicus in hand only for the administrator to call us into his activist. She also opposed the annexation of Crimea brief asks the Supreme Court to affirm a Sixth Cir- office to let us know that he heard that Stacey and I by the Russian Federation. Russian police said they cuit Court of Appeals decision that ruled Ms. Ste- are ‘mates’ and because of that they cannot welcome had detained a man over the fatal stabbing of an phen’s employer violated Title VII, which prohibits Callie” Brittney said. Ready said the director told the LGBT activist near her home in St Petersburg and sex discrimination in employment, when they fired couple the day care could not welcome Callie because were not treating the murder as a . Police her for being transgender. their Christian-based faith would not be able to ac- have a arrested an unnamed suspect, identifying him cept their daughter. | PHOTO BY DIVERSITY, INC.

TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 3 Where do these guys come from? about “a very handsome young man” and Weaver would then hold Meeker and tell a “holy monk.” him “he loved me and he would protect Publisher's “As he walked by… the monk said to him: me, and he would never let anything bad ‘Young man I need to tell you. Stop what happen to me.” He also told Meeker not to Voice you’re doing’,” Neophytos said. “‘What am tell people what they had done (the telltale I?’ replied the young man.” sign,), as “nobody would understand.” “‘This sleeping around. You’ll catch William Weist, 52, made similar accusa- something, a disease, and die young. You tions against Weaver. He said he sought should repent. There is joy in repenting’,” Weaver’s help in his 30s, after witnessing Neophytos narrated. the death of his wife’s son, saying he was By Frank “‘How do you know what I’ve been do- at “an extremely low point.” ing?’ replied the young man.” After initially discussing “Bible and Pizzoli “‘God showed me,’ said the monk. ‘As Bible verses, and Jesus loves you, and all you walked by me, you had a nasty smell. this stuff,” the counseling sessions “just These acts you’re doing, laying with men evolved,” with Weaver allegedly introduc- have a specific stink which I recognize,” ing gemstones and discussions of “evil As the US Supreme Court is poised to Neoyphytus said in a monk’s voice. (What- spirits.” PUBLISHER & EDITOR determine how queer issues will be treated ever that is.) “‘This is how holy men receive Despite these oddities, Weist felt he was Frank Pizzoli under the law for what could be the re- information from God’.” improving after the trauma of seeing a dead [email protected] mainder of my life, we have professional, If I spoke to anyone in public the same body, saying, “I was able to now have those Evangelical Christians and an Orthodox way, I’d be committed. But let’s face it folks, memories and not get upset by them, so I ART DIRECTOR bishop of the woodwork. One we allow those who believe in Sky Gods lot thought it was all helping.” Louise Sukle story tops the other. Where do these guys of breaks along the way, plus tax-free status But things allegedly progressed to a come from? Have they no gaydar? Do they in America. Even they blatantly violate similar place as Meeker, with Weist naked, GRAPHIC DESIGNER even know what gaydar is? that religious privilege and get smack in ordered to remain still, and with Weaver Julianna Sukle Filing this in the Can’t Make It Up the middle of political campaigns. telling him he would remove his “hits” CARTOONIST drawer – Neoyphytus then told his (bleeping?) through masturbation. Brad Gebhart Yoga. Pastor Mark Driscoll thinks yoga flock that the young man was “helped by “I felt uneasy, but I took his word that this is bad. his family’s prayers and stopped his acts. was necessary,” Weist said, adding, ““Feel- Why? CONTRIBUTING WRITERS This young man now smells wonderful.” ing mortified was an understatement, but Yvonne Carmichael He explains on his web site that because And he would know. I didn’t want to say he was wrong, after he Louie Marven yoga is so intertwined with Hinduism, you helped me to this point. I was so confused Trum Simmons can’t practice yoga without making the Sucking for Satan? and upset I remember praying to God please Terry Drew Karanen Baby Jesus cry. In a Seattle Times article Amanda Arbour My fav - A New Jersey minister, says let me get this over with!” Nicolas Duncan last year, he said: “Should Christians stay numerous media outlets, has been accused At his next session, Weist was told only Tesla Taliaferro away from yoga because of its demonic by his (Mother?) superiors of using oral sex oral sex would remove his “hits.” Atticus Ranck roots? Totally. Yoga is demonic. If you just to extract “evil spirits” from three men he “When it was over,” Weist said, “he Sharon R. Lopez sign up for a little yoga class, you’re signing was counseling. showed me what looked to be a tiny metal up for a little demon class.” Rev. Dr. William Weaver‘s church over- ball and said that was what he got out of SALES MANAGER Pathoes, The Friendly Atheist web site seers noted “multiple acts of idolatry and me.” Dave Brown 717-944-4628 [email protected] commented: Driscoll is like the Boy Who sexual misconduct,” dating back to 1999. Weist says his low mental state was what Cried Satan. Every time he says it, he loses One day before his church ‘hearing’ (like allowed Weaver to take advantage of him: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE more credibility, even with people who letting the Vatican handle it) he resigned. “I was so scared with everything that I Chris Thomas 717-919-1394 generally believe in the kind of bullshit he Like any weasel would. was dealing with. I just felt scared, it was [email protected] spews on a regular basis. The three men involved, My Central very raw.” Caught up in his own bizarre narrative Jersey reported, had reported Weaver to Weist says he suffered through several NATIONAL ADVERTISING: (like any delusional narcissist), Driscoll authorities in addition to his church lead- more sessions before he stopped attending Rivendell Media expanded his explanation by clarifying: A ers. The Union (NJ) County Prosecutor’s counseling, saying it had left him feeling “so 212-242-6863 faithful Christian can no more say they are Office refused to confirm to MCJ whether small and worthless, like a piece of trash practicing yoga for Jesus than they can say they were investigating. in the street. I just couldn’t face what had OWNED BY they are committing adultery for Jesus. My Central Jersey reported: “A.J. Meeker, happened to me.” INC. …then Driscoll says (get this) – “yoga is 37, said in a statement that he started see- Jared Staunton, 36, said Weaver took PRESS & JOURNAL 20 South Union Street often not overt in its teachings but rather ing Weaver for counseling in 2000. At the advantage of him after his partner and weaves them through seemingly harmless Middletown, PA 17057 time he was struggling with “abandonment father died just two months apart. Subscriptions/Distribution 717-944-4628 practices such as stretching…” I knew it issues, depression and anxiety,” and after “I began to have a nervous breakdown was the stretching! joining Weaver’s church found him to be “a right in front of him,” Staunton said. “It was …there’s more – Driscoll at one point kind and compassionate person who was at that moment, when I was completely bro- PROUD MEMBER OF: said: “I thought I’d take this opportunity to very easy to talk to.” ken and lost, that he took control over me.” provide a much fuller and comprehensive During the counseling, which was held “Mentally I was gone,” he added, stating teaching on what yoga is and why it is in fact in Weaver’s bedroom (where else?), Weaver that he followed Weaver’s instructions demonic. By demonic I mean it’s a spiritual allegedly claimed Meeker was filled with because “all I could be was compliant.” act to a being other than the God of the evil energy, citing Native American rituals And there you have it. Bible. And, for those unfamiliar with me, and blaming “individuals based around the Except that by the time readers get to I’m no raging Christian fundamentalist.” Watchung Reservation.” (As in ‘everybody the end of this column, the humor fades. Perhaps not. But you are strange. I’d keep Watchung tonight?’) It makes me wonder what tortured lives children away from you. In order to remove the claimed evil, these individuals live. Each one of them Weaver had Meeker lie naked on his bed, – the clerics, the three men who brought Orthodox Bishop no second before placing coins and gemstones on his complaints, and all those who really believe Be sure to visit Bishop Neophytos of Morphou is no body, and ordering him to lie still. a representative of the Sky God Religion slouch when it comes to being clueless Weaver then put his tongue in Meeker’s can make The Gay go away. At the end about gaydar. mouth and moved it around “to see if I had of the day, difficult as it is, I choose to be, Bishop Neophytos is known for ridicu- anything in my mouth or throat.” This then as best I can, compassionate about these lous claims about LGBT people. Recently, progressed to Weaver performing oral sex guys. That’s what, I think, a Manly-Man he claimed if a pregnant woman has anal on Meeker. does. That doesn’t mean I allow them to sex, the baby will be gay. Who knew? But his “He would then ingest my ejaculate and go unnoticed or to inject their ridiculous latest is award-whinning. LGBTI Cyprus then would spit up multiple pieces of plastic religious beliefs into the process of es- has the anti-queer cleric on video claiming or metal into a Ziploc bag,” Meeker said. tablishing basic queer civil rights – and a that holy men are able to tell if a man is gay Weaver claimed these pieces were “hits,” separation of church and state. That’s my by smelling him. created from his evil energy, and they credo. What’s yours? Of course, there’s always a parable. It’s needed to be removed.

4 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Community Voices

Will legislators PA SAFE CAUCUS WANTS PUBLIC HEARINGS weasel out - again? We must say “NO” to gun violence Editor’s note - With an estimated atten- dance of 7,000, Central PA Pride Festival the year? Unfortunately, these bills have been held its second event in Soldiers and Sailors Mass killings have become far too com- held back in committee by legislative Mall on the grounds of the PA State Capitol monplace; it terrifies me that we may be- leaders. Unless bills pass through com- July 27. come desensitized to the horror and come mittee process, there is no opportunity for Recent history: Weather conditions in to accept mass murder as part of Ameri- honest debate and no chance of passage. 2018 forced Pride organizers to relocate the can culture. This is The democratic process is thwarted and event from the banks of the Susquehanna "...these events NOT who we are as the voice of the people whom legislators River. Gov. Tom Wolf extended an invita- Americans. These were elected to represent is silenced. To tion to organizers to hold the event on the of mass murder violent acts are a galvanize legislative action, the chairs of grounds of the state capitol. perversion of the the legislature’s PA SAFE CAUCUS have The irony is that Pennsylvania does are symptoms American psyche. called for a special joint session this fall not have basic civil rights conditions for of the hatred, We must fight to address the epidemic of gun violence LGBT taxpayers, having had such legisla- against the nor- and extremism in our country with the tion introduced numerous times since the bigotry, and malization of mass goal of enacting gun safety laws to keep early 2000s. Currently, House Bill 1404 and deranged murder by renewed Pennsylvanians safe. Senate Bill 614 await action in the General commitment to But an equally pressing issue is recog- Assembly. world view that working together nizing that these events of mass murder If history repeats itself, the legislature threaten to to enact meaning- are symptoms of the hatred, bigotry, and will weasel out – as was the case with ful change. deranged world view that threaten to be- same-sex marriage - and wait until a US Submitted by PA State Rep. Wendy become part A first step come part of our new normal. It’s up to Supreme Court decision or Congressional Ullman, D-Bucks of our new would be to en- us to ensure they do not take hold. action makes LGBT basic civil rights law of act commonsense We can start by remembering the Ameri- the land. At the time the Supremes allowed Like many Americans, I was horrified normal." gun legislation that can values of tolerance and diversity that same-sex marriage, Pennsylvania was the by the senseless loss of life in El Paso and would help reduce have been subverted by a factionalism last remaining state in the Northeast still Dayton this weekend. I mourn for the the threat of gun violence while respecting that demonizes differences and obstructs outlawing gay marriage. Today, it’s the same loss of innocent lives and the devastated the rights of responsible gun owners. This meaningful debate. with civil rights. (See Cartoon) families and friends they leave behind. session, I plan to introduce a bill requiring We are at a crisis point in our history. These terrible events mark the 31st and individuals to participate in a gun safety We can choose the better angels of our 32nd mass killings in the U.S. since Jan. 1 training course before purchasing their natures, dedicate ourselves to the values of this year. It’s early August. How many first firearm or receiving a conceal carry for which our country stands, and declare more people will die in mass killings by permit. There are dozens more bills await- a new day in America. legally-purchased weapons by the end of ing consideration. We must. Innocent lives depend on it.

Notes from our readers E-mail your comments to [email protected]

WHO DOESN’T? “Yeah, I know The Central Voice. Who doesn’t?” - Michelle Johnsen Photography REACHING Thank you for reaching out and for all you do for the community! - Alexander Reber, Treasurer, PA Democratic State Committee; Dauphin County Democratic Committee Vice Chair

YOU’RE WELCOME Fantastic article, thank you for putting it together. - Noah Levinson, Executive Director, Healthcare4AllPA BETTER The Central Voice looks better and better. It’s on my desk. - David J. Morrison, Executive Director, Historic Harrisburg Assoc.

TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 5 LGBT-FRIENDLY PLAN Is 'Medicare for all' a solution? By Frank Pizzoli

“We can do better,” says Noah Levin- son. He’s referring to the state and na- tion’s healthcare system. Levinson is the newly-appointed execu- tive director of Healthcare4AllPA. He’s based in Scranton and works remotely across the state’s 67 counties, including Lancaster, York, Cumberland, and Dau- phin counties. The organization was founded 10 years ago and functions as a 501c(3) for educational purposes and as a 501c(4) for lobbying purposes. “We may develop a political action committee in the future,” Levinson tells The Central Voice. Unhappy voters? Why healthcare in general? Why Medi- care for everyone in particular? “In general, many people we talk to are unhappy with their legislators,” Levinson says. “Their unhappiness is reflected in the low voter turnout in the state’s last primary election,” he claims. Turnout statewide was 13.8% of regis- tered voters. For clarification purposes, voter turnout in Pennsylvania’s primary Healthcare is a contentious issue as the 2020 presidential election approaches. elections is not high to begin with and ranges from about 17 to 21% in recent elec- Everybody in tion cycles, according Regarding the LGBT community, “We to the United States know that LGBT persons are, due to Elections Project. discrimination, more likely to encounter “We also find that mental health issues such as substance people around the abuse and suicidal thoughts, especially in state are passionate the transgender community,” Levinson about healthcare,” says. Research by the Federal govern- Levinson says. ment’s Substance Abuse and Mental Voter dissatisfac- Health Administration in 2015 indicated tion reflected in low- that LGBT individuals (referred to as How would it work? “Medicine and er than usual voter sexual minorities in the data) are at medical records turnout is Levinson’s greater risk for substance use and mental Some of the more basic points • Immunizations, preventive care, were my second opening. Healthcare health issues compared with the sexual include: health maintenance care and screen- language in the form of Medi- majority population that identifies as It covers all residents who file a ing growing up.” care For All is his being heterosexual. Pennsylvania Income Tax Return • Dental care calling card. “Both inpatient and outpatient mental It covers all of the following, but is • Home health care services -Noah Levinson “We want to har- health is completely covered,” Levinson not limited to: • Chiropractic and massage therapy ness the passion out notes. “We also look at HIV prevention • All medically necessary inpatient • Complementary and alternative there around healthcare,” Levinson says. medications costing thousands of dollars and outpatient care and treatment, medical procedures that have been “There are all kinds of bubbles out there, a month, which will be covered. When both primary and secondary shown by the National Institute of like the healthcare bubble, and our job we say everybody in, nobody out, we • Emergency services Health’s Division of Complementary is to connect people in the smaller areas absolutely mean it.” • Emergency and other medically and Alternative Medicine to be safe within Pennsylvania.” Regarding Medicare4All, Levinson necessary transport to covered health and effective for possible inclusion as Eventually, the organization’s activi- acknowledges there’s more than one services covered benefits ties will lead to connecting people. way to achieve health care coverage for • Rehabilitation services, including • Long-term care for those unable “Social media marketing is important everyone. speech, occupational, physical and to care for themselves independently, but that’s only one way to provide infor- “There could be a public option and massage therapy including assisted and skilled care mation. At some point it is necessary for that would help. But our mission is to • Inpatient and outpatient mental It doesn’t exclude or limit coverage any organization with a social justice establish a single-payer healthcare sys- health services and substance abuse due to preexisting conditions mission to assemble people together tem,” Levinson says. Different states have treatment It eliminates co-payments, deduct- face-to-face,” Levinson says. tried different experiments but Levinson • Hospice care ibles, point-of-service charges or any says, “We can do better.” • Prescription drugs and prescribed other fees or charges for a service Local programs Levinson’s plan of action for Penn- medical nutrition The proposed plan also says: In south central Pennsylvania, Levin- sylvania is to re-introduce The Penn- • Vision care, aids and equipment Healthcare should be guaranteed for son says, “We plan to hold events and sylvania HealthCare Plan, originally • Hearing care, hearing aids and all residents in Pennsylvania discussions with speakers from across introduced in the 2017-2018 legislative equipment Healthcare should be publicly fi- the state, bringing single-payer sup- session as House Bill 1688 and Senate • Diagnostic medical tests, includ- nanced and not-for-profit porters out to get them more involved Bill 1014 by Rep. Pam De Lissio and Sen. ing laboratory tests and imaging Patients should have the power to in educating their communities on how Art Haywood. procedures choose their doctor these programs can help their neighbors.” In general, Levinson’s Pennsylvania • Medical supplies and prescribed Doctors should have the power to Acton steps are also part of Levinson’s plan represents what a team of econo- medical equipment choose treatment for their patients plan. “We will inform people about action steps they can take to see legislation pass.” Please see MEDICARE FOR ALL, page 20

6 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Modern Family available with Xfi nity On Demand Life Refl ected.

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TheCentralVoice.com133165_NPA223676-0010 Life Reflected ad_V14_HRSBCTVC_10.25x12.75.indd 1 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER7/17/19 2019 2:10 PM 7 8 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Good reads for cool days on’t stop reading just because Dsummer is over. Here’s a list Dauphin presents: that covers the gamut from true County crime, memoir, fun-loving romance, coming-of-age stories in far-away Library places, and even a good ‘ole mystery. Book Reviews There’s sure to be something to enjoy as the days cool down. Remem- ber, the Dauphin County Library By Yvonne System has even more titles to enjoy. Find out more by either visiting us in Carmichael person or online at www.dcls.org.

The Frangipani Tree Mystery, by Ovidia Yu “1936 in the Crown Colony of Disoriental, by Negar Djavadi Singapore, and the British “Djavadi’s momentous first abdication crisis and rising novel is a both a multigenera- Japanese threat seem very far tional family saga and a history away. When the Irish nanny of modern Iran. Narrated by looking after Acting Governor 25-year-old Kimia Sadr, the Palin’s daughter dies suddenly story opens in 1996 in a fertility - and in mysterious circum- clinic in Paris, but Kimia’s stances - mission school-edu- Iranian ancestors’ stories take cated local girl SuLin - an over right there in the waiting aspiring journalist trying to escape an arranged room, careening back and forth marriage - is invited to take her place. But then in time. When Kimia is still quite young, her another murder at the residence occurs and it journalist father, Darius Sadr, is forced to flee seems very likely that a killer is stalking the Iran after his outspoken criticism, first of the corridors of Government House. It now takes all shah, and then of Khomeini. In 1981, when Kimia SuLin’s traditional skills and intelligence to help is 10, she, her sisters, and her mother, Sara, British-born Chief Inspector Thomas LeFroy cross dangerous mountains on horseback to solve the murders - and escape with her own join Darius in Paris, where their home becomes life” (From the publisher) a dangerous hub of expat dissident activity. Kimia rebels, traveling Europe looking for a new Gender Queer: A Memoir, by Maia Kobabe self in debauchery and punk rock. Violence, meanwhile, follows the family to Europe, with “This heartfelt graphic memoir tragic consequences. The novel convincingly relates, with sometimes painful and powerfully explores the enormous weight of honesty, the experience of one’s family and culture on individual identity, growing up non-gender-con- especially the exile’s.“ (From Publishers Weekly) forming. From a very young age, Kobabe is unsure whether to claim a lesbian/gay, Last Night in Nuuk, by Niviaq Korneliussen bisexual, or even transgender “Korneliussen’s lean, heteroge- identity: ‘I don’t want to be a neous prose captures the girl. I don’t want to be a boy either. I just want confusion, tenacity, rage and to be myself.’ Kobabe comes of age having to blessing of queer lives in flux. navigate expressions of identity such as clothing “I’m terribly homesick but don’t and haircuts, with fraught attempts at romantic know what sort of home I’m and sexual entanglements. Eventually, Kobabe’s longing for.” Amid the ambiva- supportive sister concludes: ‘I think you’re a lence of fear and desire, genderless person.’ (Kobabe: ‘She knew before I however, there is an unwavering did.’) Kobabe continues to explore the chal- compassion that blooms over the course of that lenges of a nonbinary identity, including the use spring. By the summer’s end, nothing will be the of alternate pronouns (in Kobabe’s case, e/em/ same for Fia, Inuk, Arnaq, Ivik and Sara, but in eir).” (From Publishers Weekly) Korneliussen’s capable hands, the reader may find their courses gently turned toward home. Red, White and Royal Blue, by Casey This novel is an utter delight. “ (From Shelf McQuiston Awareness newsletter) “McQuiston’s outstanding debut pivots on an inspired Indecent Advances: A Hidden History of rom-com premise: What if Alex True Crime and Before Stone- Claremont-Diaz, the half-Mexi- wall, by Jame Polchin can son of the first presi- dent of the United States, fell in “Polchin (liberal studies, New love with Prince Henry, York Univ.) presents a reflective, England’s heir? The two thoughtful first book that heartthrobs are arch-nemeses perfectly blends true crime and at first. After a scandalous the history of discrimination mishap at a wedding, however, they are required against in the 20th to pretend to be best friends lest their enmity century. The author takes a deep spark an international incident. Not surprisingly, dive into the specific crimes their hate turns into a bromance. When Henry against gay men and how their kisses Alex, the First Son goes into a mild gay deaths fed the competing cultural narratives of panic, but their snide texts soon become gushy the time; that homosexuality was both a crime emails ending with romantic quotes. The scions and a mental illness. Using these two narratives also contrive ways of being together at and the salacious nature of true crime, the Wimbledon, in Texas, and at a West Hollywood public began to see homosexuality as a social karaoke bar to steal kisses or have secretive sex. and moral issue instead of a personal one. Of course, their romance will eventually be Polchin expertly uses men’s stories between discovered and leaked to the press during the World War I and the to prove president’s heated reelection campaign. The that the fight for equal treatment is not over, impossible relationship between Alex and Henry and that the history of the LGBTQ+ movement is portrayed with quick wit and clever plotting. is not always one of activism and celebration. In The drama, which involves political rivals, fact, the LGBTQ+ community is fighting against possible betrayals, and even a meeting with the the stereotypes built on the deaths of these queen, is both irresistible and delicious. Readers men.” (From L J Reviews) will be eager to see more from McQuiston after MANGIAQUI.COM • 272 NOrth Street, hArrISbUrG • 717.233.7358 this extremely promising start.” (From Publish- ers Weekly)

TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 9 ’s Chorus marks 25 years Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Face-to-face Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Cho- rus brings together a diverse group of women, united by the joy of singing, interactions count to celebrate and empower women and Gina Chavez, a 12-time Austin Music to affirm a positive image of Award winner, including 2019 Austin and feminists. Theresa Alberici has been singing with the chorus about 10 Female Vocalist of the Year, appears years. She tells The Central Voice her Oct. 4 at the Kulkarni Theatre, Penn first memory is of “being in a safe and State Harrisburg. Chavez often travels welcoming place where I could share my with her wife Jodi Granado, a high passion for singing and also be totally school algebra teacher and her man- out.” Also with the chorus about a de- ager. Chavez tells The Central Voice: cade, Laury McIntyre says by the end of “The experience of talking, meeting, the first season “I’d made a bunch of new the face-to-face interactions can often friends and my self-esteem grew. She had produce change, help with understand- a solo her second season. INFO - www. Visit www.artassocofhbg.com for more information & reservations ing one another better.” cpwchorus.org

The Capital Area’s premier professional theatre company Season 34: METAMORPHOSIS openstagehbg.com | 25 North Court St., Harrisburg

Nov 16- Dec 28, 2019 Who’s Holiday!

Nov 23 - Dec 29, 2019 A Christmas Carol

Jan 9-12, 2020 Heathers: School Edition

Feb 1 - March 8, 2020 Amélie the Musical

May 9 - June 28, 2020 Angels in America Part I: illennim Approaches Part II: erestroia

10 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Pride events are a time for celebration and for recognizing accomplishments made by the LGBTQ community with the support of friends, family and advocates. On the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, this summer’s events in Central PA worked to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues, to promote equality and to end discrimination. >>

Photo Credits: the Central Voice Staff, Magnolia Bloom Photography & Michelle Johnsen Photography

TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 11 Photo Credit: the Central Voice Staff

CENTRAL PA PRIDE FEST 7/27 HARRISBURG

Photo Credit: Magnolia Bloom Photography

CARLISLECARLISLE PRIDE WEEK 6/22-30 TRALVOICE.COMFOR LOTS MORE PHOTOS

Thecen

12 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Photo Credit: the Central Voice Staff

YORK YORK EQUALITY FEST 7/4

Photo Credit: Michelle Johnsen Photography

LANCASTER PRIDE 7/20 LANCASTER

TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 13 We give it to you straight.

theCentralVoice.com is more than a

general interest news website.

We bring you LGBT politics, public

policy, world affairs, analysis, art, theatre, .com CENTRAL PA'S LGBT NEWS SOURCE wellness and everything else that matters.

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14 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Health & Wellness DROP-IN QUEER FITNESS I refuse to help you YOGA POSITIVE ENERGY, EMPOWERING AND BODY POSITIVE MOVEMENT HOURS UPDATE BRING YOUR OWN MAT Check out our website for OR USE ONE OF OURS more details Denial of Care Rule delayed June 29, the U.S. Department of Health rule sets no limits on what constitutes www.alderhealth.org and Human Services (HHS) stipulated a religious or moral refusal, nor does that it will delay the implementation of it establish appropriate safeguards to Contact Noah for its Denial of Care Rule. ensure that patients who are denied care This is a donation based class. The Denial of Care Rule gives license to get the treatment they need. questions and mat requests health care workers – doctors, surgeons, A court order put the delay of the rule Suggested donation: �5 (717) 233.7190 Ext 266 nurses, receptionists, orderlies – to deny into effect yesterday. The rule will no care to patients, no matter how dire the longer take effect on July 22 as originally patients’ medical needs, based on per- planned; instead, the rule will be delayed 100 N. Cameron St, Ste-201, Harrisburg, PA 17101 sonal religious or moral objections. The at least until November 22.

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TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 15 2/19 HC403617 Pessimistic outlook from LGBT millennials Only half of millennial LGBT workers The TD survey found that LGBT posi- rate their current financial situation tivity is an important consideration for Other survey data highlights: positively, with 60% of millennial respon- millennials when choosing an employer • 42% of millennial LGBT workers dents admitting to having less than three with almost two-thirds of workers look- either use gender-neutral pronouns months of emergency savings and 71% ing at an employer’s reputation as an of those with a bachelor’s degree strug- LGBT inclusive organization before for themselves or have a partner or gling with student loan debt according pursuing employment opportunities. close friend that uses gender-neutral to released a workplace and financial Organizations that can foster a work- pronouns, compared to only 26% equality survey of more than 1,200 full place culture where the LGBT com- of LGBT Gen X and Baby Boomer and part-time LGBT workers in the munity feels supported and safe will be workers. U.S. The survey was conducted by TD more competitive and will be better able Bank and TD Securities to attract and retain the best talent. • 68% of millennial LGBT workers The recent passage of the Equality Act LGBT millennials are not confident surveyed responded that a company by the U.S. House of Representatives is when it comes to managing their fi- having “a gender identity and ex- a powerful step towards a future where nances and achieving financial stability. millions of LGBT Americans and their Only half of millennial LGBT workers pression non-discrimination policy” families no longer have to worry about self-evaluate their financial situation is most important in a workplace. being treated as less than equal in their positively, 9% lower than that of LGBT • 18% of LGBT millennial workers places of work. However, discrimination Generation X and Baby Boomer work- is still a daily reality for many workers ers (59%). Student loan debt has forced indicated that they have access to an in the U.S. millennial workers to put off significant LGBT Employee Resource Group at Over one-fifth (22%) of millennial life goals, most importantly building their place of work. workers feel that being out about their emergency savings (63%), saving for re- sexual orientation to more senior staff tirement (51%) and buying a house (46%). • 80% of millennial LGBT workers will hurt their career advancement “The freedom to be your fullest self said “sexual orientation non-dis- While millennial workers are equally that equality enables in each of us can crimination policy” is very impor- likely as older generations to be out in empower success in every facet of our tant. the workplace, less than one-third (33%) lives,” said Jonathan Lovitz, senior vice of millennial workers see senior manage- president, National LGBT Chamber of • 60% of LGBT millennial workers ment members who are out as LGBT Commerce. Lovitz spoke at the 2019 an- have less than three months of emer- community members nual dinner of the Keystone business gency savings. When it comes to creating an inclusive alliance. “This survey shows us that it company culture for LGBT workers, the is important for organizations like TD • 71% of LGBT millennial workers call is being sounded for employers to do Bank to take steps in understanding the with a bachelor’s degree have cur- more to keep up with the cultural shifts obstacles that LGBT communities face rent student loans and their median that are being driven by conversations so we can better become advocates for student loan debt owed is $40,000 per around inclusivity, gender identity and cultivating inclusive environments in diversity. our workplaces, and throughout society.” person.

Celebrating 50 Years in the Community!

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16 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Laughter was with me all along (This is the first in a series of stories of my incredible and innovative journey SM beyond sexual assault. It will hopefully The Blake open up healthy dialogues about sexual assault in our LGBT communities) Late

was asleep in my loft in downtown Show IPhoenix one night. Three men We offer FREE pickup and delivery entered and I was held down and sexually assaulted. I almost lost my By Ron in most neighborhoods throughout the life before all the police arrived to Blake Greater Harrisburg area! help me. Over time I isolated from society. I had explosive moments of anger often. Why choose us? I was finally diagnosed with PTSD and boards in the warehouse. But before depression. The symptoms became much she entered the warehouse she turned  Hassle-free more severe. and asked me how many I wanted. I On May 30, 2015 I tried to take my life. never said I wanted to buy any though.  Save TWO trips ... save gas and time! I survived. Things got better and then That was my lightbulb moment. I saw it they got very bad again. On a suicidal clearly. I bought all of the boards they  No need to be home night on November 2nd of that same had at that store.  year something unexpected happened. It was then I realized what I’d do to get No order too small I laughed. on that show. And how I was taking back  Twice a week service The Late Show with Stephen Colbert my life from PTSD from that sexual as- came on my TV and I laughed during sault. I was going to meet total strangers  Locally owned, operated and trusted the monologue. each day and I would tell them my story. It was a laugh just like any other laugh And I’d ask them to sign support for for over 45 years I had throughout my life. What saved my all my efforts (to overcome PTSD/sexual life is not that I laughed that night…it’s assault and get on that show) on those that I recognized I laughed that night. boards with a variety of Sharpie mark- I paused the TV show for three minutes ers I’d buy. Sign up online or call 920-5500. as I recognized my laughter. I sat quietly. This would be my therapy to re-engage I had always been looking for the mira- with people again after isolating so badly classicdrycleaner.com cle in the distance to save me from PTSD. for years. I wanted this to be larger than But to my surprise it was something life. I wasn’t going to hide anymore from that had been with me the whole time. the trauma. I was going to talk. Laughter. And this night I recognized it. Somehow I’d have to get the attention Something good was still coming from of The Late Show and show them the me. I decided I’d use that laughter and boards. I told myself I’d figure it out hold on to it. with the help of all the people I’d meet. I stared at the screen and I embraced I’d make it happen as I went. what I describe as the emotional mindset On November 12, 2015 I set out to meet of an eight year old kid at that moment. total strangers. I was excited. I was also There was no thinking involved. I went fearful. It took three attempts to get out with pure emotion. of my home that morning. I finally left. My emotion told me I was getting on I walked up to the first person on that The Late Show as a guest. And I was going day with a giant blank poster board and to share my story with Stephen Colbert a lot of Sharpie markers. I was utterly and his audience. I had no idea how I unprepared for what was about to hap- would make that happen. It didn’t matter. pen in my life over the next 1,288 days I’d figure out the details the next day. I in a row I’d be on this full time cross went to bed with hope that night. Hope. country journey! That following morning I woke up and still had that hope. I went out after break- fast to buy paper at a Staples store near This article of hope and support is my home. For some reason, I ended up brought to you by that guy with a lot in front of a display of giant foam poster more to share. That guy with more boards. An employee approached me and stories than One Kansas City Place is asked if I needed any help. Ron Blake. You can find him at Blake- I asked her if there were more poster LateShow.com.

REAL GAY NEWS. WE GIVE IT TO YOU STRAIGHT.

Dauphin and Cumberland Counties 717-620-8788 merrymaids.com TheCentralVoice.com [email protected]

TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 17 MSPC_Voice_2019.qxp_Layout 1 1/17/19 2:55 PM Page 1

Understanding tragedy: Why is this happening?

ave you ever wondered why Hthere are times when noth- ing goes right? The principles of Making metaphysics teach us that nothing Sense happens to us that doesn’t happen through us. While this concept may of Life be true on some level, there’s much more to equation. If we leave our- By Dr. selves there our misfortunes can be- come a huge self-blame game. Here’s Terry Drew what I mean. Karanen Over 20 years ago I was mugged, robbed, and shot in the face. Being still somewhat new to metaphysical thought backup system if we unconsciously set I immediately took complete responsi- ourselves up to lose. For me that means I bility for the experience. But, I couldn’t don’t allow myself to play the victim, or be figure out what I might have done to victimized, at least on the conscious level. deserve that! Universal laws work exactly as physi- You Are Loved The truth is I didn’t deserve it. No cal laws; they only say, “Yes.” For ex- one deserves to go through that kind of ample, electricity and gravity don’t care pain, suffering, and loss. But why did it if you’re a good person or a bad person. happen? It works the same for anyone. Applying Think about this first: Do we really this to spiritual laws requires a “Yes” want to understand tragic events that response as well. True, it may take a happen? A former teacher of mine was while for that “Yes” to appear in our life, asked how to understand the actions of but any time lag has more to do with us 20 S. Second Street Hitler. Her answer was that she didn’t focusing on the problem instead of the Harrisburg, PA 17101 want to understand it. “To understand solution. This impartial force brings (717) 257-1270 www.marketsquarechurch.org that,” she explained, “I might discover about our focus, whether we judge that I’m capable of doing what he did.” good or bad. Offering another viewpoint, Rabbi I’ll admit there are times when I long Aron Moss asks, for the days I believed in a benevolent Are you sure you want an explanation? supreme being who had a plan for me, Do you really want to know why the in- a force that would ensure my success, Buli  bte tmr o f nocent suffer? I think not. You are far only my success, and protect me from an children & families better off with the question than with evil in which I no longer believe. Those an answer. … If this ultimate question times of doubt are few and far between were answered, then we would be able nowadays, lasting a brief few moments, to make peace with the suffering of in- and not a way of life. nocents. And that Instead, I prefer to revel in the truth is unthinkable. that I am the one responsible for my Did the universe I wasn’t until life and the outcomes. Like piloting a (or God, if you years after the in- ship or jet aircraft, the process requires cident I talk about constant vigilance and many course prefer) punish above that I got corrections throughout our lives. When me for my some insight on you and I follow the rules that go along what happened. with universal law, we are ultimately actions earlier I finally admitted guaranteed success. in the evening? to myself why I It that easy? Not usually in my experi- was in the place ence, sometimes perhaps, but not always. No. and at the time The concepts are as simple and direct, but I found myself that simple direction requires us to look when the attack occurred. If I would have deep within ourselves for those answers. followed my usual schedule, I would have It’s much easier to blame God, the devil, Families United Network, Inc. is We provide safety, permanency been safely home and asleep by that time. our parents, or the government. It’s far more difficult to take personal responsi- and well-being for Pennsylvania Instead, I chose to be somewhere else dedicated to strengthening families bility for the outcome of our lives. children and families through earlier in the evening. It was somewhere by providing children and youth I had no business being, doing something The effort, however, is worth it. When with a safe, nurturing, community Foster Care, Adopti on, Child Care I knew was not in my best interests. you and I decide our course, when we and Eldercare Services. focus on what we want, when we are environment through a conti nuum Did the universe (or God, if you prefer) punish me for my actions earlier in the willing to correct course in the process or of services, which focuses on evening? No. Did I set myself up to lose by accept help from others, we are rewarded reunifi cati on or permanency. breaking my own rules and not listening with an end result that says, “I did it.” It to my intuition? I believe I did. I do not wasn’t luck. It was our own hard work, judge whether or not that applies to you backed up by a power greater than us ��������: �������� • ����� ���� that is working for our benefit. ����� ���� • ������ ���� in some situation you might be thinking ��������� ������� of right now; that is for you, and you alone, to determine. ����������� ���� families4kids.org I live my life taking full responsibility Terry is speaker, licensed social worker, and award-winning author - find his (717) 766-5900 for the outcomes in my life. The univer- books on Amazon. Contact him at: 2 Market Plaza Way, Suite #4, Mechanicsburg, PA sal law of cause and effect does not play favorites, nor does it have a secondary [email protected]

18 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Analysis: Queer in the pulpit By Tesla Taliaferro and religious creeds. She led sensitivity Church of Christ in York. The pastor minister for the Unitarian Universalist trainings for volunteers while consider- encouraged her to pursue seminary. Congregation of York, had no religious or many within the LGBTQ+ ing a return to ministry. O’Diam then Hesitant to become a leader, she entered upbringing in Wolverhampton, England. ministered at the Harrisburg Metro- into a lay person licensure, meaning that As a young boy, Cummings moved in a Fcommunity, religion has been politan Community Church for 17 years. she could preach locally. During her secular world while being further turned used against us. We often run from it There she worked with the transgender classes, her professors pushed her to go off by religion due to the Troubles in community, dealing with controversies for full ordination. Northern Ireland and the wars in the or denounce it, finding our own way over bathroom usage and acceptance of She regularly met with the minister of Middle East. Despite marrying two through life without the institution’s the wider LGBTQ+ community. Union Lutheran to engage in theological Catholics, Cummings did not care for creed. Yet others within our commu- Later, O’Diam worked for Alder Health discussions. The minister introduced the ethos of religious doctrine and Services as the Director of Client Servic- her to the Lutheran Bishop, who told found the liturgy rote and non-spiritual. nity embrace it and even transform es for six years before being called back her that it was time for her to stop being Cummings maintained a negative view it. A few of us become leaders within to ministry. Recognizing she could not safe and work for change. That gave her of religion well into middle age while the religious doctrine, spreading leave her own sexuality out of ministry, the inspiration to enter the ministry and maintaining an inherent belief in the O’Diam transferred her credentials to the seek ordination. As she finishes up her existence of some Higher Power. messages of love and acceptance United Church of Christ in Penbrook be- seminary, she has received very little Cummings views regarding religion from the pulpit. fore eventually taking over the ministry pushback based on her orientation. Yet, changed during her gender transition. of Dover. There, she helped the church Christopher feels affected by the inter- After friends and family abandoned her achieve its Open and Affirming status section of her race, gender, and sexual and many clients to her New York law while living with her wife. orientation by a lack of inclusion. She office fired her, she found solace in the Her message to the LGBTQ+ commu- has not been invited to join the Black disorganization yet welcoming nature nity is that “God created you, celebrate Ministers Association and while there is of Unitarian Universalism. It was not that. You are not a mistake, you are a willingness to coordinate on Social Jus- long before Cummings involved herself unique part of God’s Creation, and one tice issues, she finds that conversations with the Undoing Racism Committee that none of us can do without.” often stop when the option to share in and worked alongside others to feed the ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– worship is offered. While her church is homeless, teach socially- and sexually- not officially Welcoming and Affirming, progressive Sunday School classes, Christopher and many other LGBTQ+ and becoming a member of the Board individuals call Union Lutheran home of Trustees in her local congregation. as they work toward that status. Cummings found her chosen family What Christopher shares with her with the Unitarian Universalists, and LGBTQ+ community is that “You are she realized that in ministry she would beloved, not tolerated, not accepted, but find something outside of Law to run to, specifically, lovingly, joyfully wanted and rather than running from. celebrated for your unique gifts. Jesus Her message to the LGBTQ+ commu- was persecuted and misunderstood, nity, and to all human beings is that “You all for being on the side of Love every are loved, lifted up, seen, supported, and single time. And in this broken world, as welcome.” She sees her role as “help- a queer person, you are closer to Jesus ing to create a safe place for everyone” than almost anyone.” where they can be “especially loved.” As ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– she enters the York Congregation this August, she looks forward to walking the walk in pushing for Social Justice Pastor Eva O’Diam within the congregation, fighting against Pastor Eva O’Diam of the Dover racism, oppression, misogyny, and anti- United Church of Christ was born into multiculturalism. She finds that these a Presbyterian household, but early on issues impact the LGBTQ+ community, her parents had a falling out with the especially queer people of color. Her faith and turned to the Church of the intent is to break down barries and dis- Brethren. She actively participated in courage the labeling of people, which youth group and eventually O’Diam she feels violates their lives. “I won’t attended the Church of the Brethren treat an LGBTQ+ person any different College in Indiana to study Sociology and Vicar Carla Christopher than anyone else,” following one of the Criminal Justice. Working as a probation Vicar Carla Christopher of York’s Unitarian Universalist Principles that officer, O’Diam knew that gay and lesbian Union Lutheran was brought up in a upholds the inherent dignity of every people existed, but was too busy getting tradition that clashed with her sexual individual. through school to think much about orientation. She grew up Episcopalian, ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– her own sexual orientation. As she got though her family did not teach her any more involved with seminary, she came prejudice against LGBTQ+ people, they These ministers’ paths are not always to the conclusion that the Bible did not just never addressed the topic. While at- easy. The lives they have lived and the condemn homosexuality but required tending the Intervarsity Christian Bible struggles they have endured to embrace all people be treated with love. School in New York, Christopher came religion and become ministers aligns Ministering to the Church of the out as lesbian. The ultra-conservative with the same hardships they faced in Brethren in Baltimore, O’Diam met many school emphasized purity culture and accepting their identities and orienta- lesbians and began to question her own denounced the LGBTQ+ community. At tions. Telling their stories and sharing sexuality. While guest pastoring at the age 18, Christopher was rejected by her their messages may help others to stop Metropolitan Community Church, she faith community and sent to conversion running and to find acceptance where came to terms with her sexuality and therapy in Champagne-Urbana, Illinois. Reverend Terry Cummings before they found only scorn. entered into a long-term relationship She snuck out of a window, ran away, Reverend Terry Cummings, the new with another woman. Within time, she and called her mom from a pay phone. resigned as pastor by choice rather than Christopher’s family rescued her, driving having the church ask her to depart due in a snow storm from New York to Illinois to her sexual orientation. to pick her up. For 10 years, Christopher REAL GAY NEWS. WE GIVE IT TO YOU STRAIGHT. O’Diam took to alternate ministry, left the church before returning to a few returning to prisons to support inmates all-gay churches. She started performing struggling with their sexual identities poetry on working through her relation- TheCentralVoice.com ship with God at the Heidelberg United

TheCentralVoice.com SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 19 SUPREME COURT from page 1 Court System in Georgia. He claimed he orientation necessarily states a claim that maintaining Stephens as an em- lenging for sexual orientation cases. was fired because of his sexual orienta- of discrimination on the basis of sex.” ployee would force Rost to violate his There will likely be a lot of distinguish- tion. The County claimed they fired him The district court did not find that the faith. All parties accepted the owner’s ing between sex discrimination and because of misuse of funds. Baldwin case overruled existing Second religious sincerity. sexual orientation by the opponents to Bostock filed a complaint in United Circuit precedent holding sexual orienta- Stephens filed a federal complaint LGBT rights. The advocates will likely States District Court for the Northern tion was not protected under Title VII. under the Title VII sex discrimination refer to the Loving v Virginia case that District of Georgia alleging he was fired Zarda was permitted to take his state provisions. The district court found found prohibiting marriage between an because of his sexual orientation. He claims, which did protect sexual orienta- the EEOC, who litigated the case for African American and white person dis- subsequently amended the complaint tion, to trial. However, the jury returned Stephens, raised a viable sex stereotyp- criminated, not only against the African to include an allegation of unlawful a verdict for the defense. ing claim under Title VII. Nevertheless, American, but also created a disparate discrimination for failing to conform to Zarda appealed to the Second Circuit the district court ruled in favor of Harris impact on the white person. a gender stereotype. Clayton County, his Court of Appeals. They ultimately re- Funeral Homes because of the Religious previous employer, moved to dismiss the versed the Title VII holding below and Freedom & Restoration Act (RFTA). The Harris Funeral Homes Inc. complaint arguing that the complaint did found sexual orientation is a subset of sex district court held, “Since Rost cannot in The arguments in the briefs center on not state a viable claim for relief because discrimination. The rationale was based good conscience ‘support the idea that the distinction of inclusion of gender Title VII does not protect anyone from on sex stereotyping because a sexual sex is a changeable social construct,’ in the word sex. Title VII uses sex to discrimination based on sexual orien- stereotype of being a man or a woman forcing him to allow a male funeral di- define discrimination. There is no spe- tation. The district court granted the necessarily includes being attracted to rector to present as a woman while rep- cific provision that includes gender or motion to dismiss. The Eleventh Circuit the opposite sex. resenting Harris Homes ‘would impose gender identity in the definition of sex, affirmed the decision. a substantial burden’ on Rost’s ability so the SCOTUS justices that do not want Gender identity case - Harris ‘to conduct his business in accordance this will focus on the plain language of Zarda R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc., with his sincerely-held religious beliefs.” the statute. The others will ask Harris Zarda, an openly gay skydiving in- v. Equal Employment Opportunity Com- The Sixth Circuit reversed, finding counsel how gender is not within the structor, was fired by Altitude Express mission, will be argued on the same day that the word sex in Title VII necessar- meaning of sex. I also expect some after a female customer’s boyfriend as Bostick and Zarda. Aimee Stephens ily includes gender identity. The Sixth questions will arise about the Religious complained that Zarda had come out was hired by Harris Funeral Homes as Circuit also reversed the lower court’s Freedom & Restoration Act and how to her while preparing for a “tandem Anthony Stephens in 2007. However, in reliance on the RFTA, finding there was that applies to employers with sincerely skydive” during which they would be 2013 Stephens wrote the Harris Funeral no substantial burden on Rost’s religious held religious beliefs. This was not well strapped together. Home’s owner and said she identified as exercise. briefed by the participants but I expect He claims that he was fired because of a woman and would be presenting as a What should you expect at SCOTUS Alito, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh will at his sexual orientation and because he woman at work. oral argument on October 8, 2019? least inquire about this. does not fit in the sexual stereotype of a A few weeks later the owner, Rost, man. The district court dismissed both offered Stephens a severance package, Bostock and Zarda Conclusion claims. The latter claim was dismissed which Stephens declined. Harris Fu- Based on the oral arguments it is The oral argument will tell us if there because Zarda testified under oath that neral Homes argued Stephens violated likely the Bostock and Zarda will focus is a swing vote. Most recently, Chief he is masculine and the former because company dress code and they would have on whether it is discrimination to treat Justice Roberts has played that role. I the court found the law does not protect continued Stephen’s employment but for all gays and lesbian same, in other words am attending the oral argument and sexual orientation under Title VII of the Stephens’ insistence on presenting as they both can be fired, or whether it is dis- will report back on the questions and Civil Rights Act. a woman. Harris Funeral Homes also crimination to treat gays and lesbians in inferences that can be drawn from the During Zarda’s litigation of the matter, argued that the company owner, Rost, a disparate manner from straight people. SCOTUS questions. the EEOC issued the opinion of Baldwin was very religious and interprets the The law has long looked to comparators v. Foxx, which found “allegations of Bible as teaching that sex is immutable. to determine whether there is discrimi- Sharon R. López is an attorney with discrimination on the basis of sexual Harris Funeral Homes further argued nation. Comparator arguments are chal- Triquetra Law

MEDICARE FOR ALL from page 5 mists from the University of Massachu- at the time. setts Political Economy Research Insti- Consumers who now purchase indi- tute (PERI) reports finding the Medicare vidual or family health insurance on for All Act of 2017, introduced to the the federal health exchange set up by United States Senate by Senator Bernie the Affordable Care Act will be able to No paywalls. Sanders – that such a plan is not only buy the same product from an exchange economically viable, but could actually based in Pennsylvania. The state Insur- reduce health consumption expenditures ance Department will be able to manage by about 9.6% while also providing decent the marketplace more efficiently than health care coverage for all Americans. the federal exchange, with the savings No email sign-ins. As proposed, Levinson says “Our invested into an innovative reinsurance bill aims to provide statewide compre- program for high-risk patients. hensive health care coverage.” Similar “This is going to result in lower health measures have been introduced into insurance premiums for thousands of every legislation session since 2007. state residents,” Dermody said. No fake news. Levinson’s reaction to the new law? Bridge step? “It’s more of an optimization than a Meanwhile, last July Democratic solution,” Levinson says. Leader Frank Dermody and his Repub- “It saves the state money by hosting lican counterpart Bryan Cutler last July its own exchange, and reinsurance may watched Gov. Tom Wolf as he signed help reduce some costs, but it does by no their legislation to establish a state-based means guarantee a reduction in health- health insurance exchange for Pennsyl- care costs for all Pennsylvanians. We’re vania consumers. still subsidizing a corrupt and broken “This new law’s going to help more health insurance system entirely driven than 400,000 people who struggle to afford by profit and denial of care,” he says. TheCentralVoice.com good health insurance for themselves Levinson hopes for bipartisan coop- and their families. The work to get this eration “when it comes to solving our REAL GAY NEWS. WE GIVE IT TO YOU STRAIGHT. finished was a fantastic example of healthcare crisis with the real systemic bipartisan action to do something good change this country needs: single-payer for people who can use it,” Dermody said healthcare and Medicare For All.”

20 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019 TheCentralVoice.com LGBT youth more politically engaged than heteros Two professors from Maryland, Me- civic participation. (homosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual favorable view of Trump. lissa Deckman of Washington Col- Young LGBT Americans were roughly or something else) or gender identity In the IGNITE sample, 57% of LGBT lege and Mileah Kromer of Goucher twice as likely as their straight counter- (transgender, gender queer, gender non- women said that Trump’s election en- College, have conducted and published parts to report attending a political rally conforming or something else). Given couraged them to participate in politics, a survey demonstrating that activism or demonstration, donating money to the current estimates of the number compared with just 50% of the straight and political engagement among young a political campaign or contacting an of openly LGBT Americans nationally, women. LGBT youth is high. elected official. They were also much IGNITE is drawing a disproportionately Moreover, the PRRI/MTV survey Last year’s midterm elections were more likely to engage in online political high number of LGBT participants to its found that only 8% of young LGBT Amer- a “rainbow wave,” with more openly activism, whether that involved signing programming. icans identify as conservative, compared lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender a petition, posting about an issue that On all comparable measures, IGNITE with 25% of their straight counterparts. people elected to public office than at any mattered to them or following or liking participants who identify as LGBT re- More than half of LGBT Americans in other time in American history. a political campaign. ported higher levels of political engage- the PRRI/MTV poll are Democrats, with According to the Victory Fund, a PAC Combining these individual acts of ment than straight IGNITE participants, just 8% declaring they are Republican. that supports LGBT candidates, a re- political participation into a scale, the although the differences are not nearly as The rest identify as Independent or with cord 627 openly LGBT candidates ran for average young LGBT American reported stark as those in the PRRI survey. a third party. public office in 2018, with 399 appearing participating in 3.7 political activities in This may be a reflection of the fact that The IGNITE survey paints an even on the general election ballot.However, the past year. Meanwhile, young straight the IGNITE alumni are a group that self- bleaker picture for the political right LGBT Americans still remain under- Americans averaged 2.1 activities. selected into a women’s political training when it comes to young, activist mem- represented in political office, which program and thus are more likely to be bers of the LGBT community. No LGBT suggests that political participation by Leading the ‘activist class’ politically engaged compared with the respondents to the IGNITE survey older generations of LGBT Americans This difference in behavior is also pres- average 18- to 24-year-old. identified themselves as a conservative is less frequent than political activism ent among members of what we call the LGBT IGNITE participants averaged or Republican. by their straight counterparts. This dy- “activist class”: the young people who 4 political activities in the past year, There is very little research on the po- namic, however, may be changing with have indicated a strong desire to run for compared with 3.2 activities done by litical engagement of LGBT Americans future generations. office one day. heterosexual women. historically, either because many such Recent surveys on young Americans Deckman and Kromer conducted a Americans may have been reluctant to in their late teens and early 20s reveal survey of alumni of IGNITE, a nonprofit The next generation disclose their status, or because most that the youngest generation of LGBT that trains young women to run for public Both surveys show that this new older surveys did not ask about sexual Americans is far more engaged in politics office, to better understand how they ben- generation of young LGBT Americans orientation. So, we can’t say for sure if than their straight counterparts. efited from the organization’s program- resoundingly rejects both conservatism this younger cohort of LGBT Americans ming. Deckman and Kromer also wanted and the GOP. This may be a factor in their participates more in politics than previ- More politically engaged to understand their views about political heightened engagement. ous generations. In a June 2017 national survey of 2,023 engagement more generally and to get a Donald Trump’s presidency could also But Deckman and Kromer’s work sug- young Americans age 15 to 24 conducted better sense of their political identities. be sparking interest in political action. gests that political engagement among by the Public Religion Research Institute They focused on the 410 respondents For example, Trump’s support of the young Americans will largely be driven and MTV, one in 10 young Americans who are 18 to 24 years old. right of business owners to refuse service by progressive activists, including a identified as LGBT. Seventy-two percent of IGNITE to gay Americans because of religious disproportionate number of LGBT This group of LGBT Americans re- respondents identified themselves as differences has outraged the LGBT com- Americans. ported higher levels of engagement on heterosexual and female. The rest iden- munity. In the PRRI/MTV study, fewer seven separate measures of political and tified with another sexual orientation than 6% of LGBT respondents had a

LANCASTER COALITION from page 1 July 15 about 50 people gathered at Against this background and a ground nity outreach initiatives will be the fully aware that without them, without Lancaster City Hall with the Lancaster swelling of activity, Foley explained to development and implementation of a other organizations that have operated Human Relations Commission to raise CV “We still have so much work to do, community needs assessment to more in this area, we would not be launching the Pride Flag, launching the third an- specifically in other areas of Lancaster clearly identify the needs of the LG- our Coalition,” Foley says. This includes nual Pride Week, although Pride as a day County where there is no non-discrim- BTQ+ community throughout Lancaster “an all-volunteer staff to keep Pride go- event has been celebrated for 11 years in ination legislation. We will continue to County,” Foley says. ing,” she underscores. Lancaster. Pride Week was originally advocate and educate so that issues like As a counselor for the LGBTQ+ com- What about ongoing programs? conceptualized by Foley. The joyful kick- the Star Barn Controversy no longer oc- munity, Foley says, “If I can connect my The Coalition is providing community off was followed by a city hall reception. cur.” The controversy involved reports clients to community and support, 50% of programming from its physical location Foley said that day she was “honored of a same-sex couple refused wedding my work is done, and there is currently in The Candy Factory at 342 N. Queen to work and live in an accepting and af- reception services based the owner’s nowhere that I can send my clients to St., Lancaster, PA. firming city with leadership like Mayor religious beliefs. —especially healthy, sober spaces. Danene Sorace and her Chief of Staff Besides legislative issues, the Coali- Here’s a concrete example of what Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition Founders Jess King fighting for our rights and tion also responds to immediate needs. working “intersectionally” means. In old school ‘organic’ fashion, the list protections.” For example, last year for Pride Week, “There’s nowhere for queer people of of founders is growing, morphing, evolv- the Coalition raised nearly $6,000 for Pride Week’s activities also included color to connect in Lancaster County. ing - Karen Foley, Xavier Garcia-Molina, Waves Ahead, an organization helping two significant events as the Coalition There’s no visibility for the intersections Sherri Castillo, Cameron Childers, Tod the LGBTQ+ community in Puerto Rico establishes its regional profile: a Town of say, the deaf and queer communities Snovel, Suzette Harrell, Lee Cohen, following Hurricane Maria. Hall Meeting with local and state govern- here, and the list goes on,” Foley points Ismail Wade Smith-El, Dr. Adam Lake, ment officials, including special guests Needs assessment out. Alexis Lake, Dr. Cindy Martinez, Dena State Representatives Mike Sturla of As the Coalition’s work begins, Fol- Stanley, Sarah Roberts, and Olivia Lancaster County, Carol Hill-Evans of What’s next now that the party’s over? ey has a clear sense of Lancaster history Walters. York County, and Patty Kim of Dauphin “Highlighting and understanding the and the new group isn’t asking previous Want to join the action? Look for County and a Healthcare Mixer aimed needs of LGBTQ+ youth,” Foley stress- creators of change and progress out in Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition for Lan- at connecting friendly healthcare pro- es. Working intersectionally (connecting order to make room for others previ- caster City’s next Extraordinary Give viders. all the strengths and challenges of indi- ously excluded. Every effort builds on on Nov. 22. “We feel that as we celebrate the prog- viduals and communities), the Coalition those who came before. INFO - www.facebook.com/lancasterl- ress that has been made for LGBTQ+ will, Foley notes, focus on creating access “We are honored to continue the coura- gbtqcoalition people in Lancaster County and the to affirming and affordable healthcare, geous work of the Pink Triangle Coali- www.lgbtlancaster.org or email info@ surrounding areas, there are still major and creating supportive and welcoming tion and the Lancaster AIDS Project. We lgbtlancaster.org issues facing our community that need crisis shelters. have the utmost gratitude for what they Insta Twitter and Snapchat @lgbtq- attention,” Foley says. “One of our first major commu- did for our community in the past and are coalition

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0092297-art.indd 1 3/28/19 9:56 AM A story of hope, love, & growth Your When my wife and I got married last September, we opted not to have a traditional wedding party with female bridesmaids and male groomsmen. We try to buck traditional gender roles Realtor whenever we can. For the bridal party, at the Low-tax Sebastian chose to have only one person JOINDelaware US! Beaches! in her party, the most important person Rehoboth Jazz Festival October 17-20th in her life (besides me, of course!) - her mom. For me, I chose my younger sister Rehoboth SeaWitch Festival October 25-27th Kendra as my Best Lady (the female By Atticus Ranck equivalent of a Best Man). The rest of my party consisted of my friend Alicia, my brother Shane, and my older sister Lewes • Bethany Beach Rehoboth Beach • Dewey Beach Nicole. was a breakthrough for us both. Atticus My sister Kendra wrote a Best Lady told me that he will always be the same speech which I decided to share here person emotionally and even though I with her permission. I edited it only won’t be able to call him my sister, I can slightly. The speech brought tears to my say that I have gained another brother. eyes during the reception and just now Since then Atticus has done nothing but as I was reading it again. It’s a speech of live up to those standards. He started hope and love and growth, especially for to become a happier person. You could Jason Abela family members of trans people. Kendra physically see that his internal struggles lifted and he became himself in a new (717) 979-1781 and I have come a long way as siblings CELL and I have more love for her now than and improved way. For me it honestly I ever have. felt like I actually got my sister back just “Growing up with Atticus was like in an unexpected way. growing up with my best friend. We did "Now here we are, years later, celebrat- everything together. I remember when ing this big moment in his life. His wed- Atticus started Kindergarten and I was ding day! I couldn’t be happier for him. sadly left behind I would wait by the To have found the person he wants to door everyday until he walked in and im- spend his life with is a wonderful gift. mediately announce, “Let’s play Sister, Sebastian has provided comfort, patience Sister”. We would run up stairs, go to my and understanding in a way nobody else parent’s room and pretend that we were could. As life will undoubtedly continue (302) 227-3883 OFFICE older “mature” sisters living in the same to throw curve balls and struggles I have 246 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 house. I loved every minute of it. no doubt that they will be able to sup- "As we got older, we developed new port, comfort and lean on one another friendships and interests separate from through all of the storms. I wish them each other, however, neither one of us nothing but the best as they strive to left the other behind. We could always meet mutual goals, as they build a life be seen together bonding over sports, together and as their love continues to books and movies - all of the good things grow for one another. I can now say that in life. When Atticus started struggling I have not only gained a brother but a with his identity I started to feel like I new sister as well.” was losing my sister forever. How could we pretend to be older “mature” sisters Atticus Ranck is the Health Programs without the one sister? and Supportive Services Manager for "I’ll always remember the day that I Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community confessed my own struggles to him. It Center in Allentown.

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