Vol. 22 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • www.therainbowtimesnews.com free! The

R• Your LGBTQainbow News in , Rhode Island, T Connecticutimes & Vermont • Photo: U NI V ERSA L P I C T RES p3

Photo: T ynan Power justin timberlake p6 Plays Again project one Launches Campaign With Forum On Bullying And Suicide Prevention Photo: C O U RTES Y HART F OR D IT HA LL

pedro segarra p14 Hartford’s Latin & Gay Mayor pB15 ’s Photo: Kiddmadonny.com

scissor sisters Photo: regan c omm u ni ation don’t mind sh(e)aring: an interview with the band’s front man pB14 Jesse Tyler Ferguson dj kiddPhoto: madonny universal Mans The Decks At Machine’s The VILLAGE PEOPLE pB18 And The First Gay TV Kiss p7 Photo: robert mannis Boston Pride Party Celebrate 33 Years With Show At Quincy’s ocean club Friday, June 11th HRC, BestBuy & Target saga p12 • In the Name of God: “I like your Christ, not your Christians” p4  • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com We need to foster our communication Our liberation is tied to everyone’s liberation: and cooperation to achieve progress The U.S. Military’s actions continue to restrict our liberation By: Gricel M. Ocasio*/TRT Publisher feel that way yet. Let’s try to give our LG- By: Jason Lydon/TRT Opinion Writer gon Papers, has called Manning or the past month, I have heard BTQ family the same respect, opportunities rmy Pfc. (Private First Class) and time that we like to receive. Most impor- Bradley Manning is currently a “hero.” The from various community members wars in Iraq and about our unity or lack thereof. tantly, let’s not take advantage of those with- sitting in solitary confinement at

Desk A F a military prison in Virginia. The New Afghanistan out a voice because that is tragic to our cause Such comments have made me ponder are destroying about our relationships with each other. and detrimental to all of us in the end. With York Times, Wired Magazine, CNN, the LGBTQ population being just a small seg- and countless Internet sources are writ- those countries I have always thought that we should and anyone who remain a cohesive entity, and focus on ment of society, do we really want to isolate ing and reporting about this man. Man- ourselves further? ning is currently being charged with 2 attempts to drop the struggles that affect us all and how to a wrench in the cooperatively overcome them. No matter counts of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including eight war machine is Jason Lydon what segment of the LGBTQ community Gricel Martínez Ocasio taking action to we belong to, we are always affected by criminal offenses and four non-crimi-

Opinion bring us back to our collective humanity. our brothers and sister’s afflictions. We *Gricel M. Ocasio is the co-founder, co-own- nal violations of Army regulations. Publisher’s I have taken the time to read a number of are all in the same boat—struggling for er and Publisher of The Rainbow Times. She is These charges are coming after Man- ning, allegedly, leaked classified information to stories and pages written about Manning, but I rights and fairness under the laws of this, our a graduate of Temple University and has been do not claim to under- country. Some people in our community feel in the journalism and publishing field for almost Wikileaks and other Internet sources. The “But the question must be asked, what is stand the reasoning be- they have more rights than others, and that’s 20 years. You can reach her at: publisher@ hind his choice to join fine. But, let’s not forget that others may not therainbowtimesnews.com. most well-known of the alleged leaks is so bad about being a traitor when your the military. However, the video of U.S. sol- military is committing war crimes in its The New York Times It takes time before you can state the obvious diers murdering over a ever expanding imperialist agenda? … reports that Manning dozen people in New is a humanist with pro- By: Susan Ryan-Vollmar*/ for the interference with his arrangement there Baghdad. The video (viewer discretion is ad- gressive politics who has long been opinionated TRT Columnist would be no cause for such marriages. The fact vised) is available at www.colateralmurder.com. and passionate about the world being different. I · People of different that he separated the races shows that he did Two Reuter’s employees were among those in- can only imagine what it must have been like for races should be al- not intend for the races to mix. “ dividuals murdered. Manning also, allegedly, him, as a computer “wiz,” to have access to such lowed to marry. Read today, Bazile’s words are repugnant. released over 90,000 Afghanistan war reports. a vast amount of information that he believed But another eight years would pass before the Because Manning is gay his actions are bring- could possibly lead to greater outrage by the · Women should be al- Supreme Court looked at the lowed to vote. ing into question the current campaigns to repeal American people. In the transcripts of his chats same issue and —finally— stated the obvious Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. While the conversation is with people he hoped would share the informa- · Children should not in 1967’s landmark Loving v. Virginia: “Mar- tion with others, he stated that, “Everywhere work in factories. being focused on his and his riage is one of the “basic civil rights of man,” challenging experiences many are there’s a U.S. post, there’s a diplomatic scandal fundamental to our very existence and survival. Susan Ryan-Vollmar Few would disagree missing the bravery of his actions. Daniel Ells- See Liberation on page 6 To deny this fundamental freedom on so un- berg, the man responsible for leaking the Penta- with these statements. They are unremark- supportable a basis as the racial classifications able descriptions of our social mores. They are embodied in these statutes, classifications so obvious. directly subversive of the principle of equal- But that wasn’t always the case. In 1959, ity at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment, Letters to the Editor The Rainbow Times Virginia trial Judge Leon M. Bazile sentenced is surely to deprive all the State’s citizens of 351 Pleasant St., #322 Dear Editor, Northampton, MA 01060 Richard and Mildred Loving to one year in liberty without due process of law. The Four- I have learned that things are NOT always prison for violating state law banning inter- www.therainbowtimesnews.com teenth Amendment requires that the freedom of as they seem regarding a local trans event in racial marriages. In delivering the sentence, choice to marry not be restricted by invidious [email protected] which he suspended for 25 years provided New England. Someone needed to “grow a racial . Under our Constitution, pair” and say what so many of us are think- [email protected] the couple left the state of Virginia, Bazile the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person ing! And here I am. These are, however, Phone: 413.282.8881, 617.444.9618 proclaimed: “Almighty God created the races of another race resides with the individual and or Fax: 206.203.0436 white, black, yellow, malay, and red, and he cannot be infringed by the State.” only my opinions and I can only speak for placed them on separate continents. And but myself. See Obvious on page 8 It is my opinion that some things ought to Publisher Columnists be left alone to run their own natural course Gricel M. Ocasio Lorelei Erisis Supporting the non-profits that make our community go round of life and death; meaning let this event, that Editor-In-Chief Deja N. Greenlaw appears so pretty and sparkly on the outside, Nicole Lashomb Paul P. Jesep motivated people to join Jason Lydon By: Jenn Tracz*/CABO’s Executive Director come to an end so that a constructive and Assistant Editor ast edition I encouraged readers to take us on our journey. We’re truly empowering FAIR, EQUAL, and FIFI Nigel Natalia Muñoz their first steps towards action within the looking for volunteers in DEMOCRATIC event might rise from the J.M. Sorrell Lcommunity and invited everyone to join a variety of areas, such as ashes of what seems to me to be becoming Sales Manager Jenn Tracz event planning, marketing CABO at Mohegan Sun Arena for a special a huge fiasco! Bill Berggren Reporters event. A special thank you goes out to all of and building membership. We need something run by an Organiza- Sales Associates you who joined us for a wonderful evening. CABO is in the business Joe Siegel tion with a real Board of Directors! We need Chris Gilmore But did you know there are many other differ- of building member busi- something that showcases the talent of the Tynan Power ent ways you can take action today? nesses and creating a more amazing TransMen as well as the incred- Liz Johnson Susan Ryan-Vollmar No matter what your interest there is a non- inclusive and vibrant econ- ible TransWomen in New England or the Webmaster Lead Designer profit, business or related cause that could use omy for the community at North East! I’m all for a “contest” of some Jarred Johnson Jim Curran your help. large. sort that celebrates the talent, intelligence, CABO has 18 non-profits located through- CABO holds regular and diversity of ALL of the The Rainbow Times is published biweekly by out the state of Connecticut, all with varying Jenn Tracz monthly evening events community but does not objectify women - The Rainbow Times, LLC. TRT is affiliated with the interests. Whether you have an interest in HIV/ in North Haven on the 3rd National Gay & Chamber of Commerce, which is repulsive to me (a Strong, Lesbian, CABO - The Connecticut Alliance for Business AIDS work or in LGBT foster parenting, we Tuesday of the month and regular monthly Feminist Ally) on many levels. morning events in West Hartford on the 1st Opportunity, and QSyndicate. The articles written have a non-profit to suit your needs. Non-profit There are many things that confuse me by the writers, columnists, and correspondents express Thursday of the month. For more details on organizations are what makes the LGBT com- about this “event” as well: their opinion, and do not represent the endorsement munity go round, so always give back to them CABO events in your area, visit www.TheCA- or opinion of The Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. BO.org If you have any particular questions or Why is there no true Board of Directors when you can. (even though the web site lists a “Board of To write letters to the editor, please send your letters, A few of our non-profits are, OUT Film CT, comments, I am always available via e-mail with your name, address and phone number to: The and would be happy to talk with you. Send me Directors” page with only one person on it) Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collec- to which anyone can appeal to in a cases of tive, the TransAdvocacy Collation, the Im- an e-mail today at [email protected]. any comment/s to the editor at: editor@therain- blatant wrong doing; such as individuals bowtimesnews.com. All submissions will be edited perial Sovereign Court of all CT, St. Phillip being removed from the event for having a according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, House and Lambda Legal. Take action now by *In her role as Executive Director, Jenn LLC reserves the right not to print any or all content, contacting one of these great organizations and is responsible for maintaining and growing personal disagreement with the CEO? How can the organization have the CEO or advertisements for any reason at all. TRT is not ask how you can help. Don’t forget to tell them membership, developing strategic business responsible for advertising content. To receive The that I sent you! partnerships and overseeing the day-to-day be its SOLE owner and ONLY “Board Rainbow Times at your home via regular mail, or Not only are our great non-profit members operations of the organization. In addition to Member,” mind you? through electronic delivery, please visit our website. looking for volunteers, but CABO is too. As being CABO’s executive director, she also is a The list goes on and on. The whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the sole property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and they we move and expand throughout the state we small business owner specializing in market- See Letters on page 3 are always looking for excited, enthusiastic and ing and design services. cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s consent. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 •  Northampton’s Michael Kuch featured in Letters from page 2 It is, also, my opinion that one person thank you! NY Exhibit: “Naked Bodies, Naked Souls” should not be in charge of any Pride/LGBT Narrowsburg, Falender (Polish), Michel Hen- event for that matter. It is, as we can clear- meet us

d NY—An international ricot (French), Michael Kuch ly see, too much for one person to handle. array of artists is show- (American, MA), Tom Misztal We’ve seen it in the past and we are seeing now on our ing original paintings, (American, OR), Aleksandra it here again! sculptures, photo- Nowak (American, NJ), Darek It breeds Napoleon type attitudes and be- an graphs, and limited edi- Nowakowski (American, haviors. In this instance it shuts out Media l tion hand-pulled prints NYC), Egidijus Rudinskas from the event, which should be covered fan page! for the first time in the (Lithuanian), Krzysztof Skor- openly and honestly in print and in photo- Upper Delaware Val- czewski (Polish), Lubomir To- graphs. In the end, all of this hurts the Trans- search ley as part of “Naked maszewski (American, CT), ng gender (and by proxy the whole LGBT) Bodies, Naked Souls,” David Vance (American, FL), community that it seeks to serve more than E a group exhibit curated Damian Wojtowicz (Polish), the rainbow times

it helps it. by Jan K. Kapera of and Piotr Woroniec (Polish). —Ericka Soto, Greenfield, MA JKK Fine Arts (www. “’Naked Bodies, Naked to join us!

w jkkfinearts.com/). The Souls’ is not about eroti- exhibit opens at the cism, it is about the beauty of e Loft Gallery at the the body and the soul,” says

N Delaware Arts Center Kapera. “It is about human in Narrowsburg, NY emotions - loves, sorrows, on Friday, August 13, desires, and quests, happiness with a reception from Michael Kuch, “St Sebastian and despair.” 7-9 p.m. The show will Pierced by Shafts of Light,” Free and open to the pub- be on view through 2008, watercolor, washed ink lic, the exhibit is sponsored September 4. on paper, 22 ½” x 15” by the Delaware Valley Arts “The realm of ‘Na- Alliance, the Arts Council for ked Bodies, Naked Souls’ is a very pri- Sullivan County, NY, and is made possible in vate, personal world; a world of artists’ part with public funds from the Visual Arts secrets, dreams, feelings, and deepest Program of the New York State Council on emotions,” says curator Kapera. “They the Arts. have expressed the unexpressed--they

Western Western have found the way to show spiritual Loft Gallery is located at the Delaware Arts and mystical states of soul in dream-like, sym- Center at 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY. bolic images.” Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from This exhibit features the work of 16 inter- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about national artists: Daniel Barkley (Canadian), the exhibit contact: Rocky Pinciotti, Gallery Luigi Casalino (Italian), Joanna Chrobak (Pol- Director, [email protected] or visit ish), John Dugdale (American, NYC), Barbara www.ArtsAllianceSite.org.  • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Faith, family, and God: Faith is separate from organized religion president issues response By: Paul P. Jesep*/TRT Columnist Bible that prohibits committed same-sex rela- Christianity, despite the call by Jesus to obody can hurt me with- tionships. In a handful of cases, there are cita- love unconditionally, has many variations evi- to Target CEO’s apology out my permission,” Ma- tions to violence and promiscuous same-sex, denced by religions claiming to be the so-called Washington, dc—Late last week, HRC “Nhatma Gandhi taught. Yet usually in the context of paganism. true faith like Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and President Joe Solmonese issued the following members of the LGBT and Searching Jesus never mentions same-sex relations. Southern Baptist. They are influenced by eth- statement: Community sometimes permit it. In- His message is simple. Love. Love your neigh- nicity, culture, custom, and their own unique “Target has been a champion for workplace tellectually, many put organized reli- bor. Love your enemy. Love the poor. Love limitations. Although they are quick to judge equality for many years. That’s why their re- gion in perspective. Others, however, the outcasts. Read the Ten Commandments. and condemn those made differently, no orga- cent donation to MN Forward was so at odds still allow it to provide a spiritual, Same-sex relationships are not a top ten prior- nized religion can speak with the full authority with their sterling reputation as a great em- emotional, and destructive sting. ity for the Creator. of God. They speak with the hubris, bravado, ployer for LGBT people. The fact that their Despite all the sanctimonious bab- The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and pomposity of men sometimes without the political contribution was used to advance an ble, the Bible does not condemn the (Genesis 18-19) is often cited as condemnation benefit of science, intellectual honesty, and anti-equality candidate was extremely hurtful LGBT and Searching Com- the spiritual maturity to move beyond to all fair-minded Americans. munity to hell. I’ve written comfort zones. We appreciate Mr. Steinhafel’s statement about this topic on several “Nowhere in the Hebrew Scriptures or New Faith and organized religion are to company employees this afternoon but it occasions over a number of Testament is there a condemnation of different things. Faith is a direct rela- doesn’t go quite far enough. Target’s apology years in different publications, tionship with the Almighty. Religion, is welcomed but without tangible action be- Name of God of Name but it merits repeating. There “homosexuals.” The word, by the way, isn’t in theory, is supposed to foster com- hind it, the LGBT community and our allies are numerous books, articles, munity and enhance an individual’s will continue to question the company’s com- and commentaries dispelling used until the 19 Century. No references journey toward Supreme Truth. It often mitment to equality. this widely held view. exist in the Bible that prohibits committed doesn’t. The promise to evaluate political contribu- There are two parts to the Every man and woman answers tions in the future, while a step in the right Bible: Hebrew Scriptures same-sex relationships.” to three things – God, personal con- direction, is provided without details and does (wrongly referred to as the science, and the spouse with whom a not mitigate their $150,000 supporting an out- Old Testament) and the New Testa- of God’s children made differently. It’s a gross family is formed. Don’t allow spiritual and re- spoken opponent of equality for LGBT peo-

In the the In ment, in which Jesus brings a new distortion. The lesson is not about being gay, ligious ignorance to push you away from faith ple. Target can still make it right by making covenant, or contract, to God’s chil- lesbian, transgender, , or searching. or the Creator. equivalent contributions to equality-minded dren. Jesus Christ said that of all the things he It’s about the ancient hospitality custom that The Holy One loves you unconditionally. organizations and by making clear the pro- taught the most important to remember was to was not honored. You are part of Creation. The LGBT and cedure by which they will evaluate potential love the Creator and to love one another as he Three angels fly down from heaven to visit Searching Community have stood up political- contributions in the future to include issues of unconditionally loved them. Lot. He invites them in as an unruly group of ly. Now it must stand up for itself spiritually LGBT-equality.” Gandhi said, “I like your Christ, I do not guys gather outside. The gents want Lot to and as men and women of faith whether Jew, The Human Rights Campaign is America’s like your Christians. Your Christians are so throw out the angels so they can be raped. Lot Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, or other. largest civil rights organization working to unlike your Christ.” Amen. refuses. He offers up his daughters instead. achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen- Nowhere in the Hebrew Scriptures or New In addition, it was routine in early history *Paul is an author, attorney, and a seminary der equality. By inspiring and engaging all Testament is there a condemnation of “homo- for men to rape men. Male rape, not unlike trained, ordained priest in greater Albany, NY. Americans, HRC strives to end sexuals.” The word, by the way, isn’t used un- the violence against women, was about power, His new book Credit Card Usury and the Chris- against LGBT citizens and realize a nation til the 19 Century. No references exist in the control, and humiliation. It had nothing to do tian Failure to Stop It, was released in June. that achieves fundamental fairness and equal- with a loving, monogamous relationship. He may be reached at [email protected]. ity for all. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 •  Six Flag’s upcoming Out In The Park entertainment lineup sure to please all AGAWAM, MA—Out In The Park presents a starred in a television , a talk show called personality, and nightlife legend, “Gay Pimp” family friendly event for the GLBT commu- sparkling roster of comics and entertainers on The Jessy K Show executive produced by Zach Jonny McGovern, currently a cast member of nity as well as family, friends, and supporters. Sept. 19 at Six Flags New Braff of Scrubs fame. The Big Gay Sketch Show produced by Rosie England. She has been featured O’Donnell for the LOGO television network. For more information and/or to buy tickets, Jessica Kirson leads the on various television Others scheduled to entertain are Boston’s visit: http://outinthepark.info/. lineup. Her unique style shows including, Com- own Jujubee, competitor on LOGO television and captivating stage pres- edy Central’s Premium network reality show RuPaul’s Drag Races, ence captures the atten- Blend and Fresh Faces;” Khris F, Miss Kitty Litter, the self proclaimed tion of audiences every- Nickelodeon’s Sixth in the “First Lady of Providence,” and Sabrina Blaze, Carnevale Guide 2010 where she performs. Her Suburbs,” Noggin’s LOL; one of the most beloved girls of Providence as wide variety of characters VH1’s Awesomely Bad; your Mistresses of Ceremony. Mardi Gras brings a diverse energy to Showtime’s White Boyz Out in the Park takes place at Six Flags her routine. in the Hood; Oxygen’s game show Can You New England in Agawam each September. It in New England! Jessica appeared in her own LOGO spe- Tell? and Bravo’s The Great Things About Be- is billed as the “Ultimate GLBT Party.” Held FMI: www.TheRainbowTimesNews.com cial, My Cookie’s Gone and LOGO’s New ing, among other programs and networks. each year in September, Out In The Park is a or 413-282-8881/617-444-9618 Now Next Best of 2009. In late 2009, Jessica Also in the lineup is gay pop superstar, TV Lambda Legal disappointed in imposed brief hold on Prop 8 ruling , CA—Jennifer C. Pizer, Na- ers of Prop 8—by restoring equality in mar- tional Marriage Project Director for Lambda riage to California’s same-sex couples. No- Legal, issued the following statement in reac- body suffers when everyone is treated equally. tion to last week’s decision There’s enough equality to from U.S. District Court go around. Judge Vaughn Walker to “To maintain the stay, deny the stay of his historic the Ninth Circuit will have ruling in Perry v. Schwar- to find that Prop 8’s propo- zenegger, but to pause the effect of his ruling nents are likely to win on appeal or will suffer until next Wednesday, August 18, at 5 p.m.: irreparable harm if same-sex couples again are “Although we’re disappointed that Judge allowed to marry. But at this point, the truth is Walker elected today to give the Ninth Cir- crystal clear, as last week’s decision explains: cuit Court of Appeals a chance to consider the the only people suffering harm are lesbian and issue of the stay, we are gratified that he has gay couples whose constitutional rights are denied the request to put his historic ruling on violated every day that Prop 8 remains in force, hold during any appeals. He has applied the and who simply seek the same rights everyone standard legal tests in the standard way and else already enjoys.” reached the only logical conclusions given the overwhelming evidence produced at trial: For more information on this legislation, Nobody is harmed—especially not the back- please visit: www.lambdalegal.org  • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Deep Inside Hollywood: Timberlake plays gay again and Rosie and Oprah’s alliance comes to fruition in 2011 By: Romeo San Vicente* Carmen (played by voice to the animated series as the boyfriend Rosie’s TV alliance with Oprah Brittany Danke), of Jason Sudeikis’s (30 Rock) character Terry. Keep your friends close and your finds out that she In the same episode, Timberlake will also play enemies closer. OK, maybe that’s not has not only finished a singing booger belonging to Cleveland’s what Oprah Winfrey’s upstart cable her surgical transi- stepson. As there is no precedent for the nasal network, OWN, has in mind by team- tion but that she is mucus role, Romeo is sure that whatever ap- ing with Rosie O’Donnell and picking also marrying an- proach the pop star takes will be just fine. The up her new talk show for syndication. other man. And be- episode is scheduled for February 2011. But it makes a lot of sense anyway. cause this is a sitcom Back in the 1990s Rosie was Oprah’s about self-centered Jane Wiedlin, join cast of Cas- main competition for daytime ratings, apolitical people, serole Club he goes ahead with Filmmaker Steve Balderson isn’t playing so if she wants to come back to TV Romeo San Vicente after leaving The View why not form a court battle about it traditional in casting his upcoming feature an alliance where Oprah still gets to Carmen’s “gay” marriage out of sheer jeal- The Casserole Club. Instead, for his period be the queen bee? Word is that the ousy. Meanwhile, straight characters marry on 1960s suburban dramedy about “desolation, new show is all about being uplifting a whim and chaos ensues. And McElhenney unspoken desires” and the hosting of elaborate and that the angry political Rosie peo- personally knows the score on marriage equal- dinner parties, he’s bringing together a group ple have come to know and love/hate ity: his own lesbian mother and her partner of actors that includes Jane Wiedlin of the Go- might take a backseat to her former helped raise him. See the comedic skewering Go’s and former L Word co-star Daniela Sea. entertainment “Queen of Nice” reputation. Can she of this culture war when the new season pre- Wiedlin’s been exuberantly entertaining in a go back? Do we want her to? Can’t we have mieres next month. few films, like Clue and Bill & Ted’s Excel- both at once, like the way you get with actual lent Adventure but has usually chosen to fo- non-TV personality human beings? Find out Justin Timberlake to play gay – and booger. cus more on being the rock star she is. Sea has when the show debuts in 2011. Does anyone have fond memories of the been in several bands, but is known for playing flop Lance Bass romantic-comedy On the male on L Word. Wouldn’t it be cool if they It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s “at- Line? Does anyone even remember it? Well, played a hetero couple here and Sea was the tacks” marriage equality if you do, you might also remember his fellow girly-girl and the pixie-ish, bisexual Wiedlin It was time for the funny, under-appreciated boy-band pal Justin Timberlake’s cameo as a had five o’clock shadow? It would, but that’s Photo: Universal Pictures and politically incorrect sitcom It’s Always “flamboyant” makeup artist. It was a merci- probably not how it’s going to work out. In Justin Timberlake Sunny in Philadelphia to attack the subject fully brief appearance and goes down the very fact, there’s no word at all on who their charac- *Romeo San Vicente is hungry for of marriage equality, so it’s going to chew on road you think it does. Well, now Timberlake ters are, but shooting is scheduled to begin this tetrazini. That’s not a euphemism for anything both sides of the issue in its upcoming season’s has a chance to play another gay character (and fall. All will become clear soon enough. The either. He’s really hungry for turkey tetrazini. first two episodes. Rob McElhenney’s charac- hit other notes besides the most generic sassy film’s website has some great cocktail and cas- He can be reached care of this publication or ter, in love with a transgender woman named ones) on The Cleveland Show. He’ll lend his serole recipes to distract you in the meantime. at [email protected].

Liberation from page 6 that the injustice of the U.S. military needed to that will be revealed.” Do his actions make be exposed, regardless of the consequences he him a traitor? Possibly. But the question must would experience. The military hides the truth be asked, what is so bad about being a traitor over and over again. As Manning was open- when your military is committing war crimes ing up more about who he was it is possible in its ever expanding imperialist agenda? that he found it necessary to open the military’s How are we, LGBTQ people, supposed to closet doors as well, exposing the truth of who react to this situation? Those struggling to re- they are. I cannot speak for Manning, though I peal DADT are desperately trying to explain do plan on writing to him and hopefully learn- away Manning’s sexual orientation as part of ing more about who he is, but I can speak for why he would have taken these actions. There myself and I believe his actions were incred- are those on the “right” who are angry at Man- ning for his actions and use his sexual orien- ibly brave. As a queer person I know that my tation as their ammunition to justify the con- liberation is tied to the liberation of all people tinuation of DADT. I think it is possible that and as long as the U.S. military is occupying Manning’s experience of oppression as a queer the world and hiding their vile actions, I am not person made him more compassionate and truly free. I applaud Manning in his actions to aware of what injustice looks like. It is possible help make us all more free by exposing us to that because of his queerness Manning knew more of the truth. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 •  Modern Man: Jesse Tyler Ferguson on hit’s sophomore season, the controversial kiss and Nathan Lane’s kooky cameo By: Chris Azzopardi/TRT Special James Burrows said to the cast, “You have their son, not just on TV in a gay relationship, First kisses are always a big deal, and clearly to say goodbye to your anonymity. It’s going but able to be more open and out in the com- that’s been true for two Modern Family fa- to be different. I saw this happen with Will & munity in real life as well. thers. The ABC sitcom hit a home run during Grace and Friends.” We were kind of terrified, There are a lot of great TV shows that are just its debut season last year, garnering critical actually. And then the show got canceled, and sort of putting it out there. They’re not “gay” kudos, healthy ratings and Emmy love for its my anonymity stayed fairly intact. So I’m now characters; they’re just great characters who funny family romp. But the gay parents, Cam- experiencing that. happen to be gay, just operating among soci- eron and Mitchell (played respectively by Eric CA: You’re single – has it helped in the dating ety like they do in real life. It’s really great for Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson), have department? families who maybe have a challenging time yet to reach first base. JTF: (Laughs) It’s actually been harder! I with that. I wish there was a reference point The lack of lip action prompted frustrated have a lot of people who I think are hitting on like Modern Family or Glee to show my par- fans to launch a kiss-pushing Facebook cam- me, but then it ends up that they just want to be ents when I was a kid – and to reassure me as paign, but Ferguson, friends. It’s just hard to well. who plays the series’ tell people’s intentions. CA: Your parents, particularly your father, uptight lawyer, assures CA: Who’d be your had a hard time with your sexuality, as you us it’s finally happening type: Cam or Mitchell? noted in Out Magazine. What was it like for this season, premiering JTF: Oh gosh! It seems them – and him, especially – to see you on the Sept. 22. Ferguson, on wrong to say Mitch- cover of Out? the way to the Modern ell, but I definitely like JTF: It was challenging for him, but also re- Family set in L.A., also Cam. He’d be a lot of ally exciting. He was sort of confused because chatted about risking fun to date, actually. If I I made reference to the Jonas Brothers and Photo: abc television his career for this role, could find an Eric Ston- having crushes on all of them. It means what it and Jesse Tyler Ferguson Nathan Lane’s crazy- estreet-type who wants says! They’re handsome men! play gay parents on ABC’s Modern Family. and-queer parties, to date me, that could He’s a funny little guy. He hasn’t grown up in be great. the entertainment industry, so with my Emmy not going to be this big thing. The Facebook whether there will be a campaign and all these people rabidly excited Cam-Mitchell marriage CA: Modern Family Award nomination (for Outstanding Support- has become a monster ing Role in a Comedy Series), he asked, “How about are what’s made it a big thing. and how the sitcom There’s a big PDA episode that deals with changed his life. hit among gay audi- does that come to be?” It needs to be broken ences, even picking up down for him, and that’s OK. I’m willing to public displays of affection in general, but the kiss might not even be a part of that episode. CA: What’s it like to Photo: abc television GLSEN and GLAAD take those steps with him. honors. How do you CA: The Cam-Mitchell kiss is a hot topic late- We’re trying to integrate it in a way that’s just be back on the Modern The cast of Modern Family very natural. Family set? feel that the show has ly. When will it happen? And is there really a been a positive influence for gay and lesbian wedding in the works? And with the gay marriage, we were just so JTF: You know, honestly, there hasn’t been a excited about Proposition 8, but we certainly job that I’ve enjoyed more than this. It really people, especially parents? JTF: First of all, with the kiss thing, it’s been JTF: Gosh, I mean it’s really hit very close to built up to a kissing episode – and I have to don’t have a wedding episode planned. We does feel like a family reunion every time we hope to be on the air for a very long time, so get back together. home because I have parents who also found say, it’s not going to be an episode about kiss- it challenging at times. I have a gay sibling as ing. (Glee creator) Ryan Murphy criticized us, we don’t want to put all the eggs in Season 2’s CA: How has the show changed your life? basket and then not have any stories to tell. JTF: I have no anonymity anymore. It’s fun- well, and it’s been hard for my parents, so I saying that it shouldn’t be this big thing, and he ny, because when I did The Class, (director) think it’s been really helpful for them to see sort of didn’t have his facts right because it’s See Ferguson on page 8  • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Obvious from page 2 something different from what opposite-sex Ferguson from page 7 CA: You recently were in some Central Park productions, with Al When Bazile issued his 1959 ruling, how- couples across the state enjoy – namely, mar- CA: While we’re on the topic of eggs, is riage. Rather, plaintiffs ask California to rec- there another baby on the way? Pacino and The Winter’s Tale. What’s it like ever, he was stating what was obvious for moving between theater and TV? millions of Americans at the time: People ognize their relationships for what they are: JTF: I would be thrilled with a second kid in marriages.” the future, but I don’t think it will happen this JTF: My roots are in the theater, so it was should marry within their own race. Indeed, harder going from theater to my first sitcom. a 1958 Gallup poll found that 94 percent of Claim: We have nothing against lesbian season. Honestly, as an actor, I don’t know if and gay couples. We are not targeting them. I can handle another kid right now (laughs). I love the immediate response from the (the- Americans disapproved of interracial mar- Walker’s answer: “Proponents argue that ater) audience. But on a show, you don’t riage. In 1968, one year after the Supreme It’s enough when we have the twins (who both Proposition 8 does not target gays and les- play their daughter, Lily) on the set. I play with know if something’s funny because no one’s Court banned anti-miscegenation laws, a bians because its language does not refer to allowed to laugh and you’re working very Gallup poll found that 72 percent of Ameri- both of them and look at their parents and I’m them. In so arguing, proponents seek to mask like, “How do you do this all the time?” closely and very quietly and very intimately cans opposed interracial marriage. The first their own initiative. Those who choose to with the other actors. poll finding a majority of Americans ap- CA: How will Nathan Lane marry someone of the opposite sex – hetero- play into Cam and Mitch- CA: After playing gay on proving of such marriages (48 to 42 percent) sexuals – do not have their choice of marital Fox’s short-lived 2008 show wasn’t recorded until 1991. ell’s lives in Season 2? partner restricted by Proposition 8. Those JTF: He’s our older, gay Do Not Disturb and again Last week, U.S. District Chief Judge who would choose to marry someone of the now on Modern Family, do Vaughn R. Walker issued a ruling finding and flamboyant friend who same sex – homosexuals – have had their throws these very eccentric you fear being typecast? that same-sex couples should be permitted to right to marry eliminated by an amendment JTF: Honestly, no. I would marry. While there have been three state high themed parties, such as the to the state constitution.” “Studio Fifty-Fourth of July never have given up the op- court rulings in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Claim: Allowing gay and lesbian couples portunity to play Mitchell and Iowa finding that lesbian and gay couples Party.” In this episode he’s to marry will destabilize the institution. throwing his “Oscar Wilde because of that fear. It’s have the right to wed, none did so by stating Walker’s answer: “To the extent propo- been interesting, because the obvious the way Walker did. and Crazy Brunch Party” nents seek to encourage a norm that sexual and we have to all dress up Do Not Disturb was not suc- Here are four of my favorite examples from activity occur within marriage to ensure that cessful at all. It’s interesting Walker’s ruling in which he directly answers in Oscar Wilde gear, and reproduction occur within stable households, we’re trying to get out of go- to see how playing gay on some of the more absurd claims made by op- Proposition 8 discourages that norm because one sitcom just did not work ponents of marriage equality over the years, ing to these parties but he’s it requires some sexual activity and child- very sensitive about people and here it’s working bril- but which have largely gone unanswered in bearing and child-rearing to occur outside who cancel on him. It’s a re- liantly. I’m happy to have court: marriage.” ally funny episode, and he’s the opportunity to play gay Claim: Lesbian and gay people already Walker’s ruling will likely be appealed perfect for this part. on a sitcom that is working have the right to marry. and may ultimately end up before the U.S. CA: Have you given Eric so well, and I just can’t wor- Walker’s answer: “Marrying a person of Supreme Court. That will take years. In the tips on playing gay? I know ry about being typecast. the opposite sex is an unrealistic option for meantime, though, the fact that the obvious he’s got the “z-snap” down. Photo: abc television CA: Even gayer than either gay and lesbian individuals.” has been articulated in a federal court ruling JTF: That’s never happened again – which is sitcom role is your hilarious Claim: Lesbian and gay couples want spe- marks a tipping point in favor of equality. good. But Eric is doing such a fantastic job, rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro” on You- cial rights that do not currently exist. There is no going back. and he understands the workings of Cameron Tube. Are you inspired to take that further? Walker’s answer: “Plaintiffs do not seek so well that I would never even attempt to of- JTF: I’m trying to put together a show. It’s recognition of a new right. To characterize *Susan Ryan-Vollmar is a media relations fer any advice. All of his instincts are always probably going to be a pretty gay show, ac- plaintiffs’ objective as “the right to same-sex and communications consultant. She lives in spot on. tually. Gaga musical theater, that’s what you marriage” would suggest that plaintiffs seek Arlington with her family. can expect.

covers and original music from Lezlee Anne’s Queen of the World CD. They were follow us ... Lezlee Anne performs at Oasis Coffee House sounded great in the intimate room. Story & Photos By: Glenn Koetzner*/ boards to get just the levels she wanted. Tammy Twotone broke from her stand- TRT Contributor For Vickie, being the host, techni- up routine and totally improvised a sing- Vickie Boisseau told Lezlee Anne Rios cal advisor and promoter for the event along, bringing Lorelei and Lezlee Anne over a year ago that she was going to wasn’t the end of it. She started off the up on stage to help out. Lezlee Anne fin- put together an all trans show, and two night with a poem-in-progress on liv- ished out the evening with more origi- Friday’s ago she made that show a real- ing as a proud intersexed person. It was nal music and great solos from Brent ity at the Oasis Coffee House and Gallery a great lead-in to the night, especially in Waltham, and all of her work paid off. with two spoken word artists, Lorelei Eri- and Penny. The diverse crowd, with The Oasis is housed in the First Presby- sis and Tammy Twotone, scheduled to people coming from New Hampshire terian Church of Waltham, and it is a perform. Lorelei opened with a seven- to Connecticut, obviously enjoyed the warm, intimate and comfortable venue minute version of her improv piece “My evening, waiting around afterward for .com/ with plenty of seating and performance Entire Life and Transition in under Five autographs and signed CD’s. space. Lezlee Anne was the headliner Minutes.” Right after it, Lezlee Anne and therainbowtimes and as the consummate perfectionist, her band (Brent Nielsen on bass and Pe- *Glenn Koetzner is a freelance photog- she spent well over an hour before the nelope Larson on drums) took the stage rapher/writer working from the foothills of show working with Vickie on the sound- and performed a great set including the Berkshires in Sharon CT. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 •  10 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Because watching Empowers: VMF offers clarity and transformation By: Christine Nico/TRT Feature Reporter “Most people don’t know how they come Saltman’s website. One anony- Video Mirror Feedback® (VMF), a phrase across in personal and professional situations,” mous testimonial describes how and approach coined by local communication she said. “Think about how often we have mis- video feedback transformed her coach, Carlyn Saltman, was established to help understandings. That is, at least partly, because life. people understand themselves in a holistic we don’t know how we’re perceived by oth- “It helped me accept my situ- manner and learn to communicate more effec- ers. Seeing yourself in short video clips with ation … It reminded me that it tively. Such an approach leads to self-empow- professional support can accelerate our ability just is, without judgment and erment and healthy relationships in virtually to bridge the gap between what we think we’re that I am able to ‘hold’ the mir- any setting. conveying and what the person listening actu- ror of what I saw during my “VMF is a unique blend of mindfulness- ally understands.” Video Mirror session … the based coaching and the constructive use of Video playback, the generic terminology for beauty, the struggle, the pain, the short-video clips to make it comfortable for Saltman’s approach, has been used since the intelligence ... with compassion people to more early 1960’s in and equanimity as a grounded objectively see many profes- ‘reality,’ not just a fleeting their strengths “I saw myself in an entirely new light; sional settings, possibility.” and skills, as including psy- “VMF can benefit anyone articulate, effortful, engaged among other chotherapy and who is struggling to be and love Photo: Courtesy of Carlyn Saltman well as the pat- Saltman reviews a recorded session with family physician terns holding qualities I value … Although gender is still sales. themselves,” Saltman said. them back from “It was fas- In addition to several testimoni- and BU School of Medicine professor to determine how relating more a quagmire for me as a woman who grew cinating to find als noted on Saltman’s website, VMF can be used to train medical students to be more pres- e f f e c t i v e l y up and lesbian … I came away out that dozens she has also experienced positive ent and compassionate healers. with others” of researchers change by participating in VMF. before me, many “Five years ago, my husband and I filmed productivity. I am currently working with an said Saltman, with both sadness and clarity around my HR director of a large firm in Boston where C o m m u n i c a - of them doc- ourselves in a couple’s session,” she said. “The .” tors and PhD’s instant, vivid feedback that was mirrored back VMF sessions will be offered to directors and tion Coach and – Bett Farber, Northampton senior directors over the course of a year as Founder, Video at prestigious motivated us to communicate differently with institutions, had each other. Within days, we were enjoying part of each executive’s individual develop- Mirror Feedback. ment plan,” Saltman said. According to Saltman, there are numerous studied the impact of video playback and got- each other’s company more and finding that it ten results that demonstrated how effective it wasn’t as difficult as we thought it would be. Recently, Saltman has been working with reasons to participate in VMF. Through video another large-scale company that must remain viewing, she explained, clients are able to wit- can be when used by a skilled practitioner” she That feedback continues to affect our choices said. to this day. Anyone who wants to have less anonymous due to confidentiality issues. By ness their desirable qualities, see and hear dif- utilizing VMF for one of their Human Re- ferences with what is communicated verbally As an experienced documentary filmmaker stressful relationships at home and work needs with training in Psychosynthesis Counseling, to know their inner truth and how to express it source managers, positive transformation re- and through body language, and recognize sulted, she explained. old thought patterns that block trust, empa- Mindfulness, Conscious Communication, and clearly – both verbally AND non-verbally.” Non-Violent Communication, Saltman attri- In addition to personal relationships, busi- “The manager identified a specific chal- thy, connection, motivation, and confidence. lenge to work on and we had a very productive Examining oneself practicing new techniques butes her VMF success to her collaborative ness professionals are discovering the benefits 30-year education and the way it combines of VMF. private session focused on helping her speak and how they affect perception helps to trans- more confidently and concisely in meetings form trapped energy into empowerment. visual and energetic sensitivity. “Better communication means shorter meet- Clients reflect on their VMF experience via ings, fewer misunderstandings, and higher See VMF on page 17 www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • 11 Book Marks: Historical account of black Varrroomm! Biker Chicz television and feminists, Where My Girls At? series roars to a start next month By: Richard Labonte* with a caretaker, and the caretaker raised goats, By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter by Edward Winterhalder, a biker personality “Where My Girls At?” Women in Blacklight and goats produce milk – and a business was The first episode of Biker Chiczwill be aired and author who has been riding Harleys since 1979-1985, edited by Sidney Brinkley. Black- born. Kilmer-Purcell’s account of city boys set- at Kowloons Saugus - Comedy Connection on 1974. One of the world’s leading authorities light, 116 pages, $18.95 paper. tling into a rural setting – quite a gay-friendly September 26. on bikers, motorcycle clubs and the Harley- Brinkley, who edited the D.C.-based maga- one, however – has no end of hilarious high The docu-reality television series features Davidson biker lifestyle, his books about the zine Blacklight from 1979 to 1986, culled his points. But there’s a serious side to the story, the colorful, entertaining and engaging women biker lifestyle are published in multiple lan- archives for this evocative history of Black too; the stress of holding down day jobs during who are members of an all- Boston- guages and sold all over the world. lesbians and feminists. It’s an eclectic collec- the week while handling farm chores on week- based motorcycle club known as the East “Because I have lived the biker lifestyle tion: fiction and poetry by filmmaker Michelle ends while launching an online business takes Coast Biker Chicks (ECBC). myself for more than thirty-five years, I feel Parkerson, poetry and a coming-out account by a toll on their relationship, a reality the author Portions of the show were shot at Laconia confident that I can accurately capture for TV Chiquita “Joe” Bass, essays by S. Diane Bogus never shies away from. Bike Week in Laconia, New Hampshire, and what really goes on in the life of a biker on a (on Black lesbian invisibility) and throughout eastern Massachusetts. The women day-to-day basis,” he said. Rev. Renee McCoy (on the fail- Inseparable: Desire Between will be filming scenes at the Women’s Fusion Belcamino said three networks have ex- ure of the Black church), and two Women in Literature, by Emma Pool Party at Randolph Country Club later this pressed interest in airing the show, and is Donoghue. Alfred A. Knopf, 271 interviews by Joseph Beam, edi- month. hopeful one of them will pick up Biker Chicz tor of the groundbreaking Black pages, $27.95 hardcover. for broadcast soon. There’s more to lesbian lit Lucky Belcamino, president of East Coast gay anthology In the Life. The Biker Chicks, notes that bikers have been por- first is a “conversation” with mu- than Radclyffe Hall’s The Well For more information, visit East Coast Biker of Loneliness or Patricia High- trayed in an unflattering light in films and on sician Linda Tillery, who shared television. Biker Chicz is aiming to change Chicks on Facebook at: biker chicz or email stages with the likes of Buddy smith’s The Price of Salt – and the club at [email protected]. novelist Donoghue (Slammerkin people’s perceptions of bikers. Miles, Iron Butterfly and Janis “We’re trying to represent Joplin before launching her Ol- and the forthcoming Room) has done the research to prove it. bikers, male and female, in a ivia Records career; the second positive way,” said Belcamino. – the only piece that didn’t origi- With completely accessible (and nally appear in the magazine, often witty) prose married to rig- “We’re all sisters, we’re all though Brinkley notes he has orous academic research, this is family members, we all own no idea why it wasn’t published a treasure trove focused on writ- businesses or own all our own – records an insightful encoun- ing about girl-girl relationships homes, taxpayers, neighbors, ter with poet and essayist Audre from the medieval to the mod- and we do a lot for charity.” The group, which was formed Lorde. Reports on Black lesbian Photo: harper books ern. Donoghue’s reach is broad, in 2003, has members living in conferences in 1980 and 1981 are The Bucolic Plague encompassing everything from potent reminders that the queer Agatha Christie to the Marquis southern Maine, Rhode Island, community gains of recent years are the direct de Sade, H. Rider Haggard to southern New Hampshire, east- result of the early cultural and political activism Henry James, and Ovid to Ann Bannon, invok- ern Massachusetts, eastern Con- showcased here. ing the faintest of crushes as much as the most necticut, southern Vermont and intense of lesbian gazes. Somewhat fancifully Pennsylvania. The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites – though it does provide colorful structure – the The show is being produced Became Gentlemen Farmers, by Josh Kilm- book breaks lavender-hued prose into what the er-Purcell. HarperCollins, 320 pages, $24.99 author calls “perennially popular” plots, includ- hardcover. ing Travesties (cross-dressing that leads to acci- One of the Manhattanites of the title is a re- dental same-sex desire) and Monsters (wicked tired with a flourishing career in women). A chronological listing of book titles advertising, and the other is a physician in the is useful for readers who want to graze the cen- employ of Martha Stewart. Which is why this turies of prose that Donoghue has uncovered, rollicking memoir opens with a belly-laugh writing that ranges from the heights of Shake- description of poo-covered baby goats mak- speare and Jane Eyre to some truly horrific ing an appearance on Stewart’s TV show – it’s potboilers. all about marketing the men’s goat-milk soap. And it all started when Kilmer-Purcell and his *Richard Labonte has been reading, editing, partner Brent Ridge, on the spur of the moment, selling, and writing about queer literature since bought a centuries-old mansion in rustic upstate the mid-‘70s. He can be reached in care of this New York. The mansion and its acres came publication or at [email protected]. blog • personals • calendar • chat • resources breaking news • advertise • & more ... find it all@ therainbowtimesnews.com 12 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Bullseye: Human Rights Campaign is perfect target, not the best buy By: Mikey Rox*/Opinion Columnist spends nearly 30% of its net income on admin- lie. Target is one of the most philanthropic He’s the dead English philosopher who ad- Somebody call Tom Cruise. The Human istrative and fundraising expenses combined, companies in the nation, and it gives more vocated and made popular an idea called utili- Rights Campaign is on a Mission: Impossible. according to Charity Navigator, the most-uti- than $3 million each week – each week! – to tarianism – that is, choosing an action based Its goal? To convince two of the world’s lized and trusted evaluator of charities. What the communities in which it operates. And I’m on the greatest good for the greatest number largest corporations, Target and Best Buy, does that mean? For starters, it means that $1.3 Team Best Buy because the consumer elec- of people. I believe that’s what’s happening to donate a combined quarter-million dollars million dollars is spent to pay inflated salaries, tronics retailer donates up to 1.5 percent of here. to pro-equality candidates in Minnesota af- while another $1.3 million is spent on the junk pretax earnings to support national organiza- Target and Best Buy aren’t stupid; they ter the retail behemoths contributed an equal mail that carries your “free” sticker. tions like the United Way and American Red don’t take their political decisions lightly. One amount to MN For- What’s even Cross, as well as funding scholarship and other must assume that they knew what they were ward, a right-wing Let us not overlook either that both more suspect is that community initiatives throughout the country. getting into. One must also trust that theirs was political action com- there’s no reported Let us not overlook either that both com- a strategic decision that in the long run will mittee that backs companies were featured in the HRC’s compensation for panies were featured in the benefit more people than it will anti-equality guber- Best Places to Work 2010, listed among Betsy Pursell, HRC HRC’s Best Places to Work put off. vice president of 2010, listed among the “top By now, however, you’ve natorial candidate the “top businesses that support Tom Emmer. public education businesses that support equal- probably made up your mind In the past week, equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and and outreach, on ity for lesbian, gay, bisexual to boycott both establishments pressure has mount- transgender employees.” CharityNavigator. and transgender employees.” because the venerable HRC ed against the con- com, whereas like- None of that matters to the told you to. But I hope you’ll sumer juggernauts as the HRC continues to minded equal-rights organizations, such as the HRC, though. Still, despite the permit these three words: Be- lead a charge intended to shame both outlets Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute and the HRC’s smear campaign, Tar- ware the propaganda. into giving funds to politicians who work on Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation get and Best Buy are sticking The HRC has an agenda, too behalf of equal rights. As if that’s supposed to (GLAAD), dutifully disclose how much they to their positions of support – and as much as you think it’s “right” the “wrong.” pay their head honchos. for MN Forward and Emmer, advocating for equal rights, it’s Of course, I’m not surprised that the HRC Where the HRC gets off scolding Best Buy because at the end of the day equally intent on raising a ton would suggest a dollar-for-dollar approach to and Target is beyond me. As a business, the both corporations have to pro- of cash. Because Solmonese call off the queer uprising. Especially since HRC makes business decisions too, like tect their bottom lines – two doesn’t get paid in rainbows the HRC’s own agenda is fueled by greed and choosing not to compensate its hardworking of which include providing and unicorns. If you think that crispy greenbacks. Yep, you read it right. HRC volunteers – the men and women who canvass top-quality merchandise to statement’s false, take a good president Joe Solmonese and his holier-than- the streets in extreme heat and cold to spread Americans at affordable prices and providing long look at the bold blue “Donate Today” but- thou “activists” are as shady as those at whom the pro-equality message. I dare anyone to ask jobs. Lots of jobs. Target defended itself best ton on the bottom of your HRC e-mails. they shake their fingers. And they should be how much Solmonese gets paid to sit in his in response to a letter from an outraged cus- Why is it there? Because money – not ideal- ashamed of themselves. cushy office while his underpaid and, in some tomer – both of which were posted on Queerty. ism – makes the world go ’round. While HRC proper is a 501(c)(4) group – a cases, unpaid minions do the grunt work. In com – when it said, “Our support of causes and At least Target and Best Buy admit it. distinction that allows it to lobby on Capitol fact, I double dare you. And I want to be there candidates is based strictly on issues that affect Hill but keep the identities of its donors private when you fall out of your chair in disbelief. our retail and business objectives” and “MN *Mikey Rox is an award-winning writer and – the HRC Foundation, the “charitable” arm of It goes without saying that I’m siding with Forward’s objective is to elect candidates from journalist and the founder of Paper Rox Scis- the HRC isn’t exactly a model of efficiency or Best Buy and Target on this one. But not just both parties who will make job creation and sors, a copywriting and creative consulting full disclosure. because I think the HRC is a crock. economic growth a top priority.” company in . He can be reached Consider, for instance, that the Foundation I’m Team Target because the numbers don’t Right on. Jeremy Bentham would agree. at [email protected]. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • 13 This is my life, these are my circumstances, this is who I am! By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw*/TRT Columnist seeing some people ments you encounter from others as you go average person cannot detect that the person is was checking out Facebook the out of your past can about your daily life. It’s very hard to present a transwoman. To them we sound like men and other night and I came across a girl sometimes be very as female when you’ve had many decades of we are addressed as such. Here we are trying Iwho was confused about whether difficult. Chances testosterone constantly running through your to forge ahead with our female identities and to transition to living full time as a are very good that body. Transsexual hormone therapy does femi- the dreadful pronoun bullets still keep coming. woman or not. This situation comes up they’ve heard about nize one’s appearance but can only do so much. Lord, it does wear away at you at times!

More as the person is really starting to think your change. They Many of us transwomen are tall, have big shoul- Those are the basic obstacles that one must about who they really are. They might might have questions ders, big hands, large feet and small derrieres. constantly deal with while living the trans- have always loved cross-dressing and of their own. “What It’s very hard not to stick out sometimes. sexual life, especially the transwomen. It can going out and having fun expressing do you mean he’s a Even if you have be very tough on you & & but now it seems different. woman now? What your female appear- but you have to find Sure there were laughs and smiles do you mean he’s al- ance covered pretty But when I made my change ways to deal with it or and fun and such but now that sud- Deja Nicole Greenlaw ways been a woman? well there is always suddenly this inner peace came it will drive you crazy, denly seems rather thin. Oh, it’s still His name is Deja the many computer believe me! fun and such but it no longer carries now? He has breasts now? ...” databases that have so over me and I could feel a sense All these new things the shine that it had before as “in the Yes, it’s now time to re-meet the people in much information on of contentment. It’s like living to deal with are defi- old days.” Now things seem a bit your life! Now say ‘Hi Dad, hi Mom, hi Un- all of us. Your work nitely a lot to deal with murkier. The luster has somewhat cle Bill, hi Aunt Mary, hello my former Little history, your school your life in a box then suddenly especially on top of gone but now something different re- League baseball coach, hi former high school history, your credit all the other “regular” mains. Something not so spectacular teacher, hi former classmates, hello old friends’ history, etc., all will you burst out and are living out in things that you and but something very basic, very close and if your grandparents are still around don’t have traces of your the open! You finally broke free! everyone else have to

Opinions to the heart. They have moved from forget to say hi to them! Oh and if you have former life in the other deal with in life. It’s being a wild, fun loving carefree cross children don’t forget to say hi to your son and gender. not easy when one changes genders! dresser into thinking seriously about your daughter! Wait! How about your child- You can move a thousand miles away but One might think that why anyone would put transitioning to living full time as the hood friends? How about your best man or when you apply for an auto or home loan your themselves through these added situations but other gender! We are talking about a maid of honor? The list goes on and on. They past shows up. There is absolutely nothing that the payoff in changing to your true gender is major change in one’s life! are looking at you and instead of wearing a suit you can do about that. powerful. Once you change you have this in- Naturally questions arise. “Do I re- and tie you now have a skirt on with a pretty Another obstacle one must get used to is still credible peace that was always lacking in your ally need to transition?” “If I do, can top and you are wearing makeup. Hi every- being referred to as sir or he or even by your life. Oh, we may have seemed happy living in

Trans Trans I handle it?’ “What will my family one!...Oh Lord! This gender change stuff isn’t old name. This is particularly unsettling as you our birth genders but if you could add up all the say?” “What will my friends say?” “What will for the weak! are embarking on your new life. You want to time that we were secretly thinking about living my coworkers and boss say?” There are ques- Lots of folks will say that they are happy for move on but sometimes the pronouns just both- as the other gender it would be mind boggling. tions like these and many more. There are so you but most of these folks would rather that er you like continual, pesky insects. The pro- I would estimate that half of my life I was con- many things to think about if you are consider- you stayed as you were. A few may sort of un- nouns may diminish a bit as time goes on but stantly thinking about it. It consumed me and ing such a change. derstand you. Most really don’t. you talking on the phone will pretty much keep until I made the move to live in my true gender I will share what I found with the good and While I’m on the uncomfortable aspects of the “sirs” coming. It’s very hard to find your it constantly gnawed away at me, depressed transitioning to one’s true gender one cannot “female voice” so many of us just simply use the bad of transitioning. See Who I Am on page 14 It feels great finally being who you are but rule out the snickers and occasional side com- our natural voice and over the phone and the Ask a Transwoman: Perils of online dating make finding a real date a trying experience By: Lorelei Erisis*/TRT Columnist choices. fessional” good time. To these men (and it has fun date. The ones I Dear Lorelei, One of those strange choices being Internet been 100 percent exclusively men) the fact that really can’t stand, are I need some tranny dating advice for a friend dating itself! On the surface of it, it flies in the I’m not ashamed to be a transwoman means I the guys who sound of mine and I thought that you would be just face of all logic. Or rather, it tries to use logic must be a sex worker. super nice and well- the girl to help me. My friend D----- is a lovely where body language, personal connections Now, people who know me well know that adjusted and then trans girl who recently went on to fairlyhetero- and pheromones usually rule. That said, lots of I have absolutely nothing against sex work- when I say, “OK, normativedatingsite.com (Original site name people do it and I’m told a great many of them ers. I have many friends and acquaintances let’s get together!” redacted in a rare attempt by the columnist are even successful! that choose this work They completely to be journalistically responsible. –LE) and Now for full disclo- I’ve set up profiles on a number of sites and know many more chicken out and dis- posted her page and then they removed it. She sure, I’d love to say over the years. From perverted to that have had no oth- appear completely. that I’ve dived into er option to support They are too afraid was very upset about it. Their site didn’t say Pollyanna, pretty much across the transgendered people were not welcome. Is the world of Internet themselves. I support of their own desires there an official LBGT type of page for her out dating simply in the spectrum. Because, like many of you, I rights for sex workers to follow through. Lorelei Erisis there to meet a nice guy who won’t judge her? service of my lovely like to have a little romance in my life as and tolerance of that And speaking of She felt like she was being punished for being readership, to bring well as a good sexy time every so often! choice. being afraid … I myself fear the wrath of my honest. Where do all the cute tranny girls go to you, “Just the facts However, I could editor, so here ends part 1 of my column/rant get a date? Ma’am.” But, that would be an outright lie. write a dating profile that reads simply: “At- on transgender dating! See you all in just a —Pam from California I’ve set up profiles on a number of sites over tractive, fun and intelligent transgender woman couple weeks with the exciting and informative the years. From perverted to Pollyanna, pretty looking for PG-Rated companionship. Likes conclusion! Well my querying friend, I would love to much across the spectrum. Because, like many movies, ice cream sodas and a kiss goodnight Until then, keep those questions coming and come out all serious and scholarly on this one, of you, I like to have a little romance in my life on the front porch. I am not a sex worker of any be good to each other. but I’m afraid that’s just not how a discussion as well as a good sexy time every so often! kind.” And I would still get an email like this ac- Slainte! of dating is going to go. Even as I type this, I’m sorry to hear about your friend and though tual verbatim email from my OKCupid profile: sitting in The Haymarket Café in downtown I chose to leave out the name of the site she “hey doll how much for a date I’m willing *Lorelei Erisis is Miss Trans New England Northampton, I have become deliciously dis- was rejected from, simply because I don’t have to pay for clean companionship.” Just that. Not 2009. She can be contacted at: loreleierisis@ tracted by a beautiful, tall, kinda James Dean original source confirmation, it doesn’t surprise even the courtesy of capitalization or a question therainbowtimesmass.com. looking boy leaning against the counter wait- me to hear of her trouble. Transgender dating is mark at the end! Needless to say, ing for a drink (I hope the barista takes their a strange frontier that represents a tremendous my reply was unprintable. Simi- time…). amount of grey areas and misconceptions. One larly, I won’t even attempt to Even with all my experience and in-depth of which is that if we are being “Out” about our print any of the replies I received knowledge of gender issues and practical trans-status, then we are quite possibly a sex to an attempt at a fairly tame and sexuality I still become a flirty 16-year-old girl worker. Which is a painful, offensive and far straightforward Craigslist dating when I see a cute guy. My comes down out too common misperception. post. And I could make a flip of the “hard at work” ponytail and all I can do I cannot say for sure that this is what hap- book from all the unsolicited is smile shyly. pened to your friend, but it wouldn’t surprise pictures of men’s genitalia to be And there we have the problem. Dating is not me either. In my own experience, on every sin- found in my inboxes. strictly a logical, by the numbers kind of thing. gle website I have ever joined as an out trans- The only thing I can say for We want there to be an effective formula or woman, I have received messages from men these responses is that at least some hard set of rules. But anytime the heart who, no matter how clear I am about who I am they’re easy to weed out. They and the hormones get involved, even the best and what I’m looking for in my profile descrip- aren’t going to get me all excited and the brightest of us sometimes make strange tion, still assume I must be looking for a “pro- and aflutter at the prospect of a 14 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Hartford mayor’s rise to power came from community core By: Natalia Muñoz*/TRT Asst. Editor & Reporter Instead, he and his team – “I have good served as a teachable moment to people who and doña Ursula Mejías and his mother – who HARTFORD, CT—In retrospect, it seems people on the staff” – are focused on pulling otherwise would have kept their minds closed. defied the convention that doctors are gods and inevitable that Pedro Segarra would become Hartford residents and businesses out of the “I have been in situations in political life that cannot be talked back to – and slapped the phy- mayor of a major city. “critical situation” the haven’t been all fluffy, sician who insulted her when she was giving But not because he went after all the right city faces as a result of the nice and sweet,” he said. birth to Segarra by ordering her to keep quiet. jobs and rubbed elbows with all moneyed worst national economic But, after seeing him in Now 51, Segarra continues to live as he was people, which is a common career track for crisis since the 1930s action at already countless taught, by giving back to the community and politicians. But because as a lawyer he did a Great Depression. community events and encouraging others to so the same. lot of pro bono work The second Puerto Rican watching him work long “I’m trying to bring balance to the city. In and as a man he did Coming from a mayor of Hartford is also hours to strengthen the this critical economic times it’s going to take a lot of community the first openly gay mayor. city, “A lot of people have partnerships and civic engagement,” he said. service in Hartford. culture in which Coming from a culture in changed their viewpoint.” Organizations such religion and its which religion and its at- He credits the genera- Who I Am from page 13 as the drug reha- attending anti-gay tending anti-gay doctrines tion of young people with bilitation programs often frames how gays are helping to set a new tone me and left me wondering if I could go on “Hogar Crea” and doctrines often mistreated, Segarra points regarding civil rights. At living and never dealing with my gender is- the Connecticut frames how gays to a loving family, from the same time, the Latino sues. Could I go to my grave without ever exploring my inner self? Latina/os Achiev- are mistreated, his grandparents to niece and LGBT communities ing Rights & Op- and nephews. are forging stronger ties. But when I made my change suddenly this portunities (Claro), Segarra points to a He came out in his 20s As a native of Puerto inner peace came over me and I could feel a nonprofit that ad- loving family, from by informing his family Rico, Segarra’s ties to the a sense of contentment. It’s like living your life in a box then suddenly you burst out and vocates equality for his grandparents to that there are two kinds island are strong. LGBT community of men: those who love One of a only handful are living out in the open! You finally broke are just two institu- niece and nephews. women and want to be of people born in Mari- free! All the inner torment, confusion, pain, tions that Segarra with them and those who cao, Segarra is immensely denial, shame and suffering is gone. Now has supported. just love women. proud of his birthplace. you are ready to go out and live like you nev- Previously, Segarra was Hartford City Coun- It is that genuine easy- Back in the day, most er could before. It’s an incredible personal cil president, until by city charter he inherited going touch that is part babies were born in the development. I wish everyone could find this of why he is a respected hospital the nearby city of level of joy and inner peace in their lives. the seat vacated in June by the conviction of Photo: Hartford City Hall then-Mayor Eddie Pérez on several corruption mayor in a state that has Mayaguez because Mari- So I briefly ran through the good and bad charges. Segarra will serve through November seen some of its top elect- Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra cao, with a small popula- of transition as I see it and feel it. No, it’s not 2011, at which time there will be an election ed officials fall on their tion – even today, it counts easy and no, things are not always great and held. misdeeds (i.e., Pérez, disgraced former Gov. just over 6,000 residents – did not have natal wonderful but that is the tradeoff for finally But he is not talking about whether he will John G. Rowland, who resigned in 2004 and facilities. His family is there, his stories are being who I am. This is my life, these are run or not. There are no campaigns underway served 10 months in federal prison after admit- nestled in the mountains of the southwestern my circumstances, and this is who I am. I or fund-raisers. In fact, in another interview he ting he traded political access for vacations town. look at it all with one of my favorite sayings even encouraged others to think about entering and repairs to his lakeside cottage) “I’m in that soil,” he said. about life, “It is what it is.” and I wouldn’t the political arena in 2011. Additionally, the fact that he is gay has He visits Maricao at least once a year to trade it for the world. keep up with the large family; he is one of 42 grandchildren. *Deja Nicole Greenlaw is a local trans- His character comes firmly from his family, woman who has 3 grown children and works whose elders are proud and loving. He men- at a local Fortune 500 company. She can be tions his grandparents, don Arciclo Romero contacted at [email protected].

what’s buzzin’ cousin?

twitter.com/ therainbowtimes www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • 15

The Rainbow Times presents the Queer Carnevale Guide 2010 Mardi Gras in New England! Ad Deadline: August 25, 2010 Spaces are filling up fast! Reserve your space now! For more information: www.TheRainbowTimesNews.com or 413-282-8881/617-444-9618 The Queer Carnevale Guide 2010 is produced by The Rainbow Times for the LGBT Coalition of Western Massachusetts, a 501(c)(3) pending organization established to improve and preserve the well-being of LGBT and Queer-identified people through education, advocacy, and outreach programs. This semi-glossy magazine-like guide will be distributed in The Rainbow Times’ Sept. 16, 2010 edition and will also be available at Queer Carnevale on Sept. 25th. The Rainbow Times has a readership of approximately 65,000 throughout MA, CT, VT, RI & other parts of New England. 16 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Fenway Institute receives $2.2 million, 5-year CDC grant to support HIV prevention for gay and bisexual men Boston, MA—The United States “Boston Respect as adapted by Fenway and health counseling. to services, Boston Respect will also offer a Centers for Disease Control and Pre- MAC with community input is something we “In the past, we haven’t always had the re- community level prevention program that vention (CDC) have awarded The have a lot of faith in, but it is only as strong sources to create comprehensive prevention will train individuals to support their friends Fenway Institute a $2.2 million 5-year as the support programming around it,” says programming for MSM, especially gay and and associates. These groups of leaders can grant to support HIV prevention pro- Jon Vincent, Program Director for Prevention bisexual men of color. This federal support use their influence and knowledge to help gramming for gay and bisexual men. and Education at The Fenway Institute. “By will allow us to bridge some of the existing change potentially destructive attitudes within The award will allow The Fenway In- coupling it with a revised HIV counseling and gaps and take a holistic approach to individ- a community. stitute and its partner on the project, the testing model, access to STD services, and ual and community health,” says Gary Daffin, The Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC) Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC), linking it with our state- and city- is the oldest Minority AIDS Ser- to dramatically enhance existing pre- funded services, we are looking to vice Organization in New England. vention services. create a holistic prevention, educa- “In the past, we haven’t always had the resources to Since 1988, the MAC has provided Dubbed Boston Respect, the new initia- tion and screening program.” create comprehensive prevention programming the Boston Metropolitan Area with tive will consist of a series of bundled Early formative work on smaller a range of programs to fight HIV & interventions designed to help gay and projects was critical in developing for MSM, especially gay and bisexual men of color. AIDS, including prevention & edu- bisexual men respect themselves and the new plan. In 2007, the Boston This federal support will allow us to bridge some cation programs, advocacy, strategic

eastern ma eastern each other by promoting good sexual Public Health Commission funded planning, outreach to individuals at health. Gay and bisexual men are the Fenway and MAC to conduct tar- of the existing gaps and take a holistic approach high-risk of HIV infection and pro- only population in the United States with ris- geted Health Navigation for special to individual and community health,”... grams to bridge service gaps for ing numbers of new HIV infections and Bos- populations—Black MSM, trans- underserved communities. More on- ton Respect hopes to address that by promoting gender individuals and MSM struggling with Executive Director of the Multicultural AIDS line at www.mac-boston.org. HIV and STD testing and encouraging people substance abuse. These models will inform Coalition. to know their HIV status and build skills to the scaled up program aimed at addressing “The timing is excellent,” says Rodney For nearly forty years, Fenway Health has keep themselves and their partners safe. the needs of the entire gay, bisexual and other VanDerwarker, Administrative Director of been working to make life healthier for the Central to Boston Respect is a two-session in- MSM community in greater Boston. The Fenway Institute and the Project Direc- people in our neighborhood, the LGBT com- dividual level intervention for at-risk gay, bi- Respect will benefit from internal linkages tor for Boston Respect. “By providing a con- munity, people living with HIV/AIDS and the sexual and other men who have sex with men at Fenway and MAC, providing a multi-lay- tinuum of behavioral interventions in connec- broader population. The Fenway Institute at (MSM). This CDC-endorsed intervention is ered support system for program participants tion with HIV and STD testing services and a Fenway Health is an interdisciplinary center designed to reduce risk-taking behaviors for through the use of Health Navigators to assist strong connection to care, we will be able to for research, training, education and policy both HIV-negative and HIV-positive people them in everything from health insurance en- provide at-risk men with the information and development focusing on national and inter- by making use of a “teachable moment” and rollment, keeping their medical appointments resources they need to make healthier deci- national health issues. The Fenway Institute providing them with the tools and support they and even basic life coaching. The goal is to sions for themselves and their partners. And, is the home of the Center for Population Re- need to stay healthy. Boston Respect is the lat- offer participants one-stop shopping for HIV The Fenway Institute’s role in biomedical pre- search in LGBT Health, the first federally- est in a long series of collaborations between testing, STD screening, hepatitis screening and vention research like pre-exposure prophylax- funded research center to focus specifically Fenway and the MAC designed to reach di- vaccinations, insurance enrollment, access to a is and microbicides allows us to keep on top of on sexual and gender minority population verse communities of high risk gay, bisexual specialized medical provider, access to an ar- potentially emerging new prevention tools.” research. More online at www.thefenwayinsti- and other men who have sex with men. ray of support groups and one-on-one mental Beyond counseling, testing, and access tute.org. therainbowtimesnews.com • therainbowtimesnews.com • therainbowtimesnews.com • therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • 17 Lisa, una de nuestras organizadoras en la Comunidad Latina GLBT VMF from page 10 without repetition,” said Saltman. “I’m very Por: Wilfred W. Labiosa*/Columnista de TRT nización que la repre- senta completamente. excited about bringing my approach to us- Lisa Mer- ing video and coaching into the world of cedes Har- En nuestra entrevis- ta, habló que nota que business.” Yrison es una Although some people may be intimidat- en los restaurantes ex- activista lesbiana ed at first by the thought of being captured latina de Massa- clusivos, a menudo es la única latina aparte on video, Saltman notes that most forget chusetts, oriunda de about the tiny camera due to engaging inter- Colombia. Se unió del personal, y cuando atina al movimiento La- está en un restaurante actions. As they become used to observing ess

H themselves they realize how much they are

latino es la única per-

c tino LGBT desde

ri learning about themselves, she said. E que entró a uno de sona LGBT. L los eventos socia- Cada trabajo que ha “I currently see private clients in down- hoto: hoto: p les de la Coalición tenido, su supervisor le town Amherst and downtown Greenfield, Wilfred Labiosa de Somos Latin@ ha dicho que “es bue- MA and I travel throughout New England s LGBT. Desde en- no que ella es latina when there is a cluster of clients in one loca- tonces, ha sido solidaria con la comu- y también lesbiana.” tion, especially Boston,” said Saltman. “I’m nidad y la organización, hasta hacerse Y como ella misma also developing the option of offering VMF líder en nuestra comunidad Latina y dice, “Tengo mi MBA on the Web. Of course, I’d always rather see isión movimiento GLBT. y nueve años de expe- people in person, if possible.” Nació en Bogotá en un orfanato riencia en gerencia, le “It’s my calling,” Saltman said. “It’s the V llamado FANA. Cuando tenía 8 se- deben interesar más way I make a difference in people’s lives.” manas, su madre y padre, de Massachusetts, esto en el tipo de tra- la adoptaron. Tiene un hermano adoptado de bajo que mi sexualidad Photo: eric hess For more information about VMF or Colombia. y etnicidad.” Rep Elizabeth Malia (D), and Lisa M. Harrison at Somos Latin@s Event. to receive a free 30-minute consultation, Desde temprana edad, su madre y padre le No quiere ser un please call 413-522-0789 or visit www.vid- explicaron que fueron adoptados y que deben símbolo, y no quiere erse en buena forma física para resumir su car- eomirrorfeedback.com. sentir orgullo de su ascendencia colombiana. ser la única lesbiana o latina en un lugar – o rera de tenista profesional y poder competir. “Ser latino/a siempre ha sido una parte im- ambas identidades. En Somos Latin@s, puede ¡Esperamos verla en portante de nuestro crecimiento e identidad,” expresarse totalmente como es; no tiene que las competencias repre- explicó. dejar su identidad GLBT ni su herencia latina sentando a EEUU o Co- Se crió en Gloucester, lugar en el cual le fue en segundo plano. lombia! Lisa, ¡orgullo difícil ya que era la única latina en su escuela. También está envuelta con el grupo de tra- Latino GLBT! Pero su madre y padre le enseñaban todo lo bajo para “Theater Offensive” y el nuevo pro- que tenía que ver sobre Colombia a través grama comunitario que están llevando a cabo. *Escrito por Wil- de libros, programas y celebraciones locales El programa está diseñado para construir en- fred Labiosa, en am- culturales. laces entre los artistas y miembros de la co- bos idiomas, Director Desde los 15 años ha ido varias veces a Co- munidad en general para crear teatro en las de Unid@s: La Orga- lombia, e incluso asistió la celebración del vi- vecindades del área de Boston. nización Nacional LGBT gésimo aniversario de FANA, en la cual cono- También apoya el trabajo y proporciona Latina, wlabiosa@ho- ció a otras personas quienes también fueron tiempo a La Red/The Network, gran aliado a tmail.com. Para más adoptados/as y a familias en el proceso de Somos y a la comunidad latina en general información sobre la adoptar a un niño/a. También tuvo la oportuni- Por otra parte, está trabajando en la plani- Celebración de Orgullo dad de conocer a la directora y fundadora del ficación de la séptima Celebración Anual de Latino GLBT: www.so- FANA, Mercedes Piñeda. Su sobrenombre es Orgullo Latino GLBT (del 30 de septiembre al moslatinoslgbt.org. en honor a la fundadora. 3 de octubre), con un grupo fantástico de orga- Lisa ha viajado por muchos pueblos de Co- nizadores de la comunidad. A la vez que crece To read this story lombia: desde Calí a Medellín, desde Carta- la población de latinos en los Estados Unidos in English, please gena a Pereira, y Manzales. Todas las rutas de también crece la población latina LGBT. El visit:www.therain- su vida la han llevado a quién es hoy. programa de este año será emocionante, nuevo bowtimesmass.com/ Lleva mucho tiempo viviendo en Jamaica e innovador. latinvisionAugust19 Plain por la alta población de latinos tanto La celebración también es importante ya que como la comunidad GLBT. ella dejará el puesto de directora de Somos a La primera vez que supo de la coalición otro/as organizadores de la comunidad para de Somos Latin@s LGBT (Somos) fue en el que la nueva generación y energía fluya. 2002. En aquel entonces era el único grupo la- Quiere estar más tiempo con su compañera tino/LGBT en el este de Massachusetts. y enfocar su trabajo en cómo empresas pu- Se sintió que al fin había encontrado un gru- eden mejorar el respeto a la diversidad. Esto es po con quien podía crear enlaces fuertes. crítico para las organizaciones, pues la mano La organización Somos Latin@s ha sido una de obra se hace cada vez más diversa. Y como parte integral de su vida por ser la única orga- si no fuera poco, también tiene en su lista pon- 18 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Segal runs for Congress in bid to represent RI’s First District By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter “I want to live in a society that is more just,” The Rhode Island Progres- to nudge him to the left to do David Segal is one of the candi- said Segal. “I think we’re at a very critical sive Democrats of America right by my constituents.” dates vying for the chance to repre- moment in American history where corpo- endorsed Segal on July 21, Segal also feels he has been sent Rhode Island’s First Congressio- rate power and power by the extraordinarily noting he has a “profound and a stronger advocate for LGBT nal District. The seat is being vacated wealthy is really on the verge of overwhelm- thoughtful understanding of issues than Cicilline. by Incumbent Congressman Patrick ing our democracy. If we don’t start doing progressive issues.” During his time in the Gener- Kennedy (D), who is retiring after 15 something to fight back, we’re going to lose Segal has mixed feel- al Assembly, Segal has been a years in the position. our democracy.” ings about President Barack co-sponsor of marriage equal- Segal, 30, If he is elected, Se- Obama, who has continued ity legislation and was a lead News gal intends to focus the failed wars in Iraq and Af- sponsor of a bill which provid- is running “I think we’re at a very critical moment in the Sep- on reforming health ghanistan, much to the dismay ed death benefits for domestic tember 14 in American history where corporate care and the banking of progressives. Segal supports partners. That bill was vetoed Democratic power and power by the extraordinarily industry, as well as an immediate troop withdraw- by Governor Don Carcieri last Party against wealthy is really on the verge of the economy and the al from both countries. year. The General Assembly environment. As a “On the stimulus, on the overrode the Governor’s veto openly gay overwhelming our democracy. If we Providence legislator, Segal has health care issue, on the bank- last January. Mayor Da- don’t start doing something to fight back, promoted the use of ing reform issue, (Obama) Segal brands himself as the vid Cicil- we’re going to lose our democracy.” wind turbines and could have pushed a lot hard- real outsider in the Congres- line, busi- solar energy, in ad- er,” Segal said. Photo: courtesy Segal campaign sional race. He doesn’t believe nessman Anthony Gemma, and dition to working to restore full funding for the Segal supports a repeal of David Segal the voters of the state will elect former Democratic party chairman state’s renewable energy fund. the military’s anti-gay “Don’t a Republican in November. William Lynch. The winner will face Segal attended Columbia University, where Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, as well as a repeal of “I find that highly unlikely and I think that’s Republican John Loughlin, a State he received his B.A. in mathematics. He was the (DOMA). all the more reason to support somebody who’s Rep. from Little Compton, in the No- an instructor, teaching-assistant, and tutor at Segal admits to having a contentious rela- more in my vein. (Cicilline and Lynch) can’t vember election. the Wheeler School before being elected to the tionship with Cicilline, who he feels hasn’t run as outsiders and they can’t run as people Segal wants to shake up a sys- Providence City Council in 2002. been willing to fight against entrenched power who push back against the insiders. I think I tem which he believes is failing the In 2006, Segal was elected as State Repre- the way he has. can tap into that anti-incumbent sentiment and American people, and takes pride in sentative. His career has been spent fighting “We’ve had our ups and downs over the into that anti-corporate powers that be senti- his own record of battling powerful for social justice and he has been applauded by years,” Segal said of Cicilline. “When I was ment in a way that they can’t,” Segal added. Rhode Island Rhode interests. progressive organizations for his efforts. on (the City Council), I was usually trying reach out to a dedicated readership and informed community... advertise today @ therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • 19 Chafee running on platform of inclusivity for Rhode Island By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter would be imposed on 80 for what he believes in, with Roger Williams, who founded the state. Gubernatorial candidate Lincoln Chafee has previously tax exempt however unpopular it It doesn’t make sense to Chafee that Rhode Is- been a part of Rhode Island politics for the past items, including over made him among his land will be the last of the New England states several years. Chafee, 57, served as mayor of the counter medications, colleagues. to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. Warwick and later was appointed to the U.S. clothing, and food. In the Senate, Chafee “I believe we had the First Baptist Church, Senate in 1999 following the death of his fa- Chafee believes there bucked his party leaders the first synagogue, so it’s wrong that we have ther, Sen. John Chafee. Chafee was elected in will be enough revenue on several major votes. He closed the doors on our history of tolerance,” 2000 and served until 2006, when he was de- generated to help close opposed tax cuts for the Chafee said. “As we look at our economic feated by former state Attorney General Shel- the state’s enormous bud- wealthy and voted against challenges, I think it would be a great thing don Whitehouse of the Democratic Party. get deficit. the resolution which gave for our economy if we spread the word far and Disgusted by what he viewed as the GOP’s Chafee took aim at President George W. wide that everybody is welcome and same-sex rightward drift, Chafee left the party and be- Gov. Don Carcieri of the Bush the authority to de- marriage certainly sends that message.” came an Independent. Republican Party, whose clare war on Iraq. Chafee is unfazed by former President Bill Rhode Island currently has one of the high- term expires next January, “I was a lonely opposing Clinton’s recent endorsement of Caprio. est unemployment rates in the country and a for not working well with vote on all the big initia- “This is just the way politics works,” said massive budget deficit. Chafee feels he is the the state’s General As- tives,” Chafee said. “Yet, Chafee. “Frank Caprio supported (Hillary right man to turn the state around. sembly. Carcieri has also I was still able to deliver Clinton’s presidential campaign) so this was “I know we can do better,” Chafee said. “We been a vehement opponent for Rhode Island.” a bit of a payback. The real endorsements are have one of the ten worst budget deficits per of same-sex marriage and In addition, Chafee Rhode Island endorsements.” capita. It ties into economic growth to have has incurred the wrath of has been an ardent sup- Chafee is optimistic that the state’s many a balanced budget and a revenue stream that the LGBT community for porter of LGBT rights. problems can and will be solved, if he is elect- matches our expenditures. (With my experi- his stance on that issue. Earlier this year he signed ed as governor in November: “I came in as ence as mayor) I know that I can do the job. It’s “(Carcieri) has thrived a pledge, along with gu- mayor of Warwick when unemployment was an enormous challenge but I like a challenge.” on tactics that have divid- bernatorial rivals Frank very high and we had a credit union crisis and Getting the state’s financial house in order ed our state on some so- Caprio and Ken Block, to times were tough and we were able to turn it cial issues,” said Chafee. Photo: chaffee campaign committee sign a same-sex marriage around. Better days are ahead.” is a top priority for Chafee, who has attracted Lincoln Chafee some criticism for one of his economic ideas. “So there is healing to bill into law if elected “My proposal is to have a two-tier sales tax,” be done in getting people governor. For more information about Chafee, visit: Chafee said, noting the state’s 7 percent sales back working better together.” Chafee notes that Rhode Island has a his- www.chafeeforgovernor.com/. tax would remain, and a one percent sales tax Chafee has never been afraid to stand up tory of providing religious freedom, beginning Maine’s Gay Marriage Ban stands – for now Creep of the Week: Let’s talk Gary Cass By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter Betsy Smith, the Executive Director of By: D’Anne Witkowski*/TRT Special getting married is a harbinger of complete and Same-sex marriage activists across the coun- Equality Maine, said the overturning of Prop- With Prop. 8 being overturned in Cali- total godless sexual mayhem. try were jubilant following the August 4th rul- osition 8 would have “no legal impact” on fornia, some folks are a little pissed. “Scripture and history tells what’s next,” ing, which struck down California’s Proposi- Maine’s same-sex marriage ban. YAnd the fact that Vaughn R. Walker, Cass writes. “Sexual anarchists have already tion 8 as unconstitutional. “We’re thrilled by the ruling,” Smith said, the judge who ruled that it’s not cool to deny announced what’s next; polygamy, group mar- Voters approved the ban on same-sex mar- noting that it validates the organization’s be- gay and lesbian folks the right to marry, is, in riage, incest and intergenerational sex (or statu- riage in that state in 2008. Last year, voters in lief that denying marriage rights to same-sex fact, a homo himself hasn’t been lost on the tory rape as we now define it). They won’t rest Maine rejected a state law allowing same-sex couples is unconstitutional. anti-gay right. until, like in Sodom, they can surround your couples to wed. The repeal came six months Smith noted that Equality Maine will con- In an Aug. 5 diatribe on the Christian Anti- house and demand you offer up your children after the measure was passed by the state legis- tinue to educate voters about the importance of Defamation Commission website, Gary Cass to be abused.” lature and signed by the Democratic Governor explains that the only reason the Prop. 8 case Wait, what?! Gays are supposed to form marriage equality. mobs, roaming neighborhoods and nabbing John Baldacci. A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality went in favor of homos is because Walker is a “This is a tremendous victory in the move- big ol’ fag. children to have sex with? Um, I’d like to of Maine’s same-sex marriage ban is not forth- speak to the head of the Gay Agenda Commit- ment for justice and equality,” said Mass coming, according to Smith: “Let’s not be shocked that Judge Walker cannot comprehend the self-evident rational tee because when I look at my summer to-do Equality Interim Executive Director Paula “We have not talked about it. It is not part of Herrington. “When the claims of those who basis for prohibiting homosexual marriage, af- list I see, “Power wash deck, clean out garage, the equation. We will stick to our own strat- ter all, he is a practicing homosexual,” writes organize basement.” I don’t have time for any oppose our right to marry are examined judi- egy because it is very important to change the ciously, they quickly fall apart. This case fea- Cass. “The Bible plainly tells us that once a Sodom and Gomorrah shit. hearts and minds (of voters). That is the work person has seared his conscience to such an Of course, there is no Gay Agenda Commit- tured the collaboration of two legal superstars we’re doing here and that is the work we will from opposite ends our cultural divide: Demo- extent that he can exchange his natural sexual tee because the Gay Agenda, as folks like Cass crat David Boies who represented Al Gore continue to do.” relationship with the opposite sex for homo- know it, doesn’t really exist. What does exist before the Supreme Court after the 2000 presi- The California ruling comes on the heels of sexuality, his ability to reason becomes utterly is “The Homosexual Manifesto,” published in dential election and Republican Ted Olsen a new report about why people in Maine may compromised.” a gay newsletter in 1987 as satire, albeit poorly who represented George Bush. In this case, have voted on the issue the way they did. The So because Walker is gay, his mind is es- written, that is now held up as a blueprint for they shared one thing in common: a willing- report, written by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual sentially diseased. He’s a mental cripple, if the gay and lesbian rights movement by those ness to look beyond bumper sticker slogans to and Transgender Mentoring Project, conclud- you will. Not to mention a total perv-o with no opposed to equality. It begins, “We shall sod- show what really happens when families are ed that voters were influenced by what it calls conscience. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if omize your sons, emblems of your feeble mas- denied legal connection and protection. anti-gay commercials that claimed that gay the reason he couldn’t “comprehend the self- culinity...” Oh, please. Opponents of same-sex marriage in Maine marriage would be taught in schools. evident rational basis” against “homosexual But to Cass, “The Homosexual Manifesto” are not worried by the landmark ruling. Same-sex marriage advocates denied these marriage” was because he was watching Bar- is practically gospel, since it upholds every- Bob Emrich of Stand for Marriage Maine, claims and said there was no plan at the state bra Streisand movies on his iPhone throughout thing he hates about homos. the group which led the fight against gay mar- level to change school curriculums. the trial. “This example of the twisted mind of a ho- riage in the state, says the California judge’s The same-sex marriage law was repealed in To Cass, Walker is the ultimate example of mosexual activist will break your heart,” Cass decision will be a rallying cry, and is “only go- Maine with 53 percent of the voters opting to an “activist judge.” writes. “Though written satirically, it reveals ing to be a temporary ruling.” keep marriage between a man and a woman. “Openly rebellious sinners who live in hos- the dark soul of a person whose conscience is tility to the laws of nature and nature’s God corrupted by a voracious hatred and consumed will attempt to impose their tyrannical, arbi- with an insatiable lust.” trary standards on us,” Cass writes. Call me crazy, but claiming that the over- Got that? If you are in favor of letting same- turning of Prop. 8 will lead to the forced homo- sex couples get married then you’re a “rebel- sexual gang-banging of children – that sounds lious sinner” with “tyrannical, arbitrary stan- like the work of a “conscience ... corrupted by dards.” Never mind that Walker’s decision is a voracious hatred and consumed with an in- 5k and counting... based firmly in the rule of law and that one of satiable lust.” the lawyers arguing the case against Prop. 8 was Ted Olson, George W. Bush’s Solicitor *D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay General for goodness sake. Oh, and that homo since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet meet us now on our fan page! Walker? Also a Bush appointee. (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the Of course, logic and reason go out the win- creeps of the world she reviews rock ‘n’ roll search the rainbow times to join us! dow when you believe that same-sex couples shows in Detroit with her twin sister. 20 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com State Rep. Ferri calls on LGBT community to stay politically active By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter Ferri had never undergone an not about the other candidate.” husband Tony Caparco were married in Van- Rhode Island State Rep. experience like it before. The The prospect of a same-sex marriage bill be- couver, Canada in 2006. They have been to- Frank Ferri, D-Warwick, re- time spent at Harvard was “in- ing passed in 2011 is something Ferri contin- gether for 30 years. cently returned from a three- tense,” he said. ues to be hopeful about. Gov. Don Carcieri, a “I think we have a good chance of having a week stint at Harvard Univer- “Not only did (the class) have to vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, is not supportive Governor,” Ferri noted. “I’m pretty sity, where he took a course do required readings, there were 3 eligible to run for re-election. Several candi- confident we’ll get (a marriage bill) to the floor called Senior Executives in one and a half hour classes a day, dates for governor, including former U.S. Sen. and have the opportunity to debate it.” State and Local Government. but we were encouraged and it Lincoln Chafee and State Treasurer Frank Ferri believes the LGBT community needs The program, conducted at was designed that we would inter- Caprio, have pledged to sign a marriage equal- to stay active and involved more than ever. the school’s John F. Kennedy act with each other,” Ferri said. ity bill if elected. “This election is pretty important. There are School of Government, pro- The class even took an Out- Ferri has been a longtime LGBT rights ac- a lot of seats which are (being contested). We vides experiences for partici- ward Bound trip, where a series tivist, having served as co-chair of Marriage need to support (politicians) who are going to pants both inside and outside of team-building exercises was Equality Rhode Island (MERI). Ferri and his support our equal rights,” Ferri added. the classroom to ensure that conducted. public officials are prepared to “It was a great experience,” manage and lead results-driven Ferri said. “For the most part government agencies and non- it was flying by the seat of my profit organizations. Photo: Courtesy of Frank Ferri pants, picking up on the nuances reach a dedicated readership Ferri, 56, was awarded a Frank Ferri and intricacies of government.” fellowship through the Vic- Ferri was elected state represen- tory Fund, which assists gay and lesbian po- tative in a special election in 2007 and informed community ... litical leaders and candidates from around the and was re-elected in 2008. This November, country. he will face Jason Oliver, an Independent, for Ferri first learned the seat. Anger toward politi- let them know your about the course dur- “I think we have a good chance of ing a Gay and Lesbian having a supportive Governor,” Ferri cal incumbents is wide- Leadership Institute spread but Ferri is not Conference he had noted. “I’m pretty confident we’ll worried about being wares and where’s ... attended. get (a marriage bill) to the floor and defeated at the polls. In addition to state have the opportunity to debate it.” He believes his hard representatives such as work during the past Ferri, a Fire Chief from San Francisco, Town two years will be rewarded with another term. to advertise with the rainbow times Administrators from Arizona, and even a few Ferri serves on the House Committee on En- Judges also attended the course. vironment and Natural Resources, and on the contact us today at: “It is a diverse class of representatives,” Health, Education, and Welfare Committee. Ferri said, noting the students were motivated “As long as (my constituents) think I’m rep- [email protected] • [email protected] to learn how to develop relationships with resenting them well, I hope I have their sup- others. port,” Ferri said. “That’s how I approach it. It’s Western MA: 413.282.8881 • Boston & RI: 617.444.9618

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Gay Top 10 1. Pornography: A Thriller 2. Boy 3. 8: The Mormon Proposition 4. La Mission 5. Shut Up and Kiss Me 6. BOYCRAZY 7. Mr. Right 8. The Butch Factor 9. A Single Man 10. Plan B www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • 21 calendar of EVENTS Franklin-Hampshire Chapter (Parents, istration: 10am; Walk/Run, 11am; Festival sic, Entertainment and Friends! Don’t miss ongoing: Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) immediately following the walk. FMI: www. Jessica Kirson, Jonny McGovern, and more (WMA) NEW! Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT offers welcoming support, education and aidsfoundationwm.org performing live! More entertainment to be private party! Out In The Park is a family advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and added soon. For more information or event friendly event for the GLBT community as transgender people, their families, friends Sept. 11; New England Trans United Pride; tickets, please visit outinthepark.info well as family, friends, and supporters at Six and allies. We meet the 4th Thursday of 11am-5pm; Downtown Northampton. Come Flags New England. Out In The Park is a day each month (7/22) at the First Congrega- out and celebrate the strength, talent, intel- of Thrills, Music, Entertainment and Friends! tional Church, Main St, Ashfield Mass. at lect, and diversity of our community. March BOSTON: Don’t miss Jessica Kirson, Jonny McGovern, 7:00-9:00pm. Helpline - 413 625-6636 e-mail and rally to advance the civil rights of trans- Ongoing; Free, Walk-in services at Fen- and more performing live! More entertain- [email protected] gender people. Bring a friend, make new way Health; Every Wednesday, 4:30 to 6 ment to be added soon. FMI or event tickets: friends. FMI: www.newenglandtransunit- p.m. Rooms 201 A & B, Fenway Health, 1340 outinthepark.info (CT) Living Soulfully: A Monthly Men’s ed2010.org/ Boylston Street, Boston. Our goal is to provide Gathering; Meets on 4th Wednesday of ev- everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or (WMA) NEW! The East Coast FTM Group ery month from 7:30-9:00pm at the Hartford Sept. 12; Studio Artisan Workshop “Photo- financial status with innovative treatments meets in Northampton, MA every second Gay & Lesbian Health Collective. FMI: HGLHC graphing Fine Arts & Craft”; 1-5pm; Orange and compassionate care. Talk to a qualified Sunday of the month from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 860-2787-4163. Innovation Center , 131 West Main St. Orange professional about getting the quality care Topic discussions, peer support. Info: bet- , MA. FMI: The League of Massachusetts Arti- you need -whether you require a session with [email protected], 413-584-7616 (CT) RainbowRoom is open every Sunday sans & Artists/Sue McFarland, 413-369-4631 one of our supportive and knowledgeable from 3-6pm and is located at 1841 Broad St., or [email protected] HIV counselors or need some sensitive ques- (WMA - Springfield) NEW! in Looking to Hartford. RainbowRoom is an affirming and tions answered by one of our nurses. Free, start a lesbian book club in Springfield, to safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT private party! walk-in services include: Hep A&B vaccina- read lesbian and non-lesbian titles, to meet questioning teens and young adults 13 to 21. Out In The Park is a family friendly event tions; HIV testing and counseling; Hep B & C once a month. If you are interested please RainbowRoom is a drop-in center located in for the GLBT community as well as family, screening; STD education and verbal screen- email me at [email protected] with “book- an intimate, informal space with room for a friends, and supporters at Six Flags New eng- ing; Linkage to medical care, treatment op- club” in the title. variety of activities. land. Out In The Park is a day of Thrills, Mu- tions, financial advisors and acupuncture sic, Entertainment and Friends! Don’t miss detoxification services* *Sliding fee scales (WMA) Basketball League? Play basketball (VT) CORE GROUP; 6pm Potluck; 6:30pm Jessica Kirson, Jonny McGovern, and more apply for these services. No one turned away at on Thursday nights from 6-8pm the gym Group Discussion, at the Menspace. Help performing live! More entertainment to be because of his or her inability to pay. Wheel- is located in Springfield MA. This is a pick up guide the Men’s Program. Join us for a great added soon. FMI: www.outinthepark.info/ chair accessible. FMI: 617.267.0159. league for both men and women of all levels. potluck and then conversation about the event_schedule.html FMI: [email protected] program. We always welcome new mem- 40 & Forward: A group for gay and bi men bers. Please come for the discussion even if Sept. 25; Queer Carnevale:”Mardi Gras 40 and over; Share food and dialog with (WMA) Every Wednesday; Pioneer Valley you don’t come for the potluck! in New England!” 11:00am - 6:00pm; guys in the prime of their lives. Do you find Lesbians over 40; 6:15 - 8:00 pm; Topic-driv- Northampton 3-County Fairgrounds, Fair St., it hard to connect with people? Not having en discussion group for thoughtful lesbians (VT) BOOK CLUB; 7pm; 139 Main Street, Ste Northampton, MA. FMI: www.lgbtcoalition- as much fun as you used to? Getting older over 40. Meets at UMass Stonewall Center. #606B. FMI: Curtis, 802-254-2400. Core Group wma.org often means changing the way we interact FMI: [email protected] is meeting on Thursday at the Menspace. socially with others. Everything from meet- Fall 2010: “LGBT Life Over the Past 25 ing new people to negotiating sexual safety (WMA) Every first Wednesday of the month (VT) Transgender Support Group Meeting Years”; A One-Credit Women, Gender, Sex- can seem different and more difficult than for a Potluck Dinner Social. We meet at the in Brattleboro, VT the fourth Sunday of every uality Studies (WGSS) Course for Fall 2010. when we were younger. Would you like to Unitarian-Universalist Church, 175 Wendell month. Open to anyone whose identity or This coming Fall is the 25th anniversary of learn new skills to help with these concerns? Avenue in Pittsfield at 7:00 PM. FMI: at the expression doesn’t fit neatly into the gender the Stonewall Center. To mark the occasion, If so, then come join our 6-week men’s dinner INFOline 413-822-7268. binary, including transpeople of all genders we are offering a one-credit course through group where you’ll learn tools & skills for con- and sexual orientations: transgender, trans- WGSS called “LGBT Life Over the Past 25 necting with others. Dinner will be provided (WMA) Williamstown-LGBT Nite; LGBT sexual, FTM, MTF, non-op, pre-op, post-op, Years.” The course will consist of presenta- each time. The group will meet once a week night, THURSDAY at 9pm, at Mezze in Wil- cross-dresser, bi-gendered, genderqueer, tions each week by leading LGBT scholars, for 6 weeks, for 2 hours at a time, plus once liamstown. Weekly indefinitely. FMI: justin. genderfluid, questioning ... Confidentiali- artists, and activists from throughout the U.S. afterwards for a special event social. If you’re [email protected]. ty guaranteed. FMI: Oshee: [email protected] Topics to be covered include politics, law, interested, please call Chuck at 617.488.9720 history, religion, sports, film and television, or email [email protected]. (WMA) South Congregational Church UCC; (VT) Wednesdays in May; DROP-IN EVE- literature, music, bisexual rights, transgen- 45 Maple St., Springfield, MA. This service NINGS: 6-9pm; Menspace; 67 Main Street, der rights, and AIDS. The course will meet Out to Brunch; first Saturday of each month takes place the last Saturday of each month 4th Floor. From 6 to 9pm on Wednesdays Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. Registration will (next meetings: 4/3, 5/1, 6/5, etc.) Monthly in South Congregational Church in Spring- the Menspace will be open with no ‘planned be in the Fall. To be notified when the course brunch for older LBT women, for women 60+ field, MA. 2pm with food and fellowship to event.’ Pop in to see who’s around, play a opens, please contact the Stonewall Center: the suggested donation is $1.75, under 60 follow at 3:30pm. game of cards, listen to music, hang out and 545-4826 or [email protected]. In- suggested donation is $5. FMI: gloriatower@ chat. Men’s Program Event. 802-254-4444 dividuals not taking the course for credit are hotmail.com (WMA) Social Hour; 3rd Friday of also welcomed to attend. the month; 6:00 - 8:30 pm; Hotel Northamp- RADIO: Gay hosts. Gay guests. Gay topics. NEW! LGBT Bereavement Groups; Free Six ton; 36 King Street, Northampton, MA. Gay music. Rinse and repeat. Tune in to “This Week Bereavement Groups for Lesbian, Gay, No cover, cash bar. FMI: Doug Fountain, Show is So Gay;” the hit Vermont rainbow CENTRAL MASS: Bisexual & Transgender people of all ages. 413-535-1890. radio experience and see what all the talk is (Ongoing) Compassionate ears in live Three (3) New Groups Forming in May 2010: about. FMI: www.ThisShowIsSoGay.com. meetings of bi/gay married men take place North of Boston, (Burlington); South of Bos- (WMA) Springfield Martini Nights; 2nd in Worcester Ma. Twice a month. You Are Not ton, (Braintree/Quincy); and in the Cape Cod and 4th Wednesday of the month, except the Only one. FMI: bmmg.org Area, (Yarmouth). FMI: Bob Linscott at (617) holidays. 6-8pm; various Springfield bars and WESTERN MAss: 522-1292 or www.lgbtagingproject.org/ restaurants, somewhere different each time. Ongoing: NEW! PFLAG Franklin-Hamp- (Ongoing) Sisters of Worcester; every FMI: [email protected] shire Chapter (Parents, Families and Friends Wednesday from 8:30-11pm; a social support NEW! BAGLY Transgender/Gender Queer of Lesbians and Gays) offers welcoming sup- group for trans women and men who wish to Identity Meeting; youth only; Wednesdays (WMA) Gay Men’s Chorus; every Wednes- port, education and advocacy for lesbian, gather in a warm and supportive social envi- at the Community Church of Boston, 565 day, except holidays; 7:00 - 9:00 pm; St. John’s gay, bisexual and transgender people, their ronment. The group meets each Wednesday Boylston St, 2nd floor, Boston, MA; from 7 - Episcopal Church, 48 Elm St, Northampton. families, friends and allies. We meet the 4th at Club Blu at 105 Water St. in Worcester. All 8p, youth led. FMI: www.bagly.org The Bos- Free. FMI: Henry: 413-441-2160 Thursday of each month (7/22) at the First are welcome to attend. ton Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Trans- Congregational Church, Main St, Ashfield gender Youth provides weekly and monthly (WMA) TREE (Trans Education and Em- Mass. at 7:00-9:00pm. Helpline - 413 625- Sept. 18; NEW DATE! Worcester Pride; FMI: social activities and special events for people powerment) has a social/support group for 6636 e-mail [email protected] www.worcesterpride.com ages 22 and under. These activities provide trans-identified and gender non-conforming an opportunity for youth to socialize, have youth. The groups meet in Greenfield: Tues- Sept. 4: Miss Trans New England Pageant; Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT private party! fun and develop a sense of personal and days 4-5pm and in Northampton: Wednes- FMI: www.misstransnewengland.com/ Out In The Park is a family friendly event community identity. Free and anonymous days 4:30-5:30. FMI: 413-475-1798 for the GLBT community as well as family, HIV testing is offered every Wednesday, Sept. 11: AIDS Walk of Western Mass and friends, and supporters at Six Flags New eng- 6-9pm. (WMA) NEW! July 22 & Ongoing; PFLAG 5K Run; Forest Park, Springfield, MA. Reg- land. Out In The Park is a day of Thrills, Mu- 22 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com calendar of lgbt EVENTS LGBT Caregiver Support Group; First Mon- ule: www.ptown.org/Carnival.asp. Fest will start on Friday evening, it ends at day of the month; 6pm – 7:30 pm in Jamaica Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT private party! midnight, and start back up again 11am to Plain, MA. This is a free monthly group that Aug. 19; Fantasy Island Dance Party; Club Out In The Park is a family friendly event for midnight on Saturday, August 21st. A Men’s welcomes new members to talk about the Purgatory; 10:30pm; 9-11 Carver Street. Re- the GLBT community as well as family, friends, Community Event. FMI: www.vtbearfilm. impact of providing care for a partner, par- member this jungle paradise? “Ze Plane! Ze and supporters at Six Flags New England. Out com ent, sibling, spouse or friend. Come for stress Plane!” Disembark into Club Purgatory after In The Park is a day of Thrills, Music, Entertain- relief, resources and understanding. Con- the Parade and see what fantasies Mr. Rourke ment and Friends! Don’t miss Jessica Kirson, Aug. 25; BISEXUAL CHAT; 7pm at the Mens- tact group facilitator Joanne Peskowitz at and Tattoo can grant you. Cover charge ben- Jonny McGovern, and more performing live! pace, 15 Grove St., Brattleboro. This event 617.271.4182 for details. Sponsored by the efits the PBG. Tickets: $5 (included with VIP More entertainment to be added soon. FMI welcomes women and individuals who fall LGBT Aging Project and the Caregiver Alli- Pass). FMI: www.ptown.org/Carnival.asp or event tickets: outinthepark.info elsewhere on the gender and orientation ance of Suffolk County. spectrum. We would love to see folks who Aug. 20; Monkey Business Closing Party; Sept. 19; Got ? Drag Brunch; don’t necessarily identify as bi attend as well. LGBT Bereavement Group; Meets Thursday 9pm to 1am; Crown & Anchor, 247 Com- 11:00am - 3:00pm; Downcity, 50 Weybosset We may watch a movie, or chat about the lat- Evenings 6:30 to 8:00 pm in Brookline, MA. mercial St. You’ve “Run Through the Jungle,” St., Providence, RI. As a start up not- for-profit est news! Bring a snack to share if you’d like. . Starting September 24th. Contact Beth Prul- heard the “Call of the Wild,” put the “Lime in organization, the Harvey Milk Foundation’s FMI: [email protected] . Men’s Program Event lage, LICSW, (413) 695-2236. Pre-registration the Coconut” and still don’t want it to end. program goals are to empower local, region- is required, space is limited. To learn about Join us for the final “campfire” of Carnival al, national and global organizations so that Aug. 27; GAYME NIGHT; 7pm at Howie’s in upcoming LGBT Bereavement Groups in your Week. NEW TO THE CLOSING PARTY - The they may fully realize the power of Harvey Chesterfield. Come on over and join the fun! area: contact Bob Linscott at (617) 522-1292. Awards Ceremony for Parade Winners has Milk’s story, style, and collaborative relation- If you’d like, bring a favorite board game, been moved to the closing party. Find out ship building - are large and bold as Harvey snack or beverage. For directions, email Aug. 21; Massachusetts Breast Cancer Co- if your favorite Parade entry won an Award. taught us! The Foundation, through Harvey’s [email protected] or call 802-254-4444. Men’s alition; Against the Tide … Please join us for Then dance into the sunset with DJ Tony dream for a just tomorrow, envisions govern- Program Event. the 12th annual Against The Tide, one-mile Moran in Paramount, or enjoy a visual feast ments that celebrate the rich and universally competitive or recreational swim, two-mile in Wave Bar with VJ Tom Yaz. Tickets: $15. empowering diversity of humanity, where Aug. 28; GREEN RIVER POTLUCK: 6pm, kayak, and three-mile fitness walk to benefit www.ptown.org/Carnival.asp all individuals – gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans- Craig’s in Green River. 1919 Green River Road, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. gendered, racial and ethnic minorities, the Guilford, VT. Come celebrate the late sum- FMI: www.mbcc.org/swim or againstthet- Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT private party! elderly, the young, the disabled – all who mer season with friends in the beautiful vil- [email protected]. Out In The Park is a family friendly event for had been excluded can fully participate in lage of Green River, Vermont. Stroll through the GLBT community as well as family, friends, all societal rights without exception. FMI: the village, explore surrounding roads by Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT private party! and supporters at Six Flags New England. Out 401-331-9217 bike, or take a swim at the dam and covered Out In The Park is a family friendly event In The Park is a day of Thrills, Music, Entertain- bridge before dinner. Please bring some- for the GLBT community as well as family, ment and Friends! Don’t miss Jessica Kirson, thing to grill, an entrée/side dish, or dessert friends, and supporters at Six Flags New eng- Jonny McGovern, and more performing live! CONNECTICUT: to share. Bring your own beer/wine. RSVP to land. Out In The Park is a day of Thrills, Mu- More entertainment to be added soon. FMI Ongoing; Latin Night; The Chez Est; every [email protected]. Info: www.aidsproj- sic, Entertainment and Friends! Don’t miss or event tickets: outinthepark.info first and third Saturday; 458 Wethersfield ectsouthernvermont.org/calendar/76/498- Jessica Kirson, Jonny McGovern, and more Ave., Hartford, CT; FMI: www.chezest.com POTLUCK-AT-Craig-s---RSVP- performing live! More entertainment to be Oct. 17-Oct. 24; Fantasia Fair 36; Commer- added soon. For more information or event cial Street, in Provincetown, MA; Fantasia Fair Ongoing; Club Lucy; The Chez Est; every sec- Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT private party! tickets, please visit outinthepark.info is a week-long transgender event held every ond Saturday; 458 Wethersfield Ave., Hart- Out In The Park is a family friendly event for October in the LGBT resort town of Provinc- ford, CT; FMI: www.chezest.com the GLBT community as well as family, friends, Sept 30-Oct. 3; 7th Annual Latino Pride of etown, Massachusetts. Part conference, part and supporters at Six Flags New England. Out Massachusetts; to be held in and around social gathering, the Fair is a “full immersion” Sept. 10; Paula Poundstone will be the In The Park is a day of Thrills, Music, Entertain- Boston. Details of all the events will be post it experience, meaning that attendees can and main attraction for the Third Annual Stand ment and Friends! Don’t miss Jessica Kirson, soon! FMI: www.somoslatinoslgbt.org usually do spend an entire week 24/7 pre- Up for Homes with Hope at Westport, Con- Jonny McGovern, and more performing live! senting their gender as they wish. Fantasia necticut’s Levitt Pavilion. All proceeds from More entertainment to be added soon. FMI Sept. 30; Alternative Insemination Ori- Fair is unique amongst transgender events the evening will support Homes with Hope, or event tickets: outinthepark.info entation; 6-8:30pm; Fenway Health, 1340 as it takes place in beautiful Provincetown - the Westport based social services agency Boylston Street, Boston. This is an introduc- a wonderfully accepting community where which serves our homeless neighbors and tion to Alternative Insemination (AI) in gen- anyone can mingle in the streets in friend- those at-risk of homelessness. FMI: kallen@ New York: eral and to Fenway’s AI Program in particular. ship, safety, and acceptance. Yes, you really homeswithhopect.org August 19-Sept. 14; “Naked Bodies, Naked Cost is $50 per couple and pre-registration at are welcome and free in all of Provincetown, Souls”; Michaek Kuch’s work; in Narrows- [email protected] or 617.927.6243 and, yes, you will make friends at Fantasia Sept. 19; The Ultimate GLBT private party! burg, NY. Curated by Jan K. Kapera of JKK is required. After you have registered, the AI Fair that you will keep forever. FMI: www.fan- Out In The Park is a family friendly event for Fine Arts. Opening reception from 7-9 p.m. program will contact you to arrange pay- tasiafair.org the GLBT community as well as family, friends, on Friday, August 13, 2010. FMI: www.jk- ment and answer any questions. and supporters at Six Flags New England. Out kfinearts.com/events/index.html. In The Park is a day of Thrills, Music, Entertain- Sept. 30; MassEquality, the premier LGBT Rhode Island: ment and Friends! Don’t miss Jessica Kirson, grass roots advocacy organization in Mas- Ongoing; The Greater Providence Chapter Jonny McGovern, and more performing live! Maine: sachusetts, is overjoyed to announce Macy of PFLAG meets on the first Wednesday of More entertainment to be added soon. FMI August 28; The First Ever All Men’s Pool Gray – The Sellout - For MassEquality - in each month from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm at their or event tickets: outinthepark.info Party; The Country View Motel/Guesthouse; concert at 8 p.m. Boston’s Wilbur Theatre, regular meeting place: The Met School Jus- Pool Party Tea Dance at The Country View; 246 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116. Tick- tice Building 325 Public Street Providence, Oct. 9; The Art of Coming Out; 6:00pm - followed by Gay Days Tea at MaineStreet. ets at $175.00 [VIP], $90.00 and $70.00 are on RI 02905. FMI, please call (401) 751-7571, or 11:00pm; 390 Grumman Avenue, Norwalk, Benefitting FRANNIE PEABODY CENTER. sale now at all Ticket master outlets, at the email: [email protected]. CT. Our event will be held on October 9, 2010 Starting on August 28th from 12 till 4 (Free Wilbur Theatre Box Office, on line at www. beginning at 6pm at The Carriage House Arts Trolly service to be announced); $25.00 ticket ticketmaster.com or by calling: 800-745- Ongoing; ACOS Gay Bingo; Gay Bingo is Center. Contact Tina at tccentertina@gmail. donation includes, Pool Party admission, D.J. 3000. FMI: www.thewilburtheatre.com. held on the third Thursday of every month com with any questions about this venue. Ken Day, BBQ, door prizes, and discounts. from September through May. The doors Free Trolly service from Mainestreet at noon open at 6 pm, and the game starts promptly Nov. 14; One Big Event; Hartford Gay & Les- to The Country View Motel and back to Main- P-Town: at 7 pm. For more information visit www. bian Health Collective; FMI: 860-278-4163. estreet for Gay Days Tea Dance at 4 p.m. August 15th-21st; Provincetown Carnival aidscareos.org and much more. The Country View is offer- 2010 “Jungle Fantasy”; theme promises a ing discounted weekend packages, for the wild week of fun! Join us for parties, a boat Aug. 29; Lady for All Seasons 2010 Pag- VERMONT: Mens Event, including free admission and all cruise, a parade and more. This is the hottest eant; 6 p.m.; Club Gallery, 150 Point St. Aug. 20; 6th ANNUAL VERMONT BEAR ticket privilege’s to The Pool Party and Maine party of the summer! Sponsored by the Prov- - Providence RI. Presented by Galane/Latin FILM FEST; This year’s theme: TOOL BELTS... Street. FMI: www.countryviewmotel.com/ incetown Business Guild. VIP passes & sched- Monarchy of NE. $10 cover. construction trade. This year the Bear Film lgbt breaking news • community focused video links • therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • 23 The OutField: Closeted jock, Hoosiers reveal their colors By: Dan Woog* player now earning his masters in sports man- ormer Indiana agement – staffed the booths. University foot- “All day long they took everything in. They Fball player Alex loved being there,” Kitto reports. Perry is a confident The four straight IU Athletics volunteers young man. were impressed with the huge turnout – and This past June he noted with surprise, “They’re people we see stepped out of his every day.” comfort zone. One Thousands of festival-goers picked up ath- of four people – all letic department giveaways – and thanked the straight – representing representatives for being there. That made an his school’s athletic impression on the quartet. department at - So did comments like “I went to Michigan, napolis’s Circle City but you’re my second favorite team now,” and Dan Woog Pride festival, at first “I’m from Purdue. I’m supposed to hate you he felt uncomfortable – but I don’t.” when gay men in flamboyant costumes asked It was all part of Pat Kraft’s plan. The as- to have their pictures with him. sistant athletic director in charge of marketing, His apprehension was short-lived. By mid- he realized that Circle City Pride was a perfect morning Perry grinned broadly when a drag opportunity to introduce IU Athletics to a new, queen sauntered over for a photo. lucrative and potentially very enthusiastic That was just one of many snapshots – literal audience. and figurative – from an empowering day. IU “As markets mature, it’s difficult to mine Athletics learned a lot – and so did the LGBT new customers,” Kitto says. “The GLBT mar- festival-goers who visited their booth. ket is huge, and unmined.” Once, that outcome might have surprised Gays and lesbians are a natural target for Jon Kitto. But over the past year the secretary Kraft – a concept that initially surprised Kitto. of IU’s 1,200-member GLBT Alumni As- “I’m 52 years old,” he says. “I didn’t expect sociation has come to appreciate the athletic the greeting we got at Pride. Pat’s around 30. department’s outreach to the gay community. My surprise was surprising to him. He just saw At the same time, IU Athletics has enjoyed it as a great business opportunity.” the fruits of the blossoming relationship – and But IU Athletics’ outreach meant more than added hundreds of new fans. marketing. During the day, four Indiana ath- Kitto‘s passion for Indiana University began letes came to the booth and said they were gay as a student in the 1970s. He was a Hoosier or lesbian. football booster too – rare in the LGBT com- “Having the department there was so im- munity – so last year when a new athletic facil- portant,” Kitto says. “They realized, ‘I’m ity was dedicated near the stadium, he and his comfortable with my school, with my athletic partner attended. department, and I want you to know how much New athletic director Fred Glass spoke. He that means to me.’” described his goal of reaching out to “new It meant a lot to the straight men at the booth, communities” – ones his department had previ- too. The day after Pride, Perry thanked Kitto ously ignored. Afterward, Kitto – who admits for allowing him to participate. the GLBT Alumni Association (GLBTAA) “His goal is to be a high school athletic direc- had not reached out to athletics, either – de- tor,” Kitto says of the grad student. “Just imag- cided to see if Glass meant what he said. ine the effect something like this will have on “I was ready for a brush-off,” Kitto recalls. the kids at his school years from now.” “But he said, ‘Let’s get it on the calendar.’” IU Athletics had such a good time, they plan Last December, the GLBTAA executive board to return next year – with a float and varsity and Glass held a relaxed, friendly hour-long athletes. meeting. So were there any negative encounters at all? Near the end, Kitto asked the department to Kitto laughs. “Yeah. One guy ran by scream- donate a few items for GLBTAA’s annual si- ing ‘Boiler Up!’” – the popular Purdue cheer. lent auction. Sure, Glass said. Well, what about “But that happens anywhere there are Pur- a private tour of the new facility? No problem, due fans,” he continues. “It had nothing to do Glass replied. Both were enormous successes. with being gay. I thought to myself, Here we Kitto then asked if IU Athletics would staff a are at a gay event, and the traditional IU-Pur- booth at Circle City Pride. Again, he expected due rivalry is so strong. to be brushed off. Again, he was surprised by “What was so remarkable to me about that the department’s eagerness to help. was its utter unremarkableness.” The booth featured a mannequin dressed in an IU basketball jersey. The department hand- *Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer ed out coasters, pompons, refrigerator magnets coach, gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” and Hoosier schedules. series of books on gay male athletes. Visit his “It was one of the most moving days of my website at www.danwoog.com. He can be life,” Kitto says. Two staff members and two reached care of this publication or at Out- interns – including Perry, the former football [email protected].

The Rainbow Times presents Mardi Gras in New England! The Queer Carnevale Guide 2010 Ad deadline: Aug. 25 • Reserve your space Today! FMI: www.TheRainbowTimesNews.com or 413-282-8881/617-444-9618 24 • August 19, 2010 - September 1, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com