2 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 Black History Month overshadowed by Does including women in direct ground combat mean a step toward equality? current prejudice and discrimination By: Jason Lydon*/ TRT Columnist Department of Defense is the largest em - By: Nicole Lashomb*/ TRT Editor-in-Chief too-often neglected accomplishments of remember laying in ployer in the world, with approximately 3.2 black Americans in every area of endeavor million employees, a third of which are ac - February kicks off my bed in high school throughout our history.’ That year, fifty tive duty in the Armed Forces. According Black History Iturning the pages of a to the Department of Defense's human re -

S years after the first celebration, the associ - Month, a month hardcover copy of “Con - ation held the first African American History sources site, 14 percent of active duty per - designated to pay duct Unbecoming: Gays N Month. Since then each American presi - sonnel are women. There are those who tribute to the gener - and Lesbians in the US dent has issued African American History Military” by Randy Shilts, claim this opening of employment as a O ations of African Month proclamations,” it stated online at huge success in the move toward equal - I Americans who thinking about the men http://1.usa.gov/7oIw4I . ity. A 2012 study by the struggled with ad - and women he was

N However, the undeniable significance of American Association versity to achieve full citizenship in writing about. I was I the month is overshadowed by the perva - of University Women American society. quite amused that the The military combat sive and shameful attitudes of anti-black shows that women are P Although the historical context of Pentagon spent sentiment, still decades later. According to jobs ... as shooting still being paid only 82 this month goes back decades and countless hours trying

O an article published by USA Today in 2012 percent what their has evolved with time, “The Black to discover who regarding race and the election, holes in the glass male counterparts Awakening” of the Dorothy was as they (http://usat.ly/VQAkGF), make. The military 1960’s not only raised searched for the ring - ceiling for women, nearly half of all Ameri - combat jobs can be the consciousness of leader of the “friends cans still expressed but the fight for seen by some as African Americans It makes me of Dorothy.” Yet as I prejudice against the shooting holes in the about the significance was learning this his - Black community. Simi - equality ignores what glass ceiling for of black history and ashamed of my tory, the United States lar findings were com - women, but the fight the Civil Rights move - military was actively individuals are get - Caucasian counter- parable to the Hispanic for equality ignores ment, it also forced all dropping bombs on community as well. The what individuals are Americans to ac - Iraq and Serbia while ting equal access to. parts who have al- data was gathered from getting equal access knowledge the contri - expanding military surveys conducted with to. butions of African lowed themselves presence in Afghanistan, Sudan, East researchers from Stan - Just days before this announcement, Americans to our his - Timor and Cambodia. As some are cele - to be caught up in ford University, the Uni - tory and culture. brating Defense Secretary Leon E. versity of Michigan and According to the Li - Panetta's announcement ending the ex - See Combat Page 11 this “ malarkey.” NORC at the University brary of Congress, clusion of women from direct ground of Chicago. This same the once weekly cele - combat, I find myself remembering my ex - survey concluded that President Obama The Rainbow Times bration was expanded to a month in 1976. citement about learning queer history. could have lost up to 5 percentage points The Freshest LGBT Newspaper “President Gerald R. Ford urged Ameri - Neither the history I learned then, nor the in New England - Boston Based cans to ‘seize the opportunity to honor the celebration of women's inclusion, recog - See Prejudice on page 8 nize that the role of the soldiers is to per - www.therainbowtimesmass.com petuate U.S. imperialism, colonial efforts, protection of US financial interests and the [email protected] Faith, family, and God: The marriage ceremony, deaths of unnamed millions of people [email protected] around the globe. Phone: 617.444.9618 / 413.282.8881 and the importance of choosing a celebrant The announcement by the outgoing De - Fax: 928.437.9618 fense Secretary opens up 237,000 com - By: Paul P. Jesep*/ TRT Columnist with whether to raise bat positions to women. The U.S. Publisher Design ne of the most joyous events in their kids in faith or a religion. Faith and re - Gricel M. Ocasio Prizm Designs the lives of two people is joining Letters to the Editor Editor-In-Chief Webmaster Otogether in marriage. Increas - ligion will continue to Nicole Lashom b Jarred Johnson ingly, more LGBTQ couples are choosing play an expanding Dear Editor, to have their unions blessed or solem - role in the LGBTQ ex - It would be my preference that the author Assistant Editor Columnists nized by ordained clergy. More faiths and perience. refer to me as “he” in all cases. He can say Emily Scagel Lorelei Erisis denominations within those traditions em - Belief in God, de - “as a girl,” but I use he/him/his in all cases. Sales Associates Deja N. Greenlaw brace the holy, sacramental validity of two fined gender neutral, The author never asked. I think it is disre - Chris Gilmore Paul P. Jesep is not interchange - spectful, and I’ve discussed it with Dan after Liz Johnson Jason Lydon persons of the same-gender becoming Wilfred Labiosa committed spouses. able with the flaws the article first came out. I would love for it to Lead Photographer John Verlinden Wedding planning for same-gender and emotional be changed. Glenn Koetzner couples is a big and abuses often associated with formal reli - — Chris Mosier, Online Reporters growing business. gion. Throughout his - Photo/Videography Chuck Colbert Choosing the individ - tory, individuals have Dear Editor, Rob Deza Clara Lefton ual to perform the ac - co-opted religion to ex - Your health issue was markedly informative Sean Sullivan Brook Rosini Lauren Walleser tual ceremony should Belief in God, de - ploit and control oth - and full of topics that were really of interest be no less important ers. These abuses to my transgender boyfriend and myself. The Rainbow Times is published monthly by The Rainbow than the careful se - fined gender neu - reflect human insecuri - Thanks for the valuable input. Times, LLC. TRT is affiliated with the National Lesbian lection of venue, ties, not holiness. —Jarry Markson, Boston, MA & Gay Journalists Association, NLGJA , National Gay tral , is not & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, NGLCC , The Con - guests, wedding The growing accept - necticut Alliance for Business Opportunity, CABO , and planner, or the vows interchangeable ance of marriage Dear Editor, QSyndicate. The articles written by the writers, colum - to be written and ex - equality by religious Is it true that you’re now a Boston paper? My nists, and correspondents solely express their opinion, changed. Ordained with the flaws and leaders and society’s friends and I keep guessing because your and do not represent the endorsement or opinion of The acceptance is divine coverage seems to be more from and out of Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. Send letters to the ed - clergy does not mean itor with your name, address and phone number to: The someone certificated emotional abuses revelation. It’s Holy Boston, but some other stuff also comes Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail any for a fee through the Sophia (Divine Wis - from the west of the state. And, you keep us comment/s to the editor at: editor@therainbowtimes - mail or online. often associated dom) at work. God informed here in Providence too. mass.com. All submissions will be edited according to Increasingly, does not change. Over —Jason Sullivan, Providence, RI space constraints. The Rainbow Times, LLC reserves the with formal religion . right not to print any or all content, or advertisements for LGBTQ couples are time, individuals and any reason at all. TRT is not responsible for advertising realizing there is a collective society spiri - Dear Jason, content. To receive The Rainbow Times at your home via major difference between religion and be - tually matures, thus permitting the em - The Rainbow Times is Boston-based now al - regular mail, or through electronic delivery, please visit lief in a higher authority. LGBTQ families brace of a larger, holier truth shown by though our operation and many team mem - its website. The whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) Holy Sophia. This enables a deeper ... bers are from all over New England. Thank are the sole property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and that include children (people-children, in - they cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s written dependent of the furry kind) are grappling See Marriage on page 8 you for noticing. — The Editor consent. February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 3 Mass LGBT leaders welcome Cowan’s appointment as interim senator Brown steps back, decides not to run; surprising move from gay former state Senator Richard Tisei By: Chuck Colbert/ TRT Reporter local media. state voiced praise for Cowan’s appoint - while we work to elect a replacement that Massachusetts Governor Deval “I am proud and delighted to appoint ment. similarly carries on the equality legacy of

T Patrick has named former aide Mo Cowan,” said the governor in a state - “While we were hoping the governor Sen. John Kerry.” William “Mo” Cowan as interim ment beforehand. “Mo’s service on the would appoint Barney Frank because we As a condition of his appointment,

H U.S. senator. front lines in our efforts to manage believed Barney would have done a su - Cowan will not be a candidate for election The appointment, which came through the worst economy in 80 years perb job and moved into the position in a to fill Kerry’s vacancy. G on Wednesday, January 30, fills and build a better, stronger common - seamless fashion, we recognized from the A primary election date is set for April I the seat left vacant by John F. wealth for the next generation has earned administration’s responses, that that was 30, with a general election date for the

L Kerry who resigned from the Sen - him the respect and admiration of people unlikely to happen,” said Arline Isaacson, Massachusetts Senate set for June 25. ate to become secretary of state. throughout government. The people of chairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay For the Democrats, Congressman Ed - E The Senate confirmed him to that the commonwealth have benefited from and Lesbian Political Caucus, a statewide ward Markey was the first candidate to post on a 94-3 vote Tuesday. his wisdom and good judgment during his lobbing organization. enter the race. M Kerry’s resignation takes effect time in our office, and will again in the “Mo is an excellent, albeit surprising se - Congressman Stephen F. Lynch an - I on Friday, February 1 at 4 p.m. Senate.” lection,” she added. “He’s smart, experi - nounced his candidacy on Thursday.

L Cowan, 43, is the former chief of At the briefing, the governor, who is also enced, and well respected among both For some time, former Republican Sen - staff and chief legal counsel to African American, was asked about the elected officials and activists. He obvi - ator Scott Brown, who lost to Senator Eliz -

E Patrick, having served in the ad - significance of appointing a black person ously has the governor’s confidence and abeth Warren last fall, was also expected ministration since 2009. to the position. a clear commitment to advance the needs to enter the race. But on Friday, Brown

H A lawyer, Cowan is highly re - “The fact is that the commonwealth and of our state. The LGBT community and said that he would not be a candidate.

T garded and well-connected in the community is changing,” said Patrick. the progressive community need in this That news prompted openly gay former

Boston’s legal community. “The breadth of diversity and background interim position someone who will defend state Senator Richard Tisei, who lost a An African American, Cowan will and ethnicity and race is deeper and and protect the interests and concerns we close congressional race this fall to Rep - N be the first black person to repre - broader than ever. I have known and be - hold dear. I believe Mo will fit that bill eas - resentative John Tierney on the North I sent Massachusetts in the Senate lieved for a long time that there is talent in ily and comfortably.” Shore, to issue a statement, which hints since Republican Edward Brooke every community in the commonwealth. The executive director of MassEquality, at the possibility of his entering the Mas - held the seat for two terms from 1966 to To the extent that we can reflect that and a statewide grassroots advocacy organi - sachusetts U.S. Senate race: 1978. He is the second African American encourage little boys and girls of color zation, also welcomed the appointment. “Scott’s exit from the race was obviously senator, joining Republican Tim Scott who grew up in marginalized circum - “MassEquality has had the pleasure of unexpected. That said, in the coming (South Carolina). stances to imagine what it might be like to working with Mo Cowan during his time days I will be talking with family, friends, A North Carolina native, Cowan is grad - serve the public in these ways – I think with the governor and has come to know and supporters to consider the best role uate of Duke University. He holds a law that is great thing.” his deep commitment to LGBTQ issues,” that I can play in helping to bring new, al - degree from Boston’s Northeastern Uni - In selecting Cowan, the Massachusetts said Kara Suffredini. “We trust that he will ternative leadership to Washington,” said versity. governor declined to appoint openly gay continue to be a great steward of these is - Tisei. News of the appointment came in a late former Representative Barney Frank (D), sues during his interim appointment, and © Copyright. Chuck Colbert. All rights re - morning press conference, held in the who publicly sought the job. we look forward to supporting him in served. Statehouse and broadcasted live over Nonetheless, LGBT leadership in the doing so over the next several months 4 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 18th Annual Taste of the South End showcases Boston’s hottest restaurant neighborhood BOSTON, Massachusetts—AIDS PHOTOS: DANIEL BLECKLEY/BOLDFACERS.COM Tremont 647 & Sister Sorel, Coppa, Toro, Action Committee announces that Picco, Turner Fisheries, Addis Red Sea, 28 Y the 18th annual Taste of the South Degrees, Mela, Petit Robert Bistro, Pigalle,

T End will take place Tuesday, March Sibling Ri - I 5, 2013. Attendees will enjoy small valry, Darryl’s plate culinary creations from at least Corner Bar, N 40 of the South End’s most vibrant Formaggio

U restaurants. The popular event will Kitchen South also feature live cooking demon - End, The Gal - strations, a silent auction and raffle, lows, and M extensive wine tasting and beer Haley House sampling. Taste of the South End Café. M takes place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at AIDS Action the Boston Center for the Arts Cy - Committee of O clorama at 539 Tremont Street in Massachu -

C Boston. Tickets are $100; VIP ad - setts is the mission is $150. Proceeds benefit state’s leading AIDS Action. provider of R “At Taste of the South End, the prevention

U food is fantastic. Guests can meet and wellness services for people vulnera - and ask questions of some of ble to HIV infection. It provides services to

O Boston’s best known chefs. And one in six people in Massachusetts living best of all, you’ll be raising money with an HIV diagnosis. These services in - for an excellent cause,” said Re - The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence enjoy the Annual Taste of the South End too. clude HIV counseling and testing; needle O becca Haag, president and CEO of “Each year, Taste of the South End draws agers, Whole Foods Market, Whitney Tow - exchange; mental health counseling; hous - T AIDS Action. “This evening out sup - its support from food and wine lovers ers, Commerce Bank, Martignetti Compa - ing assistance; and legal services. AIDS ports the critical work AIDS Action throughout Greater Boston,” said Evan De - nies, Samuel Adams, Clarke, and Sysco. A Action works to prevent new HIV infections,

G does in combating the AIDS epi - luty, chef/owner of Stella. “Together partial list of 2013 participating restaurants support those affected by HIV, and tackle demic by eliminating new infections, through this annual fundraising event, we include: Cinquecento, Metropolis Café, the root causes of HIV/AIDS by educating

N improving the health of those al - can help AIDS Action in the fight against Aquitaine Bar a vin Bistrot, Gaslight the public and health professionals about I ready infected, and attacking the HIV/AIDS so that everyone in our commu - Brasserie du Coin, Union Bar and Grille, HIV prevention and care; and advocating

V root cause of HIV/AIDS. Our work nity can live longer, healthier lives.” B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop, Stir, for fair and effective HIV/AIDS policy at the

I has contributed to the state’s reduc - This year's presenting sponsor is Stew - Hamersley’s Bistro, Flour Bakery + Café, city, state, and federal levels. Founded in tion of new HIV diagnoses by 53 ard Health Care. Our principal sponsors Myers + Chang, Orinoco, Mistral, The Gal - 1983, AIDS Action Committee of Massa - G percent since 1999, which will save are Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and lows, The Beehive, DaVinci Ristorante, chusetts is New England’s first and largest Massachusetts more than $2 billion in Macy’s. Other sponsors include Eastern Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Masa, AIDS service organization. Learn more at health care costs related to treating HIV.” Bank, AEW, Eaton Vance Investment Man - Stephi’s on Tremont, Summer Shack, www.aac.org. February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 5 Quiet power: Gay money in the 2012 election, the role it played in it By: Lisa Keen/ Keen News Service and super PAC spent tion. Fair Share which helped Democratic candidates, in - There has been much said and only $2,826 and the Action spent cluding $1.4 million against Sean Mal - written about right-wing political op - Gay and Lesbian Vic - $125,000 on oney’s Republican opponent in New York T erative Karl Rove’s spectacular fail - tory Fund chipped in Baldwin’s vic - and $672,500 against bisexual Kyrsten ure to buy a Republican $10,000. tory. Sinema’s Republican opponent in Ari - H conservative victory in the 2012 The biggest contrib - Illinois les - zona.

G elections. The two Crossroads po - utors to Baldwin’s bian activist Michigan gay philanthropist Jon Stryker

I litical action committees run by successful bid were Laura Ricketts chipped in $2,500 directly to Sinema’s

L Rove spent more than $200 million the Democratic Sena - gave $2,500 successful campaign, but he, too, con - on television advertising attacking torial Committee, directly to the tributed $250,000 to the House Majority E Democratic candidates in an effort which spent $5.8 mil - Baldwin cam - PAC which directed $672,500 in television to hoist Republicans into office. lion on Baldwin’s win, paign, plus advertising against Sinema’s opponent. M That included $6 million against the pro-Democratic gave $242,500 Sinema, who became the first openly bi - I lesbian Senate candidate Tammy “Majority PAC” that to the L PAC, sexual person to win a seat in Congress,

L Baldwin in Wisconsin and another spent $4.9 million, and $200,000 took in $55,528 through the Victory Fund $1 million for her Republican oppo - and the EMILY’s List to the Women for her campaign and $9,984 from HRC

E nent Tommy Thompson. It also in - super PAC “Women Vote PAC. The PACs. These were the largest amounts cluded $263,000 against openly Vote” that spent $3.1 lesbian-orga - given by each of the groups to openly H gay Congressional candidate Sean million. nized L PAC LGBT candidates in 2012. The Victory

T Maloney in New York. But the $12,826 did not give to Fund gave or “bundled” a total of

But both Baldwin and Maloney spent by HRC and the the Baldwin ef - $114,136 to six out of seven openly LGBT won, despite the millions of right- Victory Fund did not represent all the “gay fort, but the Women Vote PAC pitched candidates to the U.S. House in the 2012 N money” in Baldwin’s success. more than $3 million into the Baldwin ef - elections; and HRC’s two PACs gave I wing dollars that poured into cam - paigns seeking a Republican win. Many individual LGBT people all over fort. $36,623 in direct contributions to five out That’s because they, like five other openly the country gave to the effort. For in - Chicago gay political activist Fred Ey - of seven gay House candidates. gay and bisexual Congressional candi - stance, Miami gay philanthropist and Vic - chaner gave $2,500 to Baldwin’s cam - Richard Tisei, the only openly gay Re - dates, benefitted from a strong outpouring tory Fund board member Joe Falk gave paign but also gave $4.3 million to the publican candidate running for Congress, of funding from many various Democratic Baldwin $2,500. Dallas attorney Vanessa Majority PAC (which spend $4.9 million on received no support from the Human PACs and super PACS. Benavides gave $4,000, and Texas philan - Baldwin) and $750,000 to Women Vote Rights Campaign PACs and $18,618 For instance, Tammy Baldwin’s suc - thropist Paul Boskin gave $7,000. (which spent $3.1. million on Baldwin). through the Victory Fund. Tisei’s effort to cessful campaign for the U.S. Senate And many gave both to Baldwin and to San Francisco gay philanthropist James unseat incumbent Democrat John Tierney spent $15 million, and outside groups pro-Democratic PACs that supported Hormel did not give any money directly to of Massachusetts fell short. But Log Cabin spent another $20 million to get her Baldwin. According to FEC records, gay the Baldwin campaign, but gave the Vic - Republicans’ PAC and GOProud... elected. Of that $35 million total, accord - Colorado philanthropist Tim Gill gave tory Fund $125,000 and the Victory Fund ing to Federal Elections Commission re - $5,000 to Baldwin’s campaign directly, gave $10,000 to Baldwin. Hormel also Read the rest of this story online at ports, the Human Rights Campaign PAC and another $250,000 to Fair Share Ac - gave $100,000 to the House Majority PAC, http://tinyurl.com/trtgaymoney 6 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 Boy Scouts consider lifting gay ban, feel pressure from others By: Chuck Colbert/ TRT Reporter a position to units, concern for some come with today's youth and the majority In a surprising turnabout, the Boy members or parents" LGBT leaders and of Americans," he said in an e-mail. Scouts of America is "actively considering" nor would the "BSA re - advocates. "Changing the policy would be a step in an end to its longstanding exclusion of quire any chartered or - As Iowa Eagle the right direction, but while an 'allow dis - openly gay boys as members and gay ganization to act in ways Scout Zach Wahls, crimination' local option is better than parents as scout leaders, according to inconsistent with that or - founder of Scouts for mandatory national discrimination, it still NBC News, which broke the story Mon - ganization's mission Equality, told NBC sends a harmful message to both gay and day, January 28. principles, or religious News, "So essen - non-gay youth. The right answer is to be The policy change, a move that report - beliefs," said Smith. tially, instead of forc - open to all boys, without discrimination, edly may come as early as next week, More than 100,000 ing people to period," said Wolfson. "Progress, but not would allow local groups – religious, civic, scouting units are char - discriminate they're good enough." or educational organizations – to decide tered by civic, faith- going to allow people For his part, Herndon Graddick, presi - for themselves whether to accept gay based, and educational to discriminate," he dent of Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against youth or leaders. organizations; and the said. "Even though Defamation, emphasized the positive. Confirming NBC's reporting, the Boy various units deliver pro - one is less bad than "Scouting is a valuable institution, and Scouts posted a statement on its website gramming to BSA mem - the other, we still this change will only strengthen its core later Monday. bers, according to the need to make sure principles of fairness and respect," he said "The BSA is discussing potentially re - organization's website. that local units are in a statement. moving the national membership restric - Specifically, faith- understanding how a Equally upbeat was Chad Griffin, presi - tion regarding sexual orientation," said based units account for more than two- ban on gay members negatively affects dent of the Human Rights Campaign. Deron Smith, director of public relations thirds of all scout troops, with nearly a their unit." "The pulse of equality is strong in Amer - for the Boy Scouts' national organization. quarter of the units chartered to civic or - Nonetheless, Wahls also told NBC ica, and today it beats a bit faster with Absent a national policy on sexual ori - ganizations. The remaining units, not News that the Boy Scouts were moving in news that the Boy Scouts may finally put entation, he went on to say in the state - quite 10 percent, are chartered by educa - the right direction but still had a way to go. an end to its long history of discrimina - ment, "The chartered organizations that tional organizations. In the spotlight last summer, Wahls, who tion," he said in a statement. "Our nation oversee and deliver scouting would ac - Among the chartered religious organiza - is straight, spoke on national television and its leaders respect lesbian, gay, bisex - cept membership and select leaders con - tions, the top three include: the Church of during the Democratic National Conven - ual, and transgender citizens, and it's time sistent with their organization's mission, Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United tion about being raised by two moms, his the Boy Scouts echo those values." principles, or religious beliefs. BSA mem - Methodist Church, and Roman Catholic lesbian parents. And Mark Anthony Dingbaum, senior bers and parents would be able to choose Church – all of which have stood histori - Evan Wolfson, president and founder of campaign manager at Change.org , a local unit which best meets the needs of cally against LGBT equality and therefore Freedom to Marry, voiced concerns simi - praised pressure to end the Scouts' na - their families." may well be inclined not to admit openly lar to those of Wahls. tional anti-gay policy, calling the push "a If the new policy is approved by the or - gay scouts and scout leaders. "The reported decision of the Boy huge victory for people-powered change." ganization's board of directors at a meet - The potential for local units, both reli - Scouts to change their discriminatory pol - ing next week, however, "under no gious and civic, to continue excluding gay icy on gay members is a reflection of how circumstances" would the Scouts "dictate youth and adult leaders in scouting is a out of step the Scouts hierarchy had be - See Boy Scouts On Page 8 February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 7 Power couples share what marriage means to them & their plans for Valentine’s Day By: Emily Scagel/ TRT Assistant Editor “Similarly, Michael, who is an archaeolo - “While we value our Massachusetts mar - so being legally married is important to us With marriage equality legalized gist specializing in Greek antiquity, cannot riage license, we’re also clear that until we because of them. It is important for them in all New England states except benefit from recognition from the Euro - have marriage at the federal level, we’re to grow up knowing that their family is just E for Rhode Island, “The Rainbow pean Union to facilitate his visa and work still second-class citizens,” they said. as equal to their friends’ families.”

V Times” interviewed prominent New authorizations when conducting archaeo - This Valentine’s Day, Hornor and Skinn Their wedding ceremony was officiated England couples to find out their logical research in Greece and Italy,” will be “on the lovely and quite gay-friendly by the Lieutenant Governor of Connecti - O views on same-sex marriage, and added Bruni. Hopefully, they said, island of Vieques, just to the east of Puerto cut, Nancy Wyman. This “was very special

L what they are doing for Valentine’s changes in the U.S. and France/Europe Rico,” they stated. “We’ll have a beautiful to us. It really cements the respect that CT Day. will allow them to overcome these hurdles. day at the beach, and a fabulous dinner has for its residents,” Tracz Grace ex - What will they be doing to celebrate with friends that evening.” plained. S

’ Sylvain Bruni and Michael An - Valentine’s Day? “We are both foodies, so Skinn and Hornor are both involved in This Valentine’s Day, the couple is not thony Fowler, Boston, MA we’ll enjoy our Valentine’s Day dinner at a the Northampton community, and say that E Sylvain Bruni and Michael An - starred restaurant in New York City, cele - “together, they are also known for throw - brating with a glass of French champagne, ing fabulous parties and giving their time N thony Fowler have been together

I for almost six years, and are, as of course!” and energy to support local nonprofits.” they said, “not married ... yet!” T Their decision to marry is con - Jenn Tracz Grace & Andrea Grace, CT (with CT Lieutenant Gov. Nancy N strained by immigration regula - tions, as Bruni is French and Wyman) E Fowler is American. Jenn Tracz Grace and Andrea Grace

L “Now that Sylvain is a permanent have been together for four years, married resident of the USA, and since for a year and a half, and said that they al - A France is scheduled to legalize gay ready had planned out their wedding day within months of knowing each other, be - V marriage this year, all should be in order,” said Fowler. They plan to cause they “just knew.” They chose to get get married in the fall of 2014 in married on an “odd day,” which happens France. only six times a century — July 9, 2011. Not being married, though, has made a They met while they were finishing their significant impact on both of them, they Master’s degrees, and “competing with said. “Since gay marriage is not recog - each other over who had the best GPA at nized at the federal level, Sylvain cannot graduation,” said Tracz Grace, and be - obtain U.S. citizenship through marriage, sides being competitive, “We both have a passion for helping others, I in business PHOTO : STEVE COOPER/SM COOPER PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTIST PHOTO: M ANUEL BAUTISTA GONZÁLES for helping advocate on behalf of the LGBT community, she in the education being “overly romantic,” they said. “We will world.” likely enjoy a nice quiet dinner at home, Marriage has made a difference in their once the kids are in bed.” relationship, they said. “We have two kids, See Valentine’s Day on Page 13 Jack Hornor and Ron Skinn, Northamp - ton, MA PHOTO: ROBERT TOBEY Jack Hornor and Ron Skinn met in 1994 on a gay cruise. They were legally married in 2008, and recently celebrated their 19th anniversary on January 24th. “We have been very strong supporters of equal marriage for a long time,” said Hornor. “I served on the board of MassE - quality for seven years during the marriage fight, and am proud of my service to that cause.” Hornor, a prominent local gay activist originally from Manhattan, and Skinn, a former graphic artist from Ohio, stated that which has an impact on taxes, social se - being legally married is extremely impor - curity benefits, medical rights, employ - tant to them, though same-sex marriage ment, immigration, etc.,” Fowler explained. still needs to be legal at the federal level. 8 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 Discrimination from page 2 cal domination of one racial or ethnic group Boy Scouts from page 6 to communicate. over other group(s), and maintain psycho - But not everyone is pleased with the But over the years, pressure for change in the then upcoming election simply be - logical, social and material advantages for persisted and gained momentum. cause he was Black. Thankfully, even with BSA's change of mind. Tony Perkins, the dominant group,” read a statement president of the anti-gay Family Research "The Boy Scouts of America have heard that possibility, he prevailed. published at http://bit.ly/11DZg1u. Again, it from scouts, corporations, and millions of It is not enough to simply “celebrate” Council, said in a statement posted on is about power and clearly, that power is the organization's website: "If the board Americans that discrimination is wrong," Black History month. It is imperative to being highly disrupted. The backlash of capitulates to the bullying of homosexual said GLAAD's Graddick. stand by our LGBTQA brothers and sisters such a shift is obvious when any minority activists, the Boy Scouts' legacy of pro - For example, two members of the Boy in their fight for continued freedom ―free - group makes strides. Think about all of the Scouts' board, James Turley, chairman dom from erred bigoted, racist and learned ducing great leaders will become yet an - nuts coming out of the woodwork regard - and CEO of Ernst and Young, and Ran - cultural norms passed down from genera - other casualty of moral compromise." ing LGBT rights alone, and then compound dall Stephenson, chairman and CEO of tion to generation. The fact that anti-black that with racial and ethnic discrimination. Meanwhile, the BSA's turnabout comes sentiment actually grew from 2008 to the after a nearly yearlong effort by GLAAD AT&T, had said last summer they would As the APA stated, “both active racism advocate a change in the Scouts' policy. present, reflecting the time period that and passive acceptance of race-based and Scouts for Equality, along with peti - President Obama was in office, is proof that tion drives at Change.org. In all, more GLAAD and Scouts for Equality also privilege disrupt the mental health and psy - succeeded in pres - racist attitudes are often depicted when the chological functioning of both victims and than 1.2 million peo - under-represented group is gaining ple have signed suring BSA corpo - perpetrators of racial injustice.” Whether rate donors, “power” and the majority feels threatened, like me, you have race-based privileged or petition cam - a notion I will never understand. It makes paigns calling for GLAAD and Scouts for including Intel Cor - not, we all have a duty to stand with each poration, United me ashamed of my Caucasian counter - other, learn from other’s experiences, and an end to the dis - Equality also suc - Parcel Service, parts who have allowed themselves to be listen for the irrefutable truth that Martin criminatory policy. and Merck Foun - caught up in this “malarkey.” I’ve always Luther King, Jr. proclaimed. I too have a One change.org ceeded in pressuring said that my soul does not match the color dream that “one day this nation will rise up petition – initiated dation, to withhold of my privileged skin. and live out the true meaning of its creed: by Jennifer Tyrrell, BSA corporate donors, funding until the The American Psychological Association ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: a lesbian mother Boy Scouts end its (APA) attempts to explain why racism man - that all men are created equal.’” from Bridgeport, including Intel Corpo - policy banning ifests itself. “Racism in all its horrific forms *Nicole Lashomb is TRT’s Editor-in-Chief. Ohio who was gay youth and par - is transmitted across generations and is She holds an MBA from Marylhurst Univer - ousted as her 7- ration, United Parcel ents. manifested in individual behaviors, institu - sity and a Bachelors from SUNY Potsdam. year-old son's Cub Last fall, a San tional norms and practices, and cultural Contact her at: editor@therainbowtimes - Scout Pack's den Service , and Merck Francisco Bay values and patterns. Racism serves simul - mass.com. (no hyphen) mother in April Area mother, taneously both to rationalize the hierarchi - 2012 – calls for a Foundation , to with - Karen Andresen of reconsideration of hold funding until the Moraga, California Marriage from page 2 of marriage equality can do to stop it. "exclusivity against petitioned her There is holiness in the solemnization of gay youth and local Boy Scout understanding of something larger than a marriage. It is a sacred act more powerful Boy Scouts end its leaders" and "an council to honor self-interest, connecting and gently inte - than bestowing an economic right when her son Ryan with grating each person with the cosmos with - someone serves in a dual capacity of end of discrimina - policy banning gay tion in an organiza - an Eagle Award out quashing individuality. clergy person and government represen - that was denied to Today, marriage has secular and reli - tion that is shaping youth and parents . tative. This view does not, however, lessen him when Ryan gious meanings. Sometimes and under - the secular importance of marriage equal - the future." standably two people who join in marriage ity. Nor does it suggest the need for the ap - Tyrrell's petition has attracted more than came out as gay. An choose to focus on the secular. Others proval or affirmation of clergy. 300,000 signatures. Last July she deliv - official Eagle Board of Review unani - want the ... benefit of both – legal recogni - Two people who come together in secu - ered her online petition to BSA national mously approved Ryan's application for tion and a blessing by someone who also lar marriage, holy matrimony, or both, an - leadership in Irving, Texas. Eagle, but a Boy Scout executive ulti - embraces the union as transcending civil swer to one another, their individual At that time, however, the Boy Scouts mately rejected his application. and secular law. consciences, and if they believe in a higher re-affirmed a policy of banning gay mem - Andresen's online Change.org petition In January 2013, The Very Rev. Gary Hall, power, then to the Creator as well. In each bers. The Scouts cited a two-year study has garnered more than 400,000 signa - the Episcopal dean of Washington National case, the selection of a celebrant to per - by an 11-member special committee tures. The petition asks leadership from Cathedral, announced same-gender Chris - form the marriage merits special consider - Troop 212 and the Mt. Diablo Silverado tian weddings would begin immediately at ation. If there is a spiritual element, the formed discretely in 2010 that concluded that the "current policy remains the best Council "to reject the Boy Scouts of Amer - the Cathedral. According to Hall, “We en - choice is especially important since it high - ica's discriminatory anti-gay policy and to thusiastically affirm each person as a interest of scouting," according to a BSA lights the sacredness of the ceremonial act give Ryan Andresen the Eagle award he's beloved child of God — and doing so and commitment to one another in the press release and Associated Press re - means including the full participation of eyes of a universal, holy and divine pres - porting. earned." gays and lesbians in the life of this spiritual ence. For decades, the Scouts have main - Reached by phone, Ryan's father, Eric home for the nation.” This includes cele - *Paul is an author, attorney, and a semi - tained an anti-gay policy. Moreover, in Andresen, said he was "cautiously opti - brating same-gender Christian marriages nary trained, ordained priest in greater Al - 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 mistic" about the possibility of change in “in which the couple commits to lifelong bany, NY. He recently authored “Lost Sense decision, upheld the Scouts' right to dis - BSA policy. faithfulness, love, forbearance and mutual of Self & the Ethics Crisis – Learn to Live miss a gay assistant scoutmaster, saying "Let's hope it happens," he said. "I can't comfort.” There isn’t anything the Pope, and Work Ethically,” and is founder of that as a private organization, it had the imagine being so public and then back - Rev. Pat Robertson, or any other opponent www.CorporateChaplaincy.biz. right to decide whichever values it wishes ing out. It's a good first step, not the whole thing yet, but a step in the right direc - tion." Andresen said his 18- year-old son Ryan, "would still like to be rec - ognized for the work he has done." "Ryan hopes that no - body would have to go through what he had to go through," said his fa - ther. "This [new policy] will help other scouts in the circumstances he's in," enabling them "to stay involved" in scouting.

© Copyright. Chuck Col - bert. All rights reserved. February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 9 AIDS Foundation celebrates 20 years of work and raises funds through Viva!, its major gala

By: Emily Scagel/ TRT Assistant Editor continue funding its progress in the fight S

E to eradicate HIV/AIDS, as Quinn explained

The AIDS Foundation of Western V L

A in his welcome in the evening’s program.

Massachusetts, AFWM, hosted its I D

D This major fundraising event began as a

16th annual gala “Viva!” last month. N

O L

N masquerade ball, but evolved into more of

This year’s event took place at The B A a gala over the years.

Log Cabin in Holyoke, offering at - A

A S

S “The event had always been so much

tendees an impressive ambiance I L L

for the festivities. The gala also E more than a fundraiser,” reflected Crevier.

M

: “At its core, it was a celebration of life.

kicked off AFWM’s 20th anniver - O G T Then, a former Trustee and our graphic

sary, and the night focused on the O H

P designer, Todd LeMieux, proposed the

N last two decades of progress and the future transformational work of name Viva!. It’s a name infused with life E and hope and boldness.”

the organization. “This year we focused on the That infusion of life and energy was work of AWFM over the past two prevalent in the atmosphere throughout W decades, highlighting the ways in the evening as attendees shared in the

E which our sponsors and supporters passion of a common cause. Crevier first have served and transformed our became involved with the organization as N HIV/AIDS community,” explained a volunteer at the gala.

Robert Quinn, AFWM’s President. “The passion and energy was inspira -

N “We honored that impact while tional and led me to become progres - looking forward to the next 20 years sively more involved. Five years later and R and our collective potential. the spirit of Viva! is still my favorite ele -

E Viva! is AFWM’s largest Hedda Lettuce performs at Viva! 2013, the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ major fundraiser. ment of the night.” fundraiser, according to Executive The gala’s seated portion began with T Director Jessica Crevier, helping to are limited as a result of HIV/AIDS to main - HIV/AIDS and the network of AIDS service speeches by key individuals, including

S fund operating expenses, educa - tain their dignity and quality of life,” said organizations in the area. Crevier, Quinn and Holyoke Mayor Alex Crevier. “We work with case managers, mental Morse. The evening’s festivities continued

E tional programs and support serv - ices. AFWM works to create a network of sup - and physical health care providers, phar - with an engaging performance by New “It allows us to maintain the edu - port for people living with HIV/AIDS in macies, social service organizations and York drag legend and comic Hedda Let - W cational programming that helps Hampden and Hampshire counties, ac - more, with the goal of ensuring that peo - tuce. Kelsey Flynn, an improvisational co - people who are HIV negative to re - cording to AFWM’s website. The organi - ple living with HIV/AIDS in our community median from New England, emceed the main that way, support groups, referral zation creates positive and powerful have every opportunity to live their best live auction between Hedda Lettuce’s services and the emergency financial as - change in the community through educa - possible quality of life,” explained Crevier. acts. The live auction featured prestigious sistance program that helps people who tion, outreach and support, and acts as a Viva! is a celebration of AFWM’s work in connection between people living with the community, and a call to supporters to See AFWM on page 11 10 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013

PHOTO: LAUREN WALLESER

Local members of the Boston LGBT community, Boston Pride board members, Français du Monde, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) along with members of the French community were out to support marriage equality in front of the office of the Consulate General of France in downtown Boston. Boston and French locals say “Oui for Equality” Rally held to support marriage equality and same-sex adoption in France By: Lauren Walleser/ TRT Reporter fellow Frenchmen get what is deserved, Local LGBT and French organizations full equality in all aspects,” said Linda De - recently braved the bitter cold to show Marco, President of the Boston Pride their support for equality in France. The Committee. “This is really for mankind, French government and parliament are and the more we can get equality across currently working on a bill which would le - the world the better mankind will be.” galize same-sex marriage and allow Bruni shared the idea that support for same-sex couples to adopt children. As a France may be a two-way street which response to protests organizations in would lead the U.S. towards federal France have held in opposition to the recognition of same-sex marriage. pending legislation, supporters of the bill “The president has said clearly that he gathered world-wide on January 27 to supports equality and marriage for all,” he make their voices loud and clear. said. “Now is the time to act. I know there Sylvain Bruni, a board member at are lots of things on his plate and on the Français du Monde and a French citizen, administration’s plate, but the more coun - said that while he and other groups held tries that actually go forward and allow the rally in Boston, similar rallies were held same-sex couples to marry, to adopt, I in Paris, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Rio think the more the pressure is going to be de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Rome, Madrid, for the United States to follow suit as well.” and London. Rally attendee Daniel Carroll, who “We have a lot of French expatriates in worked as an intern for Boston Pride last the United States as well, a lot of bi-na - fall, explained why there may be a rise in tional couples, French American, and this the anti-equality movement in European law is going to allow also the recognition countries like France and Spain. of those bi-national couples that got mar - “I’m not exactly sure of the concentra - ried here, for example in Massachusetts,” tion of religiosity of France or Spain vis-à- said Bruni. “Those couples right now have vis the United States, but I would guess zero recognition in France. If they have that just about any place you would go, in kids here, their kids basically have no sta - any country, even here in progressive tus in France. They don’t exist.” Massachusetts, you have resistance to In addition to Français du Monde, Gay the fight for marriage equality or adoption & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) rights or other aspects attendant to the and Boston Pride’s sponsorship of the general LGBT movement,” Carroll said. event, Bruni said that The French Socialist Carisa Cunningham, GLAD’s Director of Party, HRC Boston, Queer Women of Public Affairs, said that GLAD was happy Color and the Harvard Black Gay Coali - to lend their moral support by sponsoring tion have also shown their support. the event, though they have not had any “Boston has the history of being at the legal involvement with the legislation is forefront of that type of fight,” he said. France. This was a sentiment that was repeated “We think that the growth of equality throughout the afternoonMassachusetts anyplace in the world is important,” said has a special role in supporting equality Cunningham. “The struggles in some efforts around the world, particularly mar - other countries are even more difficult riage equality, because of its historic lead than ours, so we like to show that there’s in the U.S. on the issue. a way forward.” “Obviously, being the first state in our Participants in the rally wore red and country to support gay marriage, it’s kind pink to increase visibility while holding of important for us to stand up for every signs and French flags in front of the office other state and country across our world of the Consulate General of France in to help equality, so we’re very proud to downtown Boston. support this effort to make sure that our February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 11

Combat from page 2 Rather than celebrate equal access to Airman 1st Class Krystal Tomlin posted an the military it seems a great responsibility opinion piece on the Air Force Official falls upon us to challenge this culture of Page. In her article she writes, “There militarism. During Black History Month, were 3,192 reports of sexual assault in the many will find themselves pulling out military during fiscal 2011, according to an quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., but annual report by the Department of De - one they will constantly forget comes from fense. An estimated 86 percent of sexual his speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to assaults go unreported, bringing the total Break Silence.” “I am convinced,” he to approximately 19,000 sexual assaults wrote, “that if we are to get on the right per year.” She was writing in response to side of the world revolution, we as a na - a question of whether a young woman tion must undergo a radical revolution of would be safe during basic training. This values. We must rapidly begin the shift past year has seen notable media atten - from a 'thing-oriented' society to a 'person- tion to the realities of sexual violence oriented' society. When machines and women in the military experience, but is it computers, profit motives and property possible to put an end to sexual violence rights are considered more important than within the military when sexualized harm people, the giant triplets of racism, mate - has always been a tool of U.S. military ac - rialism and militarism are incapable of Carnival 2013: Calling all artists to participate tion, from the colonization of this land to being conquered.” Our movements need The Provincetown Business Guild Email: [email protected] , or send it via reg - (PBG), in preparation for Carnival 2013 ular mail to: Provincetown Business Guild, themed "Viva Las Vegas," has started their 3 Freeman St, Unit 2, P.O. Box 421, 2nd Annual Carnival Poster Contest. Provincetown, MA 02657. Ending sexual violence takes much more All artists interested in creating a poster The winner will receive 2 VIP Passes. depicting this coming years "Viva Las Carnival Dates, for 2013 are August 18th- than changing reporting policies or placing Vegas," are asked to complete and submit 24th & the theme is Viva Las Vegas! women on the front lines, there is a culture a design by March 1, 2013. Important Note to artists: The artwork guidelines are as follows: The Provincetown Business Guild (PBG) of sexual exploitation in the building blocks • Size 11 X 17 and the artists share equal rights to the • Must be original artwork uses of the image and the artist will retain of the colonial structure that makes up the • Signed letter of Artist Approval to use the original work. • Appropriate for all ages No Entries will be returned and become U.S. Department of Defense . The deadline to submit the artwork is: the property of the Provincetown Business also shift ourselves from a simple equal - March 1st, 2013. Mail the artwork to: Guild (PBG). sexual torture in Abu Ghraib? Ending sex - ual violence takes much more than ity-orientation and consider the possibili - changing reporting policies or placing ties of collective liberation. The radical AFWM from page 2 Crevier. According to the Massachusetts women on the front lines, there is a culture revolution of values did not end with Department of Public Health, Holyoke and of sexual exploitation in the building King's ideas in 1967, but are constantly items, including a prime table at next Springfield rank in the top ten cities with blocks of the colonial structure that makes transforming. Simple “equal rights” ig - year’s gala and a private meal prepared the highest reported cases of HIV/AIDS in up the U.S. Department of Defense. nores the complex realities of our identi - by the Log Cabin chef in the bidder’s the state. The continued politics of inclusion and ties, our nation and our world. Taking the home. There was also a silent auction that AFWM seeks to end the spread of equality functions as an effective distrac - time to think beyond declared victories for featured an impressive spread of items, HIV/AIDS through its programming and tion from the violence perpetrated in the equality makes it impossible to celebrate including an autographed football from outreach. “Since its inception in 1993, the inclusion of women in combat without Danny Woodhead of the New England Pa - name of freedom and democracy. The AFWM exists to complete two objectives seeing the faces of the countless victims triots, a Yankee Candle gift set, a Mardi death tolls in Iraq from 2003-2007 reached in serving our community,” stated Quinn. of war; people of all genders, sexualities, Gras wine basket and tickets to “Traces” just over 1 million according to the Lon - “First, we provide emergency financial as - abilities in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, at the UMASS Fine Arts Center. don based Opinion Research Business. sistance to people living with HIV/AIDS. Palestine, etc. According to Crevier, the event was a Drones flying over Pakistan, Yemen, We also provide education to people great success. Palestine and Afghanistan this past year about community-based services, HIV *Rev. Jason Lydon is a Unitarian Universal - “Thanks to the generosity of our spon - have killed thousands of people, 3,461 in transmission prevention and social sup - ist minister in Boston. He is a long time sors and guests, Viva! raised well over Pakistan alone. It has gotten to the point port.” anti-prison organizer and founder of Black $50,000 in support of people living with that the United Nations announced that it AFWM has made a significant impact in HIV/AIDS in our community. Our live auc - will be making an inquiry into the use of & Pink, an LGBTQ-focused effort working the community in its first 20 years, and is tion brought in more than ever, and our drones and targeted assassinations. The toward the abolition of the prison industrial planning to meet the challenge of slowing raffle alone raised over $2,500! We're ex - inclusion of women in combat roles is not complex. Jason is also an avid lover of fa - and stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS tremely grateful and proud,” she said. going to change this culture of destruc - mous people and blockbuster action through newly expanded educational pro - Millie Colon, a Case Manager for Hous - tion, it simply gives liberal validation to the flicks. You can reach Jason at gramming. ing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS at ongoing policies of military expansion. [email protected] “Our peer education group, the AIDS the River Valley Counseling Center, en - kNOw More Project, is developing excit - joyed the spirit of community at the gala. ing new ways to educate the community “I’m glad to be here. It’s great to see all about prevention and stigma reduction. these people giving their time, financial We are developing monthly educational support and care to the people I’ve dedi - programming for people who are infected cated myself to,” said Colon. and affected by HIV/AIDS,” Crevier said All proceeds from Viva! support AFWM’s about AFWM’s plans for the future. mission in the community, a mission that Viva! 2013 successfully raised funds Quinn is personally familiar with. A Spring - needed to support the future goals of field native, Quinn first discovered AFWM AFWM, and they have “received wonder - while struggling with the financial stress of ful feedback from the community and are HIV. already putting it to good use in planning “Almost immediately, I felt a ray of hope next year's gala,” said Crevier. when I found AFWM,” recalled Quinn. “I Currently, AFWM is planning its second applied for their emergency financial as - annual National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS sistance program when I had nowhere Awareness Day Conference, to take place else to turn.” March 9. For more information about the While it is not discussed as openly as AIDS Foundation of Western Massachu - when it equaled a death sentence, setts and its upcoming events, visit HIV/AIDS continues to spread through www.aidsfoundationwm.org. communities like an epidemic, warned 12 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013

East Coast Biker Chicks during the Boston Pride Parade 2012. PHOTO: GLENN KOETZNER/TRT ARCHIVES East Coast Biker Chicks cele - brate 10 years on the road By: Brook Rosini/ TRT Reporter way.” Ride safe. Ride your own. Ride often. The women in the group are as different That’s the motto of the East Coast Biker from one another as the various makes Chicks, ECBC, a women’s motorcycle and models of motorcycles on the road. club founded ten years ago this month by “We have women from all walks of life. Lucky Belcamino. Women from all different backgrounds Established in 2003 as an antidote to with all kinds of day jobs, from pharma - what Belcamino and her friends saw as ceuticals, to a lawyer, a state police officer, masculine-identified, rigid, militant a day trader on Wall Street,” says Bel - women’s motorcycle clubs, the group’s camino, describing the group’s diversity. foundational values coalesce around an But what they all have in common is a emphasis on safety and awareness, the passionate devotion to ECBC, and a fierce idea that women no longer have to be loyalty to the woman who started it all. content to ride on the back of someone Demerle states, “I consider each mem - else’s bike, and the importance of female ber a close friend. I would do anything I camaraderie in motorcycle riding. could to help any of them out and I truly The club holds an impressive safety hope the members get that sense form record of zero incidents in their decade of me. Lucky has become family. She knows operation, and the women in the group I'd do anything for her and ECBC.” are brought together by their pure unvar - “I’m very loyal to her,” agrees Savard. nished love of motorcycling. Each woman “We all are.” has her own love story of the moment she The group has grown in leaps and met her motorcycle match. bounds from the start, with chapters rap - “I sat on a friend of the family's Honda idly opening in New Hampshire, Connecti - back in 1976, when I was 5,” recalls Shel cut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, and Demerle, National Vice President of Oper - Pennsylvania. Soon after, a West Coast ations. “It was that moment I was branch of the group opened up, including hooked.” chapters in California, Nevada, and Ari - And although they all agree that riding zona. There’s even a chapter in New Or - is fun, they each have a different approach leans. to it. But although the club has spread across “It’s therapy to me,” says Belcamino, the country like a wildfire on wheels, it Founder and National President of the doesn’t look like the name is going to club. change. In the early days of the ECBC, Demerle describes it slightly differently. before the “What Not to Wear” episode, “It's the freedom, the rumble, the wind, before Belcamino’s life story was pub - the badass feeling you get when you lished in the book Biker Chicz of North ride,” she says. “For a minute I feel like America ( http://tinyurl.com/d454puq ), be - someone else.” fore biker-turned-entrepreneur Edward And Emily Savard, a member since Winterhalder came calling to make a real - 2004, likens motorcycling as a wake-up ity series about the club (to watch and buy call to live life in the present. the pilot episodes online visit “When you’re riding you really have to http://tinyurl.com/az9ldx4 ), there was just be in the present,” she says. “And that’s Belcamino, something I learned right away as soon as I got on a bike, and I was ready to live that See Biker Chicks on Page 21 February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 13 Valentine’s Day from page 7 but say that marriage is not a priority. “For now, we are both ‘married’ to helping

N each other reach our shared and individ -

O T

T ual dreams, while helping to create the so -

O C

cial and political conditions for everyone N

E to embrace marriage if they so choose,”

E R

U said Yarbrough and Roberts, who co- A

M founded an organization together. The

:

O couple says that HBGC, the Hispanic T

O Black Gay Coalition, is “affectionately re - H

P ferred to as their ‘first-born’ and is a con - stant reminder of their like-minded passion for advancing Black and Latino LGBTQ communities.” They would like to have a low-key and private Valentine’s Day, and explained that “since we are both introverts who happen to always be on the go, we look forward to days like Valentine’s Day to just relax.” Keri Aulita & Mary Belge, Boston, MA Keri Aulita and Mary Belge were friends for five years before dating for two and a half years. “We have a great, solid friend - ship that serves as a foundation to our re - lationship,” they explained. Though they aren’t married, they are happy that a president finally agrees that marriage should be an option for every - one. “The main reason we haven’t tied the knot yet is because we can’t nail down what we’ll call each other. Mary, being a butch lesbian, doesn’t want to be a wife. Spouse sounds so unnatural. Husband doesn’t fit. Husbutch, maybe? We’ll see what we come up with!” joked Aulita, a PHOTO: DONNA PERRY long-time employee within LGBT nonprof - its. “It’s not the real reason we’re not mar - John Verlinden & Oz Mondejar, Boston, ried yet, but it’s an important piece for us MA LGBT folks to talk about.” John Verlinden and Oz Mondejar are In seriousness, they say that they do “best friends, as well as spouses,” they struggle with the institution of marriage said. They have been together for almost and what it means — the history of it, and 28 years, after meeting in Baltimore on the class system it creates, but “we also March 15, 1985. think that having kids, which we plan on, They got married in 2004, when it be - makes marriage a must.” came legal in Massachusetts, for both Even so, not being married, explained legal reasons and to be part of a historical Aulita and Belge, “has no effect on how moment in time, explained Verlinden. “I re - we view each other and how our relation - member at the time we thought it was all ship functions.” a little silly and we didn’t think it would Again, the couple mentions that they make much of a difference in our relation - struggle with the commercialism of Valen - ship. After all, we’d already been together tine’s Day, and say that it “doesn’t appeal 19 years,” he said. “But, it did make a to us, but heck, we like celebrating us, so huge difference. It was great to have our it does give us a day to just focus on what union recognized officially, and it deep - we have and how lucky we are.” Overall, ened our commitment to each other.” they say that they are “always humble and Verlinden and Mondejar say they went grateful for what we have ... in each other, to the Brookline Town Hall the first day and in life.” they were accepting applications for mar - riage licenses, and recall that it was quite affirming.

N

I

M “We were in line with a bunch of other

A

J

N committed couples, both men and

E

B

women, some with children, some older,

L

E some younger. The town had a big cake

O

J

: recognizing the importance of this day,

O

T and the staff in the Town Clerk’s office

O

H were so glad to see us.” P The pair is not sure what they’re doing yet for Valentine’s Day, said Verlinden, “but I know we will enjoy each other’s company.” Will you be

Corey Yarbrough & Quincey Roberts, “our” Boston, MA Corey Yarbrough and Quincey Roberts Valentine? have been together for almost four years, 14 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 Thinking about the transgender acceptance timeline into the future, what will it be like? By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw*/ TRT Columnist Many churches are now opening up their gen medicine to her. which will put her affect Jazz with her future in dating. t’s 2013 and arms to transgender constituents. Public physical male puberty on hold. Eventually In the “20/20” piece, Jazz is filmed texting just about accommodations, which are any places she will need to take estrogen, the female a prospective boyfriend. Jazz, with the ad - S Ieveryone in open to the public, across the land are also hormone to feminize her body. Further on vice of her Mom, decides to out herself as the world knows beginning to open up to us. More family down the road she may have genital re - transgender to the boy. The boy doesn’t W about transgen - members seem to be more accepting and construction surgery. That’s all fine and understand so Jazz gives him a link to her

E der people. Some understanding. Things are certainly a lot good for then, but what about now as she YouTube video which explains her situa - may not fully un - tion. The boy views the video and texts

N derstand who we back that he likes her no matter what. Awe - are, but they do some step for Jazz and the boy, but I won -

S know now that we exist. Five years Many people accept Jazz and love her der if he will openly admit to his friends that ago I would guess that less than 5 he likes her and if he will still want to date

N percent of the world knew about for who she is, but what about the up - her in the future when the time comes. Will transgender people, let alone un - he be fearful of how others may view him? A derstand who we are. What’s it coming exploration of dating and love In the next segment, Barbara Walters

R going to be like in 5 years? 10 asks Jazz about her safety, if she has ever years? 20 years? I can’t say for sure, for her ? encountered anyone who was not nice to T but I believe that most people will be her. Jazz told her that she has seen many more understanding and accepting of better than before but we still have a ways finds herself attracted to boys? She will hurtful and hateful comments on her transgender people, though at the same to go. want to date boys in a few years. What will YouTube video from people who, as Jazz time, there will probably be some people I was viewing a “20/20” clip from January happen? put it, “do not understand.” The camera who will still have some resistance to ac - where Barbara Walters was showing the Yes, the world is changing and many briefly shows a few of the comments. One cept and understand us. world the life of a young transgender child folks now are accepting of transgender comment I saw read “Kill it.” Things have changed immensely in the named Jazz. This was actually a revisit, as people. Many people accept Jazz and love Jazz is a brave little girl. past 5 years. Five years ago transgender Barbara and “20/20” had done a piece on her for who she is, but what about the up - So, as the transgender timeline unfolds, people had no rights or protection from Jazz 5 years ago. Jazz was 6-years-old coming exploration of dating and love for I wonder what will transpire. Eventually I’m discrimination. Currently there are now 16 then, she is now 11-years-old. Jazz has her? As a transgender woman, I personally sure that transgender people will be com - states plus the District of Columbia that been living totally as female for the past 5 know that there are many people who pletely accepted into society, but until that have laws prohibiting discrimination years, going to school, playing soccer and would love to be with a transgender per - time comes, unfortunately, I expect some against transgender people. In the 2013 has a handful of girlfriends. Puberty is be - son, but they are held back by the fear of resistance here and there. Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equal - ginning to now hit and thoughts of boys how others would view them. As a result *Deja Nicole Greenlaw is a local ity Index , 252 of the Fortune 500 compa - are on her mind. Her parents completely many, people will not openly date or transwoman who has 3 grown children and nies offered transgender rights and support Jazz, and have given their consent openly live with transgender people. It’s works at 3M. She can be contacted at de - medical coverage for their employees. to having her doctor administer anti-andro - mostly all hush-hush. I wonder how this will [email protected]. A manifesto: Being angry, not losing our temper and building the world we want to see By: Lorelei Erisis*/ TRT Columnist The answer to the first is pretty simple. Now, as I mentioned earlier, half the trick But Love, and it’s equally important, but irst of all, I Love Though you won’t find any columns written of this columnist gig is simply not losing my lower profile cousins, camaraderie , respect You. All of you. in answer to it, any regular reader probably temper. The thing is, I know there’s some and empathy , are what hold a movement But I’m angry. knows my answer already: No, I have not pretty awful questions and attitudes out together. They are what is rebuilt when the

N F

A Angry that there are had “the surgery” and I still haven’t de - there, but I want you to ask them of me. If walls of prejudice, hate and ignorance H

E those who suffer simply cided if I will. Heck, I haven’t even decided nobody answers them, is willing to clear have been torn down.

E M

for who they are or who if I’ll decide! away the misconceptions, the misguided So, in celebration of the time we have D I The second question though, that’s al - assumptions, and deal directly with the re - spent together here in these words, and in

V they like. Angry that I A

D even need to remind ways the hard one. First of all, my “ques - ality of simple human curiosity, then we will preparation for the words as yet unwritten,

:

O people that I might be tions” come from all over the place. To never have mutual understanding. We can - here is what I would like you to do. T

O angry. Angry that I need keep things interesting and diverse, I get a not find common ground. Fear and igno - Be Angry. Be angry that you ever have to H P to explain myself, my justify who you are, or who you love, to gender, my sexuality. anyone. Be angry that you are made to live Angry that I, and those like me, my sis - your life in fear and guilt, while the world ters and brothers, zisters and others, are This is the 50th “Ask A Transwoman” col - around you often barely notices there not yet free to simply live our lives. Love might be a problem. And let that anger who we will. Marry, fight and f$#k who we umn I’ve written here in The Rainbow drive you to action. Stand up and be choose. Wear the clothes we are comfort - proud , be out! Tell them you aren’t going able in. Be the gender we know to be right. to hide anymore, you will not sit quietly. If we are wrong about any of those Times . At a thousand words a column, But be sure to temper that anger with things, to have the freedom to pick our - love . We who are marginalized and abused selves up, try again and reinvent ourselves more before my editor wisely decided it are not immune to such behavior our - until we do get it right. To be the judge of selves. We must remember to extend our what that “right” is. would be best if I didn’t attempt the Great love and our community to protect and to Isn’t that the American Dream? nurture those we would push aside our - I like to joke that basically what I do for a Transgender Novel in every issue. selves. living is answer all those crazy questions We must guard against letting our anger people have about trans people while try - lot of them from my sprawling social media rance will rule the day. poison our family . ing not to lose my temper. reach. I get some from people who find my Still though, the idea that I have to defend But most of all, what I would like you to This is the 50th “Ask A Transwoman” col - email address, some through this paper, the very existence of my people, that we do is be you. Do not apologize for who you umn I’ve written here in The Rainbow some from my glorious friends who think must be explained and justified, some - are. Feel no guilt. Despite the messages Times . At a thousand words a column, too much and some from strangers on the times sticks in my throat. That I must con - the world may give you, there is nothing more before my editor wisely decided it street. stantly remind people that transmen, wrong with your gender. Nothing bad would be best if I didn’t attempt the Great The simple answer is there is no single transwomen, genderqueer, gender variant about your sexuality. Transgender Novel in every issue, that’s a question which rises to the top as the most and intersex people are … People. That is So here’s to 50 more columns! Here’s to couple miles of column inches dedicated offensive. The complicated answer though, what keeps me awake nights. the future we will build together, making the to my particular perspective on being Trans is that it is not a single question, but an at - And it is why I write. Why I speak, teach world we want to see. (and Queer and Kinky and …). titude toward trans people generally that I and march. And by all means, keep those questions When I tell people in social situations that have found to be the most offensive. I don’t want you to think this is just about coming. After all, answering them is what I write a column about transgender people Often, throughout the life of this column, anger though. As I said at the beginning, I I’m here to do. Slainte Chugat! and issues, I almost always get one of two I have found myself answering a lot of Love You. All of you. I mean that. questions. “What’s the most common questions from folks who seem somehow Anger has it’s place, it wakes us up and *Lorelei Erisis is Miss Trans New England question you get?” and, “What’s the worst angry about transpeople. Somehow of - gets us out into the streets. It will turn a 2009. Send your questions about trans is - question you’ve ever gotten?” fended at our very existence. Feel we are crowd that just can’t take it anymore into a sues to her at: [email protected]. traitors, frauds even. Movement. It gets things done. February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 15 Screen Queen: For a Good Time, Call; Keep the Lights On; Killer Joe; Game Change; For a Good Time, Call … “Gay film” does - audition clips and some sexy deleted rambles during the commentary. For a Good Time, Call … keeps the dirty- n’t have to be scenes. Game Change girl trend going with a sweet/sexy story of the routine com - No wonder Sarah Palin didn’t approve of two college foes – they hate each other ing-out drama or Killer Joe Julianne Moore’s uncanny take of the because of a urine spill oopsy – who inflated vanity One of the most under-recognized films Alaska governor in HBO’s drama Game bond once they launch a phone-sex op - project, as of last year involved Gina Gershon’s Change : as if Palin hadn’t already made eration. Justin Long is their gay bestie 2011’s Weekend bush, sexually abused fried chicken and herself look bad, Moore’s portrayal takes who’s responsi - demonstrated a plot so unbelievably bizarre it makes _A bad to a whole new level with diva ble for their with its under - Clockwork Orange_ look like a Disney tantrums, catti - loathed reunion, stated romance flick. Matthew McConaughey as the elec - ness and an while Kevin about a bitter - trifyingly creepy Joe, a detective who embarrassing Smith and Seth sweet gay fling. moonlights as a hit man, leads an ensem - level of political Rogen make Now we have ble of unhinged performances in this stupidity. But cameos as further proof that hardcore stage-to-screen dark comedy this isn’t a Tina turned-on queer cinema from William Friedkin (director of Al Pa - Fey impres - callers. The can overcome such triteness: Keep the cino’s gay thriller sion; Moore, cheeky-good Lights On , a four-time Independent Spirit “Cruising”). who deserves ’80s throwback, Awards nominee, is an explicit and sensi - Joe’s latest kill every award though, is all tive exploration of love – and the burdens involves murder - she’s won for about Lauren that drive us out of love – inspired by di - ing a woman so this role, taps and Katie (Lau - rector Ira Sachs’ own past relationship her deadbeat into Palin as a ren Miller and with literary agent Bill Clegg. Sachs’ very family can inherit human, not a scene-stealing phenom Ari Graynor) and personal story is conveyed through long- the life insurance cartoon. This is how they get over their hang-ups, and it’s term boyfriends Erik (Thure Lindhardt) to pay off drug Moore’s movie, done with more charm and faux lesbian - and Paul (Zachary Booth), a crack addict debt. Things go but Ed Harris and Woody Harrelson both ism than you’d expect from a filthy flick who up and leaves his partner without wrong. People deliver fine performances as McCain and about phone wanking. Special features any mention of his whereabouts. Years of die gruesome his strategist Steve Schmidt, respectively. include an amusing screw-off commen - this flightiness, and a particularly tragic deaths. Mc - Sarah Paulson, though, is also quite a tary with Miller, Graynor and out director scene in which a meth-influenced Paul Conaughey revelation. Interview footage with Ander - Jamie Travis examining very important el - screws a stranger in front of the partner shows more skin son Cooper and Katie Couric is cut into ements of filmmaking (i.e. Ari’s “lesbian he seems to have forgotten about, unrav - than in Magic this political soap opera, but it’s really the outfit” and female pee positions). Check els with rawness and devastating reality. Mike . It all comes to an absurdly crazy backstage bits that reveal, much to our out the deleted scenes, too, for a fun That authenticity is palpable in large part head so disturbing that if any film de - amusement, why the McCain campaign dildo fight. because of Lindhardt and Booth’s subtly serves its NC-17 rating, it’s this one. was a failure. Two short featurettes – one powerful performances. Extras are abun - Aside from the film itself, the other real focused on the book, the other a presi - Keep the Lights On dant: a making of, Sachs commentary, thrill here is hearing Friedkin’s insight and dential how-to – are included. 16 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 Dave Franco talks new coming-of-age film, sex appeal & fearlessnes about sexuality

mosexuality? By: Chris Azzopardi*/ Special for TRT S

J

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H A. That’s a good question. The main over -

ames Franco isn’t the only one fear - T

N lap is just how hard we dive into it. There’s

lessly exploring homosexuality in A

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/ nothing subtle, I guess, about how we

his career. His own brother, Dave, is T

J N too. With himself, even. E embrace gay culture – and there basically

M

N are no boundaries. We both push the en - The 27-year-old has attracted a big gay I

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fan base ever since he starred in the 2007 R

E indie After Sex , the one where Mila Kunis T I don’t know why a lot of what we create

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deals with that subject matter. I get asked

was a lesbian, and put Channing Tatum in T

I his place after a homophobic mix-up in M that all the time, and I’m not consciously

M last year’s 21 Jump Street . But it’s Dave’s U thinking to myself, “I’m gonna make these

S

: sexually explicit gay videos.” It just comes viral Funny or Die videos, where he’s had O

T sex with himself and also told actor Chris O through us for some reason.

H “McLovin” Mintz-Plasse “I wanna strip you P Q. How do you react to the gay commu - down” (and other homoerotic things), that nity’s excitement over you and your have really made the gays smitten. videos? Now the heartthrob is fighting zombies A. I gotta embrace it, right? I love it. At this in the film adaptation of the best-selling point, I’m so happy that anyone is even book Warm Bodies , also starring Nicholas aware of me or is a fan of me. It’s still Hoult of A Single Man . In his first gay something that I don’t think I’ll ever get press interview, we picked Dave’s brain used to. From just what I’ve heard and on the outsider theme of his new flick, what I’ve observed, the gay community, whether he plans to work on a gay project when they revolve toward someone or with James and how his sexually explicit something or a movie, they come full videos are in no way baiting the boys who force and they tell everyone about it. Tell love them. me if I’m wrong. Q. Under what conditions could you fall Q. No, word spreads fast in the gay in love with a zombie? community if a Franco brother is naked. A. I don’t think the physical appearance is A. Exactly. So I totally embrace it. getting in the way for me. (Laughs) As Q. With your upcoming role in Now You long as they were a good person in the See Me alongside some heavy hitters, past life, and there’s just some kind of your career is really taking off. Are you sweetness behind those eyes, I’m in. I ready for a lead role? Any idea what don’t need much else. you might want that to be? Q. Do you think there’s some subtext in A. I’m definitely ready for a lead role. My the movie’s theme about love being criteria for picking a project these days is boundless and knowing no sex or race just wanting to work with filmmakers I ad - – even life or death – that you think your mire. I do want to make my own films one gay fans might appreciate or relate to? day. I’ve been writing and producing and A. Definitely. If you take the zombie ele - editing all these Funny or Die videos, and ment out of the movie, it is still this com - it’s kind of been practice on a much ing-of-age movie about this outsider who smaller scale. I want to work with guys like is trying to find himself and eventually Jonathan Levine, who directed Warm Bod - does through love. It does speak to the ies and who I’ve admired for years. I just fact that it doesn’t matter what your race wanna be on set with these guys and see Dave Franco fights zombies in Warm Bodies , which just opened up in theaters. or your sexual orientation is. Sometimes the process and see how they work with you can’t explain a connection that works. ple a bit. So I was first aware that there I guess. I’m not consciously trying to do actors regardless of how big or small my Q. When were you first aware you had was maybe some awareness of me from that, but it’s not something I think about. role. So, honestly, I would be an extra in a gay following? the gay community when all my friends Like with my friends who are gay, it’s not all of Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies. I A. My friend I grew up with started calling were telling me there’s all this stuff online like that’s the first thing I associate with just wanna be around these guys. me out and saying, “Dude, I can’t even and if you Google my name, the first thing them. They’re just another friend, and they Q. The Funny or Die videos really imagine what people who don’t know you that comes up is “Dave Franco Gay.” just happen to like guys. helped launch your career, as did the think of you.” It’s not like I’m doing these (Laughs) Q. Why are all the videos so gay? “Acting with James Franco” skits. Other videos because I’m trying to shock or Q. So right around the time you A. There are a lot of very overtly gay than Broken Tower , do you have plans confuse people. I’m generally drawn to - f#$@&d yourself? things in these videos, but for some rea - to work on any projects with James that ward material that’s just different and A. (Laughs) That didn’t help things. son while I was making them, or while I might have a gay sensibility? unique and is gonna maybe surprise peo - Q. Whether you’re having sex with was even initially thinking of the ideas, I A. I love my brother and I respect him so yourself in “Go F#$k swear to god I didn’t think, “OK, we’re much, but in general, I have been trying Yourself” or talking gonna make another gay video that’s to distance myself from him just in terms dirty to Chris in gonna shock people.” The way “You’re So of work, because I need to kind of carve “You’re So Hot,” are Hot” came about: I worked with Chris on my own path at this point. I don’t want to these videos your a movie called Fright Night and in be - be referred to as “James Franco’s little way of showing your tween takes we would play this game. It brother” for the rest of my life. So it’s hard acknowledgement was a game that he and his buddies sometimes, because he is creating so and support for the played growing up and it just made me many of his own projects and he asks me gay community? laugh my ass off, so when the movie was to be a part of them and I would love to – A. Yeah, sure – defi - done and we were back in L.A. I thought but at this point, I just need to distance nitely! I have gay to myself, “This would make a really funny myself from him work-wise. friends and of course short.” Down the line, who knows, man. We do I’m comfortable Q. Being comfortable with your sexual - work very well together and our sensibili - enough with my sexu - ity seems to be something that runs in ties are very similar, obviously. We might ality that I’m open to the Franco family. Obviously your push the envelope almost too far if we doing videos like that. brother also has no qualms with his combine our heads. I’m open to the idea. I know a huge audi - sexuality. But whereas you explore it If I establish myself a little bit more, and ence is going to think with humor, James has more of a polit - that I am gay. I’m just ical and sexual agenda. Do you see any Read the rest of this story at: trying to blur the lines, overlap in the way you two explore ho - http://tinyurl.com/trtdavefranco February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 17 La pregunta que nos debemos hacer: ¿existimos o vivimos? Por: Wilfred W. Labiosa*/ Columnista de TRT esta conferencia fue increíble. Más de vivo mi vida en su totalidad. Me recordó importancia de vivir y no sólo existir. stas dos 3,000 participantes de toda la nación y el de la importancia de hacer trabajo comu - Debemos de recordar que el rojo no sólo S S

E palabras mundo representando facetas y trabajos nitario – en cualquier nivel. Me enseñó significa el día del amor y San Valentín H N

C significan de nuestra comunidad LGBT. Durante la que no estoy sólo y que, al igual que sino otras cosas más como la sangre – la I

R E

E conferencia reconecté con líderes LGBT, otros/as vivo mi vida . energía de nuestros cuerpos – pasión, en - O

algo diferente. Ex - : O I Latinos, y aliados/as que hacía tiempo no Aunque a finales del 2012 me sentía ergía, y celebración. Vamos a aprender T istir es ir a través O

H de la vida sin veía y que sólo ex - durante este mes como vivir, como sa - S P conocí a istía, ahora borear la vida y vivirla a plenitud. Vamos I pasión o energía. Vivir, vives es tantos/as Y como dijo el filósofo puedo decir a reconectar con cosas y personas que V poder ir a través otros/as. El que vivo y que nos recuerden la importancia de vivir y no de la vida con pasión y energía. La poder francés Jean Jacques entiendo (de sólo existir.

N monotonía de cada día puede lle - hablar con Rousseau : “El hombre (o nuevo) que en ¡Les deseo a todos/as mucho amor, en - I var a una persona en seguirla y líderes la unión está la ergía, pasión, y todo lo mejor durante este como Wil - fuerza y que en mes y a través del 2013! Espero que T sólo existir. Haciendo trabajo co - mujer) que más ha vivido munitario y de activismo social por son Cruz, todos/as todos/as tengan la oportunidad de apren - A tanto tiempo, a veces lleva a la per - Rea Carey, no es aquel que más años nosotros/as der de la importancia de vivir y no sólo ex -

L sona a existir y no a vivir. José Anto - está la semilla istir. Les deseo vida a todos/as un ¡feliz A finales del 2012, yo estaba sintién - nio Vargas, ha cumplido , sino aquel que puede mes de Febrero! Y como dijo el filósofo dome que sólo existía y mi pasión por ac - Lisbeth, germinar, que francés Jean Jacques Rousseau: “El tivismo y trabajo comunitario estaba Jorge, que más ha experimentado nos provee la hombre (o mujer) que más ha vivido no desapareciéndose de mi panorama y Noris, Mar - y vivido la vida ”. energía y nos es aquel que más años ha cumplido, sino vida. En enero tuve la oportunidad de ir a cia, Leti G., enseña la im - aquel que más ha experimentado y vivido la conferencia de Creando El Cambio, or - David, Mon - portancia de la vida”. ganizada por la Organización NGLTF (sus ica y tantos/as otros/as que representan vivir. * Columna escrita por Wilfred W. siglas en inglés). Durante esta conferen - la diáspora Latina y LGBT fue increíble. Espero que durante este mes de febrero Labiosa, activista y psicólogo; miembro cia pude presentar mi trabajo con la co - Esto me dio energías para continuar mi que se conoce por el color rojo, San Va - de Unid@s: La Organización Nacional munidad LGBT en Cuba e ir a varios trabajo. No sólo me dio energías sino que lentín, el amor, y la amistad, te recuerdes LGBT Latina y de Acceso: Organización seminarios. La energía palpada durante me recordó porque siempre digo que yo de vivir. Durante este mes, recordemos la Humanitaria entre Cuba y E.U. Pregúntale a Lambda Legal: La Comunidad Transgénero y la Policía Por: Dru Levasseur/ Abogado de Derechos 22 por ciento de las personas que han in - trabajando con la policía para aplicar re - y utilizar pronombres de género respetu - Transgéneros, Lambda Legal teractuado con la policía han reportado ser glas que requieran el trato respetuoso de osos a la identidad y la expresión de Querido Lambda Legal: acosadas por ellos. El porcentaje es las personas transgénero cuando estén género del individuo”. P: Soy una mujer trans - mucho más alto en personas transgénero patrullando o en custodia. Estos esfuerzos Para más información puedes bajar género y a veces cuando Afro-Americanos o Latinos (6,450 per - han resultado en mejores políticas en San nuestra publicación, "Fighting Anti-trans Vi - salgo con mis amigos, la sonas transgénero y personas no sin con - Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles, la Ciu - olence " en http://tinyurl.com/bmflvhu . Para policía se acerca y me formidad a estereotipos de género dad de Nueva York y Washington, DC. información sobre el trabajo de Lambda acosan, asumiendo que completaron la encuesta en el 2011). De En abril de 2012, la policía de Los Ánge - Legal con derechos transgénero, visita a soy una prostituta. ¿Qué ellos, casi la mitad informaron que se sin - les emitió una nueva política en el trato de http://tinyurl.com/alv4ayu . Si crees que has debo hacer? tieron incómodos al buscar ayuda de la presos transgénero para "prevenir discrim - sido discriminado/a basado en tu ori - R: Lo primero que policía. inación y conflicto". Entre las pautas está entación sexual, identidad de género o es - debes hacer es conseguir toda la informa - Hay demandas legales pendientes en esta instrucción: "Tratar a las personas tatus de VIH, por favor llama a nuestra ción posible acerca del policía implicada: varias ciudades en respuesta a incidentes transgénero de una manera respetuosa a línea de ayuda al 1-866-542-8336 o visita el número de placa del policía, el número de registros al desnudo a manos de la la expresión del género del individuo, que http://tinyurl.com/8pda9c8 . Lee en inglés de zona, el nombre, su descripción, y el policía, personas manoseadas, deten - incluye llamarlos por su nombre preferido en: http://tinyurl.com/trtlevasseur. lugar y la hora de lo ocurrido. La policía ciones ilegales y acciones como el enca - tiene la obligación de darte su número de denar a personas transgéneros en placa de policía y su nombre—pero barandillas antes de colocarlas en celdas. asegúrate que no te estés arriesgando al Mientras tanto, los defensores han estado tratar de colectar esta información. Si la policía quiere interrogarte, pregunta si estás en la libertad de irte. Si te dice que sí, retírate con calma. ¡Anúnciate en la Si eres acosada por la policía, es una Guía de Orgullo de buena idea llamar a una organización que trabaja en asuntos de violencia policíaca e Boston/Boston Pride institucional como el “Anti-Violence Proj - ect” (AVP, por sus siglas en inglés) (www.avp.org ó 212-714-1141) de la ciu - The Rainbow Times fue el dad de Nueva York u otro grupo bajo la Coalición Nacional de Proyectos Contra la Patrocinador Oficial de Violencia (www.ncavp.org, 212-714-1184, Boston Pride, Latino o [email protected]). Estos grupos proveen Pride, NAGLY, HBGC, y no sólo asesoramiento jurídico sino te otros eventos a través de apoyan con otras cosas. También llama a la Comisión Evaluadora todo el año 2012. de Quejas Civiles (Civilian Complaint Re - view Board, en inglés) de la policía o el De - ¡Empieza temprano y partamento de Asunto Internos (Internal reserva tu anuncio para la Affairs Bureau, en inglés). Es muy impor - Guía de Boston Pride! tante presentar una denuncia para con - struir una medida exacta del problema. El acoso por la policía y los ataques violentos contra personas transgénero son muy co - munes. Según la Encuesta Nacional sobre la 617-444-9618 Discriminación de Transgéneros (ENDT), 18 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 James Franco, Ira Sachs, Sean Hayes, AbFab, more By: Romeo San Vicente*/ Special for TRT

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James Franco is S

S D one of the beau - U

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tiful people, but E

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you knew that O

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ahead and make H

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the man an hon - N

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we? Because at T

O L this point in his career, as a movie H star/student/artist/culture-creator, P L James Franco is more than just

O gay-friendly or gay-adjacent, he’s gay-absorbed. A heterosexual H who’s chosen queer culture as a

topic to explore and explore and E explore from as many angles as possible, including the much- D

I buzzed about Sundance Film Fes - tival entry Interior. Leather Ba r S (which imagined itself as a docu -

N mentary about the mythical missing

I 40 minutes from the film Cruising ), Franco will now take on The Beau -

P tiful People , a biopic of Jay Se - bring, a straight man in a E stereotypically gay profession. You

E might not know his name but Se - bring was well known in Hollywood D in the 1960s as the playboy hair - dresser to the stars. He had an affair with Valley of The Dolls star Sharon Tate and, along with her, was tragically murdered by A screenshot from Ira Sachs’ Keep the Lights On. the Manson Family. In other words, his life has needs-to-be-a-movie written all over Harry Potter franchise) and Alfred Molina yes, really) it was only a matter of time be - fans and, to this day, refuses to go quietly it. Franco will direct and star in the project, (whose own career took off in the late ’80s fore Hayes decided it was time to prove into that good night. No, it’s not Sex and but there’s no other word on casting or a playing Joe Orton’s lover in the British his non-gay-acting talents on a bigger the City , it’s Absolutely Fabulous . And after schedule, so this one will most likely show drama Prick Up Your Ears ) as a longtime stage. And after starring in last year’s TV one-off specials and mini-seasons, dor - up in 2014 or later. gay couple in New York experiencing the pilot about gay parents, one that didn’t get mancy and resurrection, brilliantly funny ups and downs of a romance that’s lasted picked up, the Will & Grace star is back periods and stretches where you won - For Ira Sachs, Love Is Strange a lifetime. After their wedding, the couple with another untitled pilot from Better Off dered why they keep beating this dead If you pay attention to this sort of thing, finds themselves forced to be apart (for Ted creator Victor Fresco. This time he horse only to rebound back into funny you’ll know that filmmaker Ira Sachs was unexplained reasons at the moment), and plays a single father (of no defined sexual again, here comes a film. That’s right, an the breakout gay indie filmmaker of 2012 they experience all the difficulty that orientation, but let’s assume the guy is AbFab movie. Will it be theatrically re - thanks to his harrowing drug drama Keep comes with separation. Shooting is straight, why not?) raising a 14-year-old leased or will it stick to the familiarity of tel - The Lights On , an autobiographical story scheduled for this summer, so expect a daughter and dealing with a problematic evision? Nobody’s talking just yet, but of a gay couple in New York caught in the highly anticipated 2014 release. boss at work. If it works, it’ll be one more Joanna Lumley has confirmed that it is, in - spiral of addiction. Striking while the iron brick out of the wall of resistance to deed, in the planning stages; that she’s is hot, Sachs has already lined up his next Sean Hayes will not be told which sex - openly gay actors crossing that boundary. fully on board to step back into Patsy’s feature, another indie called Love is ual orientation to play So let’s all hope this one gets picked up. sleek, drunken, vicious couture; that Jen - Strange that is – surprise – about another After the Promises, Promises flap (in Neil Patrick Harris can’t carry this kind of nifer Saunders is writing the script; and gay couple (write what you know, they which a gay Newsweek reporter took sitcom burden all by himself. that she hears it’s also a musical (that last say). This one will star Michael Gambon issue with Sean Hayes playing a hetero - bit might just be wild conjecture and prob - (Dumbledore, gay after the fact in the sexual character in a Broadway musical – AbFab , Part ably is). But whatever’s true, whatever it Eleventy turns out to be, whenever it sees the light Pon Tu A touchstone of day, we’re in. We’re always in. We al - comedy series ways will be in. Until these two characters Anuncio en of the 1990s, are a hundred. Or more. el Orgullo de one that per - Boston 2012 meated all of * Romeo San Vicente is still absolutely fab - con TRT! gay culture, ulous himself. He can be reached care of won legions of this publication or at DeepInsideHolly - [email protected]. Patrocinador Oficial del Orgullo de Boston (Boston Pride ), otra vez en 2012.

617-444-9618 February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 19 Thinking Out Loud: Is The Con - Creep of the Week: Pastor Terry Jones; hypochristian spews hate at Obama stitution Passé? Are we over it? By: D’Anne Witkowski*/ Special for TRT ness.” By: Abby Dees*/ Special for TRT tempt to be enlightened, to be better. The ey are you pissed that Rah rah rah! espite my radical framers understood that it was inherently As you know, if it’s not on YouTube it did - S President Obama has spirit, my com - flawed and subject to the prejudices of the been all nice-nice with n’t happen. So thankfully there’s a heavily times. Thomas Jefferson probably em - H mitted feminism the gays lately? Then you should edited video of the burning you can watch

D W and deep distrust of old bodied this contradiction as much as any totally set him on fire. Or at least with your own eyes if you must.

establishments, after I of the founding fathers: he was a seeker E a life-size Obama doll strung up “Do you know what bestiality is?” Jones went to law school I be - of truth and also slave owner. I make no on a gallows on the front lawn of asks the crowd (several people say no). came a fawning, dorky excuses for this, but he was at least some - N “Sex with animals. “He,” Jones said point -

your church with an upside down fan of the U.S. Constitu - what aware of his failings. He wrote, “I am American flag flying in the back - ing to the Obama doll, “he said it was

tion. It’s normal for not an advocate for frequent changes in P ground. Because that’s what okay.” People in the crowd understand - lawyers to do this. We see in the Consti - laws and constitutions, but laws and insti - ably react in disgust and anger at “learn -

E Jesus would have done. tution all this promise of equality and jus - tutions must go hand in hand with the And that’s what Pastor Terry ing” that Obama is totally cool with animal E Jones did to show everyone that f#$@ing. “And people wonder why we’re so

R he was not pleased with all this gay lovin’ the President was lav - upset,” Jones says as he takes a gun out

My point is, the Constitution isn’t a crum - C ishing on the queers. You may of his jeans pocket in what I suspect was recognize Jones’ name because he’s the supposed to be a cool move but the gun bling piece of parchment ; it is, like lawyers asshole that burned the Quran to show gets caught and he has to tug a separate those Muslins who’s boss. time to free it. Setting the gun on the are fond of saying, a “living document.” In “In times of universal deceit telling the lectern in front of him he says, “And peo - truth is a revolutionary act,” says Jones in ple wonder why we’re mad.” He puts the that spirit, LGBT rights are poised to be the a YouTube video of the effigy burning. gun back in his pocket. “People wonder Jones is decked out in a black leather why we call for a revolution. Sex with ani - next logical step in its – and our – growth. jacket and mirror sunglasses while stand - mals. Our president says it’s okay our I’m all for deleting the Electoral College ing in front of a trailer with “National Burn senate says it’s okay. And we do nothing.” text, and who cares about the “framers’ in - tent” if it can’t guide us today. “Do you know what bestiality is?” Jones asks the crowd (several people say no). tice, even though we know all too well progress of the human mind….We might what a problematic document it is, and as well require a man to wear still the coat “Sex with animals . “He,” Jones said point - how very bloody its failings have been. which fitted him when a boy as civilized ing to the Obama doll , “he said it was We will fight for it like rabid dogs. society to remain ever under the regimen I was, therefore, gobsmacked to hear of their barbarous ancestors." okay.” People in the crowd understandably esteemed constitutional law professor There is nowhere else in our legal canon Michael Seidman calling it “an ancient such a document that allows for improve - react in disgust and anger at “learning” and outdated document” on CBS Sunday ment to our collective wisdom or marks so Morning last week. I almost threw my ce - well where we’ve been. The 3/5ths provi - that Obama is totally cool with animal real at the TV. I refrained, and instead, sion still exists in the text of the constitu - f$#&ing . continued to watch while suppressing a tion, but it has been superseded by the twitch. OK, he made some sense. His extraordinary historical moment of the Effigy of Obama Day” written in red on it. Now I do not remember when the Pres - question was why are we so beholden to 14th Amendment (1866), recognizing the Next to the trailer is a giant tombstone that ident and the Senate of the United States a bunch of dead guys? equality of all American citizens. And reads “Obama Dead” sitting on a pile of of America passed the pro-animal sexing Come to think of it, is there really a good we’ve bumped along toward full equality dirt. act. My guess is that it’s a provision buried reason for the Electoral College or a two- for women, despite the failure of the ERA. On Jones’ website he writes, “President in some kind of appropriations bill. year term for members of the House other The Supreme Court, as interpreter of our Hussein Obama is a disgrace to this na - Sneaky bastards. than, “because the it’s in the Constitu - Constitution, has enshrined our biases, tion. He is an illegal president, the poster An African-American man, identified in tion”? All those provisions have done for and then at other times, pushed us well child for abortion, a frontrunner of the ho - the YouTube video as, no s#!t, “Michael us is Bush II and unending campaign out of our national comfort zone. In recent mosexual movement, a destroyer of the the Black Man,” addresses the crowd next robocalls. Even beyond its pragmatic fail - history, we only need look at the shameful U.S. Constitution, and the great friend of surrounded by seven other African-Amer - ings, Seidman points to the gun-control Korematsu case of 1944 in which the in - Islamic terrorist governments.” ican men. “You see we have an effigy of debate to illustrate our misguided obses - ternment of Japanese-Americans was Did you know all of this? I did not know Obama and one of Mr. Clinton. President sion with what people thought 200 years held to be lawful. Then, just ten years later, all of this. Jones is what you might call an Clinton,” MBM says. “The reason why ago. Instead of discussing the role guns the Court declared segregation on the information man. Always schooling. I cer - he’s up there with Obama is because he should play in our society today, we get basis of race to be unlawful in Brown v. tainly did not know Obama was the “fron - deserves to burned in hell, too.” bogged down on what the framers meant Board of Education. trunner of the homosexual movement.” Oh, thank you MBM for explaining that. in 1790. One’s opinion on the matter then My point is, the Constitution isn’t a I’m not even sure what that means. But if Because I was having trouble wrapping becomes needlessly elevated to a litmus crumbling piece of parchment; it is, like Terry Jones said it, why it’s as good as my brain around why Clinton was being test about who’s most patriotic, all be - lawyers are fond of saying, a “living doc - God’s word. If God were a hateful man burned on National Burn Effigy of Obama cause of the 2nd Amendment, written ument.” In that spirit, LGBT rights are with a handlebar mustache. Day (which, I should add, is not a federal back when guns coughed out a lead poised to be the next logical step in its – “On Saturday, January 19th, 2012, we holiday). Personally I think Clinton de - gumball. At this point, forget rational de - and our – growth. I’m all for deleting the burned an effigy of Obama as a public ex - serves his own day, but hey, I didn’t or - bate. Electoral College text, and who cares pression of our disgust for his immoral, ganize this event. I can’t really argue with him, but I’m not about the “framers’ intent” if it can’t guide destructive, and deceptive leadership,” *D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay willing to concede so quickly, especially us today. But I still have faith in the Con - Jones announced proudly on his website. since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and since this year promises to be a turning stitution’s unique power to urge us for - “It is time for a new American revolution. poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on point in LGBT rights. There’s no doubt ward. Absent a better alternative, I’ll keep Let us organize, unite, and hit the streets the creeps of the world she reviews rock that the Constitution got many things pro - it. in order to bring this nation back to great - ‘n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister. foundly wrong – for example, the notori - Abby is a civil rights attorney-turned-au - ous provision that counted slaves as thor who has been in the LGBT rights three-fifths a person, or the fact that only trenches for 25+ years. She can be rich white men got to vote. Whoops. reached through her website: queerques - I also see in it, though, a good faith at - tionsstraighttalk.com boston pride 2013 ... AdVertise! 20 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 Ocean State making waves toward New England marriage equality, tide is turning

By: Clara Lefton/ TRT Reporter L shire, New York, Vermont and Washington. being very cautious in the words I say and

L

U "I was proud to witness such a historic the things that I do to ensure that this bill

H

Last month, the Rhode Island

N moment for the state of RI and its LGBTQ has a full and fair debate, because it's im -

A

House of Representatives approved I

R community," said Anthony F. DeRose, the portant to both sides of this debate to en -

B S

a marriage equality bill with a vote

:

O Chairman of the RI Democratic LGBTQ sure it stays civil, that tolerance is

of 51-19. This bill will now move for - T

O Caucus. "Passages of this bill send a very demonstrated by both sides and that it's a

ward to the Senate, although a date H W has yet to be set. This is the closest P loud message that the tide has turned here meaningful discussion on the Senate."

E that RI has ever gotten toward in RI. The momentum is there and now we Others opposed include: Dominick Rug - same-sex marriage, having had the must work together and focus on the Sen - gerio, the Senate Majority Leader, and N ate. All Rhode Islanders should be able to Chairman Michael McCaffrey of the Senate

legislation brought to the attention of the General Assembly every year marry the person they love regardless of Judiciary Committee. gender in the state that they work in, play Another option the Senate will debate in - D since 1997. Over 100 people showed up to in and call home." cludes the possibility of making same-sex N the House galleries for the Thursday Currently Rhode Island Senate's upper marriage legislation a referendum, there - chamber is led by 32 democrats, five re - fore allowing the general public to vote,

A afternoon vote, reported The Provi - dence Journal . The final tally took publicans and one independent. But rather than elected officials. L place after over an hour of discus - DeRose believes that this should be "We don't believe that the rights of a looked at as more than just an issue be - minor class of citizens should be subjected S sion on the House floor. Five repre -

I sentatives did not participate in this tween two political parties. He cited RI to the popular vote of the majority," said vote for varying reasons, from lack Democratic Party Chairman Ed Pacheco Ray Sullivan, campaign director for Mar - as having the right attitude when he said, riage Equality RI. "This legislation has been E of attendance to illness: Spencer Dickinson, Deborah Fellela, Brian Democratic Representative Art Handy "This is not a democrat issue or a republi - closely watched and intensely debated for D Kennedy, Peter Palumbo and ocratic Rep. Arthur Handy. The legislation, can issue, this is a civil rights issue," in front nearly two decades, we believe it's time for H 5015, proposed the redefinition of mar - of the House Judiciary Committee in sup - the General Assembly to call the vote.

O Donna Walsh. "I wasn't particularly surprised, riage as the "legally recognized union of port of marriage equality. We're appreciative of the fact that the House is already done and it's up to the H however, I was overwhelmingly two (2) people." From there, it proceeded PHOTO: RI LEGISLATIVE PRESS BUREAU happy to hear the news," said to receive a unanimous vote from the Senate now. More broadly, the Governor R Jonathan Rubins, a freshman at House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 22, and the Speaker and even the Senate Brown University whose family owns a which is what sent it to win by 32 votes and President have all said that they don't favor house in Westerly, RI. "I had heard about move on to the Senate. putting this issue on the ballot as a refer - many of the LGBT supporters in the State "[I] thought we’d get a few more than 48 endum." House, so the real case was just hoping [votes in favor] and was pleased that the An openly gay resident of Coventry, RI, that no one would lose their footing and spread was far better than 2-1," said Chair - Kate Miechkowski, said, "Last year, back down their support." woman of the House Judiciary Committee, Speaker Fox didn't even put it up for a vote The bill was initially introduced in the Edith Ajello to The Rainbow Times . because he knew we wouldn't get it. In - 2013 legislative session on Jan. 3 by Dem - A democrat from Providence, RI, Ajello, stead, he put civil unions up for a vote. remains hopeful in what she predicts will People were frustrated but, politically, I un - TOP 10 BEST SELLER VIDEOS still be a battle in the Senate. derstand why he did it." "Individual Senators will get a lot of atten - The state's first independent Governor Courtesy: WolfeVideo.com Edith Ajello, the Chairwoman of the House Ju - since the late 1700's, Lincoln Chafee is ex - tion from their constituents on this issue. I diciary Committee. think that, as we’ve seen in House Judici - pected to sign the bill if passed by the Sen - LESBIAN TOP 10 ary Committee, the opposition will be ugly, For instance, despite being a democrat, ate. A longtime supporter of marriage 1. A Perfect Ending hurtful and filled with too much talk of reli - Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed is equality, he signed a bill in 2011 legalizing openly opposed to same-sex marriage. civil unions and in 2012 an executive order 2. Jessica Clark 2013 Calen- gion,” said Ajello. “I hope that attention will sway enough Senators to join the 11 sign - She had cited her top priorities this year as to recognize same-sex marriages that took dar ers of the bill in support. A simple majority improving RI's business climate as well as place outside of RI. 3. Strange Frame on the committee and in the Senate as a the economy. Even with her own personal "Although this vote is indeed historic, 4. Kiss Me - Best Lesbian whole is all that we need." differences, she has decided not to block there is still a long way to go. Now that the a committee hearing in the Senate for the House has swiftly acted, I urge Senate Movie of 2012!* If the Senate were to pass Rhode Island's marriage equality bill, it would make New marriage equality bill. leadership to 'call the roll' – for our econ - 5. A Perfect Ending: Auto- England the first entire region of the United "There will be a genuine debate and dis - omy, for our gay and lesbian friends and graphed Photo + DVD States that supports same-sex marriages. cussion in the Senate on this issue … I neighbors, and for history," said Chafee in 6. Jack & Diane Currently, the country allows marriage don't anticipate changing my position on a public statement on Jan. 24. the bill that has passed the House," said For more information about RI's fight for 7. Lost Girl: Season 1 equality only in the District of Columbia and nine states: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Paiva-Weed when she spoke with WJAR- marriage equality, visit: www.marriagee - 8. The Guest House Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hamp - TV's 10 News Conference on Jan. 27. "I'm qualityri.org/blog/. 9. Joe + Belle 10. The Lovers & Friends Show Season 5: The Final Season

GAY TOP 10 1. What Happens Next 2. The Wise Kids 3. The Men Next Door 4. Gayby 5. Keep the Lights On 6. North Sea Texas 7. Sexual Tension: Volatile 8. Weekend Thiis siize ad collor? $50 per month! 9. August 10. Any Day Now 661177--444444--99661188 February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 21 Biker Chicks From page 12 her ECBC-branded baseball cap, and her many community connections. “I was a marketing genius,” Belcamino laughs when she recalls those days. “I al - ways wore my cap. It was a black cap with big, white letters. That was all I had. And all it said was ‘East Coast Biker Chicks.’ But people were intrigued. Men and women would stop me and say, ‘That’s such a cool hat! Is that a club?’ And then I’d get to talk about it.” Belcamino would put on her cap and www.vicemerchants.com/collections/shop-all

pound the pavement, hitting up all the 0

local gay bars and LGBT publications. 1

0 2

ECBC is LGBT-friendly, but opens its arms

L A

beyond the LGBT community. E

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“One thing I love about ECBC is its will - .

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ingness to be inclusive. I am a ‘Butch’ O T

identified person and I've always felt wel - O H come,” says Demerle. “We have had past P members that were trans and gay and ECBC President Lucky Belcamino (right) and straight and bi and everything in between. Vice President Shel Demerle (left). I love that. And I hope me being me puts potential members at ease and they too tional rite, a birth by fire for an organiza - feel welcomed.” tion that would grow from being nothing Belcamino attributes her success to more than an idea in the heads of a hand - many community members who helped ful of friends in a basement in 2003, to a her along the way, like Matty of “Matty in group hundreds of women strong spread the Morning” on KISS 108 FM, the club’s across the nation ten years later. sole honorary male member, and two of “I remember feeling the tingling of her best friends, Yosi Fernandes and goose bumps on my arms, and then it Heather Adamian—women she has been came to me, and it just resonated in my close with for over two decades—who brain and I knew that was it. It just Belcamino says came up with the idea to clicked,” says Belcamino. start the club. According to Belcamino, she knew “They’re fully responsible for putting the “babes” wasn’t right for the group: it was bug in my ear,” she says. “They had said, too infantilizing and sexualizing, whereas ‘Yeah, you’re The Mayor, you know every - “chicks” was liberating and empowering. body, you should get a gang together and She says, “Chicks are like fun, funky, get some t-shirts and we’ll go out and eclectic, rock ‘n roll, hardcore – they can wear them on charity rides.’ Well, here we be anybody, you know?” are, ten years later.” ECBC members Demerle and Savard Belcamino even credits her tuxedo cat, both offer the idea that Belcamino’s lead - Basil, with providing inspiration for the ership style is one of the reasons the club group’s logo. Belcamino says Basil sat on has been successful. her lap when the perfect name came to “Like most things, what makes some - her, after she had entertained monikers thing successful is how it's run from the like “East Coast Riders” and “East Coast top,” says Demerle. “Lucky’s passion and Biker Babes.” The club’s black and white deep love for the group keeps it strong colors are a tribute to the cat’s formal and the members loyal. After the leader black tie markings. Belcamino talks about the moment she Read the rest of this story at: thought of the name almost as a founda - http://tinyurl.com/trtbikerchicks 22 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 LGBTQ news from around the country: The good, the bad and the ugly By: Emily Scagel/ TRT Reporter Study shows African American gay males landers United for Marriage said that there Church supports marriage equality Boston, MA face unique challenges is incredible momentum behind this move - The Washington National Cathedral has AIDS Action Committee disapproves Gay black males face a unique set of ment. announced that it will embrace marriage D funding cuts challenges from themselves, their family equality and begin celebrating weddings The AIDS Action Committee has and society. The director of the Master of Religious coalition forms in support of mar - of gay and lesbian couples. Deputy Direc - O released a statement voicing con - Social Work program at Rutgers University riage equality tor of HRC's Religion and Faith Program

O cern of Gov. Deval Patrick's recom - recently completed a study of African A Rhode Island coalition that represents stated that this is a milestone in the Epis - mended funding of HIV/AIDS and American gay youth and their families. The over a dozen welcoming and affirming de - copal Church. The Cathedral is the most

H viral Hepatitis in the budget. AIDS study, African American Gay Youth and nominations has announced its commit - visible community of faith in Episcopalian - Action president and CEO said that Their Families: Redefining Masculinity, ment to continue working toward marriage ism. R this is a disappointing step back - Coping with Racism and Homophobia , equality legislation. An ordained minister ward for the fight against HIV/AIDS. found that gay black males struggle with in the united Church of Christ and chair of Chuck Hagel voices support for LGBT military O State funding for HIV/AIDS has intersecting oppressions. The author calls the Rhode Island Religious Coalition for families

B been cut 38 percent since 2000, for more research to identify this popula - Marriage Equality stated that the coalition Former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, and the number of people living tion's needs, and states that education is contains over 100 clergy and will focus on who is currently in nomination to become Y with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts paramount to the resolution of homosex - building an active grassroots network, af - Secretary of Defense, has voiced support

A has increased 40 percent. uality and black male gender role expec - firming Jesus' commitment to tolerance for gay and lesbian military families, prom - tations. and justice. ising to provide equal benefits to the fam -

G Brattleboro, VT ilies of services members. Army Veteran New LGBTQ organization formed in New York, NY Coalition launches to give voice statewide to and executive director of OutServe-SLDN New England Cub Scouts pack must decide to keep or re - marriage supporters responded to this commitment by saying A new organization for the LGBTQ has move non-discrimination policy A broad coalition of local and national or - that this is a turning point for gay and les - formed in Vermont. Green Mountain GLAAD and Scouts for Equality have ganizations has launched a campaign to bian military families. Crossroads will support the local rural spoken out against the National Capital win full marriage rights in Rhode Island. LGBTQ community in being connected Area Council of the Boy Scouts of Amer - The non-partisan coalition of organiza - Inaugural prayer service includes lesbian and visible throughout southeastern Ver - ica, who has threatened to take away the tions, Rhode Islanders United for Mar - Reverend mont, southwestern New Hampshire and charter of a Cub Scouts pack that does not riage, is focused on giving voice to President Obama's inaugural prayer serv - northwestern Massachusetts. It aims to allow discrimination due to sexual orienta - marriage supporters in every corner of the ice included the Reverend of the Metropol - keep the community informed of events tion. The pack, in Maryland, will have to state. The Gov. of Rhode Island has voiced itan Community Churches, a and activities, as well as maintain informa - decide if it will keep their non-discrimina - support for the coalition, and stated that denomination founded as a church open tion and resources. tion policy, or have their charter revoked. he would like to finally sign marriage to LGBT people. Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson, They have posted an online poll asking if equality legislation. who recently celebrated her 35th anniver - Sexual assault rates higher within LGB com - they should keep the current policy and sary with her wife, stated that it was pro - munity continue to operate as an independent San Francisco, CA foundly meaningful to read the Bible The Centers for Disease Control and scout group that welcomes all families, or Scout not allowed to become Eagle Scout, during Obama's second inaugural inter - Prevention released national data pertain - to return to a “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy. even after petition faith service. ing to LGB partner violence, sexual vio - A California Boy Scout Council has ap - lence and stalking victimization. Data Portland, ME proved a gay Scout's eagle application Defense Secretary called upon to extend ben - showed that bisexual individuals, lesbian Maine residents still in support of marriage after his mother created a petition that efits to LGBT military spouses women and gay men reported equal or equality gained over 460,000 supporters, despite The HRC is calling upon Defense Secre - higher levels of partner and sexual vio - A survey conducted by Public Policy the anti-gay policy of the Boy Scouts of tary Leon Panetta to ensure same-sex mil - lence than heterosexuals. The Massachu - Polling showed that a majority of voters America. The Scout was denied the rank itary spouses receive the same benefits setts Department of Health's Behavioral still remain supportive of the new law al - of Eagle Scout after his Scoutmaster re - that all other service members currently Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey lowing same-sex couples to marry, and fused to sign the application due to his do, by issuing military IDs to same-sex reinforced this, reporting that LGB adults that the vast majority of Mainers have not sexual orientation. His mother launched a spouses. These changes can be made in - experience sexual assault at more than felt a negative impact, despite overhyped campaign on Change.org with help from dependently of DOMA, though some, like double the rate of heterosexuals in Massa - predictions of marriage equality oppo - the founder of Scouts for Equality. The na - access to health care benefits, still cannot chusetts. nents. Even those who voted against mar - tional organization has since rejected the be extended because of the discriminatory riage equality now say that it is not having application, and will not allow the Scout to law. Panetta has taken steps toward equal - Chicago, IL an adverse impact on their lives. become an Eagle Scout. ity, such as lifting the ban on women in Mayor supports marriage equality in Illinois combat, and recording a Pride message Illinois Mayor Rahm Emanuel has signed Providence, RI Tampa, FL for gay service members. the ILove Marriage Petition, supporting RI House passes marriage equality bill Organization calls for inclusive immigration marriage for same-sex couples in the For the first time, the Rhode Island reform Business coalition launches in support of state. Lambda Legal released a statement House of Representatives voted over - GetEQUAL has released a statement re - DOMA repeal from the regional director for Lambda whelmingly in support of same-sex mar - sponding to Senator Marco Rubio's at - A business coalition of Fortune 500 and Legal's Midwest Regional Office stating riage legislation. The marriage equality bill tempts to offer an immigration framework other brand name companies that support that Emanuel has been on the forefront in has been introduced every session since that ignores a large percentage of immi - ending discriminatory federal laws has advocating for marriage equality in Illinois. 1997, and is sponsored by Rep. Art grants. GetEQUAL's national field director been launched. Because of DOMA, legally New Brunswick, NJ Handy. The bill will now move to the Sen - stated that they know firsthand how detri - married gay and lesbian couples are de - ate. The campaign director for Rhode Is - mental this plan would be, being, them - nied over 1,100 federal rights and benefits. selves, a gay undocumented Floridian. The new Businesses Coalition for DOMA GetEQUAL is calling on Congress to pass Repeal will support the repeal of DOMA an inclusive and comprehensive immigra - and recognize all legal marriages for fed - tion reform bill, as well as calling on eral purposes through the Respect for Obama to use his executive power to stop Marriage Act. There is bipartisan support mass deportations. for this act. Members of the Business Coalition for DOMA Repeal include Mar - Washington, D.C. riott, Aetna, eBay and MassMutual. Service members discharged under DADT will receive full pay HIV prevention programs receive funding in Former service members honorably dis - Puerto Rico charged for "homosexuality" will receive Puerto Rican community-based organi - their full pay after a settlement of a class zations will now have expanded capacity action lawsuit challenging a policy that for important HIV prevention services, due cuts half of their separation pay. This pol - to $155,000 in grants from AIDS United. In icy was not changed when "Don't Ask, 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Don't Tell" was repealed, and the ACLU Prevention ranked Puerto Rico in the top and the ACLU of New Mexico filed a class 10 AIDS case rates in the U.S. states and action lawsuit against the policy, repre - territories. The rate of HIV infection in senting approximately 181 honorably dis - Puerto Rico is 33.8 compared to 19.7 in charged veterans who had their pay the United States. withheld due to the discriminatory policy. February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013 www.therainbowtimesmass.com • The Rainbow Times • 23 The OutField: Phillippe Kahn, A role model for anyone By: Dan Woog*/ Special for TRT The reason, Kahn learned later, was that a car salesman. He began with Mini s a volun - the boy was leaving on vacation. At the Coopers; soon, he sold BMWs.

S teer assis - moment though, his disappearance But Kahn never lost his love for tant seemed ominous. wrestling. By then totally out of the closet, T A wrestling coach, “He was a smart kid. He was testing the he found Gene Dermody – the founder of

R Philippe Kahn limits,” Kahn says. a gay wrestling club in San Francisco, and had an easy rela - The assistant coach was already out to former president of the Federation of Gay O tionship with the the rest of the staff. “I’m upfront,” he ex - Games. Through Dermody, Kahn learned

P athletes at South plains. “I don’t lie, deny or misrepresent of gay wrestling organizations in Southern High School in Torrance, Califor - who I am.” Some of the older wrestlers al - California, where he lived. S

nia. They respected his talents, but ready knew too. They didn’t care. He trained for the Gay Games with the like teenagers everywhere, they Part of their nonchalance was genera - Southbay Wrestling Academy, a straight Q were wrapped up in their own tional. Teenagers today – even athletes – club. Their connection with South High lives. know far more about gay issues than their led to Kahn’s coaching career. Occasionally though, they’d ask about parents, even their older siblings. They In the beginning, he was “standoffish” his wrestling career. Where, for example, have LGBT friends. They see out gay peo - with the high school athletes. “It was still was he competing now? ple on the news, in the media, and (finally) all about me,” he says. “I was training and “I was honest,” Kahn says. “Still, I’d the athletic world. To many teens, homo - competing. I had my own baggage about fudge things. I’d say, ‘Cologne,’ instead of sexuality is a non-issue. coaching kids. I worried about things like ‘The Gay Games in Cologne.’ But kids Part of the wrestlers’ ease with Kahn is the perceptions of other people.” aren’t stupid. They have access to because of their activity. Wrestling, the But the more time he spent with Google. You can’t conceal something like coach notes, is “a minority sport.” There teenagers, the more he realized they that.” is little glamour, and plenty of drudgery. didn’t care he was gay. And the more he One day after practice, a freshman Crowds are small. Friends and family They overcome their own doubts, and the worked with the South athletes, the more yelled across the crowded locker room: members often treat wrestling with dis - questions of others. They learn to laugh he understood the unique role he could “Hey, coach. Are you gay?” dain. “Why do you want to roll around on when someone calls it a “gay sport.” play. Kahn responded, “Sorry to disappoint a mat with another guy?” they wonder – In that, his South High charges were no He was a role model to the gay wrestlers you, but I already have a boyfriend. You’re and ask aloud. different from Kahn. He discovered – without knowing who they were. Yet with out of luck.” Wrestlers are passionate. They love the wrestling at age 12 in Florida, and was im - 70 student-athletes in the program, Kahn Most wrestlers laughed, defusing the sit - sport’s intense physical and mental de - mediately hooked. “The intensity was says, “the statistics say they’re there.” uation. Kahn followed up: “See you to - mands, its one-on-one competition, the amazing,” he recalls. “I hadn’t done well He was a role model to the straight ones morrow.” self-confidence it breeds. They revel in in team sports. But I liked being on a too. They ask Kahn questions about life – “No you won’t,” the ninth grader replied. being part of a misunderstood minority. wrestling team. At that age, that’s so im - college, relationships, etc. – that have portant.” nothing to do with sexuality. He’s gratified To cook is to love: A foodie’s journal; recipe for the flu It was especially important because, by the respect they show him, and in - chopped) even then, Kahn knew he was gay. He did spired by their maturity. By: John Verlinden*/ Special for TRT Philippe Kahn returns that trust and re - here’s a • 6 cloves garlic not look or act “obviously” gay, he says, R ! • 2 large tomatoes (coarsely chopped) spect. He’s a true role model, showing E nasty cold so he was spared harassment. But as a W • 2 bay leaves that being gay is far less important than O going 140- and 145-pound high school wrestler, O P T • 1 teaspoon salt being a strong wrestler, and an even L around, and flu he was deep in the closet. E T H • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper stronger person.

C season is in high The University of Florida did not have in - A • ½ teaspoon cumin On and off the mat. R gear. These bugs

S tercollegiate wrestling, so he competed :

O are particularly vi - • ½ teaspoon dried leaf oregano *Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, T on a club team. Kahn graduated with a

O (crushed)

U soccer coach and gay activist. His latest H cious. Boston and degree in journalism and telecommunica - P • ½ pound vermicelli noodles or your fa - other cities have tions, then worked as a news anchor at book is We Kick Balls: True Stories from G declared public vorite pasta the Youth Soccer Wars. He can be

stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Texas. health emergen - 1. Place all ingredients except pasta in a reached care of this publication or at Out - cies, and your local ER is probably large stockpot and bring to a boil. Cover, Ad dollars dried up after 9/11, though, O [email protected]. full of folks looking for relief. Getting reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. and after moving to California he became 2. Remove soup from the heat, then re - H the flu can be serious business, es - pecially for the elderly, the very move the chicken pieces from the soup C young and others with weakened and set aside to cool. When cool, chill in immune systems. the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. U But, for most of us, cold and flu 3. When the chicken can be handled, dis - symptoms are just something we card the skin and bones, cut the meat into M have to deal with and struggle bites and refrigerate. ¡ through. I know it’s a cliché, but I 4. Remove the soup from the refrigerator recommend chicken soup. This recipe, and skim off all of the fat on the surface. from my new book, “To Cook is To Love,” 5. Return the soup to the stockpot, add won’t cure your cold, but it will warm your the chicken and bring to a boil. insides and make you feel better. Chicken 6. For a thick broth, dissolve 2 table - is a lean protein, the garlic and onion are spoons cornstarch in a cup of cold water, natural antibiotics and antioxidants and the add to the boiling soup and stir to mix thor - tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, E and oughly. K. Warning: This soup may cause drowsi - 7. When the broth has thickened, break ness and a longing to curl up under a blan - the vermicelli pieces into thirds, add to the ket and watch old movies, so don’t drive or soup, and continue cooking for about 10 operate heavy machinery after eating. minutes or until pasta is tender. Sopa de Pollo (Chicken Soup) *Share your thoughts, ask a question or Serves: 10 suggest a topic for a future article – contact • 1 4-5 pound whole chicken (cut into me: [email protected] or visit pieces) www.muchogusto.com and join our food • 3 quarts water forum. Until next time – ¡Mucho Gusto!, • 1 large onion (peeled & coarsely ¡Muchas Gracias! y ¡Buen Provecho! TRT is Now Boston Based, New England Read! 24 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesmass.com February 7, 2013 - March 6, 2013