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ancaster attorney Sharon Lopez sat in the Lcourt room Oct. 8 when the US Supreme Court heard three LGBT-related civil rights cases. Her analyses in two articles broke down for readers the importance of the cases and the unique elements of each scenario. A regional treasure, The Central Voice asked about EVERYBODY her history of advocacy and activism. Central Voice: When did you begin thinking about social justice issues? EATS Sharon Lopez: I began my interest and work on social By Louie Marvin justice issues long before law school. At Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Va., I LGBTQ Lopez was a leader in the Peace and A few minutes after I sat down a monthly community supper, and Justice Society. I engaged in to talk with Kali Tennis, a worker communities various community programs. The civil disobedience related to war and taxes used to began fixing something about five point is to not only address issues fund war. I marched against our military involvement feet away from us. He took out a are on the radar like food insecurity, but to work in in overthrowing governments in El Salvador and hammer and started banging loudly, of heartshine, a coordination with the Harrisburg Nicaragua. and he apologized and suggested we service network to address other might want to relocate, because he’d local non-profit unmet needs. It’s an ambitious CV: And then Lancaster? be there for a while. Tennis deferred project, and the volunteer-led team is SL: After college I returned to Lancaster as a young to me to make the choice, explaining husting to pull together all the pieces, single mother and volunteered for the nuclear freeze through a grin, “I sort of like a little from preparing the physical space and campaign and anti-military efforts in Central America. chaos. I couldn’t do this project if I didn’t.” taking care of non-profit administrative functions, to In the mid-80s I began to see my gay friends getting sick Tennis is a founding board member of heartshine, getting the word out and setting up structures that or infected with what was thought a gay disease. We a donation-based restaurant at 1122 N. 3rd Street, ensure everyone will be treated with dignity. organized as a community in a church basement and Harrisburg, set to open in 2020. As executive director The “heartshine magic” turned into a running started efforts at education and treatment. That was Janet Shenk and a growing team of volunteers theme of our conversation. Tennis summarized it as the beginning of the Lancaster AIDS Project. approach opening day, Tennis talked me through the everything falling into place with this project: “we chaos of the creation process and the “heartshine are in dire need of something and most of us are not CV: Which is now part of Alder Health Services? magic” the team has encountered along the way. askers and then it’ll fall in our laps.” One example SL: Lancaster AIDS Project is now subsumed into Heartshine is dedicated to “building community she gave was when an unexpected storm threatened a regional nonprofit known as Alder Health Services through nourishment, creativity, and open-hearted an event they were planning called Nuts on a Date (a (Which is celebrating its 35th anniversary Sept. 25, connection.” The region’s LGBT community is social outing where everyone was served a date with welcome. To start, heartshine will offer a daily “all two Marcona almonds… get it?), and the sky cleared Please see CHAMPION, page 21 are welcome, come as you are” donation-based lunch, Please see EVERYBODY EATS, page 12 We give it to you straight.

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FRANCE Who knew? Bleach cures HIV INTERNATIONAL Lawmakers OK in vitro fertilization France is moving towards allowing and MALAYSIA single women to conceive children with medical Caned, jailed for attempting sex help. Such an action will set the stage for a clash Reuter’s reports that five men in Malaysia were with French conservatives who say it would create sentenced to jail and canings by an Islamic court for generations of “fatherless” kids. To loud applause, attempting to have gay sex, local media and a rights France’s lower house of parliament approved a group said. Sodomy and same-sex acts are illegal controversial draft bioethics law in a move that under Islamic law in Muslim-majority Malaysia, has already sparked outrage from defenders of although convictions are rare. The Selangor Shariah the traditional family unit, and even opponents in High Court sentenced four men to six months’ jail, President Emmanuel Macron’s own centrist party. For now, only heterosexual couples have the right to six strokes of the cane, and a 4,800 ringgit ($1,163) Former Ronald Reagan advisor, Alan Keyes, is fine for “attempting intercourse against the order use medically-assisted reproduction methods such as in vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF. helping to promote a drink called “Miracle Mineral of nature”, the Malay-language daily Harian Solutions” (MMS), which claims to be the solution Metro reported. Given the green light by the National Assembly, the bill must also get the go-ahead from the upper house, for curing HIV, malaria, hepatitis, common colds, the or Senate, before it can become law. The National flu, cancer, and even autism reports David Artavia Assembly passed the draft law by a vote of 55 to 17. for HIV Plus magazine. However, according to a report from the Daily Beast, MMS’s ingredients, when mixed, create an industrial bleach called chlorine dioxide. Ingesting it can lead to kidney NATIONAL failure, life-threatening hemolysis, as well as nausea and vomiting. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for people not to drink the solution after a NBC News investigation discovered over 2,100 cases of chlorine poisoning in the U.S. since 2014.

CAYMAN ISLANDS RHODE ISLAND Gay Congressman explains impeachment Same-sex marriage ruling overturned but ... WASHINGTON STATE, CANADA The Cayman Islands Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of the government, overturning Chief Justice Drug-resistant bacteria spreads Anthony Smellie’s previous ruling that legalised Research published in the journal Clinical Infectious same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands. Diseases shows a new and potentially disturbing At the same time, however, the court ordered finding: antibiotic resistant bacteria are showing up government to “expeditiously” provide Chantelle in stories of gay and bisexual men. Originating in Day and her partner, Vickie Bodden Bush, with legal the intestines, the bacteria – called Campylobacter status equivalent to marriage, according to court coli – has been showing up in men who have sex documents. In a statement following the ruling, with men in both Seattle, Washington, and Montreal, attorney and LGBTQ activist Leonardo Raznovich, Quebec. Via public health records, researchers said, “It is a sad day for Caymanians because their located 400,000 reports of similar bacterial clusters constitution has not been properly upheld by their from 2015 to 2018. The subjects were not otherwise own courts, and for this reason a sad day for the related, leading researchers to assume it is being jurisdiction and its future….” The next step for passed among gay and bisexual men due to anal Bodden Bush and Day is not immediately clear. sex practices. “The global emergence of multidrug- resistant enteric pathogens in MSM poses an urgent public health challenge that may require House Democrats introduced two articles of HIMALAYA new approaches for surveillance and prevention,” impeachment against President Donald Trump Dec. Lawmakers demand plans, policies said researchers in a new release published 10, 2019. In response, reports Daniel Villarreal for Members of the Himalayan parliamentary Financial by Newsroom. LGBTQ Nation, gay Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) was Committee and Sustainable Development and Good the only LGBT member of Congress to tweet about Governance Committee have stressed the need to the articles of impeachment by press time, and in formulate plans and policies for sexual minorities 1st openly LGBT local elected official just seven words he reminded us of the gravity of in order to ensure their access to dignified life, Karl Frisch was sworn in as a member of the Fairfax this situation. Cicilline, who is a member of the according to The Himalayan Times. County School Board . He is the first openly LGBT House Judiciary Committee which oversees the Speaking at a recent workshop on ensuring local elected official in the history of Virginia’s impeachment of federal officials, wrote, “A republic, LGBTIQ’s rights organised by Mitini Nepal with largest county where he will serve on a board that if you can keep it.” It’s a paraphrased Benjamin the support of UNDP, six lawmakers of both the has been targeted by anti-LGBTQ+ extremists Franklin quote that suggests that our nation is only committees urged the government to formulate for decades. Frisch was elected on November 5, as strong as the citizens and leaders who fight for its necessary plans and policies. Speaking at the defeating anti-LGBTQ activist Andrea “Andi” Bayer healthy functioning. This past September, US House workshop, Krishna Prasad Dahal, chairman of the by a 62.42% to 37.09% margin, receiving 18,588 of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) explained the relevance financial committee, said although the constitution the nearly 30,000 votes cast. He ultimately garnered of the full Franklin quote and the story behind it in guaranteed equal rights to the people of sexual more votes than any candidate for school board in announcing the start of the formal impeachment minorities, they were not able to enjoy these rights. Providence District since it became an elected body inquiry of Trump. At the time, she said: On the final “We need to allocate reservation quota for sexual in 1995. The seat was held by a Republican just four day of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when minorities as well,” he added. years ago. He was endorsed by LGBTQ Victory our Constitution was adopted, Americans gathered The main objective of the workshop was to help Fund, FCPS Pride (an affinity group for LGBTQ+ on the steps of Independence Hall to await the news achieve Sustainable Development Goals-2030, which students, parents, and staff within the school of the government our founders had crafted. They envision progress of various 17 human development district), and LGBT Democrats of Virginia as well asked Benjamin Franklin, “What do we have, a index as set by the United Nations. as the Washington Post, Fairfax County Democratic republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A Committee, Fairfax Education Association, Fairfax republic, if you can keep it.” Our responsibility is to County Federation of Teachers, and a host of other keep it. organizations and elected officials.

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 3 Wishing our community was as organic as my vegetables significantly contributed to the quality collided. We’ve built volunteer AIDS of our lives. We need to change that for Service Organizations in Lancaster, Publisher's the better. York, and Harrisburg when no one Michael Hobbes a while back wrote in wanted us. Organic, like that last carrot Voice The Huffington Post: you ate. Gay people are now, depending on The first week of December 2019 the study, between 2 and 10 times more reminded me of the times we gathered likely than straight people to take their face-to-face. There were three World own lives. AIDS Day programs that drew about We’re twice as likely to have a major 200 people to them. Organic. That’s what By Frank depressive episode. And just like the last AIDS was like when the hideous disease epidemic we lived through, the trauma first affronted us. There was no way to be PUBLISHER & EDITOR Pizzoli appears to be concentrated among men. a Buddy (one who volunteered to care for Frank Pizzoli In a survey of who recently someone) without showing up. Literally, [email protected] arrived in , three- you had to be there. Bedside. quarters suffered from anxiety or Hamilton Health Center was 50 years ART DIRECTOR My last column (Nov-Dec 2019) on hope depression, abused drugs or alcohol old last year. They celebrate March 5. Louise Sukle and resilience for the 2020 drew lots of or were having risky sex—or some See a story on page 5. comments. And we’re grateful. We’re combination of the three. Alder Health Services is 35 years old GRAPHIC DESIGNER happy whenever anyone in our media Despite all the talk of our “chosen this year. They celebrate Sept. 25. Julianna Sukle saturated culture puts eyes on our words. families,” gay men have fewer close Our organic face-to-face built It used to be that we put eyes on each friends than straight people or community centers, first in Harrisburg, CARTOONIST Brad Gebhart other. Not so much anymore. Before all- gay women. In a survey of care- and now they’re growing roots in things- evolved into triangulated providers at HIV clinics, one Lancaster and York. communications – online everything – I CONTRIBUTING WRITERS respondent told researchers: “It’s not Nothing wrong with adding items to Yvonne Carmichael remember the smell of the greasepaint a question of them not knowing how to your resume. But there’s also nothing Louie Marven and the roar of the crowd. Influencers save their lives. It’s a question of them wrong with promoting the community Trum Simmons were people who one actually wanted knowing if their lives are worth saving.” too. Over and above yourself. Eventually, Terry Drew Karanen to be like. Not a screen image. Organic. Nicolas Duncan Are lives are worth saving even as there’s going to be a ‘first openly gay’ Tesla Taliaferro But that’s because you ‘talked’ to them organized , and now elected everything and everybody. Then what? Atticus Ranck face-to-face. officials come out the closet of hate, and Perhaps doing the right thing will be done Sharon R. Lopez So often now I attend functions where opine that it’s okay to discriminate. because, well, it’s the right thing to do. one queer is nervously smiling at another I know we can create change because And you have to show up to do it. Can’t SALES MANAGER queer, often with years between them, I’ve seen us do incredible things. We’ve be emailed or selfied or posted online. Dave Brown 717-944-4628 and one doesn’t know the other has met at the ‘intersections’ before and not [email protected] ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Chris Thomas 717-919-1394 [email protected]

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THIS ISN’T HARD LGBTQ Pennsylvanians deserve lawful protections The Central Voice Editor’s note: Besides attraction is a choice that warrants members of the LGBTQ community won- "Pennsylvania lawmakers need not wait to see what the high condemnation or conversion, and leads dering when Pennsylvania will join the court is going to do. The answer is already before them: Pass to and persecution.” 21stCentury and, finally, pass basic civil Recognizing this evolving rights protections, our allies also wonder. the protections. Put Pennsylvania, home of William Penn’s holy understanding, the Wolf administration Read what John L. Micek, online news experiment, in the vanguard where it belongs.” has announced it will offer gender- editor, Pennsylvania Capital-Star, wrote neutral licenses to Pennsylvanians in a recent column. -JOHN L. MICEK, ONLINE NEWS EDITOR, PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR who want one. Unsurprisingly, a state lawmaker has stepped up to oppose the By John L. Micek measure. Special to The Central Voice As high as the stakes are in the Penn’s “holy experiment” providing safe rights of these individuals to work, we Supreme Court and in the matter of Reading Oct. 8 coverage of oral refuge for persecuted minorities — does all benefitted. Now it’s time to ensure gender-neutral licenses — and they are arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court not extend such protections to its own our hardworking, talented LGBTQ undoubtedly determinative — it’s also on whether federal anti-discrimination LGBTQ citizens. colleagues have the same rights to be hard not to feel, at least in some small laws extend to LBGTQ Americans, it A bill, backed by House Democrats, evaluated based on their abilities to way, that the forces opposed to these was hard to escape the enormity of the is now before the chamber’s State perform their jobs,” he said. measures are fighting a rearguard action. moment. Government Committee. The panel’s Legislative Republicans — who have When I look at my daughter’s The nine justices — including two new chairman, Rep. Garth Everett, put so much emphasis on cutting taxes generation, young people who don’t bat Trump administration nominees, R-Lycoming, unlike his homophobic and regulation, encouraging the growth an eye when a friend announces that Justices Brett M. Kavanaugh and Neil M. predecessor, has said he’s not opposed of the natural gas industry, and pursuing they’re gender-queer, or another comes Gorsuch — were considering more than to considering the legislation. workforce development measures — have out as bisexual or gay, I am reminded that an arcane matter of constitutional law. But not being opposed to the legislation remained remarkably tin-eared on this the moral arc of the universe, despite best The fundamental equality and dignity of is not the same thing as sending the bill fundamental civil rights and quality of efforts by some among us to the contrary, tens of millions of Americans effectively to the full House for a vote, where, if life issue. continues to bend toward justice. rests in their hands. lawmakers follow public opinion, rather Such large employers as Amazon We’re now four years past the high According to the Washington Post, than succumb to tunnel vision, it would and Google have not been shy about court’s ruling legalizing same-sex the majority-conservative high court likely pass. putting their corporate muscle behind marriage. And while it’s true that was a appeared divided and at odds over A 2018 poll by the Public Religion anti-discrimination efforts. And a state’s different court, with different members, whether matters that could cause, Research Institute, for instance, policies can visibly affect whether it was encouraging to read that Chief in Gorsuch’s words, “massive social found that more than seven in 10 companies will choose to locate there. Justice John G. Roberts used the pronoun upheaval” were better decided by the Americans supported laws protecting So as a matter of dollars and cents “they” to refer to a gender-neutral legislative branch, and not the judiciary. the LGBTQ community against housing, alone, Pennsylvania is at a competitive person. Thanks for bringing that up, Justice employment, and public accommodation disadvantage. The federal government is already Gorsuch. discrimination. That support was But more than that, it’s just the moral halfway there. As the Post reports, the Because while it could be months consistent across party lines, with nearly thing to do. Just as someone has no say Equality Opportunity Employment before the Supreme Court renders its six in 10 Republicans in support of an over what race or ethnic group they are Commission ruled in 2015 that gay and verdict in the case, there’s something anti-discrimination measure then before at birth, we now know that biological individuals were protected that the Pennsylvania General Assembly the Virginia Legislature. factors drive and under the law. can do right now — pass a long-delayed, In a statement released by his office . So we should not — we With that standard in place, state-level anti-discrimination law for recently, Gov. Tom Wolf called on must not — tolerate discriminate based Pennsylvania lawmakers need not wait LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. the Republican-controlled General on those latter factors. to see what the high court is going to do. As the Capital-Star’s Sarah Anne Assembly to pass an anti-discrimination “Numerous studies have established The answer is already before them: Pass Hughes reported Tuesday, 21 states measure for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians, that sex is not just male or ,” the protections. Put Pennsylvania, home and Washington, D.C. (just shy of half arguing that “for too long to our collective Indiana University microbiologist Bill of William Penn’s holy experiment, in of all states) prohibit employment and detriment, we kept some of our best, most Sullivan wrote in an op-ed the Capital- the vanguard where it belongs. housing discrimination against people talented individuals out of the workforce Star published in September. “Rather, based on their sexual orientation and because of nationality, religion, race or it is a continuum that emerges from a The Central Voice and Pennsylvania gender identity. Pennsylvania — which gender.” person’s genetic makeup. Nonetheless, Capital-Star have a content-sharing prides itself on its legacy of William “When we began protecting the misconceptions persist that same-sex partnership.

HOPE & RESILIENCE STILL POPULAR Thanks Frank. Thought provoking read. The magnificent empathetic responses to From editor & publisher Frank Pizzoli: - Clinton thousands of and it gets better Response to my Nov-Dec 2019 online videos and stories continue to reach and in print Publisher’s Note tells me A perfect reflection for the end of the and win the support of many hearts and hope, resilience and goodwill remain year. Thanks for everything—this year and minds. popular in our ‘gotcha doing wrong, you always. -Patricia can never be forgiven, shamed forever’ Similarly, while the written words are culture. Frank, your editor’s note includes positive powerful these perspectives you present perspectives, insights and approaches could be a great basis for a brief video A sampling of responses – that can improve relationships within our expressing and explaining how it can get diverse communities and broaden the better as lessons for the general public Notes from our readers Great piece. Congratulations and thanks effectiveness of our outreach to build and inside our communities. for all you do. our own groups and welcome others - Ed E-mail your comments to - Theo to become our allies. Sometimes a first [email protected] meaningful step is to inspire oppositional parties to simply live and let us live.

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 5 Community Voices Summit brings together student leaders and legislators By Tesla Taliaferro For the regional legislative caucus, the people going through the same things, They welcome students that are “gay, mini-summit became as extension of the to be respected, and to get educated on straight, or anywhere in between.” “Normal people, not lobbyists, influence question “What do we want to do to show different topics and interests.” She also While leading the topic on Moving legislature - real people,” state Rep. Patty support?” The caucus is already involved attended the Healthy Relationships Legislation Forward, Hill-Evans Kim (Harrisburg, 3rd District) told The with Pride events like Central PA Pride discussion led by Amber Brown, Planned expressed that she is “anxious to hear Central Voice on Oct. 26 at a Gay-Straight Festival and York’s Equality Fest, and Parenthood Keystone’s Director of stories, because compelling stories lead Alliance (GSA) Youth Mini-Summit held the Lancaster Alliance. So the idea of Training, Community Outreach, and to changes.” In explaining the legislative in York County. the summit “fit right in,” Hill-Evans said. Education. process to both students and advisors, The idea for the summit “began about All organizers share in the hope that Audra Lapp and Stephen Queenan, Kim advised “We [being legislators] are six months ago, the brainchild of the the training provided would become “a co-advisors to William Penn’s GSA, responsible for creating, influencing, South-Central PA Democratic Caucus’ seed that [the youth] will sprout across accompanied three students and one and legislating, but we need information three chiefs of staff,” said state Rep. Carol the Commonwealth.” Topics ranged from parent looking to “become more of a from our constituents, from you.” That Hill-Evans (York County, 95th District). LGBTQ+ Homelessness to Building Safe proactive voice and advocate” within the is why Hill-Evans is “always willing to Besides Hill-Evans and Kim, state Rep. Spaces through Gaming along with how community. Queenan expressed his view listen to stories.” Michael Sturla (Lancaster County, 96th to handle Bullying as well as Religion and that LGBTQ rights today are “where civil She noted that as a representative, she District) is a member of the caucus and Spirituality as queer individuals. rights were in the 1950s and 1960s.” Lapp, needed to know: What is your life like? co-hosted the event. Students from York Suburban, Cedar in agreement, suggested that “there are What are we as legislators not doing that Some of the legislators’ staff, according Cliff, William Penn, Lincoln Charter, and so many battles left, the main one being you need? How do we fit into your life, to Hill-Evans, “are living it, identifying Penn State York College attended the winning over hearts and minds.” They not you into our lives? with it,” referring to her chief of staff, event. Many lead their local GSA groups, and their students expressed excitement Both Kim and Hill-Evans agreed that James Sawor, MPA. He saw the mini- including Rainbow Pulse President Catie for this first mini-summit, seeing it as “a “to effect change is to be change, and to summit as an “opportunity to help Noble of Penn State York. She learned great idea and start” and an opportunity be consistent. We must, as legislators, the youth speak up for themselves, of the summit from the club’s advisor, to “get involved with other schools.” continually be in the forefront of empowering them to lead peer-on-peer and was not sure what to expect. While Ultimately, the goal of their GSA is to legislation, of resources, training, and discussions.” Sawor also personally enjoying a discussion on Transitioning “pull in a lot of the kids that are out support - of the real issues that effect cooked the two meals served to summit and Identities Beyond the Q/+, Noble there, to know that there is a safe place our constituents.” attendees. acknowledged that “it’s good to be around for them, and to help them get out there.”

EXPANDED BALLOT ACCESS Here’s how voting will be different in Pennsylvania by 2020 primary The Central Voice Editor’s note: Nearly 9 be a permanent list for people who and as a result the voting precincts are and candidates will do everything they million LGBTQ adults are registered and want to vote by mail every election, and often heavily trafficked on Election Day,” can to make sure this transition is as eligible to vote in the 2020 general election, ballots can be requested 50 days before he wrote. smooth as possible. And we have between according to The Williams Institute of an election. Roberts’ research in North Carolina now and the April [2020] election to make the UCLA Law School. Half of registered Now: Pennsylvanians must register found that eliminating straight-ticket sure that we’re ready for it and prepare LGBTQ voters (50%) are Democrats, 15% to vote no later than 30 days before an voting increased wait times the most for it. are Republicans, 22% are Independents, election. “in urban areas that have large minority “But I think [this] will make voting and 13% said they identify with another By April 2020: Pennsylvanians will populations.” more accessible, rather than going in party or did not know with which party have up to 15 days before an election to “In North Carolina, my research reverse.” they most identify. LGBTQ voters are register. found that in counties with high The legislation the governor signed racially diverse, nearly half (47%) are Now: Absentee ballots must be received levels of straight ticket voting in 2012, Thursday also provides $90 million for under age 35, and one-third have at least by 5 p.m. Friday before Election Day. approximately 4 out every 100 African- counties to buy new voting machines, as a college education. By April 2020: Absentee and mail-in American voters who voted in 2012 were mandated by the Wolf administration, ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on deterred from voting in 2016 due to the and $4 million for 2020 census outreach. By Sarah Anne Hughes Election Day. elimination of the straight-ticket voting It has the support of the state Reporter, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Now: Voters can check a single box on option in North Carolina,” he wrote. American Civil Liberties Union, a ballot to vote for all candidates from a Another study done by Austin, Texas- good-government groups including Gov. Tom Wolf has signed a bill single political party. based researchers found eliminating Common Cause Pennsylvania, and the that significantly changes how By April 2020: Voters will have to select straight-ticket ballots made people less County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvanians will be able to vote by each candidate individually. likely to cast down-ballot votes. Pennsylvania. April 2020. “I am proud of this bill because it “Change is hard,” Wolf said in response “Let’s be as clear as we can: All voters Flanked by advocates and a handful of represents a true bipartisan compromise to a question about the elimination. in Pennsylvania will have greater lawmakers in the Capitol on Thursday, that advances the rights of every “When you have new voting machines, access to the ballot because of this new Wolf said the legislation makes the Pennsylvanian,” Wolf said. you can sometimes have longer lines. law,” Elizabeth Randol, the ACLU-PA’s “most significant” changes to the Some of Wolf’s fellow Democrats would I’m not sure what happened in North legislative director, said. “In the end, commonwealth’s elections code in 80 disagree with that. Carolina. I’m not sure how they can we at the ACLU strongly believe that the years. He and other speakers said it Lawmakers, especially those from attribute that to the elimination of ways in which this bill expands access will expand ballot access for groups Philadelphia, opposed the elimination straight-party voting.” to the ballot outweigh the uncertain including people with disabilities, the of straight-ticket voting, saying it would He also noted that Pennsylvania is one outcomes of eliminating the straight elderly, and those who travel often or have harm voters of color in urban areas. of just a handful of states that currently ticket option.” unpredictable work schedules. Jason M. Roberts, a professor of has the option. Here’s what will change: political science at the University of “I think we’re doing what other states Sarah Anne Hughes, of the Pennsylvania Now: Only voters who meet certain North Carolina at Chapel Hill, wrote in have done. I think it’s a change,” Wolf Capital-Star, where this story first standards can vote by absentee ballot the Capital-Star that straight-ticket continued. “We will make sure that appeared, wrote this article. The Central through the mail. voting is “higher in urban counties with we do everything we can through the Voice and Pennsylvania Capital-Star have By April 2020: Any voter will be allowed large minority populations.” Department of State. I’m sure the parties a content-sharing partnership. to use a mail-in ballot. There will also “These areas are densely populated themselves will do everything they can

6 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com YOU are the center of our attention We love you. You’re fabulous. And you deserve an exclusive guide focusing on area businesses and organizations who support the LGBT+ community.

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TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 7 Health & DROP-IN Wellness QUEER FITNESS YOGA POSITIVE ENERGY, EMPOWERING AND BODY POSITIVE MOVEMENT HOURS BRING YOUR OWN MAT Check out our website for OR USE ONE OF OURS more details Wellness program in full operation www.alderhealth.org Boasting new, on-site pharmacy services developed through their partnership with Coordinated Care Network, Alder Health Services hosted 60 guests at an Open House Contact Noah for Nov. 7. The new service is housed within AHS’s Harrisburg Office. “Our partnership This is a donation based class. with CCN expands our services to existing and future clients,” CEO Rosemary Browne, questions and mat requests second from left, said. The agency has also recently added a formal Wellness Program, Food Pantry, Clothing Exchange and continues primary health care and other service Suggested donation: �5 (717) 233.7190 Ext 266 to the region’s transgender community. Celebrating 35 years of continuous operation in 2020, Alder Heath Services, improves the health and well-being of individuals 100 N. Cameron St, Ste-201, Harrisburg, PA 17101 living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQ community by providing a culturally competent and affirming environment that empowers the people we serve. Contact: 100 N. Cameron St., Suite 201 East, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101, (717) 233-7190. | THE CENTRAL VOICE PHOTO Buli  bte tmr o f children & families

Families United Network, Inc. is We provide safety, permanency New transgender support dedicated to strengthening families and well-being for Pennsylvania by providing children and youth children and families through with a safe, nurturing, community Foster Care, Adopti on, Child Care group for parents forms and Eldercare Services. environment through a conti nuum things for me was not having anyone of services, which focuses on By Frank Pizzoli that really understood what I was going reunifi cati on or permanency. Grace Church, 216 State Street, through.” Harrisburg, hosted a support group had and still has “a wonderful ��������: �������� • ����� ���� for parents, siblings, and friends of support system, but I always felt like it ����� ���� • ������ ���� transgender individuals. The first would be nice to have someone that was ��������� ������� meeting was held Dec. 9 in the church’s going through the same emotions that ����������� ���� families4kids.org Guild Room. not only I was experiencing but my son Angela, the parent of a transgender as well to connect with.” (717) 766-5900 son, tells The Central Voice “There is a She said, “I can’t tell you how happy 2 Market Plaza Way, Suite #4, Mechanicsburg, PA real need for the group. When my son I was when I received the email” on the started his journey, one of the hardest group forming.

8 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com Anthology addresses LGBT health care equality By The Central Voice and that’s assuming AS: Every and other health professional programs we can access contributing author provide only one-to-four lecture hours Ever been in a health care setting healthcare, which in Bodies and through their entire program dedicated and felt afraid to be honest? Ever felt isn›t the case for all Barriers presents to LGBT health. No wonder that our invisible? Judged negatively because of LGBT people. Bodies information that healthcare professionals know so little who you love? and Barriers: all of us will learn about is. When the healthcare challenges The new anthology Bodies and Queer Activists on from whether we are LGBT people experience makes it Barriers: Queer Activists on Health, edited Health presents seasoned activists or into the curriculum for future health by Adrian Shanker is for you. Shanker the real stories are just getting to know professionals, we will begin to see more is Founder and Executive Director of from 26 LGBT the LGBT community. health professionals entering clinical Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community activists to share The biggest thing I spaces with a greater understanding of Center, Allentown. the challenges we›ve learned from editing our bodies and our lives. The book features advocates and experienced. One of this book is that my activists from the central Pennsylvania the first chapters, own challenging CV: Add anything you think is important region, and other areas, and includes by Katharine experiences with but CV has not asked. Tell Us a little a foreword by Dr. Rachel Levine, and Dalke of Central healthcare aren›t so bit about the authors from Central chapters by Preston Heidlebridle (York Pennsylvania, is unique --- that in fact, Pennsylvania! County), and Katharine Dalke (Dauphin about informed these challenges are AS: Three of the authors included County). consent for quite pervasive. The in Bodies and Barriers are from Central Bodies and Barriers is written by children. The final stories the authors in Pennsylvania. Secretary of Health LGBT healthcare consumers to inform chapter, by Justin this book share will Rachel Levine (Dauphin) authored the healthcare system and make it work Tanis, is about bereavement support remind all of us how important it is to the foreword of the book, Katharine more equitably for everyone. The book for the LGBT community. The truth is fight for a healthcare system that works Dalke (Dauphin) writes about informed is structured chronologically to take the that the healthcare isn’t working for for all of us! consent for intersex children, and reader on a journey through the major LGBT people. And in 2020, healthcare Preston Heldibridle (York) writes about CV: Would including LGBT topics in k-12 stages of life for LGBT people. professionals and policy makers need safe binding for transmasculine youth. Shanker tells The Central Voice – to listen to our stories and start to education help with the issues addressed Additionally, Lancaster-native Atticus provide the care we deserve. Bodies and in the book? Ranck writes about addiction and Central Voice: Why is this book important Barriers is about elevating these issues AS: Certainly, we should have an recovery in the queer community. in 2020? and moving our country toward patient- educational system that includes Adrian Shanker: The LGBT centered care. comprensive, LGBT-inclusive sex CV: When can I buy a copy? movement has achieved significant education. We should have LGBT AS: Copies of Bodies and Barriers: Queer CV: What is your most significant learning progress. Yet in 2020 it’s still the case role-models presented across school Activists on Health can be purchased from that LGBT people experience significant having edited a book on LGBT health curricula. But this issue doesn’t end directly from PM Press (pmpress.org) or challenges when accessing health care -- issues? with high school. Most medical schools from your favorite bookseller!

Contact Brad Gebhart at [email protected] for sponsorship or ticket information. Visit www.HHC50th.com to register online.

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 9 Drug-resistant bacteria is spreading among gay and bisexual men he bacteria is usually spread in spread due to contaminated water and food, but two outbreaks suggest drinking raw milk. T The drug-resistance of this cluster that it can be transmitted sexually. of Campylobacter coli is a cause for Research published in the concern. It seems to have gained its ability journal Clinical Infectious Diseases shows to resist antibiotics after the bacteria was a new and potentially disturbing finding: infected a virus, after which fragments antibiotic resistant bacteria are showing of DNA end up inserted back into the up in stories of gay and bisexual men bacteria’s genome. In this instance, the reports Gwendolyn Smith for LGBTQ gene for this specific drug resistance was Nation. introduced. Originating in the intestines, the This research also indicates the need bacteria – called Campylobacter coli – has for more attention on sexual behavior been showing up in men who have sex as a possible cause of the spread with men in both Seattle, Washington, of Campylobacter coli, expanding from and Montreal, Quebec. Via public health looking at it as primarily a food-borne records, researchers located 400,000 pathogen. reports of similar bacterial clusters from “The global emergence of multidrug- 2015 to 2018. resistant enteric pathogens in MSM The subjects were not otherwise poses an urgent public health challenge related, leading researchers to assume it that may require new approaches for is being passed among gay and bisexual surveillance and prevention,” said men due to anal sex practices. researchers in a new release published Campylobacter coli is one of the more by Newsroom. common causes of diarrhea-related According to the Centers for Disease illnesses in the world. Symptoms of Control and Prevention, Campylobacter Campylobacter coli bacteria coli infections can affect up to 1.3 million a Campylobacter coli infection include could be sexually transmitted fevers, bloody diarrhea, and severe Americans a year. abdominal pain, and are commonly

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10 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com 2/19 HC403617 BREAKS LONG SILENCE Doctor talks about his own HIV journey By The Central Voice silence he recounts remarkable courage give answers that I had nothing to say. those heroic years and insight of those lost Slowly I began to see a truth that many When young and tells this, his to the disease. had realized before me: our individual Dr. Andrew Faulk true story as doctor, histories were actually rich in solace first learned he patient and survivor. CV: you learned a lot and hope. I also realized that as time was HIV-positive, he A native of from those around you? progressed, although mapped so well by was devastated for Seattle, Faulk AF: I’ve learned from other authors, the history of this time of it certainly meant saw his first HIV direct experience of terror and loss was slowly being forgotten imminent death. patient while still how physicians, family, by society—both straight and gay. During Until then, he’d been in medical school. friends and partners the worst of the epidemic, I assumed that an outstanding young After his training can deal with those those days would never, ever be forgotten. physician with years in , who are dying in order I realize that that wasn’t necessarily true, Faulk of intensive training. an epicenter of the to help the dying live so I wrote to memorialize my history as That day, without warning, he faced the AIDS epidemic, as fully and as serenely an HIV-physician before it could be lost. great divide of his life – HIV infection. he moved to Los as is possible. This Due to the rigors and stress of training, Angeles where will provide assistance CV: What was your biggest insight into he considered abandoning his medical he participated to physicians and your experience after writing your career. But, instead, he dedicated the in the care of patients who may memoir? remainder of his life to the fight against approximately 50 face an epidemic AF: Since the end of my practice, I’ve AIDS, ultimately participating in the patients who died in the future. I also learned that the best method of dealing care of approximately 50 patients who from the disease. wanted to express my with loss is not the route of solitude and died, many his own peers, including his He now lives with personal philosophies silence I often chose. Occasionally in the partner. his husband, Frank Jernigan, in San concerning how physicians should book I explain that I lacked the time or Being HIV-positive, Faulk discovered Francisco where he paints and is active deal with those dying and those around energy to properly grieve—that my work something other doctors didn’t in progressive politics. them who are living. Hopefully, my book demanded tunnel vision in order to be experience—in every patient he cared for, Faulk describes his experiences for will educate others about some of the executed with efficiency and empathy. whatever the symptoms, he saw himself. The Central Voice readers. mistakes I made both in treating patients Such methods are and were unhealthy. As patients and friends died around him, and caring for myself. It would have been better had I sought at any time he, too, could have “stepped Central Voice: You wrote your book because? out supportive individuals or groups in off the earth.” Yet with intuition, insight Andrew Faulk: I wanted to provide CV: So, history is important? Especially which to process my turmoil and register and compassion, he brought peace and a historical record. With time bits and the history of an epidemic? my losses. But such insight was not in comfort whenever possible to those pieces of HIV history are being lost. I AF: For years after I left medicine, I my emotional vocabulary at the time. he called “my guys.” After a long also wanted to memorialize some of the mistakenly assumed that if I couldn’t It is now.

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TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 11 EVERYBODY EATS from page 1 that’s what we want.” that she sends with a hand-written note. As with many aspects of this network, The heartshine team observes what the process of collecting money at the end Tennis describes as Harrisburg’s “loving of a meal varies. When the diners at the presence for folks who are vulnerable Fort Worth restaurant get their check, and who maybe don’t have the skillset or it has a blank line that they can fill in credentials or access, or not knowing if with the amount they will pay. Tennis you send somebody somewhere if there noted that it’s very hard to find a point would be compassion at the other end of of sale system that can do that, since that desk or phone call.” that technology was not developed with The vulnerabilities faced by donation-based restaurants in mind. Harrisburg’s LGBT communities are The “sweet spot” in terms of suggested on heartshine’s radar. Tennis reflected amounts diners might contribute is a big on training she and others participated topic of discussion within the network. in that went “beyond diversity training” Tennis described models she’s seen that and led to a deeper understanding of aim to have 80% of diners pay at or above the barriers faced by LGBTQ people the cost of the meal and 20% of diners and others, sharing that heartshine An architect's rendering of the entrance to heartshine, a new donation-based eatery. paying less or volunteering, and models doesn’t want to further marginalize that are the exact opposite. anyone in the way it structures its with just enough time for the team to there, as opposed to starting out too large Many donation-based restaurants are programs or conducts its outreach. An finish setting up. During an October event and having to scale back. Tennis says about food justice, and heartshine is too. example of how heartshine is bringing while serving a meal on the Broad Street that heartshine would eventually like They are working with local producers to inclusion to its outreach can be found Market plaza, “heartshine magic” meant to grow enough to be able to serve three engage in food recovery and considering on their website, where you can meet having exactly the right amount of food, meals per day. sustainability as they develop their a hypothetical community member, with the final meal served one minute In developing heartshine, the team processes. This will include recycling ten-year old Morgan, “to find out how before the end of the event. has volunteered or dined at eleven of and composting, giving people options we will build community through While the passion and enthusiasm for these restaurants to gather information for portion size, and not offering takeout nourishment.” Morgan’s circumstances this project opens the team up to noticing and participate in this movement. in order to be as close to zero waste as are described on the website in gender- these serendipitous moments, they Tennis mentioned that the member possible. “If we serve animals,” Tennis neutral language. aren’t only relying on magic to get the restaurants in Fort Worth and Kansas added, “we’re going to use the whole Tennis is excited for heartshine to restaurant up and running. One of the City have aspects that are in line with animal,” pointing out that executive chef open its doors, and knows that it’s a first things they did was join a national the model heartshine is developing here Doug Shenk knows how to do that. Tennis race against the clock to put these big network of donation-based restaurants, in Harrisburg. The one most similar to hopes “we’ve got some adventurous visions into practice. “There’s a lot of which Tennis said includes almost forty heartshine’s vision is in Fort Worth, eaters out in Harrisburg.” things we have going for us and time other members, some of which are very which is full-service. Something the Fort Tennis says there has been good isn’t one of them,” she said. “We’re really similar to heartshine’s model and some Worth restaurant does that heartshine energy on the ground as the restaurant ambitious.” quite different. Besides access to this would like to model, Tennis explained, is approaches opening day. “I was expecting network, benefits of membership include that everyone is encouraged to volunteer, a lot of NIMBY and having to defend the To learn more about heartshine, participating in an annual gathering so as not to stigmatize volunteering as idea and that hasn’t happened – it’s just including how to volunteer and donate, of representatives from the member being only for those unable to pay the been love and compassion and ‘we need visit heartshine.org or PO Box 5333 restaurants, and a chance to learn about suggested amount of money. “One of the this’ and ‘yes I am ready to volunteer my Harrisburg, PA 17110. Contact executive the best practices from others doing goals,” Tennis explained, “is to create a time,’ and even somebody who has been director Janet Shenk at janet@heartshine. similar work across the country. One of culture of volunteerism and skill-sharing pretty engaged as a volunteer and giver of org and founding board member Kali those best practices they learned about and egalitarianism, where there’s no ideas and positive vibes tithing to us as an Tennis at [email protected]. was to start with lunch and grow from barrier to sharing a meal. Ultimately organization” with a monthly donation

HAMILTON HEALTH CENTER Celebrating the past, building the future Hamilton Health Center celebrates dental and behavioral health visits are its 50th Anniversary with a Gala March completed. HHC also serves more than 5 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention 6,500 women and children through the Center. The event will host business WIC Program. leaders, providers, and all of those who HHC has an onsite pharmacy (The have helped HHC achieve 50 years of Medicine Shoppe), Imaging/X-rays and positive impact in the region. Mammograms via UPMC/Pinnacle HHC CEO Jeannine Peterson said, and on-site Quest Laboratory. In “During our 50 years of operation, addition, HHC has an active HIV testing, Hamilton has continued to stay true to treatment and counselling program; a our mission of providing quality health Health Resource Center dedicated to the care to all people, regardless of their sexual health of our teens; the Center ability to pay. Our growth in services and of Excellence program addressing the in geographic boundaries, in response opioid crisis; the United Way Access to to the growing needs of the Greater Healthcare (Contact to Care) community Harrisburg community, could not care coordinator program; the Triple P of Perry County). Hamilton does not professionals, including doctors, dentists, have occurred without our community Parenting Program, Reach Out to Read discriminate based on gender, gender and nurses, as well as billing, customer partners, patients, staff and corporate early readers program and the Greater identity, race, income, religion, insurance service, and support staff, Hamilton and foundation supporters.” Harrisburg Healthy Start and Baby Love status or ability to pay. makes a significant impact on the HHC has been providing quality programs which assist families in need. The organization’s theme “Celebrating economic health of our community. medical care to residents of the greater Hamilton has additional locations at our Past, Building our Future” reflects Harrisburg area and Capital Region since Foose and Downey elementary schools Hamilton’s intent to highlight their For more information, contact 1969. Fifty years later, a one stop state of and have added sites in Harrisburg (Union successes and to unveil future plans. Brad Gebhart, bgebhart@ the art medical mall Hamilton provides Deposit Family Practice), in Millersburg As the employer of a diversified hamiltonhealthcenter.com or (717) 230- care to more than 30,000 men, women and (Hamilton Family Care at Millersburg) workforce which includes more than 3942, HHC50th.com children. Annually, over 100,000 medical, and in Newport (Hamilton Health Center 240 healthcare and administrative

12 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com Strikeforce 2nd volume enticing Upcoming January 10th-February 13th: This second issue of Strikeforce is well-paced and entertaining from the Events Figuratively Speaking Exhibition first page with a distressing cliffhanger February 21st-March 26th: that leaves your heart in your throat! Tini Howard’s dexterous storytelling d Comic “Hear Me?” An Exhibition elivers some suave moments, but keeps Celebrating Deaf Artists & the action rather subdued in order for “Bootleg Meets R76: character building. The dialogue is fun Watch and keeps the reader engaged from panel A Collaboration” to panel, page to page; like we are living • Reception February 21st, 5-8 pm within the story. The plot of Strikeforce #2: Daimon He By Nicolas January 13th: llstorm was killed by , but there is Duncan Winter Art Classes for Youth & no “accident” in the matter. You have to Adults Begin read this issue to know what I mean. Now, the team has been called by to Las • Visit our new website to register online! Vegas because her brother, Daimon, is April 25th, 6-10 pm: acting strangely. What the HELL? We all issue goes to…Angela! The Asgardian have heard the statement; “What happens powerhouse Princess softened by a AAH 2020 Vision Gala in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas”… isn’t demon? • Harrisburg Country Club that right, Billy?! Now, Strikeforce #2 is not all • Music by DJ Jonathan Frazier & KJO’s Perhaps it’s the place that heightens wishywashy mushiness, we do get into Two-Beat Dames the character’s personalities, or maybe some craziness with doppelgangers and some just needs some time away magic trying to figure out who’s who. • Tickets: Please visit our website or call from their everyday life and let their Blade takes the lead and places orders (717) 236-1432 hair down. Jessica is the entertainer for his team. concentrates on tonight with such heartfelt wisecracks. the mystical elements, while the others Mommy needs a night out and Jessica’s look for captives and draw out the Vridai. personality shines in this issue. Jessica The artwork by German Peralta and Visit www.artassocofhbg.com for more information & reservations Drew, “All right! Dress for the job you colors by Jordie Bellaire are brilliant want!” I immediately think in these pages with such of Pink’s song, “Let’s get details and cool colors this party started” LOL. that bring out the light We also get some really in Spectrum’s powers. I good moments for each would like to see more of the other characters. horrific action with greater Blade, well he’s our mystical psychodynamics favorite smartass that by Howard, Peralta and makes not mistakes. Bellaire, but they still Monica is the thoughtful pack a punch at the end soul with a professional of this issue that leaves supportive and proactive Wiccan & Hulkling fans’ style. Bucky shows what jaws dropped to the floor! kind of an ass-wipe he can You may have to read this be and Wiccan puts the issue to understand why Winter Soldier in his place. the last page is such a huge The eye catcher of this cliffhanger.

REAL GAY NEWS. WE GIVE IT TO YOU STRAIGHT. TheCentralVoice.com

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 13 WORLD AIDS DAY

World AIDS Day events held in Hbg. World AIDS Day events in the Harrisburg region underscored the message: HIV is still here. Get tested. Throughout the week of December 1, 2019, public programs and a story-circle memorial for longtime AIDS advocate John Folby were held by Hamilton Health Center, Alder Health Services, and the LGBT Center of Central PA. Collectively, more than 200 people attended programs in which people delivered heartfelt spoken words, danced, remembered those who have died, and professed hope and commitment to ridding the world of HIV infections which annually number 1.7 million people says the Centers for Disease Control. The Central Voice Editor and Publisher Frank Pizzoli spoke at the Hamilton Health Center program which featured GLO, a newly- opened gathering place and resource center for young gay-bi-trans people of color.

14 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com Debut novels, paranormal romance, mystery for winter reading SM ooking for cozy reads during Lthe winter months, try one or Dauphin more of these titles. You’ll find debut novels, paranormal romance, County mystery, and more. Remember, the Library We offer FREE pickup and delivery Dauphin County Library System has Book Reviews even more titles to enjoy. Find out by in most neighborhoods throughout the either visiting us in person or online at www.dcls.org. By Yvonne Greater Harrisburg area!

Dodging and Burning: A Mystery, Carmichael by John Copenhaver “Fifty-five years after the Why choose us? events that turned their lives upside down, Bunny uncomfortable with his son’s reluctance to  Hassle-free Prescott writes to her embrace conventionally masculine pursuits as childhood friend Ceola well as his close association with his sisters. For  Save TWO trips ... save gas and time! Bliss, asking if she also his part, Peter wants nothing more than to received a photograph of a emulate his beautiful, alluring oldest sister,  murdered woman. In Adele. Emotionally stunted by the disapproval No need to be home alternating chapters, the of both his father and society at large and two women recount what growing up in a home where such things are  No order too small happened in the summer never discussed, Peter is very slow to realize of 1945 in a small Virginia that his long-repressed dream is attainable.“  Twice a week service town. Mourning the loss of her brother who had (From Library Journal) gone down with his ship in the Pacific, 12-year-  Locally owned, operated and trusted old Ceola spends time with his best friend, Jay Shadow’s Seduction, by Kresley Cole Greenwood, who shows Ceola a photo of a “Prince Mirceo Daciano for over 45 years woman he found dead in the woods. Bunny tags and his new friend, along with them, and the trio discover the body Caspion the Tracker, comb has disappeared. While Ceola wants to play the streets of Dacia, detective, the slightly older Bunny suspects drunkenly seeking out there’s something more happening. Family pleasures of the flesh. In Sign up online or call 920-5500. secrets, fears, and hatreds are uncovered, and what should have been a events escalate until they explode in violence. typical night, they coax a Copenhaver, who writes a crime fiction column bevy of nymphs to bed. To classicdrycleaner.com for the Lambda Literary website, makes a impress their , the powerful debut with this unconventional novel demon and the that mixes a coming- of-age tale with a puzzling kiss on a dare. Once they mystery and a haunting portrait of the finally break away from their soul-searing kiss, experiences of the LGBTQ community in the they find themselves alone--and shaken. Had 1940s.” (From Library Journal) they imagined their explosive chemistry?” (From the publisher) Stay and Fight, by Madeline Ffitch “Ffitch’s remarkable and Juno’s Swan, by Tamsen Wolff gripping debut novel “It’s the summer before traces the journeys of a Nina’s senior year in high makeshift family in school and she needs to contemporary get away. She escapes Appalachian Ohio. After from her family and small Helen leaves Seattle with town and enrolls in an her boyfriend to live off acting course in Cape the land and acquires 20 Cod. There, she meets acres and a camper to Sarah, a teaching sleep in, she is soon left by assistant with the theatre herself when he finds the program, who captures life he imagined for them too daunting. She her heart. Nina knows quickly adapts to fend for herself, . . .[and] soon, they are destined to be Karen and Lily, a neighboring couple, give birth “coupled and inseparable,” as Shakespeare to a son, Perley, and are no longer welcome at describes the faithful swans of Juno. Bright and the radical Women’s Land Trust, so Helen offers independent, Nina has long yearned for a them a new home with her. As the years go by deeper emotional connection with someone, and Perley decides he wants to go to school and and this seems to be the chance for the love she be a part of the world the others so despise, the has always craved. Yet as her own world life this family has built threatens to fully revolves around Sarah, the heady summer unravel. As the stakes rise, for both the family moves urgently onwards. As Nina comes to and the preservation of the region, the novel understand the nature of love and loss, she sees skewers and offers only a messy, the people in her life anew, and at last, she finds real depiction of people who fully embody the her way home. With lyrical prose and an imperative of the novel’s title. This is a stellar evocative narrative voice, Tamsen Wolff brings to novel.” (From Publishers Weekly) life the dizzying experience of first love--and its partner, first heartbreak.” (From the book’s For Today I am a Boy, by Kim Fu jacket) “Peter Huang is born to Chinese immigrant Find Me, by Andrè Aciman parents in small-town “In this spellbinding Ontario in 1979 as the exploration of the varieties long-awaited boy in a of love, the author of the household of girls. His bestseller “Call Me by Your father, eager to shed all Name” revisits its complex vestiges of Chinese and beguiling characters Dauphin and Cumberland Counties language and culture, decades after their first 717-620-8788 speaks his last words in meeting. No novel in merrymaids.com Cantonese after Peter’s recent memory has [email protected] birth, assigning his spoken more movingly to newborn son the unofficial moniker Juan Chuan, contemporary readers or “Powerful King.” Peter’s father holds to strictly about the nature of love.” traditional ideas about gender and is (From the publisher)

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 15 DEB HARRY-VELVET UNDERGROUND-WARHOL NYC Downtown Pop Underground Culture – Precursor to today’s maze of queer nostalgia? By Frank Pizzoli CV: An early love essence, the orange being of these genres. I also wanted a good affair? the 1 million words. The representation of gender. I didn’t want Known as a “media prankster,” KM: When I was 16, finished book is 120,000 all dudes. Kembrew McLeod is an American artist, words. I’d started working CV: And those eight real-life people activist, and professor at the University in a record store. By CV: What made sense represent a fun, sometimes hideous, of Iowa. In 1997, he tried to trademark 18, I’d had a chance in distilling 100 the phrase “Freedom of Expression,” encounter with Lou sometimes memorable, at times creative the name of his zine/artist book series. Reed. I was at a The interviews/1 million and at times trash period of our nation’s On January 6, 1998, McLeod was granted Velvet Underground words into a narrative? cultural history. Did you tell only the good registration no. 2127381 in Class 16 concert in KM: In order to tell parts, as often happens? (for “booklets in the field of creative and we literally just the story, I selected KM: I didn’t gloss over anything. Each writing”). Two decades later, he’s turned crossed paths. I asked eight individuals - Patti person selected, and those around them, his attention to a glorious period of time him a whole lot of Smith, Andy Warhol, are on the page in all their glory and with in the history of New York City – and questions. And that Debbie Harry, legendary all their warts. the nation – with a delicious backstory set the pattern for the Caffe Cino’s Joe Cino, book The Downtown Pop Underground: rest of my life. That the ourtrageous H. M. CV: No writer’s romance with your New York City and the Literary Punks, was the seed planted. Koutoukas, bohemian ‘characters’? Renegade Artists, DIY Filmmakers, Mad dancer Shirley Clarke, KM: I wanted to be careful not Playwrights, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Glitter CV: And that seed early zine publisher Ed to romanticize drug addiction or Queens Who Revolutionized Culture grew wildly? Sanders, the unparelled transgression for its own sake. I also did (Abrams Press, New York). Thick with KM: I did more than 100 interviews for Hibiscus, and La Mama’s not want to be moralistic. I simply wanted queer backstory and all the delicious the book. All transcribed, totaling more DIY theatre impresario Ellen Stewart - to portray the reality of these people, connections (and disconnections), than 1 million words! whose connections weave back and forth these times. The best way I could do that McLeod’s book is an entertaining read. with each other. Today, we’d say their was to simply tell the stories from their CV: Then came the hard part? social media networks interconnect. point of view. To show the people that I Central Voice: What was your motivation Back then it was all footwork. Plus, it interviewed, and those around them, as for putting this book together? KM: Exactly, I had to figure out how I would tell the story of this fabulous is important for readers to know that they described themselves. Kembrew McLeod: I have always been scene that took place years ago. All within each one of the eight people had to have CV: Like by Sgt. Joe Friday’s best-known fascinated by the downtown pop culture one square mile. I’ve said to myself it two feet in at least two different scenes – scene in New York City, especially the was like squeezing an orange to get the music, poetry, art, drama, performance quote from television’s TV series Dragnet: 1950s through the 1980s. art, dance, and all kinds of combinations Please see DOWNTOWN POP, page 17

16 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com DOWNTOWN POP from page 16 God’s love is

Author, artist, activist and professor, Kembrew McLeod boundless.

“Just the facts, ma’am.” KM: Yes, they were ‘gender performing’ SEE YOU IN CHURCH KM: I really learned how important and ‘gender bending’ ions before it is to not be an armchair historian. academics grabbed hold of it all and That’s easy. Harder to plumb the depths created . They planted of nuance along the way. – performed - the seeds of so much of what see now. CV: What was the most surprising thing 60 PARISHES. FIND ONE NEAR YOU: www.diocesecpa.org you learned? CV: What helped those seeds grow? KM: I realized just how important KM: They were, in a pre-Internet communities are, in general, and the world, a few subway stops, maybe 40 blocks away from the then-world’s media type of artistic, interacting communities The these creative people had with each capital and culture industry, uptown other. It’s like a twist on Jane Jacobs Manhattan – Broadway, Off-Broadway, EPISCOPAL CHURCH in POV (Jacob’s The Death and Life of television networks, especially CBS CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA Great American Cities, 1961, focused which dominated back then. The on primarily Greenwich Village, is a culture giants pumped it out. The nation MSPC_Voice_2019.qxp_Layout 1 11/4/19 12:48 PM Page 1 critique of 1950s urban planning policy consumed it. she thought responsible for the decline of CV: Legitimizing the changing artistic many U.S. city neighborhoods.) expressions? CV: One person affects the next one? KM: Exactly, in 1965 The Velvet KM: Right. It’s not great men or women Underground appeared on the CBS who create change, in general or artistic Evening News with Walter Cronkite change. It’s more of a domino effect that (often cited as “the most trusted man starts at street level. Where they find in America” after being so named in an each other. opinion poll). Their kind and their kind of music began trickling into modern CV: The sum total of their interactions culture. added nuance to their unique artistic CV: And then talk shows picked up on the genres? phenomena? KM: One transforms the other. Then as it gets picked up into mainstream, I mean, KM: Talk shows began having what think about it. In single and mixed artistic we might call the weirdos on television. settings, these people were performing on CV: Same as later when Michael Alig, 90s stage, way back then, their conceptions co-creator of the Club Kids phenomena, of sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, and . began popping up on TV talk shows? And 20 kids ran away from home that night? CV: Foreshadowing today’s explosion KM: (Laughing) Yes! The impulse is of expressions and interest in human still with us. It just disseminates quicker. gender norms? For better or worse. DID YOU GET YOUR NEW COPY? You Are Loved

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TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 17 Merriam-Webster names 2019 word of the year

Merriam-Webster announced it has speakers strive for more inclusive words, chosen “they” as the 2019 word of the its use as a singular pronoun is not new. year. The singular “they” is a pronoun As Merriam-Webster writes, “English used to refer to a person whose gender famously lacks a gender-neutral singular identity is nonbinary, a word that itself pronoun to correspond neatly with was added to the Merriam-Webster. singular pronouns like everyone or com dictionary in September of this someone, and as a consequence they has year. The gender-neutral pronoun is been used for this purpose for over 600 used in place of “he or she”. And in years.” Despite the word’s long history, September of this year, Grammy-award searches for “they” increased by 313% winning singer-songwriter Sam Smith in 2019 compared to the previous year, announced their decision to use gender according to Merriam-Webster. While neutral pronouns. Smith is far from the dictionary didn’t officially select a alone. Around the same time, Merriam- runner-up for word of the year, it did Webster added gender-neutral pronouns note that searches for the phrase “quid “they” and “themself” to the dictionary. pro quo” spiked 644% from last year. While “they” may be increasingly The Latin phrase, literally translated as common in modern language as English “something for something”, is defined by the dictionary as “something given or received for something else” and as “a deal Gluten/Gelatin/Sugar Free arranging a quid pro quo.” The phrase has come up repeatedly Vegan & Natural Color Options in the impeachment hearing of Donald Trump.

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18 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com CONSERVATIVE FEDERALIST SOCIETY MEMBER Openly-gay Patrick Bumatay appointed federal judge A San Diego federal prosecutor was School. confirmed by the Senate to a seat on the He has worked in the U.S. Attorney’s 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Office in San Diego since 2012, mostly In a 53-40 vote, openly-gay Patrick prosecuting cross-border drug- and Bumatay became the 49th circuit human-smuggling cases. appointee to be confirmed under the During special details to Washington, Trump administration, part of a steady he also helped support the nominations drive by Republicans to remake the of Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to federal bench with conservative jurists the U.S. Supreme Court. reports Kristina Davis for the San Diego He is a member of the conservative Union Tribune. Federalist Society, which promotes an It is an especially sweet victory for the originalist approach to the Constitution, administration given the 9th Circuit’s meaning that it should be read as the liberal lean, which has made it a prime founding fathers meant it at the time it spot for the president’s foes to challenge was ratified. his policies. President Donald Trump has The Trump administration’s In March 2017 a colleague at the U.S. often complained about being treated choice of Patrick Bumatay Attorney’s Office asked Bumatay if he unfairly by the nation’s largest appellate has been controversial, was interested in being considered for court, calling it a “big thorn in our side” mostly due to criticism of his a judicial vacancy in San Diego, and lack of experience. and “out of control.” Bumatay passed along his resume with The confirmation comes despite a lack the understanding it would be going to of support from Bumatay’s home state the White House, according to Bumatay’s senators, Democrats Dianne Feinstein Washington as counselor to the attorney agencies to track separated parents and written answers. A few months later, a and . general from February 2018 to March children, nor the ability to reunite them Justice Department colleague asked if Much of the criticism has centered on 2019, he was focused on “combating when the adults’ criminal cases were he was interested in a seat on the 9th Bumatay’s lack of experience in appellate the opioid crisis, strengthening efforts closed. The policy was later called back Circuit, and Bumatay said yes. He was matters. In a written questionnaire, he against transnational organized crime, by Trump after public backlash over interviewed by the White House a week acknowledged arguing twice in the 9th and prison reform and inmate reentry the separations. A San Diego federal later. Circuit and filing about a dozen motions initiatives,” as well as oversight of several judge then ordered the government to Bumatay is replacing Judge Carlos Bea, or legal briefings in appellate court. federal law enforcement agencies. facilitate the reunification of thousands who will step away from full-time duties Bumatay, 41, also clerked for an appellate Because of his experience with of families. and go on senior status. While the court judge in the 10th Circuit. criminal immigration enforcement as a Bumatay is the son of Filipino is based in San Francisco, Bumatay is The criticism became more political prosecutor in San Diego, he said he was immigrants, who came to the U.S. in expected to maintain chambers in San just before the Senate Judiciary called upon to consult on an April 2018 the 1970s and established themselves as Diego, the 9th Circuit said Tuesday. Committee’s confirmation vote three memorandum to federal prosecutors physicians. Another 9th Circuit nominee, Lawrence weeks ago. Feinstein, the committee’s outlining a zero-tolerance policy for Bumatay is openly-gay, and during VanDyke, is expected to be voted on by ranking chair, said she was dismayed misdemeanor illegal entry cases along testimony to the Senate Judicial the Senate on Wednesday. The former to learn through Bumatay’s written the southwest border. Committee he introduced his husband, Nevada solicitor general was given a rare answers that he had worked on Trump The policy was hastily rolled out soon with whom he is raising twin daughters. “not qualified” rating by the American administration policies that separated after, without the ability for various He is Ivy League educated, graduating Bar Association. migrant families at the border. law enforcement and child welfare from Yale University and Harvard Law Bumatay wrote that during a detail to

WHERE DO YOU STAND? Poll: More than half of PA voters support impeachment inquiry The Central Voice Editor’s note: If 57% phone call with the president of Ukraine, inquiry, 71 percent of respondents said The survey of 482 registered voters of the registered voters in a Franklin as a “witch hunt.” it’s inappropriate for a sitting president to was conducted from Oct. 21 to Oct 27. & Marshall College poll support the Among those who support an inquiry, ask a foreign leader for dirt on a political The sample includes 226 Democrats, 188 impeachment inquiry passed in December, 36 percent said the main reason they did opponent, the poll found. Republicans, and 68 independents, for a 2019 by the US House of Representatives, was because they believe Trump broke That support for the inquiry is reflective total margin of error of 6.1 percent. well, someone in that sample had to be the law or acted with corrupt intent. of deeper issues for Trump, who’s been from the LGBT community of voters. Among opponents, more than a quarter a frequent visitor to Pennsylvania over John L. Micek is Editor-in-Chief of (28 percent) said Trump was the victim of the last few weeks. Just a third of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, where this By John L. Micek partisan politics or the target of a witch respondents (35 percent) said he’s doing story first appeared. The Central Voice and Editor-in-Chief, Pennsylvania Capital-Star, hunt, the poll found. a “good” or “excellent” job as he gets PCS enjoy a content-sharing partnership. Special to The Central Voice Pennsylvania Republicans responding ready to close out the third year of his to the poll are onside with the White administration. With the U.S. House set to vote this House. Barely two in 10 Republicans (21 Thirty-seven percent of respondents Thursday on a Democrat-authored percent) support an inquiry, while just said Trump has done a good enough resolution laying out the next steps in 18 percent of self-identified conservatives job to deserve re-election, while nearly an ongoing impeachment inquiry of support it. Eighty-five percent of all six in 10 (59 percent) say it’s time for a President Donald Trump, voters in a key Democrats and 97 percent of self- change — though that figure likely can, 2020 battleground state say they support identified liberals support the probe. and will, change when a Democratic that investigation. More problematic for the White nominee emerges. Fifty-seven percent of registered House is the strong support among Reflecting the national topography, voters in a new Franklin & Marshall independents (61 percent) and self- Trump loyalists remain firmly in the College poll say they support the inquiry, identified moderates (67 percent). Many White House’s camp, with 74 percent which the White House and its allies on of those voters crossed over to Trump saying they plan to vote for the president Capitol Hill have tried to dismiss as a in 2016, helping him become the first no matter who runs against him. The “sham,” according to CBS News. Trump Republican in three decades to carry the same holds true for Trump’s opponents, has frequently referred to the ongoing Keystone State. with 85 percent saying they plan to vote investigation, spurred by a controversial Irrespective of how they feel about an against him. | CAPITAL-STAR FILE PHOTO

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 19 Bonding as brothers

What does it mean to be a man in the 21st century? For starters it means to be ourselves.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks like it was in the 1950s, when gender roles Endeavoring to look more for the for gay men is the fear we are going to be were stereotyped in a way that left little positive and good in ourselves and others Making too much like our straight brothers, or if any room for men who love men. Sadly What does it mean to be a man in the in other cases, not enough like them! We though, that decade is often referred to as 21st century? For starters it means to be Sense don’t want to be seen as sloppy who can’t “the good old days,” when everyone knew ourselves. If you identify as a man who keep a clean house and only watch sports. their place and life was good. The trouble loves men, you have opened the door of Life But at the same time, we may be seeking is, that wasn’t the case. LGBTQAI+ people to far more than most of our fathers to emulate other characteristics, such as didn’t have a place and life for us pretty or grandfathers could have imagined. pursuing a hyper-masculine body image. much sucked. It can mean that you are willing to let The stereotypes we apply to “being Being a man today requires us to own down your guard, feel the camaraderie By Dr. men” are often ridiculous, just like the up to our desires, to acknowledge our of your brothers, and are more able to example in the preceding paragraph. masculine AND feminine energies, and to explore your desires in all areas of life. Terry Drew Not all gay men are fashionistas, nor do being willing to reach out for support. We Or not. Being a man who loves men can all of us hate sports. My late husband don’t have to, nor should we be expected also mean that you might still be carrying Karanen couldn’t match a tie to a shirt and suit to, “go it alone,” or “man up.” the guilt of those desires thrust upon to save himself. And, though I can with For the women still reading, please you by perceptions of heteronormality, o you think this issue’s column is expert success, you’re more likely to find know that you play a huge role in the societal expectations, and religious me in jeans and a t-shirt than sipping developing masculinity we’re seeing in teachings that use scripture as weapons. just for the guys? Wrong! Read on D champagne in a tux at a fancy function our communities. Men can learn from We all have the capacity to change ladies (and gentlemen, too!) (though I’m told I do clean up well!). you, and vice versa, of course. But we our thinking and change our lives. No What does it mean to be a man in the The younger gay, bi, non-binary, queer, have to come together to learn from one one has to stay stuck in a life that isn’t 21st century? Guys all over the world and trans men can be amazing examples another, have the difficult conversations, working for them. It’s up to us to help and in all spectrums of male sexuality to those of us in our middle or senior ages. tell our stories, and open our hearts and one another make sense of life, and that are asking themselves that question. Many of our younger counterparts are arms to accepting one another. comes through deciding individually Ultimately, the answer lies within each relentless and brazen in embracing their As we begin the new year, we might exactly what we want our lives to be. of us. There are at least as many forms individuality through their appearance, want to recommit to: of behavior for men as there are cultures. choice of partners, and lifestyles. Most Owning our personal power through Terry is licensed social worker in Even the term LGBTQAI+ “community” people want to be accepted regardless of expressing our desires private practice in Carlisle, a speaker, can be questioned – sometimes we don’t their sexual orientation or preference, Accepting and even seeking out more and award-winning author - find his much act like a community. Instead we but we must also accept ourselves. In diversity in our lives to broaden our books on Amazon. His new men’s group, drop very quickly into our “L,” “G,” “B,” fact, if we don’t accept ourselves neither awareness Bonding as Brothers, begins meeting “T,” “Q,” “A,” “I,” and “+” communities will anyone else. Being kinder and less judgmental in the spring. Contact him at: terry@ to find the acceptance we seek. To be a man in our times is nothing about how we talk, look, walk, or dress terrydrewkaranen.com

20 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com CHAMPION from page 1 Dating, disclosing, and love CV: Historically, you’ve also worked with my mind. inding love is a big concern for the Lancaster Rape Aid Project? CV: Then you formed your own law firm? SL: That is now a new entity as well. Ftrans people, and it’s not without Women’s issues were my focus during SL: Yes. We are committed to social its validation. A trans guy told me justice issues and look for ways to the next few years and I even had a brief that when he came out to his mom, stint on the Lancaster Commission for promote that conversation often in our Women, which was disbanded after attorney circles. his mom said, “Who’s going to love the Lancaster County Commissioners CV: Social justice issues, like civil rights you?” I’ve heard from parents of voted to disband us because we would for LGBT individuals, are important to trans kids that of all the concerns not withdraw our membership from the you because? National Association of Commissions they have regarding their children’s By Atticus Ranck for Women. They wanted us to withdraw SL: Social justice issues are important future, dating and love is one of their because the NACW had a public policy to me because social justice advances biggest fears for their children. Who position in support of choice and a the values of the democratic process, woman’s right to chose to continue or liberty, equality, and justice. Having will love them? Will they be safe? met my wife in August 2016, I was scared the opportunity and support for a voice end her pregnancy. What happens if they’re fetishized and I pushed her away. Even though I and participation in our democratic was really attracted to her physically and CV: And your work also includes racial process is essential if we are to survive for their identity? Will they be loved emotionally, I didn’t know if I wanted justice issues? as a country and a democracy. despite being trans? And trans to be with a . I felt like if I SL: With the Lancaster YWCA. We was with a woman, it helped CV: And our democratic values requires people ask themselves all these same did a community conversation on to solidify my identity as a heterosexual, racism and held focus groups across us to act? questions. cis-passing male; it affirmed my identity. Lancaster County to secure feedback SL: This value requires us to look These concerns and questions are If I was to be with a trans woman, from residents on how to best fight for the obstacles to engagement and to valid. When trans people date, they are did that mean that only trans people racism. Some of the recommendations remove them. Liberty is the value of often tasked with deciding when and deserved other trans people? Was I not were implemented and continue to this freedom of the individual, to live the life where to disclose their identity. Some “male enough” to be with a cisgender day. The YWCA truly is a home for you were born to live and want to live. trans people may feel like their being woman? Plus, I was struggling with some women of all colors and races. Equality is making sure that we treat fetishized for their identity. They may internalized . What would people with value and humanity and ask themselves, Am I only “dateable” people think? What did I think? CV: Your work has been at all levels? equal opportunity, irrespective of that because I appear trans? Will that person Ultimately, I moved out of the state and SL: Choosing to become a lawyer person’s physical or sexual immutable want to be seen with me in public as a I didn’t know if we would continue to see was part of my social justice journey. characteristics. Finally, the value of couple? Will this person still like me each other. Luckily, she didn’t let me go I went to law school so I could work to justice requires us to make the victim of when/if I appear cisgender? that easily. She said she saw something change polices and promote procedures injustice whole and to prevent the harm These questions are not just rhetorical. in me and knew I was a good person. that kept the marginalized from that injustice and do before it occurs. The moment a trans person chooses to She pursued me and I cannot be more succeeding. I quickly discovered disclose their identity is the moment grateful that she did. I came to realize that policy development on the larger CV: And these values are for everyone? when violence is most likely to occur. that she is what I want and fuck it to my scale, such as the state legislative SL: These values are incredibly I can’t talk about love without talking own internalized homophobia and my initiatives, involved more compromise important to every marginalized about the homicide rate of trans people, own demons and whatever society says than I wanted to engage in. I turned to person, gay, straight, bi-sexual, black, particularly trans women of color. I should do or be. individual advocacy for the poor and white, Latinx, Asian, male, female, or Some of these murders are the direct Now we have a love that is more than I began my career in Legal Services non-binary. The less power each has, result of at the hands of ever thought I deserved. She teaches me as what is known as MidPenn Legal just because the person is who they are acquaintances or partners. Many of the every day to let go of my to-do lists and Services. There I represented poor and cannot change, the more important killings are the result of the intersection just live, she teaches me that I’m enough people in emergency situations, in it is to promotes the values of social of homophobia, racism, sexism, and and I’m worthy and I’m deserving of all protection from abuse situations, justice. transphobia. Some of the killings are the good things in my life. Conversely, custody snatches, unemployment because circumstances force trans she’s told me that I’ve helped her be more compensation hearings, and public CV: Dare to forecast how you think the people into less than ideal situations – open and forgiving and warm. benefits cases. US Supreme Court might rule on the poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, Worrying about when and where to three cases now under its review? economic insecurity, survival sex work disclose is a real and valid concern. Safety CV: And one thing lead to another? SL: My hope is that Chief Justice and other underground economy work. when dating should be taken seriously. SL: I loved working with my individual Roberts will act to protect the institution Meeting new people, dating, putting Take proper precautions but don’t let clients but longed to see broader impact of the Supreme Court and the law yourself out there - it’s frightening, and it stop you from realizing that you are on the vulnerable community I served. and find that the definitions of sex a concern for trans people and the people worthy of love, you are deserving of I started my work at the Pennsylvania includes a subset of LGBT individuals. who love us. being with someone who validates you Coalition Against It is clear that fear of others who are I am one of the lucky ones. When I first and makes you feel beautiful. as their Pennsylvania Senior Attorney. non-conforming is still very much a This allowed me to develop policies motivator for hate and discrimination. and procedures that kept the most We need the laws and the jurists who vulnerable women in mind so that interpret them to expand the value of they experienced the lowest amount liberty, and equality so that we can PennDOT hoping to allow “X” gender of adverse impact. We were not always continue in the right direction as a successful at this, but it was always on democratic society. designation on driver’s license With a target date of mid-2020, PennDOT is gearing up allow licensed motorists not to disclose their genders on their driver’s licenses. Motorists will No paywalls. be able to select “X’ on the gender section of a license application. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf told the No email sign-ins. Associated Press he supports the change. “I believe that we ought to recognize and No fake news. be supportive of folks who are looking to figure out what their gender identity is,” Wolf said. The proposed change is not the first TheCentralVoice.com one regarding gender identification on so that transgender residents could a driver’s license. In 2010, PennDOT correctly identify their gender on a REAL GAY NEWS. WE GIVE IT TO YOU STRAIGHT. allowed changes in gender markers license.

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 21 I was warned...but I went anyway mature generation never forgets. And killed. All because he was gay. into triumph. They offered their support it’s very important to share our stories On my journey to reach a symbolic goal for my efforts to get my project to the of where we are today. The bad…and I’ve given a TEDx talk and have spoken symbolic goal so I can help millions of The Blake the good. out in dozens of colleges and cities about survivors find esperanza in a unique way. Last month I visited the University of my story of sexual and domestic violence Stigmas take a long time to erase. The Late Wyoming for the first time. I came with so that I can find recovery while helping stigma about male survivors of sexual my big awareness project about sexual others find their healing too. and domestic violence. The stigma about Show and domestic violence that I’ve taken on Part of that story involves me speaking gay men. And the stigma about Laramie a cross country odyssey over the past out as a survivor who is not just a man… and the murder of UW student four years. but a gay man. Matthew Shepard. I was cautioned by supporters and But I did not let this history of hatred I appreciate that residents and students By Ron advocates around the nation to be careful for gays stop me from coming to Laramie were warm and inviting to me on my on my journey for several reasons. I and the University of Wyoming. We can’t recent visit to Laramie and the University Blake was traveling alone. I am gay. And I was live our lives in fear or stay stuck in the of Wyoming. They treated me as more coming to Laramie, Wyoming. past. Or we will never be able to live at than a survivor. As more than a gay man. People reminded me of the Matthew all. So I went there anyway. They all treated me as their brother. That Shepard story of tragedy and hate from Sure I realize there are people who do is the story I will share with the world. 21 years ago in this city. I was further not accept me or like me because I am he health and well-being of our reminded that this is a conservative state. gay. However, I didn’t experience hatred This article is brought to you by the letters TLGBTQ community depends on Matthew was the college student who during my one day and overnight while LGBTQ. That Sesame Street guy who proudly authored this story is Ron Blake us all telling our stories. was taken away from a bar by two men in Laramie. to a rural area outside of Laramie. He The students at UW and the residents and you can let him know everything’s It is important the new generation was then tied to a fence post, beaten, and of the city listened to my story of trauma A-OK (or not) at [email protected]. understands the past. It is important the classifieds RUN YOUR AD ALL ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA FOR ONLY $475 | Call 717-703-3020

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22 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 TheCentralVoice.com 0094201-art.indd 1 9/3/19 3:39 PM Struggling with inclusiveness As an LGBTQ movement in southcentral Pennsylvania, our Your struggle with inclusiveness is to some LGBT extent about how we understand justice and injustice in ways that Center of incorporate the experiences of many distinct and overlapping people. We Central PA Realtor don’t always include trans identity at the Low-tax and experience in meaningful ways. Delaware Beaches! We don’t always include non-binary folks – genderqueer, agender, neutrois, By Miller genderfluid, genderflux, two-spirit, polygender, pangender folks – or to even Hoffman know these folks exist and how they express themselves. We don’t always Lewes • Bethany Beach Rehoboth Beach • Dewey Beach recognize how narrow representations of trans people are on tv and in God and our goals and mission as a film, how they tend to skew toward movement in ways that better reflect binary, white, middle- and upper-class us all? Would we then find ourselves models and toward a standard that as kin, whether we are deviating is conventionally attractive, able to from our assigned gender at birth, or “pass,” respectable, and thin. We often deviating from our assigned gender Jason Abela fail to challenge the framework in which in sexual partners, or deviating from trans people of color are measured by our assigned gender in roles and (717) 979-1781 a standard of gender based on white mannerisms and interests and clothing, CELL norms and ideals and are therefore or deviating from our assigned gender forced into a deficit from the outset. by acting as gender traitors who And so on. encourage and support deviations from We lengthen our acronym in our assigned gender? hope to exhaust the ever-expanding I wonder whether, starting universe of people and peoples in from a shared identity as gender the LGGBTQQIAAAPP communities nonconformists, we would then finally (, gay, genderqueer, bi, trans, fully begin to understand that we were queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, all assigned gender at birth; that we agender, ally, pansexual, polyamorous), all have gender identities; that we all (302) 227-3883 OFFICE which still already leaves out the have preferred names and pronouns; NGGTPP folks named above, and a 246 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 that there are many expressions of few dozen of the gender and gender and that we really need to talk relationship options, and the many, to and ask everyone how they identify; many folks who are creating new names that straight folks and non-trans folks for and understandings of themselves, are also harmed by rigid gender rules and so on. We can’t necessarily create and standards of beauty and bathroom an exhaustive list of initials that will policing; that hegemonic masculinity bring everyone in and leave no one and feminine ideals promote rape out. And why do we try, I wonder culture, disbelief, victim-blaming, and sometimes, when we still struggle so re-victimization; that police brutality much with basic inclusions of just the and mass incarceration is tied to black T in our branding and messaging and bodies being hypermasculinized as accommodations. super-strong, super-danger, super- In our desire to find ourselves in predator; and so on. stories of protest and rebellion, we This is not to argue that the root co-opt and center ourselves in the of all oppression is gender-related story of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, or transphobic, or that all of race Stormé DeLarverie, Tammy Novak, oppression or sexual oppression can and the veterans of Stonewall: drag be contained in a single rubric. Still, queens, early trans women and men, it is possible that understanding the crossdressers, effeminate gay men, implications of not conforming to stone butches, scare queens, and (white) (affluent) gender norms and other gender suspects, many of whom expectations may go some distance were people of color. And the stories toward improving our understanding of triumph that we cannot easily of all oppressions as related. Our appropriate – the Cooper Do-nuts, the well-being as a movement is tied Compton Cafeteria riots – we do not tell. inextricably to the well-being of one And I wonder whether it might another, and gender might be a bridge transform our movement and how we to connect the increasing violences approach inclusion, how we understand in this decade done both to gay men our similarities and differences and and to black transgender women. how we talk about experience and Understanding our shared identities spirituality and justice and injustice would undoubtedly open our imagining if we reframe our movement: Rather to the vast coalitions we can create in than beginning with sexualities and our shared goals of creating change. tacking on genders after the fact, would we better include more of us by The Central Voice has offered free column beginning with another, more broadly space to LGBT organizations since its shared vulnerable location? What if inception in 2003 and to the LGBT Center "I'm here to help you." we begin instead with our overarching of Central PA since its founding. CV has and underlying experiences of gender The Central Voice Account Executive Chris Thomas's goal is to help been a FAB Media Sponsor, the Center’s nonconformity? annual fundraising benefit, since the your business acheive it's goals for 2018. Would we then finally talk about venue returned in 2007. Contact him @ 717-919-1394 or email [email protected] marriage equality and oppression and

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