Year 4, Vol. 7 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • www.therainbowtimesnews.com free! The Larger- The Freshestainbow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Newspaperimes in New England R T than-life... Photo: derek goodwin northampton’s tdor Remembers LGBT suicide vicitms as well p7

entury Fox Photo: 20th C entury Gaga hugh jackman: Can’t help loving The Gay musical theater p11 Photo: N ick K night Photo: chuck colbert Interview FENWAY HEALTH At the forefront in p4 global battle against AIDS/HIV pandemic p19 Photo: william baker sandra bernhard: Multi-talented star coming to Bull Run restaurant p13 Photo: steven smith boston gay men’s chorus Spreading “Joy” this Holiday Season p12

Photo: glenn koetzner boston Gov. deval Patrick Lends support to Boston Pride 2011 p14 pride Anti-Gay: Springfield Gay Man beaten by teenagers p17

Rhode Island: House Speaker Fox subject of YouTube parody p17 photos Boston: Fenway Health on inclusive HHS LGBT data collection p10 inside!  • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com The primary culprit of homophobia, Amen Larger analysis of all forms of oppression By: Nicole Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief to whatever religious group we so desire without needed to secure lasting, authentic justice any of you may know by now having to face persecution as a result of it. Religious that a Springfield gay man was freedom means that one group cannot force their By: Jason Lydon/TRT Columnist couples the state- Mbrutally beaten by a group of beliefs on another group or individual who may round the country, and likely around the sanctioned right of nine teenagers on June 28th in downtown have conflicting beliefs with the majority. However, world, liberal and progressive people are marriage. I was at Springfield. Ironically, this occurred steps should “religious freedom” allow fundamentalist Acelebrating the passage of same-sex/gay the annual meet- ing of the Unitarian inion away from City Hall in Barrows Park. The faith leaders to disseminate hate messages from the marriage in New York. The timing during the group of teens ranged from ages 12-19. pulpit and inadvertently persecute others? Is that re- Pride Festivities elated organizers and fueled Universalist Asso- p Only one person’s identity was revealed, ally freedom of religion or is it simply the freedom the overwhelming joy that many experienced. A ciation of Congre- Shay Andre Edwards, who was just 19 to hate and use religion as a refuge to justify it? parade that once started as a militant response gation’s General o year old. The other assailants were juve- We all come from various religious back- against the violence of the state embodied state Assembly in Char- niles and as such their identity was protected. grounds—some believe in Christianity, Islam, recognition and assimilation. For many LGBTQ lotte, North Caro- It jolted me back into the reality about how far, Buddhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Shinto, folks and straight allies this is a great success, a lina, when CNN Jason Lydon even in liberal Massachusetts, we still have to go Confucianism, Jainism, etc., to name a few. Like moment to pat ourselves on the back and prepare announced the to educate others about the LGBT community in you, I have my own faith. But, whatever belief to take the fight for “equality” to another state news. Our General Assembly delegates passed an effort to attain tolerance and acceptance. Until system you have, I am fairly certain that the basic and to the national level. a responsive resolution celebrating the passage parents, preachers, mentors, advisors stop preach- principles of those faiths were based on love and After Proposition 8 passed in California Dean of marriage, however, they also included a rec- ing anti-gay and homophobic remarks, until the peace, not man-made rules, which have allowed Spade and Craig Willse released a statement in ognition that there is far more work to be done. veil of ignorance is shed, violence against our the “righteous ones” to persecute and spew ha- response. Along with a critique of the marriage I do not believe that the successes of marriage community, such as that committed by Edwards tred toward anything and anyone that does not movement they also wrote about how we could are moving us in a liberating direction but I am and his young followers, will continue to rise. fall into their categorically characterized norm. better use our queer/trans resources and skills. impressed that the Unitarian Universalists un- Unfortunately, religion and conservatism are They wrote, “Expanding marriage to include a derstand that marriage is not the litmus test of noted as being the two most significant factors Nicole Lashomb narrow band of same-sex couples only strength- GLBTQ justice. A larger analysis of racism, that contribute to homophobia. ens that system of marginalization and supports capitalism, imperialism, and all forms of oppres- *Nicole Lashomb is the Editor-in-Chief of The the idea that the state should pick which types of sion are essential if our queer/trans movements Recently, a close friend of mine and I were talking Rainbow Times, holds a Bachelor’s degree from about the freedom of religion and what that consti- families to reward and recognize and which to wish to have any real impact in securing authen- SUNY Potsdam, and an MBA from Marylhurst punish and endanger. We still demand a queer tic justice. tutional right actually means. To me, it means that it University. Send your Letters to the Editor to edi- is our individual choice, right and freedom to belong political agenda that centralizes the experiences I am saddened that people can rally so strongly [email protected]. of prisoners, poor people, immigrants, trans for marriage while the response to the displace- people, and people with disabilities. We reject ment of OPTIONZ, the Queer Women of Color Queeries: STD talk with new partner, child’s gender change a gay agenda that pours millions of dollars into and Friends Pride Week event, has hardly been campaigns for access to oppressive institutions recognized. Spectra wrote in Queer Women of By: Steven Petrow*/Special for TRT to talk about HIV status. for a few that stand to benefit.” Color Still Face Racism During Pride, Among It’s usually easier to do this before you find While this statement may have been written Other Things, “If you follow QWOC+ Boston, “Talking about HIV and other STDs yourself in the heat of the moment, where folks over a year ago, it rings very true in the after- See Oppression on page 5 with a new partner” sometimes get carried away by the throes of math of New York’s decision to grant same-sex Q: I’ve gotten pretty confused about when passion and take risks they might not otherwise. to talk with new partners or boyfriends “The talk” needn’t be involved or lengthy—al- about STDs and HIV status. Some of my though, admittedly, it can be hard to make this friends say that as long as you’re having Letters to the Editor The Rainbow Times particular topic romantic. Be truthful and direct, The Freshest LGBT Newspaper

advice safer sex, there’s no need to have “the saying, for instance: “I just want you to know To Joe Siegel (in response to his article in New England talk.” Others say—vehemently, I might that as far as I know, I’m [fill in the blank]. What regarding Rhode Island Pride events), add—that I must have that conversation. What about you?” Sometimes it’s easier if you volun- www.therainbowtimesnews.com do you think? By the way I’m HIV-positive. teer your health status first, as a way to open the Mr. Siegel, [email protected] A: All of us who are sexually active need to be door. If humor comes to you naturally, by all I enjoyed your article, however I did note [email protected] responsible for considering the risks of spreading means try that; but remember, you’re not giving Phone: 413.282.8881, 617.444.9618 STDs and for taking steps to protect our partners some omissions. While the traditional players a public health lecture. of Pride events were mentioned the corporate or Fax: 888-442-2421 and ourselves. Whether positive or negative (or, Since you mentioned that you’re HIV-positive, unknowing), we owe it to everyone involved to and healthcare folks were not mentioned. I Publisher Columnists let me give you some more advice to chew on. think it’s important to mention the support talk about our sexual health before having sex. Even if you’ve hinted at your seropositive status, Gricel M. Ocasio Lorelei Erisis I’ve long said that if you’re intimate enough to that Pride events have garnered over the years from “mainstream” sources. The contrast of Editor-In-Chief Deja N. Greenlaw have sex with someone, you’re intimate enough See Queeries on page 10 Nicole Lashomb the hate of 35 years ago to the level of accep- Paul P. Jesep tance we have today is remarkable. Assistant Editor Jason Lydon CABO Fundraiser to support Tornado Victims I organized my company’s participation in Natalia Muñoz Tynan Power this year’s event and we have participated for Sales Associates Jenn Tracz By: Jenn Tracz*/CABO’s Executive Director TheCABO.org for more Chris Gilmore the last seven years. This was also the third John Verlinden n Wednesday June 1st, Springfield Mass information. Let’s band year we fielded a walking contingent in the Liz Johnson and surrounding towns made national together and help rebuild Lead Photographer Reporters parade. Lifespan is the largest private employ- Chuck Colbert Oheadlines when a string of tornados Springfield together. er in the State of Rhode Island at 12,000 em- Glenn Koetzner CABO is able to provide Clara Lefton touched down destroying many homes and busi- ployees with its workforce based here. Lifes- Webmaster nesses in its path. CABO has members and con- services to its member in Jarred Johnson Christine Nicco large part due to our cor- pan is a healthcare company comprised of nections to the Western Mass. area and would Rhode Island, Miram, Newport, and Bradley Lead Designer Tynan Power like to do its part in helping rebuild the area. porate partnerships, which Jim Curran Joe Siegel include; Aetna, Foxwoods, Hospitals. At the festival we performed over We have teamed up with Springfield non-profit 230 blood pressures and 180 stroke risk as- organization Rebuilding Together who works re- Murtha Cullina LLP, Com- The Rainbow Times is published monthly by cast Business Class, Bear- sessments. Helping festival goers understand The Rainbow Times, LLC. TRT is affiliated with the habilitating damaged homes. Before the tornados Jenn Tracz they were expected to rehab over 30 homes and 2 ingstar Insurance, Nutmeg their risk for stroke. We also had information National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, non-profit facilities. With the damage caused by State Federal Credit Union, Clear Channel on HIV prevention as well as information on CABO - The Connecticut Alliance for Business Radio and The Rainbow Times. Each of these living with HIV. We had forty volunteers at Opportunity, and QSyndicate. The articles written the tornados that number is sure to rise. by the writers, columnists, and correspondents express In an effort to do our part CABO will be hold- businesses has something great to offer and their our 40-foot booth space and gave away over 1,200 giveaways. their opinion, and do not represent the endorsement ing an event at Max’s Tavern in Springfield at commitment and support to the LGBT commu- or opinion of The Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. 1000 West Columbus Blvd., Springfield, MA nity is what separates them from the rest. We Additionally, we had over 60 people march To write letters to the editor, please send your letters, from 6-8 p.n. on July 26th. We will be charging highly encourage you to do business with one or in the parade behind the Lifespan banner. with your name, address and phone number to: The $20 at the door and 100% of the proceeds will all of them. As a CABO member there are many Giving away 1,000 buttons that recognized Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail be going to Rebuilding Together, Springfield great exclusive offers to take advantage of. the 35 year history of RI Pride. any comment/s to the editor at: editor@therain- to help those affected by tornado. We will have —Charles Litwin, Providence, RI bowtimesnews.com. All submissions will be edited raffle items, which include2 (two) 6-month sub- *In her role as Executive Director, Jenn is re- according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, Mr. Litwin, LLC reserves the right not to print any or all content, scriptions to The Rainbow Times. We will also sponsible for maintaining and growing member- or advertisements for any reason at all. TRT is not be auctioning off a 1-year CABO membership ship, developing strategic business partnerships Mr. Siegel read your email and he stands responsible for advertising content. To receive The to help raise additional money. and overseeing the day-to-day operations of corrected for the omissions. We are glad that Rainbow Times at your home via regular mail, or If you are interested in donating an item to the organization. In addition to being CABO’s you wrote to us. We stand corrected as well. through electronic delivery, please visit our website. help raise money for this great cause, please e- executive director, she also is a small business —Best, TRT Editor The whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the mail me at [email protected]. For more in- owner specializing in planning, branding, social sole property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and they formation on the event itself please go to www. media and design services. See Letters on page 12 cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s consent. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 •   • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com The (Gay) Gaga Interview: Her activism, legacy, and how being a gay icon is a ‘tall order’ By: Chris Azzopardi/Special for TRT is just plain and silky. This is my daywear. I’m realizing they were Lady Gaga is one of the biggest super- walking around my hotel room and I’m going gay. We didn’t really stars in the world. But speaking to her to yoga soon, and I probably won’t change. talk about it and I went only briefly during this rare interview, (Laughs) to theater school and I she evades her larger-than-life image CA: How did you spend your last day off? did a lot of shows, so with affable charm, self-deprecating LG: I watched So You Think You Can Dance, I guess it never really humor (take that, so-called penis) and a and I’ve been planning my performances for the mattered to me if they down-to-earth demeanor. She’s sweet, next few months for television and getting ready were gay or straight perverted, articulate and talkative. And for the new tour. – and we never really she can’t stop gushing about how much CA: That’s work. That’s not time off, Gaga. talked about it. We just her fans mean to her – and when I have loved talking about

imelight to cut her off to get a few last minute music and art and the- “So social justice has to ater and fashion. So

L questions in, she doesn’t pull a diva trip. She’s cordial as can be. “I could talk to now it’s less about be- you forever, you’re so cute,” she says, be the most paramount ing a leader and more almost in baby goo-goo, ga-ga talk. just about being a part Point is, Gaga doesn’t sound like issue that I address on of my generation and someone who just scored the best first- being part of the fight week sales of the year so far with Born the album.” for equality that I feel This Way, her opus that seems to posi- is part of who I am and LG: (Laughs) I know, I know. I always do that. part of my childhood,

n the the n tion her as the Mother Teresa of music. I’m sorry. I don’t really take time off. I try, and part of where I’m I Since we last spoke, nearly two years ago when “Just Dance” was charting, she was but I think I find comfort in my creativity. It’s going. barely a blip on the pop scene. How quickly like a warm blanket for me, so I will end up in CA: The message you things can change. some sort of way creating something or writing stand for as a public Photo: meeno This time, Gaga spoke about inspiring young something. figure – about being Lady Gaga CA: How do you feel about your role as a yourself no matter who gay people, why she cried for a week straight, LG: That’s so sweet. Thanks for saying that. I what she’d do with an Ann Coulter-like kid and gay icon and a leader in the LGBT rights you are – is also a big part of Born This Way. the legacy she wants to leave. movement? LG: The album was inspired by the spirit of the hope that I can really be that, and I hope that they LG: That’s a really, really tall order and quite a fans, the spirit of the show and the spirit of peo- know that it’s so genuine and so authentic. Chris Azzopardi: We have lots more to description. I never set out to be a gay icon or be- ple all over the world every night talking to me CA: Which album gave you a sense of belong- talk about this time than your love for Italian come one or be revered as one, and I’m just re- about social justice and sharing their stories with ing and allowed you to be yourself when you sausages. ally grateful to all the people that have believed me and me realizing that my mission with music were a kid? Lady Gaga: (Laughs) I love Italian sausages ... in me and my music and my work. The most was driven in a very specific way at this point. special thing of all has been that my sort of as- So social justice has to be the most paramount LG: I always talk about Green Day, because as much as I love my own. Dookie was the first album that I went to buy on CA: Don’t take this the wrong way, but as a fash- similation as a public figure has very organically issue that I address on the album. ion icon I have to ask: What are you wearing? stemmed out of who my natural friends were in CA: I wish I knew who you were when I was a my own. I think because I got bullied in school LG: I’m actually in a black bra and underwear. high school. teenager. Young people these days are lucky to there was something I really appreciated about I had a lot of gay friends growing up, not even have such a role model. That’s it. The top one is lace and the bottom one See Gaga on page 5 www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 •  See Gaga from page 4 would you do? CA: This is basically a dedication to your Little Oppression on page 5 punk culture. It allowed me to feel unified with LG: Oh. I’d have to have a sit-down with her. Monsters, right? something that was separate from my commu- CA: What’s been the most rewarding moment LG: It’s a dedication, exactly. It’s not fair- you may have noticed on Facebook or any nity at school. Even though I didn’t have a lot of your career so far? weather fans. These are real fans. of our other social media channels, that our of punk friends or I didn’t go to punk shows LG: So many different things. It was a very, CA: If you could be reincarnated as a real living OPTIONZ party needed to be relocated to a – because when I was 13, my mother would very huge shock for me when I heard the album monster, what would you come back as? new venue. The reason for the venue change is never have allowed me to leave the house and sales for Born This Way. I just cried for, like, LG: Myself. But I would have all my protrusions that, last-minute, the previous venue, Caprice go downtown to see a punk a week straight. (Laughs) be real and I would be a real fairy monster. Lounge, presented me with some new terms: show – just having the al- It was seven full days of CA: How gay of you. ‘No Hip Hop music, because of issues we’ve bum in my hands and read- rainwater tears. I think I LG: I know. But she would be mean and fierce, had in the past.’” Do you know how many clubs ing the lyrics and listening could’ve filled an entire too. And have a fake mole. And I would be able in Boston, or across New England, have racist to the music made me feel ocean of gratitude. I just to instantly change a wig with a thought in my policies? Spectra even recognizes later in the like I was a punk, feel like worked so hard on the mu- mind or change my bone structure based on my article that the club OPTIONZ moved to, Mar- a Green Day fan, feel like sic and I cared so much that thoughts. ket, also has a racist and patriarchal dress code I was part of a union that the fans loved it, and all that CA: It’s like a drag queen’s dream. policy, “No hats, no sneakers, no do-rags, no was separate from my situ- mattered to me was they LG: Yeah. It’s my dream. It’s every girl’s athletic wear ... women in dresses/skirts, men ation. That’s really carried loved it. The feedback of dream! (Laughs) in collars etc.” Between this publication of The through into my music and the music and of the videos CA: Two of your songs are named after human Rainbow Times and the next I will be talking my dream and my message. has been so wonderful. features – “Hair” and “Teeth.” What’s the next more with Spectra, other event organizers, and But what’s been so great is I sat down with the label body part you’ll write about? club managers to find out what kind of policies social media. Unlike when and I talked to my team and LG: Who knows. I didn’t even think of it that exist. What does it mean for us to be a truly I was a kid, my fans now we talked about the new way. Where should I go next? I don’t know. welcoming and inclusive movement? How can have a way to get to know album cycle and I said to I’ve already been thinking about the next album, we herald so-called diversity while the venues each other and be connect- them, “I don’t want for the though. Don’t shoot me. that we utilize isolate and marginalize large ed through social media so goal of this to be that we CA: Can you give us a glimpse into that one? segments of our disconnected community? As that the culture can grow. gain new fans. If we gain LG: No, no. Stay on this one. We’re not done all of the joy and excitement of Pride comes to CA: And you’re using so- new fans, that’s wonder- yet. (Laughs) I am planning on making the “You a close I am hopeful that we can keep some of cial networking a lot as a ful. But the goal for me is and I” video, though, and I’m really excited our determination strong. Surely holding clubs political platform, urging to strengthen my artistic about that. accountable for their racist and sexist policies evolution and strengthen CA: Everyone talks about overexposure when is not the pinnacle of liberation, but we need to fans to step up in the fight Photo: meeno for equality. the bond between the fans.” you’re as big of a star as you are. Does that wor- send a message to each other that we are listen- LG: Oh yeah. I just got on Lady Gaga That was the single most ry you at all? ing and aware. I will do my part to investigate Twitter and I was firing away like I was on the important thing to me. Not to sell more records, LG: No. You’re just a right or left click away and educate and I know there are those already Senate floor. I couldn’t stop because I think to not to gain more fans, not to convert people that from the other direction. leading and crafting responses, something oth- myself, almost instantly, there are 11 million didn’t like me before to like me now. That was CA: Have you thought about the legacy you ers will need to join in on. people who are receiving this message from me not what I wanted. What I wanted to do was to want to leave and what that might be? Dean and Craig remind us that, “This po- and they have to know what’s going on. Even if look out into the crowd and know that they were LG: Yes, I have. And it changes and grows. I litical moment calls for anti-homophobic I just get five people to call in New York, I can stronger than ever, and the thing that has been would say that my wish is to be remembered as politics that centralize anti-racism and anti- make that small bit of difference. the most exciting for me is to watch that happen, a cultural force, as someone who was fearless poverty.” We can build that movement! CA: If you had a daughter and you found out because what we have – what I have witnessed and unpredictable, who didn’t care what anyone For more information, follow Spectra at she was going to be the next Ann Coulter, what so far with the release of this album – is that the thought about what I have created but only cared www.spectraspeaks.com. super fan section of my fans has grown. that they thought about it.

therainbowtimesnews.com  • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Creep of the Week: “Christian” Pat Robertson Faith, Family, and God: Who’s Religious Freedom? By: D’Anne Witkowski*/Special for TRT was homosexual activity,” he said, “and even By: Paul P. Jesep*/TRT Columnist religious freedom? othing brings the creeps out of the wood- they tried to rape angels who came down there, arriage equality passed in Does a group of old men in religious author- work like pro marriage equality. The so that’s the kind of people they were.” New York despite strong and ity sashaying down the church aisle in very Ngood news out of New York has gotten Thank you, Mr. Robertson, for the linguistics Msometimes fierce religious op- expensive dresses sometimes wearing jewelry some people fired up. And by “fire” I mean, of lesson. And I have to agree, angel rapists are the position. Of course there were many in that would make Liberace envious trump the

course, Hell-fire. worst! But trying to say that the angel rapists of god the religious community who also sup- personal beliefs of 74% of their parishioners? It comes as no surprise that Pat Robertson is Sodom are akin to the gay couples of New York ported it. Although religious opponents And by the way history has repeatedly shown one of the folks shouting that the sky is falling. who want to get married is a bit of a stretch. f failed to convince the governor and most that priests, bishops, cardinals, and popes have On a recent episode of The 700 Club, Rob- “(God) sent an angel down there and He said state legislators of their inane positions, often been wrong. Don’t forget to publicly re- ertson said that America was to Lot and his family, ‘get out I’m still troubled that they were not chal- mind them of it with specific examples – colo- basically becoming Sodom. You now because I’m gonna destroy lenged on one of the loudest arguments nialism was moral, women shouldn’t vote, the know, that little city in the Bible Trying to say that this whole area.’ That’s where – religious freedom is threatened. sun revolved around the earth, and slavery and that gays were totally gentrifying sodomy came from, we use the Although it isn’t much of an argument segregation didn’t violate God’s law. Even pur- and making hip before God de- the angel rapists term sodomy and it means So- and maybe that’s why it wasn’t taken on gatory is no more. stroyed it? of Sodom are dom. What’s it like?” Robertson to my satisfaction, I still think it should If you, friends, or allies of marriage equality I kid. Folks like Robertson love continued. have been addressed directly and more in others states, like Maine or Rhode Island, are to point to the story in the Bible akin to the gay Wait, “What’s it like?” Is Rob- forcefully. More important the LGBT still fighting for marriage equality, please under- about Sodom to prove that God ertson asking what anal sex is like? and Searching community in other states score the need to take a stand based on faith. God hates homos. It’s a misguided couples of New Does he know his mic is on? still fighting for this civil right should isn’t on anyone’s side. We’re all God’s children. interpretation to say the least. If “We’re heading that way as a also think about pursuing the issue. We’re supposed to be on God’s side. The next you don’t know the story of So- York who want to nation,” Robertson declared. “In As I listened to marriage opponents time someone says their religious freedom is be- dom, here it is in a nutshell: This history there’s never been a civi- in New York talk of threats to religious ing threatened ask them about yours. dude Lot lives in the city of So- get married is a lization ever that has embraced freedom I thought: Faith groups wouldn’t dom and lets a couple of angels bit of a stretch. homosexuality and turned away lose their lucrative tax exempt status, reli- *Paul is an author, attorney, and a seminary crash at his place for the night. from traditional fidelity, tradi- gious school curriculums wouldn’t be re- trained, ordained priest in greater Albany, NY.

His neighbors freak and surround his house be- tional marriage, traditional child-rearing, and o name the in written by the Department of Education, He is a blogger at Experts.Patheos.com. Paul cause they want to rape the angels. So Lot says, has survived. There isn’t one single civilization and government can’t change church dogma, doc- is contributor to the book Homosexuality in the “No dudes, that is way uncool. Take my virgin that has survived that openly embraced homo- trine, and tradition. Nor could the government re- Orthodox Church, available on Amazon.com. daughters instead” (Lot was a good host, but sexuality. So you say, ‘what’s going to happen write prayers, censor religious publications, regu- He may be reached at [email protected]. maybe not the best dad) but the neighbors are to America?’ Well if history is any guide, the late times of worship, require same-sex blessings, still freaking out. Then God’s all like, “WTF?” same thing’s going to happen to us.” or prohibit selling half tub Mary for the garden or Creep of the Week continued and gives Lot and his family a head start before Ah, yes. History as our guide. Just look at all plastic Jesus for the car dashboard likely made in he destroys the whole city. Oh, and Lot’s wife of the civilizations that God put the smack down a Southeast Asian sweatshop. your door. There is no in between. gets turned into a salt lick for deer. on after they were all, “We’re totally gay. Het- But for discussion purposes let’s assume that “It’s not a pretty world we live in right now In any case, this is, in essence, where America’s erosexuality is for losers.” Because that’s totally religious freedom is actually at stake. I hear no and we need all of God’s help we can get and headed according to Robertson. “I think we need what it means to “embrace” homosexuality. You one, or perhaps I miss it, talk about the religious I don’t think we’re exactly setting ourselves to remember the term sodomy came from a town either have exclusive heterosexuality or you freedom of LGBT and Searching persons of up for his favor,” Robertson said. known as Sodom and Sodom was destroyed by have angel rapists in the street pounding down faith. Aren’t these religious rights denied by pro- And Robertson’s no stranger to attribut- ing tragedy to the gays and God’s wrath. God Almighty and the thing that they practiced See Creep of the Week continued this page hibiting marriage equality? In addition, if stop- ping same-sex marriage protected religious free- No doubt the next natural disaster, no matter dom as understood by the Catholic leadership, where in the world, whether it’s a hurricane, why is it at the same time a denial of religious tornado, tsunami, or a continent-swallowing freedom for, as one example, the United Church giant squid, it’ll be all New York’s fault. of Christ (UCC)? In 2005, the UCC passed a Here’s one thing I don’t understand about resolution titled Equal Marriage Rights for All. Robertson’s God. I’m no theologian, but if As has often been the case the UCC has been a God can supposedly lift up the entire ocean leader on social justice for literally centuries. and slam it down on a country because he’s Does the official position of the Catholic pissed off, why can’t God stop two dudes in Church trump the religious freedom of the UCC? Times Square from saying “I do”? Why isn’t this question being repeatedly asked in I don’t know. Maybe God’s priorities and public every time a Catholic leader complains that Robertson’s differ a bit. their religious freedom is threatened? Are readers in Maine and Rhode Island getting my point? *D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay What about individual persons of faith who since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet support marriage quality other than the LGBT (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the and Searching community? According to the creeps of the world she reviews rock ‘n’ roll Public Religion Research Institute 43% of shows in Detroit with her twin sister. Catholics polled support marriage equality and 31% prefer civil unions. A whopping 74% of Catholics polled support some type of legal rec- ognition of same-sex unions. What about their therainbowtimesnews.com

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therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 •  Living with HIV - A Survivor’s Story: Rhode Island’s Darren Wells shares his experience By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter fected me, but I’ve narrowed it down to two I want to emphasize, for anyone who might be friends. So now, I am surrounded by amazing, The first known case of AIDS was discovered likely candidates. HIV+ and reading this, and considering medica- supportive, nurturing people. Again, I am very in June 1981, 30 years ago. Since then, more TRT: How has this disease impacted your life? tion: plenty of people take Sustiva (or Atripla, grateful for them, and they help me survive and than 30 million people have died from the dis- DW: It’s forced me to pay a lot more attention which has Sustiva in it) with no weird dreams, thrive. ease. Millions more have been infected with to my body. I’ve gotten a lot better, out of neces- and no nightmares. TRT: When did you begin volunteering for HIV. Forty-two year old Darren Wells, from sity, about letting my doctor know everything In the grand scheme of things, taking pills really AIDS Project RI? Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is one of them. This going on in my body, even if it seems insignifi- isn’t that big of a deal. Sometimes it’s inconve- DW: I started in 2004, with the Speakers Bu- is his story. cant, because a couple of nient, because I have to take reau, and that position led me to times what I thought was my meds with food, but that’s do other things, like staffing the TRT: When did you a small thing was a sign not a huge imposition. It’s be- The first year table at Pride and helping to set learn you were infected of something pretty seri- come part of my routine. Even was the hardest, up Gay Bingo. I had an inkling with HIV? ous. The first year was the side effects are not as big of I was headed in that direction DW: I learned I was the hardest, because I a deal now, although if you’d because I was so from the moment I went to my infected on September was so scared, paranoid, told me twenty years ago I intake with the Project, but it 6, 1999. I was thirty every time I sneezed I would be dealing with this stuff scared, paranoid, took me two years to finally get years old. I remember thought “Oh no, this is on a daily basis (neuropathy, every time I sneezed my foot in the door. the date because I was it, I’m going to die...” GI issues, fatigue) I would have TRT: Tell me about your work in the hospital, and I was But it takes a lot of en- thought that was horrible. I thought “Oh no, for the Speakers Bureau. very sick. I was tested ergy to be that terrified TRT: How did friends and DW: First, I want to share a on September 2, but be- all the time. So, I kind of family react when you told this is it, I’m going secret about Speakers Bureaus cause it was Labor Day had to let go, to just get them about your diagnosis? to die...” in general: they are a largely weekend it took a little in the habit of seeking DW: For the most part, my untapped treasure. They do as longer to get the results the attention of a doctor family has been supportive beyond any expec- much for the speakers, if not more, than they back. They couldn’t rush when something’s off, tation I had, beyond what I could imagine, and do for the audiences. There is no better cure for it any faster than that. and letting them worry that’s made a huge difference. As I’ve already shame and stigma than standing in front of a TRT: How did you about it. said, I was ready to give up when I found out. group of strangers and saying, out loud, the very react? TRT: What medications I told my dad and my older sister, Mikki, about thing you want to hide, and then being thanked DW: I was quietly re- Photo: courtesy darren wells have you been taking? an hour after I got the news. They were visit- for doing it and told how brave and wonderful signed. I was pretty sure Darren Wells (on left) DW: I am currently on ing me, flying in from out of town, and they saw you are. It disarms the shame’s power like noth- that I would be dead in my fifth regimen. Susti- how bad I looked. I figured that I was going to ing else can. It’s not just about education for the a few days. I had severe wasting, having lost va was kind of the backbone of my various regi- be dead soon, so I might as well let them know masses, which of course is also important; it’s about a third of my body weight; I am six foot mens for several years, but the sleep deprivation the truth about what killed me. the best kind of therapy for the HIV+ individuals three, and my weight got down to 123 pounds. (I finally got to me and I more or less told my doc- My friends have been a mixed bag. Some themselves. Everyone wins. It’s one of the great- weigh 195 now, in contrast.) I had an extremely tor “I’m not taking this anymore, so you need friends quietly drifted out of the picture; one est blessings I’ve received, in a life full of bless- severe and painful esophageal ulcer. I had pneu- to find something else for me.” I was fortunate friend in particular told me in a very painful way ings, to be able to tell my story the way I have. monia. I was so weak; I couldn’t even sit up in that I only got a couple of nightmares from that that he couldn’t handle it, and that was the last my hospital bed without assistance.” drug; for those who get the nightmares, it’s ter- time I spoke to him. But while that was painful, For more information about AIDS Project TRT: How did you get the virus? rible. I’m currently taking Reyataz, Norvir, and something wonderful happened also: the friends Rhode Island, call 401-831-5522 or go to their DW: Sexually. I don’t know for sure who in- Truvada, and tolerating it pretty well. who stuck around proved themselves to be real website at www.aidsprojectri.org.

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H H H H  • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • • www.therainbowtimesnews.com H H The Rainbow Times H H H H heroesHHHHH Author Joanna Lillian Brown offers LGBT oriented workshop: Life and Death up close and personal By: Natalia Muñoz/TRT Assistant Editor There is a lot of information on the internet now When I was caring for my spouse/partner dur- TRT: Who should one listen to when a loved one The Rainbow Times sat with Joanna regarding “living wills” (also known as medical ing her stage three cancer treatment, I knew that is in the throes of dying and wants water, but the Lillian Brown, author of “Caring for Dy- directives). About 15 states now have POLST I needed to get a minimum of six hours of sleep medical staff says no? In other words, who should ing Loved Ones: A Helpful Guide for or MOLST (physician orders for life sustain- each night; eat three good meals and healthy one respond to and how? Families and Friends” to ask her about ing treatment/medical orders snacks; and stay in close JLB: My own personal feeling is that the sick or her insightful knowledge about caring for life sustaining treatment) contact with a few very good dying person’s wishes should be honored regard- for loved ones who are going through a forms available online. Mas- friends via phone and email. ing food, hydration, and pain relief. Many hos- life changing situation that could even in- sachusetts is not one of them, There were days on end that pices have helpful articles on their websites about clude a terminal illness and how to cope but viewing the forms for oth- I didn’t have one spare mo- question of hydration at the end of life, and it is in and prepare for it. Brown also shares her er states can be very helpful in ment, but I got my minimum our own best interest to do some of this reading awareness with regards to the caregiver borrowing language for one’s hours of sleep and ate well. so that we can formulate our own instructions for and how to properly communicate in a own living will. Those were things I never ne- end of life care. situation where difficult circumstances TRT: How does one start a glected. On days when there TRT: What lessons should we be watching for as cannot be avoided. A limited-space free difficult conversation about was a little breathing room, I we help someone we love in their final moments? LGBTQ Workshop on End of Life Issues death and dying? would call a friend, or update JLB: Being absolutely present – watching and will be held on July 24th in Northampton. JLB: There is no one way to the CaringBridge site that I listening – is what makes possible the learning More information about the workshop can begin. My advice is to think set up to communicate with that comes at the end of life.

lgbt seniors lgbt be found at the end of this article. about your relationship with family and friends (www.car- the person and what you know ingbridge.org offers free, per- To continue this story, please visit us online at: The Rainbow Times: What are some of the ma- to be happening at the time, sonalized websites for persons www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2011/07072011/brown. jor conversations that people should have with and then ask a question that who are ill or dying). It was a those they are caring for? you feel is appropriate. That God-send to me when I need- A free workshop titled “Decide for Yourself, Joanna Lillian Brown: This depends on what question could be as direct as, ed to communicate with 40 or or Others Will Decide for You: A LGBTQ Work- stage of caregiving they are in, of course, and “Are you afraid of dying?” more friends and relatives and shop on End of Life Issues” will be held July 24 there are many levels of conversations that are Or, it might be as indirect as, did not have time to return in- from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of possible at each stage. Some are regarding health “What do you think about dividual calls or emails. Also, Northampton, 220 Main St. in Northampton. (Use matters (do you have a list of medicines that you these days?” or, “How are you the friends could send encour- door on right side of the building). Please pre-reg- take? Who are your doctors? Have you decided feeling?” Caring for Dying Loved Ones: A aging messages back to us, ister by calling 413-885-3210 or via the “Contact” who you want to have make medical decisions if TRT: What are some things Helpful Guide for Families and which was very uplifting. link on www.caringfordyinglovedones.com. Cop- that the caregiver can do to TRT: Are there support ies of Joanna Lillian Brown’s book will be avail- you cannot do so yourself?). Some are very basic Friends by Joanna Lillian Brown and have to do with quality of daily experience handle their own stress? groups for caregivers? able for purchase for $20. A vegetarian/vegan (Do you like to sleep in a cold room or a warm JLB: Being a caregiver of someone who is chron- JLB: There are support groups for caregivers in sandwich buffet will be provided. Limited to 20 room? How many blankets and pillows do you ically ill or who is dying is like running a mara- some areas, but not all places. Start by contact- attendees. The LGBT Coalition is a proud spon- use? Do you sleep on your right or left side, or on thon, only you don’t know if the race will be 10 ing your local Council on Aging, or hospice, or an sor of this event. your back? When do you like to go to bed? When miles, or 26, or 150 miles. So, it is very important area agency such as WestMass Eldercare. Many do you get up in the morning?) I developed a de- to realize that you might be in this “for the long areas, including Western Massachusetts now have Joanna Lillian Brown and her partner tailed “My Wishes” survey, which is in my book, haul” and identify the most important things for a 24/7 social services referral line (which can be Jo Lower, are both active members of the to give caregivers a framework to use in talking you to do to take care of yourself. This will vary accessed by dialing “211”) to receive a referral to Unitarian Society of Northampton, and have to loved ones. from person to person. many types of individual or group support. been together 19 years this August. SAGE Northampton Having proudly produced both Offering a monthly social THE Official 2011 Boston Pride Guide gathering & support group Following the success of a kick-off event in May, SAGE Western Massachusetts will host and the 2011 Noho Pride Guide, a social gathering and support group the last Wednesday of each month at the Northampton next up for us at The Rainbow Times is Senior Center. These gatherings are free and open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgen- der (LGBT) elders and allies, and they will be the Design & Production of two more held on June 29th, July 27th, and August 31st through the summer months 1-3pm in the Day of New England’s Major Pride Guides! Room. The Northampton Senior Center is at 67 Conz Street. Come from Old South Street to Fruit Coming this fall: Street to avoid Conz Street construction. There is plenty of parking and the meeting space and The 30th Anniversary CT Pride Guide restrooms are wheel-chair accessible. Come for snacks and discussion and to pick up a copy of the first edition of the SAGE Western and the Rainbow Riverfest Guide! Massachusetts Resource Directory. The mission is simple. SAGE Western Mas- sachusetts will continually work hard to ensure For more information, and to both reserve your space that LGBT elders feel safe and affirmed as they seek care and services of all kinds. and to secure preferred placement, please Film events in Northampton and a luncheon at contact TRT at TheRainbowTimesNews.com or the Amherst Senior Center are planned for the fall. For more information, please call (413) 586- call 617-444-9618 or 413-282-8881. 2000, extension 146. Information can also be found on the website www.sagewm.org. reach out to a dedicated readership and informed community... advertise today at therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 •  10 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Queeries from page 2 as the gender that feels right to that person. For Fenway Health addresses enhanced, don’t assume your partner knows. The subtle some that may simply mean changing their name signals of human interaction—especially sex- and the way they dress; for others, it means tak- inclusive HHS LGBT data collection charged interaction—are easily misinterpreted. ing hormones that produce physical characteris- By the way, even if you discover that both of tics that feel right. Others have sex-reassignment Boston, MA—United States Health and Hu- development and implementation.” you are poz, you’ll still want to talk about other surgery, and, as you note, there are “upper” and man Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius “The inclusion of transgender measures along potential bugs on board (Hepatitis B/C, gonor- “lower” elements to that. Most transgender peo- announced last week that sexual orientation mea- sexual orientation is historic,” said Dr. Scout, a rhea, etc.) to avoid any co-infections. ple go through years of therapy and counseling sures would begin to be included in the federal transgender researcher and the Director of the Similarly, it’s smart for HIV-negative people as they try to determine which options are best government’s National Health Indicators (NHIS) Network for LGBT Health Equity. “The current for them, and they may take different transitional to tell their partners that information, too. This Survey in 2013 and gender identity measures are sporadic inclusion in surveys usually only ad- steps as time goes by. But when it comes to figur- may well help a poz partner disclose his status being tested for addition when ready. NHIS is the dresses sexual orientation, leaving community ing out what to call your friend’s son, the truth is major tool that the Department of Health and Hu- members with some of the highest documented or help both of you gauge where you’ll play on that all this matters little. Wherever your friend’s the safer-sex spectrum. Or, the HIV-positive man Services uses to keep tabs on the health of health disparities invisible.” son falls along the continuum of transition, since the nation. HHS also announced their intent to Dr. Scout notes how long scientists and ad- fellow may decide to pass on having sex, hav- he now calls himself a) man, he is a man. ing previously decided not to date or have sex convene community researchers to ensure further vocates have been pushing for this inclusion, The important thing to remember is that indi- testing builds on the work already done. “This is literally the number one LGBT health with HIV-negative guys (and vice versa). viduals who are transitioning can experience Staff from The Fenway Insti- request for decades, we know “When a daughter changes her gender, tremendous pain and confusion. By some es- tute’s Center for Population Re- that getting solid data about our does she become a son?” timates, 20 to 30 percent of transgender people search in LGBT Health and Net- disparities will change the face Q: A friend’s daughter now says she’s trans- have attempted or committed suicide. The work for LGBT Health Equity, of LGBT health. The federal gender and had surgery to remove her breasts support of those who love them can mean the and Fenway Health’s Office of and state health systems are or- last week. I guess I should have written my world to them; it can, in fact, literally be the Government Affairs all worked ganized around eliminating friend’s “son.” Anyway, “he” seems thrilled difference between life and death. closely with HHS staff to craft disparities that their own tools with his results, but he is still a girl where it All about my new book... the new data collection policy for measure, as long as we weren’t counts, so it is very confusing. Thanks to so many of you for sending in your NHIS. being measured by their surveys, A: With all the news about Chaz Bono being “Queeries” over the past couple of years. Now “Under Secretary Sebelius’ we always had to plead with transgender, your question provides a timely you’ll find them, plus hundreds of other ques- leadership, the Department of them to address our health dis- reminder of how complex the topic of gender tions in my new book, Steven Petrow’s Com- Health and Human Services has parities at all. For example, states identity can be. As for your friend’s offspring, plete Gay & Lesbian Manners. The book, re- taken an important step to legiti- are allowed to prioritize LGBT yes, he is indeed her son; no need for quotation ally a guide to your best LGBT life, covers it mize LGBT health issues and disparities in the disparities in the recently released Community marks around the word. One of the basic con- all – from coming out to making friends, dating eyes of the federal government,” said Dr. Stephen Transformation Grants, only if they had data. So cepts of gender identity is that you are the gen- and sex etiquette, long term relationships and L. Boswell, Fenway Health President & CEO. not having LGBT health data was our catch-22. “Hopefully this will serve as an example for oth- Today’s announcement is the first concrete step der you think and say you are. The external geni- same-sex ceremonies, not to mention, raising talia that make a doctor proclaim, “It’s a girl!” in er government departments and branches as they to eliminating that catch-22 forever.” our kids, entertaining, dealing with homopho- begin to recognize the unique characteristics and The announcement of LGBT data collection the delivery room are not the sum total of that bia, and much more. Please check it out. individual’s gender identity. Chaz summed it up needs of the individuals and families who make enhancements comes bundled with much needed up the American LGBT community.” enhancements on race/ethnicity data collection. perfectly by saying recently that gender identity *Steven Petrow is the author of Steven is “between your ears, not between your legs.” “The 2013 inclusion of sexual orientation in “Together these new LGBT and race/ethnicity Petrow’s Complete Gay & Lesbian Manners: NHIS data collection shows that HHS is taking data standards represent a huge jump forward in Someone who makes the decision to transition The Definitive Guide to LGBT Life and can be seriously the Institute of Medicine’s recent report the fight to eliminate health disparities,” says Dr. from one gender to another is choosing to live found online at www.gaymanners.com. on LGBT Health which called on researchers to Scout. “The experiences of a native Hawai’ian engage LGBT people in health studies and col- person are not at all like that of a Hmong immi- lect data to identify and better understand health grant. Now with granular data collection for race/ conditions that affect them,” said Dr. Judith Brad- ethnicity, we will be able to see those distinctions. ford, Co-Chair of The Fenway Institute and Di- Again, this signals a new era in truly committing rector of The Center for Population Research in to monitoring and eliminating all health dispari- LGBT Health. “Now we need to work with HHS ties. We applaud Secretary Sebelius and the Garth to develop gender identity measures so that entire Graham of the Office of Minority Health for their LGBT community is represented in this impor- leadership on this issue.” tant federal health survey.” “These new guidelines will allow the federal For nearly forty years, Fenway Health has been government to collect some of the data we need working to make life healthier for the people in to better understand LGBT health needs and cre- our neighborhood, the LGBT community, people ate programs and advocate for resources to ad- living with HIV/AIDS and the broader popula- dress them.” said Dr. Kenneth Mayer, Co-Chair tion. The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health is and Medical Research Director of The Fenway an interdisciplinary center for research, training, Institute. “The lack of data in this area is a seri- education and policy development focusing on ous impediment to LGBT health programming national and international health issues. read us online @ therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • 11 Hugh Jackman, Days of Our Lives news, Lance Bass, Downton Abbey 2nd season By: Romeo San Vicente*/Special for TRT

Hugh Jackman can’t help loving musical theater If you want to get technical about it, Hugh Jackman has already made one movie musical: Happy Feet. Grant- ed, you didn’t see him in the film, but that was his singing voice coming out of one of those dancing penguins. So it kinda-sorta counts. And yes, the Aussie action star has been all over Broadway and the Tony Awards and done his song- and-dance thing at the Oscars. But now he might get his first movie musical role in the long-awaited film version of Les Miserables. He’s in talks right now to come aboard and play… well, who ex-

inside hollywood inside actly, nobody knows. But safe bet it’s a big role like Jean Valjean and that the p musical’s rabid, devoted, huge following will make it a hit when it finally lands in theaters sometime before… well, when exactly, nobody knows, either. Paul Bet- Photo: 20th century fox

dee tany is also rumored to be among the ac- Hugh Jackman tors in talks but, again, for what role is anyone’s rights for the guy in the group, for sure.” Of guess. And they’re going to find a spot for Susan course, technically, Bobby Brown hasn’t Boyle, right? Because they should. signed on yet. But there’s little chance he won’t. The Whitney Houston bus dropped him off Days of Our Lives finally gets its first gay a while back. The man has a living to make. No, it’s not exactly groundbreaking at this Now, next question: Why is no former member point for a daytime drama to begin a gay sto- of O-Town involved? ryline. It’s not even groundbreaking when the show allows the gay character to be involved Waiting patiently for more Downton Abbey? in a torrid same-sex kidnapping-and-blindness- It’s shooting now. and-paranormal-activities-centered relationship. If good things really do come to those who But it’s still news, and as each show (of the few wait, then American fans of the U.K. period left standing in this time of waning ratings and drama series Downton Abbey are in for a serious soap opera audience attrition) brings a gay or treat early in 2012. The thinking person’s luxury lesbian character on board, it’s nice to pay at- soap, set at the start of World War I, starring tention to how it all turns out. And so, on Days Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith and Hugh of Our Lives, the first gay person is going to Bonneville, has been renewed for a second sea- visit Salem and it’s happening this very week. son and a Christmas special that’s in production Actor Freddie Smith (90210) plays the twenty- right now in England and is due to air there this something Sonny, a gay man returning to the fic- autumn (the Christmas special in December). tional town to find his family. But which family? Now, for reasons unknown, audiences on this Still a secret. Boyfriend soon? Also a secret. side of the Atlantic who aren’t up on how to lo- Can this storyline top the Noah/Luke saga on cate illegal streams of their favorite TV shows the now-cancelled As The World Turns? Be sure online will have to be patient a little longer for to tune in tomorrow. And the day after. And the PBS Masterpiece to get its broadcast rights. But day after… sometime early next year all the class warfare drama – including the storyline with handsome Lance Bass plans to keep it real Rob James-Collier as that evil, treacherous and Maybe it was dating Reichen and hanging out gay “first footman” – will unfold. Naturally, this with Kathy Griffin that did it to him, but Lance will all take place tastefully and will be served Bass is now looking to get his own reality se- with some very expensive teas and cakes. ries. Granted, it won’t be a “this is my life on a list, be it A or D” kind of show, but still, Lance *Romeo San Vicente knows that the butler did Bass is climbing aboard that wagon with VH1. it and in which linen closet it happened. He can And it has to be acknowledged that his best idea be reached care of this publication or at Deep- of the several he’s recently sold – an as-yet-un- [email protected]. titled music competition series – is sort of genius. In Bass’s own words: “I got a member from Backstreet Boys, A.J. McLean. A member from *NSYNC, Joey Fatone. A member from New Kids on the Block, Joe McIntyre. And a member from New Edi- tion, Bobby Brown. They’re all going to form a boy band, each, from the most talented guys in America that I’ve scouted, and then they’ll go head-to-head in a competition to see who the best band is, so it’s bragging 12 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Bernadette Stark comes out swinging: Advocate brings LGBT issues to the forefront of legal system By: Christine Nicco*/TRT Reporter munity individually or collectively that you are I know I have to list two more, but there are so can result in ostracism not just within the Hispanic Clearly an advocate for the underrepresented, proudest of? many. Your previous questions address two of the community, but also the LGBT community. Also, Bernadette Stark is not only a member of the LGBT BS: I am very proud to help people directly, big issues facing our community: teen suicides/bul- coming out involves additional cultural factors that community, but a seasoned attorney whose practice whether it is by directly representing them as an at- lying and HIV/AIDS prevention. I would also add make the process more challenging at times. Often is focused on issues affecting the LGBT communi- torney, helping them through my work with local the challenges facing LGBT elders, who face par- the resources available to those coming out may ty. A graduate of Cornell University, Stark focuses community organizations or speaking at informa- ticular concerns as they age. They often do not have not address these specific cultural realities. Also,

much of her work on serving those often without a tive panels, such as the one recently sponsored by access to adequate health care, affordable housing language barriers may also prevent access to the re-

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H increase awareness of the importance of funding for sibility to give back and to help make it easier for the next 20 years. I guess it de- Photo: courtesy bernadette stark cause you care? H others who might be in a similar situation. Also, I pends on how you define “full BS: I believe strongly in being H HIV/AIDS? Bernadette Stark, Esq., H Bernadette Stark: People need to know that while feel that I have a responsibility to those who came equality,” but I do believe that involved and giving back. I try H Partner/Owner of Dinsmore Stark, H great progress has been made in fighting and treat- before me and helped me, to help those that will we are definitely moving in the to make sure that I am always H Attorneys At Law H ing HIV/AIDS, there is still no cure. Ultimately, it come after. The idea that people may be bullied, right direction and gaining a lot involved in pro bono cases and H H H HH is extremely important to support both prevention abused, discriminated against or harassed just be- of momentum. The recent passage of the marriage projects that will improve our local community in heroesHHH and awareness efforts to reduce the risk of new in- cause of who they are or who they love motivates equality law in New York State was huge and liter- general. I am hoping to be able to continue to con- fections and to improve treatment to those currently me every single day. ally doubled the amount of people in this country duct trainings/presentations for the LGBT commu- living with HIV/AIDS. I believe high-profile HIV/ TRT: What can be done about teen suicides that hap- who live in a jurisdiction where same-sex mar- nity on issues that affect our lives, such as the one in AIDS education campaigns are one way to increase pen as a result of bullying or anti-gay sentiment? riage is legal. I do believe that it is not a matter of May, 2011 on DOMA. It was incredibly rewarding awareness. Also, getting involved with local groups BS: This is a tragedy that has been going on for far “if,” but rather “when” full marriage equality will to be able to educate families on how the law affects such would be a terrific way to raise awareness. too long and is only fairly recently getting the at- be achieved. There are also many states, includ- them and what they can do to protect themselves. TRT: Which people in the LGBT or allied com- tention it deserves. Support of organizations such as ing Massachusetts, that are taking up the issue of I’ve also worked with the Stonewall Center at the munity have been most influential in your life? the Trevor Project or local organizations working transgender discrimination and are working hard to University of Massachusetts and participated in a BS: Growing up, I didn’t know anyone personally to provide crisis and suicide prevention services pass legislation to address that issue as well. With legal panel presentation in celebration of their 25th who was out as an LGBT individual. I was also to LGBT youth is extremely important. Spreading the recent repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and anniversary. I also volunteer as the Commissioner raised in a pretty traditional, Puerto Rican, Catholic the word about projects such as the “It Gets Better the Justice Department’s refusal to enforce DOMA, of the Mary Vazquez Women’s Softball League in household. Being gay or a member of the LGBT Project” would also help. This project has used the there are so many signs that we are making progress Northampton, MA, which is not only gratifying but community was not something that was openly dis- Internet to generate thousands of uplifting videos in the struggle and that change is happening now. a lot of fun. I encourage women of all abilities to cussed. When I came out, I felt as if I looked for that give hope to teens. In addition to hope, these TRT: Do you think that there are special needs in participate in this wonderful league. “mentors” or individuals who were part of the LGBT organizations need volunteers and funding for fur- the Hispanic LGBT community that do not exist in or allied community to help me learn to navigate ther involvement such as direct services as well as the mainstream LGBT community? Bernadette Stark is a partner at Dinsmore Stark, the challenges involved. It was these individuals: awareness and prevention programs. BS: Absolutely! Many times Hispanic/Latino Attorneys At Law, practicing primarily in the areas of teachers, friends, advocates in the community, who TRT: What are the top three issues that affect our members of the LGBT community face an addition- Family Law and Immigration. To find out more about helped me deal with the issues involved with com- community the most? What can you do to make a al layer of discrimination because of their race. This Bernadette, please visit www.dinsmorestark.com. ing out. They also taught me about the importance difference? BS: Because I’m so involved with the issue, I have of helping others, especially young members of the Letters from page 2 that I thoroughly enjoy reading about are your TRT LGBT community, with their own challenges. to say the struggle for marriage equality. I believe strongly that recognition of our families, as well as Dear Editor, Heroes. People doing great things in our commu- TRT: How can the average member of the LGBT nity deserve to be recognized and I’m thankful that community make a difference in our struggle? the rights and responsibilities that flow from such I was so stunned at the remarkable coverage recognition, will ultimately strengthen the gay that The Times did of Boston Pride. I had to miss you have set the precedent for such recognition. As BS: Everyone has the ability to effect change. Mem- an avid reader of all gay publications in Boston, bers of our community can effect change by simply rights movement and contribute to the reduction of a few of the events this year, but I did not feel bad a lot of the other issues we face (e.g., discrimina- I was surprised to see another publication start a coming out. For others, it can be acting as a men- about it because of your stupendous coverage. I similar section to yours. It kind of ticked me off. I tor to young LGBT individuals, or getting involved tion, harassment, etc.) by validating the inherent was all over your site, your Facebook & Twit- worth and dignity of every person (in, or out, of a guess imitation is the best form of flattery. with local organizations that work on issues that af- ter pages and I loved the photos! Boston Pride —Brent Howard, Hartford, CT fect the LGBT community. LGBT individuals have relationship). Also, people should realize that the should be proud of your attention to its organi- the same goals as everyone else, such as protecting federal “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) does zation. As a Bostonian, I’ve never seen such full not just impact the recognition of same-sex mar- Dear Editor, and strengthening our families and living a life free coverage of the long week’s events and with such I am so happy of your Trans coverage! It’s the from abuse, harassment or discrimination. riages. Aside from denying LGBT families over detail. I checked other media’s coverage, but it 1,300 federal rights and benefits, it also directly best around. I lived in FL and moved to Boston not TRT: What is the best advice you have ever been was missing. That’s a shame. Your reporter, Mr. long ago. I used to subscribe to a few gay papers given to do the proactive things you do today for contributes to the break-up of families. Here in our Chuck Colbert and your photographer Mr. Glenn own community there are families that are being while there. None has your trans coverage. Your our community? Koetzner were all over the place. It was refresh- publication seems to be very committed to the Trans BS: As a child, I was taught to love your neighbor torn apart, through the deportation of one spouse, ing to see TRT staff almost everywhere I went. It because the federal government does not recognize community and its rights. That’s commendable. as yourself and to “do unto others as you would is not often that you see media coverage that is in —Harry Rutherford, Jamaica Plain, MA have them do unto you.” These basic tenets have their marriage for the purpose of immigration spon- depth and admirable. You show me that you gen- sorship. I am involved in these issues, both through always guided how I conduct myself personally and uinely care for our people. You’re the people’s Dear Editor, professionally. I grew up in a very rough neighbor- my involvement in groups that are working towards paper, like I’ve heard and now proudly share with this goal, but also as an advocate for individuals and Your story on the Bitter Truth on Scott Lively hood in Brooklyn, New York and who knows if I you. Oh and your Boston Pride Guide and Map in the June edition was missing a quote from would have made it out without others being invest- families. I also work on presenting free trainings were really awesome. You’ve won me over. and presentations for community groups, schools Lively. The man does so much harm to our com- ed in my education and my success. I believe that it —Jeffrey Simons, Cambridge, MA munity, I wish you’d been able to interview him. is important to give back and that, as a community, and other organizations on marriage equality and how DOMA affects Massachusetts residents. I also After all, he’s so brave to stand behind his com- we should all be invested in the success of others, Dear Editor, puter or pulpit, but I guess not so brave to address especially the youth. try to keep people updated through the law firm’s Facebook page. I love your paper and appreciate the stories and the concerns of our community. TRT: What have you done for the LGBT com- information contained in it. One consistent section —James Jeffers, Springfield, MA www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • 13 Sandra Bernhard to perform at the historic To Cook is To Love: A Foodies Journal Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, MA on July 16 Summertime and the Eating is Easy … Or, not! The historic Bull Run Restaurant, built in as a feature film—Excuses for Bad Behavior, By: John Verlinden/TRT Cuisine Columnist And, rinse fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly. 1740 and once known as the “Stagecoach Inn” Giving ‘Til It Hurts, Hero Worship, the Love ipe tomatoes Separate -- cross-contamination can occur when on the route from Boston to Albany, will pres- Machine, and Everything Bad and Beautiful, just off the we’re multi-tasking (preparing, cooking, and ent The Fabulous Sandra Bernhard on Saturday, which ran for two months off-Broadway, before Rvine, yummy serving food) -- like cutting a lemon for the iced July 16 at 8 p.m. in her new show “I Love Being Bernhard toured with it, making numerous stops cold soups, tasty sal- tea on a cutting board or with a knife that was Me, Don’t You?” The Bull Run is located at 215 across the U.S. and in Europe. “A performer of ads, delicious grilled used for chopping raw meat. Cook foods to safe Great Road, in the stunning originality. beasts! Best of all, temperatures – because they brown fast, grilling we get to enjoy them thick portions, like a chicken leg, ribs or a ham- historic country town Funny but foxy, su- ower of Shirley, Massachu- per smart and slightly p as we entertain and burger, can be a challenge. Ensure yours aren’t setts. For information mad!” proclaimed celebrate outdoors undercooked and dangerous by par-cooking and reservations, go WCBS. “Bernhard is -- cookouts, camp these items indoors and just finishing them on the grill. Chill -- keep cold items cold by packing hoto: rachel rachel hoto: outs, beach parties,

to: www.bullrunres- a very funny woman p taurant.com or call: by nature, a rocker by barbecues, clam- them in a cooler with plenty of ice until ready to 978-424-4311 or sheer determination bakes, picnics, and more! serve. And, once everyone’s finished eating, put 877-536-7190. and an actress you’ve Summer foods and outdoor dining are things back in the fridge or on ice. Food left out Buy a ticket and seen in eclectic of- awesome, but they require some special for more than 2 hours may not be safe, and if it’s get a free download ferings,” says The handling. Just as bug bites, sunburns and over 90°, refrigerate after one hour. of Sandra’s new CD! Washington Post. Her scraped knees increase in the summer, Enjoy a delicious and safe summer! Meet Sandra after the new show, I Love Be- so do food-borne illnesses (a.k.a. food show where she will ing Me, Don’t You? poisoning). Bacteria are everywhere – in Have questions? Need a special summer reci- mucho gusto! mucho the soil, air, water, in and on us, and in pe? Want to suggest a topic? Contact me: john@

be signing copies of Is on the road from ¡ the new album. New York to San and on the food we eat, and those nasty muchogusto.com or www.muchogusto.com. Since Sandra Bern- Francisco. little varmints favorite weather for multiplying Until next time – ¡Mucho Gusto!,¡Muchas hard first stepped on The Bull Run is a is when it’s hot and humid. And, because we’re Gracias! y ¡Buen Provecho! stage at the Comedy full service restau- dining outside, we don’t have all the safety con- Store in the ‘70s, she rant, lounge and con- trols in place that our kitchens provide – even has been challeng- cert series with farm- and controlled cooking, refrigeration, easy ac- ing fans and critics Photo: william baker to-table menus and cess to clean tools and washing facilities. meet us with her outrageous Sandra Bernhard “boots off” comfort, Fortunately, people rarely get sick from food. humor, keen satire located just 29 miles Our bodies work hard to protect us and food now on our and rollicking stage shows. “Give the dame her from Boston at 215 Great Road, Route 2A in producers and the government agencies that due,” writes the New York Times, “It’s invigorat- Shirley, MA. oversee them go to great lengths to keep our ing to be in the presence of a true original.” food supply safe. There are, however, addi- fan page! Bernhard, who writes and develops all of her Menus, directions and more info can be found tional things we need to do at home to further own material, has produced numerous one- at: www.bullrunrestaurant.com. reduce the risk for our family and guests. Clean search the rainbow times woman shows over the years, among them: For ticket and full schedule information go to: – wash hands and cooking surfaces often – dirty Without You I’m Nothing—which was released http://tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com. hands are a major cause of foodborne illness. to join us! 14 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com

boston pride parade 2011 To view our complete collection of Boston Pride week photos, please visit TRT’s Facebook page at: http://on.fb.me/lGBvFW

ALL photos by TRT/Glenn Koetzner www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • 15 Creating Trans-Inclusive Space means unpacking the “Trans” Umbrella By: Tynan Power*/TRT Columnist and views his trans experience as private medi- listen, carefully, to what’s actually being re- wonderful retreat that was warm and welcoming. ecently, I cal history that he shares with some, but not all. quested. We heard a simple request for women- In the end, no one stayed away or felt alienated was part of In a gender-segregated space, he belongs with only space; our complicated response spawned because of our gender flubs. Like any LGBTQ Ra small team the men. new problems. We could have refused to cre- organization in which the “T” matters, though, that organized an Only, by then, the men’s rooms had all been ate women-only space beyond sleeping rooms, we’ll continue to strive to do better, listen harder LGBTQ Muslim booked. He had three options: “out” himself by explaining our belief that traditional gender and learn more. retreat—the first in staying in the “trans-only” space, stay off-site at segregation is rooted in sexism—and that het- Questions about the FTM experience? Comments over five years. It greater cost and distance from the retreat center, erosexist norms don’t belong in queer space. We or ideas? Email Ty at [email protected]. was a resounding or choose not to attend. He was leaning toward could also have responded simply by creating a success. Over three not attending at all. Some juggling went on be- women-only area, without creating men-only *Tynan Power is a parent, a writer, a progres- days, 70 LGBTQ hind the scenes. Space was found in the men- space no one requested. sive Muslim leader, an interfaith organizer, a only section. It worked out—for him. I don’t think the LGBT Muslim retreat was (very slow) runner, mostly a big goof, sometimes

hoto: glenn koetzner glenn hoto: Muslims shared p laughter and tears, Still, we received more emails from trans peo- unique in the issues we faced—or in the ways taken too seriously, loving, gentle, queer and prayer and dancing—even a rare lesbian ple and allies, asking whether the event was re- we stumbled. We would have stumbled less if queer-cultured, a pen geek, often dehydrated, trans man trans Muslim wedding. ally safe and inclusive of trans people. We kept we’d thought harder about what it means to be and full of wanderlust. He also happens to be a Yet, as with many LGBTQ gatherings, we ran trying to address trans needs, but it seemed like “trans-inclusive.” Still, we managed to create a transgender man. into some gender trouble. we just couldn’t get it right. In many orthodox Muslim spaces, gender seg- Looking back, our challenge wasn’t meeting regation is de rigeur in both worship and social trans “needs.” The problem was unpacking what gatherings. As progressive, feminist and queer we were lumping together as “trans” needs. The Muslims, we had no intention of mimicking trans umbrella covers a lot of ground—and it that model. Yet some women who registered should, when fighting for our rights collectively. told us they wanted women-only space in the Yet the “trans community” is an amalgamation of shared dormitory-style rooms and shared bath- many different identities and experiences. To be rooms. To meet that need, we designated floors truly inclusive, we have to “unpack” those identi- as women-only, men-only and mixed. ties—just as we have to “unpack” LGBTQ to con- The first indication we’d gone wrong came sider the unique needs of lesbians or bisexuals. from an FTM friend of mine. The gender sepa- Trans people share some concerns and ex- ration would require people to choose a gender, periences, but there are many we don’t share. alienating genderqueer trans people, he said. It Genderqueer people and trans people who didn’t seem very trans-friendly, so he wasn’t identify “within the binary” as men or women sure he wanted to attend. have different challenges around language (like We regrouped, creating rooms specifically for pronouns) and gender-segregation. Trans people trans people. My FTM friend was satisfied with of any identity who have not physically transi- our efforts, so he decided to register. tioned have different daily struggles from those Ironically, though, he didn’t want to register who have. MTFs and FTMs have transition tra- for the trans space. His concern had been raised jectories that go in opposite directions, making as an ally to genderqueer people. My friend him- our challenges very different. self transitioned years ago, identifies as a man, One lesson I took from the retreat was this:

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RThe Freshestainbo Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual &w Transgender T Newspaperime in New Englansd 16 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • 17 RI House Speaker subject of YouTube parody MA State House lobbying for transgender rights By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter in May and is awaiting a vote by the Senate. By: Chuck Colbert/TRT Reporter protections. PROVIDENCE, RI—Openly gay Rhode Island However, many same-sex marriage advocates BOSTON, MA—Advocates of transgender equal- “There is nothing more powerful than constitu- House Speaker Gordon Fox is now the subject of remain bitterly disappointed and blame Fox for ity stepped up pressure on the Legislature for pas- ents showing up unannounced or otherwise and a YouTube video, F**k You, Gordon Fox. stopping marriage equality. sage of a bill that would add “gender saying they wants to talk about an The video features Jim Carroll, who wrote new “Gordon Fox’s move to stop fighting for equal identity and expression” to Massa- issue that is important to them,” said lyrics to the popular song F**k You by Cee Lo marriage to pursue the “practical compromise” chusetts’ civil-rights laws, outlaw- Senator Downing, explaining that Green. (read: separate and unequal) dead end known as ing discrimination in employment, personal story telling puts “a face Fox stunned the LGBT community on April 27 civil unions is both unprincipled and unneces- housing, education, credit, and on a piece of legislation.” when he announced his support for a civil unions’ sary,” said Josh Kilby of Providence. “To say that access to public accommodations. An immediate aim of the lobby- bill, noting there were not enough I’m disappointed would imply that The measure would also expand ing effort was to nudge lawmakers votes in the House for a marriage I ever thought that Gordon Fox the state’s hate-crimes statutes to in- into action. As Scott told the gather- equality bill. was anything but a weak-kneed clude transgender related offenses. ing, “It’s time to move the bill out of “I found it difficult in my head insider politician, I am angry that The latest push came on June 23, committee and bring it to the floor to come up with a rational expla- my civil rights were squandered when a couple hundred activists for a vote.” nation as to why a gay man would away for a deal cooked up by the gathered on Beacon Hill to lobby For several years now, a trans- do something like that,” Carroll Fox/Paiva-Weed team primarily lawmakers directly for enactment of gender civil-rights measure has told The Rainbow Times. to please themselves. This is per- the bill, “An Act Relative to Trans- remained bottlenecked in the joint The video, which features the haps the biggest political fiasco gender Equal Rights.” Judiciary Committee, where only State House in Providence as a I’ve ever witnessed.” The measure defines gender iden- four members so far this year have backdrop, was shot in one day. Carroll does not accept Fox’s tity and expression as “gender-relat- indicated support for the bill by co- Carroll said he and his fellow reasoning for supporting civil ed identity, appearance, expression, sponsoring it. “second class citizens” - Roy unions instead of full marriage or behavior of an individual, regard- In addition, this year’s total num- Harcourt, Steve Ferrera, Ricky rights for same-sex couples. less of the individual’s assigned sex Photo: chuck colbert ber of sponsors is significantly low- Fortier-Kay, Austin Tyler, David “I don’t believe anything he at birth.” Eva Kraus of Marlboro, a er than it was on Beacon Hill a year Damato, Joe Krzak, and David says,” Carroll said. ‘(Fox) says The lobbying day, sponsored by 12-year veteran as a US ago — down from 106 then, with things like: ‘some rights are bet- slight majorities in both legislative Boudreau “had a good time do- Photo: larry berman a broad coalition of LGBT groups naval officer, speaking out ing it.” ter than no rights’. That’s not true. and progressive ally organizations, at the State House. bodies, now to only 52 sponsors in Carroll selected Cee Lo Green’s Gordon Fox Some rights are still not equal and came on the heels of a the House and 16 in the a matter of fact, it’s worse.” Senate, for an overall song in order to let Fox know he June 8 hearing before “. . . If Massachusetts already had a law disappointed the LGBT community. Reaction to the video has been mostly posi- the Legislature’s Joint total of 68. “I wanted to be bold,” Carroll said. “I wanted to tive. Fox’s spokesman, Larry Berman, had no Committee on the Judi- on the books prohibiting discrimination The Legislature has make sure there were no mixed messages.” comment. ciary where transgender against transgender people, I would 140 representatives and Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) supports allow- Carroll doesn’t have a lot of faith in Fox’s lead- persons, friends, and not be forced to live in fear of never 60 senators. ing gays and lesbians to wed. Polls released by ership abilities, particularly in regards to marriage family members testi- being able to work again. I would not And yet activists and Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) showed equality. fied on behalf of the bill, lawmakers close to the the majority of Rhode Islanders support same-sex “I have never seen a politician be as inarticulate sometimes telling emo- be forced to use state resources to stay transgender bill say the marriage. Hearings on the marriage equality bill as Gordon Fox when speaking on this subject,” tional stories of harass- afloat. I would be supporting my family measure may well be were held in the House and Senate. Carroll said. “I would go toe-to-toe with him ment and violence in and paying substantial income taxes.” enacted this summer. A vote on the civil unions’ bill passed the House any day.” daily life and discrimi- nation on the job. To continue this story online, please visit us at: “You are going to talk to them about a subject www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2011/06282011/statehouse. Springfield, Mass. Gay man beaten, most of you are experts on,” said state Representa- tive Byron Rushing (Dem.-South End). “You have while others watched and cheered your script. The script has been written for a very Massage For All long time.” 50 Victory Road, Dorchester, MA 02122 Springfield, MA—A Springfield man was “It just really reminded me of how one incident Rushing, a lead co-sponsor of the bill, made his beaten by a group of nine teenagers at Springfield like this that is motivated by the hating of gay remarks last Thursday afternoon at the Grand Stair- Rates & Packages: 90 min City Park around 3 a.m. on June 28th, according to people can leave us feeling afraid all over again,” case in the State House, shortly before transgender 1 Session $100 • 4 Sessions $300 reports from WWLP (http://bit.ly/kM5iGq). Hall stated. “I just really believe there needs to be advocates — as constituents — visited individual Nineteen-year old Shay Andre Edwards was ar- institutional education/curriculum that focuses on lawmakers. THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE rested for the beating on charges or unarmed rob- LGBTQ people, at every level of the public school Other leading co-sponsors are Representative Relieves Back Pain • Boosts Immune System bery and violation of civil rights with injury, ac- system, for starters.” Carl Sciortino (Dem.-Medford) and state Senators Reduces Anxiety • Lowers Blood Pressure cording to WWLP. Five males and 4 females, ages Holly Richardson, an Out Now, and Arise for Ben Downing (Dem.-Pittsfield) and Sonia Chang- Treats Migraines • Increases Circulation 12-19, were in the group of attackers. The other Social Justice’s community organizer, said that Diaz (Dem.-Boston), all of whom were present for teens, whose identities have not been released, the incident was of concern and sought greater the lobbying effort. Call to schedule appointment also face the same charges in connection with the explanation. Gunner Scott, executive director of the Mas- 617-504-3131 attack. “If we are to truly tackle anti-gay violence we sachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, served The 30-year-old man whose identity is being must treat this beating not as an isolated incident. as master of ceremony for a brief program when www.massage4all.com withheld was taken to Baystate Medical Center With people living and working in our community a handful of people spoke about the importance of Swedish • Thai Yoga • Esalen • Sports where he was treated for serious injuries and later speaking directly to legislators about the need for released. See Springfield on page 23 Deep Tissue • Aroma-therapy According to Out Now and Arise for Social Jus- tice’s press release (local youth organization), “the victim reported that slurs were being used during the beating, including one of the alleged perpetrators saying, ‘That’s what we do to faggots.’” Amaad Rivera, Spring- field City Councilor, said to Out Now that “hate is not a Springfield value. Only together can we cre- ate a community that safe for everyone. No one should have to suffer violence for being who they are.” A youth community or- ganizer for Out Now, Mi- chael Hall, expressed con- cern about the incident. 18 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Family Building for Same Sex Couples Program RI Pride Celebrates 35th Anniversary Here at The Center for Advanced Reproduc- vitro fertilization (IVF), shared conception, egg By: Joe Siegel/TRT Reporter through all the years.” tive Services, we know that there are many dif- donation and egg or embryo freezing to achieve On Saturday, June 18, Rhode Island’s LGBT The organizers of that event had to go to court ferent paths to parenthood. We know because a pregnancy. Males, depending on their sperm community held their 35th annual Pride cel- to fight for the right to have Gay Pride events in we help build families quality and surrogacy op- ebration in Providence. The day featured sunny the city of Providence. The small group of par- every day. We also know tions, can use technolo- skies, lots of heat, and passionate performances ticipants were taunted and harassed by onlook- that the fertility options gies like artificial insemi- from several local entertainers. ers. It was not an easy time to be openly gay or and issues facing gays and nation, IVF, egg donation, This year’s theme, “I am, you are, we are a lesbian. lesbians are different from and gestational carrier. revolution,” was meant to reflect the revolution- Another one of the “76ers,” Billy Mencer- others wishing to become All of these techniques ary changes which have oc- Ackerly, said he felt “fan- parents. There are legal, have been used extensive- curred in the fight for LGBT tastic” about being at Pride financial and ethical ob- ly here at The Center and equality throughout the past this year. Mencer-Ackerly stacles that need special our experts can help you 4 decades. was 25 years old at the first attention and knowledge determine what is best for Thousands of people flood- parade in 1976 and has been to overcome. Various med- your particular situation. ed the streets of Providence to every one since then. ical procedures also have In addition to the range of to cheer on the marchers and “Every year I’ve been able benefits and risks that need advanced medical tech- floats featured in the Night- to see it change and grow,” to be understood. That’s nologies we offer, we time Illuminated Parade. he said. why, here at The Center, can also promise you the The parade began at the Pellegrino and Mencer- we offer you the very best highest level of skill and corner of Empire and Wey- Ackerly were also delighted in comprehensive and per- expertise in successfully bosset streets and proceeded to see a sitting Governor sonalized care. using them. We are ex- in front of City Hall, where lend his support to Pride, The fertility options perts in the field of repro- the reviewing stand was noting Chafee has been a for third party reproduc- ductive endocrinology and set up. loyal supporter of the GLBT tion have grown over the infertility and have been Parade Grand Marshals community for many years, years. Gay and lesbian nationally recognized for were Governor Lincoln including his time as a Unit- individuals and couples our success, compassion Chafee (I), Providence ed States Senator. now have choices that and commitment. Mayor Angel Tavares, and This year’s headliner was include not only adopted former WPRI news anchor legendary disco diva Thel- children, but genetically For complete informa- ma Houston who sang her Karen Adams, a longtime Photo: Photo: courtesy ri pride related children, as well. tion about The Center for supporter of LGBT causes. hits including “Don’t Leave Females, depending on their health and age, Advanced Reproductive Medicine, including Chafee is the first Gover- Sabrina Blaze Me This Way” and a slew of can use advanced technologies such as sperm any of the procedures mentioned above, please nor who has given an en- 60s soul classics. donation with intrauterine insemination (IUI), in visit our website at www.uconnfertility.com. dorsement to a Gay Pride Pride also featured special celebration. performances from the King One of the floats featured and Queen of Pride, Miss a tribute to the 70’s cult hit, Gay RI Victoria Star, Mr. all the news that’s fit to tweet... The Rocky Horror Picture Gay RI Jesse Ciolfi, Miss Show. Another featured a Lesbian RI Lisa DeCesare, twitter.com/therainbowtimes Lady Gaga impersonator Kid Akimbo, Ariel Apari- popping out of a giant egg. cio, Mary Day Band, B- P-FLAG (Parents and Hive, Baby Oil, Jackie Col- top 10 best seller videos Friends of Lesbians and lins, Sister Funk, Candace Courtesy: wolfevideo.com Gays), Marriage Equality Brooks Band, Young Kaii, Rhode Island, Youth Pride, Tiptons Sax Quartet, The Lesbian Top 10 Inc. (YPI), and SeaQuel Imperial Court of Rhode Island, and Sabrina Blaze. 1. Elena Undone (Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment Emcees included Miss Kitty 2. The Fish Child (El Niño Pez) and Leadership, a program Litter, Jacqueline DiMera, 3. Bloomington of the Providence Youth Vi’Let, Haley Star, and Student Movement), were Genesis. 4. Leading Ladies among the organizations Vendors manned booths 5. The Lovers & Friends Show participating in the parade. Photo: Photo: courtesy ri pride all along South Water Street, selling Pride merchandise, Season 4 This year’s festival was Thelma Houston held for a second year in a including clothing, jewelry, 6. A Marine Story row on South Water Street, alongside the Provi- and other trinkets. 7. Room in Rome dence River. In past years the event was held at AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project Rhode Station Park, across from the State House. Island, and Human Rights Campaign all were on 8. My Normal Belle Pellegrino, a veteran of the first RI Pride hand to gather support for their services. 9. The Four-Faced Liar celebration in 1976, reflected on the 35th Anni- The festivities continued well into the night, versary: “It’s just amazing to see how it’s grown with block parties and special events being held 10. Big Lesbian Love all over the city.he Rev. Eugene T. Collector’s Set Gay Top 10 GREAT OPPORTUNITY to GET MORE out of LIFE! 1. Undertow (Contracorriente) CALL TODAY 2. Role/Play FOR MORE 3. Leading Ladies DETAILS! 4. Glee Encore 5. Heartbeats Greydon Turner Commercial Agent 6. I Love You Phillip Morris Cell 603-387-6081 7. Plan B 8. 8: The Mormon Proposition YESTERDAY’S Restaurant 9. Poison Well established year-round restaurant with bonus 20th Anniversary Edition owner’s quarters directly above! Your exciting chance 10. Big Gay Love to be your own boss... while enjoying living and playing in YOUR WHITE MOUNTAINS Collector’s Set the White Mountains of beautiful Jackson, NH! REAL ESTATE RESOURCE www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • 19 From Boston to Montreal Pride 2011: Get on board with MJW Adventures! Attend Canada’s largest and most jubilant The Parade usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. gay pride celebration. Montreal, Quebec is one of North America’s friendliest, most stylish and Getting to the Pride Celebration most enthusiastic cities when it comes to gay During the final weekend of the Pride Cel- culture. MJW Adventures welcomes you to at- ebrations, the Montreal Village is closed off to tend the Montreal Pride festival August 12 – 15, traffic. So, the best way to get to the festivities is 2011. by Métro. There are three Métro stations avail- MJW Adventures has been bringing together able: Berri-UQAM, Beaudry and Papineau. You adventure enthusiasts from around the world for can also walk to the Village from downtown or over a decade, catering primarily to the lesbian Plateau Mont-Royal. The Pride Celebrations is and gay community and their friends. Whether generally held in mid-August. we are scuba diving off a luxurious yacht in the South Pacific, world class wine tasting in Ar- Historic Montreal gentina, snow skiing in Vermont, white water Over the years, the city has seen the forging of rafting in Grand Canyon, touring the temples a special spirit of openness and acceptance be- of Thailand, or aboard a party bus to Montreal tween the general public and the city’s gay com- Pride festival, you can always expect to have fun munity. Montréal is one of the oldest cities in the with an MJW Adventures. Our motto is “expect New World, as well as one the most cosmopoli- the unexpected and bring lots of film/memory tan. Visitors often describe it as having the best cards”. of North American modernity and friendliness We expect your pride weekend in Montreal to as well as the architectural beauty and sophis- be no exception. MJW Adventures offers round tication of Europe. The largest French-speak- trip bus transportation from Boston, 4 days and 3 ing city in the world after Paris, and Canada’s nights’ hotel accommodations with a daily con- second-biggest metropolis, the vast majority of tinental breakfast for an amazing price of $349 its citizens speak both English and French, and per person. Montreal pride offers an endless often other languages. Montréal’s 3.6 million in- list of great events, shows and entertainment that habitants live around the base of a mountain for- you are sure to enjoy. MJW Adventures also est in cozy neighborhoods, rich with artists and offers exciting trips for great people who enjoy famous for winding, outdoor staircases. silly unadulterated fun. So register online today at MJWAdventures.com and plan to let your For more information about transportation hair down and have some fun with friends old from Boston to Montreal, hotel accommodations and new. with a daily continental breakfast (Special: $349 per person), visit: www.MJWAdventures.com. About Montreal Pride The Pride celebrations are a tradition in Mon- treal since 1979. Many of the activities of the Pride Celebrations take place inside Montreal’s Gay Village. However, this does not mean that the events of this celebration are only limited Montreal to the members of the LGBT community. The pride celebrations are open to everyone with an open mind. The celebration features many pride Parade shirtless men, costumes, various partygoers and many street vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. Spotlight The Montreal Pride Celebrations features over Annual LGBTA Parade: 100 queer clubs and organizations offering tips and information for Community Day. The party Saturday, August 14, 1PM then gets started with the Gay Pride Parade, The Pride Parade will start on the corner of where more than 50,000 gays, lesbians and more Guy Street and travel east on René-Lévesque visitors come to see the various participants of Boulevard, culminating on Sanguinet Street the Gay Parade. The Parade features hundreds and the Village. The crowd will march to of costumes and over 1,500 participants. The Place Émilie-Gamelin where everyone is parade features floats from various gay, lesbian, invited to continue the celebrations during bisexual and transgender organizations as well the MEGA T-DANCE until the closing show. as many local cultural and community groups. TRT Heroes Know someone who works for the LGBT community and who gives endlessly & selflessly to everyone? Nominate them to be our next TRT Hero! Please send your nominations to: [email protected] 20 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com To view our complete collection of Boston Pride week photos, please visit TRT’s Facebook page at: boston pride flag raising 2011 http://on.fb.me/lGBvFW

To view our complete collection of Boston Pride week photos, please visit TRT’s Facebook page at: boston dyke march 2011 http://on.fb.me/lGBvFW

ALL photos by TRT/Glenn Koetzner www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • 21 This land is our land too: America and the pursuit of transgender rights and religion By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw*/TRT Columnist ligious beliefs on the American thought. are religious and I respect their beliefs. I hope he Massachusetts Transgender rest of us; especially Throughout the history of the United States re- that they understand what I have written and I Political Coalition and other great the already margin- ligious groups have always been fighting against hope that they do not take offence, for I mean no Tgroups are, as I write this column, alized groups such the rights of marginalized groups of Americans. offence. My whole point is that all Americans, lobbying for Transgender rights in Mas- as transgenders. To This is a very sad fact but it is a very real fact. especially transgender Americans, should have sachusetts for housing, public accom- me this seems rather These religious groups need to put aside their the same rights as everyone else. It’s in the U.S. modations and the workplace. These arrogant and self- personal agendas and stop acting un-American. Constitution. It’s the American thing to do. It’s are for basic rights that everyone should ish of them or at the They can have any internal laws and rules within the right thing to do. unquestionably have, yet transgenders in very least, ignorant of their own organization (I can respect that), but Massachusetts do not. Time after time them. How can you they cannot impose their beliefs on the rest of *Deja Nicole Greenlaw is a local transwoman there has been bills brought before the justify refusing to us Americans. They need to step back when it who has 3 grown children and works at a local Mass lawmakers but the bill has always give others rights and comes to American law. Fortune 500 company. She can be contacted at gotten denied for one reason or another. Deja Nicole Greenlaw you yourself already I have many friends and family members who [email protected]. It seems fairly straightforward that we enjoy these same should all have the same rights but there rights? I believe that people can have all of these is always opposition to this bill and other denials of rights of others in their own little orga- trans news trans similar bills all around the country. nization but they cannot demand that their rules The opposition is usually a religious based should be followed outside of their organization group who because of their personal beliefs do and especially not in the laws of Massachusetts not support the rights of transgenders because or in any state of America. This is America, land they feel that it is against their religion and, more of the free with liberty, justice, freedom and the to the point, against the teachings of God. These pursuit of happiness for all, not just for some. people are usually “Christians” and they usu- We are all Americans and we should have all of ally say that they are acting in accordance with these rights. To deny the rights of any Ameri- God’s word. Many of them claim that the Bible cans, even transgender Americans is downright is the word of God, but I could never be con- un-American. These people who are fighting vinced that this is so. I have perused the Bible against the rights of American transgenders are and I have seen entries written by the Romans, really acting very unpatriotic and very un-Amer- the Corinthians and Leviticus etc. but I have ican. Rights for everyone is the law of the land, never seen an entry written by God. This leads it’s in the United States Constitution. me to believe that God did not write any part of Now I believe that everyone has the right to the Bible. All of the entries in the Bible are writ- their own opinion and that they even have the ten by men, not women, but men, thousands of right to be prejudiced. No one can tell anyone years ago. The Bible is really the word of man. what to think as everyone has the right to make How can they say that the Bible is the word of up their own mind. What we also cannot do is God? They usually counter with the notion that to impose the demands of some on others which these words are inspired by God, yet they can’t trample the rights of these others. This is not really offer me any proof of these inspirations. what America is about. This is not American To me, these people are trying to push their re- thought. This is un-American thought, very un- The ongoing rocky relationship between same-sex marriage & trans civil rights By: Lorelei Erisis*/TRT Columnist or Asian people have derlying message in this push for marriage rights people to gain employment, housing, services, Do you think the national debate over same no place marrying a is: “Sure, you can come play in our sandbox and and hate crime protections will be ignored or sex marriage helps or hurts the fight for civil white person? That enjoy the rights and privileges of the Average pushed aside as distractions. That instead of the rights for trans people? the Bible clearly for- American Club, just so long as you’re willing to badly needed support of the larger, wealthier, —Micah Schneider bids such a thing? cut out all that ‘sex can be fun’ and ‘alternative and more well-connected Gay and Lesbian com- That sort of thing lifestyle’ business and start toeing the hetero- munities, people who should be our close allies, Excellent question Micah and considering the wouldn’t even fly on normative, puritan repression line.” we will be left to fend for ourselves—to fight recent passage of same-sex marriage in New Fox News! And yet it This is bad for transpeople because we don’t alone. York, particularly timely as well. Also, it’s rag- was not so very long always fit in so well. Sure, a great number of While I have no doubt that a strong and co- ingly controversial. And, I do so love answering ago that people were us may vote Republican, live in the suburbs hesive trans movement needs to take the tiller questions that increase the likelihood of my in- arguing just that. That and “pass” perfectly well in nearly every sense of our own ship. We must have the support and box filling up with angry emails! the news was filled of that word. But almost all of us have to go solidarity of our allies, in the LGBT community, First of all though, I don’t think it’s neces- Lorelei Erisis with arguments for through an awkward, early transition stage in order to win our fight and win it soon. sarily an either/or question. I believe there are and against inter-ra- where we stick out like sore thumbs. And our What we are fighting for is not simply a part definite ways in which the national debate over cial marriage! Guess which side is still trying to very existence is automatically threatening to of The American Dream. We are fighting for the same-sex marriage helps and hurts the fight for wipe the egg off its face? strongly held beliefs about the inherent nature of ability to be able to pursue that dream at all. civil rights for trans people. Is there really any good reason why any rea- a gender binary. Whether we intend to or not we It helps by energizing the larger LGBT base sonably law-abiding person in this country make people question things they never thought Slainte! with a single coherent issue that many people shouldn’t be able to marry the person they love? they’d have to. Things they thought were settled, can agree upon. It brings us together in a way I think not and I truly believe that in just a few checked off and shoved in the attic to pass on to *Lorelei Erisis, former Miss Trans New that allows us to build bridges and strengthen re- years people will look back and cringe when their kids. England, can be contacted at: loreleierisis@ lationships between some of our otherwise more reminded that the arguments against same-sex We are, and have always been, the ugly step- therainbowtimesmass.com. disparate factions. marriage were actually something that anyone sister of the broader LGBT movement. Though It also helps to focus national attention on our took seriously. They’ll post “hilarious” old we have often been trailblazers and front-line existence as viable and unavoidable members of clips of right-wing religious nuts saying crazy fighters in the struggle for LGBT Civil Rights, online calendar of events @ our communities. It reminds the general public things about gay people to “BrainBook” (“The we are also often the first to be pushed aside therainbowtimesnews.com that we are their neighbors and co-workers and World’s Most Popular Telepathic Social Net- when we become inconvenient. Just look at family members and that the things we are fight- working Site!”)! how Sylvia Rivera, a trans- ing for are not so very different from their own So, it brings us together, it gives us a popular woman who was right up concerns and desires. The debate over same-sex issue, and it creates an energetic momentum in front at Stonewall and in the marriage makes us relatable. The desires to get the fight for civil rights generally. All that said, early days of the Gay Libera- married, settle down and raise a family are a here are the reasons why I believe that the na- tion movement was marginal- standard issue part of “The American Dream.” tional debate over same-sex marriage hurts our ized as the struggle went more The fight for marriage rights represents a rela- fight for Trans Civil Rights. mainstream. Or, how we were tively simple and clearly framed issue, easily un- Despite my support of same-sex marriage on cut out of ENDA (The Em- derstandable by the average person. It’s a fight the grounds that if a basic right is allotted to one ployment Non-Discrimina- that other minority groups have in very recent group of Americans it should therefore be one tion Act) in 2007. history fought and won. which is granted to all. I also believe that the The danger, in short, is that Can you imagine how absurd and bigoted struggle for same-sex marriage is a very danger- in the effort to pass same-sex someone would sound if they went on the news ously mainstreaming issue. marriage laws, the very real and tried to seriously argue that Black people As a Queer Trans Woman, I fear that the un- and basic struggles of trans- 22 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Queer Questions Straight Talk: An inside the pages look with author Abby Dees By: Abby Dees*/Special for TRT and generally cheerful about it, and despite “The into one friendly little book. The idea is that if Even if you don’t even pick up QQST, I still There is nothing I like better than a 1000-page Real Queer Bridesmaids of San Diego” or what- your cousin thinks she’s the first person who ever want to hear LGBTs talking about our lives with academic treatise that explains our LGBT-ness ever is on Bravo tonight, well-meaning folks as- wanted to know what the whole butch/femme their loved ones no matter how simplistic or in the most multisyllabic and unfunny way pos- sume as much as they ever did that, for example, thing was about, she’s not, which is fine. Or if “haven’t I already done this?” it feels. Remem- sible. Really. It gives me something to chew on I am a lesbian because I’m angry at men. your dad really doesn’t see what the big deal is ber that if you can get there before Pat Robertson and I enjoy the mental gymnastics required to While the answers to these questions may seem about same-sex marriage, he can ask you. No does, Aunt Mimi from Iowa might be one of your put the most fabulous pissed off drag ridiculously obvious to us, important treatise, no manifesto, just honest, respectful con- most committed allies. It’s worth a try. queen into a non-ironic, sober context. baseline information about LGBT life versation. If your mom has no idea what to ask Problem is, when it comes to helping is clearly not getting transmitted to the you, then QQST has some ideas. I’ll bet more *Abby Dees is a Los Angeles based civil rights Aunt Mimi from Iowa understand why people we care about. I suspect that two than a few have crossed her mind at some point. attorney, speaker, editor and author. She has also LGBT people do the things we do, A of the big reasons for this are (1) it’s not I also provided handy guidance for the nervous been involved in lesbian, gay & bisexual rights Dialectical Reexamination of Post-9/11 cool to be clueless about the gays – es- straight person or the hesitant “LesBiGay.” In and awareness work for 25 years. Abby has writ- Queer Identity isn’t going to cut it. pecially in “hip” places like West L.A. a nutshell, there are two common-sense ground ten a book called Queer Questions Straight Talk. It’s not that I don’t think she can and Brooklyn Heights. And (2) people rules: “Don’t forget your manners” is one. But the For more information about the Abby and the understand; she can read all the books think it’s none of their business. big one is, “If you’re asking from a place of love book, please visit queerquestionsstraighttalk.com. in the world on LGBT people and she This latter one comes from an un- and respect, then there are no stupid questions.” still won’t have any idea what makes conscious sense that there is something us – you – feel happy and loved. inherently embarrassing about it all. I wrote Queer Questions Straight Abby Dees Haven’t you heard an otherwise silent- Talk with Aunt Mimi, or Cousin Bob, on-the-issue relative say, “I didn’t want or maybe your own mom in mind. I thought it to pry”? What they mean is, “I have no was time to stop expecting people to “get it” right idea what to say to you. Oh God, I never realized off the bat. While we are justifiably frustrated, how much the ceiling needs cleaning right now.” even horrified, by the homophobia and ignorance QQST is my permission slip for folks to be em-

we face, we understand on some level that most barrassed and clueless. It’s OK, I’m suggesting --

we’ll cut them some slack if they are simply open H H of the misinformation out there is because people

H

H

H to a conversation. I’m also asking LGBT folks

H don’t have the opportunity to talk, really talk, to H

H to give a little grace and patience to the people

H an LGBT person. Yes, there are fear-mongers

H they love. Now, if you think your brother-in-law H who play on that lack of exposure; however, most

is completely set in his no-gays-no-way ways,

H people – especially in places like Iowa – are basi- TRT H don’t waste your energy. It will frustrate you and

H cally good and fair-minded. We just need to get H to them first. he’ll tell people you’re recruiting him. But for H H There is lots of LGBT info floating around, to anyone else, if you think there’s any chance at H H be sure, yet I still hear the same mystified whis- all for some more understanding (on both your H H pers (“What do you do together?”), or grave con- parts), I say give it a shot. H H QQST is really about those questions – 108 of H H cerns (“Aren’t you afraid your kids will be teased heroesHHHHH because they have two dads?”), or old stereotypes them. Before I started writing, I asked people to (“Did something happen to make you that way?”) tell me any they’ve heard, had or wished some- that I did in the 80s. In all my years of being out one would ask. Then I put (almost) all of them

To view our complete collection of Boston Pride week photos, please visit TRT’s Facebook page at: boston pride block party 2011 http://on.fb.me/lGBvFW

ALL photos by TRT/Glenn Koetzner www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • 23 The OutField: The G(Force) is with lacrosse Todavía tenemos mucho que hacer: Odiar no es el llamado By: Dan Woog* /Special for TRT year before, McIntosh heard head coach Dan Ma- By: Gricel Martínez Ocasio*/Publicadora, TRT usted necesita aprender a amar al prójimo y a or years, ice har chastise a player for calling a drill “gay.” Ma- unque seguimos celebrando de seguir las enseñanzas que Jesucristo enseñó. hockey and har said that language was “inappropriate.” las Festividades de Orgullo Gay, Nunca hubo una acción negativa o de odio ha- lacrosse have Mahar reemphasized his support. McIntosh re- (especialmente la de Orgullo cia ningún ser humano que Jesucristo tuvo a su F A alrededor. Si usted tiene dudas, por favor antes been stereotyped counted his coach’s words: “If we had a roster of Gay de Boston Pride), y eso es muy as two of the sports 30 players and 15 of them did not want to play on bueno para el alma, también tenemos de tirar la primera piedra, infórmese sobre esta least welcoming to the team because I was gay, he would tell them to que continuar nuestra lucha para obtener comunidad. Indague sobre el por qué las perso- orts gay men. They’re leave the team.” más derechos civiles para la comunidad nas gay son gay. Piense sobre lo que puede hacer para ayudar y amar al prójimo, no para herirlo o p contact sports, played Brian Kitts is GForce’s director of marketing and LGBT en todos los ámbitos posibles. by insular groups: public relations. He roomed with lacrosse players En este momento, el Senado de Nue- quitarle la vida. Si tiene a un admirador gay, y at the University of Denver, then worked for the usted no es gay, sea honesto con la persona y ex- s Canadians (hockey) va York pasó recientemente la ley que and prep schoolers company that owned the NHL’s Colorado Ava- hace al matrimonio Gay legal en ese présele su sentir. De esa forma, comunicándose, q (lacrosse). Yes, ste- lanche, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, and the Colo- estado. Con la ayuda de unos Senadores pueden ambos entenderse. Eso es lo que se hace reotypes cut both ways. rado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. republicanos que votaron a favor de los en la comunidad heterosexual. ¿Por qué tiene For nearly a decade, GForce Sports has broken He found lacrosse to be a very welcoming sport. derechos de las parejas del mismo sexo, que ser diferente con las personas gay? down hockey barriers. Its gay team has beaten “None of our players has had any negative experi- Nueva York se convirtió en el sexto es- Las personas gay, por ser gay, no están inte- (OK, demolished) straight opponents. Its speakers ences,” he says. “And in the NLL, I never heard tado en el que las parejas gay y lesbianas resadas en cualquier persona del mismo sexo have addressed sports audiences nationwide, and any anti-gay joking.” vision latin se pueden casar. que pasa por su vida. Como todo ser humano its Athlete Buddy System has given hope to young Like McIntosh, Kitts believes the stereotype of Esto es importante pues nos provee un nue- tenemos nuestros gustos, y muchas veces esos gay hockey players. a homophobic lacrosse culture is vo estado en el que nuestros matrimonios se gustos no le incluyen a usted (sólo por que una Now it’s doing the same with unfair. In fact, he would not call reconocen, y otro lugar en el que podemos exi- persona gay sea chévere con usted). Explico lacrosse. any sport “anti-gay.” gir nuestros derechos como seres humanos que todo esto dado el gran alto número de casos GForce has formed an elite Kitts says, “Any time you amamos a otra persona y deseamos que nuestro de homicidio que ha habido recientemente en gay lacrosse team. Drawing top get a group of men together in a ser amado tenga los derechos que cualquier otra Puerto Rico y otros lugares de Latino América. players from around the country – competitive situation, your social pareja tiene bajo las leyes de estos estados. Es Cuando leo que alguien le tomó la vida a una some already out, others still in the norms and innate competitiveness una pena que todavía el matrimonio entre pare- persona gay o transgénero simplemente porque process – the squad will compete take over. Lacrosse is on an equal jas del mismo sexo no sea legal a nivel nacional. esa persona le encontró guapo o bonita, siento in tournaments and do advocacy level with soccer, football, any- Sin embargo, hay que agradecerle al Presidente una angustia increíble. No hay razón alguna por work off the field. Like its hockey thing else in terms of that. Which Obama ya que él ha apoyado y firmado más la que cualquier persona se excuse y le quite la counterpart, GForce lacrosse will means we have a an equal oppor- leyes que ningún otro presidente en la historia vida a otra. ¿Es eso lo que Jesucristo hubiese use competition and education to tunity with those other sports to de la nación americana. Estas leyes ayudan a las hecho? Si tiene dudas quizás se deba hacer esta smash stereotypes. do education and outreach.” mujeres, a las comunidades menos representa- simple pregunta: ¿Haría esto Jesucristo? La re- Andrew McIntosh leads the The aim, Kitts says, is to “let das, a la comunidad LGBT, etc. spuesta siempre va a ser “no”. Querido lector, si lacrosse charge. A former 6-foot- players, fans and coaches know La ayuda que necesitamos ahora es la que usted es parte de la comunidad LGBT, comparta 2-inch, 215-pound captain at the they’ve played with – and are nuestra propia comunidad Hispana nos puede esta historia con un ser querido. Si usted no es State University of New York- playing with now – people who ofrecer. Si usted piensa que este periódico o que miembro de esta comunidad y siente molestia Oneonta, he’s recruited a stellar are gay. And to let them know too, alguien que pertenece a la comunidad LGBT ante nuestras vidas, por favor infórmese, vaya a squad. Straight players have said they’d join, if ‘Why would you or anyone else care?’” está equivocado/a pues esta vida no es lo que una “United Church of Christ” o haga una cita needed. Kitts adds, “These are exceptional guys. La- Dios quiere para los seres humanos, entonces See Latin Vision continued this page McIntosh knows that his sport has not always crosse players have big personalities to begin with. had a great reputation. He quotes the Washington To be out, and a lacrosse athlete, is even more Post: lacrosse players have “prehistoric views impressive. They’re great players, and excellent on human relationships, and are not sensitive to speakers. diversity.” “If you can talk to kids when they’re still playing But, McIntosh says, “when you look closely sports, you can make a difference,” Kitts adds, re- at the locker room, you see a brotherhood. It’s a ferring to the speaking engagements GForce seeks tight-knit community, with very powerful friend- out. “It’s important to let them know there are peo- ships built on trust.” ple just like them, if they’re gay – or not like them, When he came out at Oneonta, his teammates if they’re straight. Either way, they’re still worthy were “very supportive.” A few opponents apolo- opponents, and there’s nothing to worry about.” gized for having ever offended him. His coming-out process was eased because, a To continue this story please visit us online at: www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2011/07072011/qsports.

Springfield from page 17 *Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach, gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” se- like Scott Lively, an internationally recognized ries of books on gay male athletes. Visit his website anti-gay minister; and this kind of extreme at www.danwoog.com. He can be reached care of violence occurring a week and a half after this publication or at [email protected]. Springfield’s Pride/Visibility Week, I believe it’s important to address homophobic violence (and oppression, in general) with a root-cause Latin Vision continued analysis, starting with asking ourselves what con alguien que le pueda ayudar. Odiar, sólo would cause a group of young people to act in porque alguien es diferente no es justo, no es such a way toward an openly gay man?” Rich- correcto y es anti-Cristiano. Después de todo, ardson stated. ¿no ha sentido odio de otros porque es His- In response to Lively’s anti-gay messages and pano/Afro-Americano/Hindú/etc.? No es lo ministry in Springfield, The Stop the Hate and mismo, dice. Sí, lo es. Odio es odio y tan sólo Homophobia Coalition was formed in January causa separación y violencia. Enseñémosle 2011. Lively is president of the Abiding Truth Ministries, which has been classified as a hate a otros que sí podemos aprender, y que sí group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and podemos entender. Mucho más importante, he has been running the Holy Grounds Coffee sí podemos amar al prójimo—el verdadero House on State Street, right near Commerce llamado de todo cristiano. High School. Out Now held a protest at Barrows Park in *Gricel Martínez Ocasio es una periodista y Springfield on July 5th calling for Commu- la publicadora del periódico LGBT, The Rain- nity Support to Stop All Violence Against bow Times. Gricel posee una Maestría en Ad- Sexual Minorities. The Rainbow Times’ June ministración de Empresas y un Bachillerato 2nd edition ran a story titled The bitter truth en periodismo. Es una veterana de 20 años del in the Sacred Grounds that exposed anti-gay campo de periodismo. Ella vive felizmente casa- pastor Scott Lively. For more updated infor- da con su esposa, Nicole Lashomb, en Massa- mation about the protest, visit TRT’s website, chusetts. Puede comunicarse con ella vía email www.therainbowtimesnews.com. a: [email protected]. 24 • July 7, 2011 - August 3, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com