commUNITY The Monthly News Journal of the Pride Center of the Capital Region

O u r M i s s i o n - T o p r omot e t h e w e l l b e i n g o f a l l g a y , l e s b i a n , b i s e x u a l , t r a n s g e n d e r a n d q u e e r i d e n t i f i e d p e o p l e a n d t h o s e d i s c r i m i n a t e d a g a i n s t b a s e d o n g e n d e r i d e n t i t y a n d e x p r e s s i o n .

J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 Issue VI Capital Pride 2012 By Aaron Holbritter, Development Coordinator It started on a beautiful day, and ended on a In between were eleven great days with a Of course, none of this would have been pos- beautiful day... variety of fun and informative events. There sible without the commitment of our great vol- were returning favorites like the Alterna- unteers. A special thanks to our Capital Pride On Thursday, May 31st, the Pride Center of tive Prom and Pride Bowling, and great turn- Planning Committee which has been meeting the Capital Region kicked-off our Capital outs at our LGBT Educator Reception and the since November, and especially our Steering Pride celebration with our annual Kick-Off Wine and Cheese Tour. At Albany Med, Benita Committee members Ulysses deArmas, Scott BBQ at the Pride Center. Over 200 people Zahn moderated a terrific panel discussion on Levine, Corel Polesel and Ed Davis. Over 100 crowded into the building and backyard, en- LGBT health issues. We even had a couple of people volunteered at the many events over joyed great food, caught up with old friends, brand new events: the LGBT Gamer Night and the course of Capital Pride, from door greet- and got a first glimpse of the newly renovated Carmie and Freida’s “Cabaret for Kids”! This ers to chaperones to parade marshalls. Rainbow Café and Joe Norton Library. years Walgreens Run for Pride 5K saw 100 more registrants over last year! Here at the Pride Center, the prizes have all On Sunday, June 10th, Nearly 15,000 peo- been given away, the banners are rolled up, ple came to Albany’s Washington Park for the Walgreens was just one of the fantastic cor- and the big rainbow flag from the top of the Annual Capital Pride Parade and Festival. This porate sponsors this year. Other sponsors Festival Tent is back in its bin. Our attentions year saw our largest parade ever, followed by included: Coors Light, Waterworks Pub, TD look toward the upcoming Annual Awards a great day of fun, food, music and celebration Bank (recipient of our 2012 Business of the Dinner in October, and of course, our impor- in the park. A gorgeous sunny day added to Year Award), The Desmond and Key Bank to tant programs continue on. It won’t be long, the festivities as headliners Kimberley Locke name just a few. Check out our website, www. though, before we start preparing for Capital and Neon Hitch took the stage. The crowd capitalpridecenter.org for a complete list! Pride 2013! If you’d like to get involved, visit also went crazy for local favorites The 7th our website and click on the “Give Back/Vol- Squeeze and Erin Harkes! unteer” button!

CAPITAL PRIDE 2012 PHOTOS P hotos

by : jr M ac P hotogra p hy / www . john m cenerney . co m 2 July/August 2012 The Pride Center and Joshua Dunning Powell Scholarship commUNITY are proud to announce the 2012 Scholarship Recipients: The monthly news journal is published by the By: Nora Yates, Exectutive Director Pride Center of The Capital Region Franchesca Lynn Nichols: school activities and community or- ence and mathematics courses. Her 332 Hudson Avenue Franchesca is a student at Stillwa- ganizations, receiving two varsity personal mission is to eliminate Albany, NY 12210 ter High School and currently has letters (lacrosse and field hockey) the use of “that’s so gay” from her a GPA of 4.0. She has been ad- and leading the school choir. In school, and her teachers and ad- Center Hours mitted to the College of St. Rose addition to being a leader in the ministrators believe that she is ex- Office: Mon.–Fri. / 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. for the Fall of 2012 and plans on Gay-Straight Alliance, she also is a actly the right student to achieve pursuing their 3+3 Pre-Law Pro- member of the Black and Hispanic this goal. Rainbow/Internet Cafe: gram, in conjunction with Albany Awareness Club at Emma Willard, Sat-Wed 6pm – 9pm Law School. She is the co-founder which works in the community do- Andrew Pioggia: Thurs-Fri 6pm-10pm of the Stillwater Gay-Straight Alli- ing educational events. She is a na- Andrew is a student at Albany High ance, as well as a Volleyball Captain tive of Cape Town, South Africa School where he is receiving an Ad- Mailing Address and a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt. She and lives most of her life between vanced Regents Diploma. He will be 332 Hudson Avenue / Albany, NY 12210 has received numerous academ- Williamstown, MA, and Cape Town. attending Maria College in the fall Phone Number (518) 462-6138 ic and community awards during She has been involved in different to study nursing, with the eventual her high school career, including a NGO’s and traveled to many third goal of attending medical school. Web Site www.capitalpridecenter.org 2011 Capital District YMCA Out- world countries, where she has vol- Andrew submitted twice the num- standing Student Award. Though unteered her time and energy since ber of required recommendation commUNITY welcomes submissions of she has been a victim of bullying at a young age. letters with his application, from a articles and artwork of interest to lesbian, her school due to her position as the variety of teachers and administra- gay, bisexual, and transgender people in President of the Gay-Straight Alli- LyRissa Mento: tors, who all noted Andrew’s criti- the Capital District. Editorial and advertising ance, each of her recommendation LyRissa is a student at Ft. Plain Jr./ cal thinking skills as well as com- deadline is the 5th of each month. ALL ADS letters cite how she has persevered Sr. High School and plans on at- mitment to the community. They MUST BE PREPAID. Written work should both socially and academically to tending Herkimer County Commu- all applaud his ability to balance his be submitted on disk, typed, double spaced achieve her goals of creating a safer nity College to study criminal justice outside involvement with a rigor- with the author’s name and phone number school. and become a juvenile probation of- ous course load, and his excellent or submitted by email. ficer. In addition to co-founding her work ethic and they believe he will Maxine Paula Kannemeyer: high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance, “achieve anything he sets out to do.” All submissions may be e-mailed to: Maxine is a student at Emma Wil- she has also been involved in many One teacher remarked, “the ability lard School in Troy, NY. She has different student clubs focused on to share respect with others is a gift advertisers @capitalpridecenter.org been accepted to both Dickinson raising awareness about differenc- that I rarely see in a high school stu- and Hobart and William Smith col- es and acceptance. She is commit- dent of his age.” In his senior year, Executive Director / Nora Yates leges, but indicated that her first ted to helping other LGBT students, Andrew enrolled in a competitive Development Coordinator/ Aaron Holbritter choice is Skidmore College, where which is why she began the GSA in senior internship program where he Program Director / Curran Streett she is waitlisted. She plans on purs- her small, rural school district. As a was able to rotate through differ- Editing/Design/Layout ing a degree in psychology with the scholar, LyRissa has diligently pur- ent departments at Albany Medical Nora Yates, John R. McEnerney, ultimate goal of becoming a chil- sued the highest standards of aca- Center and enroll in college level Aaron Holbritter dren’s clinical psychologist. She demic achievement, with her overall coursework at the University at Al- Artistic Design / John R. McEnerney has been actively involved in both average a 90, and excelling in sci- bany. Youth Program Assistant / James Shultis Mental Health Specialist / Lauren Ford Finance & Admin Assistant Michael Weidrich

Opinions expressed in commUNITY are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, its Board, staff, or volunteers.

Letters to the editor can be sent to aholbrit- [email protected]. Letters must be 100 words or less and must include contact information (Name, phone, email).

Board of Directors

Officers President: Gwen Wright (L-R 2010 Scholarship recipient Charlie Ferrusi, 2012 recipients Franch- Vice-President: Ken Mortensen esca Lynn Nichols, Andrew Pioggia and Maxine Paula Kannemayer) Treasurer: Jason Ganns Secretary: Jeffrey Dyber Help support LGBT youth at the Summer Riverside Reception! Board Members L. Jeffrey Baltes Join Tom and Lisa Evans at their attend college so that I can make a Ulysses DeArmas / Joseph Kerwin beautiful home overlooking the difference.” Veronica Mangione Hudson River on Friday July 13 Mike Mitchell / Paul Patel for a Reception to benefit the JDP To purchase tickets, visit www. Leslie Phelan / Patricia K. Wood Scholarship Fund for LGBT Youth. capitalpridecenter.org and click Tickets are $40, and include deli- “Events.” You can also call the Pride Immediate Past President cious appetizers and beer and wine. Center at 518-462-6138 and pur- Judy Disco The JDP Scholarship Fund has chase your tickets over the phone. helped 20 LGBT young people from All tickets will be held at the door. The Pride Center of the Capital Region is around the Capital Region defray a not-for-profit corporation, and contribu- the costs of college and feel proud We hope you will join us for this tions are tax deductible. Your support and of their identity as they are sup- special event! membership enables the Pride Center to ported by their community. One re- publish CommUNITY, as well as continue to cipient noted “the JDP Scholarship provide services and programs to empower helped make it possible for me to the LGBT community in the Capital Region. July/August 2012 3 Pride Center celebrates LGBT Pride Month with the FBI By: Nora Yates, Exectutive Director On June 15, the Pride Center was Crimes Act in 2009, the FBI has welcomed into the FBI’s Alba- had more ability to track inci- ny office to help them celebrate dents of hate crimes against the LGBT Pride Month for the first LGBT community, as well as aid time. We were grateful to Special in prosecuting local crimes with Agent in Charge Clifford Holly law enforcement. The Pride (pictured), as well as other staff Center partners with the Albany who helped arrange the training Police Department, and other and info session. As a member of Departments around the region- the Civil Rights Working Group, together with In Our Own Voic- the Pride Center has an ongoing es and their Crime Victims pro- relationship with the FBI’s Albany gram- to ensure the safety and Division and was grateful for the treatment of LGBT people in the opportunity to educate staff and Capital Region. agents on issues facing the LGBT community and how to be a more Special thanks to Dean Burke welcoming office for LGBT staff. and the staff at the FBI for their assistance for the training and Since the passage of the Mat- warm welcome! thew Shepard- James Byrd Hate 2012 Pride Appeal- Help us raise $5,000! By: Nora Yates, Exectutive Director Reflecting on the success of Capital Pride, we take a moment and reach out to our supporters to help raise needed funds for the Pride Center. Two times a year, we reach out and ask for your help to support the programs and services that help so many. This year’s Pride Appeal’s goal is $5,000- won’t you help us reach it with your donation of $35, or however much you can give? Help us continue the momentum from Pride and reach even more people by supporting the oldest LGBT community center in the US.

Donating is easy! You can go online to www.capitalpridecenter.org and click “Make a Donation” (it’s on the right-hand side of the page, and it’s blue) It’s a secure page, so you can rest assured that your information is safe.

You can also send in the coupon below with your check, made out to the “Pride Center of the Capital Region.”

Or you can give me a call at the Pride Center (518.462.6138) and make a donation over the phone via your credit card.

Help us reach our goal of $5,000 with your donation today- we have always come together to make our community stronger, and we appreciate all your continued support!

Yes, I want to help the Pride Center of the Capital Region continue to empower the LGBT Community! Please accept my enclosed donation in the amount of: ___$25 ___$40 ___$75 ___$100 Other: $_____

For public acknowledgement purposes, please list me as: ______(Example: John A. Doe and Family) _____ Please keep my donation Anonymous

Yes, I want to become a Center Friend by supporting the Pride Center and accessing exclusive Center Rewards. Please find my enclosed donation of $25 or more!

__M/C __ Visa Card Number ______EXP. ______

Name on Card______Signature ______

EMAIL ______

___ Yes, sign me up for weekly email updates including info on Center Rewards!

Make checks payable to: Pride Center of the Capital Region / 332 Hudson Avenue / Albany, NY 12210

Please complete all fields below: Name ______Address ______City______State ______Zip ______Phone ______4 July/August 2012 commUNITY Calendar Pride Center Events: July/ August 2012 Calendar Thursday, August 15th: Saratoga Pride Lesbian Breakfast meets at Country Special Events: Cafe on High Rock at 7:30 AM, 165 High Rock Ave, latecomers welcome. Thursday, July 12th: Thrive group launch! 6-7:30 PM This group meets the third Thursday of each month. The Pride Center’s newest group will be a therapist-led mental health and well- ness group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer young adults ages Saratoga Pride is an affiliate of the Pride Center of the Capital Region 16-24. This group will focus on social interaction and progressive health. This 12 week group will be open for the first 4 sessions and will be members-only begin- ONGOING EVENTS ning August 2nd.Come check it out! Rainbow Internet Café EVERY Saturday- Wednesday 6-9 PM Thursday and Friday 6-10 PM Friday, July 13th: Summer Riverside Reception to Benefit the Joshua A comfortable place to meet friends, have a refreshment, use the internet, Dunning Powell Scholarship for LGBTQ Youth. 5:30 PM Hosted by Tom and Lisa Evans, Selkirk NY. Cost: $40. To RSVP and get directions, watch TV or just hang out! call 462-6138 or visit our website at www.capitalpridecenter.org by July 9th. Sunday Saturday, July 21st: Pride Center Volunteer BBQ & Appreciation Party! 1-4 PM Bisexual Brunch / First Floor / 11:00 AM We invite ALL Pride Center volunteers, past and present, to join us for free food, Free! Please bring a brunch item to share with a small group. great times, and good company—all to say THANK YOU to our AMAZING volun- This event repeats on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. teer team! *All attendees will receive a Pride Center tote bag!* RSVP to James Shultis at 462-6138 or [email protected] by Monday July 16th. LGBT Alcoholics Anonymous / 7-8:30 PM Garden level meeting room Sunday July 22nd: Vintage Pride Mid-Summer Potluck. 1 PM Bring a dish to share and enjoy drinks and dessert provided by the Pride Center. Monday A casual social opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people 55 and older at the First Presbyterian Church, 368 State Street, Albany. Free! Overeaters Anonymous Meeting / 6-7 PM Garden level meeting room Friday August 17th: LGBT Youth BBQ 6-8:30PM Join us for a fun and casual event in the Pride Center backyard- all youth ages Men’s Peer Support Group / 3rd Floor / 7-8:30PM 13-18 are welcome to attend! Free! Gay Men’s AA / Garden level meeting room / 7:30-8:30 Café Events: Monday, July 2nd: Meet and Greet with the Pride Center’s Mental Tuesday Health Specialist! 6-7 PM Women’s Peer Support Group / 7-8:30 PM Stop in to the café to meet Lauren Ford, LMSW to hear about the new case man- Garden level meeting room agement services and get connected!

Wednesday, July 11th: Poetry Night in the Rainbow Café. 7-9PM. Capital Region Support Group for Family and Friends of LGBT People. 7:00pm, 2nd Tuesday of the month. Friday, July 13th: Movie Night in café! 7-9PM First Unitarian Society of Schenectady at 1221 Wendell Ave., Schenectady, Join us for a screening of the film “Bully”. Film Description: A chronicle of one stu- NY. dent’s ordeal at the hands of anti-gay bullies and offers an inspiring message of A support group for family and friends of LGBT people wanting resources and hope to those fighting harassment today. Free! guidance on coming to terms with their family member. For more information, contact Julia Helfman at (518) 372-9911. Saturday, July 28th: Supper Saturday in the Rainbow Café. 6:30PM Come and enjoy a delicious meal provided by one of our stellar volunteers. Trans Pride Program events: This event is re-occurring every last Saturday of the month. Free! Meet and Greet 1st Tuesday of the Month 7-9 PM, Discussion group 3rd Tuesday of the month 7-9 PM. Saturday, August 4th: Movie Night in café! 7-9 PM Join us for a screening of the film “Pariah”. Film description: A Brooklyn teen- ager juggles conflicting identities and risks friendship, heartbreak, and family Wednesday in a desperate search for sexual expression. Free! Pride Center Board Meeting / 1st Wednesday of the month 3rd Floor / 6 PM Wednesday, August 8th: Poetry Night in the Rainbow Café. 7-9PM. LGBT Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous / 6:30 PM Saturday, August 25th: Supper Saturday in the Rainbow Café. 6:30PM Garden level meeting room Come and enjoy a delicious meal provided by one of our stellar volunteers. This event is re-occurring every last Saturday of the month. Free! Poetry night / 1st Floor / 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9 PM

Reccurring Events Book Club / 3rd Floor / 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7-9 PM Friday, July 6th: 1st Friday at the Romaine Brooks Gallery. 5-9 PM Come to the Romaine Brooks Gallery, the Pride Center’s very own art gallery! This month’s exhibit is the pride exhibit, featuring the work of David Tinkham. Thursday LGBT Narcotics Anonymous / Garden level meeting room / 7:30-8:30 PM Wednesday, July 18th: LGBT Book Club. 7-9PM 3rd floor All are welcome! The book is titled Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin. Rainbow Nights Schenectady LGBT Peer Support youth group Emmanuel Friedens Church Wednesday, August 15th: LGBT Book Club. 7-9PM 3rd floor 218 Nott Terrace Street, Schenectady All are welcome! The book is titled Union Atlantic by Adam Haslett. 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month 6-7:30 PM

All events take place at the Pride Center of the Capital Region, 332 Hudson Ave, Friday Albany unless otherwise noted. LGBTQ Youth Peer Support Group - Ages 13 – 18 Community Events 3rd Floor / 7-8:30 PM Saratoga Pride: Wednesday, July 4th: Saratoga Pride Men’s Group meets at Virgils Saturday House, 86 Henry St. Saratoga. 6pm Rainbow Café open! / 6-9 PM This group meets the first Wednesday of each month. ______If you would like to have your events posted in the CommUNITY newsletter, Thursday, July 19th: Saratoga Pride Lesbian Breakfast meets at Country please visit our website at capitalpridecenter.org and click on the events tab Cafe on High Rock at 7:30 AM, 165 High Rock Ave, latecomers welcome. and select calendar of events. From there you can submit your own event. You This group meets the third Thursday of each month. can also submit an event in word to [email protected] for ap- proval by the 5th of the month. Wednesday, August 1st: Saratoga Pride Men’s Group meets at Virg- ils House, 86 Henry St. Saratoga. 6pm. This group meets the first Wednesday of each month. Great Food & Fine Spirits MIDTOWN TAP & TEA ROOM On The Avenue Beautifully Designed Neighborhood Restaurant, Specializing in Unique On-Premise Catering: Wedding Receptions, Bridal Showers, Center Support Rehearsal Dinners, Bachelorette Parties Counseling Program Featuring: 2 Full Bars, Wood Burning Fireplace, Outdoor Dining, Live Music and Audio Systems Offering individual, couple, and group counseling The best choice for Community events! for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender 289 New Scotland Avenue, Albany New York 12208 (518) 435-0202 people on a sliding scale basis. www.midtowntapandtearoom.com

Center Counseling services are offered through a partnership between the Pride Center and the State University of New York at Albany School of Social Welfare program. Counseling services are offered for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and may address issues such as: relationship and couple issues, family and parenting issues, heal- ing trauma and abuse, sexual orientation and gender identity, depression and anxiety, addictions and recovery, living with HIV and chronic illness.

P: 518.462.6138 [email protected] capitalpridecenter.org

Adoptions ~ Real Estate Name Changes ~ Collaborative Divorce Wills ~ Power of Attorney Health Care Proxies ~ Medicaid Planning

Law Office of Anne Reynolds Copps

Anne Reynolds Copps, Esq. Sarah K. Hansen, Esq., Associate 126 State St., 6th Fl. Albany, NY 12207 518.436.4170 ~ www.arcopps.net

Proudly serving the LGBT Community for 30 years.

JOHN F. CROWE, CRC, LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor Board Certified Sexual Abuse Therapist 560 DELAWARE AVENUE ALBANY, NY 12209 518.424.2724 *Coming Out *Relationship Counseling *Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse *Trauma and Addiction Recovery Issues

More Than 25 Years of Experience Serving Our Community 6 July/August 2012 commUNITY classifieds ENTERTAINMENT/SOCIAL Albany Medical Center AIDS Program. 262-4439. Albany Bombers the Capital District’s gay and gay friendly ice hock- AIDS Outreach Project Unity House. HIV testing, second and ey team. Skating/hockey lessons and scrimmages are held at Albany’s fourth Tues.s, Noon–4pm. Troy 272-2352. Swinburne ice rink. All levels of skaters welcomed. We can teach you Albany Damien Center Albany, 449-7119, Drop-in community how to play hockey. Contact [email protected]. center for persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Call for our monthly calendar. Testing: Drop-in Oraquick Testing Every Mon. from Albany Front Runners and Walkers a local running and walking 6-8 PM, results in 20 minutes. www.AlbanyDamienCenter.org program Two Rivers. Meets Sat.s at 9 am for runs and walks at Buck- Anonymous HIV Antibody Testing For a FREE 10-minute test call ingham Lake Park followed by a bagel brunch at Uncommon Grounds. 1-800-962-5065. Contact Terry at 435-1704, or email [email protected] The HIV Services Department of Whitney M. Young, Jr., Alternate Universe Science fiction/fantasy group for LGBTs and Health Services provides access to primary and specialized medical care, Medical Case Management, Diffused Effective Behavioral Inter- their friends. 767-9722. ventions (DEBIs), health literacy and treatment adherence education, Bisexual Brunch First and third Sun.s of the month, 11am –1:00pm mental health/psychiatry, outreach and prevention education, confi- at the Rainbow Cafe. 332 Hudson Ave, Albany Viktoria 438-6315. dential HIV counseling, testing and referral and supportive individual Bagel Bunch Older gay men’s social and discussion group. Tues.s, and group sessions. Hours are Mon. through Fri. 8:30 until 5:00pm. 10:30am at Bruegger’s, Hannaford Plaza, Central Ave., Albany. 518-465-4771 ext. 4621 Focus Group in Fulton and Montgomery Counties on HIV Only Capital Area Pride Bowlers Come join a LGBT-friendly bowling for HIV-positive individuals. Meets the last Wed. of each month. For league! We bowl every Sun. night at 6pm at Sportsman’s Bowling Al- more information about the group or about HIV-related concerns and ley in Schenectady. You don’t have to be a good bowler! It could be testing issues, call 842-3762, ext. 228. your first time! Come and meet new people and make new friends! The NAMES Project New York Capital Region Chapter Pro- http://www.capitalareapridebowlers.com/ vides HIV/AIDS education and raises AIDS awareness through the AIDS Memorial Quilt as an artistic response to the enormity of the Capital Pride Singers LGBT/LGBT-affirming mixed chorus. Re- HIV/AIDS pandemic. For more info contact 462-7906. hearsals on Mon.s, 7pm, St. Andrew’s, Episcopal Church, 10 No. Main NETWORTH/Positive Action A nonprofit, grassroots, community St., Albany, 12203. Call 435-4636. - based membership organization promoting specialized AIDS Care Lesbian Business and Professional Network (LBPN) Break- Services and creative HIV Prevention Awareness initiatives in the fast. Fourth Fri. of every month, 7:30am, Country Corner Café on Hudson Valley. 518-339-AIDS(2437). Support Ministries for Persons With AIDS, Inc. Albany, (518) 463-5373. Church Street in Saratoga [email protected]. Schenectady Damien Center For more info call (518) 374-0848. Saratoga Lesbian Business and Professional Network Break- Troy Damien Center For more info call (518) 270-9170. fast Third Thurs. of every month, 7:30 am, new comers and late com- ers welcome. Contact [email protected] ORGANIZATIONS Lesbian and Gay Havurah Informal group of LGBT Jews. Pot- Gay Men of Color Alliance (GMOCA) Support group for People luck gatherings at members’ homes on the third Sat. of each month at of Color. Meets the second and fourth Thurs. of each month, 6pm, 6:30pm. 272-8872. GMOCA has moved to 388 Clinton Avenue SEFCU bldg , Albany New Monthly men’s coffee night First Wed. of every month, 6-8p Vir- York 12206 Contact Harry Davis (518) 465-4771 ext 411. gil’s House (coffee shop), 86 Henry St. Saratoga Springs contact: GLSEN NYCR (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, [email protected] or Mike at [email protected] New York Capital Region). Teaching respect for all in our schools, PO Box 5392, Albany, NY 12208. (518) 448-7777. www.glsennycr.org. Our Brothers’ Keepers Foundation Box 1872, Albany, 12201, In Our Own Voices (IOOV) Programs and services for LGBT com- [email protected] munities of color. For more information call 432-4188. Roller Skating Every Tuesday night at Rollerrama on Hamburg St in LAMBDA Family Circle Social and support group for gay and lesbian Rotterdam NY. Times are from 7pm to 930pm Contact David Boni- parents, their children and those interested in starting a family. LAMB- tatibus for info: 573-3962. Roller skating & rollerblades can been DA sponsors events monthly. Email [email protected]. rented on site. Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood Centers. Albany, Troy, STARS MC A fellowship of leathermen promoting brotherhood, a Latham, Hudson. HIV testing and counseling. OBGYN exams, emer- positive leather image and lifestyle, and charitable concerns within our gency contraception, education programs. Call 800-230-PLAN community. Monthly social events include bar nights on the second Sat. of each month,10am–2pm. Meetings held on Sun. following bar RADIO HomoRadio. WRPI 91.5 FM, Sun.s, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. HomoRa- night @ 1 PM. Both the bar night and the meetings are now held dio features LGBT news, interviews, event listings, giveaways, music at Club Rocks, 77 Central Avenue in Albany. Our web site is cur- by LGBT-friendly artists, humor, and more. rently under construction, so please contact STARSMC via Mail at PO 51%. WAMC 90.3 FM or 1400 AM, Wed @ 3 PM and Thu @ 8 PM. BOX 6327, Albany, NY 12206-0327. Or contact the President of This weekly half-hour of features and interviews that spotlight issues STARSMC @ [email protected]. concerning women. Two Rivers Outdoors Club The Capital District’s lesbian, gay, bi- The Quest of Life WRPI 91.5 FM, 11:30 AM to 1:oo PM Fri.s. Quest sexual, and transgender outdoors club. Call 449-0758 or mail to: Two of Life focuses on people who are leading lives of inspiration, with a Rivers, P.O. Box 6217, Albany, NY 12206. special emphasis on spirituality. Albany Gay Men’s Chorus - Men of all ages and levels of experience welcome. Rehearsals are Tues.s at 7 pm. Visit our website www.al- RECOVERY GROUPS banygmc.org; e-mail us at [email protected] or call 518-462- Gay AA. Sun.s, 7:30pm, Pride Center of the Capital Region - All Genders 6138, Ext 17 for information and rehearsal site. Gay AA Discussion Meeting. Fri.s, 7:30pm, St. John’s Lutheran Capital District Country Dancers. GLBT country western dance Church, 160 Central Ave., Albany. group meets every Thurs. from 7:30 – 9:30 PM at Waterworks Pub, Gay and Lesbian Al-Anon Meeting. Fri.s, 7:30pm, St. John’s Lutheran 76 Central Avenue Albany, N.Y. 12206. Lessons and open dancing, no Church, 160 Central Ave., Albany. partner needed, beginners welcome. Great way to exercise and meet Gay Men’s AA. Mon.s, 7:30pm, Pride Center of the Capital Region new friends. For more info call Bruce at 518-330-0057 for additional GLBT AA Meeting. Live and Let Live North, Sat. nights 6 pm, Christ Church, information. Episcopal Parish Center, 431 Union St., Hudson, N.Y. All are welcome. Lesbian and Gay Narcotics Anonymous. Thurs.s, 7:30PM Pride HIV/AIDS RESOURCES Center of the Capital Region AIDS Council of Northeastern New York A community-based, not- Overeater’s Anonymous. Mon.s 6:00 - 7;00 PM for-profit human service agency established in 1984 whose mission is The Pride Center of the Capital Region / 332 Hudson Ave, Albany to reduce the risk, fear and incidence of HIV infection, encourage the in- selfPRIDE! Support Group. Sat.s 6:30 - 8:30. To discuss eating dependence of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and promote disorders, body image and healthier ways to live. Pride Center of the understanding of their needs. www.aidscouncil.org. Albany, 434-4686; Capital Region Hudson Falls, 743-0703; Hudson, 828-3624; Plattsburgh, 563-2437; Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous Wed.s, 6:30PM, Pride Center Project HOPE, 434-4686, Schenectady, 346-9272; Confidential HIV of the Capital Region Testing, 518-HIV-TEST; AIDS Hotline, 1-800-201-AIDS commUNITY classifieds July/August 2012 7 RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL email: [email protected] Web: www.gbgm-umc.org/trinity- Albany Friends Meeting 727 Madison Avenue, warmly welcomes all churchalbany / Sunday schedule: (enter at the upper Lancaster Street to participate in meeting for worship Sun. at 10am. door) 9 AM - Adult Bible Study 10 AM - Worship Service and Chil- First United Methodist Church 603 State Street, Schenectady, dren’s Church School 11 AM - Fellowship and refreshments warmly welcomes all to particpate in the life of the church community. Thursday Mid-Week Worship - 30 minute service 1st and 3rd Thurs- Services 10:00 am on Sun. and 12 Noon on Wed.. Sun. school for chil- days at 6:30 PM - Kermani Chapel (enter at the Lark Street door) dren up to grade 5 at 10:20 am and for middle/high school students at Call to ask about other scheduled events. 11:15 am. Handicap Accessible Call 374-4403 for more information. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs. Ser- Congregation B’rith Shalom (Spirited. Tradition-leaning reform) vices and religious education, Sun.s 10:00 a.m., 624 Broadway, Sara- 167 Third Street Troy, New York 12180 (518)272-8872. Office toga. (518) 584-1555. Web site: http://www.saratoga-uu.org “Af- hours 10:00am-2:00pm Mon-Fri. Services 7:30pm Fri.. Rabbi avail- firming and promoting the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” able by appt. Unity Church, 21 King Avenue in Albany, NY invites gay, lesbian, bi- Emmanuel Baptist Church 275 State St., Albany. Worship10:00 sexual and transgender persons to join us in worship and fellowship. a.m. Sun.s followed by church school for all ages. (518) 465-5161. Unity is a non-denominational Christian church that celebrates the First Congregational Church of Albany 405 Quail St, Albany, NY. spirit of God, which lives in every person. Sun. worship at 9 & 11 AM. 12208 The purpose of First Congregational Church is to celebrate Wed. prayer at 6:30 PM. 581-453-3603 or www.unitychurchinal- God’s love and to build a vibrant and vital church through worship, bany.org fellowship, education, service and outreach in an inclusive and diverse Watervliet United Methodist Church 1401 First Avenue, Wa- community. Sun. worship at 10:30 AM with coffee fellowship follow- tervliet (Handicap Accessible)Warmly welcomes all persons of diver- ing. More info at www.firstcongregationalchurch.org at 518-482- sity. Services 10am on Sun.. Soup Kitchen Wed. 4pm to 5:30pm. 4580, Peer Support Drop in Center environment to promote a “Peer” support First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 405 Washington approach for past and/or present consumers of mental health services Ave., Albany. A welcoming congregation invites gay, lesbian, bisexual Thurs.s 10am to 2pm “all are welcome for lunch”. Thrift Store Thurs. and transgender persons to services and fellowship. Services at 10:00 10am to2pm. Questions, call 273-0191 or Email: rmccauley@nycap. a.m. Please stop for our coffee hour too. 463-7135. rr.com. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady Wendell Integrity, Albany GLBT Episcopalians and friends working for under- Ave., Schenectady. Welcoming congregation invites gay, lesbian, bi- standing and inclusion in the Episcopal Church and Albany Diocese. sexual and transgender persons to services and fellowship. Services Contact Rich Angelo, Diocesan Coordinator at albanyintegrity@gmail. at 10:30 a.m. Sun.s. Please stop for our coffee hour too. 374-4446. com First Lutheran Church 181 Western Avenue, Albany-463-1326, Kingfisher Buddhist Sangha, a completely welcoming group, meets www.firstlutheranalbany.org. Sun. worship schedule: Sun. School and Sun.s from 4:30pm – 6:00pm in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, for Adult Forum at 9:00 AM; Worship and holy communion at 10:00 AM. meditation, teaching and discussion. Eastern Parkway United Method- First Lutheran is a Reconciling In Christ Congregation. All are wel- ist Church, corner of Eastern Parkway and Palmer Ave, Schenectady. come. Another weekly meeting is near Saratoga. Website: kingfishersangha. First Reformed Church of Schenectady Church and Union com. Call Karen at 459-3691 for more information. Streets, Officially Welcoming, Sun. Worship 10 am, Jazz Vespers ev- ery 3rd Sun. at 5 pm. www.1stReformed.com SUPPORT GROUPS First Presbyterian Church State and Willett Sts., Albany. Call 449- Capital Region Support Group for Family and Friends of Les- 7332 for schedule. bian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People. Group supports First United Presbyterian Church Sun.s, 10am , 1915 5th Ave., family of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people. Its purpose is Troy, call 272-2771. to offer support and information about coming to terms with their lgbt Heart of Hope Fellowship Emmanual Baptist Church, 275 State family member or friend. This groups meets the second Tues. of each Street, Albany. Sun. service at 1PM with guest ministers from the area month 7:00 PM at the First Unitarian Universalist Society Building, or members of the group. All are welcomed! Please call 518-785- 1221 Wendell Ave. in Schenectady. Contact Julia Helfman at 518- 7941, email [email protected] or visit www.myspace. 372-9911 for more information. com/heartofhopealbany. GB&T Men’s Support Group for GBT men to talk about coming out, Holy Trinity National Catholic Church. Church Office, 166 Jay sex, religion, dating, relationships, and other issues affecting men in Street, Albany, NY 12210. Sun. Mass 6:00 p.m. at 405 Washing- the GBT community. Meets Mon.s at 7:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor gallery ton Ave., Albany with social hour following mass. Healing Service, at The Pride Center of the Capital Region, 332 Hudson Ave. Albany. 1st Sun. each month; Candlelight Benediction Service, last Sun. of Call 518/462-6138, or email [email protected] for more each month. Phone: (518) 434-8861 or email: [email protected]. info. NCCA Website: www.NCCofA.org/holytrin.html LBT Women’s Peer Support Group. For LBT Women who partner The Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church 24 with women to talk about coming out, relationships, sex and other is- Circular Str, Saratoga , NY 12866 / Service Sun: 10:30 am / www. sues. Every Tues. at 7:00PM at the Pride Center of the Capital Region, pnecc.org, 518-583-3988 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany. Call 518-462-6138 or email csaile@ Slingerlands Community United Methodist Church Gay, les- capitalpridecenter.org for more info. bian, bisexual and transgender people are invited to participate in the Youth Peer Support Group Ages 13–18. Fri.s at 7:00pm at the life of our congregation and beyond helping the church honestly be a Pride Center of the Capital Region. Call 518-462-6138 or email healing presence in the 21st century. Worship 10 am Sun., children’s [email protected] for more info. Sun. school 10 am, adult classes tba, choir Wed. evenings. Voice Modification Classes for Transgender Individuals: Of- Spiritual Direction Group for Lesbians meets monthly in Albany fered by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders on a Monday evening. Contemplative atmosphere for listening for and of the College of Saint Rose, this Voice Modification class focuses on attending to the sacred in everyday life; sliding scale fee. Call Audrey enhancing communication for male-to-female transsexuals. The class Seidman, 459-0661 runs each Mon. from 5-7pm at St. Rose College, the cost for 2 hours St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, North Main at Madison Ave., Al- of voice training is $10/class. If interested, please contact Jack Picker- bany. 489-4747. Sun.s: Worship 8am and 10:00am Sun. School at ing directly at PICKERIJ@mail,strose.edu or 518.454.5236. 10am. “ An inclusive community.” and all are welcomed. www.standrewsalbany.org Trinity United Methodist Church “on the corner of Lark and Lan- caster” 235 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210 Phone: 518-463-1293 8 July/August 2012 Moving Forward or Backward?

In a landmark decision, a state to cause significant harm to the conduct), that gay people are “en- courts in the sate on this issue. appellate court ruled that falsely plaintiff’s reputation without the titled to respect for their private The capital district is within the describing a person as lesbian, plaintiff being required to show lives”. The Court also relied upon Third Department, and Yonaty is gay or bisexual is not slanderous. actual injury. There are four New York statutory law, such controlling law here. Yonaty v. Mincolla was decided categories of statements that are as the prohibition of discrimina- on May 31, 2012, by a unanimous considered slander per se: charg- tion based on sexual orientation Another huge development in LG- panel of the Appellate Division of ing someone with a serious crime, and the passage of the Marriage BTQ rights occurred on May 31st the Supreme Court, Third Judicial damaging a person’s business or Equality Act. Referring to several when the US Court of Appeals for Department. profession, claiming someone has NY judicial decisions recognizing the First Circuit held that section a “loathsome disease”, or imput- same sex relationships, the Court 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act This case started in Broome ing unchastity to a woman. De- noted that “’the public policy of was unconstitutional. The decision County. Mr. Yonaty sued Ms. scribing someone as lesbian, gay our state protects same-sex cou- was issued in the combined cases Mincolla for defamation, amongst or bisexual was also considered ples in a myriad of ways’ includ- of Gill v. Office of Personnel Man- other things. Yonaty was appar- so injurious to that person, that ing numerous statutory benefits agement and Commonwealth of ently in a relationship with Ms. the law presumed it to be defa- and judicial decision expressing a Mass v. US Department of Health Geller. Mincolla told Koffman (a mation per se. policy of acceptance.” and Human Services, both chal- friend of the Geller family) that lenging denials of federal ben- Yonaty was gay or bisexual, in an Based upon New York State’s The Court stated that, “In light of efits to same sex married couples. effort to get Koffman to inform “well-defined public policy of the tremendous evolution in so- DOMA section 3 defines marriage Ms. Geller accordingly. Koffman, protection and respect for the cial attitudes regarding homosex- for all federal purposes as between who allegedly was concerned for civil rights of people who are les- uality, the elimination of the legal one man and one woman. This is Ms. Geller’s health as a result of bian, gay or bisexual”, the Appel- sanctions [criminalizing homo- the highest court to date to have Yonaty’s alleged homosexual late Court ruled that falsely de- sexual acts] . . . and the consider- declared DOMA unconstitution- conduct, told Ms. Geller’s mom. scribing a person as lesbian, gay able legal protection and respect al. The House of Representatives She relayed the information to or bisexual does not constitute that the law of this state now ac- “Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group”, her daughter, and the younger slander per se. In doing so, the cords lesbians, gays and bisexu- will likely seek review by the US Ms. Geller terminated her rela- Third Department clearly rejected als, it cannot be said that current Supreme Court, which will likely be tionship with Yonaty. After being well established NY case law to public opinion supports a rule that granted. Stay tuned for more. sued, Mincolla filed a third party the contrary, and dismissed all of would equate statements imput- complaint against Koffman, seek- plaintiff’s claims. ing homosexuality with accusa- The legal rights of LGBTQ families ing indemnification for Koffman’s tions of serious criminal conduct are an ever-changing landscape, to repetition of the allegedly slan- The Court held that prior case law or insinuations that an individual be addressed monthly in this col- derous statements. is “inconsistent with current pub- has a loathsome disease . . . While umn. The material in this article is provided for informational purposes lic policy and should no longer be lesbians, gays and bisexuals have only and is not intended to give legal The lower court denied the mo- followed. Defamation ‘necessar- historically faced discrimination advice, and should not substitute for tions of both defendants to dis- ily involves the idea of disgrace’. and such prejudice has not been the independent advice of counsel. miss the claims as a matter of law. . . . the prior cases categorizing completely eradicated, ‘the fact It found that, based on well es- statements that falsely impute of such prejudice on the part of Geri Pomerantz is an attorney in the tablished precedent, the imputa- homosexuality as defamatory some does not warrant a judicial capital district with a practice fo- tion of homosexuality constitutes per se are based upon the flawed holding that gays and lesbians and cused on family and matrimonial law, defamation per se. Except in premise that it is shameful and bisexuals, merely because of their specifically including LGBTQ issues. certain circumstances, a plaintiff disgraceful to be described as sexual orientation, belong in the Geri also conducts continuing le- claiming that he was slandered lesbian, gay or bisexual.” same class as criminals.’”. gal education training for other law- must allege that he suffered ac- yers on issues of importance to the tual injury in the form of econom- The Appellate Division relied upon This landmark ruling represents LGBTQ community. Amongst other things, Geri is a member of the Col- ic or pecuniary damages as a re- the underlying reasoning of the a significant departure from de- laborative Divorce Association of the sult of the defamatory statement. US Supreme Court’s 2003 deci- cades of case law in New York Capital District. She can be reached However, if a statement is per sion in Lawrence v. Texas (barring State. There is now a conflict be- at [email protected] se defamatory, it is presumed criminalization of homosexual tween the four mid level appellate

BICK WANCK, M.D. & ASSOCIATES Mental Health and Personal Growth Services

Cate Richardson, LCSW-R

401 Geyser Road (518) 583-3035 ext. 256 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Fax: (518) 583-4247

516 Washington Avenue (518) 432-0432 Rensselaer, NY 12144 Fax: (518) 583-4247

www.mentalhealthdocs.com July/August 2012 9 Is It Covered Under Your Umbrella… Ella… Ella…?

Personal Liability Umbrella Poli- litigious society, it can be easy to Negligence comes in many fla- Personal Liability Umbrella Poli- cies (PLUP’s) are not something exhaust the limits of these cover- vors. Do you have kids or do cies provide coverage for the for just the very wealthy. If you ages. Imagine medical liabilities or you serve guests alcohol at your insured’s legal obligations be- have accumulated assets or own legal fees alone. home? In the case of an accident cause of bodily injury or prop- a home, it may be appropriate. caused by either of these self as- erty damage. It may make sense PLUPs reduce the risk of financial Because of the supplemental na- sumed risks, you have “vicari- to call your Property and Casualty loss due to your own or some- ture of PLUPs, most require that ous liability.” Do you have a tree (Homeowners, Renters, Auto) one else’s negligence or stupidity. you have certain limits on other on your property or a pet? If this company about adding a PLUP to There are different types of liabil- coverages. PLUPs do not kick in tree falls on your neighbor or your your protection plan. There are ity and negligence, levels of cov- until the other policies are ex- dog bolts out the door and bites far too many hazards out there to erage, and exclusions to be aware hausted. It has been recommend- someone, the act speaks for itself not be concerned. Don’t let them of when considering a PLUP. ed that if you can raise the deduct- and is deemed “Res Ipsa Loqui- keep you awake. Think of a PLUP ible on your car insurance, you tur liability” due to its presump- as a soft pillow allowing you to According to investopedia.com, could pay for the premiums for a tive negligence. The world is an sleep better at night. “…liability is the risk of being held PLUP with that money. This way imperfect place and bad things do financially responsible for acts you may have a higher deductible sometimes just happen. Thomas J. Walling is a regis- resulting in malpractice, injury, (for example $250 to $1,000 de- tered Representative and finan- or negligence. Liability insurance ductible), but the $1,000 deduct- Things the PLUP will not normal- cial advisor offering Securities policies cover both legal costs ible is far more payable for most ly cover include intentional acts and Investment Advisory Services and any legal payouts for which people than a million dollar law- hoping to defraud the insurance through Tower Square Securities, the insured would be responsible suit. Check with your insurance company, business operations or Inc. (TSS) Member FINRA/SIPC. if found legally liable.” In other company insuring your car and/or malpractice, rental operation li- Branch office:235 Lark Street words, these policies protect you home as bundling insurances can ability costs, or uninsured loca- #43 Albany, NY 12210. in the case of a lawsuit. There are save money. As a rule of thumb, tions owned by the insured. The liability policies designed for busi- PLUPs cost hundreds of dollars, last example represents that a ness as well as personal use. A not thousands per year, depend- PLUP cannot be used as primary PLUP is for personal liability. The ing on the coverage. The minimum insurance in the place of Home- umbrella part is that it will cover most companies write is a $1 Mil- owners policy on a second prop- what is not covered in your other lion policy but higher limit policies erty. policies, for example Homeown- are not uncommon. ers or Auto. In these days of our

These Presbyterian Churches Welcome You Where you can find a place ~ come as you are!

Albany Greenwich Scotia First Presbyterian United Church of Greenwich Trinity Presbyterian Church 362 State Street (at Willett) 37 Salem Street 185 Swaggertown Rd. 518-449-7332 518-832-9362 518-399-8782 www.firstpresalbany.org unitedchurch12834.org www.scotiatrinity.org Sunday Worship 8:30 am & 10:45 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Albany Hudson Falls Spencertown Westminster Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church 262 State Street 5 River Street Spencertown, NY 518-436-8544 518-747-3013 518-392-3386 www.WPCalbany.org www.hudsonfallspresbychurch.org [email protected] Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Charlton Putnam Station Stephentown West Charlton United PC Putnam United Presbyterian Church Stephentown Federated Church 1331 Sacandaga Road 365 County Route 2, PO Box 8 1513 Garfield Road 518-882-9874 518-547-8378 518-733-5879 www.westcharltonUPC.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am StephentownFederatedChurch.org Sunday Worship 10:30 am Sunday Worship 9:30 am Colonie Rensselaerville Troy Roessleville Presbyterian Church Rensselaerville Presbyterian Church Cornerstone Community Church Elmhurst and Central Avenue Main Street 570 3rd Avenue (Lansingburgh) 518-459-2816 212-691-4474 518-235-3851 Sunday Worship 9:30 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am (Summer only) www.cornerstoneccl.org Sunday Worship 10:30 am Delmar Saratoga Springs Troy Delmar Presbyterian Church Presbyterian-New England Congregational First United 585 Delaware Avenue 24 Circular Street 1915 Fifth Avenue (downtown) 518-439-9252 518-584-6091 518-272-2771 www.delmarpres.info www.pnecc.org www.unitedprestroy.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Glens Falls Schenectady Valatie First Presbyterian Church Union Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian 400 Glen Street 1068 Park Avenue 3212 Church Street 518-793-2521 518-374-4464 518-758-9658 www.fpcgf.org www.unionpres.org ValatiePresbyChurch.org Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am

Half page ad for April 2012 CommUnity

We are all God’s children ~ Come as you are! 10 July/August 2012 Trans View # 104 How To Screw Up Doing The Right Thing...Let Us Count The Ways... By: Moonhawk River Stone (c) 2012 It’s not easy being green, un- sincere and he wouldn’t budge bacle in 2004-5 with the County ecutive Order inclusive of Albany less you’re Kermit. Then you get from that perspective, but some- Legislature, not much has hap- County vendors and contractors, you’re very own billboard...It’s not thing didn’t seem quite right. And pened about getting that piece of asking them to have transgender easy being trans either, unless... as they often say in meeting min- legislation passed. It’s been thor- inclusive employment policies as we’ll there’s no unless. Even Chaz utes---”discussion ensued”! And, oughly and completely lost in leg- part of being considered for a po- doesn’t have his own billboard, it certainly did. While we all were islative space. The current legis- tential contract with the county. and there’s certainly no call for a in theoretical agreement issuing lator placing the bill, Christopher This item was deferred, though billboard in Albany County. the Executive Order would be a T. Higgins (D), is also running for we were listened to, it was clear good thing to do, there were con- the Assembly, and he has wavered this was too “hot” an item to con- Being transgender in some places siderable problems with the Alba- in moving the bill forward for sider at this time. in our country has reached that ny County Executive Order itself. quite some time now. We didn’t milestone where people know And our discussion revealed just think there was a really deeply And finally, the issues others and it’s “wrong” to be transphobic, so how little, how appalling little, sincere effort afoot to move the we have with the Albany County they’re at least silent. But it hasn’t the County folks including Mc- bill forward. That assessment is Human Rights Commission were quite reached the point where the Coy, Perrin (and later the County still true. We encouraged McCoy raised. We discussed the criti- hoards and masses of allies are Attorney Tom Marchelle) really to use the EO to move the County cal need for the commission to be taking to the streets to demand knew about transgender policy, bill. We discussed our concerns more fully developed and func- human and civil rights for trans- issues and lives. Shame on them that Governor Cuomo did not ap- tion much more effectively. Our gender people. Sort of almost... in this day and age. It’s not 1980 pear interested in passing GEN- discussion made no progress on there...yet...not quite there. anymore, folks. DA, that the Republicans in the this issue. Senate were not going to move So, except for Governor Cuomo United as a group, we heavily GENDA forward. We felt it was But, here is the difficult piece, the and the State Legislature, there recommended and intensely ad- imperative that all Albany Coun- crux of doing to right thing wrong. are actually a few people around vocated that McCoy and his staff ty transgender citizens deserved wanting to get on the transgen- not reinvent the wheel as is of- immediate protections as well, In my email to Mike Perrin on June der bandwagon and “do the right ten done in such situations. What not just staff and employees. It 7, 2012, I stated: thing” in the interim for trans- happens is the politician issuing was noted Albany City’s law was gender people. Having become a the order needs to “put his touch now 8 years old and is proving it- “I am deeply disappointed that Beatles’ song this year, 64, and on it” (meaning screw it up). We self both very effective and bor- when our expertise and input was on my countdown to Medicare, it urged them to just use the lan- ingly uncontroversial. asked for that it turned out to be seems I’ve come down with a ra- guage in the governor’s executive essentially ignored much to the bid case of impatience at both the order, as it was clear, effective, Thirdly, Mr. Perrin asked us for detriment of those you are at- lack of movement on the part of covered all the bases. The county our expertise on health ben- tempting to protect. As a result others to protect those most in language just was not either clear efits for transgender employ- the EO being issued tomorrow is a need of protection, and virulent enough or professional enough, ees of which I am a recognized pale companion to the governor’s case of righteous outrage when and the definition of gender iden- expert. Albany County is in the EO and to the Albany City Law, those “wanting to do the right tity and expression was totally off midst of changing its health in- and it fails to protect non trans- thing” actually screw up and do base. They refused initially. I think surance plan and the structure of gender gender variant employ- the wrong thing. This is a tale of to shut us up they finally agreed its plan. I took the lead here and ees... royally screwing up. to “review” it and we agreed to let them know that making the send them suggestions (mean- County’s health coverage trans- It is obvious to me there is much It’s always better to have no pro- ing the right way to do it). We gender inclusive was crucial to work still to be done in educating tections, than the wrong kind of left thinking they were open to transgender employee well being and deepening the county’s un- protections. We know in politics change; they left thinking they’d and retention. Many transgender derstanding of lives of its trans- once something is created, dis- “done their duty to the trans com- people require crucial medically gender citizens.” creating it becomes almost im- munity”. After all, they’d met with necessary medical treatments and possible. us for heaven’s sake!, and had, I those treatments should be fully There has been no reply from Mr. think, ultimately no intention of covered. We spoke about actu- Perrin to my email, and I’m not So.... here’s the whole sorry mess. making any change. We found out arial evidence to support that this surprised. The County’s lack of One day in early May a bunch of just how closed McCoy was to inclusion would bring hardly any expertise in transgender issues us (Christopher Argyros, Sheila making changes in the first week increased expense to the county and in the lives of transgender Healy, Libby Post, Nora Yates, of June. and that it would provide vital, life citizens is astonishingly minis- myself, John Frederick) got a call saving health care to transgender cule, and there is no excuse for and an email invite to a meeting First off, we strongly requested employees. We are to follow up that. with the Albany County Execu- that EO contain the same defi- on this discussion. I did suggest tive, Dan McCoy. Present at the nition of gender identity and ex- that McCoy’s EO go further than meeting were the County Execu- pression that the governor’s EO the governor’s and include health (continued on page 11) tive, Mike Perrin, Tom Scarff and contained. This was a lengthy dis- coverage as it would be discrimi- us activists. McCoy indicated to cussion that was left in abeyance natory not to do so. But nothing us that he wanted to issue an Ex- at the end of the May meeting. came of that suggestion in this ecutive Order protecting Albany (See further on in this column for meeting. This request for health County transgender employees the story behind the story.) care coverage was never any kind from discrimination because it of make or break part of the EO was the right thing to do. He said We also had a very frank discus- discussion. Never, and anyone in he was aware that the country sion about how McCoy needed the press or otherwise who thinks already had transgender people to step up his support, and take it was is horribly misinformed. in its employ and he wanted to leadership in having an Albany do the right thing, like Governor County wide transgender civil Additionally, we discussed the Cuomo had done. McCoy seemed rights bill enacted. Since the de- proactive step of making the Ex- July/August 2012 11 Trans View #104 (continued) So, who’s really behind all this? recommendations about improved in law and policy regarding gender has made some really ignorant le- Well, you don’t have to be a de- language for the EO that was bad identity and expression. gal history, actually writing into tective to figure it out. In our dis- enough. It smacked of not only ig- regulation discrimination instead of cussions with Mr. Perrin, Libby norance but also arrogance. But to The bottom line is the new defini- removing it. Yes, I think non trans- Post was able to ascertain that go on to create his own definition tion of gender identity and expres- gender (cisgender) employees will the newly appointed controversial of gender identity and expression sion in the Albany County Execu- be protected under other catego- County Attorney Tom Marcelle was in what I can only assume is defi- tive Order is: ries, but that’s not the point here, the person driving the shutdown of ance seems blatantly and demon- folks. This is ignorance, bias, and the conversation and the very igno- strably the fulfillment of our worst Rules and Regulation adopted pur- the setting up an “us vs. them” po- rant and faulty definition of gender concerns. Christopher Argyros of suant to Executive Order 12-02: tential within Albany County em- identity and expression in the EO. the Pride Agenda provided several ployees, all for someone’s apparent Mr. Marcelle was not at our May examples of very fine definitional §1 Definitions: bias and hubris. If they weren’t go- meeting, I’m guessing because language for gender identity and Gender Identity shall mean having ing to listen to our expertise, why we would not have welcomed his expression and the detailed ratio- or being perceived as having a gen- did they ask us? Huh? presence and that would have nale behind them. We have used der identity, appearance, behavior been a distraction to the business these definitions successfully or expression that is different from It’s really time to do politics differ- at hand given that he is not per- many times. Marcelle patently ig- that traditionally associated with ently, folks. This definition needs ceived as a friend of the commu- nored our expertise. When I say the sex assigned to that person at to be revised and corrected im- nity. That said, it might have been our expertise, Mr. Argyros and my- birth. mediately, and the EO needs to be more productive to actually have self have a great deal of expertise rewritten to be the EO the County this conversation with him in per- in such matters, and I have a long What’s the problem, you might ask? Executive purports it to be. Trans- son instead of having it through Mr. track record of various public policy Well...this EO does not cover non gender politics and advocacy has Perrin to no avail. However, Mar- advocacy in transgender matters. It transgender (cisgender) employ- come of age, and politicians can no celle apparently has been very busy is important when ground-break- ees who display a gender expres- longer do ignorant “well meaning” working behind the scenes creating ing policy and law are being creat- sion different than that typically policy that harms us and expect to just the kind of problems we were ed to utilize definitions, which are associated with their birth sex. So, be thanked. No, thank you! Please, concerned would come forward if consistent, clear, and inclusive. We Marcelle has blundered forward, fix it. Now. Until next time...T he were appointed County Attor- have for over a decade advocated needing to have control and make ney. Marcelle clearly ignored our for consistent definitional language this “his own” and in the process Welcoming Congregations Join Us In Exploring Your Spiritual Side At One Of The Worshipping Congregations Below: Community Reformed Church of Colonie St George’s Episcopal Church Friends Meeting (Quaker) 701 Sand Creek Road, Colonie, NY 30 North Ferry St., Schenectady 727 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY www.coloniereformed.org (518)869-5589 www.stgeorgesschenectady.org (518) 436-8812

Congregation Agudat Achim (Conservative) Emmanuel Baptist Church Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 2117 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 275 State Street, Albany, NY 501 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY www.agudatachim.org (518) 393-9211 www.emmanuelalbany.net (518)465-5161 www.goodshepherdchurchloudonville.org (518)458-1562 Congregation B’nai Shalom (Reform) First Church in Albany 420 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY 110 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY Holy Trinity National Catholic Church www.bnaishalom.albany.ny.us (518) 482-5283 www.firstchurchinalbany.org (518)463-4449 405 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY www.NCCofA.org/holytrin.html Congregation Berith Shalom (Reform) First Congregational Church of Albany - UCC & NACCC (518)434-8861 167 Third Street, Troy, NY 405 Quail Street, Albany, NY www.berithshalom.com (518)272-8872 www.firstcongregationalalbany.org / (518)482-4580 Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY Congregation Beth Emeth (Reform) First Lutheran Church www.saratogaspringsumc.org / (518)584-3720 100 Academy Road, Albany, NY 181 Western Avenue, Albany, NY www.bethemethalbany.org (518)436-9761 www.FirstLutheranAlbany.org (518)463-1326 St. Andrews Episcopal Church Main at Madison Avenue, Albany, NY Congregation Gates of Heaven (Reform) First Presbyterian Church www.standrewsalbany.org / (518)489-4747 842 Ashmore Avenue, Schenectady, NY 362 State Street, Albany, NY www.cgoh.org (518)374-8173 www.firstpresalbany.org (518)449-7332 St. John’s Lutheran Church 160 Central Avenue, Albany, NY Congregation Ohav Shalom (Conservative) First Unitarian Society of Schenectady www.stjohnsalbany.org (518)465-7545 113 New Krumkill Road, Albany, NY 1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady, NY www.ohavshalom.org www.fussonline.org (518)674-4446 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY Congregation Temple Sinai (Reform) First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany www.saratoga-uu.org (518)584-1555 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 405 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY www.templesinai-saratogasprings.org www.albanyuu.org (518)463-7135 Unity Church in Albany (518) 584-8730 21 King Avenue, Albany, NY First United Methodist Church www.unitychurchinalbany.org (518)453-3603 Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church 603 State Street, Schenectady, NY 943 Palmer Avenue, Schenectady, NY www.gbgm-umc.org/schenectady Woodstock Jewish Congregation www.easternparkway.weebly.com (518)374-4403 (Reconstructionist) (518)374-4306 1682 Glasco Turnpike, Woodstock, NY First United Presbyterian Church www.wjcshul.org (845)246-1671 1915 Fifth Avenue, Troy, NY www.unitedprestroy.org (518)272-2771 Proud To Be Open! Affirming! Welcoming! Joyous! 12 July/August 2012

Romaine Brooks Gallery July 2012 Artist Profile: David Tinkham

David Tinkham is a self-professed accident on the set and nearly died. work was after I had lost a lot of an- To grapple with the hurdles of life, frustrated man. It bleeds through One of the effects of that accident ger, along with the 90 pounds I had to take them as they come and con- much of his work, as depictions of was that I had permanent loss of gained from the medication. I was quer through sheer will, force, and pain and bondage offer both pun- depth perception. If it were not for dating again, fell in love and eventu- determination are acts of defiance. ishment and deliverance from suf- my art background, I would be un- ally got married. After my life (I felt) Sometimes simply surviving is a feat fering. It’s not a whim, it’s the way able to judge distance. I think that is took such a nose dive after the ac- in and of itself. Tinkham takes it one he’s managed to survive. After a de- why I like to force depth perception cident, I feel like I lost 15 years of step further by translating what he’s bilitating accident, he’s managed to in my work.” my life and [am] now just starting been through into an art form. slowly recover and come back, and to live again. Life is far from perfect in the decade and a half it took to “Because I don’t “look” disabled it but now I feel as though I can vent “Art is as important as speech - a do so, he encountered setbacks and took years, doctors, and lawyers to through my art work. It’s my own way to communicate - to convey a triumphs. All of this proved inspira- settle my disability case,” Tinkham personal therapy.” thought or motion, much like music. tion for his exhibition, “The Erotic explains. “Surviving a pons brain The purpose of my own art is ther- Art of TINK”, featured at the Ro- stem hemorrhage is extremely rare, Whereas some artists proclaim their apy for me to either laugh or scream maine Brooks Gallery for the month which made it very difficult for me proudest accomplishments to be with frustration and for others too.” of July. - I fell through the cracks of our their work or their professional tri- “WONDERFUL” system. I was an- umphs, Tinkham has a more basic David Tinkham will be presenting his “I think I am frustrated most of the gry and frustrated and felt like in- yet profound appreciation for what solo exhibition, “The Erotic Art of time,” Tinkham claims. That frus- flicting the same to others - that’s he has done in his life: “Being able TINK”, at the Romaine Brooks Gal- tration informs many of his pieces, the bondage art work.” to walk again, my eyes uncross- lery on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 5 leading to some angry images that ing after the accident and gaining to 9 PM as part of Albany’s 1st Fri- blur the lines between pain and Yet for all his anger, notions of hu- back some independence - falling in day Events. The Romaine Brooks pleasure, invoking bits of bondage mor and whimsy lift his darkest love and having that person love me Gallery is located on the third floor and S&M. It’s the direct result of work, lending a playful relief and back, knowing my disabilities.” of the Pride Center of the Capital a life-changing accident that oc- providing glimmers of hope. Region at 332 Hudson Avenue, Al- curred when he was working in Taking such adversity and turning it bany, NY 12210. television and film. “I had a serious “The kind of funny, sexy, sensual into strength is a remarkable feat. The Pride Center is proud to offer Case Management Services! By Lauren Ford, LMSW Since we opened our doors, the Pride human service needs of LGBTQ cli- Center has offered direct and peer ents and their families. Case Manage- support services. Over the years our ment Services are not psychotherapy: Center Support program has grown prospective clients who are currently to include the Rainbow Café Drop-In receiving mental health treatment are Center, peer support groups, Center encouraged to continue working with Support Counseling, the Capital Re- their individual providers while receiv- gion LGBT Mental Health and Sub- ing Case Management Services at the stance Abuse Network and the re- Pride Center. covery groups that the Pride Center hosts. Now, for the first time ever, Case Management Services at the we are proud to offer Case Manage- Pride Center is designed to offer sup- ment Services. Case Management port, information, service coordination Services at the Pride Center offer the and advocacy. We also offer trans- only trans-specific Case Manage- specific health education information, "(.$ ment Services available in the Capital assistance in obtaining identity docu- "ĝēĒğĪ
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$ęĠģĦĤ Region. ments, referrals for legal services to assist with gender marker changes, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender culturally competent medical and and Queer (LGBTQ) people often mental health referrals, and a variety face barriers in accessing social ser- of other health and human services. vices and receiving quality, culturally Our Case Management Services are competent health care. For our trans- free for youth ages 13-21, and op- gender and gender-nonconforming erates on a low-cost, sliding-scale community members especially, hav- fee system for adults over the age of ing to navigate an often confusing, 21. The first session is free and ap- contradictory and undereducated so- pointments are required to meet with cial service and medical system is par- the Mental Health Specialist. Clients ticularly burdensome. These barriers receiving Case Management Servic- THE ALBANY can turn everyday things like applying es will meet with the Mental Health for insurance, communicating with Specialist either weekly or biweekly, GAY MEN’S CHORUS your medical provider, searching for a typically for six months to one year job or maintaining stable housing into depending on their specific needs. near impossible feats. Make an appointment today! The IS LOOKING FOR SINGERS. ALL AGES AND LEVELS OF Case Management Services at the Mental Health Specialist is avail- EXPERIENCE ARE WELCOME. FOR REHEARSAL Pride Center is here to reduce these able at various times throughout the INFORMATION, CONTACT US AT: barriers as we continue to empower week, including limited evening hours. our community! The Mental Health If none of the available times fit into WEBSITE: WWW.ALBANYGMC.ORG Specialist will serve as a supportive your schedule, the Mental Health E-MAIL: [email protected] bridge – connecting clients to re- Specialist will work with you to make sources, assisting them with navigat- other arrangements. To make an ap- VOICE-MAIL: 518-462-6138 EXT. 17 ing social services and advocating on pointment for Case Management their behalf. The Mental Health Spe- Services call 518-462-6138 x 12 or * THE AGMC IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE cialist is a licensed clinician with spe- email casemanagement@capitalpri- * PRIDE CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION cific training in meeting the health and decenter.org. Joseph D. Schmid House Cleaning

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A therapist-led mental health and wellness group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer young adults ages 16-24.

This group will focus on social interaction and progressive health. Group is Saturday, September 29th, 2012 open for the first 4 sessions and will be members-only beginning August 2nd. Washington Park Lake house, Albany This group meets for 12 weeks on Thursday evenings from

6-7:30pm at the Pride Center —332 Hudson Avenue in Albany, beginning on Thursday, July 12th 2012. Walk with the Pride Center and join the efforts to raise HIV/ AIDS Awareness and education in the Capital Region! Intake Required. Free of charge. To sign up to walk with us contact Program Director Curran Streett at 462-6138 or [email protected]

FOR MORE INFO: CALL 518.462.6138 or EMAIL [email protected]

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Starting July 2012 Center Support Case Management Services Vintage Pride Offering service coordination for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individuals. Mid-Summer Potluck Lunch Case Management Services offering: Trans-specific health education information Assistance in obtaining identity documents Referrals for legal services to assist with gender marker changes Culturally competent medical and mental health referrals Information and support about Sunday, July 22nd, 1 PM entering or reentering the workforce At the First Presbyterian Church, The only trans –specific Help navigating insurance case management and health benefits 362 State Street, Albany

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Call today to make an appointment with the Mental Health Specialist A casual social opportunity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and P: 518.462.6138x12 Transgender people 55 and older. Bring a dish to share, and [email protected] enjoy drinks and dessert provided by the Pride Center. Walgreens Run for Pride 5k By: jrMac Photography www.johnmcenerney.com

Congratulations to all who participated! See you Next Year!!

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For more information: LIBBY POST, PRESIDENT a division of [email protected] 518.438-2826 cs-weddings.com July/August 2012 17 “I must have that plant”

Berkshires: Friday: early May. I matter. I must have that plant.” a chance,” she says, reminding me much fanfare as others greet the wake at 6 a.m. Gray skies, heavy why I make no plans for May until opening of deer hunting season rain, continuing all day, according Back on track to “Shrubs, I pass I know the dates of the BBG plant in New York or Walleye season to the Weather Channel. But to- through “Perennials for Shade.” I sale. All last winter I worried that in Minnesota. After all, there are day is the first day of the Berk- avert my eyes to avoid temptation, the sale would fall on the same more gardeners in this country shire Botanical Garden’s spring and so at last reach the shrubs. It weekend as a friend’s graduation than there are hunters or fishers. plant sale. Members get in at is now 8:15. Shrubs are outside. from Law School but luckily the And plant hunting requires many 8, two hours before the general It is still raining, heavy and hard. I University of Michigan decided of the same skills as these other public. The first year I attended, pause imperceptibly at the thresh- to launch its cadre of new law- pursuits – a sharp eye, patience, I arrived at 8:15. I did not want old between tent and open yard, yers upon the world on a differ- knowledge of the best spots for to appear too eager or pushy. not because I fear getting wet ent date. Otherwise, I don’t know the catch and the endurance to The areas marked “new intro- (oh, please) but because I must what I would have done. get there. And as for passion in ductions,” “of special interest,” decide which plant best fits the pursuit, I would put your plant “exotics,” “unique shrubs” were category of “SHRUBS I DO NOT Sometimes I think that if a plant lover up against your deer slayer cleaned out and the more sea- YET HAVE BUT KNOW I MUST hunter, say a woman, had writ- or walleye hooker any day. soned hunters, hands full, were HAVE.” My aim must be quick ten Genesis the story would have heading toward the holding area. and sure or I will lose it to another been different. Working in her Next year I am going to open This morning I wonder, briefly, hunter. I identify my target, head garden one evening, Eve encoun- plant hunting season with a par- will BBG cancel today’s opening? for it, and get there first. I hold ters the Devil. He is carrying a ty. I am going to invite all my Seconds later, I sit bolt upright the tiny Physocarpus x ‘Copper- small tree and smiling broad- plant hunting friends. We will in bed, jarred into action by the tina’ in my arms, delighted with ly. “Eve,” he says, “have I got a exchange photos of our favorite knowledge that it is New Eng- my success. It is now 8:20 and plant for you! Look at this.” And finds from last year and catalogue land, it is May, plant hunting sea- I already have more plant mate- he would show her the world’s cutouts of “new introductions” son has begun and neither snow rial than I can easily carry. Reluc- first crabapple and read her what that we must have this year; we nor sleet nor gale force winds will tantly I stop long enough to get a it says on the tag: “Guaranteed will share information about plant cancel this sale or keep the plant space in the holding area. While to be upright and vase-shaped. sales and nurseries; we will remi- hunters away from it. I am standing in line to get my Grows to a maximum height 15’. nisce about past hunts and tell number, fellow hunters approach Pale pink buds open to delicately each other stories. And we will I arrive at 8 on the dot. Already to ask me about Solanum pyro- scented pure white flowers in late agree to meet again in June to there are several people inside the canthum. She proves to be the spring. Clusters of small glossy share the fruits of the hunt. For tent as I hotfoot it toward “Shrubs. catch of the day and for the next red fruits persist until late winter there comes a day in June when A volunteer who knows me and three hours I must console those and attract songbirds. Disease you drive to a nursery to see what likes my business taps me on the who did not arrive early enough to and pest resistant.” And he would they have and find yourself say- arm and beckons me to a table get one of the four pots of S p, all add, “I hear the leaf is pretty ing, “I don’t believe I want another where she introduces me to So- of which are gone by 8:25 when I spectacular too: dense foliage plant just now.” Then you know lanum pyrocanthum. Shock, awe return to the tents. that is apple green in spring, dark the madness is over for another and the desire to possess possess green in summer, and brilliant year and it is safe for you to go to me as I gaze upon this member of Already I regret that I only bought red in the fall. And by the way, a plant sale, should there actually the eggplant family whose deeply two pots of Potentilla alba ‘Snow no one else in the neighborhood be on in July. lobed leaves have yellowy orange White,’ despite the unfortunate has one.” Eve would not hesitate spikes sticking out of their edges name. “Remember the rule of to take this plant, and if she lost Judith Fetterley lives and gardens and surfaces. I grab one and start three,” I mutter half aloud as I the world as a result, she would in Glenmont, New York. She also off again for “Shrubs.” As I pass make my way to “Perennials for not care, as long as she had Malus runs Perennial Wisdom, a busi- by “Perennials for Sun,” I see out Sun,” section P. But of course by ‘Adirondack’ in her garden. ness that designs small gardens. of the corner of my eye a plant now all of the remaining six pots with a delicate dark green leaf and are gone. I ask the volunteer who I believe in rituals. If it were up an equally delicate white flower. I led me to Solanum pyrocanthum to me, I would declare May 1 grab two of the eight pots of Po- if there are any more pots of Po- the opening day of plant hunting tentilla alba ‘Snow White,’ think- tentilla alba being held back for season in New England. I would ing, “Unfortunate name, but no the second day of the sale. “Not treat it as seriously and with as

Albany 736 Madison Avenue / Albany, NY 12208 Johnstown 12 South Perry Street / Johnstown, NY 12095

David R . Rossetti, LCSW-R

Phone 518-588-5922 /518-465-1865 Fax: 518-465-1864 Email: [email protected]

Billing/Mailing Address, PO Box 3767, Albany New York 12203 God Loves Everyone – No Exceptions! By Rev. Laurel Phillips

A sign in my office reads: “God loves inclusion was debated, then defeat- straight – paused, looked each other Rev. Laurel Phillips is the pastor everyone - no exceptions!” This sign ed by a clear majority. A group of us in the eye, and took a moment to tell of Community United Method- led me to participate in my first gay “broke the bar” of the conference, each other with a new song: “You ist Church in Slingerlands, NY. rights demonstration last month entering space reserved for voting are not alone. You belong here. Stay She has been in ministry for over at General Conference 2012, the delegates. In the center was a com- strong.” 15 years, serving in Schenecta- quadrennial gathering of the whole munion table, with bread and wine dy, Galway and Cobleskill prior United Methodist Church. ready for the mid-day service. We I wish I could say that there was began wordlessly offering the sym- dramatic change in UM polity at to Slingerlands. She is has also I am a United Methodist minister. bols of Jesus to the delegates in the GC2012. There was not; but here served as a chaplain and a fam- While my local congregation is fully midst of their business. When asked was a deep sadness for the pain ily conflict mediator. She holds a supportive of LGBT inclusion in all to stop, we did not. When asked to caused by institutional exclusion Master of Divinity from Garrett- aspects of church life, the larger de- be quiet, we began to sing a three- and the ignorance that perpetuates Evangelical Theological Center in nomination is one of the last Prot- part round found in our own United it. Even those who thought they Evanston, IL. This article is one estant churches to hold an official Methodist hymnal, singing, “What won in Tampa left sobered by the of a series provided by Advocates anti-gay stance. But every four does the Lord require of you, but realization of the cost to the church for Welcoming Congregations, a years the UMC revises its polity, so to seek justice, to love kindness and and to humanity when there is any Capital Region group that encour- off I went to volunteer at GC2012. walk humbly with your God?” (Mi- attempt to exclude a group of fel- ages the welcoming of LGBT per- cah 6:8) As delegates finally broke low human beings from divine love When I arrived I was put to work in for lunch, more people joined us and grace. sons into the full life and leader- the “tabernacle” tent, where pro- around the table. ship of communities of faith. The LGBT volunteers served meals to I am humbled to lead a congrega- group also works to make visible General Conference delegates, put- We sang through the long break tion in in this area that leads the way for members of the LGBT com- ting names and faces to LGBT folks and into the afternoon. When the head and shoulders above the gen- munity opportunities for practic- and their allies. We handed out wa- delegates returned, there were eral denomination in welcoming all ing their faith traditions. ter bottles (it’s hot in Tampa!), rain- three large circles of people moving people to be part of our congrega- bow stoles and stories. We prayed, in opposite directions around the tion. We have pledged to welcome worshiped, sang and witnessed not communion table, singing from their all people and minister with them as just to those in support of inclu- hearts, as if life itself depended on equals. I thank God for the churches sive changes, but to those afraid of the message the words conveyed. of the capital area that take similar change and to those firmly against There was not a dry eye in the house. stands to end discrimination. And it. It was powerful to see the tent I live in prayer for those who have decked out with rainbow ribbons, Singing for Our Lives experienced the pain of exclusion, each ribbon holding a prayer for When the session resumed, we because “God loves everyone - no someone who was excluded from paused respectfully for the bishop’s exceptions!” ordination in our church, or not al- opening prayer, a prayer full of re- lowed to marry, or even excluded morse for the injustices perpetu- completely. Those prayers were ated by the delegates’ morning vote. a moving and powerful witness There was soft weeping among the against the pain perpetuated by or- demonstrators, and we began to ganized religion over the years. silently file from the center of the room. Then someone began to sing There were demonstrations all again. But this time, it was not a week. Some were silent: lining the Bible verse or a church song. From sidewalks, wearing rainbow col- the center of the cloud of witnesses ors as delegates came and went, came a different sort of anthem: or quietly carrying signs around the “We are a gentle, loving people, and perimeter of the voting area. Some we’re singing, singing for our lives…” involved chanting and praying out There it was: a song for me, for my loud. But the most moving for me people, a song that bore witness to was the four-hour “sing-in” on the the nature of those of us still called middle of the conference floor. “enemy” by some who call them- selves Christian. All of us – young, It started when the first vote for full old, male, female, gay, lesbian, trans, July/August 2012 19 Cherries Jubilee

Summer’s here and it’s time to fire you’re looking for a basic barbeque before we start cooking before we Adding sweet ingredients to the up the grill and get ready for long, sauce that’s quick and easy to make, crank up the heat. Mistake. Preheat marinade can help form appeal- warm evenings of outdoor cooking and goes really well with pork, beef that grill 15 to 30 minutes before ing caramelized, crispy coatings on and eating. It’s time for ribs, steaks, and chicken, start with this recipe. you intend to start cooking. Have all grilled meats. Always marinate in chicken, kabobs and vegetables your cooking tools ready and stand- the refrigerator. And remember, if hot off the grill and accompanied Add your own touch by adjusting ing by. This not only includes apron you’re basting with a liquid in which by corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, the ingredients to make it your own and utensils, but seasonings and raw meat marinated, do not apply watermelon and strawberry short- special “secret sauce”: basting sauces as well. And be sure it during the last three minutes of cake. As Gershwin said, the livin’ is to have a spray water bottle on hand grilling. Here’s one with the appeal- easy. 1 quart ketchup (32oz.) in case of flare-ups. ing taste of fresh herbs and citrus: 1 Beer (12oz.) If you’re grilling a steak all you re- For all of you out there who are al- 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar ally need to do is cut off any excess 1/2 cup vegetable or olive oil ready grill masters, read no further. 1/4 cup Brown Sugar fat and season with a little salt be- 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar But for the rest of us mere mortals 4 tbls. Worcestershire Sauce fore you start. However with chick- Juice and grated rind of 2 lem- who would like a few tips about 4 tbls. Kosher Salt en, you may want to pre-cook it in ons (approx. 1/4 cup) grilling, read on. I have to warn you 1 tbl. Garlic Powder the microwave or oven to cut down 1 tbsp. fresh basil that when researching the technique 1 tbl. Cayenne Powder on cooking time and give you more 1 tbsp. fresh cilantro of grilling, I found so many differing 1 tbl. Chili Powder control of browning. With fish fi- 1/4 tsp. fresh oregano viewpoints that I decided to provide 1 to 2 sticks Butter lets, you can place them in a zip lock 1 shallot, minced or 1 large on- those tips that were in general con- 3-4 Jalapeno Peppers, fresh or bag with a little olive oil and herbs ion, minced sensus or made the most sense to pickled or prepare a glaze to coat them just 1 tbsp. soy sauce me. before grilling. Remember to bring 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce Combine all ingredients and then items to room temperature before 6 cloves garlic, crushed From what I learned from reading simmer in a pan alongside your beef, grilling. 1/2 tsp. black pepper and experimenting, the right way to pork, or chicken on the grill. Use for grill is what works for you, and the both a mopping and dipping bar- I guess the most frequently-asked Process all ingredients in blender only way to get really good at grilling beque sauce. question is “how long do you cook it until smooth. is practice. I could do a whole article for?” and “how can you tell when it’s (and maybe someday I will) on the Now for grilling. First of all, grill- done?” Although every cookbook Rubs are seasoning mixtures rubbed different cuts of beef which are best ing is a lot like broiling. Both use you pick up has guidelines for each on meats before grilling to add spicy for grilling steak. You could write a direct heat, but when grilling the ingredient, it once again comes back or smoky flavors. The best rubs en- book about how to use various rubs heat source comes from below and to experience and touch. I would hance the flavor of the meat with- and marinades to enhance flavors. when broiling the heat source is suggest you follow your favorite out being overbearing and are often Also, we often use the terms grill- from above. Both methods are great cookbook guides to grilling but start blends of strong and mild spices and ing and barbecuing interchangeably, when cooking tender cuts of beef, touching the foods at different in- herbs. When oil or another wet sub- but they are very different. Grilling chicken, fish and vegetables. Make tervals to get a feel for firmness and stance is included, it is called a wet depends on a higher temperature to sure whatever you are cooking isn’t texture. rub. A little moisture helps the rub sear what you are cooking to keep too thick or it will burn on the exte- adhere to the meat. Setting aside the juices in. Traditional barbecue is rior by the time the inside is done. For example, as a general rule, I like rubbed meats for anywhere from done slowly with low cooking tem- Although grilling is considered a to cook a 1 1/2-inch New York Strip 30 minutes to overnight allows the peratures and a lot of smoke. healthy way of cooking because steak for a total of ten minutes. I spices to permeate the meat. Barbecue varies by region, with the much of the fat drips into the fire, start by grilling for 2 1/2 minutes, four main styles named after their be careful to avoid flare-ups from then turning it 90 degrees and Rubs are an easy way to infuse your place of origin: Memphis, Tennes- the fat. Not only will you potentially cooking for another 2 1/2 minutes, grilled meats with exciting ethnic see, North Carolina, Kansas City, burn what you are cooking and give flip the steak over to its other side flavors--from Cajun to Korean. Missouri and Texas. Memphis is it an acrid flavor, you can create a and repeat the process thus giving Again, feel free to experiment with renowned for pulled pork-shoul- nasty fire hazard. the steak the classic grill marks. At the herbs and spices you like best to der mopped with in sweet tomato- the same time I test the steak with create your own personalized rub. based sauce (eaten on its own or as When we were growing up, our dads my finger to feel for various degrees Here’s a quick, easy and good one a sandwich). North Carolina smokes (each a self-appointed grill master) of firmness. Medium cooked feels to get you started: the whole hog in a vinegar-based only used charcoal as a fuel source. like touching your cheek. If you re- sauce. Kansas City natives prefer (I’m not even sure they had gas grills ally want to get specific, you can use 1/4 cup Paprika ribs cooked in a dry rub (although back then.) They made the common an instant thermometer. 1/8 cup Fresh Ground Black they’re also partial to dipping their mistake of not using enough char- Pepper ribs in a spicy tomato-based sauce), coal at the start or not replacing it For steak, 115 – 120 degrees is rare, 1-2 tablespoons Garlic Powder and Texans ... well, Texans dig beef. when it burned down. Result, the 125-130 degrees is medium rare 1-2 tablespoons Onion Pow- Eastern Texas’ relative proximity to food never seared properly so the and 135 – 140 degrees is medium. der Tennessee puts it in the pulled-pork juices were released and the meat Don’t forget, the meat will continue 1 tablespoon or more Cayenne camp, but in the western segment dried out. to cook once you remove it from the Pepper of the Lone Star State, you’re likely grill to rest, so you may want to re- 1/4 cup Kosher Salt to find mesquite-grilled “cowboy- Most people also used the self- move it before hitting your target 1/4 cup Brown or White Sugar style” brisket. Locals defend their starting charcoal briquettes that temperature so you don’t overcook region’s cooking style with the sort gave the food a funky chemical it. This will coat up to 6 lbs. Pork Ribs of fierce loyalty (and occasional taste. I’ve been told you can buy real and 10 lbs. Pork Shoulder or Pork fistfights) usually reserved for die- lump charcoal with no additives and Okay, one last thing before we start. Roast. hard sports fans. Just as you’re bet- it makes a big difference, but I’ve Sometimes meat just needs a little ter off not mentioning the Yankees never been able to find it, so I opt extra love before it’s ready for the Michael Meade studied at the Cu- to a Red Sox fan, it’s probably best for a gas grill. Easy to control the grill. There are lots of ways to do linary Institute of America in Hyde not to proclaim your love for Texas heat and even easier to maintain. this, the big guns being marinades Park, New York, worked at Jack’s beef to anyone from Kansas City. You can experiment with adding and dry rubs. Oyster House in Albany and is cur- some pre-soaked chunks of mes- rently sous-chef for Thunder Moun- Barbeque remained a regional spe- quite or hickory wood to give an ad- Marinades are flavor-infusing liq- tain Curry in Troy. Send questions or cialty until the 1950s, when the ditional boost of flavor. uids best suited for tougher cuts of comments to Mmeade1215@aol. ubiquitous portable charcoal grill meat. In addition to herbs, condi- com. began appearing in backyards and It’s also vital that your grill is hot well ments, spices, and oils, marinades patios across suburban America and before you start. Many of us, espe- typically include an acid, like lem- turned it into a national pastime. If cially with gas grills, wait until right on juice, wine, vinegar, even dairy.

July/August 2012 21 Here’s Guffman The theatre’s gay soul

By: Patrick White

When I was in high school, spe- summer camp. Supported by the which Jim Parsons, currently on own hand. Every time we shut the cifically 11th grade at Colonie town, run in the school’s spa- Broadway in “Harvey” came out. doors, limit oppurtunity, refuse Central High school and I didn’t cious facilities, I was a 15 year old In the article by Patrick Healy he admittance or banish individu- make the Varsity Soccer team Ruckley screaming “F’ ‘em all!” or states “many of the most pow- als it’s only ourselves that suffer, to be backup goalie, after too actually, we did clean that up to erful producers, theater owners, Like setting ourselves on fire and many balls shot past me, I guess, “To hell with ‘em all” in a singular agents, directors and choreagra- praying our enemy dies of smoke I gravitated to the theatre. I had production of “One Flew Over the phers are gay men to a fairly dis- inhalation. Whether we feel we’re always played with dolls, excuse Cuckoo’s Nest.” The boy playing proportionate extent. Being gay too good or that our dues have me, action figures and army men Martini with a glued on mustache is, if anything a plus for network- been paid, a new group will put on and frequently spent my days was 13. There were over 40 of us ing with the men in charge of a show deserving of praise gar- rapt in a rich and detailed fantasy kids involved having a fantastic Broadway.” As true on Broad- nering attention from our peers, life but I never considered act- time with a ridiculously challeng- way as in Capital Region theatres public and press. And we stew ing as an occupation or vocation. ing play. We were playing mental and I’m sure theatres and theatre about how unfair it all is, as if we I hadn’t been to plays much, had patients, hookers convicts and schools across the country. Of hadn’t brought it on ourself. We only performed in grade school health care workers. Exploring all course but why? The article was should, for our own health if not pageants and hadn’t even seen range of possibilities and all for in the Times in conjunction with a because it’s only right, force our- many scripts. Our 9th grade Eng- no fee. Broadawy show and not “The Big selves to be as inclusive and wel- lish class covered Shakespeare by Bang Theory” or a movie. Why? coming as the world in which we showing “West Side Story.” I was With My mother’s direction and Because of the money? Why do I first entered that embraced us. curious enough to sign up for an blessing, I eventually wound up at still watch TV or go to the movies Do unto others. elective, Mr. Diefendorf’s Games NYSTI, or rather NYSTI’s previ- if they can’t overcome their timid- Theatres Play and wandered into ous name-ESIPA to get my high ity in search of the largest pos- It takes an enormous amount of his “Gong Show” auditions. school diploma by spending my sible audience? Obviously, they’re faith and generosity to be as sup- senior year in an internship at the not courting me. portive as the Capital Region the- I subsequently did a Weekend Egg. Remember theater in the ater scene needs to be. If we want Update skit with Deb Pavone crit- Egg? Ahhhh, good times.As I was It’s easy to see why we’re at- people to come see our shows, icizing my colleague in the School spending many, many hours there tracted to the theatre. The make- it’s necessary to go see theirs but Senate, President Dan Balogna. I and I was, I believe, the young- up, the dress-up, the escape, the how often can we be accepted to was Vice President. Loyalty didn’t est, my parents were, no doubt, glamour, the event, the artistry… watch a Ludwig show anyway? stand much of a chance against concerned. As I prepared to work But why do we flourish and thrive All that must be accepted…the a good punchline. The joke went another evening there, away from there like nowhere else? Histori- hard times, the disappointments, well with most of the audience. home and in the theatre. I could cally, it was a safe refuge. Be- the oversize egos, the slights and We were, however pelted with feel a distinct tension in the air. fore gay bars, it was our hang- willful disreard from segments of eggs. None of them landed, on It would have been better had I out. Community theatres were the press for little or no reward. us anyawy. I can see them lazily been working in the mall? There our bowling clubs, VFW’s or Elk’s And yet, the Capital Region the- descending from the darkness, was “A talk” about to happen! A Lodges. I think we are also tem- ater continues to grow and flour- arching beautifully and full into dreaded “talk!” They were more permentally ideally suited to the ish and just completed it’s stron- the stage light and onto the stage uncomfortable than me but no theatre. We can embrace the ev- gest season possibly ever with a floor. Remarkably one remained matter, they could push my but- anescence of the moment. Our good time had by all. Behind most intact and while Deb and I gath- tons because they installed them. lives are moment to moment in a of the curtains are the wizards, ered our wits about us and she my mother was seated formally in way heterosexual’s are not. We the gays and lesbians who make soldiered on with the next joke, I the living room and my fatherwas are not passing on a legacy or the theatre their home and con- got up from the desk, retrieved it pacing behind her, back and forth most often even a name. tinue to selflessly, in most cases, from the floor and when she was from the edge of the dining area to simply do it to provide a good thru, picked up my cue and impro- the front door. My mother wasted We are awfully good at the care- time and please people. To enter- vised a cooking segment stirring no time-“Are there many homo- taking, the people pleasing and tain people. the egg with my pencil demon- sexuals in the theatre?” Smartass the accomodating required of the strating the proper way to scram- that I was, I couldn’t resist “No many administrative and service Patrick White is a Capital Region ble. With the roar of laughter,a more than are in Colonie High” positions in the theatre. There actor who can be reached at co- lifelong affliction had now taken which was just a wisecrack. Col- is an oppurtunity for nurturing, [email protected] hold with overwhelming force. onie High is huge and had to have positive encouragement every more than a theatre company. night in the theatre and we ex- My mother encouraged me, point- cel at that…when we’re not doing ing me to the then few programs I was reminded of this recently by the opposite. The clubby insider- offered around town. I found an article in the new York Times ness of the the theatre will pull us myself in Shaker High School’s about the almost casual way in up short again and again by our 22 July/August 2012 Pride Center Youth Program has a lot to be proud of!

It’s been an exciting summer for ital Region, to dance the night County Community College to When do we want them? Now!” our Center Youth program here away. “It’s always a blast! This is study criminal justice and be- and other chants like “We’re here! at the Pride Center! Right before my fourth one!” one youth says. come a juvenile probation offi- We’re Queer! We’re fabulous Capital Pride began; our Alterna- “Being able to be myself no mat- cer. And finally, Andrew Pioggia, don’t mess with us!” really got the tive Prom planning committee was ter what,” another writes. “I wish a student at Albany High School crowd cheering. One youth wrote hard at work ironing out the little there were nights like this every where he is receiving an Advanced on Facebook after the march, “I details that were going to make month so there’d be new people Regents Diploma. He will be at- can’t believe all the people that the prom a success. If you didn’t you can always meet,” and that’s tending Maria College in the fall were out for Pride! I never knew know about Alternative Prom, this what A-Prom is. We’re so glad we to study nursing, with the even- there were that many gay people!” year we celebrated its 15th year. could make it happen again this tual goal of attending medical We were very impressed with the With its beginnings rooted in year, can’t wait for the next one school. He has been a member of turn out too, which almost tripled wanting to provide a safe, inclu- in 2013! our Center Youth Action Team at in size from last year, along with sive space for lesbian, gay, bisex- the Pride Center, a program that the fact that Capital Pride was ual, transgender and queer/ques- Besides Alternative Prom, the has youth team members conduct the biggest it’s ever been. We’re tioning (LGBTQ) youth along with Pride Center has another reason trainings and presentations for looking forward to see even more their allies, without them having to be proud. We awarded four school teachers, administrators youth next year, who will come to worry about being ridiculed graduating high school senior s and GSA’s as well as community out and march with us! and/or ostracized for being dif- with our prestigious Joshua Dun- groups in order to give voice to ferent. This year prom was held at ning Powell Youth Scholarship the rich diversity of the LGBTQ If you’re looking to get involved the SUNY Albany Campus Center for LGBT Youth at our Scholar- community, contradict myths and with our Center Youth program, Ballroom, which was transformed ship Reception on June 8th. The stereotypes, and provide positive we invite you to check out the with the help of our lovely vol- scholarship is intended to help representations of it. Pride Center programs on our unteers and our stellar DJs from Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgen- website www.capitalpridecenter. Homo Radio, Ryan, Sean, and der or Queer/Questioning (LG- We’re so proud of each of our re- org . We run a weekly LGBTQ Rob. Over 300 youth came to BTQ) students who are in need cipients and know they’re off to Youth Support Group every Fri- celebrate the 15th anniversary of of financial support to defray the do wonderful things with their day from 7-8:30PM at the Pride Alternative Prom, with hits from cost of a college education, which future. It’s with the help of schol- Center (332 Hudson Avenue, Al- Ke$ha to LMFAO to Lady Gaga. for many can seem an insur- arships like these that help allevi- bany), and another group that mountable obstacle to success. ate some of the added stress, so meets at Proctors Theater (432 Another element of the prom Since 2010, twenty awards have our youth can become the best State Street, Schenectady) ev- is just outside the dance space, been given to local LGBTQ high person they can be! ery 1st and 3rd Thursday from where partner organizations from school seniors. This year’s re- 6-7:30PM. These groups are for around the region come to show cipients include Franchesca Lynn Our last bit of excitement that LGBTQ identified youth or their their support and provide in- Nichols, a student at Stillwater we’ll share with you was our fab- allies ages 13-18. Starting July formation about their agencies. High School. She has will be at- ulous Youth March that led the 12th, our new support group This year we were lucky to have tending the College of St. Rose Capital Pride parade on Sunday, THRIVE will start and go for Project Hope (a part of the AIDS and plans on pursuing their 3+3 June 10th! Over 75 LGBTQ iden- 12-weeks, every Thursday from Council), Upper Hudson Planned Pre-Law Program, in conjunction tified youth and their allies took 6-7:30PM at the Pride Center. Parenthood, In Our Own Voices, with Albany Law School. Maxine to the streets decked out in rain- This group is for LGBTQ identi- GLSEN, and the Safe-T Project Paula Kannemeyer is a student bow flags and attire, some toting fied young adults ages 16-24. (a program of Whitney M. Young at Emma Willard School and has signs, others banjos and guitars, Jr. Health Services). These orga- been accepted to both Dickinson to show their pride. People were Also, help spread the word to all nizations provided safe-sex kits, and Hobart and William Smith Facebooking about the event both LGBTQA youth ages 13-18: we had anonymous STI surveys, and colleges, but indicated that her before and after trying to hype are hosting the Annual BBQ for swag to give out. The Pride Cen- first choice is Skidmore College, everyone up. One youth writes, LGBTQ Youth on Friday, August ter sold glow sticks and make- where she is waitlisted. She plans “Who’s psyched for the march? I 17th from 6-8:30PM at the Pride your-own masquerade masks to on pursing a degree in psychology know I am!” While there was a lot Center. Look out for the flyer in raise money for our Joshua Dun- with the ultimate goal of becom- to be proud of, the crew of youth this issue of CommUnity! ning Powell LGBT Youth Scholar- ing a children’s clinical psycholo- also took the opportunity to raise ship as well. We were impressed gist. LyRissa Mento is a student awareness about their schools and with the turnout with youth com- at Ft. Plain Jr./Sr. High School the hot topic of bullying, shouting ing from every corner of the Cap- and plans on attending Herkimer “What do we want? Safe schools! July/August 2012 23 Where Do I Go from Here? A Horse with No Name. . .

This month’s column of the Gaby- ment all worked out. Those kids ling his rage. From the beat red short notice. By the time the first boomer Diaries presents the with any semblance of musical color of his face, I suspected Mr. bell rang, we sounded a little better twenty-first installment of my talent would sing. Everybody else C was about to explode. He didn’t than lousy. It was Brian’s last min- 1985 young adult novel, Where clapped or hummed at designat- though. After a few seconds, Mr. ute pep talk that gave us the cour- Do I Go from Here? As the nar- ed times. Squatty took charge of Cassidy announced, “People often age to go on stage and perform. rative resumes, a middle American everything. I couldn’t believe my say things in anger that they are The hall presidents drew straws junior high school has been turned eyes. The world’s biggest flake sorry for later on. I feel it is best to determine who would go first. I into a virtual blackboard jungle finally found something he was for us to dismiss now and arrive wasn’t sure which position was more by a wayward student appropri- good at. Mr. Cassidy couldn’t have early in the morning to devise a desirable. Anyway, we ended up in ately named Wild Child. Just as been happier, especially since the new plan.” Everyone knew it was the first slot and gave, “I’d Like to things appear to be returning to a faculty advisor is forced to serve impossible to come up with a new Teach the World to Sing” all the en- modicum of normalcy, a new crisis as conductor. (Unfortunately, Mr. song overnight, let alone prac- thusiasm two dozen junior high kids looms! Cassidy’s musical talent is limited tice and polish one, but not even could hope to muster up under the to whistling along with the car ra- Brian would dare to challenge Mr. circumstances. The minute the Troy March 31 dio.) Cassidy after what Pomeroy had Hall group opened their mouths, I pulled. knew the ball game was over. We Anyone who believes the old say- It was against such a backdrop of were sadly outclassed by their ren- ing about lightning never strik- exuberance and anticipated victory P.S. I wonder if “Row, Row, Row dition of an old song by the Beatles. What really made me sad was that ing twice in the same place is very that Mr. Pomeroy decided to drop Your Boat” would be too risky for Wild Child hired some friend of his misinformed. Principal Pome- his bomb. Our pompous principal Mr. Pomeroy. Since when did he from the high school to accompa- roy is absolute proof of this fact. insisted on a private screening pri- become such an expert on the drug ny the group on a guitar. This was It wasn’t bad enough last month or to tomorrow’s assembly. Pome- culture anyway? I’ll bet he took strictly against the rules, and yet Mr. when he cheated us out of a victo- roy had no idea what we planned one of those in-service courses Pomeroy didn’t say a word. I guess ry in the quiz bowl. Today the old to sing because of the elaborate my father is always complaining the subhuman creature even intimi- fool robbed us of our only chance precautions taken by Brian to pre- about. dates spineless principals. After the to win the choral contest. To be- vent Troy Hall from stealing our strange man with the beard from gin with, the competition has to be idea. (One of the lookouts report- APRIL FOOLS’ DAY the board of education pronounced the stupidest idea ever conceived ed seeing Rachael Roberts loiter- Troy Hall the winner, Squatty Tar- of by man. Each hall was forced to ing in the hallway with a portable Today lived up to its name in every taglia ran from the auditorium in a choose a song to perform in front tape recorder.) James Bond him- possible way. All the participants in fit of rage. I heard him yelling “We should have won! It wasn’t fair for of the whole school. The only mu- self would have been proud of the choral contest arrived early as him to steal my song. . .” as he ran sical accompaniment allowed was our methods. We practiced in the Mr. Cassidy requested. Dad offered down the hall. a piano. To make matters even soundproof band room, and Brian me a ride to school at 7 AM, and I worse, no member of the music swore all the participants to se- accepted without a second thought. P.S. Several hours after we made department could assist in any crecy. He mumbled all the way about some fools of ourselves on stage, the en- way and chorus members were memo the superintendent sent out tire town of Southport lost all wa- forbidden to participate. Not even From the look on Pomeroy’s face forbidding any teacher from carrying ter pressure. An investigation of the such foolish restrictions prevented after we sang the second chorus, a Thermos bottle to class. “I have to building by Principal Pomeroy re- Brian from devising a plan to lead I knew something was terribly teach five classes in a row, and they vealed that Squatty had superglued Albany Hall to victory. wrong. Without any warning, our won’t let me sip coffee in between. all the toilet handles to the flush old fogey principal bounded to the Who does that Mr. Vantage think position. Janitors scurried in every The whole sad saga began about center of the room and command- he is anyway?” Dad was still ranting possible direction for most of the afternoon trying to solve the water two weeks ago when Squatty Tar- ed us to stop. “They can’t sing a when the car pulled up in front of crisis. taglia suggested a song we might song like that in front of the whole the junior high school. I must admit perform. Squatty lost a lot of self- school,” Pomeroy screamed at Mr. he was pretty convincing. School COMING UP NEXT: “The Decla- esteem after the bowling alley in- Cassidy. “Why, it’s filled with drug administrators don’t seem to have ration of a Civil War. . .” cident. (I’m not sure he had any to talk!” much respect for teachers. begin with.) Anyway, Squatty was Dr. Raymond H. Werking, Jr. is a life- anxious to get back in the good “Surely you can’t be serious. . .” Even the Pomeroy fiasco didn’t long educator and published novelist graces of almost anyone. It turns Mr. Cassidy began as he attempted squelch Brian’s enthusiasm. He was who plans to release his new tell- out the Southport Flasher is an to state his case. Unfortunately, it already in the band room talking to all autobiography, “Unapologetically expert on rock music from the 60’s was all to no avail. Our closed- Mrs. Barnard when I appeared on Alive,” later this year. He has a doc- and early 70’s. minded administrator never was the scene. It seemed my favorite toral degree in English from the State social studies teacher heard about one to listen to reason. University of New York at Albany. Dr. what happened and volunteered Werking’s research on test anxiety You might say he’s a throwback to help in any way she could. The to an earlier time. When Squatty “Don’t you know ‘horse’ is the has been nationally acclaimed. The thing I like most about the lady dad CDGLCC presented him with their told Brian he had a song that was street name for heroin?” the old calls a “looney liberal” is her per- a guaranteed winner, we were all windbag continued. “This song annual Community Service Award in petual optimism. We really needed 2009. Werking co-hosts HomoRa- suspicious. Nobody took Squatty describes a drug trip and noth- it this morning, because Mr. Cas- dio, the award-winning LGBT news seriously until he brought in the ing more. I positively forbid you to sidy looked tired and depressed. and public affairs program now in its sheet music. Since we didn’t have perform such a thing. No wonder (Brian told me later Mr. C. was up 20th year of service to our communi- any better ideas, Brian decided to you’ve keep these practice ses- all night caring for his son who has ty. Don’t miss the show’s live broad- give Squatty’s tune a try. After all, sions a secret. . .” Pomeroy con- the flu.) Unfortunately, it was going casts in their newly expanded times- what did we have to lose? (If we tinued to mutter as he marched to take more than a large dose of lot every Sunday from 10:00 am until only knew then!) The song was out the door. positive thinking to solve our prob- 2:00 pm on WRPI 91.5 fm or www. lem. Mrs. Barnard did have an idea called “A Horse with No Name” wrpi.org. Ray would love to hear your though. She brought in the words to comments, questions, and feedback and sung by the rock group Amer- We all stood there in a state of the Pepsi Cola jingle and a tape for at [email protected]. ica. shock and stared at Mr. Cassidy. us to listen to. All the kids moaned The normally calm and controlled and groaned at first, but Mrs. B. Squatty surprised everyone when English teacher was obviously convinced them that it was the only he arrived with a musical arrange- having great difficulty control- chance we had to compete on such 24 July/August 2012 Ask Penny 2012 - A Year to Transform...and End. By: Penny Larceny

This year is an amazing year for me. I finish and by performing as Penny, I was able to fill that peripheral vision anymore. I was lucky. She was school, well my alter ego does. I turn 40! I start void. lucky. It made me put a lot of things in perspec- my career, finally. It will be a year that completes tive. my transformation. In 2011, I really scaled back the number of events and performances I did because I had to focus Then in May, my father had an operation for a I started school to become a Massage Therapist on school and also, my heart was not in it any- hernia, which was complicated by a previous sur- in October 2010. I knew that it was time for me more. I had found something else to fill my void gery he had in 2011. Again, this put things in to start helping others with the gift of touch. I of appreciation. I found that in helping my clients perspective. didn’t know what was in store for me. work through their health and emotional issues. This summer, I have a much needed break from When we started school, we were advised by our Towards the end of 2011, I ruffled some feath- Penny. This way I can focus on passing my boards instructors that we will begin to transform from ers with an article I wrote about the local per- and becoming a licensed massage therapist. the people we were on day one, to the people we formers. That came about from a conversation I will be at graduation. Being a very strong per- had with an old friend who used to live here who I know I have said it before, but Penny will soon sonality, I didn’t give it much thought, but figured was out at a show one night and we had a dis- be a thing of the past for me. I only have one I would have an “aha” moment where I would cussion. The rest is history. more event coming up in September with Alvin. figure it all out. Then, I am not sure what will become of Miss I apologized for the article, but it was some- Larceny. Classes progressed, I kept performing, but I no- thing that I needed to do for my transformation. ticed something was definitely changing in me. School has taught me to not hold my feelings in There comes a time when things need to end and anymore and that article was the manifestation a person needs to move on. I think this year will I would go out to perform, but I noticed that I of that. be the year for me. was not as driven to perform as I was before. I didn’t want to be the “catty” queen that everyone As we began the new year, school was in the fi- So I end with a challenge for you. Do something was used to. I didn’t know what I was going to nal stages. I was finishing projects, working with each day that you are afraid to do. It will scare do... clients and preparing to take the New York State you at first, but after you do it, you will be better Boards. Things were going smoothly. off. My persona as “Penny Larceny” was born out of a desire to perform and get audience appreciation. Then on Easter, my mother had what the doc- Thank you for your support! Love to you all! It was something that I must have been lacking tors called a minor stroke. She basically has no

Introducing new Social Work Intern Save the date-September 29th for Nicole Phelix the 2012 AIDS Walk! By Program Director Curran Streett The Center Support program year of her undergraduate stud- at the Pride Center is excited to ies. She has volunteered for a Have you heard about the 16th an- again, with persons under the age welcome its sixth round of social variety of different agencies and nual AIDSWalk yet?! We are excited of 25 showing the highest percent- work interns who will provide in- community members since high about it here at the Pride Center, ages of new infections. The bottom dividual and family counseling the school. During her junior year and need your help! Join the Pride line: we now have more people liv- to LGBTQ community at a mini- of college, Nicole engaged in the Center’s Team and help raise money ing with HIV/AIDS in the Capital mal cost. We offer a sliding scale University’s Community and Pub- for programs and services that pre- Region than ever before. in order to make these services lic Service Program. This consist- vent the spread of HIV in our com- available regardless of income. ed of volunteering at the Ronald munity and support people living AIDS Walk 2012 offers us a way Center Support Counseling is McDonald House Charities of the with HIV/AIDS- we cant do it with- to respond to this epidemic in our under the clinical supervision of Capital Region and their Fam- out you! Join our AMAZING team community. On Saturday afternoon, Arlene Lev, LCSW-R, CASAC, ily Room in Albany Medical Cen- of walkers on Saturday, Septem- September 24th over 1000 com- coordinated by the staff of the ter. Her senior year social work ber 29th to participate in the annual munity minded people will gather Pride Center, and affiliated with internship was through Rensse- AIDSWalk sponsored by CARES! in Albany’s Washington Park to the University at Albany’s School laer County Department of Social The walk will take place at noon in raise funds to support over 25 local of Social Welfare. Services under the supervision of Albany’s Washington Park. Our goal groups as they provide food, emer- the county’s Clinical Coordina- is to raise $5,000-will you help us gency assistance, prevention servic- This summer we are pleased to tor. She worked closely with the reach our goal? es, and day-to day support to area welcome Nicole Phelix as our in- Foster Care and Children Services families living with this disease. tern, who began her internship units. Nicole was invited to join Every 9.5 minutes, someone in the this past June and will welcome a the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor United States is infected with HIV/ Take a step in the right direction second intern in the fall. Nicole Society this past year. AIDS. Your contribution to this and join the Pride Center’s Team is an Advanced-Standing Social year’s AIDSWalk 2012 will help to on Saturday, September 29th for a Work student pursuing her Mas- Nicole is from a suburb just out- address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in fun-filled day with food, entertain- ters degree from SUNY Albany. side of Rochester, New York. the Capital Region. Since 1997 the ment, and awards to support local Nicole graduated with honors She has been considering a ca- AIDS Walk has generated over 2 organizations providing HIV/AIDS from SUNY Albany this past May, reer in Social Work since her million to help more than 30 orga- awareness, prevention education, with her Bachelors in Social Wel- early high school years and could nizations in our community as they counseling, and healthcare services fare and a minor in Sociology. As not be happier with the path she provide prevention, education and for those living with this disease. an intern, Nicole will provide in- has chosen. She works with a support services for individuals and Free anonymous and confiden- dividual and family counseling for strengths-based perspective and families living with HIV/AIDS. With tial HIV testing will be available on LGBTQ members, and will also intends to form a therapeutic alli- more people living with AIDS than site. Proceeds benefit the hundreds assist the Pride Center in com- ance with all of her clients. She is ever before, your help is important. of men, women, and children living munity outreach and program- very excited to embark upon this Show the Capital Region how much with HIV/AIDS in the Capital Re- ming tasks. new experience and looks for- you care about the health of your gion. Please contact Program Di- ward to meeting members of the neighbors! Please join us as a walk- rector Curran Streett at cstreett@ Nicole has been involved with community! er or donor. capitalpridecenter.org or 462-6138 SUNY Albany’s Presidential Hon- Many people think that HIV is de- for details about how to sign up and or Society since her freshman clining in its rate of diagnosis. The walk with the Pride Center’s team Center for Disease Control recently and raise money for this important reported that AIDS is on the rise cause! July/August 2012 25 Looking to the future...

Dear Mike, answer your question. The card position yourself the best in this cliff. He is playing a pipe asa the Tarot chose to describe what situation is the Two of Wands. In small white dog comes behind I feel like I am at a bit of a cross- is happening in this situation is the this card, we see a man in a blue him. The grass is green and the roads in my career. I currently am Six of Pentacles Reversed. In this tunic. In his right hand he holds sky is blue. The spiritual gift in involved with a job I really like, yet card, we see a man in a richly col- a globe while in his left hand he this situation is that you are re- it is a time limited one. Also, I am ored tunic holding a set of scales holds a wand. He is looking far leasing your preconceived notions beginning some additional train- in his left hand while he hands a in the distance. To position your- of your capabilities. A significant ing in my career field in the Fall. pentacle to a person below. Many self the best during this time of career transformation is in store Could the Tarot give me a sense hands are extended below reach- flux, brainstorm about where you for you, putting you in more of of how I could position myself the ing up to receive pentacles. You would like to be in five years or an authoritative role. Spiritually, best in my state of flux? are currently in the position of ten years from now in your career. you are ready for this. Expect a competing for resources with Then, when you have this vision major change in your career in six Sincerely, many others. There is a limit to in mind, begin to work your way months. what is available. However, the back to your current situation. In Not Sure Where It Will Go decision making regarding the this way, you begin to map your Michael Clarkson-Hendrix, PhD allocation of these resources is next steps. LCSW is a Licensed Clinical So- Dear Not Sure Where It Will Go, based on equitable balance, yet cial Worker and Tarot Reader it could be discomforting to be in The card the Tarot chose to de- with over fifteen years’ experience The Tarot is an excellent tool to the position of being evaluated. scribe the spiritual gift in your consulting the Tarot. To have your help you figure out your next current situation is The Fool Re- Tarot question answered in this steps. For your reading, I chose The card the Tarot chose to tell versed. In this card, we see a column, e-mail him at mclarkson- to use the Robin Wood Tarot to you the thing you could do to young man walking towards a [email protected]

Join the Pride Center Annual Awards Gala Honorary Committee

This year’s Annual Awards Gala is •Michele McClave – Nancy Burton scheduled for Friday, October 12, Straight-but-not-Narrow Award 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn on Hoosick Street in Troy. The gala will once again be emceed by for- Tickets will be on sale starting mer WTEN News Anchor Steve September 1, but if you’d like Ammerman. The evening prom- to show your support for our ises to include great food, a won- awardees, please consider joining derful program and yes, dancing! the Annual Awards Gala Honor- ary Committee. It’s a great way The 2012 Award Recipients are: to honor the work of these im- portant individuals and organiza- •University at Albany – tions. This years Honorary Com- The Harvey Milk Award (Our Highest mittee is being chaired by former Honor given) Board President and previous Harvey Milk Award winner Judy •TD Bank – Business of the Year Disco and current board member Joseph Kerwin. •Kiera Griffiths – Volunteer of the Year To join the honorary commit- tee, call Aaron Holbritter 518- •DJ Roche – Libby Post Council 462-6138, or visit our website at Leadership Award www.capitalpridecenter.org and click on events for more info. The Awardees DJ Roche, Kiera Griffiths and representatives •Peter DeWitt – Paul Postiglione deadline to have your name listed of TD Bank and SUNY Albany at a special Pre-Pride Youth Services Award in the program is August 13th. Awardee Announcement Reception at the Hilton Garden Inn on May 17, 2012 Traditional & Holistic Psychotherapies Planning your Wedding? for Healing & Growth Having a Special Event?

Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Relationship & Parenting Issues Healing Trauma & Abuse Depression & Anxiety Relationship Violence Addictions & Recovery Living With HIV & Illness Body Image & Eating Disorders Homestudies & Adoption Services

hoices C Counseling & Consulting 518-438-2222 Fax 438-7777

523 Western Avenue, Suite 2A (second floor) · Albany, NY 12203 [email protected] · www.choicesconsulting.com 518-894-3658 WWW.JOHNMCENERNEY.COM

5 “ x 7” A Leather Convergence July 20th - 22nd

SPENCER REED - HOT HOUSE

Dominate Submit Unharness CHAD BROCK Your Inhibitions

COLT MAN SAMUEL COLT

DJ RON HAMELIN

FRIDAY July 20th: SATURDAY July 21st: Swap Meet Vendor Market Dungeon Meat and Greet Hosted By: Closed Set Party SUBMIT Party DOMINATE Party

www.albanybound.com Center Business Alliance Members:

Albany Foreign Auto Geri Pomerantz, Attorney at Law Sean M. Endress, MA LCSW (518)462-0952 (518)479-3713 (718)887-1378

Bombers Burrito Bar Janney Mongomery Scott, LLC Security Supply Plumbing and Heating (518)463-9636 (518)426-6255 (518)488-0506

Broughton Properties Joseph Dalton Skyland Services Keller Williams Realty Prudential Manor Homes (518)488-0506 (518)724-5996 (518)573-1093 SoHo Pizza Communication Services Latimer/Stroud, LLP (518)265-1191 (518)438-2826 (518)785-9702 Tower Square Securities Consumer Optical L&P Media (518)862-6600 (518-355-0795 (518)880-0300 x320 TriCity Rentals CUSTOMERicity, LLC Merrill Lynch (518)862-6600 716-983-4239 (518)462-8344 Wolff’s Biergarten Crisafulli Brothers Minuteman Press (518)427-2461 (518)288-5816 (518)377-1700

Pierro Law Group 518-459-2100

NON-PROFIT PRIDE CENTER US POSTAGE of the capital region PAID 332 Hudson Avenue PERMIT #798 Albany, NY 12210 ALBANY, NY