Year 4, Vol. 11 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • www.therainbowtimesnews.com FREE! The H CULTICE P PHOTO: JOSE RThe Freshestainbow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender T Newspaperimes in New England JOSHUA INGRAHAM SHOWS YOU PHOTO: GUSTAVO MONROY PHOTO: GUSTAVO HOW… p10 TRT HERO: Boston’s Jim MORGRAGE RIDES PHOTO: JIM MORGRAGE TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS p13 THE 99-PERCENTERS OF OCCUPY BOSTON p20 PHOTO: GUNNER SCOTT LAUPEr’sSelfless Career & Commitment to LGBT Cause p8 Art Beat: A Success for AIDS Care Ocean State p20 Meet the final TRT Heroes: Jenn Tracz Grace & Gunner Scott p10 & 12 Massachusetts is ahead of the curve in HIV infection-rate reductions p5 2 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com And the Award(s) go to… The Occupy movement could grow even TRT Endorsements By: Jenn Tracz Grace*/CABO’s Executive Director n October 18th stronger by joining other local activist groups for Massachusetts CABO held its 4th By: Jason Lydon/TRT Columnist something is hap- Oanniversary cel- ike Konczal, a fellow with the Roos- pening and people Mayoral Candidates ebration, business expo evelt Institute who focuses on financial who weren’t paying and awards event. First, we reform, structural unemployment, con- attention before are By: Nicole Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief M thank everyone who joined sumer access to financial services, and inequality beginning to pay at- n a matter of a few days, the munici- us. We had a great turnout recently wrote, “As people think a bit more criti- tention now. pal elections will take place in Mas- and for the 4th year in a row cally about what it means to ‘occupy’ contested Those of us on the Isachusetts. Not only is it important Connecticut Lt. Gov. Nan- spaces that blur the public and the private and the ground at Occupy to vote, but to also be an informed con- cy Wyman was our guest of boundaries between the 99 percent and the 1 per- Boston are begin- stituent of who you want to represent honor. cent, and as they also think through what Occupy ning to think about you. Many people are often swayed by Jenn Tracz Grace The anniversary event Wall Street might do next, I would humbly sug- what we should do Jason Lydon INION what others say or think instead of do- was so much more this year gest they check out the activism model of ‘Proj- next. Some are pre- ing the research for themselves. I freely as we introduced our first annual awards ceremo- ect: no one leaves.’” paring to bring in exorbitant amounts of hay to P admit that I have been guilty of such ny. We honored three stellar individuals in three The No One Leaves Project is an anti-fore- keep everything warm while others are consider- irresponsible voting in the past. After key areas; a corporate leader, a business pioneer ing beginning to occupy foreclosed homes, pre- O closure movement in Western Massachusetts. the fact, I’ve learned that not only did and a community champion. The protesters root their work from a model cisely what Konczal is suggesting. Not only will I vote for a candidate that was opposed to cer- The Corporate Leader Award presented by developed by City Live/Vida Urbana, a similar occupying foreclosed homes be warmer, it is a tain fundamental values I hold; there was noth- Loughlin Fitzgerald was awarded to Steve Heise grassroots organization in Boston known as the direct challenge to the idea that the bank has any ing I could do at that point to change my vote. of Foxwoods Resort Casino. He is the Vice Pres- Sword and the Shield. Using this model, the No right to take them in the first place. It had been cast. Through this lesson, as much ident of Human Resources who is truly commit- One Leaves organizers encourage residents to Occupy Boston began the same weekend or- as I love my family and friends and value their ted to the advancement of LGBT employees and both stay in their post-foreclosure homes, using ganizations from around the country came to opinions, I’ve learned to do the research myself. individuals within the organization. It was under community-based blockades and vigils to keep the city for the Right to the City Coalition. This In Massachusetts, we are fortunate enough to Steve’s guidance and direction that transgender people in their homes. The movement also keeps incredible congregation of poor people’s organi- have candidates that are often supportive of the identity and expression was added to Foxwoods tenants informed about all of their legal rights to zations and organizations based in communities gay community. This year is no different. May- employee non-discrimination policies in 2010. fight to protect their access to their homes. of color brought a shared analysis of economic, oral elections for Northampton and Holyoke are The Business Pioneer Award presented by We The Occupy movement currently underway is racial and gender inequality to Boston’s attention. particularly important this year. For Northamp- Care Computers was awarded to Kristin Andree exciting, complicated, and essential. There are Through their shared power they targeted Hyatt, ton, Michael Bardsley takes on David Narkewicz of Andree Media & Consulting. Kristin has been Ooccupy gatherings in over 1,500 cities world- Verizon, and most especially, Bank of America. and Alex Morse takes on incumbent Elaine Pluta. a proponent of LGBT inclusion for many years wide, including at least seven in Massachusetts The foreclosure rates remain high in this coun- Bardsley and Morse are not only gay inclusive as a straight ally to our organization. Kristin was and dozens more throughout New England. try, with one happening every 13 seconds, or and friendly, these two candidates are openly gay one of CABO’s first members going back to And the movement is growing stronger. Police 6,500 per day. The Bank of America who spon- men alike. Although Narkewicz is not gay, his early 2008. She is a symbol of creating equality forces throughout the United States have arrested sors pride marches all around the country is the candidacy represents one of great commitment in the workplace. nearly 2,000 peaceful protesters who are part of same bank that evicts low-income people, pri- to the LGBT community, similar to Bardsley and See And the Award(s) go to on page 22 these encampments and marches. It’s clear that Morse. I am confident that all of these candidates See The Occupy Movement on page 22 will work for the betterment of the LGBT com- munity alike. However, after a great deal of de- Thinking Out Loud: Am Letters to the Editor The Rainbow Times liberation, The Rainbow Times proudly endorses I post-gay yet? Or am I The Freshest LGBT Newspaper Michael Bardsley and Alex Morse. Dear Editor, in New England This decision was not taken lightly. In just overcompensating I will have to admit that I was, for many Northampton, it came down to extensive expe- for old gay stereotypes? months, very upset with Pres. Obama’s lack www.therainbowtimesnews.com rience in several different sectors of city gov- of work with the GLBT community too. [email protected] ernment as well as a lifetime proven record for By: Abby Dees*/Special for TRT Although angered at the time, I still noticed [email protected] dedication to the working class and the LGBT Have you become complacent about being that he moved more towards fulfilling some Phone: 413.282.8881, 617.444.9618 community from an insider’s view--a gay man’s gay? I have. As LGBT rights evolve, and LGBT of those promises he made. Hopefully, he is or Fax: 888-442-2421 view. We were particularly touched by his words, life becomes more normalized to mainstream not doing so to get re-elected. However, you spoken and via his site. His humble nature may America, some of us have the good fortune to be (Ms. Lashomb) are right to point that he has Publisher Columnists prove to be central to understanding the chang- blasé about being gay. It’s a done more for our cause than any other presi- Gricel M. Ocasio Lorelei Erisis ing Northampton population (racially and ethni- normal response to progress, dent before him and definitely more than any Editor-In-Chief Deja N. Greenlaw cally). A teacher himself, Bardsley understands but there might be some- GOD presidential candidate. At first, my vote Nicole Lashomb Paul P. Jesep first-hand the problems arising from a failed edu- thing else going on as well: was not going to go with Obama, but reflect- cational system. Understanding such a system is Assistant Editor Jason Lydon overcompensation. ing in the words that you wrote and the other Brianna Snyder Tynan Power crucial to the betterment and sustainability of a I live in a liberal neigh- information online, I think I will. By the GOP strong educational structure, preparing better Sales Associates Jenn Tracz borhood in Los Angeles, candidates and voters booing the gay soldier, Chris Gilmore leaders and competing in a world where others they sent us the stronger message ever: “We John Verlinden are capitalizing where the U.S. once was doing and except when I have a Liz Johnson it. We believe Michael Bardsley is that choice. deadline for one of these don’t care about gay people. You are not a Lead Photographer Reporters For Holyoke, Morse is the robust candidate columns looming, I do not priority no matter what you do for our coun- Glenn Koetzner Chuck Colbert who exudes change to better a city that has think about being a lesbian.