Year 4, Vol. 11 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • www.therainbowtimesnews.com free! The Photo: jose p h cultice RThe Freshestainbow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & 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 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 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 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 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 p inion 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 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 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. try. If LGBT kids are dying, it’s not important Clara Lefton At no point in my day do I either—someone may be booing or cheering Webmaster fallen victim to the status quo. His passion for Abby Dees Jarred Johnson Christine Nicco all Holyoke citizens and the betterment of its stop and think, “Oh, wait, their death from a distance, when they read I’m a lesbian – what’s our special gay laundry the news or watch it on TV.” After all, if these Lead Designer Tynan Power members is something that Morse has seen first- Colleen Lennon Casey Rocheteau hand too--he is a native of Holyoke. His degree technique again? Despite what my straight guy politicians don’t even say anything about do- in urban development from Brown University friends hope, when I kiss my partner at the end ing something to stop bullying (which is what The Rainbow Times is published monthly by undoubtedly will assist him in fulfilling his du- of the workday, I do not think, “Let’s have a hot happened with this gay soldier, it was just The Rainbow Times, LLC. TRT is affiliated with the ties as the Mayor of Holyoke. A fresh face to lesbian kiss now before we make dinner.” My les- done to an adult this time), then why should National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, politics is just what this city needs to effectively bian life is boring, maybe even a let down. This is we even care to listen to their garbage-filled CABO - The Connecticut Alliance for Business create necessary change, we believe. probably as it should be. souls? I, like you, will vote for Pres. Obama Opportunity, and QSyndicate. The articles written Regardless of whom your choice is this year, By contrast, though, many of my straight too. He may not be able to go out there and by the writers, columnists, and correspondents express I urge you to inform yourselves about all mu- friends (who I don’t mean to keep maligning, say “I support gay marriage” because let’s their opinion, and do not represent the endorsement really) think that I’m all-gay-all-the-time and face it, if he did, he’d lose the election. But, or opinion of The Rainbow Times, LLC or its owners. nicipal candidates that you are responsible for To write letters to the editor, please send your letters, voting into office. Carefully examine the rea- perhaps oversensitive to the subject. I’ve written he cares more than any other U.S. President with your name, address and phone number to: The sons why you are choosing them and educate a book about communicating with your LGBT that I’ve voted for and I am an Independent Rainbow Times (address shown above), or e-mail yourself about their track record. Only then will loved one, I’ve got this here column, and I am voter. I hope others are listening too because any comment/s to the editor at: editor@therain- you have the answers to what is right for you. prone to screaming in a tic-like fashion at the TV the few steps that we’ve moved forward can bowtimesnews.com. All submissions will be edited when sweet-faced TV preachers say that God be easily taken away if the GOP wins again. according to space constraints. The Rainbow Times, Nicole Lashomb loves all his children, but probably loves straight -- Charles Livington, Cambridge, MA LLC reserves the right not to print any or all content, *Nicole Lashomb is a seasoned journalist and people a little more. I get how this looks to my or advertisements for any reason at all. TRT is not friends. Dear Editor of the Rainbow Times, responsible for advertising content. To receive The graphic designer. She holds an MBA from Maryl- Rainbow Times at your home via regular mail, or hurst University and a Bachelor’s degree from But I don’t really put that much energy out in First and foremost I want to say congratu- through electronic delivery, please visit our website. SUNY Potsdam. To send a letter to the editor, a specifically gay-ish fashion. In fact, I probably lations on all of the success of TRT! It truly The whole content and graphics (photos, etc.) are the email [email protected]. babble on way more about a greater passion in my means a lot to open your publication and see sole property of The Rainbow Times, LLC and they See Thinking Out Loud on page 22 See Letters on page 14 cannot be reproduced at all without TRT’s consent. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 3 4 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Faith, Family, and God -- Was Apostle Paul Gay? Creep of the Week: The infamous Linda Harvey By: Paul P. Jesep*/TRT Columnist There are five instances in which Paul ac- (Mission America) on gay pediatrician’s care of children There's been much and growing spec- knowledges the role and importance of female ulation in recent years about Apostle leadership in the church. He identified these By: D'Anne Witkowski*/Special for TRT who does not?" Harvey asks, knowing that any Paul's sexuality. Long identified -- incor- women as playing a key role in promoting Your son just fell off the monkey bars, shat- sane and loving parent would rather take their rectly -- for wanting to ban women from Christ's gospel to love God and unconditionally tering a kneecap and busting out some teeth. chances at home with some pliers and duct tape the priesthood, it's debated that when love one another as Jesus loved them. Your kid is screaming in pain, blood all over than subject their child to a lesbianism-flaunting Paul lamented about an ailment he was In Romans 16:1-2 (Chapter 16, Verses 1 his face, and you're trying to calm them down nurse. talking about being gay. It's a theory fu- through 2) a woman named Phoebe served as on the ambulance ride to the hospital saying, Harvey continues, "If you want your children eled in a growing number of books and deaconess in the church in Cenchrea. Paul re- "It's okay, you're going to be okay," while try- to admire people who proclaim a homosexual articles very light on research. spectfully mentions Priscilla and her husband ing to keep terror out of your voice. When you lifestyle, they're involvement with your child Although it doesn't matter what his Aquila (Acts 18:2 & 26; Romans 16:3, and I get to the hospital your son is whisked away on during a hospital stay is sure to be an influence." sexuality might be, there is no biblical Corinthians 16:19) as first-rate co-pastors in a stretcher to be seen by an ER doctor. That's right, parents. One day you're telling or historical evidence to even hint that Ephesus. He calls Euodia and Syntyche (Philip- Sounds like a nightmare, doesn't it? No, not little Billy how dangerous and sinister homo- Apostle Paul was gay. He did complain pians 4:2-3) “true yokefellow” for their faithful the your-child-getting-seriously-injured thing. sexuals are and the next day he's in traction and about a personal struggle, but it's impos- work alongside him in advancing the gospel. He I mean, come on, accidents happen and in this a nice lesbian is bringing him Popsicles and a sible to determine what he meant. There also identifies Junia (Romans 16:7) as someone fictitious scenario he's going to be sore and on gay doctor is responsible for the fact that he'll is not enough information available. who shared similar pastoral burdens. crutches for a little while and looking like a walk again. That's just not fair to Billy. Better There is some circumstantial evidence Remember, just because someone says some- Jack-o-lantern until his front adult teeth come that he never know kind, helpful, professional that suggests he had a speech impedi- thing and it's frequently repeated doesn't make in, but fine. No, the nightmare is the fact that the gay people exist at all. ment and didn't like public speaking. Yet it true. Do your own investigating. Most impor- paramedics, x-ray technicians, nurses, and doc- Not that Harvey is trying to denigrate gay and even that's speculative. tant be intellectually honest with the material tors who cared for your son could be "known lesbian health professionals. "Let me be clear There's another myth about Paul. He and yourself. Women do have a biblically sanc- homosexuals." that folks involved in these was hostile to women and didn't want tioned role as pastors in the church supported by A terrifying thought. behaviors can be certainly Apostle Paul. Wanting to believe he was gay, Granted, a health care pro- Harvey’s advice to competent workers," she in the name o f go d them to be leaders in the church. Paul wrote tailored letters about specific prob- however, is wishful thinking or poor research. vider's parents? “You may want says, "but they are tacking lems in certain places. Regardless of your depth of faith or religious probably isn't the first thing onto their workplace identity In one case, he wrote that women should be tradition -- Jew, Baha’i, Muslim, Wiccan, Mor- on a parent's mind when to consider writing a one that is highly offensive to quiet in church. There are several ways that this mon, Buddhist, atheist, agnostic, humanist, Chris- their child is sick or injured. letter that you file with many people and can be er- can be credibly interpreted. One involves that tian, or other -- Apostle Paul shared some beauti- Thankfully, Linda Harvey roneously influential to chil- women must be quiet if their heads are not cov- ful thoughts about love worth reflecting over: of Mission America reminds your pediatrician that dren who won't, or shouldn't, ered. (Keeping the head covered is a sign of rev- Though I speak with the tongues of … angels, us what's important when see the whole picture of how erence.) Another is that if a woman is going to but have not love I have become … a clanging it comes to child health and should your child ever this behavior really manifests be a church leader she must work it out with her cymbal … And though I … understand all mys- welfare. be hospitalized, you do itself." husband since the family was dependent on her teries and all knowledge, and though I have all On her Oct. 18 radio show Got it? If the lesbian nurse contributions for its survival. The apostle also faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have Harvey warned parents about not want your child to could just, say, show the child may have been directing his annoyance in one of not love, I am nothing. the dangers of gay and lesbi- be treated or cared for a video of herself having les- his letters to a small group of women who were And though I bestow all my goods to feed the an care takers. "How do you bian sex and going to hell often very disruptive. These individuals needed poor … but have not love, it profits me nothing. feel about open homosexu- by (gay employees). then children would get the full perspective. But Harvey to be silent during services. See Faith, Family, and God on page 22 als tending to your child in a health care setting? Do you think these folks would object to that, too. provide good role modeling at a time when Harvey's advice to parents? "You may want your child is very vulnerable?" she asks, add- to consider writing a letter that you file with ing that her concern stems from the gay and your pediatrician that should your child ever be lesbian employee group at Children's Hospital hospitalized, you do not want your child to be in Columbus. treated or cared for by (gay employees) except Harvey was stunned to learn that the group in the case of an emergency situation," she says. had done some scandalous things. According If Harvey were really serious she'd drop the to Harvey, "they participated in last June's gay "emergency situation" exception. But then (and) in a health expo on adoles- again, no decent parent could stand to watch cent health this summer and that they're con- a child suffer or let a child die in the name of cerned about same-sex partner benefits. They're shielding him or her from nefarious homosex- also planning to be identified with rainbow lapel ual influence. And no decent doctor or nurse pins." of any sexual orientation is going to let a child That's right: rainbow lapel pins, which means suffer or die just because he or she has anti-gay "open homosexuals." nuts for parents. "Let's say your eleven year-old has broken *D'Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay her leg rather badly and needs to be in the hospi- since 2003. She's a freelance writer and poet tal a few days, which would you prefer: a nurse (believe it!). When she's not taking on the creeps who's proud of her lesbianism, who has rain- of the world she reviews rock ‘n’ roll shows in bow identifiers on her work clothing, or a nurse Detroit with her twin sister.

As affordable as Internet Dating with the personal touch of a Matchmaker www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 5 Massachusetts is ahead of the curve in HIV infection-rate reductions, but there’s still a lot of work to be done By: Chuck Colbert/TRT Reporter tially bring down new infections, why would we “who lived through the early stages of the epi- agnosed people do not necessarily have access to Thirteen leading U.S. organizations in not want to do that?” said John Gatto, senior vice demic and saw our friends die, understand HIV/ treatment right away, Gatto said. the fight against HIV/AIDS have called president of Programs at the AIDS Action Com- AIDS as a public health crisis,” said Gatto. “Now, Additionally, the state has good behavioral- on the Food and Drug Administration mittee of Massachusetts. younger populations who don’t have that experi- intervention strategies, including HIV testing, and Gilead Sciences to approve pre- “Truvada has already been proven to bring ence don’t relate to this as a public health crisis in needle exchange and syringe access. exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, for HIV down new infections among gay and bisexual the same way,” he said. “There are studies that show once people know prevention among gay and bisexual men, men while its efficacy among heterosexuals is “Substance abuse remains a problem in the their HIV status, they are less likely to engage in also referred to as men who have sex with unclear,” he said, adding, “We don’t want to wait gay community, and that contributes to risk be- risky behavior,” said Gatto. “The more people men (MSM), and transgender women. any longer when we could prevent new infections haviors,” Gatto added. who get tested, the less likely they may transmit In an Oct. 18 letter, the not-for-profit among the highest at risk, the highest-prevalence “The broader picture,” said Cahill, “is there are the virus to others,” he explained. organizations and coalitions — includ- population while more study is done on others.” way too many STDs in the US, almost 20 mil- In another risk-reduction measure, lawmakers ing Fenway Health and the AIDS Action During telephone interviews, both Cahill and lion every year. Half are occurring among young passed legislation in 2006 that permitted syringe Committee of Massachusetts — urged Gatto voiced a note of urgency. They pointed to people ages 15 to 24.” access through any pharmacy and without a pre- the FDA and Gilead to approve anti- data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, “We do a bad job of promoting sexual health scription. Previously, injection drug users had to retroviral drugs for prevention now for which estimates that MSM account for more in this country,” Cahill said. “We are not teach- rely on one of the four needle-exchange locations MSM and transgender women and not than half of all new infections nationwide, about ing sex education in the schools, not providing in the state. wait until the drug regimen’s safety and 50,000 annually, with the overall rate of HIV in- people the information they need to keep safe.” Other targeted behavioral intervention pro- effectiveness for (heterosexual) women fections remaining level for recent years. Nonetheless, new HIV infections are down in grams, including social support wraparounds for is assessed. But, in 2009, the last year of available data col- Massachusetts. Why is that? MSM, transgender persons, and homeless youth, “Critical and necessary efforts to un- lection, an estimated 64 percent of all new HIV AIDS Action Committee’s Gatto pointed may also account for reduced HIV-infection rates derstand how PrEP interacts with hor- infections were in MSM, primarily because of to several contributing factors. One is that state in Massachusetts. monal contraception, or how PrEP may unprotected anal intercourse, said Cahill, even lawmakers passed legislation granting a Medic- Altogether, “Targeted behavioral interventions I n the L imelight impact pregnancy ... should not delay ac- though they are estimated at only 2 percent of the aid waiver, which enables people with an HIV- are evidence based and proven to be effective,” cess to a potentially lifesaving form of HIV for population, he said. positive status access to treatment. In other states, said Gatto. “Massachusetts is ahead of the curve MSM,” the letter states. “Gay and bisexual men continue to bear a dis- only those with AIDS diagnoses are eligible. when you look at HIV/AIDS nationally.” Antiretroviral medication in the form of a pill, proportionate burden of HIV,” Cahill said, “es- “The sooner people are in treatment, the less Indeed, the state is the only one in the country to marketed by Gilead as Truvada, has been shown pecially black and Latino gay men. We need to likely they are to transmit the virus to others when see dramatic reductions in new diagnoses of HIV. to be effective in treatment of HIV. try new approaches that complement what we in a situation [where transmission is possible],” Over the last decade, the state has cut new diag- More important, recent trials have shown that already know works.” Gatto said. “Getting people into treatment helps noses of HIV by 59 percent, which will save the antiretroviral drugs, along with behavioral inter- Worse yet, the HIV risk for MSM is growing. bring down the infection rate because there is less state more than $1.6 billion in health care costs. vention strategies, hold the potential to prevent For example, between 2006 and 2009, CDC esti- virus in the system and [therefore] less likely to Over the same period, thanks to better health new HIV infections — reducing the risk of in- mates found a 34 percent increase in HIV infec- be transmitted.” outcomes, the number of people living with HIV fection as much as 42 percent among transgender tions in young MSM and an even higher increase Another factor, he said, is the state’s 2006 in the state has risen by 42 percent. women and MSM. — 48 percent — in young African American health care reform, which while not guaranteeing Will continued cuts in state and federal funding “This has great potential to be a game changer MSM over the same time period. access to treatment has increased enrollment in for the demonstrably effective HIV education and in the fight against AIDS for gay men,” said Sean What accounts for the continuing problem of health insurance and health care. outreach put these gains at risk? Time will tell. Cahill, Ph.D., the newly appointed director of HIV/AIDS infection within the gay community Yet another factor, Massachusetts does not Meanwhile, experts like Gatto and Cahill are Health Policy Research at The Fenway Institute. is an open question. have a waiting list for the HIV Drug Assistance calling on the federal government to use every “If we have an intervention that could poten- But the baby boom generation of gay men, Program, unlike in other states where newly di- tool available to reduce new infections. 6 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Northampton’s Mayoral debate for the LGBT community offered important insights from each candidate, trans rights and domestic violence as key issues for the community By: Tynan Power/TRT Reporter is very appropriate for Northampton which has David J. Narkewicz and Michael J. Bards- a long progressive history,” said Narkewicz, ley squared off in a debate specifically for the who is currently serving as Northampton's LGBT community and its allies, amid the sea- Acting Mayor. He cited many examples from son's first snowstorm on Oc- the city’s history, includ- tober 29th. The event, held at ing its involvement in the The State Room in The Cen- “… You do have rights,” Underground Railroad and ter (35 State St., Northamp- such notable activists as So- ton), was organized by Bet Bardsley told a trans journer Truth and currently Power, Executive Director Frances Crowe, who he said and Curator of the Sexual woman. “The problem “leads by example.” Minorities Archives, and “Even in just the past two Jean Sevarese, one of the co- is that other people weeks,” he said, “the Trans- founders of Out Books on gender Civil Rights March, Wheels. Around 40 mem- don’t recognize that. Occupy Northampton, Slut Photo: tynan power bers of the LGBTQ and al- Walk Northampton, and lied community gathered to That’s what we need Stand Up for Tibet have Northampton Mayoral Candidates’ David Narkewicz, left, and Michael Bardsley before the debate. hear the two candidates talk to change.” shown that the spirit of activ- Bardsley, a gay man who has been a visible “We were united because we felt we had a about social justice and civil ism is alive in Northampton.” figure in the LGBT community for many years, common enemy and our rights had been at rights, especially as it pertains to the LGBTQ “I can never know what began with a recollection of a gathering of community, and to pose questions that might it's like to live an LGBT life," the heterosexual LGBT and allied people in 1995, after voters re- To read the rest of this story online, visit: not be raised in a general debate. Narkewicz said, "but I know exactly what it's pealed the city's non-discrimination ordinance. http://bit.ly/sI4Yks “This forum on social justice and civil rights like to be a straight ally.” Suicide-prevention conference draws attention to LGBTQ suicide risks By: Tynan Power/TRT Reporter She explained that the lack of data is a result of straight men to have attempted suicide; lesbians clear if the risk is higher in youth than in adults and, It is generally accepted that suicide rates in the U.S. death certificates’ not including sexual orienta- were twice as likely as heterosexual women to have if so, by how much. LGBTQ community are especially high. tion or gender-identity information. In some cases, made an attempt. Lesbian and gay male youth re- “We certainly pay more attention to LGBT youth Yet, there are no official statistics to back that it might not even be possible to get accurate infor- port three times more attempts -- and those attempts than we do to LGBT adults,” she said. “As a re- up, according to Dr. Ann Haas, a medical soci- mation from survivors. Young people, for example, are four times more likely to be considered “medi- sult, in the popular mind, this seems like a youth ologist with the American Foundation of Suicide might not have come out. cally serious” -- than their straight peers. problem.” Prevention. However, she says, that doesn’t mean What is known about LGBTQ suicide risk comes Statistics for transgender people are even more One thing is clear about youth risk in general: it’s not true. from other kinds of statistics. Haas cited a 2009 rare, and more startling. “Youth attempt suicide more,” said Haas, “but they “It’s important to understand there is no official study that showed that men in same-sex domestic Haas provided data from the 2009 National don’t succeed more.” set of data,” Haas told an audience of profession- partnerships were eight times more likely to die Transgender Discrimination Survey, which showed “A suicide attempt is a risk factor but not a strong als gathered for a conference on suicide preven- from suicide than men in heterosexual marriages, that 41 percent of transgender people reported mak- predictor of completed suicide,” Haas continued. tion held at The Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting- and twice as likely as men who had never been mar- ing a suicide attempt, but it’s not clear when those Fewer than 10 percent of people admitted to the hos- house in Holyoke last month. ‘We just don’t have ried or partnered. She called these results “startling.” attempts took place. pital after a suicide attempt actually die from suicide any information about suicide rates.” Another study of lesbians and gay men revealed “The lack of age-related data on lifetime attempts in the next 10 years. that gay men were four times more likely than is a problem,” Haas said, explaining that it’s not Haas also noted that it is significant that there is an increased risk of depression and other mental disor- ders, including substance abuse, among LGBT peo- The Hispanic Black Gay Coalition welcomes over 90 LGBTQ ple. These, in turn, become risk factors for suicide. youth of color to First Annual Youth Empowerment Conference In the NESARC survey in 2010, there was a clear correlation between increased rates of mental disor- BOSTON, Mass. – In October, the Hispanic Black ders and a combination of lesbian, gay or bisexual Gay Coalition (HBGC) in partnership with Greater identity, behavior and attraction. Men who reported Boston Parents for Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) only same-sex behavior or attraction, but not iden- hosted their first annual LGBTQ Youth Empower- tity, had higher rates of mental disorders than men ment Conference. The conference, held at Epiphany with only heterosexual experiences and attraction. School in Dorchester, was designed and held for On the other hand, women who reported same-sex LGBTQ youth and allies of color under 21. Over 90 behavior or attraction, but not lesbian identity, had youth of color participated in the day, including stu- lower rates of mental disorders than their counter- dents who travelled from Holyoke and Worcester to parts who reported only heterosexual activity or partake in an event filled with community building attraction. and leadership development opportunities. The NESARC survey and the National Transgen- “As a teacher at Chelsea High School, I thought der Discrimination Survey were significant, accord- this conference was great because kids now have ing to Haas, because they underscore the dangers of an outlet and get to see different role models that I lumping different demographic groups together, as know I didn’t see growing up. It’s a big deal as a can happen in research on LGBT populations. queer person of color to be able to have adults you Photo: H BGC “We don’t have consistent definitions of terms,” can look up to and know that there is a future and it’s Haas noted. She explained that behavior is often not as scary as it seems when you’re first used as the defining criteria because it is the criteria as a young person,” said Patricia Arevalo, one of the used in the health care model of risk, as with data re- day’s volunteers. Youth take notes during a morning session on HIV 101 and Risk Reduction garding men who have sex with men, where identity The conference started with a passionate keynote is less relevant. address from Dr. Ravi K. Perry. Dr. Perry made na- cal agencies, such as MassEquality, Fenway Health, conference has impacted their ability to serve and “Identity may be the strongest predictor [of sui- tional headlines earlier this year when he was select- The Theater Offensive, and Renewal House. Many lead their community. cide risk], especially with regard to mental disor- ed the first openly gay President of a local NAACP of the workshops offered tangible next steps for stu- “This was an amazing day for HBGC and our ders,” Haas said. chapter at the age of 28. Encouraging youth to never dents to stay involved as advocates and leaders. community,” said Corey Yarbrough, Executive Bullying, also, can lead to risk factors of suicide give up and to not let others define them, he shared “I loved, loved, and loved the Healthy Relation- Director of HBGC. “To have such a huge turnout such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. “I knew my orientation to love was not about seek- ships workshop, but my favorite workshop today shows that we truly do have a community of LG- Yet, according to Haas, bullying alone does not ap- ing validation, but affirmation... I empowered my- was the one on learning how to pick the right col- BTQ youth of color invested in their future and pear to statistically increase risk of suicide in a sig- self to be myself no matter who initially supported lege. I’m in that process right now so that was re- ready to do their part to make a difference in the nificant way. me. That passion and attitude of the heart…is what ally helpful to see which schools would be affirming world. We look forward to hosting an even larger Another major factor Haas cited was access to made me who I am today.” to me as a person of color and as a member of the conference next year.” health insurance, with 22 percent of LGBT people Throughout the day, youth attended a series of LGBT community,” said conference participant Al- The Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) lacking health insurance versus half that number workshops that empowered them in a variety of ar- lain Cherenfant. works to inspire and empower Hispanic/Latino and among heterosexual, individuals. eas including health and wellness, advocacy, college The day was also filled with a resource fair featur- Black LGBTQ individuals to improve their liveli- “If you look at health insurance access and the prep and success, and leadership. Most workshops ing 15 agencies invested in LGBTQ youth of color hood through activism, education, outreach and were led by youth of color in partnership with lo- and concluded with youth reflections on how the counseling. Learn more at www.hbgc-boston.org. See Suicide-prevention conference on page 13 www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 7 Paradise City Arts Festival The Jewel of Craft Shows! Macsai · Tanzanite Pin – The Boston Globe

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It was in the midst of the horrifying AIDS cility, the first permanent establishment of its kind in In the next three decades, Lauper would have many epidemic when she lost her dear gay friend, came New York – happen. Her manager, Lisa Barbaris, is more moments. She would win Grammys. Have a across the song, and made it into a hit that comforted one of them, along with the West End Intergenera- son. Sing to a disgruntled group of flyers at an air- millions. tional Residence, a non-profit focused on providing line terminal. Flub the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and “I was very much in mourning,” the 58-year-old housing for homeless families and the elderly. gracefully recover from it, as she did recently before icon recalls of the chart-topper, the title track from her “I was the famous person there, but a lot of people the US Open just this past September. 1986 album, in our recent chat. “I was sad and I want- did a lot of work,” she says of the shelter’s official Looking back, what would she have told her young- ed to be able to do something. He wanted me to sing opening in September. “I was just the one who cut the er, more “unusual” self? “I know I said all the wrong a song for him, and I had written one (“Boy Blue”). ribbon. It’s an interesting project because it’s a low- things to the right people,” she laughs, “but probably That didn’t work out too good, because I wrote about income housing project, which makes it work on so not listen all the time to everything everybody told me. my feelings – which were big.” many other levels. It’s kind of fabulous.” That there was a bigger world out there.” But “True Colors,” originally written by Billy Same could be said for Lauper’s career, officially A world she’s still happy to be a part of. “I’ve been Steinberg and Tom Kelly for Anne Murray, spoke to launching in the early ’80s – during an out-of-control told, ‘No, it’ll never work.’ It’s always the same. But her. Years later, it’s not just a song; it’s an anthem house party that had the singer persuading her parents I’m still working.” for everything that Lauper – a selfless, admirable ac- to whoop it up, all for a little single called “Girls Just Something she was told she could never do – by tivist for the community – stands for. As part of her Want to Have Fun” off her 1983 debut She’s So Un- Sony, her label at the time – was the blues. She sure True Colors Fund, she launched a project last year, usual – as the New Yorker shot to superstardom in- showed them. “To Memphis, With Love” is Lauper’s photo: Ellen Von Unwerth the Give a Damn Campaign, to create awareness of stantly with funky-punky sunburst hair (one of many latest release, a live CD/DVD combo that captures Cyndi Lauper LGBT discrimination with the help of high-profile colors we’d see throughout the decade) and her outra- one night of her most recent, and one of the more ex- celebrities, many of them heterosexual. geous fashion sense. She, like Madonna, was Gaga tensive, tours in her career. The songs performed are Next up for Lauper? New original music, which “In any civil rights movement, you need ev- before Gaga existed. Lauper had the eccentricity, and off last year’s “Memphis Blues,” her baby she’d been she’s currently working on; writing for the Broadway erybody,” Lauper says with heartfelt indignation. she certainly had the hits. working toward her whole career. Her 11th studio al- show “Kinky Boots”; and a memoir that’s still in the “That’s how you win. You need your straight allies.” There was the sweet charm of got-your-back bal- bum, the project scored the top spot of the Billboard early stages. A reality show, set to air early next year, She had them on the tour, also named after the lad “Time After Time,” a song still in heavy rotation Blues Chart for 14 consecutive weeks. is also in the works. song, which ran for two years and featured Debbie nearly 30 years later. “A magical time,” she calls it “It’s the spirit of the blues that propels you into an Lauper’s also determined to get the True Colors Harry, Margaret Cho, The B-52s and Erasure. Now, now. “She Bop” blasted myths of masturbation, pro- otherworldly state,” she says. “Basically, that’s what Tour, on hold because of the economy, back off the Lauper's showing her support with a shelter, recently moting it as something just as routine as brushing you would hope for from music.” ground. opened in Central Harlem, to offer supportive hous- your teeth. The video – and “all my friends and fam- While editing the docu-style DVD, filmed at The “It’s going to take a minute to figure out how to do ing for LGBT youth without any place to go, who ily that showed up in the video with me” – is what she Warehouse in Memphis and featuring special guests it right but I’ll get it back,” she says. “I always wanted may have been thrown out of their own homes. A remembers most. Jonny Lang and Tracy Nelson, Lauper had to do the it to be a little party, a real festival in one place – dif- mother herself, Lauper can't fathom a parent disown- There was also “We Are the World,” the all-star unthinkable for anyone who can’t stand mirrors: look ferent stages, food and music. But I don’t know really ing their child. charity single – a monster one, at that – featuring at herself for hours on end. how to do that. I’m not a businessperson; I’m an art- “Parental love should be unconditional,” she says. Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Lauper. Her fond- “Once you get over the fact that you thought you ist that wanted an inclusive tour with straight people “Love your kid for who they are or who they aren’t. est memory: “That I walked in with almost the same looked different but this is what you really look like, and gay people and transgender people – everybody The parent/child bond should never be broken.” jacket that Michael had on, and I changed it really it’s fine,” Lauper laughs. “It’s always that way. You mixed together. That was my big dream.” But if it is, they have a place that loves them: the quick. But I was upset anyway because I had the can’t ever take yourself seriously.” And her true colors, shining through. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 9 Political advertisement Straight Talk From A Gay Man For decades, I have been a strong and clear voice for civil rights for all In 1998, I received an award from Northwestern District Attorney’s office for members of our community. my “efforts to foster diversity and promote respect in government.” As the picture from the 1984 pride march indicates, I was a peacekeeper In 2001, I received an Award of Distinction from the Northampton Area during those years when those marching to demand equal rights had to face Lesbian & Gay Business Guild, in recognition of my service to the lesbian and angry, hateful protesters. I put myself on the line. gay community. After my years as a peacekeeper, I served on the planning committee and I In 2007-2008, I was recognized as the Outstanding Counselor in the College have been a speaker and emcee, on two occasions, at the pride march rally. Admission Process in Massachusetts for my efforts in having at-risk high school students successfully complete the In 1989, I was the first openly gay college admissions process. person to be elected for public office in Northampton when I won a seat as a In 2008, I received the Martin Luther Hampshire County Commissioner. King, Jr. Annual Citizen Award from the MLK Jr. Committee of Amherst, Inc In 1998, as a city councilor, I provided the in recognition of my “contribution and leadership in writing and sponsoring the dedication to Truth, Justice and Peace legislation that created the Northampton within the Amherst Community Human Rights Commission. and Beyond.” In 2005, I was the sole sponsor of the In 2009, I was a speaker at the New ordinance that protected the rights of England Transgendered Pride March. transgendered people in Northampton. I have dedicated my professional and As a public school educator, I have actively political life to advocating for the human promoted, since the 1980s, safe school and civil rights of all people. I have practices, including developing an anti-bullying initiative and identifying listened to those who have felt alienated and marginalized and have fought GLBT safe zones for students. on the frontlines against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. As a foot I founded the Gay/Straight Alliance at Amherst Regional High School. soldier and as a leader, I have a solid record of being there for those in need during difficult times. I have delivered for the GLBT Community. In 1985, I represented Massachusetts for the National Education Association in its apartheid protest outside the South African Embassy in Washington, I am now asking for something in return. On Tuesday, November 8, I ask for D.C. During this non-violent human rights action I was arrested; charges your vote to be the next mayor of Northampton. In advance, I thank you for were later dropped. your support. In 1996, I was the first recipient of the Men’s Resource Center of Western In Solidarity And Peace, Massachusetts’ “Challenge and Change” Award. Michael Bardsley Everybody’s Mayor

www.michaelbardsley.com Paid for by The bardsley CamPaign CommiTTee, loreTTa gougeon, Treasurer, P.o. box 60252, florenCe, ma 01062 10 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Photo: scruffy records TRT Hero: Gunner Scott, pioneering in Massachusetts By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter HIV rates go- Gunner Scott, a founding member and execu- ing up again. tive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Additionally, Political Coalition (MTPC), a 501(c)(3) organi- transgender zation dedicated to ending and women in expression discrimination, has been at the fore- particular are front of the transgender rights movement since dealing with 1998. In this role, he has truly been a father to significant

many. Scott has been named a nationally ac- rates of HIV p hoto: Glenn Koetzner claimed activist, educator, and community or- with very few ganizer on LGBT issues, particularly relating to programs and health, partner abuse, and access issues for the services direct- transgender community. ed at that com- Under the direction of Scott, the MTPC fo- munity, there- cuses on educating the public, advocating with fore increased state, local and federal government, engaging in resources are Gunner Scott political activism, and encourage empowerment needed to in-

of community members through collective ac- creases services. H

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tion, according to the organization’s web- H Q. Which people in the LGBT or allied

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H community have been most influential site. To say that he is passionate about H

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transgender rights and equality is an H in your life?

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understatement. The MTPC pio- TRT H A. Rita Hester, Nancy Nangeroni,

H neer can often be found working H Grace Sterling Stowell, Sylvia Ri-

Queer Hip-Hop Nation from Elephant: long days, late nights and his ded- H vera, Penni Ashe Matz H ication to the transgender move- H Q. How can the average member H ment is palpable, even to those H of the LGBT community and ally The unique twin brother gay rappers H who do not know him personally. H make a difference in our struggle? By: Edward Jonas/Special for TRT the struggle is tenfold. People expect us to rep- H H He has vested his life to the better- H H A. [By] contacting their state leg- Coleman and Jackson Vrana make up the resent them so specifically that we often have ment of the LGBT community and H HH islator about the Transgender Equal controversial band, Elephant—the only white, to take a step back and remember what got us that is why he has been nominated as aheroes HHH Rights Bill and their federal congres- twin brother, queer rappers on the music scene here in the first place: our voices, our attitudes TRT Hero. sional members about the Employment Non- today. and our ideas. Q. What needs to be done to increase awareness Discrimination Act (ENDA) Originally from Oklahoma, they came out Q: How do you feel about celebrities who of the importance of funding for HIV/AIDS? Q. What is the best advice you have ever been when they were 14 and were bullied and ha- won’t come out of the closet? A. Public education on why and how funding given to do the proactive things you do today rassed every day until they finally left home at A: It’s hard to imagine staying closeted because has helped to decrease HIV rates and the impact for our community? our personal artistry comes from our need to ex- 18. Coleman fled to New York while Jackson of the reduction in funding would have on the See Gunner Scott on page 14 went to London. They reunited in Los Angeles press ourselves honestly. Maybe some people where they formed their band and grew a fol- are okay with keeping their personal lives pri- lowing with their provocative gay-activist lyrics vate, but we can’t imagine expressing ourselves Superior Interior: Designer Joshua and in-your-face performances. on stage or in the studio like that. They caught the attention of 80’s pop icon, Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever Josie Cotton – who invited the duo to collabo- been given? Ingraham Shows You How rate on the 2010 remake of her cult classic John- A: Josie Cotton told us that showcasing who By: Travis Laborn/Special for TRT ny Are You Queer? – and were quickly signed you are with your own individual voice is the Joshua Ingraham holds himself to the same stan- to her record label. Now the dynamic duo aim to only way to be successful as an artist. Anybody dard he does his designs—with class, integrity and make some noise on a national level and that’s with talent can be a musician or a performer, but always a surprise element of fun. He defines his exactly what they’re doing with their debut re- only you can be you. style as 'Casual Luxury,' utilizing dark colors over lease, Queer Nation. Q: What’s the worst cliché about the gay scene? light; classic, bold patterns rather than the safe and Edward Jonas: How do you describe “Queer A: The notion that gay men are somehow weak- subtle; and strong fabrics with unusual textures. Nation”? willed or inordinately delicate people is insane. Counted among New York City’s top fifty de- Coleman Vrana: It’s an in-your-face track Fighting to be yourself to an intolerant society signers by HousingWorks Design on a Dime for that turns hip hop on its head and confronts ho- your entire life most definitely creates more three years in a row, Ingraham encourages clients v o monroy mophobia with a lot of filthy language. strength in a person than frailty. to make a statement with their surroundings. Noth- Q: Did you intend for it to be controversial? Q: Best cliché? ing is impossible or ever too big. He believes even A: Absolutely. We intentionally pushed the A: That we are a severely tight community that the budget conscious should crave rich, lush, fabu-

limit with all four of the tracks on the Queer embraces everyone with open arms. I think it’s lous things. Photo: gu sta Nation EP. true. “You do not have to be wealthy to enjoy the Q: So it’s representative of the rest of your up- Q: Finish the sentence: A good night out starts luxurious things the world has to offer, as long as He eschews the current trend of stainless steel coming album? with… you follow my lead,” he says. kitchens with granite countertops. A: Definitely, but we go to some pretty unex- A: A fat blunt. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the out designer real- “Alone, each material is fine but putting them pected places and our political interests and Q: It ends with... ized a knack for design at 14 when his mother al- together could leave your space feeling more out- aims extend beyond LGBT-related issues. A: A fat blunt. Shunda K from Yo! Majesty (a lowed him to select his own bedroom paint colors. dated than when you began.” Q: When did you and Jackson first realize you lesbian hip hop group) taught me how to roll “I mean, every boy’s dream, right?” he laughs. He also shuns the trend of master bathrooms had musical talent? em’ the best. Ingraham modeled his room after Sarah Mi- with double sinks. A: We grew up performing in angsty punk Q: What comes first for you - sex or love? chelle Gellar's bedroom in Cruel Intentions, paint- “There is never a need for two sinks,” he argues. bands as teenagers. There was never an instru- A: Sex. Usually, emotions that stick around ing the walls, doors and ceiling a deep navy blue, “That second sink rarely gets used. If you truly re- ment we didn’t want to learn our way around in don’t come into play until later. and adding a trim of baby blue with silver high- quire two sinks, for design sake, use a deep trough some kinda way growing up. Q: What’s the best thing ever invented? lights. “I probably thought if I painted my room sink with two separate but matching faucets.” Q: When did you boys come out? A: Over-sized colonial dolls. the same as hers it would make me more like her. The same goes for separating showers and bath A: At 14. After that, we were huge targets in Q: When the phone rings, who do you hope is Sadly, my high school experience did not include tubs. middle and high school. calling? summer romances with Ryan Phillippe.” “Unless it is a true glass shower and soaking Q: Those bullying years seem to play a big part A: Mary Tyler Moore—to tell us she’s our real He studied Architecture and Design at Tulsa tub, please don't split these two up. It’s a waste in your music today. mother. University where he discovered he appreciated the of space.” A: Most of our songs were written with the Q: What’s next for Elephant? creative freedom of interior design more. “Once I How you decorate your home is as important as angst-ridden motivation we got from those A: We’re working on a really exciting project: a understood the only limitation I had in interior de- what you wear, he says. days. We connect with a ton of teenagers who gay vs. lesbian rap battle extraordinaire. sign were my own ideas, the possibilities became “When a person looks good, they exude a con- are exactly like we were a few years ago. Q: You’re not kidding about creating a Queer endless for me,” he explains. fidence that inspires others. The same holds true Q: What lessons have you learned as openly Nation. Ingraham says walls are meant to be broken for the home. When the place where you rest your gay artists? A: Fists are getting tighter. A backlash is on the down. head and entertain your friends reflects you and A: As artists, we constantly have to prove our- way. We can feel it. “Open up your spaces up as much as possible. It your personality, it projects power.” selves to everyone. As gay artists who intend For more information about the group and up- will give you more options as to what you can do “If everyone hired an interior designer, the world to be taken completely seriously, we’ve learned coming events visit: elephantwave.com with your floor plans and furniture.” would be a better place,” he laughs. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 11 12 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com TRT Heroes: Jenn Tracz Grace empowers the LGBT business movement By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter is what makes her influential to me because she mon statement but it was more of the person Jenn Tracz Grace is a familiar name within the didn’t stop because someone didn’t like her sexu- behind the words. That is a motto that I operate Connecticut community and beyond. Although al orientation it fueled her fire and allowed her to on. If it sounds right, looks right and feels right, she wears many hats, perhaps she is best known accomplish great things. I’m going to do it. In order to advance the LGBT in her role as the first executive director of the There are other influential leaders within the community in any way you must be proactive. Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities Connecticut community such as Anne Stanback You have to constantly be striving to see what is (CABO), a statewide LGBT Chamber of Com- and Carol Buckheit who led the charge at Love around the next corner and how you can make it merce. It is under Tracz Grace’s leadership that Makes a Family to gain marriage equality for the better, faster or more efficient. I spend most of my CABO has grown exponentially and has won citizens of CT. Without their hard work, dedica- days talking with business owners whether they

several accolades, including the LGBT Cham- tion and resilience I wouldn’t have been able to are large corporations or small businesses. The H H H

H

ber of the Year award by the National Gay and marry my wife this past year. H best thing you can do is to listen to what

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Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. However, her Q. How can the average member of the H they have to say and find a way to help H

professional accomplishments are not only what LGBT community and ally make a H the community at large. H

earned Tracz Grace this nomination for TRT difference in our struggle? H Q. What have you done for the TRT H

Heroes. Like any unsung hero, it is her commit- A. There are several things the LGBT community individually or H ment to the betterment of our community through average LGBT person can do to H collectively that you are proudest H corporate education of the LGBT business sector. make a difference. Raise aware- H of? H She uses her position to serve as a liaison to assist ness. Be Visible. Educate. We all H A. I am most proud of my work H LGBT and allied business reach the mainstream have the opportunity each and ev- H with CABO. If you had asked me market through spreading a message of inclusion, ery day to educate and raise aware- H H 5 years ago where I would be today, H H cohesion and integrity. Regardless of what hat ness about the LGBT community be HH HH I wouldn’t have ever guessed it would she is wearing, Tracz Grace has dedicated her life simply being visible. Just because you areheroes H be here. Within CABO my proudest mo- to issues directly related to diversity, the LGBT LGBT doesn’t mean you must fall into any false ment was just this past August when CABO was community and empowering the LGBT business stereotypes. Just be yourself and educate those named the Chamber of the Year by the National photo: Glenn Koetzner movement. around you about what it means to be LGBT. Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. There is Jenn Tracz Grace Q. Which people in the LGBT or allied commu- Rather than dodging a question as it may relate to something simply amazing about being recog- nity have been most influential in your life? your sexuality or , take the time nized on a national scale for the work that is being a difference each day based on where and how A. I am so blessed to run an organization where to educate the person asking so they are better in- done in your local community. It was a collab- we spend our money – our economic impact. The I am constantly surrounded by amazing people formed and can stop the cycle of unknowing. If orative effort of our great board, volunteers and puts out a fantastic buy- both part of the LGBT and allied community. each us of did that our allies could do it as well amazing members, and certainly a moment I will ing guide that highlights where you should spend With a membership base of over 150+ businesses and it would gradually make an impact. Involve reflect on for quite sometime to come. your money based on whether or not these com- I know a lot of people, all who truly bring unique your allies whenever you can. Allies have a great Q. What motivates your work within this panies support the LGBT community or not. Fol- things to the table that influence me on a daily voice that can champion our causes in places we community? lowing that guide makes a difference. Supporting basis. may not, so take advantage of those opportunities. A. I would say my motivation comes from know- the members of your local LGBT chamber of Thinking back to when I was younger I can think Q. What is the best advice you have ever been ing that I can make a difference. When you think commerce, makes a difference. It’s a matter of of celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and how given to do the proactive things you do today for about LGBT rights and advocacy many people voting with your dollars. The economic power of she came out on national TV in 1997 and what our community? think of lobbying and the struggles to gain equal- the LGBT community is incredible a huge deal that was. At the time when she did A. I was once told that it is easier to ask for for- ity. But what I’ve learned and what keeps me To read the rest of this story online, visit: that it tanked her career for a while. Her resilience giveness than it is to get permission. It’s a com- going is that we all have an opportunity to make http://bit.ly/upWIBz WOW! DO WE HAVE A SEASON FOR YOU WOW! WOW! @ THE FAC! WOW! The UMASS Fine Arts Center WOW! WOW!BRINGING WORLD ARTISTS TO THE VALLEY FOR 37 YEARS! NEW THE JOY OF SAX CENTURY CHAMBER THE TIA FULLER QUARTET ORCHESTRA Wednesday, November 16, 7:30pm, NADJA SALERNO- Bowker Auditorium Influenced by legends such as Cannonball SONNENBERG, Adderley, Sonny Stitt, and John Coltrane, Fuller’s MUSIC DIRECTOR playing is dynamic and fluid as she navigates Thursday, the trickiest of lines with a tone that is rich and November 10, meaty. It’s a sound that works well in the modern 7:30pm, Concert brand of straight-ahead bebop she writes for her quartet, but Fuller is also flexible enough to play ARLO GUTHRIE: THE GUTHRIE Hall in Beyoncé’s all-woman touring band. The Grammy-nominated New Century Chamber Orchestra relies FAMILY RIDES AGAIN Billy Taylor Jazz Residency Artist Friday, November 18, 8pm, Concert Hall on the virtuosic skill of each individual—instead of a conductor—to Reserved Seating: $25, $15; FC, GCC, STCC and 17 & under $10 “Guthrie Family Rides Again” spotlights three generations of Guthries achieve its improvisatory sound, with power, color and precision. Pre-performance talk at 6:45 Performing standing, their rhythmic unanimity and velvety smooth and features Arlo’s standards, as well as a selection of unpublished Sponsored by: New England Public Radio, Amherst Cinema, the UMass Hotel and Woody Guthrie lyrics recently put to music by such distinguished string tone will knock your socks off and remind you of all that’s Conference Center, The Valley Advocate, and UnityFirst.com delicious in the world. Program includes Rossini’s String Sonata No. artists as Billy Bragg, Wilco, Janis Ian, The Klezmatics and others. The Guthrie Family will pay tribute to these artists as they perform some 1 in G Major, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Bolcom’s Violin Concerto New England Public Radio presents Romanza, and Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings in E-flat major, Op. of the newly composed tunes. A fun family event and a great way to 20. Post-Show Q&A with the performers. JOY OF SAX FILM SERIES celebrate Thanksgiving. Fireside Chat: Pre-performance talk by Elizabeth Chang, violinist and Jazz film, live music, and commentary by WFCR Jazz à la Mode host Tom Reney Reserved Seating: $35, $30, $15; FC, GCC, STCC & 17 & under $10 violin faculty, UMass Department of Music and Dance at the University Jammin’ the Blues and A Great Day in Harlem, Mon., Nov 7 @ 7 pm, Amherst Cinema. Sponsored by: The Daily Hampshire Gazette, Hampshire Hospitality Club, 6:30pm. Tickets are available online www.amherstcinema.org or at the Amherst Group and WRSI The River Sponsored by: Applewood, a Member of the Loomis Communities Cinema box office. Presented in collaboration with New England Public Radio The Arts Give Back: please bring non-perishable food items to donate to the and Baystate Health and Amherst Cinema. Amherst Survival Center. To find out more visit www.amherstsurvival.org. • TICKETS? CALL 413-545-2511 OR VISIT FINEARTSCENTER.COM • www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 13 Suicide-prevention conference from page 6 TRT Heroes: Boston’s Jim Morgrage rides to fight against HIV and AIDS evidence for increased risk of mental disorders By: Nicole Lashomb/TRT Editor-in-Chief teer based business model. als in just sharing some time on their paths.” [among LGBT people], that’s a very troubling James M. Morgrage, a successful businessman “I believe we need to talk about the continuing Although the LGBT community continues to combination.” and altruistic leader for charitable good could be rise in new HIV infections in all communities, face many struggles, Morgrage is hopeful that Haas recommended a number of steps to aid in considered the poster child for kindness, selfless said Morgrage. I also feel it is important to edu- progress will continue to be made toward equal- prevention, starting with improving the knowl- giving and empathy for those who are less fortu- cate the community as to what living with HIV/ ity he said. edgebase by gathering more information about nate. Jim, as those fondly refer to him in the Bos- AIDS looks like today-the medications and side “It is my feeling that HIV/AIDS, bullying, and deaths. ton community, is the owner/manager of Club effect of those treatments.” drug use and abuse are the three top issues of our “We’ve got to find out what LGBT people are Café. He is also the founder and director of Har- And so he rides. community, followed by domestic violence,” said dying from,” Haas said. bor to the Bay (H2B), “a one day bike ride from Stemming back to his childhood, Morgrage Morgrage. “I [also] feel like change is happening Haas also recommended increased funding for Boston to Provincetown that improves commu- credits the lessons taught by his parents to be in- so fast and people’s opinions are changing daily. LGBT suicide research and promoting aware- nity awareness, access to, and the quality of care tegral in his passion to serve others. Everyone has I think the media has had a large part in bringing ness and understanding of LGBT suicide risk. for people living with HIV and AIDS,” according something to give, he said. these issues out of the dark.” Gathered that day were hundreds from the to the organizations website. Morgrage founded “I learned from my parents to get involved and Morgrage said he is not a hero at all, despite his health care community, benefiting from the in- this grass roots initiative, whose mission is to give to always do for others. Get involved, find a cause benevolent nature. formation she presented, but Haas stressed that 100% of what is raised through the ride to its four you like, believe in, and give of your time! We “I think I just do what I can, and I love being the information needed to reach LGBT people. beneficiaries, Fenway Health Center, AIDS Sup- all have skills that we are good at and enjoy; all part of this community and all we have done to- “We need to be sure that we’re speaking to the port Group of Cape Cod, Community Research we have to do is give a few hours of our time gether to make a difference in this life time,” said LGBT communities.” Initiative (CRI), and AIDS Action Committee of weekly or monthly to make a big impact on the Morgrage. She noted that one obstacle to working with Massachusetts (AAC). Under Morgrage’s leader- community.” And so he rides. the LGB community is the distrust caused by

ship, this 501(c)(3) has raised well over $2M to Morgrage said that he is often motivated by previous inclusion of homosexuality in the Diag-

H assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. inherent need and by other “amazing individu- H H nostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders.

H H

Although he does not recognize himself as a als” who are also doing similar work in the H H “It’s been years since sexual orientation was

H hero in anyway, the perspective of others that de- community. H removed [from the DSM],” said Haas, “but this

H

fine him as passionate and magnanimous with an “Michael Tye, Mary Breen, Joe Mur- H lives on in the LGB community.”

phy, and Frank Ribaudo all influenced H incredible fortitude, affirms such a designation. TRT H Jim

“Jim is the most dedicated person I know,” said me in showing me that one person H Frank Ribaudo, friend and business partner of 14 can make a difference and indeed we H Morgrage H years. “He is tireless in his support of all LGBT should all try,” he said. “They all lead H H issues, but most importantly, his fight against by example of that philosophy and H H HIV/AIDS. Jim and I, along with several Club work very hard each and every day H H H Cafe employees and customers began the H2B to remove obstacles in reaching these H H AIDS ride 9 years ago. Jim has been the leader of goals.” H H Vfor yourOTE favorite hero! heroesHHH the ride ever since, and works tirelessly on H2B In addition to all that Morgrage does for Voting closes on November 28. issues all year long.” H2B and other charity work through Club Café, Selected heroes will be featured Since its launch in 2003, Harbor to the Bay he is most proud of being a buddy for those who (H2B) has become the leading AIDS Ride in are infected by HIV/AIDS he said. in The First Annual 2012 TRT He- Massachusetts. The organization’s website cred- “I have been involved in the Buddy program roes Calendar this January 2012. its its success to the commitment to donate 100% for more than 2 decades and I learn so much To vote or sponsor your hero, of pledges to its beneficiaries and the all-volun- about myself and the struggles of these individu- Photo: provided by jim morgrage visit: TheRainbowTimesNews.com 14 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Gunner Scott from page 10 fecting the rest of the country are affect LG- A. Remember to take care of myself, without BTQ people, but are often not highlighted Alan Cumming visits a less enough sleep, down time, and self-care I will even by our community, covert and overt get rundown and be no good to the movement. discrimination and the effects that has on a Q. What have you done for the LGBT com- person’s well-being and equality at every groovy 1970s in Any Day Now munity individually or collectively that you level for all LGBTQ people. By: Romeo San Vicente*/Special for TRT are proudest of? Q. Do you think that there are special needs The struggle for A. Working to get the Boston City gender in the Hispanic LGBT community that do not LGBT marriage identity ordinance passed in less than a year exist in the mainstream LGBT community? equality and adop- and worked on the campaign for the statewide A. I think because of the issues of racism still tion rights makes Transgender Equal Rights Bill. being prevalent in this country as whole and the news pretty reg- Q. What motivates your work within this in the LGBTQ community, that many of our ularly now and each community? LGBTQ people of color community mem- step forward feels A. Meeting other transgender people and their bers are dealing with multiple layers that like a small victory. families and hearing their stories of struggle need to be addressed, including dealing with Now imagine deal- and success. racism within LGBTQ communities and ing with all of that Q. What can be done about teen suicides that supporting and sustaining spaces, programs, in 1979. That’s the happen as a result of bullying or anti-gay and leaders in the LGBTQ people of color subject of Any Day sentiment? communities. Now, a film about gay adoption, inspired

A. It is not just anti-gay sentiment also anti- Q. Do you consider yourself a hero for the by a true story, written and directed by Photo: H el g a E ste b / S h u ttersto ck . c om trans or anti-bi sentiment, sometimes bullying LGBT community? Travis Fine (The Space Between) and is based on gender expression and that per- A. No produced by Anne O’Shea (The Kids ception that not being “masculine or feminine Q. Will full LGBT equality be achieved in Are All Right). It stars Alan Cumming enough” equates being gay or lesbian. There this country during the next 10 years? 20 (The Good Wife) and Garret Dillahunt is a need to challenge gender stereotyping. years? (Raising Hope) as a couple who take in Q. What are the top three issues that affect A. Equality gains will continue to steadily an abandoned teenage boy with Down our community the most? What can you do to grow over the next 10-20 years, but there is Syndrome. When the authorities learn make a difference? always backlash to fight against and our own that gay men are acting as caretakers, A. “Our community” is broad term and I apathy once one part of the LGBTQ commu- they step in to remove the boy and the would say that economic issues that are af- nity makes some strides. family’s fight begins. The film, which also stars Frances Fisher as a family court judge, will explore the issues faced Letters from page 2 Dear Editor, It was nice to see the various photo spreads by families – then and, by extension, Jena Malone faces that look like mine! It’s powerful, inspir- of the many events you covered in the paper. I right now as everything starts to change, ing and empowering! The Rainbow Times is also noticed that you have even more in Face- bit by bit, for the better. It just finished erybody wants to be The Talk, The View or The the ONLY lgbtq publication that is inclusive of Book. I wish you had more photos in the paper, principal photography and will probably Chew these days, and ABC is aiming for another lgbtq POC. And I truly just want to say thank however. start showing up at film festivals in 2012. ratings grab with January 2012’s The Revolu- you! -- Karen Rosendale, Providence, RI w oo d d ee p insi e holly tion. The self-improvement/lifestyle-oriented --Amir Dixon, Boston, MA Roseanne Barr is Downwardly Mobile again show will include Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, So they axed Roseanne’s Nuts. Big deal. It’s fitness and nutrition guru Harley Pasternak and not like she needed the money. And besides, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s gung-ho blue-collar comedy diva’s Hawaiian macadamia host Ty Pennington. And those are just the first farm isn’t going to keep her from fulfilling her three to be announced. Given the current trend TV destiny. She just sold a show to NBC – the of large panels with rotating experts and guest network that passed on Roseanne back in 1987, co-hosts, the field is still wide open for other oops – and the title makes it sound like the Con- names to hop on board and help the fledgling nor family might be back in business again. show make audiences feel guilty for sitting on It’s called Downwardly Mobile, about a trailer the couch and watching TV. And in the long park family struggling to make ends meet. No, run, with Oprah more or less out of the picture, it didn’t sound appealing to the Suits back in it’s anybody’s game to win the daytime sweep- 1987, either, but look what happened: America stakes. Best of all, it can only help The Soup with responded to the grittier version of reality and new material. poverty-based humor of Barr’s first series and then went along for the ride when she introduced Jena Malone aims for Lonely Hunter lesbian smooching later in the show’s run. Who She was married to a man, but Southern literary knows what she’ll accomplish this time? Stay icon Carson McCullers, the author of The Heart tuned as the outspoken heroine of the working Is a Lonely Hunter, was bisexual and frequently class starts kicking up dust again. involved with women. And now her life story will come to the big screen in Lonely Hunter. The bi- The Revolution will be televised and it will opic is set to star acclaimed young actress Jena star Tim Gunn Malone (Sense and Sensibility, Bastard Out of What are they replacing all of those canceled Carolina), with lesbian cred behind the camera soap operas with? Talk shows, that’s what. Ev- provided by screenwriter Sarah Schulman (The Owls) and director/producer Deborah Kampmeier (Virgin, Hound Dog). Meanwhile, you can bet that indie A-listers will be lining up to grab the roles of McCullers’ pals Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Ethel Waters and Gypsy Rose Lee. None of them will look as cool as Malone in McCull- ers’s signature menswear, but they can give it a shot. Pre- production is where it’s at right now, so it’ll be a while before audiences get a chance to look at it. Read a book while you’re waiting. *Romeo San Vicente flies solo but he’s never lonely. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInside- [email protected]. www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 15 y joy rain y joy Photo: p ro v ided b

Co-owners, Jennifer Harlan and Joy Rain, purchased the store over the summer and have been steadily working to create a renewed sense of energy, passion, and enthusiasm for the store. Its new location is in Thornes Marketplace. Northampton’s Pride & Joy launches anew, grand re-opening celebration at new location NORTHAMPTON, Mass—On November someone is questioning their sexual orientation 17, Northampton’s Pride & Joy will hold its or gender identity and fear their world is shrink- grand re-opening celebration. Since its incep- ing, they can come to this store and realize their tion in 1992, this store holds a special place in world actually just got bigger. Our products will the hearts of the LGBTQ family. It is a destina- be fun and exciting, and we’ll also provide re- tion, a rite of passage, and a top destination to sources such as books, contacts, and bumper buy fun queer gifts and Northampton souvenirs. stickers. Sometimes a phrase creates an opening The new co-owners, Jennifer Harlan and Joy for a conversation that can be life-changing.” Rain, purchased the store over the summer and Northampton has a long-standing reputation have been steadily working to create a renewed of being one of the most progressive cities in the sense of energy, passion, and enthusiasm for the U.S. and is often cited as the “lesbian capital of store. The first step included moving the store to the U.S.,” said Rain. Thornes Marketplace, which is Northampton’s “Our store is truly a celebration of the city and favorite place to shop on Main Street, they said. is the go-to store for Northampton souvenirs and Just down the hall from Herrell’s Ice Cream and gifts,” she said. across from Left-Click, this much larger location Harlan adds, “We are excited to unveil a new offers customers the chance to enjoy shopping line of Northampton clothing and mugs.” on both the upper and lower level of the store. Northampton Pride & Joy’s Grand Re-open- “Changing the location has been like joining ing is a historic day in our community a day that a new family,” said Jennifer Harlan, Co-owner, says our retail store will live on so, come be part Northampton’s Pride & Joy. “At Thornes, the of history and shop! store becomes part of something bigger, a spe- cial space in the heart of downtown that makes transparent its importance in Northampton.” With the facelift also comes the store’s new What: tagline Harlan explained. Come Out to Celebrate the Grand “Our new tag line, Live and Let Shop, sums up our vision,” she said. “We want this store to Re-Opening of Northampton’s be a destination for our LGBTQ community, Pride & Joy and to also welcome our allies. We want our customers to be excited to come buy creative, high-quality products that celebrate the vibrancy When: of our community and our city.” Thursday, November 17, 2011 The acting Mayor, David Narkewicz, and Northwestern County District Attorney, David E. Sullivan, will participate in the ribbon cutting Time: ceremony at the grand re-opening. 5:00 p.m. “We hope everyone will come join this cel- ebration, which in many ways represents the rebirth of Northampton’s Pride & Joy,” said Where: Joy Rain, Co-owner, Northampton’s Pride & Northampton’s Pride and Joy, Joy. “It will be a special time of reflection on just how important this store is to our LGBTQ Thornes Marketplace, 150 Main community and the greater Pioneer Valley. As St., Downtown Northampton Jennifer says, our store is a place where, when 16 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com ota fine ota Photo: da k u n g Photo: irene yo

Theater Offensive presents Fierce Love’s triumphant return to Boston ROXBURY, MA—The Theater Offen- sive is thrilled to present a revival of Pomo Afro Homos’ Fierce Love: Stories from Black Gay Life. This show examines the vital issues of race, sexuality, and identity as a whole. Fierce Love performances will be held at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury on

Thursday (November 17) at 8 p.m., Friday Photo: tynan p ower (Nov. 18) at 8 p.m., and Saturday (Nov. 19) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Roxbury native and Pomo Afro Ho-

THE ARTS mos co-founder Brian Freeman returns to his hometown to direct and act in this “remixed” version of Fierce Love. The production has been adapted from the original 1991 version to include updated cultural references and a hip-hop musical number, while still maintaining the piece’s core fo- Holly Near with producer Barbara Allen cus on the struggles of Black gay men in America. With support from the National Performance Network, The Theater Offensive led the Fierce Love commissioning team with collaborators from Holly Near feeds Los Angeles, Washington DC, Burlington, New Orleans and Dallas. The Theater Offensive’s OUT the soul of her in Your Neighborhood strategy is a driving force behind Fierce Love, focusing on integrating queer theater into interactive community-based programs fans with a rare in Boston-area neighborhoods. The Theater Offensive’s ongoing Shout it OUT! Northeast tour collaboration with Hispanic Black Gay Coalition By: Tynan Power/TRT Reporter (HBGC Boston) will open Fierce Love’s Saturday matinee. Shout it OUT! will be a staged reading of Holly Near filled the Unitarian Society in original coming out stories from LGBT people of Northampton to capacity -- twice -- concluding a color. This work was developed in two workshop rare tour late this past October. series with The Theater Offensive staff and Brian The stop in Northampton was more than luck Freeman, in which community members learned to for local fans. In addition to the appeal of the stage their writings for a broader audience. city's large lesbian population -- a demographic The show is free to the public. The Hibernian Hall in which Near has had an enthusiastic following is located at 184 Dudley St. in Roxbury. For more since the 1970s -- Near has a long connection with information contact: www.thetheateroffensive.org. the event's producer, Barbara Allen of Wildrose The Theater Offensive grew out of the seminal Productions. The two have known each other for street theater troupe United Fruit Company in so long neither remembers when they met. 1989, led by current Executive Artistic Director Abe “Holly and I couldn't remember, either 1974 Rybeck. The creation of The Theater Offensive was or 1975,” Allen said, “when I helped produce a a response to the founders’ experiences as activist Women On Wheels concert in Los Angeles, fea- members of underserved, marginalized communi- turing Near, Cris Williamson, Margie Adam and ties and active participants in the early years of the Meg Christian. Since then I've produced Holly Rainbow Coalition. Throughout its history The The- individually several times over the years in Cali- ater Offensive has furthered its mission “to form fornia, as well as, in the mid ’90s, a sold-out per- and present the diverse realities of lesbian, gay, bi- formance at the Academy of Music.” sexual and transgender (LGBT) lives in art so bold Near was joined this tour by her longtime pia- it breaks through personal isolation and political nist, John Bucchino, and Laura Love, a “folk/ orthodoxy to help build a more honest, progressive funk” singer/songwriter and bassist. Together, community.” they performed two sets, sometimes harmonizing, The Theater Offensive’s OUT in Your Neighbor- other times letting one voice or musical element hood strategy works with locally and nationally- take center stage. known artists and community members to create “I loved listening to Holly and Laura weave original, groundbreaking and interactive works their strong voices in dynamic harmonies,” said by, for and about the LGBT community, as well as Allen. “John's musical genius on piano was ob- through education programs, year-round commu- vious. I felt the energy pouring off the stage and nity-based workshops, intensive engagement with through the audience.” at-risk youth, and street theater performances. Pro- As a cultural phenomenon for four decades, gramming reflects the diversity of the city of Boston, Near's been around long enough for several gen- gives voice to underserved LGBT community mem- erations to become familiar with -- and passionate bers, creates avenues for cross-cultural dialogue about -- her work. Fans were eager to share the ex- and breaks down the barriers of homophobia, big- perience with the younger generation, evidenced otry and hate. See Holly Near on page 17 www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 17 Paradise City Arts Festival brings 175 craft Holly Near from page 16 by numerous older attendees who brought chil- designers & artists to its Marlborough, MA show Where: dren and grandchildren to the show. Royal Plaza Trade Center At one performance, Holly Near welcomed a Marlborough, Ma—This month, Marl- borough, MA. 181 Boston Post Road West, Route 20 West surprise guest: singer Evelyn Harris. Audience boro, Massachusetts will be the Paradise City The selection of home furnishings ranges from members had started to head out of the Great Arts Festival’s home to 175 master craft design- the sleekly functional to highly sculptural. This Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752 35 minutes from downtown Boston Hall for intermission, but instead stopped and ers and fine artists carefully selected from among show also features wearable art and a wide se- applauded as the two embraced. nearly 1,000 applicants to participate in the 14th lection of jewelry in all price ranges. For those “Holly is a true activist and artist in every annual Paradise City Arts Festival, November 18, craving a new piece of art, Paradise City offers sense,” Harris said. “She is a thoughtful risk- 19 & 20, at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marl- abstract and figurative paintings, lush landscapes, When: taker when it comes to her stage show as evi- inspiring photography and large-scale sculpture. November 18, 19 & 20 denced by the inclusion of Laura Love. Their Paradise City continues its celebrated series of Friday 10am-5pm • Saturday 10am-6pm voices are the same timbre so they blend effort- themed exhibitions this November with the sec- Sunday 11am-5pm lessly and her vocals as a solo and a harmonizer ond installment of “Picturing the Music.” In this filled all the musical spaces.” curated show-within-a-show, “Holly is a trooper, reinventing her career Paradise City’s artists draw on music as inspi- Admission: over the decades to stay current and relevant,” ration. Jazz, swing, cabaret vocals and standards Adults $12, Seniors $10, Students $8. Harris continued. Harris’ own acclaimed musi- from a different band every day in the sunlit Weekend Pass $15;12 and under: free. cal career also began in the 1970s. Sculpture Café add to the lively ambiance in the For many who attended, Near's music has exhibition hall. And if you bring your holiday gift Free full color program with admission. Handicapped accessible. FREE PARKING! played a formative role in their personal and list, have your purchases gift-wrapped and sup- cultural history. port music in the public schools at the same time! “My mother introduced me to Holly's music when I was fairly young. I can still remember Central Location: the bemused looks I got when auditioning for Just 5 minutes north of the intersection of school plays by belting out 'Mountain Song,'” the Mass Pike (I-90) and I-495, Marlbor- said local folk singer-songwriter, Arjuna Greist, ough is an easy drive from anywhere in the who attended the recent performance. “Holly metro Boston region, NH, RI, CT, ME and has always spoken to me as an artist with a clear points west. From all points, take 495 to vision, a strong voice, and an open heart, who exit 24B (Route 20 West). The show is a knows how to fill a song with inspiration and This mile ahead on the right. information without being sappy or giving a stunning lecture.” “Burl Bed” by Near is known as much for being an activist furniture maker Ken Sa- and educator as for being an award-winning singer-songwriter. She is proud of the fact that lem is one of thousands of works For Information: of furniture, home furnishings, fashion, her work has never depended on the support of jewelry, paintings and sculpture on view and for 800.511.9725 “big record companies and corporations” -- par- sale by 175 of America’s most notable artists and craft For more information & discount admission coupons: ticularly significant during her recent tour, as the /”We Are the 99 percent” designers. The Sculpture Café features live jazz every day www.paradisecityarts.com and a special exhibit, “Picturing the Music.” See Holly Near on page 23 18 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 19 On the yearly Transgender Day of Remembrance, we remember lives lost too soon By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw*/TRT Columnist is trans and has con- different in middle school and high school be- family support. Sometimes family is all you have. Every November around the 20th you sensual sex with her ing bullied and attacked, just because they were And sometimes you don’t even have that. will find Transgender Day of Remem- and, after the sex act, different. Many gays, lesbians, transwomen and It’s a terrible price to pay for being yourself. It’s brance (TDOR) events being held all violently kills her. The transmen can tell you stories about incidents in as if the best thing that could ever happen to you is around the world. These events are held transwoman suddenly their own lives where they were verbally and/or one of the worst things that could ever happen to to recognize and pay homage to our trans- becomes expendable physically abused. them. Some transpeople, gays and lesbians sim- gender brothers and sisters who have lost after the sex. Can To suffer discrimination is a terrible thing to en- ply cannot take the rejection and loss of former their lives, especially those during the past you imagine mak- dure. To be taunted, harassed, bullied, punched, loved ones anymore and they take their own lives. year, from November to November. Last ing love to someone kicked and beaten are things no one should have This Day of Remembrance is for them too. We year, many TDORs also began to include and everything is so to endure. There is also a religious element that recognize and pay tribute to those who have had all of our gay and lesbian brothers and sis- right and so nice and too often comes into play condemning those all they can take. Some religious extremists might afterward suddenly who are different and who do not “fit the mold.” say the reason these folks took their own lives is ters who have also lost their lives. There Deja Nicole Greenlaw is still a hostile climate for being different you are being beaten, Threatening your child with eternal damnation is because they were wrestling with sin. In reality, and some LGBT folks have felt this hos- stabbed, shot, and/or strangled to your death? plain, outright bullying. I know too many friends they were wrestling with the ignorance and hate tility and paid the price with their lives. This is what these transwoman experienced in who have suffered from the religious element in of others. Humans are social beings and to be This year’s who have died their final moments. their families and neighbors. Please understand cut out of families is a horrible thing. How can trans ne w s have met their fate at the hands of others There are other instances in which transpeople that many religious people are not like this and people justify hate and ignorance over love and in the following ways: throat slit, stoned, beaten, have lost their lives. In other years there were in- do not do these terrible things. But the ones who acceptance? burned, stabbed, strangled, shot, and hemorrhage cidents where young children were bullied, beat- are should suffer consequences for these shame- It brings me to tears writing this column every due to blunt-impact head trauma. Most of this en and killed by their fathers or father figures who ful, hurtful actions. year. There’s still hostility based in ignorance and group met their awful fate from men, especially had trouble dealing with their son’s preference for Enduring what others say and feel about you fear toward those who are different. To under- those men who were looking for sex. traditionally feminine things. I recall a few years when you are different is hard. Many of us have stand this situation more, please consider attend- The general public might think that the typical ago that one father would beat and rip up the dolls faced the bullying and non-acceptance and too ing at least one of the many Transgender Days of scenario develops something like this: the man and stuffed animals of the child and would slap many of us have been ostracized from our fami- Remembrance in your area, which are being held sees the woman, romance blossoms, foreplay be- him around to try to “toughen him up.” This par- lies or at least by some family members. Many on or around the 20th of November. gins and upon finding the sexual organ the man, ticular father would even go so far as to drop the LGBT people have been divorced and their chil- *Deja Nicole Greenlaw is a local transwoman in shock and anger, loses his composure and vio- child on his head. After one too many drops, the dren have chosen to not acknowledge them any- who has three grown children and works at a lo- lently kills the woman. In reality, there are many child died. more. Many family members do not want any- cal Fortune 500 company. She can be contacted cases in which the man knows that the woman We all know and remember anyone who was thing more to do with them. It’s tough losing your [email protected]. Transgender children: letting kids be who they are Northampton’s Trans Pride March was poorly attended, By: Lorelei Erisis*/TRT Columnist find the language and a bad showing of support for an underserved community I have a question for you. I’m trying to write an then accept what I By: Tynan Power*/TRT Columnist Northampton’s Acting Mayor David Narkewicz, knew. article about transgender children and the wis- ast year, I who led the march and read the mayor’s procla- dom of allowing them to alter their physiology/ I find that children, mation at the rally, mayoral candidate Michael whether trans or cis- found myself biology before they are adults. I wanted to get in the awk- Bardsley, and councilor-at-large candidate Bill your thoughts on it and approach it with sensitiv- gender have far fewer L Dwight. Still, few allies beyond the LGBT com- rigidly preconceived ward position of ity: I do a piece on cultural issues once a week trying to carry a 15- munity showed up, and an embarrassingly small for a right-wing-slanted radio show and want notions of gender than number represented the LGBs. Even the news adults. They have an foot banner in the to use this as an opportunity to enlighten people Trans Pride march media was absent, with the exception of The about this issue in a way that you would approve understanding that Rainbow Times. is more instinctual — by myself. of, which is why I’m approaching you for your That day, no one The trans march organizers claimed between thoughts. and straightforward. 75 and 200 total people at various points in the Unmuddied by all Lorelei Erisis else in the religious Fini From Hollywood organization whose day; both estimates seemed inflated to me. I won-

the rules, roles and p hoto: glenn k oetzner banner I held stood dered where everyone was, especially the rest of Hi Fini!! boundaries most adults have had to learn to play the LGBTQ community and all the local “wel- by. on the other end. (Fortunately, my ex- I’m glad you asked! Your question is certainly tended family showed up to help.) coming” and “affirming” religious groups. the cutting edge of the debate and a Transitioning early definitely makes a huge dif- What message does this send to transgender ference physically. For transwomen especially, Later, some in the organization said pretty hot button issue, for everyone except the they didn’t know about the event. Others people? Especially youth, represented by two of kids in question. For them, it seems to be very the effects of testosterone “damage” are almost the five contingents in the march? impossible to completely reverse. Five years on felt it was my job to organize a contingent. Many clear. conversations later, it seemed clear to everyone To this 40-year-old, whose fairly thick skin I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some transkids HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) has had has been weathered by years of activism, it sent a a dramatic effect on my appearance, but it will that being a welcoming congregation means and even got to have a long conversation with a staying aware of LGBT events and showing up powerful and painful message of apathy. female-to-male (FTM) teenager at a conference never change my basic bone structure. Or do I don’t think that message is intentional. If the away with my facial hair, which must be dealt for them, as they’ve long done for Northamp- last year. I was teaching a workshop, a sort of live ton’s LGBT Pride march in May. people I wanted to see there were polled, I’m sure version of this column, and he was the only per- with through painful and expensive procedures the responses of “I didn’t know when it was” or like electrolysis and/or laser hair removal. Also, This year, news items ran in the organiza- son who showed up. Rather than scrap the time, I tion’s monthly and weekly newsletters, well in “I don’t get along with Person X (in the trans figured it was a great chance for intergenerational my voice will never physically change. There is community leadership)” would have far outnum- only vocal training or very questionably effective advance. Still, a few days before the event, I ex- trans-to-trans dialogue. I’m glad I did. He was pressed concerns to some non-trans queer friends bered the blatant “I don’t care about transgender about as normal and well-adjusted as a kid that vocal cord surgery. I’ll never be less than 6’4” people or their rights.” Yet those well-intentioned tall. The list goes on. in the organization that no one would show up, age gets. Bright, curious and happy. again. answers are ones we can’t afford. Also at that conference was Kim Pearson, For transmen, the effects of HRT, the addition The trans community knows there is an “I don’t of testosterone, are more effective. Hair grows, The morning of the Northampton Transgender whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on a cou- Civil Rights March and Rally on Oct. 15, those care” camp out there. We know how to deal with ple of occasions now. She’s an amazing and dedi- the voice drops, muscles grow leaner. But they them: ignore them and keep on trucking. But we tend to be stuck being a little on the shorter side. friends — and the sole other trans member of the cated woman who runs the organization, Trans organization — showed up to carry the banner. are blindsided by well-intentioned allies who Youth Family Allies (TYFA), which does some And top-surgery can be expensive. nonetheless don’t make it their business to find It’s actually kind of entertaining to be in a room Not one single straight, cisgender ally showed great work in outreach, education and support for up. out what’s going on with trans rights, show up transkids and their families. full of transpeople. You have a bunch of very tall for trans events, and to keep with us, despite in- women and very short men. I would consider this an internal organizational If you’re looking for good further information issue, except that this religious group was the terpersonal conflicts or personal discomfort. on transgender children, their lives and their treat- If HRT is begun at or around the time of actual On Nov. 20, the trans community will gather puberty, it is magnitudes more effective. Height, only one that showed up at all. ment, the TYFA website is an excellent place to A number of religious speakers were sched- again for the Northampton Transgender Day of start (besides this column!). You’ll find links to voice, bone structure and body shape are all af- Remembrance. We’ll begin with a vigil through fected. Basically speaking, the first several years uled to give invocations at the rally inside First blogs by psychologists who treat transkids, as Churches, yet few were there when the rally town to honor transgender people who have been well as up-to-date news, personal accounts by of HRT are a second puberty. If HRT is started killed or who have taken their own lives in the young enough then puberty for a transperson is started early — because they didn’t march. Oth- and their families and other ers, with good intentions and inspiring words, past year. As one of the co-organizers of the Day useful resources. allowed to happen almost “normally” for their of Remembrance, I can’t help but see the con- true gender. showed up later, when the rally was originally Speaking as an older transperson, it’s a pretty scheduled to start. nection: community apathy, lack of support and common theme for transgender and transsexual I often have kids march straight up to me and lip-service push transgender people to the edges ask if I am a boy or a girl. To which I usually The event drew attention to the ongoing strug- people to say “I have known since I was a kid.” gle for civil rights for transgender people, the of society, where they are more likely to become It’s certainly true for me. I’ve known there was respond either simply, “I’m a girl” or “I used to victims of violence, or of the devastating despair be a boy, now I’m a girl.” Ninety percent of only group under the “LGBT” umbrella whose something askew about my gender since I had rights are not protected under Massachusetts that leads some to suicide. thoughts in my head. It just took me a while to See Transgender Children on page 21 state law. Some important people were there: See Trans Pride March on page 21 20 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com The 15th-annual Art Beat for AIDS raises funds, Credit: Gunner Scott awareness for a still-pervasive epidemic By: Casey Rocheteau/TRT Reporter tion with Kim Zandy, a DJ from Rhode Is- Last month, the 15th-annual Art Beat for land’s 92 PRO-FM. AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) was a trium- Two of the artists who had pieces in the phant success. Hosted in the posh Biltmore live auction spoke with The Rainbow Times. Hotel in downtown Providence, the art auc- Mark Freedman, who has contributed pieces tion raised thousands of dollars for individuals to Art Beat for many years, said, “This is one and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Several of the worthiest causes out there.” local artists donated their work, which ranged He went on to say that, over the years, hav- from political collages, like Rafaello La Man- ing close relatives and friends become victims tia’s “I Hate Wars,” to erotic works like “The of HIV/AIDS compelled him to keep con- Kiss #2” by Jason Preston. There were also tributing his work to the organization. Robert gift certificates, candles, jewelry and sculpture Rustermierr, another contributing artist, add- to be bid on in the silent auction. ed, “I believe in this organization, and I make Kalene Brennan, development manager of art, so if I can contribute a piece of what I do ACOS, described the event as “a great way to this, cool.” to bring communities together. It’s not often One of the most sobering moments of the that our supporters and artists get together in night came amidst the hustle and bustle of the the same space.” She has been working for the live auction. While bidders feverishly raised organization for three years, and noted that it their paddles in the air, TRT sat down with Dr. The 99-percenters of Occupy Boston proud was a tribute to the work being done, as well Lynn Taylor, a physician working with AID- as the event itself, that the fundraiser has been SCOS. “This is still very much an epidemic,” not to belong to the remaining minority happening for 15 years, with many artists do- she said of HIV/AIDS, “and this is the only By: Casey Rocheteau/TRT Reporter derless group, saying that “while the national me- nating work year after year. organization left in the state explicitly doing The catchphrase which many have picked up dia has undermined the movement and has slated The crowd itself was a hodgepodge of work around it. It’s as if it’s vanished from on from the Occupy movement is that participants it to be something it is absolutely not, it has been people who had been contributing for years people’s radars, but it’s all I think about all consider themselves “the 99 percent,” meaning my experience that the Occupy movement has as well as newcomers. State senator Sheldon day.” About the organization, she said “I’ve that they are not part of the 1 percent of America’s become something that the average person can- Whitehouse was also in attendance for the never seen another organization where the population that controls about a fifth of the coun- not ignore.” Reed Miller, a member of the Queer cause, as were several prominent figures in money goes directly toward helping people. try’s income. Out of this, there has been a reaction and Trans Caucus at Occupy Boston agreed with the Rhode Island community. Carol Lincoln, The people running things aren’t paid much that some are referring to as “the other 99 per- this sentiment, saying that “there have been many who works in customer service, was attend- and are some of the hardest working folks I’ve cent,” groups of people who have been marginal- highly strategic, broad-based coalition actions ing the event for her first year, and found that ever met.” ized in ways beyond class. In speaking to some of here in Boston and in other Occupied cities that it brought “the opportunity to participate in a While the evening was filled with merriment the LGBTQ participants at Occupy Boston, one have presented concise and well-framed sets of good cause” and bid on a custom-made silver and friendly banter, it was Dr. Taylor who put it gets a clearer picture of how this is being dealt demands to specific targets. Those movements necklace. She came to know about the event all into perspective. Without organizations and with within the community, and how the media is deserve attention and recognition; unfortunately, through her friend, Ms. Kitty Litter, who was events like this carrying the torch, she empha- misrepresenting a complex group of people. the media often doesn’t bother to send down a re- buzzing about the room in an elegant black sized, people might not receive the care they so Jamaica Plain resident Cheryl DeSanctis spoke porter, much less a TV camera.” evening gown before co-hosting the live auc- desperately need. out against the misperception that this was a rud- A raid on the encampment early on the morn- ing of Oct. 11 gained a great deal of attention. The official reason given by the Boston Police Department for the arrests was that occupiers had expanded the encampment beyond what had been allotted to them and were encroaching upon a recently renovated area in the Greenway. Gun- ner Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, likened it to “be- ing arrested for trampling flowers.” “But if you look at the pictures,” Scott said, “[it] was the police that were trampling flowers. It’s an aesthetic value judgment between a corporate park and a tent city.” When asked if he felt as though Occupy Boston was a safe space for LGBTQ people, Scott re- sponded, “There’s no such thing as a safe space.” “The movement brings together a lot of differ- ent people, some of whom have unpacked their privilege and those who haven’t,” he said. “This is not about identity politics, it’s about coming together out of class anger. Yes, people do en- counter, or I have encountered, and homophobia, but not out of hatred, [but] out of ignorance. There’s an opportunity to educate people and be educated by others. It’s a give and take.” He also stated that there are many homeless people involved, partially because it’s actually a safer space for them to sleep. Many have pur- pose. And some of those folks are transwomen and LGBT youth. Longtime Bostonian Zoe Peters was arrested protesting Bank of America the same day the occupation started and has been returning to par- ticipate on a regular basis. She acknowledged the divide within the movement, saying, “Almost ev- ery single General Assembly I have attended has been facilitated by white males. It is also impor- tant to note that I am not there every single night. Why? Because I have three jobs and I’m in school full time.” “We are united,” she continued, “but by ignoring the multi-dimensional layers we will not be able to successfully move forward and create a system that actually benefits all, not just the 1 percent.” www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 21 Tiene que haber una intervención necesaria para cambiar una lección Por: Wilfred W. Labiosa*/Columnista de TRT en verdad eran poco espirituales, poco políti- saran sobre todas las veces que quizás ellas se cillo y le dije que Dios las bendiga y ellas se a comunidad cos y no cultos. Yo esperaba por mi comida y besaban (y otros heterosexuales) al frente de la sorprendieron de mi despido. Ella me respondió Latina en después me senté en un asiento cerca de ellas. personas LGBT sin saberlo – ¿cómo esto nos que a mi también lo mismo y que gracias por mi LBoston (o en Después de comer, decidí acercarme a ellas y hizo sentir? Añadí que la próxima vez que su amabilidad. Al caminar a la puerta las escuche cualquier otra ciu- comenzar un corto dialogo. “pastor”, líder religioso o comunitario les dicte diciéndose una a la otra que deben considerar dad) debe educarse Me les presenté como ciudadano latino gay a ellas como actuar y pensar que por favor se sus palabras ya que palabras pueden doler y en la política que les y que lamentablemente escuche parte de la recuerden de su descendencia como Latina y causar daños. rodea. Como comu- conversación que ellas estaban teniendo. El- mujer ya que ambas fueron (y todavía podemos Ellas me recordaron de la diversidad de la co- nidad nos debemos las muy amablemente me dijeron que eran de argumentar) están considerados en los grupos munidad Latina y de que todos estamos en la informar sobre lo Sur América y muy religiosas. Le dije que me minoritarios. tierra por un ser espiritual que algunos lo llama- que está pasando estuvo interesante que ellas hablaran tan alto Les dije que mi matrimonio es tan válido mos Dios, otros Jehová, otros Buddha, Yemaya,

p hoto: E ric H ess no sólo en nuestro usando palabras profanas; ellas se disculparon. como el de cualquier otra persona y que nunca y tantos otros nombres, pero la mayoría sabe- “patio” pero también en todo el estado Ellas me hablaron de que en la conversación no nosotros, como comunidad LGBT, hemos ex- mos que estamos aquí por algo “grande”. y la nación. Debemos aprender de los sabían que decir ya que estaban tan furiosas por igido un trato diferente a los demás o que ni las Esto es una conversación de sólo minutos, diferentes puntos de vista antes de for- ver a unos vecinos de ellas besándose y toma- iglesias tienen que casarnos. Sólo pedimos el ¿pero se imaginan que puede pasar si todos/as malizar nuestros propios pensamientos dos de las manos al frente de la casa. Ellas me derecho como cualquier otra persona sin impor- tenemos conversaciones de esta índole con los o manera de pensar. No debemos asumir dijeron que era la segunda vez que veían esto tar raza, religión, creencias ni demás. En esos que conocemos? ¡Se imaginan como la comuni- latin vision latin todo lo que leemos en los periódicos o y que no querían que sus hijos/as vieran estos minutos, creo que ellas y yo nos comprendimos dad Latina cambiaría la perspectiva que tienen lo que vemos en la televisión es la completa re- comportamientos. Ellas querían poder tener la y aprendimos del uno al otro. Quizás entendier- de la comunidad Latina LGBT! Con el diálogo alidad y que envés sólo representa un punto de oportunidad de votar en contra de los derechos on mi punto de vista. Sé que yo entendí un poco no argumentos, con una conversación no con vista. Es importante leer artículos y ver noticias para los homosexuales incluyendo que no ejer- de donde surgieron estas ideas—de una religión gritos ni relajos, el mundo pude cambiar. No que son neutrales y aprobadas por las agencias zan abiertamente en la milicia. Les expliqué que e iglesia homofóbica y no de una espiritualidad lo hagamos solamente durante Octubre 11, el nacionales e internacionales de noticias. yo era parte de los matrimonios homosexuales llena de amor y aceptación. Entendí que ellas día nacional para salir del clóset, pero atrévase Yo noté esta mala educación de dos miem- en el estado y uno de los líder de la organización estaban guiándose por otros/as y que estaban a tener estas conversaciones a través de todo bros de nuestra comunidad el pasado mes. Fui para la comunidad Latina y LGBT. mezclando religión con política y derechos hu- el año. Por supuesto esto es mi perspectiva, es a una parte de Boston (no quiero mencionar Les expliqué además que si fuera por perso- manos. Espero que me entendieran, quizás le sólo una perspectiva de una sola conversación el área ya que espero que todos/as los que vi- nas como ellas, nosotros como comunidad La- cambié su manera de pensar sobre el asunto o pero de esta manera todos/as podemos ayudar ven allí no actúen de esa manera). Entré a un tina (de color) estuviéramos todavía caminando por lo menos la eduqué al respecto. Deseo haber a cambiar la perspectiva general. Quizás poda- local que vende pollos y habían dos personas al lado opuesto de la calle y no tendríamos los ayudado a esta pareja gay de alguna manera. No mos comenzar a cambiar la mala educación de comiendo y conversando en voz alta en español mismos derechos que tenemos ahora. Les men- sé el nombre de ellas, no sé dónde viven, ni a algunos latinos/as en nuestra sociedad y hacer sobre acontecimientos y como se sentían al re- cioné que si fuera así, las relaciones bi-raciales que iglesia van o que creencia religiosa practi- una comunidad más amena, con menos vio- specto. Estaban utilizando palabras profanas en entre latinos y personas blancas no existirían. can. Lo que sí sé es que las hice pensar mas allá lencia en contra de nuestra comunidad Latina contra de la comunidad LGBT y diciendo frases Ellas me escuchaban y una de ellas me dijo que de lo que ellas acostumbraban a pensar. LGBT. ¡Sólo quisiera una mejor educación para sin sentido alguno; toda la conversación con un esta era la primera vez que alguien la hacía pen- En pocos momentos, las hice conocer un todos/as! sentimiento vicioso. Estas dos mujeres adultas sar al respecto de este punto de vista y de esa poco de mí y le di un toque personal al tema. *Escrito por Wilfred W. Labiosa, director creían que eran pensamientos apropiados pero manera. Les indiqué también que las dos pen- Terminamos la conversación con un adiós sen- ejecutivo de CASPAR Inc. y activista local. Pregúntale a Lambda Legal – Regreso a la escuela y el acoso escolar Transgender Children from page 19 the time that’s all the explanation needed and Por: Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, Abogado, mentos contra la discriminación incluyendo escrito con la escuela y mantenga copias de while I watch their parents sputter and twitch Lambda Legal orientación sexual e identidad y expresión de todos los documentos que envía o recibe. Si in confusion and discomfort, the kids just move P: Mi hija está en el colegio secundario y género. Pero aún si su estado no los tiene, pu- encuentra que la queja no mejora la situación on to whatever is next, with completely easy recientemente salió del clóset. Ha estado aco- ede que estén incluidas en las ordenanzas mu- de su hijo, llame a Lambda Legal al 866-542- acceptance. sada por sus compañeros de clase, y estoy pre- nicipales o del distrito escolar. Lambda Legal 8336 (tenemos especialistas que hablan espa- My experience is that kids know. They just ocupado que esto afectará su salud y el trabajo ha logrado que las cortes acepten que la dis- ñol). Si alguien amenaza o ataca físicamente a feel it in their bones if they are the “wrong” escolar. ¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudarla? criminación en las escuelas contra los jóvenes su hijo, comuníquese con la policía. gender. It’s adults who have issues and inse- R: Nadie se debe sentir inseguro en un lugar LGBT es legalmente inaceptable. Exija un Ambiente Seguro: Sigue au- curities about transkids. So to strike a sort of que se supone que es de crianza saludable. Sin Tome Acción: Primero, haga un plan de mentando el número de distritos escolares que balance, what is mostly done, at least so far as embargo, el año pasado, 80 por ciento de estu- seguridad con su hijo/a, el cual podría incluir han tomado los pasos para hacer las escuelas I understand it, is that transkids are placed on diantes lesbianas, gay, bisexuales o transgéne- una manera segura de llegar y regresar de la más inclusivas y que apoyen a las personas puberty-delaying drugs until they reach a legal ros (LGBT) reportaron haber sido acosados. escuela, o pedirle a alguien que acompañe a su LGBT. Por ejemplo, algunos han implemen- age of consent. At which time they can choose El acoso y la violencia tienen consecuencias tado reglamentos que prohíben la discrimi- to start HRT or not. terribles: pueden poner en riesgo el funcio- nación basada en la orientación sexual o iden- Given the wide range of when puberty ac- namiento académico, y los estudiantes LGBT tidad de género, han fomentado la creación de tually begins for teenagers, this seems pretty son más propensos a la depresión y suicidio. grupos de apoyo para estudiantes LGBT y han reasonable. Isn’t it better to let kids avoid years Aquí compartimos algunos pasos que puede expandido el currículo para enseñar respeto of pain, shame and questioning by letting them tomar para proteger a sus hijos: hacia las diferencias de orientaciones sexuales be who they already know themselves to be? Demuestre Su Apoyo: Es esencial que los e identidades de género. Además del apoyo Kids are smart, smarter than us sometimes. jóvenes LGBT sepan que sus familias los qui- que le provee a su hijo, considere reunirse con Why not listen to what they have to say about eren y los apoyan. A pesar de percepciones er- la facultad, la administración escolar y otros themselves, rather than force them into our own róneas, las personas LGBT no escogen su ori- padres para discutir asuntos como la seguridad little boxes. entación sexual e identidad de género, y esas y el currículo contra la discriminación. Be well friends! And keep those questions características no tienen que ver con el valor Los Padres y sus Hijos sin Documentación coming! I’m always here to help! de una persona. Los padres también pueden Tienen Derechos: La ley requiere que las es- Slainte! recibir apoyo de organizaciones como PFLAG cuelas ofrezcan a los estudiantes inmigrantes *Lorelei Erisis, former Miss Trans New Eng- (202-467-8180, para español oprima 9). los mismos beneficios y servicios que les of- land, can be contacted at: loreleierisis@ther- Conozca los Derechos de sus Hijos: Todo recen a los demás. La ley lo protege a usted y ainbowtimesmass.com. niño tiene el derecho de recibir una educación a su hijo de la discriminación basada en raza, pública gratis hasta el grado 12 sin importar la origen étnico, sexo, discapacidad, estatus mi- raza, la nacionalidad, el idioma o el estatus mi- gratorio, o nacionalidad. La ley le prohíbe a las Trans Pride March from page 19 gratorio, sin temor a riesgo de discriminación escuelas públicas requerir información o doc- The cycle needs to stop. And the change o deportación. La Constitución de los Estados umentación de estatus migratorio. Además, la must begin with allies. This movement cannot Unidos garantiza a todas las personas —inclu- hijo/a. Segundo, mantenga, por escrito, infor- ley federal le prohíbe a las escuelas compartir afford apathy. Too many real lives are at stake. so su hijo o hija LGBT— protección igual bajo mación sobre los problemas que está teniendo información académica de su hijo con alguien To get involved with Northampton Trans- la ley, y las constituciones estatales contienen su hijo. Incluya detalles de lo que ha pasado, fuera de la escuela sin su permiso, a menos se gender Day of Remembrance, emailnorthamp- protecciones similares. La ley federal conoci- las personas involucradas, dónde y cuándo el trate de un asunto relacionado a la educación [email protected]. da como Título IX, la cual aplica a las escuelas incidente tomó lugar, y posibles testigos. Ter- de su hijo. Esto prohíbe que las escuelas com- *Tynan Power is an FTM parent, writer, que reciben fondos federales, no sólo prohíbe cero, denuncie todo acoso y abuso al director partan documentos con la policía o agentes de Muslim and interfaith leader. He is the author la discriminación basada en el sexo, sino tam- de la escuela. Los consejeros y maestros en inmigración sin una orden judicial. of “The War on the Home Front: A Queer bién acoso y discriminación por no amoldarse quien usted confía podrían ayudarle, pero la Si tienes una pregunta legal o necesitas ayu- Family after 9/11” in the new anthology “Pro- a los estereotipos de géneros. En algunos esta- ley no los obliga a tomar acción al mismo ex- da legal, por favor visite: www.lambdalegal. gressive Muslim Identities.” E-mail him at dos, se requiere que las escuelas tengan regla- tremo que al director. Presente una queja por org/ayuda [email protected]. 22 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com Thinking Out Loud from page 2 so beautifully exposed: that all LGBT people And the Award(s) go to from page 2 life: the Beatles, though one seems to think I’m were suicidal, homicidal, mistaken, or – in a The Community Champion Award pre- To Cook is To Love: oversensitive about John Lennon. So, even strangely repetitive trope – vampires, before sented by CABO’s President, Dena Castri- with people I care about, I find myself down- they got all cuddly. In movies from Basic cone, was awarded to Diana Lombardi. Diana A Foodies Journal playing my already mild support for my own Instinct, to Personal Best, to The Hunger, is a true all-star for the LGBT community community. I confess that I worry my friends there wasn’t a feel-good lesbian character to within Connecticut. She works tirelessly for will say, “Oh, she’s off again,” just because be found. This was so routine that when the the CT TransAdvocacy Coalition, as well as Food and Politics sweetly positive lesbian flick, Desert Hearts, I have to point out that however much you volunteering for CTequality, True Colors, By: John Verlinden*/TRT Cuisine Expert might like Rick Santorum’s economic ideas, came out in 1985 in L.A., every lesbian I’d CABO and many others. Diana embodies a he actually used the words “man on dog” to ever met was in that ticket line opening day, community advocate and champion. She has ven though explain his opposition to same-sex marriage. it was so exciting. The audience erupted when made a significant impact on the CT LGBT it’s still a I know why I’m biting my lip: I’m showing the film’s lesbian ingénue arrived on the community. Eyear away that I don’t have a chip on my shoulder, that screen, defiant and joyful, driving backwards CABO is able to provide services to its the races for Presi- my lesbian identity is a joy-joy modern thing. at 60 miles an hour in her convertible. member in large part due to our corporate dent and for U.S. I worry that if I make too many comments Now that we are moving quickly into no- partnerships, which include; Aetna, Fox- Senator from Mas- about injustice against LGBT people, people big-deal-land, I sometimes feel like it’s my woods, Murtha Cullina LLP, Comcast Busi- sachusetts are al- will think I’m – yes – an angry, miserable les- job to be the model post-liberation lesbian, ness Class, Bearingstar Insurance, Nutmeg ready in full swing. bian. I know better, but it’s an old, deep re- to treat this recent history as quaint and silly State Federal Credit Union, Clear Channel I couldn’t be more flex against an old image that hovers around – which is a mistake. Last month a 17-year- Radio and The Rainbow Times. Each of these excited! After food, old boy was shoved and taunted in Tennessee the next big passion whenever I have a moment of righteous anger businesses has something great to offer and p hoto: rachel o w er or am feeling emphatic. I see it there, in its for wearing a GSA t-shirt at his school – his their commitment and support to the LGBT in my life is public mannish gray suit and severe hair-do, but oth- principal reportedly egged his tormentors on. community is what separates them from the policy. And, every ers may not. That same week 14-year-old Jamey Rode- rest. We highly encourage you to do business four years my “foodie” and “political If you are too young to know what I’m talk- meyer killed himself in Buffalo, New York with one or all of them. junkie” alter egos get the opportunity ing about, first, let me say how happy that after relentless bullying. Those old images are * In her role as Executive Director, Jenn is to work together. makes me. Second, it’s time for a LGBT his- still around, giving permission to violence and responsible for maintaining and growing mem- Food is generally not a major con- tory refresher. Please stop everything now stupidity. We’re not post-anything yet. bership, developing strategic business partner- cern on most people’s minds when *Abby is a civil rights attorney-turned-au- they’re evaluating candidates and their

and read Vito Russo’s seminal The Celluloid ships and overseeing the day-to-day opera- mucho gusto! thor who has been in the LGBT rights trench- positions on issues. So far the big is- Closet (or stream the movie). When I came tions of the organization. In addition to being ¡ out in the 80s, I was only too familiar with es for 25+ years. She can be reached through CABO’s executive director, she also is a small sues this year are the economy, health the persistent message in the media that Russo her website: queerquestionsstraighttalk.com. business owner specializing in planning, brand- care, housing, education, tax reform, business ing, social media and design services. deregulation and government spending. Im- portant stuff, but what’s more fundamental Faith, Family, and God from page 4 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all than food and water? Love suffers long and is kind; things, endures all things. There were three tiny little stories in the Love does not envy; Love never fails. The Occupy Movement from page 2 news this morning that caught my attention. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; * Paul is an author, attorney, and a semi- marily people of color, out of their homes after They weren’t related; none will probably get Does not behave rudely, does not seek its nary trained, ordained priest in greater Alba- knowingly serving them high-interest mort- much attention. But, together they illustrate own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ny, N.Y. E-mail questions about faith to Dilo- gages. If our LGBTQ organizations calling just how important food politics will become Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in [email protected]. loudly for human rights do not include fight- to each of us in the future, how complex the the truth; ing for people to be able to keep their homes, problems are and how difficult finding suitable then what is human rights for us at all? solutions will be. The first story referenced a Konczal suggests that the Occupy folks start United Nations report advising that there are preparing to move into homes that have been now 7 billion people on our planet and that foreclosed on. He explicitly articulates that a billion more will be added every twelve these spaces are “contested” and “blur bound- years, the second quoted a U.S. Department aries.” This could not be a better moment for of Agriculture analysis stating that food prices November 12, 2011 those of us who are queer to get involved. in the U.S. are expected to rise 3.5-4.5% in We know lots about blurring boundaries and 2011, and the third was a report that the White 4PM-8PM contesting spaces of ownership. If we work, House will once again include healthy snacks in authentic relationships, with organizations (dried fruit) in its Halloween treats bags. Garden House like City Live/Vida Urbana and Springfield’s Three simple stories right, but they raise No One Leaves/Nadie Se Mude, the Occupy huge public policy questions. How do we feed at Look Park movement could become even stronger. so many people? What should we do to ensure We as LGBTQ folks need to recognize that average Americans will continue to afford and 330 N Main Street, this is part of our liberation, and putting our have access to food? How do we improve nu- bodies in the blurry boundaries and contested trition and address childhood obesity? Florence, MA spaces is exactly what we can and should be Over the next year as we suffer through the doing. This is yet another moment for us to talking heads and talking points, the debates, Just $5 per couple! step up and share the responsibility for hold- the position papers, the mud-slinging and the ing oppressive systems accountable for their annoying commercials about those other is- treatment of our communities. sues; in this column we’ll explore some of the important food issues we’ll be facing as a A gathering of gay friendly and/or gay owned local businesses in one society. space to assist you in the planning of your wedding/union/ceremony. Tell us what you are con- Tanya Costigan of Bowties and Butterfl ies Event Planning is proud to cerned about, share your opin- announce the very fi rst gay wedding expo in western Mass! ion on the future of food politics, Registration required. Register today by logging on at ask a question or suggest a www.pioneervalleygayweddingexpo.com, topic for a future or snap the code below into your smart phone. article – con- tact me: john@ muchogusto.com or visit www. muchogusto.com and join our food forum. Offi cial Media Sponsor Until next time – ¡Mucho The Gusto!, ¡Muchas Gracias! y ¡Buen ainbow imes Provecho! RThe Freshest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & TransgenderT Newspaper in New England www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • 23 The OutField: Gay Sports’ Hot 100 important moments in gay sports history By: Dan Woog*/Special for TRT land was fined $10,000 by the university. She women’s boxing, dressage, bodybuilding – even had no idea what would happen afterward. o John Amae- later resigned. cricket and hurling. Would he be vilified? Shunned? Perhaps even chi’s long list Other less-than-stellar gay sports moments in- The top two stories on the list, in fact, involve physically assaulted? Tof achieve- clude New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shock- coming out: tennis star Martina Navratilova in None of that happened. ments – former ey declaring he would not want a gay teammate; 1981, and former football player Dave Kopay Instead, the Queen of England put a medal NBA basketball gay soccer star Justin Fashanu committing sui- five years earlier. around his tall, gay neck. player, gay activist, cide, and Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker Some of the sports in which LGBT athletes *Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer human rights advo- spewing homophobic comments in a Sports Il- have come out are major. Others are minor, even coach, gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” se- cate – add another: lustrated interview. obscure. Still – even in 2011 – it takes courage for ries of books on gay male athletes. Visit his website Order of the British Most of the top 100 events, however, are any athlete, in any event, to say those few words. at www.danwoog.com. He can be reached care of Empire. positive. The Giants were the first said them four years ago. He this publication or at [email protected]. Her Majesty professional sports team to make an “It Gets q s p orts Queen Elizabeth Better” video, encouraging young teens. Other Holly Near from page 17 filled and re-fueled from this show,” producer II has tabbed the hoopster-turned-social entre- squads, in a variety of leagues, followed suit. movement against corporate greed and economic Allen said. preneur for the “honour,” bestowed Oct. 26 at New York Rangers hockey player Sean Avery disparities spread to hundreds of cities across the “There will always be an audience hungry for Buckingham Palace. His selection has drawn is an outspoken proponent of gay marriage. His world. In one break between songs, Near talked good music that reaches beyond the superficial kudos from disparate quarters. National Bas- activism played a role in this year’s vote by New about attending one of the recent Occupy protests into the places that really matter,” added Greist. ketball Association commissioner David Stern York legislators to legalize same-sex nuptials. and sharing concern with a young man about the “People are frightened and weary these days, and called Amaechi “an inspiration to millions”; Di- Also in New York, “Take Me Out” – a play conspicuous absence of the generation between Holly's concert provided a respite through hu- rector of Amnesty International UK Kate Allen about a gay baseball player – made its mark on them. mor, harmony, and a sense of community.” cited his work “promoting a greater understand- Broadway. Two significant things happened: It Greist finds Near's ongoing independent suc- In these times, Allen thinks creative works are ing of human rights in all sports.” won a Tony Award for Best Play, and brought cess inspiring. far more than luxuries. Wildrose Productions is Amaechi certainly deserves the Order. But gay men who did NOT necessarily love theater, “She is the kind of musician I strive to be,” committed to producing cultural works -- wheth- he’s not the only LGBT sports figure worthy to the theater. Greist said. “Seeing her give a sold-out concert, er live events or film productions -- that have of praise. The roster of gay sports figures – and At the University of Pennsylvania, the for- alongside Laura Love, another performer I great- deeper meaning. Though the name may not ring their accomplishments – grows, seemingly by mation of Penn’s Athletes and Allies Tackling ly admire, proved to me that independent artists a bell, Allen's work has been in the public eye the day. Finally they’ve been compiled, all in Homophobia and Heterosexism (PATH) pre- can thrive.” for years. Her documentary, “Young At Heart one place. saged the rise of similar groups on other college Near is currently compiling documentation of Chorus, The Early Years” can be found online at It’s quite an impressive list. campuses. the music and activism of the four decades of her youngatheartchorus.net. Outsports – the go-to website for all things Allies were also in the news when Hudson career. On her website, Near is asking fans to Now, Allen is codirecting Northampton's Pride sporting and queer – has released “the 100 most Taylor – a straight University of Maryland wres- submit their memories from any show in her long March, “turning it around from marching out of important moments in gay sports history.” Read- tler – wore a Human Rights Campaign sticker on history, to help tell the “untold stories.” In tough town to marching to Veteran's Field,” she said. ing what’s happened since 1969 is both educa- his headgear. He went on to form Athlete Ally, a times, when many wallets are thin and belts are “Currently, I'm working on a film about a gay tional and empowering. support group that works tirelessly to challenge tight, live music performances can seem like a elder and I am writing a lesbian dramatic film (Full disclosure: I helped research the list. homophobia and transphobia in sports. luxury. Holly Near's music fed a real hunger in which I plan to produce. … I believe though art And, I am proud to say, publication of my book Some of the events on Outsports’ list sound her audience. and music we can, and will, change the world.” “Jocks: True Stories of America’s Gay Male almost random. In 2010, the Stanley Cup – won “Holly is such a charismatic storyteller and To learn more about Holly Near's historical Athletes,” makes the cut – barely – at No. 99.) earlier that year by the Chicago Blackhawks – political activist, the audience left emotionally documentation project, visit hollynear.com. The “Top 100” includes some names that are had a position of honor at that city’s very familiar, some that are lesser known, and parade. a few obscurities. All have contributed to the Others are truly distinctive, like the publica- current, explosive and largely positive state of tion in 1974 of Patricia Nell Warren’s seminal LGBT sports. novel “The Front Runner,” and the first-ever The list begins at No. 100 with “University of Gay Games in 1982. Florida settles lawsuit with Andrea Zimbardi.” But it is coming out that may be the most The 2004 case involved an honor student and prevalent and important thread throughout Out- softball captain, who was kicked off the team sports’ list. Just as John Amaechi’s announce- because of suspicions she was a lesbian. The ment shined a light on pro basketball, other men settlement mandated the first-ever homophobia and women have had similar effects on their training for coaches and administrators at a ma- own teammates, coaches and fans. jor university. Virtually every sport is represented: football Another important lawsuit occurred at Penn (Esera Tuaolo, Roy Simmons), baseball (Billy State, around the same time. Jen Harris was Bean), hockey (Brendan Burke), swimming kicked off the basketball team by coach Rene and diving (Mark Tewksbury), golf (Muffin Portland for – surprise! – being a lesbian. Port- Spencer-Devlin), wrestling, mountain biking, 24 • November 3, 2011 - November 30, 2011 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.com