5 things older Word Police: gay men need to Should we talk about be worried? PG. 9 PG. 5

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ACTIVISTS' MOMENTUM BUILDS Get up, stand up for your rights By Frank Pizzoli

All politics is local, former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill (1977-87) famously said. In support of O’Neill’s adage, Lancaster voters re- cently proved his words still carry weight. Michelle Hines tells The Central Voice that after President Trump’s November 2016 election “a group of young organizers and community leaders in Lancaster decided to hold an emergency community meeting.” They used the hashtag #LancasterStandsUp. Three hundred peo- ple came to Southern Market “to share our emotions, concerns, and to plan for the road ahead,” Hines said. She attended that first meeting and soon found herself on the leader- ship team, organizing actions, meetings, and working groups. Hines City to nix conversion therapy? is now campaign and communications coor- dinator for Lancaster Discredited gay conversion therapy is still legal despite dangers. Stands Up. Harrisburg City Council discusses prohibiting the practice. Jess King, who un- successfully ran in the By The Central Voice 2018 mid-term election against incumbent US "This practice is not based on science. It hurts Third Class City status. Rep. Lloyd Smucker as he sought his second term, also people. As other communities have acted, I want HHRC chair Boggs tells CV: “Conversion therapy, attended that first meeting. reparative therapy, otherwise known as ‘pray the gay Although Hines says that the Lancaster-based grass- Harrisburg to discuss conversion therapy too.” away’ is a spectrum of practices that aim to change, roots movement “grew rapidly without any funding -Harrisburg city council member Ben Allatt alter, modify, or eradicate a person’s sexual orienta- or staff,” the group realized that “to build real, inde- tion, gender identity, gender expression, or behav- pendent, political power and to make our movement “…a good step forward” is how Harrisburg Human iors. The Harrisburg Human Relations Commission’s sustainable we would have to hire staff.” (HHRC) nine commissioners and staff liaison support Enter Jonathan Smucker, of the original leadership Relations Commission chair Russ Boggs describes efforts by Harrisburg City Council to take a stand on City Council Vice President Ben Allatt in this action team. (via a resolution) to make this inclusive policy state- He is executive director of Beyond the Choir. “They ‘conversion therapy’. The Central Voice reported in October that Har- ment. This is a good first step toward prohibiting this agreed to become our fiscal sponsor and we fundraised so-called therapy. The next step being an ordinance, to hire four staff and open an office in Lancaster City,” risburg City Council member Ben Allatt was leading an effort to have Pennsylvania’s capitol city take a which includes penalties, for violations.” Hines explains. LSU has 800 members and thousands “This practice is not based on science. It hurts people. of supporters and volunteers, she says. “We’ve built a position on the therapy which is discredited by the American Psychiatric Association and a long list of As other communities have acted, I want Harrisburg large, diverse, progressive community in a county that to discuss conversion therapy too,” Allatt says. “Con- many think of as traditionally conservative.” professional mental health organizations. Allatt has initiated a discussion in city council that could lead version therapy focuses on the repression of your “We have big plans for 2019, so stay tuned,” Hines fore- feelings,” Allatt told CV. He knows because when in casts. “Working people have been intentionally alien- to a ban or a resolution of the practice, depending on the legal ins and outs of laws governing Harrisburg’s his 20s Allatt enrolled in a form of the controversial Please see LANCASTER, page 22 Please see CONVERSION, page 23 We give it to you straight.

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basis of sex, including with regard to pregnancy, sexual from Central America and how they hoped to be pro- harassment, sexual orientation, gender identity.” The cessed fairly for asylum. INTERNATIONAL legislators urged Trump not to sign the agreement unless the language was removed. GUYANA UKRAINE Cross-dressing law declared unconstitutional Kiev transgender rights canceled AUSTRALIA The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that a law Activists for trans- Student comes out at assembly in Guyana, which makes it a criminal offence for a man gender rights were A student came out or a woman to appear in a public place while dressed in forced to disband to more than 1500 of clothing of the opposite sex for an “improper purpose”, a demonstration in his Catholic school is unconstitutional. The law, Section 153(1)(xlvii) of the Kiev after counter- classmates during an Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, is to be struck demonstrators as- assembly reports SBS from the laws of Guyana. The case of Quincy McEwan, saulted several pro- News. Finn Stannard, Seon Clarke, Joseph Fraser, Seyon Persaud and the testers and attacked a 17, told St. Ignatius’ Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination Canadian journalist College in Sydney, (SASOD) v. The Attorney General of Guyana began with trying to cover the event. The organizers of the event Australia: “I have the arrest of the appellants in February 2009. Four of the criticized Ukrainian police for failing to protect about been working towards this speech for four years.” And appellants, who identify as transgender persons, were 40 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights he came out. The school is one of Sydney’s most elite arrested, convicted and punished for cross-dressing in activists who had planned to gather in Shevchenko Catholic schools that boasts former prime minister public. At the time of arrest, McEwan was dressed in Park on November 18 for a legally sanctioned march Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce among its alumni. a pink shirt and a pair of tights and Clarke was wear- through the streets of the Ukrainian capital coinciding “Announcing yourself to the world is pretty terrify- ing slippers and a skirt. A few hours later, Fraser and with International Transgender Remembrance Day. ing,” he said. “What if the world doesn’t like you? Life Persaud were also arrested by the police and taken to The demonstrators, who were holding rainbow flags was easier living as the straight eldest son. I had spent the Brickdam Police Station. At the time, they were and banners with slogans such as “Transphobia must so long behind the façade of a confident, heterosexual dressed in skirts and were wearing wigs. be stopped,” were forced to relocate to a nearby location man that I wasn’t sure if I knew how to be me.” He after about 100 “religious radicals and far-right groups” received a standing ovation from his fellow students. ROMANIA arrived in the park for a counterdemonstration. The Stannard said that he was inspired to come out by the counterdemonstrators included members of the far- success of last year’s national referendum on marriage Top court backs gay couples right groups Tradition and Order, Right Sector, and equality in Australia. Romania’s top court has ruled that gay couples should the Religious National Front. have the same family rights as heterosexuals, a judg- CHINA SINGAPORE ment that comes ahead of a national referendum seeking 10 year jail term for author to ban same-sex marriage. The Constitutional Court Popular DJ challenges gay sex ban ruled that same-sex couples had the same rights to a A Chinese court’s 10-year jail term for an author of a A Singapore DJ has private and family life as heterosexuals and should homoerotic book found guilty of profiting from selling “benefit from.... legal and juridical recognition of their filed a court challenge “obscene” literature has been met with disbelief among against a colonial-era rights and obligations.” The Romanian constitution cur- some internet users who question how the crime could rently says marriage is between spouses. A referendum law that bans gay sex warrant so severe a punishment. The author, surnamed in the conservative seeks to change that to explicitly state that marriage is Liu, was found guilty by Wuhu county court in eastern between a man and a woman. Critics say amending the city-state, following Anhui province after she self-published a book that India’s scrapping of constitution could violate human rights and amounts “obscenely and in detail described gay male-male acts”, to antigay discrimination. similar legislation re- according to state media. The court ruled that the strict ports Fathin Ungku. Johnson Ong Ming, 43, also known sentence was enforced due to her having made 150,000 as DJ Big Kid, filed his challenge with the High Court yuan ($21,600) by selling over 7,000 copies. The case just four days after India’s landmark ruling reported by went viral on Chinese social media at the weekend as The Central Voice. Under Section 377A of Singapore’s commentators asked how such a punishment made NATIONAL Penal Code, a man found to have committed an act of sense when some sexual assault cases often drew lighter “gross indecency” with another man could be jailed sentences. Pornography has long been illegal in China, Women are lesbians because they’re too ugly for up to two years, although prosecutions are rare. but in recent years, the Communist Party has intensi- Religious right ac- The law does not apply to homosexual acts between fied efforts to clear away what it sees as inappropriate tivist Dave Dauben- women. “We intend to argue that Section 377A is ab- content, introducing new legislation, rewards and mire, who goes by surd and arbitrary,” lawyers Suang Wijaya and Eugene punishments to help its aims. “Coach Dave” online, Thuraisingam told Reuters in a joint statement, adding made some homo- that the law is “in violation of human dignity”. CENTRAL AMERICA phobic and misogy- Previous legal challenges to overturn the ban have nist comments about failed, but a top Singapore diplomat called on the gay 80 LGBTQ Central Americans in caravan lesbians reports Alex community to renew legal action against the law a day A group of about Bollinger for LGBTQ after India’s top court decriminalized gay sex. 80 LGBTQ Central Nation. Daubenmire, while discussing a trip to Walmart, Americans recently said that he discovered that not everyone is attractive. CANADA arrived in Tijuana, “There are a lot of unattractive people in the world,” Trudeau mum on keeping LGBT protections the first members of a he said, as if this were the first time he paid attention migrant caravan trav- to anyone besides himself when out in public. Suddenly Prime Minister Justin eling through Mexico he had what he thought was a novel explanation for why Trudeau isn’t saying toward the U.S. bor- some people are gay: they’re just too ugly to be straight. what he is willing to der since October. “I don’t wonder if some of this… Especially in women… do to keep a provi- The migrants had organized within the caravan itself, Some of this homosexuality stuff going on…” he said. sion protecting labor electing leaders and taking their own census within rights for lesbian, gay, the larger group. The group had managed to scrounge bisexual and queer together resources for bus transportation to Tijuana Polis first openly-gay man elected governor workers inside a re- and a temporary place to stay in Playas de Tijuana Rep. Jared Polis has become the first openly gay man newed North American free trade pact reports Jordan until they were processed for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico elected governor in U.S. history. On election night he Press for Canadian TV News. More than 40 Republican border. The group of LGBTQ migrants who arrived said, “Tonight, we reaffirm what makes Colorado the lawmakers wrote U.S. President Donald Trump demand- Sunday had secured an Airbnb in Playas de Tijuana, amazing state that it is.” “Generations of LGBTQ advo- ing the removal of language in the agreement pledging an upscale neighborhood on the coast. Outside of the cates have dreamed of the moment when voters would all three countries to support “policies that protect home, they spoke with reporters about their journey workers against employment discrimination on the Please see POLITICAL UPDATES, page 21

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 3 Make your new year meaningful ately affects transgender women of color, legislator – Malcolm Kenyatta, like Sims, and that the intersections of racism, also from Philadelphia – in the legisla- Publisher's sexism, homophobia and transphobia ture, for 2019 can we all rededicate our- Voice conspire to deprive them of employment, selves to helping them help us? Let’s vow housing, healthcare and other necessi- to drag Pennsylvania out of its provincial ties, barriers that make them vulnerable. caves into the 21st Century. So far (I’m writing this in 2018), 2018 has Registering to vote – and actually voting already seen at least 24 transgender peo- in all local, state, and Federal elections ple fatally shot or killed by other violent - is a good place to start in both the state means. A life lost is a life lost. We’re all and the nation. By Frank better off if we’re all safe. Rather than headlines like Will Mil- lennials Shock Us and Vote? I’m hoping Pizzoli Civil Rights to see announcements like Millennials The adage often quoted to me by a Voted and Learned They Rule! sage advisor is that once, for example, Pew Research Center says, “As of an institutional setting of discrimina- November 2016, an estimated 62 million lichés aside, there are many tion has ‘one’ among them “that changes Millennials (adults ages 20 to 35 in 2016) PUBLISHER & EDITOR worthwhile New Year’s Resolu- everything.” Not so with Pennsylvania. were voting-age US citizens, surpassing Frank Pizzoli C [email protected] tions to be made. Although he has made his presence the 57 million Generation X members known in many ways, State Rep. Brian (ages 36 to 51) in the nation’s electorate ART DIRECTOR Transgender Sims has not been successful in having and moving closer in number to the Louise Sukle Big picture items include the increased his colleagues opposed to basic LGBT 70 million Baby Boomers (ages 52 to and continuous deaths of transgender civil rights allow legislation to be acted 70). Millennials comprised 27% of the GRAPHIC DESIGNER women. In 2017, we lost 29 transgender upon. Have we left him down? Has the voting-eligible population in 2016, while Julianna Sukle people in the US due to fatal violence, the general ambivalence around electoral Boomers made up 31%.” most ever recorded. They were killed by politics, our ‘not voting,” kept us from When those eligible to vote don’t, those CARTOONIST acquaintances, partners and strangers, electing individuals who can assist Rep. who do get the government they don’t Brad Gebhart some of whom have been arrested and Sims, and now Rep. Kenyatta? How deserve. And that outcome works both does not voting help the small, faithful ways. If everyone votes, one side or an- CONTRIBUTING WRITERS charged, while others have yet to be Yvonne Carmichael identified. Some of these cases involve cadre of supporters of the PA Fairness other or a coalition doesn’t get everything Louie Marven clear anti-transgender bias. In others, Act calling for basic LGBT civil rights or anything they want. That’s electoral Trum Simmons the victim’s transgender status may have help us reach the goal? Have we given politics. But I have enough faith in Hu- Terry Drew Karanen put them at risk in other ways, such as our elected leaders the kind of support manity that enlightened self-interest Amanda Arbour Laurie Baulig, Esq. forcing them into homelessness. they need to get ‘our’ job done. It’s not will prevail. While the details of these cases differ, it exclusively their job. Will you resolve to protect LGBT people SALES MANAGER is clear that fatal violence disproportion- Now that there’s a second openly-gay and vote in all elections? Dave Brown 717-944-4628 [email protected]

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4 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Community Voices

PETER STALEY’S VOICE: Do we have a ‘word police’ problem? By The Central Voice death of progressive politics. We have got to ing up the term faggot meant “your going to nip this in the bud at some point. get beaten if I can catch you” a far cry from One veteran activist with impeccable fabulous self acceptance of today. (And credentials wonders aloud if we have a Peter Staley I do it too, and I need to reas- even further from a bundle of sticks) ‘word police’ problem. Peter Staley is sess how I go about it going forward, or just start letting stuff slide. We're up against Tom Gualtieri There's also a black and an American HIV/AIDS-LGBT rights basic human nature. No one likes being told white mentality - if you say something activist, known for his work with ACT what they can and cannot say. NO ONE. wrong, you're the worst person in the world UP and founding both the Treatment Ac- Have you seen the recent polling on this? It and should be shamed and shunned. It tion Group and the educational website is by far the left's biggest liability. didn't work for the Puritans, it's not going AIDSmeds.com. He is a primary figure to work for Progressives. It's truly more in the Oscar-nominated documentary Kevin Lees "Problematic Peter!" dangerous than it seems. How to Survive a Plague. He is currently We are all - on both sides - just steps away at work on his memoir. Jeff Zarrillo Omg yes!!!!!!!!! from Thought Police, which are always driven by self-righteousness. Staley isn’t the only person wonder- Sean Sala PREACH ing if our hyperattention to language is Mike Friedman I agree with you but when actually forestalling the kind of change Peter Staley 80% of Americans think "po- people get called on shit they should not be Peter Staley, best know for his HIV/AIDS- many seek. For example, at the recent litical correctness has gone too far." EIGHTY defensive. This happens all too often. LGBT rights activism, is now at work on his Milford Readers and Writers Book Fes- PERCENT! But listen. So many of us (me included) are memoir. tival, bona fide feminist Susan Faludi https://hiddentribes.us/ terrible at listening. Especially on-line. said she thought we were having lots of Gregg Kapuscinski I'm offended by your Terry Beswick Yeah there’s something to discussions about how to have a discus- use of the word nip be said for the brashness of a New Yorker. Rick Guasco It must get exhausting sion, but not the discussions themselves. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in SF, policing other people's words; I know it's In other words, she’s asking if our hyper Tom Gualtieri AMEN. I've been saying this words choked off, silenced. You know the exhausting have to police my own so that sensitivity to words is inhibiting us to the for a couple of years now and I'm always old trope, if you go far enough to the left, others don't do it for me. point where we’re not actually talking to told to "take a seat" and "check my privi- you meet the right. lege," which is equally offensive. Steven Jack Cheslik-DeMeyer We missed one another for fear of being chastised the bud. It's in full flower now. We need a rather than enlightened? Chris Rico We constantly let the perfect be Peter Staley I know some "activists" that the enemy of the good hedge trimmer. No one is suggesting there are no spend almost 90% of their time on word "no-no" words. No one is suggesting that policing. THAT'S FUCKING CRAZY. John Weir I’m a raging word cop, and it Jody Barnofsky It's not always easy but it's language isn’t important. Staley is sug- We need to stop it with the snowflake men- exhausts me. Maybe there’s a 12-step pro- important to try to speak to people, not at gesting, as are others, that maybe we’re tality, realize that ALL humans are flawed, gram for that. them. Many folks have been told of phe- especially in how we communicate, and Still, though, being the target of micro- nomenon like demographic changes and too sensitive to making ‘word mistakes’ are concerned for various reasons, as so that we’re not having the discussions just LET SHIT SLIDE while we methodically aggressions is a real and ongoing issue for attempt to change hearts and minds over many of us are. we should. people of color and transgender people, time. and so I think that cis gay white guys l know Even so, some folks are tackling the Frank Pizzoli Susan Faludi said at recent could be more understanding. situation as evidenced by the Internet Peter Staley End of rant. Milford Readers and Writers Festival: para- exchange below posted by Staley: Tom Viola YES!!!! phrase - We're having more discussions Anakh Sul Rama I think words matter dif- about how to have a discussion than actu- Peter Staley Word policing will be the ferently depending on our priveleges. Grow- ally talking to one another.

VIEWS MY OWN: A new American civil war feels closer than ever

By E.J. Graff grandparents brought over when fleeing globalist financier. Since this one was at mass shooting since Sandy Hook—to From Tree of Life Synogogue web site Europe’s pogroms at the end of the 19th a house of worship, like the Sikh temple argue the shooting was faked to swing century), this synagogue shooting fills me shooting in Wisconsin in 2012, the rac- political sentiment (in this case, toward After the worst attack on Jews in with a desperate desire to flee. It flashes ist Emanuel AME church massacre in the Democrats). American history, it’s time to be afraid me back to the casual anti-Semitism of Charleston in 2015, and the First Baptist After all, if you can believe parents took for the future. my childhood classmates and Girl Scout Church shooting in Texas in 2017, other money from George Soros to fake their Here’s what you won’t read in the all- leaders, to the plague of adolescent faith congregations will donate gener- own children’s murder for political gain, too-routine coverage we’re seeing of the nightmares in which I was chased and ously, overwhelmingly moved to bear how can you fail to believe the same of latest mass outbreak of hate: The Pitts- captured by Nazis. It has me calling my witness that their God loves all human Jews themselves? burgh gunman who killed 11 people at a Canadian friends, inquiring about their beings. Flags will fly at half-mast and Meanwhile, familiar political discus- temple Saturday, like the Trump-crazed guest rooms. law enforcement officials have promised, sions have already begun to populate the mail bomber he’s knocked out of the Yes, it’s irrational. No one is coming of course, to sternly and vigorously editorial pages. Op-eds will bloom with headlines, may have been firing in the to round me up today, or—probably—to- prosecute this hate crime to the fullest arguments about gun rights and gun run-up to the next American civil war. morrow. But was the Pittsburgh gunman extent of the law. regulation, since, on the one hand, hateful This isn’t a war with formal sides, dec- rational? Public officials have and will con- lunatics can’t commit mass slaughter as larations, border skirmishes, and a win/ There’s a familiar script we know is tinue to condemn such an irrational, easily with knives as they can with AR- loss score—at least, not yet. But this coming as soon as we see headlines about un-American (or is it uber-American?) 15s—and, on the other, only a good guy contest—over what it means to be an another mass shooting—this time at a outrage, offering up thoughts and prayers with a gun can hold off what the NRA calls American, a fissure that may yet break synagogue, by a loner festering with rage like incense on the altar of hypocrisy. anarchy and carnage. The media will into the open—has been simmering for and resentment and infected with anti- People have and will continue to hold launch sober and serious examinations some time. And for so many reasons (one Semitism that’s been inflamed by right- mass candlelight vigils across the coun- of the spikes in hate crimes and anti- of them, surely, the intergenerational wing attacks on George Soros and the try, while others will undoubtedly find a Semitic incidents—can you say “tiki dread that my great-grandparents and dreaded, horned figure of Shylock the way—as they have after virtually every Please see CIVIL WAR, page 20 TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 5 STUDY OF FOUNDATIONS Most LGBTQ staff and board LBGTQ are still in closet WORKPLACE By Chelsea Dennis justice or LGBTQ mission, and those Nonprofit Quarterly with another focus such as art, wellness, or education. Overall, gay, lesbian, and ccording to a recent report bisexual people make up 16.2% of staff and board positions. For institutions released by Funders for LGBTQ ISSUES A with primarily a social justice or LGBTQ Issues, 16% of staff or board mem- focus, individuals accounted for 22.8% bers of participating foundations of staff and board roles. Transgender, genderqueer, and gender nonconform- identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or ing individuals account for 2% of staff transgender, but the majority are “in and board positions at participating institutions, compared to 2.6% and 1.6% the closet,” which means they have at social justice/LGBTQ-focused and not disclosed their sexual orientation other foundations, respectively. or gender identity to most of their The survey also found that the majority (53.4%) of LGBTQ people in philanthropy colleagues. are “in the closet” at work. However, the Funded by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, number of people who have not disclosed Jr. Fund, the report, titled The Philan- their sexual orientation or gender iden- thropic Closet: LGBTQ People in Philan- tity at work is lower at LGBTQ/social thropy, set out to examine “the degree to justice-focused organizations (44.6%). which LGBTQ people feel included and These findings closely mirror previous welcome in the workplace.” Past experi- research conducted by the Human Rights ence has shown that issues of privacy, the Campaign Foundation, which found that ect’s report, Working at the Intersections: through targeted outreach. absence of workplace protections, and 46% of LGBTQ workforce members are LGBTQ Nonprofit Staff and the Racial • Implement LGBTQ-friendly human inexperience with collecting informa- in the closet. Individuals in the philan- Leadership Gap. Only 24 states have resource policies. Extend LGBTQ-related tion on LGBTQ populations have led to a thropic sector are less likely to disclose. laws protecting LGBTQ people in the benefits, such as providing health insur- lack of research in this area. To address For people working at foundations with- workplace and disenfranchisement is ance coverage for transition-related these challenges, Funders for LGBTQ Is- out an LGBTQ/social justice mission, the rampant, so it is critical for institutions to procedures or benefits for same-sex sues decided to contract an independent likelihood of staying in the closet is even create more inclusive workplaces. Doing domestic partners. organization. SMU DataArts, which is higher, at 63.6%. so would improve recruitment and reten- • Enforce equal treatment of discrimina- also currently working with Bloomberg Age, status, and seniority also influence tion, mental health, and productivity. tion. Instances of LGBTQ discrimination Philanthropies on its Arts Innovation whether individuals disclose in the work- should be handled in the same manner and Management Program, was selected place. The more senior a person is within The authors include five as gender or race-based discrimination. to conduct the anonymous five-minute the organization, the more likely they are recommendations for creating a more • Build cultural competency. Offer survey. to be “out.” For instance, 62.5% of execu- LGBTQ-inclusive work environment: organization-wide trainings focused on More than 900 individuals from tives and senior staff were “out” versus • Incorporate inclusive non-discrimina- LGBTQ issues to increase awareness and 36 grantmaking institutions such as approximately one-third of participants tion policies. Enact non-discrimination encourage dialogue. the Annie E. Casey, Kresge, and Lumina working in program, support, and other rules that provide explicit protection More findings from this survey are ex- Foundations participated, resulting in staff roles. Age was also a contributing based on sexual orientation, gender pected to be released in the 2018 Diversity a 34% response rate. According to the factor, with LGBTQ-identifying staff identity, and gender expression. Among Philanthropic Professionals Re- researchers, this is exceptionally high generally skewing younger than their • Diversify recruitment efforts. Organi- port: A Tale of Two Sectors, from Change for a survey of this type and the highest heterosexual colleagues. zations are encouraged to recruit more Philanthropy, Emerging Practitioners in response rate SMU DataArts has ever The report echoes similar guidance diverse samples of LGBTQ people for Philanthropy (EPIP), and Funders for received. Data was disaggregated into offered in the Building Movement Proj- LGBTQ Issues. two categories: funders with a social board, staff, and committee positions

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6 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Health & Wellness Which button will you push? Have you ever The reason for this is that Divine Mind al- Making been to one of ways has a better idea of the way our desires Sense those luxury, will manifest. If you’re in a hurry to get to an rooftop cocktail appointment and the building elevator stops of Life lounges or res- at nearly every floor – did I mention the ap- taurants? The pointment was on the 37th floor? – you might By Dr. top floor at the be more than a little annoyed. Marriott in San But what if – just what if – that man or woman Terry Drew Francisco near of your dreams happened upon your gaze on Karanen the Moscone Cen- the 18th floor? Heck, you might be engaged ter has one of my before you even get to your appointment! favorite views of It’s been said that life is about the journey the City. more than the destination. All the events The hotel has an express elevator that takes which have occurred in our lives each had a you directly to the top. You can also take an part – big or small – in getting us to where we elevator that will stop at the room floors, even- are today. The next time you’re fretting about tually getting you to your destination at the top. the process, press the button you expect to get Which would you choose, the express or you where you’re going. the other one? Then sit back, enjoy the ride, and be amazed The answer seems obvious. But are we as at the journey! clear in our daily life choices on how we plan to get where we want to go? Or, if we are fo- Terry is speaker and award-winning author. cused, what happens if the process isn’t what Read his weekly blog at Central Voice online or we expected? on his website at: blog.terrydrewkaranen.com. In the November 28th vlog episode of “Mak- He is also the director of Spirit, Mind and Body ing Sense of Life” I spoke at length about Foundation (spiritmindbodyfoundation.org). the HOW in our lives, and why HOW isn’t important. T:10.25” T:6.25”

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Prepared by: 98064_HMK_HMK6-595.indd Southfield, MI • 248.354.9700 Saved at: 4-8-2016 12:51 PM From: jmansk-mbp-12270 by Jeffrey Mansk / Heidi Kempisty Printed At None Job info Approvals Fonts Client HIGHMARK HEALTH PLAN Print Producer Hayman, Becky Fonts: Used Swatches: Job # 161105300093 Account Mgr O’Connor, Caitlin Verlag (Bold, Book) Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Prefix 98064 Art Director Fang, Casey PMS 2995 C Trim 10.25” x 6.25” Copywriter Hill, Olivia Link Name: Bleed 10.25” x 6.25” Traffic Caitlin O’Connor SignOff_out_K_stack.eps (68%), Live 10.25” x 6.25” Art Producer Maywood, Jenny HMK_16_056_RF_4CSWOP.psd (CMYK; Line Screen 300 dpi Scale None 300 ppi; 100%), HMK_15_Highmark_BS_ Product Code 000 - HIGHMARK HEALTH PLAN Proof # 2 Wht_2995.eps (88.8%), HMK_16_AllFor- Unit Magazine Health_WHT.eps (45.32%) Caption All For Health - Men Running with Page #(s) 1 Health & Be sure to practice self-care t is a difficult time to be a queer or Wellness Itrans person in America. Not that there’s ever been an easy time, but LGBT right now our LGBTQ+ communi- Center of Trump administration to stop data ties - particularly trans and non- Central PA binary folks, queer and trans people collection on LGBT health issues of color, LGBTQ+ immigrants - are By Terrance Heath Redfield is a controversial choice to under attack. By Amanda lead the agency not only because of his It is exhausting to check our social That didn’t take long. Under the new lack of experience in running a large media feeds each morning, bracing Arbour leadership of right-wing Trump ap- government agency but also because ourselves for the bad news of the day. pointee Robert Redfield, the Centers of his involvement with anti-LGBTQ It is exhausting to see the repeated at- for Disease Control has taken a big step organizations and engagement in the tacks against us and those we care about. backward. HIV/AIDS crisis during the 80s and 90s. Amidst the constant barrage, we can feel A CDC official disclosed that the agency During the 1980s, Redfield advocated powerless. What’s the use of posting on we seek to embody this concept of self- will roll back support for the collection for mandatory testing of military re- social media, protesting in the streets, care in its truest form? of data on the health and well-being of cruits and reporting the information to calling our legislators? Will anything Part of it is being mindful of how and LGBT people through the Behavior Risk health authorities. ever actually change? when we read the news or use social Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). In the 80s, Redfield had a close relation- I remember feeling that acutely the media. If we are connected to what’s The impact of this move should not be ship with the Association for a Sound Monday after the massacre at Tree of Life going on in the world 24/7, it becomes underestimated. AIDS Policy, an evangelical Christian synagogue in Pittsburgh, which came both overwhelming and numbing. But ”The BRFSS is one of the few federally- organization that claimed HIV/AIDS on the heels of a week with multiple at- by allowing ourselves to take breaks, supported data collection activities that was “God’s judgment against LGBTQ tacks from the Trump Administration on we can both rejuvenate ourselves and be make the needs of LGBT people known people,” and spread as a result of single- transgender people, and two Black people more mindful when we are connected. to governmental agencies responsible parent households and loss of “family being killed by a white supremacist in For me, this means that when I put on for the safety, health and welfare of the values.” a grocery store. The collective weight an episode of TV to unwind after work, public,” said Kerith J. Conron, the Re- Both ASAP and Redfield backed leg- of hate, violence, and oppression felt I put my phone upside down next to me search Director at the Williams Institute islation to subject people with HIV to so heavy. I had no answers about how and don’t check it until that episode is at UCLA School of Law. testing, loss of professional licenses, and to make this better, because everything over. It’s one hour of being focused on The decision may signal that the CDC quarantine. just felt so broken. something else, and even being present under Redfield’s leadership will ignore This new development at the CDC sug- Practicing But even in the midst during the commercials rather than the needs of LGBTQ Americans. If so, it gests that the agency is already feeling of the sadness, the scrolling through Facebook or checking may have a detrimental effect on health the influence of Redfield’s leadership, self-care anger, the despair my e-mail. There’s something about that outcomes in our communities. and soon our communities will too. and creating I had this strong one hour that makes me feel more able sense that we had to engage with the world in meaningful chosen to keep trying. We ways after making that intentional space families IS had to keep speak- to take a break. ing out, showing up, It’s also about creating space for the radical, and donating, volunteer- things that are life-giving for us. What part of what ing, working, living, are the things that you love to do, that existing, and resist- make you feel most alive and connected makes us ing - because what to yourself ? For some people it’s creating was the alternative? art, dancing, listening to music, reading, resilient. We couldn’t let the or writing poetry. For me, I love watch- forces of hate, vio- ing good television, listening to memoirs lence, and oppression win, even though (right now: Michelle Obama!), playing they felt so strong. Mary Lambert really loud and singing That’s still how I feel today. Our LG- along, walking by the river, and writing BTQ+ movement - and every movement about things that matter. It can be chal- for liberation - has been built on resis- lenging for us to create space for these tance, since we know as Dr. King said things, due to lack of time or resources, that “freedom is never voluntarily given exhaustion or depression, or being in a IMPROVING by the oppressor; it must be demanded place where we’re just trying to survive. by the oppressed”. It is often one step In some ways, self-care is a luxury - but forward and two steps back - because it shouldn’t be, because it is critical to YOUR social change is not linear, and those in our survival. HEALTH The other thing that is critical to our power will always be pushing back as we push forward. So in order to continue our survival is caring for each other. One of resistance we need to build our resilience the incredible strengths of our LGBTQ+ WELCOMING ALL Alder Health Services improves the health by caring for ourselves and caring for communities is the creation of chosen and well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and members of the each other, because we are in this for families. While we may or may not have close relationships (or any relationships) LGBTQ community by providing a culturally competent and affirming the long haul. As Audre Lorde famously said “Car- with our families of origin, we have cre- environment that empowers the people we serve. ing for myself is not self-indulgence, it ated families of choice - people who we is self-preservation, and that is an act of love and care for and who love and care political warfare”. She was speaking from for us through all of life’s ups and downs. We see this throughout the history of OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: her lived experiences as a Black queer woman living under the daily oppres- our movement - the Ball Culture creating • Case Management • Primary Care sion and violence from racist, sexist, and “houses” with parental figures providing tangible support and a place of belong- • Health Education • HIV/STD Screening heterosexist systems - systems that still ing for queer and trans people of color; • Mental Health and Treatment exist today. Unfortunately, “self-care” has too often become a buzzword, and the Stonewall Inn offering a place of is commodified by our capitalist society welcome for trans women of color, drag For more information or to volunteer, please call queens, and homeless LGBTQ+ youth; 717-233-7190 or visit www.alderhealth.org. to try to sell us things or experiences. However, truly caring for ourselves in a the LGBTQ+ communities who came society that does not value our identities around gay men and others who were or our lives IS revolutionary. So how can Please see SELF-CARE, page 22

8 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com 5 things older gay men need to talk about By David Toussaint It’s common to fight the physical aspects of aging— depression may increase, and we need to check in on our loved ones. t’s never fun to admit your vulner- diet, exercise, cosmetic enhancements—but how much In the past year, I’ve found out that ability, perceived or otherwise, I have close friends too dependent on, I emotional work are we putting into actually accepting among other things, sleeping pills, anti- and it goes against our IG-saturated, that rising number? anxiety drugs, and booze. In each of the social-media world to post about above-mentioned examples, I found out through honest conversations about life problematic life subjects. ing this post. arms are never sculpted enough. After and all its myriad challenges—I had no But, heck, as older gay men, the more Like many men my age I’ve been years of working out alongside younger, idea there was abuse taking place. Most we open up about those “closed” topics, subjected to that fateful cliché, Don’t more “perfect” men I’ve been conditioned people who abuse drugs and/or alcohol the more we can relate, and help, one worry; it happens to the best of us. Our to feel this way. And then there are the want to talk about it. Many of them don’t another not just survive but thrive late gay world is sometimes about the penis, Photoshopped hunks that haunt our feel comfortable, fearing judgment. Do into a glorious old age. and when your sex drive dwindles, your self-esteem. neither; just love them and you’ll both So here, five topics that need to be social life often suffers too. (On a side Distressing as that may sound, it’s get a boost. discussed more often. Share if you dare. note: Medical remedies are important to fairly common. I’m friendly with doz- Aging Finances keep in mind, but out of my jurisdiction, ens of men who aren’t happy about the discussion-wise.) Porn, hook-up apps, the way they look, many to a much worse It’s common to fight the physical as- There are times in my life when I’ve sex saturation of marketers, and good degree than myself. We have to work on pects of aging—diet, exercise, cosmetic had money and times when I’ve been old-fashioned bitch brunches steer us this issue, and we need to do it together. enhancements—but how much emo- flat broke. (I’m a writer, dudes—it ain’t a into the false belief that we’re always In the past couple of years I’ve opened tional work are we putting into actually solid paycheck.) Growing older and gay horny and hard. myself up more to accepting physical accepting that rising number? It’s safe without an established, stable lifestyle is If you’re sex drive is a bit off these days, imperfections, and it’s been through the to say this is one issue we all share, and one of the hardest topics for me to discuss. either for a significant period of time or encouraging words—and actions—of we need to make share our fears and joys When you don’t have money, people feel just an evening, don’t beat yourself up. friends and lovers, as well as my own about getting older are out in the open. free to chat about your finances in mixed Tell your partner, your date, and opt for personal growth. Sometimes I’m shocked Because one of my parents is deceased company, usually referring to you in the a night of the many pleasures of com- at the parts of my body partners have and another is elderly, my large, extended third person. When you do have it, oddly, panionship: conversation, cuddling. You loved, and I know they’ve often been family talk about the aging process they only talk about it behind your back. may be surprised how erotic emotional surprised at how much I loved that, say, regularly. But among my gay friends For those of you struggling, if you intimacy is, even if it does not involve six-pack-free stomach. (my other family), I sometimes forget to haven’t figured it out from the news, “release.” And by all means, talk to And walk around naked more often. move the aging discussion beyond the you’re not alone. Even a lot of people your friends about how to keep sex and It’s one of the best ways to learn how “remember when we were younger?” who act like they have money actually romance alive in a time when sex may to be comfortable with your own body. conversations. Since I’m single, a lot of don’t—they’re living on a borrowed dime. no longer be your life’s ambition. Most these guys will be my old-age friends, If your friends exclude you, from parties, Substance abuse of them have been there, and the stigma and we have started to talk about health, from dinner, from weekend getaways, attached lifts when you realize the cliché, I’ve made no secret of abusing alco- finances, home life, and everything else because you don’t “bring anything to above, really isn’t an insult. hol in the past, and believe the more leading up to the really fun topic, death. the table”—yes, that was said to me once we’re all open to discussing addiction, And since I’ve lost so many role models during a time of financial duress—then Body image the healthier we’ll be—not to mention to AIDS, these survivors have become my get rid of them. Their superficiality isn’t I haven’t been completely content with more likely to seek help or refrain from solace, my inspiration. worth a dime. my body for about 15 years. I’m always at excess. And in case you haven’t looked When you think about it, there’s no Sex drive least five pounds above my ideal weight, up of late, we have an opioid epidemic time like the present to talk about the no matter what the scale says, and my in this country. As we age, anxiety and future. I’m not going to get any dates for writ-

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 9 WHITE HOUSE CLOSET Tortured history of the gay man who touched off the purge of gays in government

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, left, and Robert Cutler, his special assistant for national security affairs. PHOTO: JOSEPH SCHERSCHEL/THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION/GETTY IMAGES

By Michael Isikoff U.S. Army general who have been trying McCarthy era — a tangle of relationships Chief Investigative Correspondent, Yahoo News during World War for years to resurrect previously unknown to historians. II, Robert “Bobby” the erased history Whatever the motivation, the impact In the annals of presidential directives, Cutler Jr. became of the U.S. govern- of the executive order Cutler helped few were more chilling than a document a close adviser to ment’s demonization draft was devastating. Shinkle writes signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhow- Eisenhower during of homosexuals, and about the “climate of fear” it created for er in April 1953. Crafted during the height his 1952 presidential to understand how it gays and lesbians. Security investigators of the Cold War, Executive Order 10450 campaign. He was came about. forced them to take lie detector tests and declared that alongside Communism, then tapped by Ike “It’s an incredible pressured them to reveal names of as- “sexual perversion” by government of- to serve as White piece of research,” sociates. One security agent at the State ficials was a threat to national security. House special as- said Charles Fran- Department, Peter Szluk, boasted of The order became the trigger for a mas- sistant for national cis, president of the being the “hatchet man” and disparaged sive purge of the federal workforce. In security affairs, the Washington Matta- hearings and due process as “a waste of the years that followed, thousands of forerunner to the chine Society, who time.” He would say, “The son of a bitch government employees were investigated position of national has filed multiple free- is queer, out he goes!” Szluk, to be sure, and fired for the “crime” of being gay. security adviser. dom of information later expressed some regret about the The full story of Executive Order 10450 In that post, Cut- requests to uncover number of his targets who killed them- and its terrible consequences has only ler, who prided documents relating selves, sometimes “within minutes” after started to surface in more recent years himself on never to the government’s leaving his office. as a result of books like “The Lavender talking to the press, Robert “Bobby” Cutler, left, and Skip past persecution of Scare” and films like “Uniquely Nasty,” a was a pivotal figure, Koons at the pool at the Dumbarton homosexuals. helping to direct Oaks mansion in Washington, D.C., in “The Eisenhow- 2015 Yahoo News documentary that this July 1957. reporter co-wrote and directed. But it U.S. foreign policy PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEPHEN BENEDICT er executive order turns out there was an untold personal during an era of caused unspeakable drama behind the making of the antigay tense global con- damage to loyal LGBT White House order — a saga that is re- frontation with the Americans,” he said. counted for the first time in a new book Soviet Union. And “Tens of thousands to be published next week, “Ike’s Mystery it was Cutler who oversaw the drafting were investigated and had their lives Man: The Secret Lives of Robert Cutler.” of Executive Order 10450 — a role all the ruined. This is the texture of history. Written by Peter Shinkle, a former re- more remarkable because, as Shinkle That you have a homosexual — known porter for the St. Louis reveals, Cutler was a gay man who se- to himself as a homosexual — writing Post-Dispatch, it tells cretly pursued a passionate, years-long this order, it blew my mind.” the life story of the relationship with a young naval intel- Francis said his first reaction to Shin- author’s great-uncle, ligence officer on the National Security kle’s book was anger. He regarded Cutler a central character Council staff, Tilghman "Skip" Koons. as the “ultimate Quisling” for unleashing in the creation of Ex- “Bobby served the nation’s strategic a policy that did great harm to people ecutive Order 10450. A defense and national security interests like himself. But upon reflection, Francis blue-blood liberal Re- brilliantly, while living in private agony softened his judgment somewhat. “To publican from a prom- as a closeted homosexual, deprived of the be fair,” he now says, “he was living in inent Boston family, affections for which he longed,” writes McCarthy’s America.” a Harvard graduate Shinkle. The rest is history. In short, Shinkle BOOK COVER COURTESY and member of the As advance word of Shinkle’s book had come across a gay triangle at the Bobby Cutler's secret lover, Skip Koons, OF PENGUIN RANDOM elite Porcellian Club, has spread, it has already begun making heart of the White House national secu- pictured in his U.S. Navy uniform. HOUSE a wealthy banker and waves among historians and activists rity apparatus during the height of the PHOTOS: COURTESY OF STEPHEN BENEDICT

10 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com JUNE 2019 NYCPRIDE.ORG/2019

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TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 11 James Warhola with Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans at the Whitney Museum. PHOTO BY @ABBYWARHOLA Warhol retrospective paints vivid history by Deb Miller the Warhola Family Collection), through view of the four decades of Warhol’s Arts & Culture Writer for The Central Voice his early years in New York City as a career, and the show as a whole evinces commercial artist and illustrator in the the consistency of what has come to Running until March 31, “Andy War- 1950s (the gold-leafed drawings of shoes be the signature Warhol style – bold hol – From A to B and Back Again” at and homoerotic images are among the experimentation, color, and design, an the Whitney Museum of American Art highlights), to his world-famous Pop uncanny insight into the objects and is the first major retrospective of the Art of the Sixties (including such iconic subjects that capture the tenor and trends iconic Pop artist’s work in the US since works as the Campbell’s Soup Cans, of each period in which he worked, and 1989 (two years after his untimely death Brillo Boxes, Deaths and Disasters, Most his prescient awareness of the coming in 1987, at the age of 58). Wanted, Marilyns, Maos, Elvises, and digital age, the impact of the internet, Organized by Donna De Salvo (the Self-Portraits, and a brightly-colored and the love of selfies that characterize Whitney’s Senior Curator and Deputy gallery-and-hallway installation of Cow our era in the 21st century. Director for International Initiatives, Wallpaper and Flowers), to his lesser- The third floor offers a selection of Top center is Frank Pizzoli, The Central who met Andy near the end of his life, in known and less-appreciated pieces of the Warhol’s groundbreaking productions Voice editor and publisher, with Warhola 1986), the show is also the largest single- ‘70s and ‘80s (his 1984-85 collaborations of film, video, and TV from the ‘60s to the family members in 2003. In flowered artist exhibition at the museum’s new with Jean-Michel Basquiat among them), ‘80s, which, like his paintings and prints, shirt is artist and illustrator James downtown location (at 99 Gansevoort Warhola (Andy’s nephew), to his left the fifth floor installation also presents incorporate the latest technology of their is arts and culture writer Deb Miller. In Street), with more than 350 works that bits of personal memorabilia, issues of times. And the first floor lobby gallery purple top is folk artist and silkscreener trace the trajectory of Warhol’s career InterView magazine, and a selection of contains a group of Andy’s portraits – his Madalen Warhola (Andy’s niece). Far left on three different floors. Factory films in a darkened screening largest body of work – that range from is photographer Abby Warhola (Madalen’s Prior to the official opening Nov. 6, the room. Together they offer a sweeping the commissioned images of the rich and daughter). The little girl on lap is Oonagh press, VIP guests, and members of the Carroll-Warhola (Jamie’s daughter). museum were invited to an invitation- PHOTO BY RAY COSTELLO. only preview to celebrate Andy’s “inven- tive, influential, and important” work and to illuminate “the breadth, depth, famous, to those of friends, family, and and interconnectedness of the artist’s colleagues in the arts, created between production.” 1968 and 1987, which display his recogni- Attendees included representatives tion of the power of images and presage from the Warhola family - artist and illus- the widespread presence of portraits trator James Warhola (Andy’s nephew), across today’s social-media platforms. folk artist and silkscreener Madalen The exhibition is accompanied by Warhola (Andy’s niece), photographer an extensive illustrated catalogue that Abby Warhola (Madalen’s daughter), incorporates the latest research into and art student Oonagh Carroll-Warhola everything Warhol, so if you’re a fan, (Jamie’s daughter) – as well as some or would like to know more about the long-time Warhol associates (Bob Cola- legendary artist, be sure not to miss this cello, Robert Heide, and Bibbe Hansen, fabulous retrospective! to name a few). Beginning with examples of his paint- Andy Warhol - From A to B and Back ings as a college student at Carnegie Again is on exhibit through Sunday, Tech in the 1940s (featuring Living Room, March 31, 2019, at the Whitney Museum a view of the main room in the house of American Art - 99 Gansevoort Street, where he grew up in Pittsburgh, from Andy Warhol, Cow Wallpaper and Flowers installation at the Whitney Museum. NYC. For information, call (212) 570- PHOTO BY @ABBYWARHOLA. 3600, or go online.

12 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com COLOR

ON TOP OF THE WORLD Iceland no. 1 on LGBT Global Acceptance Index Netherlands ranked No. 2, cial Acceptance of LGBT People in 141 Countries, 1981 to 2014,” the researchers Sweden No. 3 documented increased acceptance in 80 countries, a decline in 46 and no statisti- As Donald Trump campaigned for cal change in 15. the White House in 2016, polls showed The most accepting countries were 19–25 percent of Americans said they’d Iceland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Den- consider moving to Canada if he won, mark and Andorra — a tiny, independent reports Lisa Neff, Wisconsin Gazette. principality situated between France Surveys put that percentage even and Spain. higher among LGBT voters. A second study released by the Wil- But perhaps LGBT Americans should liams Institute was titled “Examining the have been looking to move to Iceland, Relationship between Social Acceptance the Netherlands or Sweden, places that of LGBT People and Legal Inclusion of rank No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 on the Global Sexual Minorities.” Acceptance Index. Canada ranks higher Here, the researchers found that de- than the United States but not by far, mocracies with a commitment to a free though the rating is based on data from press and the rule of law had the stron- before Trump took the White House. gest relationship between acceptance The Global Acceptance Index was and inclusion. created to measure LGBT acceptance The relationship is weaker in states and inclusion and its effects. UCLA’s with autocracies. Williams Institute recently released a A third study looked at links between Following the “Rainbow Road” to LGBT Pride in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. series of studies that include rankings acceptance, legal protections and eco- of 141 countries on their level of social nomic performance. Generally, LGBT PHOTO: RAPHAELLE LAF EUILLE VIA FLICKR acceptance of LGBT people and rights people are economically better off in since 1980. places where they are guaranteed rights. GDP of $1,694 per capita. people and policies that enhance access Acceptance, in the studies, refers to In this study, the researchers were able • An increase of just one point on the to education and health care will allow social beliefs about LGBT people, as well to associate higher Gross Domestic Prod- Global Acceptance Index was associ- LGBT people the opportunity to realize as the prevailing opinion about laws and uct in countries with LGBT legal rights. ated with an increase in GDP of $1,506 their full economic potential, which policies that protect — or harm — LGBT Two key findings: per capita. will benefit the overall economy,” said people. • Having one additional legal right was “Programs that reduce violence, Williams Institute researcher M.V. Lee In the study “Polarized Progress: So- associated with an increase in a country’s stigma and discrimination against LGBT Badgett.

An Evening with BILL ENGVALL Paddy Moloney JAN. 5 | Strand Theatre THE CHIEFTAINS and special guests TYLER HENRY - FEB. 27 | Strand Theatre The Hollywood Medium JAN. 16 | Strand Theatre CAT & NAT: #MOMTRUTHS Live MAR. 23 | Strand Theatre THE WOOD BROTHERS JAN. 21 | Strand Theatre COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO Scared Scriptless FEB. 1 | Strand Theatre MAR. 24 | Strand Theatre

AMERICAN GIRL LIVE TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY FEB. 2 | Strand Theatre APR. 27 | Strand Theatre

LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL Glatfelter Insurance Broadway Series APR. 27 | Capitol Theatre FEB. 17 | Strand Theatre

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 13 Lesbian mafia, pink-haired recruit,

and the Queer Eye Dauphin hether you like fiction or non- County Wfiction, cozy up with some books to help beat the long winter Library blues. Remember, the Dauphin Book Reviews Upcoming January 11th-February 14th: County Library System is a great Figuratively Speaking place to start your journey for great Events Member’s Art Exhibition reading. By Yvonne • Opening reception January 11th, Carmichael 5-8 pm Queer Eye: Love Yourself, Love Your Life, by • Music by Free the Tweeds Antoni Porowski and others. “Feeling your best is about far February 22nd-March 28th: more than deciding what color Billy Hicks Solo Photography to paint your accent wall or how Stray City, by Chelsey Johnson. to apply nightly moisturizer. It’s Exhibition “Johnson’s smart and delightful also about creating a life that’s debut is narrated by Andrea, a • Opening reception February 22nd, well-rounded, filled with humor college student and self-de- 5-8 pm and understanding--and most scribed member of the Lesbian importantly, that suits you. At a cultural moment • Music by Tresa Paul Mafia. The novel is set mostly in when we are all craving people to ad- late-’90s Portland, but also March 23rd: mire, Queer Eye offers hope and acceptance. flashes back to Andrea’s After you get to know the Fab Five, together they AAH Annual Bal Masque Event: repressive adolescence in will guide you through five practical chapters Nebraska and forward a decade for its final Saints and Sinners that go beyond their designated areas of section. Fresh from a painful breakup, Andrea ­ ­€‚ Hershey Country Club - expertise (food & wine, fashion, grooming, home receives a second emotional blow at the club decor, and culture), touching on topics like The Pavillion where she goes to commiserate with her friends: wellness, entertaining, and defining your she spots her ex, Flynn, in intimate conversation personal brand, and complete with bite-sized with her closest confidant, Vivian. This, and an January 14th: Hip Tips for your everyday quandaries. Above all Winter Classes Start! abundance of alcohol, lead to a one-night else, Queer Eye aims to help you create a happy dalliance with Flynn’s friend Ryan, a hairdresser and healthy life, rooted in self-love and authen- and aspiring musician. Andrea’s fling with Ryan ticity”—(From the publisher) blossoms into a relationship, and she works to Visit www.artassocofhbg.com for more information & reservations keep it secret and to understand her attraction Confessions of the Fox, by Jordy Rosenberg. to him, which unnerves her. When an unplanned “Academic intrigue meets the pregnancy intervenes, must her life become 18th-century underworld in conventional?”—(From Publishers Weekly) Rosenberg’s astonishing and mesmerizing debut, which The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and So- juxtaposes queer and trans cial Health for LGBTQ Youth, by Jo Langford. theory, slave narrative, heroic “Longtime therapist and sex romance, postcolonial analysis, educator Langford has written and speculative fiction. In a an indispensable guide to a 2018 not entirely recognizable as our own, universe of things sexual and transgender university professor R. Voth social for LGBTQ+ youth and happens upon an apparently unread 1724 their parents or caregivers. The manuscript entitled “Confessions of the Fox.” It content is near encyclopedic, purports to be the memoirs of real-life 18th- ranging from biology to coming century British folk hero Jack Sheppard, whose out, from dating to the religion crimes and jailbreaks transfixed his contempo- thing, and from casual sex to personal safety. It raries. But this Jack was born female, falls in love is particularly complete and enlightening in with a mixed-race sex worker, and clashes with a terms of its coverage of transgender matters, ring of conspirators attempting to monetize a cutting through the thicket of confusing jargon potentially priceless masculinizing elixir.”–(From that usually surrounds this nuanced consider- Publishers Weekly) ation.” (From Booklist)

Out of Step: A Memoir, by Anthony Moll. The Lie and How We Told It, by Tommi Par- “What possesses an openly rish. bisexual, pink-haired, 18-year-old “In lovingly painted pages of young man to enlist in the army? comics art, with black and white Moll offers his answer: Mine was intermissions, Australian a muddled recipe: uneven parts cartoonist Parrish tells a teenage wanderlust, the deceptively simple story of emotional gut punch from the friends grown apart, who run attacks in New York and D.C. . . . into one another by chance and and a desire to escape from my stagnant spend an evening catching up. situation in a working-class home. It was early in Cleary and Tim bump into each other at a 2002 when he enlisted, the era of don’t ask, grocery check-out and reconnect. Over the don’t tell, the dictate that Moll would endure for course of the evening, as much is concealed as is eight years in the military, during which, he revealed, but what is left at the end is the stark writes, I couldn’t say or be who I was. Neverthe- understanding that, at the threshold of adult- less, the experience he recalls in his memoir is of hood, one person has made emotionally honest gay and lesbian life that was surprisingly open . . choices and the other struggles with his .“--(From Booklist) sexuality and with his own heart. “—(From Publishers Weekly) I NFO: dcls.org

14 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com COMMON LANGUAGE Trans activist Brynn Tannehill on teaching by telling our stories n her new book, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Trans It all comes together in the patriarchy – religion, economics, the status quo. Men (But Were Afraid to Ask), respected trans activist and writer control women and children, organized religions, the marketplace. The loss I of that power over so many is too threating to them, especially if same-sex Brynn Tannehill dispels misinformation and transphobic couples and transgender people are afforded equal rights under the law. myths while addressing the nuances of the trans experience. There’s been some criticism that the queer left focuses too much on In clear and accessible prose, she argues that while public under- ‘words.’ Do you agree? standing of gender continues to evolve, this evolution is also stirring pushback from those most resistant to change and progress—moral I vehemently disagree. Whether one is a Democrat or Republican, grandstanding and tribal isolation, intentionally confusing and we must recognize that the GOP is about targeting ‘different’ because inaccurate discourse, and an impulse to sit on the sidelines. What’s it doesn’t fit into their narrow mold of what is acceptable. The GOP, in needed now are singular and thoughtful voices and resources to fact, plays ‘identity politics,’ not the other way around. provide understanding, empathy, and meaning to this new civil Recently, at the Milford Readers and Writers Book Festival, the feminist rights movement. Susan Faludi said she thought we were having lots of discussions Tannehill is one of those singular voices. Her new book aims to break down deeply held misconceptions about trans about how to have a discussion, but not the discussions people across all aspects of life--from politics, law, and themselves. What are your thoughts about that? culture to science, religion, and mental health--in order We need a common language. But I don’t accept the to provide readers with a deeper understanding of criticism that the Democratic Party is fueling ‘identity what it means to be trans. politics.’ They are the only home for all disenfranchised In her book, she walks readers through transgen- groups. What we need to do is come together in ways we der issues, from “What does transgender mean?” haven’t. And vote. We need to vote. to more complex topics such as growing up trans, dating and sex, medical and mental health, and How can we measure the environment for transgender debates around gender and feminism. Tannehill people today? They’re visible in all forms of media, also challenges deliberately deceptive information but just this year, already 20 transgender women that’s being put out into the public sphere, and have been reported dead due to homicide, 14 of them debunks transphobic myths, biased research, black transgender women. And in The Daily Beast, and bad science and statistics. Samantha Allen reported that in 2017, there were 28 Tannehill spoke with The Central Voice just reported killings of transgender people in the US. as her book is about to hit bookstores. Violence against transgender people has been Why did you choose to write this book at on the rise for the last five or six years. this particular moment? And in the last several years, as the rhetoric against LGB and especially People like stories. I like to trans people has coarsened, I don’t tell stories. Our community think it’s a coincidence that we’ve and our allies learn from each seen increasing violence against trans other when we tell each other people, and especially trans women our stories. of color. Add to the mix that religious Do you think the traditional groups continue to portray us a threat to the larger community. patriarchy finds transgender people so infuriating because of its Do you think transgender people are on a roller own misogyny? coaster today? Their circumstance one of success The traditional patriarchy comes together from followed by failure? many sources. Religion is part of it, for sure, and is I think of us all, trans and other sexual identity itself patriarchal in its structure and its treatment minorities, as a collective. We join up or we die. of women. Look at what goes on in the South, in That’s it. Together we only make up 3.5% of the Indiana and Ohio, and in states and regions where population. We are outnumbered all around. Our evangelical and conservative religious congrega- only hope is in collaborating and cooperating. tions thrive. Control of others’ behavior is central to their whole view of life.

Tannehill's new book dispels deeply held transphobic myths misinformation

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 15 New director of Pennsylvania's first LGBTQ Commission shares his vision

The inclusive interpretation allows the meeting on Nov. 2. [See following page for who identifies as LGBTQ aligns with one HRC to amass cases in order perhaps in short description of that meeting.] These specific political party or ideology. the future to prove that discrimination goals include major initiatives, such as CV: Martin Duberman, who brought indeed exists and that a legislative solu- working with state government agencies us his seminal book Stonewall about tion is needed. Queers who have been around policy and programs, as well as a the trans women who actually lead the discriminated against in employment, series of Town Hall Meetings and projects resistance that night in 1969, recently pub- housing, education, and public accom- that working groups within the commis- lished Has the gay movement failed? He modations can now file complaints with sion can initialize. Governor Wolf has asserts that the movement’s fixation on the HRC Commission (not the LGBTQ also set a priority of widening Penn- hetero-normative victories – marriage and Commission), which will investigate each sylvania’s non-discrimination policies, military service – have vailed the economic complaint and can advise those respon- making the passing of the PA Fairness issues that thwart less privileged LGBT sible to stop a discriminatory practice, Act a direct priority for the commission community members from prospering. implement training, or award economic and the administration. Thoughts? damages. Following Michigan in May of CV: Why does Pennsylvania struggle TS: Duberman is not alone here. I’ve 2018, Pennsylvania was the second state with adopting an amendment to its Hu- read several articles that believes that to put such steps in place. man Relations Act that would add basic the focus on marriage equality, while an civil rights protections for LGBT citizens? important historic moment, may have The Central Voice: How do you view your TS: Another excellent question. We are also turned focus away from other needs Todd Snovel, left, with PA Gov. Tom Wolf role as chair of the Pennsylvania Commis- eager to help legislators understand the within the community. I believe we can with the Executive Order establishing the sion on LGBTQ Affairs? importance of passing the PA Fairness both celebrate what marriage equality Pennsylvania LGBTQ Commission. Snovel is Todd Snovel: As the executive director, Act. We also need all voices collectively has meant to many as well as continue the commission’s executive director. I see my job as leading and managing advocating for this – from our business to advocate for additional needs that still the commission’s work according to the owners, to our school leaders, to com- exist for many folx. strategic direction envisioned by our By Frank Pizzoli munity organizers. It can no longer be CV: What’s the function, purpose, or commissioners as well as the agenda acceptable for Pennsylvania to be the rationale for having a representative from Pennsylvania now has an LGBTQ Com- for equality set forth by Governor Tom only state in the Northeast lacking these The Victory Fund on the commission? mission recently brought into existence Wolf. That work is both internally and incredibly important protections for Sean Meloy is the Fund’s Political Direc- by Gov. Tom Wolf. Todd Snovel is the externally-facing. Internally, I work with LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. I am proud to tor. Does that run the risk of mixing elec- appointed executive director. He serves agency leaders to consider how policies, work for a governor such as Wolf who toral politics with a public service entity? on the commission in a state surrounded practices, and services are inclusive and advocates so directly for equitable laws TS: Our commissioners come with a by other states with basic civil rights affirming of LGBTQ folx across the spec- and protections of all Pennsylvanians. varied collection of backgrounds, iden- protections for queer people. With no trums of state government. Externally, I CV: Estimates are that about 20-25% of tities, and experience. Commissioner statewide civil rights protections, the work with communities across the Com- cisgendered, white gay men and lesbians Meloy, alongside his fellow commission- Keystone State’s history of progress on monwealth to listen, provide resources, voted for President Trump. Is economic ers, brings to the table a vast amount of queer rights is an eye-crossing labyrinth and promote collaboration as we work and social privilege a layer of protection experience working on LGBTQ equity of slow change. together to promote equity. not available to less well-heeled LGBT and community-building efforts. In August 2018, the Pennsylvania Hu- CV: What is the length of commission individuals? CV: Would you like to write a column for man Relations Commission has been appointments? TS: I think that, even within a historical- The Central Voice? An occasional story? interpreting discrimination based on TS: Commissioners are appointed for ly-marginalized community, we can still Add your voice to Voice? sexual orientation and gender identity two-year terms and are renewable. hold privileges based on the intersection TS: Sure – I’d be happy to consider this. as being banned under the category of CV: What are your goals? The commis- of our other identities. In your example, CV: Add anything you think is impor- sex as defined in the Pennsylvania Hu- sion’s goals? cisgendered folx, white folx, and LGBTQ tant. man Relations Act. This interpretation TS: This is a really great question. Since folx in higher socio-economic situations TS: I’d love to encourage people to con- represents a change in how a law is ad- we have only been established for three all hold privileges that other members nect with us. They can always contact me ministered based on an LGBTQ-favorable months, this is a high priority to ground of our community may not. We need ([email protected]), follow the Commission interpretation of the current regulations. and show direction to our work. We have to constantly reflecting on how we are and the Office of Governor Tom Wolf on It is an advance but not a legislative solu- surveyed all of the Commissioners to thinking about the most vulnerable of our social media platforms, or consider tion. If discrimination is found, the HRC start generating these ideas. We talked our communities when advocating. We serving on one of our working groups. will ‘advise’ but without the force of law. through lots of possible goals at our first also need to realize that not every person

Todd Snovel serves as the executive Family Health Services, the Lebanon organizations, and conferences and is an director for the Pennsylvania Commis- Community Theatre, The Sexual Assault active presenter, contributor, and Foun- So...who is sion on LGBTQ Affairs. Resource and Counseling Center, and the dation trustee for ACPA: College Student Prior to this appointment, Snovel Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Educators International. In his spare served as associate dean for Engagement Chamber of Commerce. He is former time, you might engage him through and Inclusion at Lebanon Valley College chair, Lebanon County Commission for his passion for vocal performance and Todd Snovel where he led the team working with stu- Women. theatre, event planning, literature, travel dents in the co-curricular experience and Snovel is an inducted member of the or sharing his personal journey through initiated campus-wide efforts in equity, Dream Team for the Women’s Fund of a 175-pound weight loss and commitment and how diversity, and inclusion. He also teaches the Foundation for Enhancing Commu- to leading a healthier life. college-level courses on the studies of nities and serves on the Women’s Fund genders, sexualities, and identities. He Advisory Committee. He was the 2014 Todd C. Snovel holds a B.A. in English Communications recipient of the Athena Award from the Executive Director can I contact from Lebanon Valley College and an Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs M.A. in Organizational Leadership from and received the Wheeler Freedom Office of Governor Tom Wolf Mansfield University. Award in 2015 for his support of Lebanon 601, 5th Floor Main Capitol Building Har- him? Snovel remains active in his commu- County’s LGBTQ community. risburg, PA 17120 nity advocating for equality and access Snovel has provided workshops and Phone: 717-831-3230 to education, the arts, and healthcare. trainings on issues of diversity, inclusion Email: [email protected] He has served on the boards of Lebanon and global engagement for businesses, Pronouns: he, him, his

16 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com SM

Nov. 2, the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs held its inaugural meeting at Harrisburg University. We offer FREE pickup and delivery in most neighborhoods throughout the INAUGURAL MEETING Greater Harrisburg area!

PA Commission on Why choose us?  Hassle-free  Save TWO trips ... save gas and time! LGBTQ Affairs meets  No need to be home  By Michael Kenton Mahler, unfair disadvantage based on sexual No order too small Erie Gay News orientation, gender identity and expres-  Twice a week service sion,” Gov. Wolf said. “It’s a step we The inaugural meeting of the Penn- took together with our stakeholder and  Locally owned, operated and trusted sylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs advocacy groups and one that those in- was held on November 2 at Harrisburg volved asked for – a commission to help for over 45 years University. There are about 40 commis- coordinate and drive statewide equality sioners from across the Commonwealth efforts. representing a variety of backgrounds “Today’s announcement is timely and and experiences. important, but also not the end of our Sign up online or call 920-5500. Executive Director Todd Snovel re- efforts to create a Pennsylvania that es- ported on actions taken thus far: pouses inclusion and diversity in all that classicdrycleaner.com - a listening tour of the Commonwealth we do,” Wolf said. “The efforts of the LG- - individual correspondence BTQ work group, established early in my - last month Snovel spoke on a panel administration, are recognized in many at the LGBTQ Aging Summit attended accomplishments that will continue and by about 300 people that group’s work will move forward as - the Aging Summit included several a function of this commission. discussions of a Bill of Rights for elder “When I became governor, we saw long-term care that change was needed and we made A ordable Elegance - the Aging Summit is the work of the it happen. Better yet, we are still mak- Elder Initiative and the Department of ing it happen and will do so until every FOR YOUR HOME Aging Pennsylvanian can live, work, love, and - Snovel has also been working with thrive in our state with an assuredness Three fl oors of quality used furnishings state departments and agencies on both of support and safety.” inward- and outward-facing engagement and policy work. The commissioners Vice Chair Shaashawn Dial-Snowden The Pennsylvania Commission on LG- presented a fascinating discussion on BTQ Affairs commissioners are: Chair considering our language. Commis- - Anne Wakabayashi, Co-Vice-Chair sioner Adrian Shanker shared the results - Shaashawn Dial, Co-Vice-Chair - Ty- of the PA 2018 LGBTQ+ Health Needs ler Titus, members Ben Allatt, Rich Assessment released this past spring. Askey, Mark Barbee, Chris Bartlett, Rose- Future plans include: mary Browne, Patricia Bucek, Kathy - task based work groups Cameron, Joanne Carroll, Marc Cole- - working with individual community man, Katharine Dalke, Jim DePoe, Sena- and local ordinances tor Lawrence Farnese, Representative - a series of town hall meetings Dan Frankel, Elicia Gonzales. The commission will meet quarterly, Also, Amber Hikes, Jodi Hirsh, Mal- rotating locations throughout the Com- colm Kenyatta, Michele Kessler, Jason monwealth. February’s meeting will be Landau Goodman, Maryellen Mad- held in Washington, May’s meeting in den, Jere Mahaffey, Michael Mahler, Adil Philadelphia, and August’s meeting in Mansoor, Adanjesús Marín, Sean Erie. The commission will also be launch- Meloy, Gerald Montano, Sebastian ing several social media platforms. Pelaez, Brian Patchcoski, Sarah Ros- so, Kristin Seale, Adrian Shanker, Henry Background Sias, Representative Brian Sims, Sean On. Aug. 6 Governor Tom Wolf signed Strub, Roberto “Tito” Valdes, Harry an executive order creating the Pennsyl- Young and Heshie Zinman. vania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, The Pennsylvania Commission on M-F 10-5 | Thursday til 7 | Saturday 10-4 the only one in the nation. LGBTQ Affairs joins the governor’s ex- 2635 Paxton Street, Harrisburg | 717-233-5111 “The creation of the commission on isting commissions, including those on reddoorconsignmentgallery.com LGBTQ Affairs is one step of many African American Affairs, Asian Pacific we have taken to ensure obstacles are American Affairs, Latino Affairs and the [email protected] removed for anyone who is facing an Commission for Women.

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 17 REPORT HIGHLIGHTS How to achieve commonsense goals, curb violence, save lives Firearm safety report calls all physicians, especially primary care physicians, to screen patients for risks for community approach to of firearm violence. 4. Engage licensed firearms dealers making Pennsylvania safer in looking for red flags in customers who might potentially use a firearm for Calling for a com- suicide. munity approach to 5. The Pennsylvania Game Commis- saving lives, Auditor sion should expand its hunter education General Eugene De- program section on firearm safety and Pasquale released his create a voluntary training program on special report Nov. safe firearm usage and storage. 27 on firearm safety 6. Encourage all firearm owners to vol- outlining new ways untarily use safe storage best practices, in which Pennsylva- such as locking unloaded firearms in a nia can curb deaths safe and storing ammunition away from and injuries without firearms. changing existing DePasquale 7. The state should continue to sup- laws. port hospital-based violence interven- “We cannot continue to sit idly by while tion programs and behavioral health so many Pennsylvanians are killed or resources in hospitals so they can be injured,” DePasquale said. “More than fully responsive to the violence they treat 1,500 Pennsylvanians died as a result of and ensure that unresolved trauma will firearms in 2016 – on average, that’s four not contribute to retaliation or suicide. funerals held every day. 8. The state should support commu- “Beyond the tragic human toll, fire- nities in organizing violence preven- arm-related violence carries enormous tion efforts proven to be effective. The costs to society,” he added. “Over the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime last decade, firearm-related injuries cost and Delinquency’s Gun Violence Reduc- Pennsylvania taxpayers about $1.5 billion tion Initiative is a good example of that in health care costs because 76 percent of support. shooting victims were either uninsured 9. The governor should sign an execu- or publicly insured.” tive order requiring Pennsylvania State To prepare the report, DePasquale Police to issue quarterly and monthly sought input from groups and individu- reports on firearms traced from crimes als reflecting a broad range of perspec- to help track lost and stolen guns as well tives, including sporting groups, safety as firearm-related criminal activity. advocates, law enforcement, medical 10. The state should secure funding to and mental health practitioners, firearm increase Pennsylvania’s participation dealers, and domestic violence preven- in a national network that uses bullets tion advocates, among others. to connect multiple crimes to single He noted that a unifying theme of the firearms. feedback he received was a desire to have 11. Sheriffs and other law-enforcement a discussion rooted in collaboration, officials who issue concealed-carry per- putting aside fear-driven rhetoric and mits should thoroughly check applicants’ finger-pointing. references and backgrounds before “Having a civil discussion about fire- approving applications and consider arms has become difficult in today’s prosecuting those who provide false polarized political environment, but we information. all must start talking and listening to 12. Pennsylvania State Police should each other,” DePasquale said. “When implement the Lethality Assessment we talk and listen, it becomes clear that Program, which connects victims of in- we can find common ground – and that’s timate partner violence to local domestic a giant step toward finding solutions.” violence programs, statewide. DePasquale said mass shootings, such DePasquale reiterated that none of as the one that claimed 11 lives at the Tree “We cannot continue to sit idly by while so many his proposals would impact the consti- of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in late tutional rights of firearms owners, fur- October, point to the need for a greater Pennsylvanians are killed or injured.” ther reflecting his desire to work within focus on the availability of mental health existing laws. services as a means of prevention. - Auditor General Eugene DePasquale “Misuse of firearms is a problem that “Although mass shootings attract affects not only those who are shot, but the most media attention — and under- the communities to which they belong,” standably so — such crimes account for DePasquale’s report, “A Safer Penn- in rural communities. he concluded. “It all boils down to this: less than 1 percent of all Pennsylvania sylvania: A Community Approach to 2. The stigma of seeking mental health too many people are being hurt and killed firearm fatalities annually,” DePasquale Firearm Safety,” contains 12 recom- help must end; to do that, the state should with firearms, and only by working to- said. “Of the more than 1,500 lives lost mendations: mount a culturally responsive public gether can we end the carnage.” statewide in 2016, nearly two-thirds died 1. The state should work to expand awareness campaign. To review the special report on firearm by suicide.” access to mental health care, especially 3. Engage medical doctors and train safety, visit www.paauditor.gov.

18 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com MSPC_Voice_2018.qxp_Layout 1 7/25/18 12:28 PM Page 1

DEVILISH DEEDS You Are Loved File under:

20 S. Second Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 Can’t make it up (717) 257-1270 www.marketsquarechurch.org If homophobes only knew, but they voted for anti-LGBT bills, quoting the don’t. director of the LGBT advocacy organiza- As Samantha Allen wrote for The Daily tion Freedom Oklahoma who said, “He Beast: 2017 has been a banner year for was never vitriolic about it, but he would the armchair psychological theory that make the bad votes.” anti-gay public figures are secretly gay More strident was Goodman who, as themselves. the Columbus Dispatch reported, “consis- Is the future any better? tently touted his faith and conservative Allen continued: Never mind the long- values,” with a Twitter bio that read: running jokes and memes about Mike “Christian. American. Conservative. Pence covering up some secret homo- Republican.” sexual identity. There have As more information been actual examples this about their alleged mis- year of outspoken anti-LGBT “Homophobic? deeds emerges—Good- figures exhibiting behavior man now stands accused that seems to contradict their Maybe You’re of fondling an 18-year- political ideology. old man at a conservative The same idea emerges Gay” event, and of pursu- Now Hiring! every time: The hypothesis ing several young gay Get involved in empowering, is that their bigotry doesn’t - The New York Times’ men—there is a certain inspiring and educating people in just make their sexual behav- headline grim catharsis in seeing your community! ior hypocritical, it actually such hypocrisy exposed. functions as a cover for it, consciously The LGBT community will never tire or otherwise. of bringing up the long history of Repub- Recently, there has been former Ohio lican gay sex scandals every time new— state Rep. Wesley Goodman, who re- and increasingly unsurprising—allega- signed late last week after it came out that tions emerge, precisely because they he had had sex with a man in his office. seem to be so predictable in hindsight. In March, former Oklahoma state Sen. (As GQ sarcastically put it in response Ralph Shortey resigned after being hit to the Goodman news: “Anti-Gay Ohio with child prostitution charges for al- Republican Resigns After, Surprise, Hav- legedly soliciting sex from a 17-year-old ing Sex with a Man in the State Capitol.”) The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC) is boy. Shortey has reportedly decided this A 2012 study in the Journal of Personal- hiring Direct Support Sta
to work with individuals week to plead guilty to a child sex traf- ity and Social Psychology generated a fair with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ficking charge. number of headlines that year—includ- Both Goodman and Shortey are mar- ing The New York Times’ “Homophobic? STARTING AT .HOUR GREAT BENEFIT PACKAGES ried men who were clear political op- Maybe You’re Gay”—for suggesting that Full-time & part-time positions available | Receive extensive, paid trainings ponents of the LGBT community while some self-avowed straight people who Opportunities for advancement - with or without a degree | Paid time oŒ in office. showed signs of same-sex desire were EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability After Shortey was arrested, the As- more likely to hold discriminatory at- sociated Press noted that he “routinely” titudes. www.CPARC.com/CAREERS

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 19 Robert Mueller’s latest target is a nutty anti-LGBTQ conspiracy theorist Unlike tweet- didn’t need any source to tell me.” Corsi is the type of fringe figure that from such reputable publishers as Simon happy President Instead, he insisted he conducted a the Trump campaign attracted, like flies & Schuster. Trump, Special “forensic analysis” of 1,000 pages of info to honey (or something else). One of his The significance of Corsi’s email Counsel Robert about the Democratic computer systems main claims to fame was his insistence exchanges with Stone is that it could Mueller doesn’t feel and concluded that the emails would be that Barack Obama was a gay Muslim. establish a clear link between the Trump the need to broad- coming in October just in time to turn Corsi insisted that a highly repu- campaign and Russian efforts to influ- cast his every move. the campaign narrative upside down. table source named “Carolyn” told ence the U.S. elections. But he’s made it Unfortunately for Corsi, that’s not what him that Obama joined Rev. Jeremiah In case anyone has been worn down by clear that his next his own emails say. On Tuesday, NBC got Wright’s church to hook up with men as Trump’s continued insistence that the target is far-right hold of a draft document that Mueller is part of what Corsi called the Down Low Mueller investigation is a witch hunt, conspiracy theorist preparing that includes Corsi’s corre- Club. Corsi also claimed that Obama was accepting help from a foreign entity Corsi - SIMON & SCHUSTER VIA Jerome Corsi, the spondence with Roger Stone, a political once married to another man, a room- during a campaign is illegal, whether it’s YOUTUBE man best known operative best known for his dirty tricks mate who was (in a nice conspiratorial financial or, in this case, in-kind. There’s for insisting that dating back to the Nixon era. touch) Pakistani. also that small matter of wrecking the President Obama is gay reports John “Word is friend in embassy plans 2 Corsi has been smearing Democrats integrity of the election system. Gallagher for LGBTQ Nation. more dumps,” Corsi wrote on Aug. 2, for years. He was a promoter of the Swift Corsi may be betting, as Stone and Corsi admitted that he’s facing crimi- 2016, referring to WikiLeaks founder Boat lies about John Kerry in 2004 and Trump’s former campaign manager Paul nal charges of perjury by publicly pro- Julian Assange. “One shortly after I’m also spread lies about Obama’s birth Manafort seem to be, that a presidential claiming that he refused to take the offer back. 2nd in Oct. Impact planned to be certificate. More recently, as a “corre- pardon will cure him of his problem. of a plea deal. At issue is Corsi’s alleged very damaging.” spondent” for Alex Jones’ InfoWars em- For a man who built his reputation as involvement with Wikileaks and its re- So much for Corsi’s intuitive brilliance. pire, Corsi has been claiming that Pope a conspiracy monger, it would be quite lease of hacked emails from the Clinton Corsi had denied ever having contact Francis is “OK with homosexuality and the irony if Corsi was indeed at the very campaign in 2016. Corsi insisted Monday with Assange or Wikileaks. Just to be does not seem to be offended by the pedo- center of one of the biggest—and most that he didn’t have any inside informa- sure, he apparently scrubbed his com- philia agenda, which is the next horizon damaging–conspiracies in American tion. He’s just really, really smart. puter in early 2017, as attention on Rus- for the LGBT.” history. “I connect the dots,” Corsi said in an sian interference in the 2016 campaign A lot of Corsi’s nuttiness is memorial- interview on a right-wing network. “I began to heat up. ized in the books he keeps churning out

CIVIL WAR from page 5 Will you stand with me? torches?”—over the past several years, that’s open to your tired, your poor, n Nov. 20, 2018, I conducted the which others will call “fake news” de- your refugees from around the world signed to undermine a democratically yearning to be free and ready to work Ofifth consecutive Transgender elected president. hard. On the other hand are those who Day of Remembrance since stepping Trans And with renewed attention on Gab, believe that “American” means people into the role as President of Tran- another “free speech” (the new code for whose parents were born here, who Central hate speech) platform, we’ll learn again are white and Christian, who want to bar sCentralPA in 2014. PA Topics how hatred festers like a deadly infec- the doors against the swarthy hordes. At the moment I do not recall who the tion inside the body politic, and hear And yes, at least some of the latter—like questioner was, but before the memorial more about how for-profit algorithms this weekend’s gunman—believe in service began, someone asked me how I are encapsulating Americans in feed- the more sinister slogan that arbeicht keep up with the intensity of my sched- back loops of the most extreme versions macht frei. ule and the demands of this volunteer By Joanne of their points of view. And of course we The US government has been teeter- position, and how long will I continue. will also hear that our president, Donald ing back and forth between these two In haste and in the pressure of the Carroll Trump, mouths the right words about visions for generations. And no matter moment, I responded, “for as long as I no-room-for-hateful-violence before he which side occupies the White House, have breath”. again promotes division and hatred, the other wants their country back. One However, now, away from the event I flogging his Make-America-White- side was happy with George W. Bush’s am going to answer a bit more fully...so halls, churches or at rallies. Again slogan that invites previously red meat, red state presidency, invad- for whomever asked the question, here I WILL KEEP ON, keeping on for just hidden white nationalism to scurry into ing freedom-hating nations, torturing is the alternative to a sound bite. as long as I have the strength to put one the full light of day. suspected enemies to show strength, I WILL KEEP ON, keeping on for just foot in front of the other, for as long as I It’s not enough. and keeping the country secure with a as long as the impact of the needless loss can put two sentences together, and for as All of these are symptoms—symp- sprawling (and enduring) “security” ap- of even one of my murdered transgender long as I have breath. toms, certainly, that have gotten much, paratus. The other side—the globalists, sisters or brothers causes my tears to flow. So whoever you were, if that was a lon- much more visible since November 2016. the diversity-lovers, the cosmopolitans, I WILL KEEP ON, keeping on for just as ger answer than you wanted...remember, But the underlying problem is that we the blue-coastal urbanites—thought long as I feel the pain when one member you asked! are a nation profoundly divided about that by electing Barack Obama, they of the LGBTQ family finds life so difficult So let me ask you...what are you go- what it means to be American. The had won back their country. Now, if that ending their life is their best way to ing to feel or do as you learn about the Atlantic’s Adam Serwer suggested, in they didn’t before, these people know find peace. struggle, the intolerance, the hatred, Anna Holmes’ documentary The Lov- that boiling underneath Obama’s presi- I WILL KEEP ON, keeping on for just and the denial of a right to exist for a ing Generation,that the US has long dency was a furious resistance: the Tea as long my frustration exists because one transgender person’s simple intent to been pledging allegiance to two very Party, the racists, the white nationalists transgender child is denied by a school live an authentic life? different visions of what it means to who then elected their Birther-in-Chief. system or a parent...the opportunity to The second question...how long are be an American. On one side, being an Even if November 6 brings a Demo- live authentically you willing to stand with me? “American” involves signing up for a cratic wave that puts ever more women, I WILL KEEP ON, keeping on for just as civic faith dedicated to the Constitution, people of color, and progressives into long as any transgender person is denied Joanne Carroll is President, TransCen- to the rule of law, to the privacy of the the House of Representatives,This is only a partial listing the coun of - housing, employment, healthcare, educa- tralPA; Commissioner, Pennsylvania voting booth and liberty and justice for tervailing red tide thatdistribution. rules so many tion, or access to public accommodation. Commission on LGBTQ Affairs; Co- all. This is the Americanness of Lin- of the less-populousCall 717-944-4628 states will for almost a I WILL KEEP ON, keeping on for just as Chair, Keystone Conference; Member, Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, of the surely keep the Senatelocation near Republican. you. long as I am asked to stand up and speak Penn Central Conference of the UCC, pulsing urban coastal centers, a vision Please see WAR, page 23 out in classrooms, boardrooms, conference Open and Affirming Ministry Team.

20 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com Political Updates | WORLD & NATIONAL VOICES CONTINUED from page 3 overcome tired stereotypes and elect an openly gay man liberal beliefs about sexuality for the church’s abuse Yankees to sponsor LGBTQ scholarships who stands proudly with his partner and family—and crisis. “There is no such thing as an ‘LGBTQ Catholic’ this is that moment,” Victory Fund president and for- or a ‘transgender Catholic’ or a ‘heterosexual Catholic,’ Sarah Toce reports for LGBTQ Nation that the New mer Houston Mayor Annise Parker said in a statement. as if our sexual appetites defined who we are; as if these York Yankees were recently under pressure for being Polis is an entrepreneur and current U.S. House repre- designations described discrete communities of differ- the only club in Major League Baseball (MLB) without sentative for Colorado’s second district, where he has ing but equal integrity within the real ecclesial com- an LGBTQ pride night (the Angels were also on the been serving since 2009. He and his same-sex partner munity, the body of Jesus Christ,” Chaput said in a “naughty list,” but they recently acknowledged a plan Marlon Reis have had two children while Polis was in Thursday speech at the church’s Youth Synod in Rome. to incorporate pride into their 2019 timeline). Now, political office, making him the first openly LGBT parent The text of his speech was published online by the the Yankees seem to have followed suit. In a new an- in Congress, as ABC News reported in 2011. U.K.’s Catholic Herald. Chaput objected to the fact that nouncement, the Yankees said they are committed to the the working document for the synod said, “Some LGBT LGBTQ community by way of a scholarship to honor the gay rights movement at Stonewall 50 years ago. Clerk who refused marriage licenses, voted out youths, through various contributions that were re- ceived by the General Secretariat of the Synod, wish Dubbed the Yankees-Stonewall Scholars Initiative, the Kim Davis, the Ken- to ‘benefit from greater closeness’ and experience celebration will honor New York City graduates from tucky clerk who made greater care by the Church.” the public school system in all five boroughs. The event national headlines in will be held from June 17-26, 2019. Scholarship honorees 2015 when she was will have made a positive impact toward the LGBTQ jailed after refusing to Some Trumpers think freeing slaves was bad community in advancing equality. issue same-sex mar- Donald Trump appears riage licenses, lost her to have high levels of Tadd Fujikawa first openly gay male pro golfer bid for reelection to support among the Democrat Elwood nation’s intolerant Des Bieler reports Caudill Jr, reports Caroline Linton for CBS News. In population, according for The Washington the Democratic primary last May, Caudill defeated to a N e w Post that Tadd Fuji- David Ermold, who had sued Davis after she refused York Times deep dive kawa, who in 2007 to issue a marriage license to him and David Moore. into polling data re- became the second- Caudill told CBS Lexington, Kentucky affiliate WKYT- ports Daniel White for youngest player to TV Tuesday night that Davis had called him and con- Time.com. The Times make the cut at a ceded the race for Rowan County clerk. This was the found that nearly 20% PGA Tour event, has first time Davis faced re-election since 2015, when she of Trump supporters come out as openly defied the Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay mar- did not approve of gay, and he is be- riage and refused to issue Ermold and Moore marriage freeing the slaves, ac- lieved to be the first licenses, saying it violated her religious beliefs. They cording to a January YouGov/Economist poll that asked male professional golfer to do so. “I can’t wait for the sued, along with several other couples, leading Davis respondents if they supported or disapproved of “the day we all can live without feeling like we’re different to be sent to jail for five days. executive order that freed all slaves in the states that and excluded,” he said in a recent post on Instagram. were in rebellion against the federal government”— “I’ve been back and forth for a while about opening up about my sexuality,” Fujikawa, 27, said in his post. “I Catholic Archbishop: LGBT people don’t exist Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Trump himself has never advocated for white suprem- thought that I didn’t need to come out because it doesn’t Trudy Ring reports acy, but some of his followers may. He has, however, matter if anyone knows. But I remember how much for The Advocate that called for a moratorium on Muslims entering the other’s stories have helped me in my darkest times to Philadelphia Roman United States and called Mexican migrants “rapists.” have hope.” “I spent way too long pretending, hiding, Catholic Archbishop Exit polls from the Republican South Carolina primary and hating who I was. I was always afraid of what oth- Charles Chaput, one reveal that 74% of voters in the state favored the Mus- ers would think/say. I’ve struggled with my mental of the more anti- lim ban—Trump won 41% of that group, according to health for many years because of that and it put me in LGBTQ voices in the Times, which described Trump supporters as a a really bad place,” he continued. “Now I’m standing American Catholi- “coalition of voters on people who are responsive to up for myself and the rest of the LGBTQ community cism, says the church religious, social and racial intolerance.” in hopes of being an inspiration and making a differ- should avoid using ence in someone’s life.” term “LGBTQ” in official documents — and he blames MS senator says return to public hangings would deter crime By Larry Campbell you nine out of 10 Democrats would vote to execute lynching – it was a public hanging where it had to pass Mississippitoday.org the young man that killed the nine black people in the through the courts and it wasn’t a color or a race issue. church in South Carolina — the African Americans It was just a means of punishment. And, frankly, if it A Republican state senator said that were killed in South Carolina. I bet you nine out was back again I think it would deter a lot of crimes.” reviving public hangings could deter of 10 Democrats would vote to have him executed any Mississippi exclusively used hanging as a form of crime, just weeks after U.S. Sen. Cindy kind of way.” legal execution until the mid 20th century, but a review Hyde-Smith ignited a national fire- Younger was referring to Dylann Roof, a white of records shows a vast racial disparity in how the storm by saying that she would attend supremacist who murdered nine African American punishment was carried out. a public hanging with a supporter. churchgoers in June 2015. In 2017, a federal jury sen- Between 1804 and 1940, Mississippi hanged 257 people. After a campaign rally for Hyde- tenced Roof to death for the killings, which he committed The overwhelming majority of them were black men; Smith during the last mid-term elec- in an historic black church in Charleston. two were black women. According to a database of public tion cycle, State Sen. Charles Younger, Younger Hyde-Smith initially declined to respond to the contro- executions compiled by Alabama researchers M. Watt R-Columbus, told Mississippi Today versy, but later offered an apology, which she delivered Espy (no relation to Hyde-Smith’s opponent), and John he believes Hyde-Smith has sufficiently atoned for her during a debate with Mike Espy, her opponent in the Ortiz Smykla, 200, or 78 percent of people executed by controversial statement. He then added that if public Nov. 27 runoff for a U.S. Senate seat. hangings in Mississippi were African American. Of hangings were brought back as a method of execution, Hyde-Smith’s remarks sparked backlash given that the total number of people hanged, 48, or 18.6 percent “it would deter a lot of crime.” more lynchings occurred in Mississippi than any were white. “It’s old news,” said Younger, referring to Hyde- other state. Most of these lynchings were perpetuated Younger, who is chairman of the County Affairs Smith’s remark captured on video Nov. 2 and first pub- against African Americans by white mobs and many Committee, and his wife have three children. One of lished on independent news website The Bayou Brief. were carried out by hanging. Asked the relevance of his sons, Colton, was sentenced to eight years in state “She said something out of jest that wasn’t the most Roof’s actions to Hyde-Smith’s remarks, Younger said: prison for robbery this summer, the Columbus Dispatch politically correct thing to say but, you know, I bet “Public hanging was an execution style. It wasn’t reported in June.

TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 21 Look outside the binary LANCASTER from page 1 hen it comes to the challenges ated from politics was scheduled at Lancaster Bible College faced by transgender and and systematically the group organized their first action W disenfranchised.” explicitly addressing LGBT issues. “We gender-nonconforming members Ally “LSU under- learned there’s incredible enthusiasm of our LGBTQ+ communities, it’s in the stands why people for more action on LGBT issues,” Hines difficult to say how far we’ve come. feel like their votes told CV. Academy and voices don’t “Intersectional” is today’s popular And let’s add bisexual identities matter. But we’ve word for what has been going on for a long to this concern as well, given how also seen how pow- time. When folks gather from different much misunderstanding they con- erful people can backgrounds to solve common problems By Trum be when they de- and problems unique to a sub-section of tinue to face in this brave new year Hines cide to act together,” a larger group like LSU. For example, all of 2019. Simmons Hines says. low-paid members of LSU would benefit Hines says LSU is unique because the from higher wages. Those members I’m not talking about The Great Back- group combines “advocacy and electoral without health care coverage would lash of 2016, when the new administra- work.” Out of necessity organizations benefit from health-care-for-all. Some tion in Washington, D.C. began to roll separate issue work from politics. LSU members of LSU are now paid a living back the gains that had been made in are extremely complicated and can’t be connects issues to political solutions, wage, or higher, and may have health the past two decades. whether that be immigration, gentrifica- care coverage. Some LSU members are I’m talking about the great lack of resolved without some deep learning. tion, or money in politics. gay, low-paid, no health care insurance. understanding and, yes, much willful Deep learning requires a careful con- “We believe that both major party Some gay members are well-paid and ignorance sideration of the issues, which includes establishments have failed us and need have health insurance. But all gay mem- of so many people who just don’t want taking the time to research and reflect. to be held accountable,” Hines opines. bers are not protected in employment to look outside the binary, the either/ There are so many aspects to consider Being able to say “if you don’t meet our and other public services from being or of life. in the challenges our TGNC sisters and demands, we will vote you out” has gotten discriminated against. These combina- In a recent opinion piece, Andrea brothers face, beginning with language. the attention of a political establishment tions of “what ails you” represent the Long Chu, who is transitioning from As the LGBTQ spectrum has continued that typically only responds to money and “intersections” and the power perceived male to female, declared, “My vagina to add more and more letters, too many electoral power. as inherent in working together. won’t make me happy, and it shouldn’t people are simply shaking their heads, LSU presents itself as an independent “I don’t want to gloss over the impor- have to.” She believes the definition of saying WTF? and stopping there. organization “but that doesn’t mean tance of the intersection of electoral gender dysphoria is too narrow, as it But as I have noted before in cit- we are neutral or don’t have a political work and LGBT issues,” Hines says. She emphasizes the distress many people ing media and language scholar Neil analysis,” Hines explains. Ideas that the notes that the Trump administration is feel at the incongruence between the Postman, learning new words is not a group posits are popular with Ameri- hostile to the LGBT community; that gender they express and the one they cosmetic activity. It entails developing a new understanding of the world—in cans - getting money out of politics, the “Pennsylvania State Legislature have been assigned. fighting against systematic racism and has been attacking the civil rights of the “By focusing on minimizing patients’ this case, seeing people in new ways. And humans are so wonderfully di- oppression, establishing a living wage, LGBT community for years.” pain, it leaves the door open for care to immigration, healthcare-for-all - inform There’s more – making LSU politics be refused when a doctor or someone verse, aren’t we? To achieve true understanding and their work. local. playing doctor, deems the risks too Hines says they’re “here for the long In Lancaster, when it was proposed to high,” she writes. affirmation of that diversity we need to dig into the multiple complexities of life. haul” even though when they got started include LGBT individuals in protections Chu believes that in much of current “we didn’t even know we would get in- outlined in the county-level Human Re- care there is an underlying assumption I used to tell my students at the begin- ning of every semester that we were volved in the midterm elections.” She lations Commission, “the County Com- that “people transition because they says LSU is planning for 2019 and 2020 and missioners decided instead to eliminate think it will make them feel better. The going to deal with three major concepts: chaos, ambiguity and paradox. “continuing to raise raising money for the commission altogether,” Hines says. thing is, this is wrong. … families affected by ICE (Immigration and Hines says also that Lancaster region’s Surgery’s only prerequisite should Apparently, I used these words a great deal, as I was gifted with a T-shirt em- Customs Enforcement) and addressing State Sen. Ryan P. Aument, (R, 36th Dis- be a simple demonstration of want.” aggressive policing in Lancaster.” trict) and State Sen. Scott Martin, (R, A lengthy and well reported cover blazoned with them from one literature class. Come to think of it, another class 13th District) voted against reauthoriz- story in The Atlantic last year led with Gay angle ing CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance gave me a T-shirt with Bart Simpson on this: “Your child says she’s trans. She Referring to the current national po- Program) because it provided coverage the front and “Trum Simmons: HACC’s wants hormones and surgery. She’s 13.” litical environment as posing “an acute to transgender children. Underachiever” on the back, but that’s The author goes on to discuss newly threat to the LGBT community,” Hines “Pennsylvania deserves better. We another story. emerging protocols of social and physi- says the queer community is “involved deserve a state legislature that will stand If you can’t deal with all the chaos, cal transition for young people and in all levels of the organization’s leader- up for all of us. That’s why contesting ambiguity and paradox in life, then adults who are diagnosed with gender ship, especially queer youth.” current power structures that are fail- you are not going to do very well with dysphoria. When Lancaster resident Eric Fisher ing our communities is so important to understanding TGNC people and their With adolescents the new protocols alerted LSU that an anti-trans speaker LSU’s mission,” Hines concludes. are called “affirming care” and involve challenges. thorough assessments of the young I mentioned bisexual identities at person; of course, the parents need to the top of this column, as I had been make the final decision for children thinking about the new HULU series under 18. Many gender clinics are fol- “The Bisexual.” The show explores lowing “informed consent” protocols issues surrounding female sexuality SELF-CARE from page 9 for adults, which means that once they and the discomfort many people, both are fully informed of potential benefits gay and straight, have with bisexuality. stricken with HIV/AIDS to care for other that we are loved, we are wanted, and risks of medical procedures, they In a recent interview with co-writer, them when no one else would; and on and we belong, we are home. I am incredibly shouldn’t be questioned about their director and star Desiree Akhavan, she on. This creation of chosen families is an grateful for my chosen family, who cel- needs by medical professionals. was asked about the show’s title. “I incredible legacy that we carry within ebrate with me on the good days, support The World Professional Association think it will turn off a lot of viewers,” our communities, and it is something me on the bad days, and share all of the for Transgender Health (WPATH), has she said. “I want to know why that is and that we continue today. ordinary moments in between. I know created Standards of Care and Ethical to stand by it: I know that I’m playing I have seen the very tangible ways that that when I am feeling exhausted or Guidelines and has established a Global the long game, and I want you to watch our chosen families function through the overwhelmed, spending time with them Education Initiative that conducts this thing and be like ‘Oh, that’s not Center - people celebrating holidays and is always the balm that I need. training for individuals worldwide. what I thought it would be.’ ” milestones together, helping each other We don’t know what the next attacks WPATH is “a nonprofit, interdisci- I think she’s right: In the fight for move into new apartments or offering a on our communities will be, but as we plinary professional and educational LGBTQ+ rights and social change, we place to stay, caring for each other after continue to resist let us remember how organization devoted to transgender need to play the long game, and we need surgeries or during mental health crises, vital it is that we care for ourselves and we health” and has been around since 1979. to be prepared to learn that gender and and helping raise money for gender- care for each other. Practicing self-care We need more education like that sexuality are not what we thought they affirming surgeries. We support each and creating chosen families IS radical, provided by WPATH. These matters would be. other in tangible ways, and remind each and part of what makes us resilient.

22 JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 TheCentralVoice.com CONVERSION FACT: Newspaper from page 1 Advertising Drives Action therapy. “Outside the LGBT commu- marketplace nity, not many people really understand According to a Newspaper Association what individuals experience under the of America study, 81% of adults took hurtful rigors of conversion therapy,” some form of action, such as clipping a Allatt says. coupon or visiting a store, after seeing a There are no known or expected costs to the city of banning or resolving that newspaper ad in the past 30 days, and city council doesn’t condone the therapy. more than half (53%) made an actual Allatt expects the process to move purchase because of it. quickly with final passage of a measure -MediaSpacSolutions.com Trophy House by year’s end. 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TheCentralVoice.com JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 23 Lancaster/Lititz Free HealtH Seminar

Jan. Transgender Top Surgery Presenter: Bryan Cicuto, DO 29 UPMC Pinnacle Lititz | Multipurpose Room Tuesday 1500 Highlands Drive, Lititz 6 to 7 p.m.

Learn about both breast augmentation and chest masculinization for transgender individuals.

space is limited. advance registration required online at UPMCPinnacle.com/Events or by calling 717-625-5628.