Pritchard to leave City Council: will we lose an openly NewsBriefs LOCAL & STATE NEWS gay Council member? Health Week By Ove Overmyer events include In a surprise announcement plays, films on Feb. 9, Democrat Bill Prit­ chard said his time has come and The Rochester LGBT Health Coalition will pres­ he feels very good about it. He is ent its third annual Roches­ calling an end to his 18 years of ter LGBT Health Awareness service to city government. Week, March 14 through 20. In a press release and e-mail For more information on addressed to media, friends and Health Week events, see colleagues, Council Vice-Presi­ the Calendar on page B 14, or the back cover ad, or go dent Pritchard said he will not to www.gayrochester.com/ seek another four-year term and healthweek or send ques­ his time as an elected represen­ tions directly to Erik Libey at tative will come to a close on [email protected] or Dec. 31, 2009. He added that by phone at (585) 442-2220 he "hopes to continue his public x3042. Sat., Mar. 14: V-Day: The Vagina Monologues. A pro­ duction of Eve Ensler's award-winning play spon­ sored by Planned Parent­ hood. 7 p.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery. For ticket pric­ ing/purchasing and informa­ tion, visit www.pprsr.org. At the "Have a Heart for Marriage Equality" walk on Park Ave. on Feb. 14. Photo: billijo wolf Sat., Mar. 15: LGBT Com­ munity Health & Well- ness Fair. Clarion Riverside Freedom To Marry Week forum, march Hotel (120 E. Main St.) sec­ ond floor. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with exhibitors represent­ rekindle dedication to equality ing a variety of agencies By Ove Overmyer and groups. Free STD/HIV screenings available! Bill Pritchard, Vice President Each year around Valentine's The Community Forum the Gay Alliance Youth Group. Mon., Mar. 16: Real Sex of City Council. Photo: Ove Day, 19bt advocates and allies "What's Next for New York" The proceeds collected from the Ed & LGBT Teens! (Spon­ Overmyer. across the country take action on Feb. 11 drew over 40 peo­ the raffle (for gift baskets donat­ sored by Planned Parent­ to promote the issue of marriage ple, including special guests ed by Equal=Grounds, Open hood). 7 p.m. at GAGV Youth service someday" and for now, equality. This year was the 12th Desma Holcomb, program Arms MCC, Pride at Work and Center (875 E. Main St., "spend more time with his fam­ annual celebration, and several director for Empire State Pride Spiritus Christi) and the silent Prince St. entrance). This ily and friends in 2010." interactive multimedia ses­ Rochester community organiza­ Agenda; Sheilah Sable, upstate auction (of framed photographs sion will explore the ins and There are five At-Large City tions participated in a series of director of Pride in Action; donated by billijo wolf) gener­ outs of sexual health educa­ Council seats up for grabs this events, including a walk on Park Gary Pudup, executive director ated over $400 in scholarship tion for LGBT teens in public year. Presumably, incumbents Ave. on Valentine's Day. NYCLU, Genesee Valley Chap­ money for the Pride Agenda's schools. Refreshments will Carolee Conklin, Dana Miller, These grassroots events have ter; Courtney Michie, Rochester annual Albany lobby day, Equal­ be served. For more infor­ John Lightfoot and President taken on special importance, fol­ AmeriCorps volunteer-GLSEN ity & Justice Day (Tues., April mation, contact Jenna Wein­ Gladys Santiago are all running traub (585)546-2771 x.250. lowing the November passage of Rochester and Jon Greenbaum, 28). Tues., Mar. 17: Lunch­ for another four-year term. That California's Proposition 8 consti­ Metro Justice organizer. Groups that co-sponsored or time Fitness Walk hosted by (Pritchard continues page 7) tutional marriage ban. Over 45 attended the Feb. attended local events include the Brian Quinn. 12:05 p.m. Meet 13 Temple Sinai Meal and Mar­ Genesee Valley Chapter of the (Health Week, page 3) riage Movie, (a screening of (Freedom continues page 7) "Freeheld"); also the Buffalo and Rochester family photo exhib­ Sue Cowell talks to take the demanding job of it, Equal Measure: Portraits of about her goals for heading a gay human services Love was displayed. Rabbi Amy the Gay Alliance agency in a time of financial Sapowith hosted the event and upheaval for the world econo­ over 30 handwritten letters in By Susan Jordan my, Cowell said, "I'm taking it support of marriage equality for Sue Cowell, who takes over on because I want to. I've been same-sex couples were collected as Executive Director for the a business owner for the past following the film and Q&A. Gay Alliance this month, has 10 and a half years, and I'm in On Valentine's Day, over 60 been one of the people most a position now where someone people took part in the Have responsible for creating and who has worked for me for the a Heart for Marriage rally and maintaining local and state 19bt past nine years is more than walk on Park Ave. (see below for community institutions, like the ready to take it on. Community more information). GAGY, AIDS Rochester and the organizing has always been a A Family & Friends Valen­ Empire State Pride Agenda, over major interest of mine, and now tines Day Dance held at Temple the past 20-plus years. this gives me a chance to get Sinai on Feb. 14 drew over 100, When asked why she wanted (Cowell continues page 8) including around 20 members of

The Gay Alliance appreciates the continuing F1 FINAI>ICL!\L AACHIliCTS ,"0::" partnership of businesses within our community Kodak 14: Merrilll.ynr:h Inside Section A who support our mission and vision. Interview: Rev. Sally Hamill, lace I Bausch & Lomb CORN] IG Gold Eastman Kodak Company' Mass Mutual Financial Group' WoI U MtUltYlCU Tony PacioUi ...... 6 ..' , N IXON P AIIODY llF Opinion: Fair Share Tax Reform ..... 9 Merrill Lynch; Nixon Peabody, LLP ... _,...... ~THE ---""" Valentine's Day ...... 10 MONROEPWJ Silver Ace Mailing Services; Bausch & Lomb Inc.; IiiiiiiiI Making The Scene ...... 18 Corning Incorporated; Harter Secrest & Emory LLP; ~ v I TT FOR~Ii&CAL Heveron & Heveron CPAs; ITT Corporation; Monroe Plan for Section B Medical Care; Sage Advisors of Sage Rutty; St. John Fisher ~~ Entertainment: Jonathan College; Tim Tompkins Enterprises; Xerox Capital Services . Hadley of Jersey Boys ...... 1 Columnists ...... 5 Bronze Canandaigua National Bank; Edgerton Florist; ~ = igua Kyle's B&B ...... 8 Empire State College; GALAXE Pride at Work; Open Arms ~ Bank&Trust EMPJIUSTATE. Youth Page ...... 10 Metropolitan Community Church; Third Presbyterian Church; COLLEGE GAGV News ...... 11 EDGElHON ILORAL co Wegmans Food Markets; The Woolbright Group Groups ...... 13 Calendar, Classifieds ...... 14 Pride Thomson Reuters gmans w&i bright i; . ~ vtHlM!>cNitEUTEII'S GmJp ' . . Ongoing Calendar ...... 15 2 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley FROM THE FROM THE 875 E, Main Street, Suite 500 Interim Executive Director Rochester, New York 14605 Empty Closet Editor © 2009, All rights reserved, SUSAN JORDAN JOANNE GIUFFRIDA Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer nate turns in print. that are unique in the region. Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Staff and community orga­ The Empty Closet newspa­ Ad Sales: nizers will also take turns in per has been published for over Alicia Kibitlewski, 241-0091 print. Groups articles will now 35 years and provides targeted National Advertising Representative: be online for the first time, as communication to the LGBT Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 well as in the print edition. All of community. Yes, we are reducing Advertising policy: your favorites will still be there the size of the printed paper, but The Empty Closet does not print adver­ on the Empty Closet pages of our we will be expanding our pres­ tisements that contain nude drawings or website at the beginning of each ence online in order to continue photographs, nor does it print advertis­ month, and if you have access to the flow of vital information. ing that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will "get" a computer, you shouldn't have The Speaker's Bureau just that particular person if you patronize to miss a thing. completed training a new group the establishment advertised, Adver­ When I became editor in of volunteers who are available tisements that are explicitly racist, sex­ 1989, The Empty Closet was 20 to educate community groups ist, ageist, ableist or homophobic will be on such topics as hate crimes, refused; advertisements from organiza­ or 16 pages and was not desk­ tions that are sexist, racist, ageist, able­ top published. There were no safe spaces and the special con­ ist or anti-gay will also be refused, color pages and few photos or cerns of transgendered people. ads. It would be a shame to This training has found wel­ Submissions: Time to streamline Farewell For publication, submit news items, have to go back to those days, come audiences in colleges, pub­ You may have noticed the I end my assignment as ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, and, in fact, we won't be going lic schools and workplaces. ads, photographs or art by mail or in Interim Executive Director with changes in the Democrat & back. One difference between The Anti-Violence Program person to The Empty Closet office by Chronicle since the onset of then and now is that we have a feelings of sadness and accom­ assists local law enforcement agen­ the 15th of the month, Design services for non-camera ready ads are available 2009. Like most print media new and attractive website. In an plishment. Most importantly, I cies and victims of crime in deal­ for a fee, ([email protected]) across the country, they have age when fewer people are read­ am passing the torch to an Exec­ ing with the aftermath of domestic found it increasingly difficult to ing print media, the Internet is utive Director who is extremely violence, assault, hate activity and Publication Information: get ads in the current economic the sole news source, especially well-qualified to lead the GAGV police misconduct experienced by The Empty Closet is published 11 times climate and have had to cut back into the future. the LGBT population. a year (December and January com­ for younger people. bined) by The Empty Closet Press for on size, features, etc. The Gay Alliance has been Sue Cowell brings to the job The Youth Program pro­ business acumen, strong leader­ the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Val­ It's not only media whales. serving the queer community in vides social, educational and sup­ ley, Inc, Approximately 5000 copies of ship experience and decades of The shrimp-sized Empty Closet the Rochester area since 1972. port group services to school-aged each issue are distributed during the is also feeling the global eco­ It's hard to believe that it has involvement as an activist in the young people. This effort is extend­ first week of the month, some by mail nomic crunch and we too will Rochester and New York State ed with our Campus Out program in a plain sealed envelope, The pub­ been almost 37 years since some lication of the name or photograph of be making some changes, start­ students at U.R. decided to form LGBT communities. She has the that targets college students. right combination of personal any person or organization in articles ing with this issue. It's time to an advocacy/support group for We have the distinction is not an indication of the sexual or streamline! gay men and lesbians. With skills and professional experi­ of maintaining a library and affectional orientation of that person or We are cutting back to two the years have come all sorts of ence to lead the GAGV during archives with over 4,000 items the members of that organization, For further information, please write to The sections and going from 48 to changes, like adding "B" and these challenging times, but Sue and we are working on a doc­ can't get the job done alone. Empty Closet, 875 E, Main St., Roch­ 36 pages. Section A remains our "T" to "I.:' and "G", increas­ umentary film project called ester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 news/opinion/photo essay sec­ ing visibility and acceptance for She will count on the dedica­ "Shoulders to Stand On" that or e-mail [email protected]. tion, while section B will retain queer Americans, the rightwing tion of the Board, the hard work will chronicle the history of The Empty Closet is the official arts and entertainment, shop­ of the staff and support from Rochester's gay community and publication of the Gay Alliance of the backlash and now the tantaliz­ Genesee Valley, Inc" as stated in the pingftravel, resources and col­ ing prospect of marriage equal­ members of the community who its impact on the nation. are served by our work. These are If the GAGV didn't do these bylaws of that organization, Its purpose umnists, while adding a GAGV ity in New York State. What do is to inform the Rochester gay com­ page, a Youth page, a Groups the next 37 years hold? tough times for non-profit agen­ things, no group would do them. munity about local and national gay­ page, classified ads and the With your support, and with cies and not all will survive the I hope you will join me in wish­ related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from monthly and ongoing Calen­ the leadership of our new execu­ financial crisis. We believe that ing Sue Cowell great success as the GAGV must survive because she carries the Gay Alliance into the local gay community; to help pro­ dars, which used to be in Sec­ tive director, we will find out, mote leadership within the community, we provide services and support a solid and effective future . • tion C. through the print and online ver­ and to be a part of a national network Something's got to give, so sions of the EC. The Gay Alli­ of lesbian and gay publications that most of our 15-or-so columnists, exchange ideas and seek to educate, ance will do whatever is necessary PFLAG MEETINGS 2009 Part of our purpose is to maintain and columns by the GAGV staff to serve our community's needs Third Sunday every month 2-4pm a middle position with respect to the entire community, We must be care­ and by community organizers, and keep our rights on society's Support & Education will now be appearing online front burner. 5th Floor Community Room ful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consideration the views rather than in the print version We will help each other 875 E. Main Street PFLAG of all - women, men, people of color, every month. However, "Grow­ through hard times, as queers ...... J.-..s ... r... .,~ ..c.,. Rochester, New York 14605 young and old, and those from various ing Up" and "Cleaning My have had to do through the Details coming soon ... walks of life, Closet," columns by a gay man ages - always challenged by Starting in May, First Tuesday Potlucks: The opinions of columnists, edi­ torial writers and other contributing and a lesbian, will continue to hatred, discrimination and & Social Networking Parents, Family Members, Friends and LGBT writers are their own and do not nec­ appear in the print version each insufficient funds, but working Identified Individuals. Free screenings of Anyone and Everyone essarily reflect the collective attitude of month, along with several of the together for change and better Contact us for details on upcoming showings. the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Val­ other columnists, who will alter- times ahead . • ley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publica­ tion (whether correctly or incorrectly) • • or omission of an ad, In the event of ------03/09 non-payment, your account may be Suggested donations: assigned to a collection agency or • • an attorney, and will be liable for the o $25-99 Advocate: charges paid by us to such collection • Receive The Empty Closet by mail at home or work! • agency or attorney, Change $100-999 Champion: Letters to the editor It's not just a slogan. o The opinions of columnists, editorial • Annual reception; early bird discount to events • writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect o $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club: the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance • Name • of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Lapel Pin; priority seating at events; major donor events Closet, We will print letters at the edi­ • Address o $5,000+ Stonewall Society: • tor's discretion and on a space available Stonewall Society Breakfast; private annual basis, Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed, We will meeting; display name at events • City State Zip 111 11 1 111 111 • not print personal attacks on individuals, 111 11 1 11111 1 nor will we be a forum for ongoing dis­ Phone Bring Change! 111 11 1 111 111 putes between individuals, We reserve • 1111 11 11 111 1 • the right to edit for space and clarity, Thank you, 111 111 1111 11 We will print anonymous letters if the E-mail 111 111 1111 11 name and phone number are pro­ • 111 111 111 111 • vided to the Editor; confidentiality will 111 111 1111 11 111 111 1111 11 be respected, Submissions are due by • 0 I have named the Gay Alliance in my will. 1111 1 111 11 Imll • the 15th of the month at: The Empty 1111 11 111 11 1 111 111 Closet, 875 E, Main Street, Suite 500, 0 I am interested in charitable gift annuities. ~"'1111 11''' 111 111 111 111 111 111 Gay Alliance ~:\ ' 111"'111III Rochester, NY 14605; e-mail: empty­ • 1111 11 1111 11 1111 1 • closet@gagv,us, Online edition of EC 0 I would like to volunteer. of the Genesee Valley 111 111 1111 11 111 111 111 111 • • available at www,gayalliance,org, III ------II MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 3

strengthen their families. It was founded told the media, "This is a strange, weird in 2000 with a grant from the New York thing where an undercover police officer State Health Department to the Ferre is offering to pay money to an individual. Institute, Inc. The Project offers provider And all of a sudden, there's an arrest - trainings, educational programs, informa­ whether or not the individual accepts the tion and referral services, a directory of money." welcoming health and human service pro­ Protestors also said that men have been LOCAL AND STATE viders, and support groups for LGBT par­ arrested outside shops selling erotic items, ents and prospective parents. Its network and then the business owners, who did of Pride and Joy Families provides social not even know about the arrests, find that Bible scholar Ken and educational activities and a sense of their businesses are shuttered. community to LGBT parents and their Many of the arrests take place in areas Stone to address children. Information is available at www. of Chelsea and the East Village which are gay marriage PrideandJ oyFamilies.org gay population centers. A police spokesman said that protes­ By Darrell Lance Vandals hit L.I. gay tors were "misinformed" and that police The subject of Bible and were responding to "community com­ homosexuality continues to youth center plaints of prostitution". He denied the be a concern for many in arrests were aimed at the gay community. the LGBT community and The Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) Center in Bayshore, Protestors say there has been a pattern their allies. Rochester will of prostitution arrests - over 50 in the past have the opportunity to hear L.L, was attacked by vandals on Feb. 2. The front door was smashed, and the cen­ three years. Dobbs said, "The city is using an expert on this topic at gay men as a means to shutter places. This the next event in the series ter's van's windows were broken, the mir­ rors mangled and the tires slashed. is a blow to civil liberties; it's a dangerous "Christian Faith and LGBT kind of sting." • On Feb. 9, three men and one woman Experience." -Verna Dobnik, AP "Does the Bible Shed were arrested by the Suffolk County Light on the 'Gay Marriage' Police Department and charged with the Debates?" This is the topic vandalism. to be addressed by Dr. Ken David Kilmnick, chief executive offi­ Stone, Dean and Professor of cer, said, "We are grateful to the Suffolk Bible, Culture, and Herme­ County Police Department for their effi­ NewsBriefs neutics at Chicago Theologi­ cient and serious dedication to the events cal Seminary. that so viscerally affected our community (Health Week from page 1) Dr. Stone, who is and our allies. We are also grateful for the 0ren­ on the water side of Corn Hill Landing ly gay, focuses much 0 his attention and heartfelt words of Gover­ Dr. Ken Stone research and writing on the nor David Paterson, Commissioner of the (FREE parking along Exchange Blvd.) relationship between biblical State Division of Human Rights Galen Wear comfortable clothing and some­ interpretation and matters of gender and sexuality. He is the author of Practicing Safer Kirkland and Suffolk County Executive thing green (St. Patrick's Day!) and join Texts: Food, Sex and Bible in Queer Perspective and editor of Queer Commentary and the Steve Levy, who quickly came out in sup­ a healthy walk along the river to Ford St. Hebrew Bible. Chicago Theological Seminary is a seminary of the United Church of port of our organization and Long Island's bridge, up to the library and back to Corn Christ whose national body is on record as endorsing the ordaining of openly LGBT gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Hill. Get excellent exercise tips and Roch­ people. (GLBT) community. ester health resources at Brian's webpage: Dr. Stone will present his lecture and answer questions at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, "Over three years ago, two of the www.everydayinmay.com. March 29, at Lake Avenue Baptist Church, 72 Ambrose St. The church is located just four people arrested were former clients Tue., Mar. 17: Sex in the City: A off 145 Lake Ave. at the intersection of Lake, Ambrose St., and Jones Ave. For further of LIGALY. The individuals regularly sexual health workshop sponsored by information, go to lakeavebaptist.org and click on "Welcoming and Affirming," or call displayed inappropriate and disruptive Monroe Co. Dept. of Health. 7 p.m. the church office at 585-442-5486. Dr. Stone will also be preaching at the 10 a.m. ser­ behavior toward staff and other clients. at CHBT (853 W. Main St., Bullshead vice of worship at Lake Avenue. Both events are open to the public and free of charge This behavior made many of our clients Plaza) Refreshments will be served. For Another occasion in Dr. Stone's visit will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday morning, feel unsafe, and the organization respond­ more information, contact Charlie Lytle March 30, at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, 1100 South Goodman St., in ed appropriately by discharging them at (585)753-5366 Remington Lounge. This event is also free and open to the public. For more informa­ from our services. We are saddened to Wed., Mar. 18: LGBT Legal Health tion call GP. Dickerson-Hanks, at the office of the Program on Women and Gender at hear that the individuals arrested contin­ Clinic. (Sponsored by Empire State Pride the Divinity School, 585-340-965l. ued to act out in hatred and violence, as Agenda). 7 p.m. at Downtown United The series in which Dr. Stone is appearing is a joint sponsorship of Lake Avenue these attacks illustrate. Presbyterian Church (121 N. Fitzhugh Baptist Church, Downtown Presbyterian Church, Third Presbyterian Church, and the "While the vandalism is no longer St.) Hallock Lounge on first Floor. Clinic Program on the Study of Women and Gender in Church and Society at the Divin­ being investigated as a bias crime, we feel includes a panel with experts from of our ity School. Twice a year it brings outstanding LGBT speakers or straight allies in the that the investigation and the attention own community to learn about LGBT Christian tradition to exemplify some aspect of what is known as "gay liberation the­ paid to these crimes by public officials legal rights in accessing equal health and ology." and media were appropriate. Vandalism of medical services. The sponsoring churches are each members of their respective denominational this magnitude is intended to send a mes­ Attorneys will be available to offer free organizations, which work for the inclusion of LGBT persons in the full life of the sage of fear. The Center stands as the most advice on issues such as access to fam­ church . • public declaration of gay, lesbian, bisexu­ ily court and creating wills and health al, and transgender pride on Long Island. care proxies for LGBT couples/families. As the most visible symbol of GLBT pres­ Refreshments will be served. For more ence and pride, the vandalism was indeed information, contact Todd Plank at (585) interpreted and felt as an attack on these 271-2420. Pride and Joy Families Closet. Lev will present the parents and already vulnerable communities. Thur., Mar. 19: ImageOUT presents will host conference caregivers workshop on April 25. She says, "Due to the presence and words of An Evening of FREE LGBT Films. Two "This workshop is an opportunity for par­ Commissioner Kirkland, and the visibili­ FREE Screenings at the Cinema on Clin­ Pride and Joy Families will host its ents to come together and explore various ty our community found in the media, we ton/Goodman at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 2009 conference at the Radisson Hotel­ options for their children, and learn from have been inundated with calls from com­ p.m. The first program, "Best of the Fest Utica Centre in Utica, from Friday, April one another how to best support children's munity members voicing stories that eeri­ Shorts," is a mixed gender shorts program 24 to Sunday, April 26. healthy development." lyecho the attacks on our Center. Youth featuring a number of audience favorite The Lesbian and Gay Family Build­ Registration is required. Those inter­ have detailed the intense bullying they short films from past festivals. ing Project says, "Raising children with ested in registering should go to www. endure in their schools and communities, In the second program, see the Logo atypical gender expressions raises complex prideandjoyfamilies.org. families have spoken about attacks on network's hit "Noah's Arc: Jumping the issues for parents, issues that parents are About the Conference their homes and seniors have called with Broom" on the big screen! Full details rarely prepared for and where experts are The Lesbian and Gay Family Build­ stories of feeling unsafe in nursing homes. on these films can be found at www. difficult to find. Young people today are ing Project, with co-presenters Family People across the ages have expressed the imageout.org. No tickets are necessary, less likely to suppress these experiences, Equality Council (formerly Family Pride fear and intimidation that affect their but seating is available on a first come, and are turning to parents, educators and Coalition) and COLAGE (Children of lives daily. Clearly, the work of LIGALY first seated basis. professionals to help them live authentic Lesbians and Gays Everywhere), are host­ and The Center is needed more than ever Fri., Mar. 20: "The Casual Sex Diary," lives. Torn between models of 'reparative ing the conference for lesbian/gay/bisex­ to create a safer Long Island for all GLBT a one-man show written by and starring therapy' on one hand, and young sex reas­ ual! transgender (LGBT) parents, their people and families." award-winning Buffalo playwright Mat­ signments on the other, parents struggle children and prospective parents. thew Crehan Higgins, will be presented at with how to help and support our chil­ Conference highlights include a key­ 7 p.m. at Downtown United Presbyterian dren's developing gender identities. Par­ note address, "LGBT Families: Still Mov­ Gays say police target Church (121 N. Fitzhugh St.). Admission ents need support and to learn that their ing Forward," by Jennifer Chrisler, Family men unfairly in NYC is a suggested $5 donation at the door and children can live successful and fulfilling Equality Council; Special Guest Speaker the performance will be followed by a lives." Dr. Charlotte Patterson, premier research­ stings, shop closings FREE dessert reception. Parents of gender non-conforming er on the welfare of kids in LG BT fami­ Dozens of gay activists protested near The Rochester Gay Health Coalition children are extended a special invitation lies; educational workshops for LGBT NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's home is a collective of local agencies serving to join the LGBT family community in parents and aspiring parents; COLAGE on E. 79th St. on Feb. 15, urging him and/or committed to the health issues and upstate New York at the 2009 Pride and programs for grades 3-5 and 6-12; Child­ to tell police to end arrests of gay men needs of the queer community. Member Joy Families Weekend Conference for a care (ages six months to seven years); a on what activists say are false charges of organizations include AIDS Rochester, workshop for all parents and caregivers of Vendor/Resource Fair and family enter­ prostitution. Empire State Pride Agenda, Gay Alliance gender non-conforming children. tainment and activities. Undercover officers approach men and of the Genesee Valley, HIV Vaccine Tri­ Arlene Istar Lev LCSW, CASAC is a About the Conference Sponsor offer them money for sex; the men, even als Unit, Huther-Doyle, Men of Color family therapist, professor and author; she The Lesbian and Gay Family Build­ those who have refused money, are then Health Awareness Project, Monroe Co. & has also written the "In a Family Way" ing Project is dedicated to helping LG BT arrested on prostitution charges. NY State Dept. of Health, Planned Par­ column, which appears in The Empty people in upstate New York build and Organizer and attorney Bill Dobbs enthood, & Westside Health Services . • 4 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

The ACLU of Florida recently won a Obama chooses lesbian similar federal case when school officials in Okeechobee, Florida refused to allow a as assistant counsel for GSA to meet at Okeechobee High School. the White House News s The judge ruled that schools must provide President Obama has named Alison for the wellbeing of gay students and can­ Nathan, who is openly lesbian, as one not discriminate against the GSA. The of his associate counsels, who advise the NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL Okeechobee County School Board paid president on legal issues involving the $326,000 in attorneys' fees for refusing to White House. follow the law in that case. Nathan has been a fellow at New You can read more about the Okeecho­ York University's law school and a visit­ Iceland names first Page, ACLU plaintiff and student at Yulee bee case at: http://www.aclufl.org/news_ ing assistant professor at Fordham's law High School. "Other clubs and groups are eventsl?action=viewRelease&emaiIAlertI lesbian head of state school. During Obama's campaign, she allowed to meet on campus and w have D=3654 was his national voter rotection senior Iceland chose a lesbian as the country's that right too." The lawsuit was filed Feb. 10 in the adviser and a member 0 his gay advisory caretaker prime minister on Jan. 27. Bullying of LGBT students in Nas­ Jacksonville Division of the U.S. District committee. Johanna Siguroardottir, 66, was min­ sau County Schools is a serious problem. Court for the Middle District of Florida. -The Washington Blade ister of social affairs before she became Plaintiffs Hannah Page and Jacob Brock, Robert Rosenwald, director of the ACLU the world's first openly lesbian or gay who are gay, report that students have of Florida's LGBT Advocacy Project, is head of government. She has also served threatened to beat them up based on their lead counsel for the ACLU's case, Gay­ HRC action alert causes on important parliamentary committees, sexual orientation, and both are routinely Straight Alliance of Yulee High School v. Michigan station to drop including committees on foreign affairs, called derogatory names at school. School Board of Nassau County. LGBT industry and economy and trade. GSAs are student organizations made Advocacy Project staff attorney Shelbi AFA hate program "If she is gay, that is not an issue at up of straight and gay students who wish Day, ACLU of Florida legal director Ran­ The Human Rights Campaign on all," said Olafur Sigurdsson, deputy chef to advocate for an end to bullying, harass­ dall Marshall, and associate legal direc­ Feb. 11 issued a national action alert of mission at the Icelandic embassy in ment, and discrimination against lesbian, tor Maria Kayanan will also represent the against the American Family Association's Washington D.C. "We are very liberal in gay, bisexual, and transgender ("LGBT") plaintiffs. (AFA) one-hour television special called that sense. It has never been an issue for students. There are over 4,000 GSAs A copy of the Complaint can be viewed "Speechless: Silencing Christians," which her as a politician." in the U.S., according to the Gay, Les­ at: http://www.aclufl.org/pdfs/YuleeCom­ was promoted as revealing "the truth Siguroardottir's partner, Jonina Leo­ bian and Straight Education Network plaint.pdf. A copy of the motion for pre­ about the radical homosexual agenda and sdottir, a 54-year-old author and play­ (GLSEN). liminary injunction can be viewed at its impact on the family, the nation and wright, is identified as such in the official The federal Equal Access Act requires http://www.aclufl.org/pdfs/YuleePLpdf. religious freedom." biography of the new head of state. schools to grant access and official recog­ Students can learn more about their rights Within an hour of HRC's action alert Iceland legalized same sex unions in nition to a GSA (and most other student by downloading a free copy of the ACLU announcement, the Grand Rapids, Mich. 1996, giving gay couples exactly the same groups) if the school allows any extracur­ of Florida's Student Rights Handbook at station which had planned to air the rights as heterosexual married couples. ricular groups to meet on campus. SBNC www.aclufl.org. deceptive programming rescinded that Siguroardottir is one of the country's denied the Yulee GSA access and official offer. most popular politicians, and she has recognition even though other student Haggard admits second WOO D-TV General Manager Diane maintained that popularity in spite of the organizations, such as the Fellowship of Kniowski posted the following announce­ collapse of Iceland's economy in 2008. Christian Athletes, meet regularly at YHS gay relationship ment just before 4 p.m., saying it would She will serve as interim president and YMS. Evangelical pastor Ted Haggard, who not run the AFA paid 60-minute program until May, when she could become a con­ "We are taking a stand today because often preached against gay sexuality and on Saturday, Feb. 14, as planned. tender for the permanent prime minister gay students are entitled to a safe and equal rights for gays, admitted that he had "We made a gesture of the 2-3 p.m. post, depending on how many votes her secure education. Gay and lesbian stu­ had a sexual relationship with a 20-year­ Saturday time period. It's been 24 hours party receives. dents deserve schools that heed the rule old male volunteer in 2006, after the man, and we had no response," Kniowski said. -Lou Chibbaro Jr., Washington Blade of law," said Robert Rosenwald, Director Grant Haas, talked about his sexual expe­ "Our station is being bombarded with of the ACLU of Florida's LGBT Advo­ riences with Haggard in an interview on calls and messages, and we find ourselves ACLU sues Florida cacy Project. "These students are trying CNN's "Larry King Live" in January. in the middle of someone else's fight. to bring a message of equality and open­ Haggard made headlines in Novem­ Ours was a fair offer and we are removing school board for denial ness, and the lesson they are being taught ber 2006 when a former prostitute, Mike ourselves from this matter." of GSA request is that Yulee High School administrators Jones, told media that Haggard had paid The HRC alert urged members to con­ believe discrimination against LG BT stu­ him for sex for over three years and used tact the station and ask that they pull the The American Civil Liberties Union of dents is an acceptable policy. Discrimi­ methamphetamine in his presence. scheduled program and instead air a fair Florida on Feb. 10 filed a lawsuit against nation and harassment by students will Grant Haas said that Haggard mas­ discussion or debate on both the issues the School Board of Nassau County, never end as long as schools discriminate turbated in front of him while they were and pending legislation. Florida ("SBNC") after administrators themselves." in bed together and told him, "Grant, you "I am so proud of our members who unlawfully denied students' requests for The ACLU filed the suit alleging vio­ can become a man of God and you can answered the lies and distortions of the permission to form a Gay-Straight Alli­ lations of the First Amendment and the have a little bit of fun on the side." AFA and stopped this campaign of hate ance ("GSA") this school year at Yulee Federal Equal Access Act, and seeks a Haggard said on Jan. 28 that Haas's and deception," said Human Rights Cam­ High School and during the 2007-08 preliminary injunction to force school remarks were "fundamentally true". He paign President Joe Solmonese. "Our school year at Yulee Middle School. officials to allow the GSA to meet at Yulee stated that therapists have told him he is community stood up and would not let The SBNC superintendent said in High School while the litigation makes its "heterosexual with homosexual attach­ those lies stand." a letter denying access to the GSA that way to trial. ments" or "heterosexual with complica­ "This should be our wake up call. We groups with names referencing a specific "I hope that being part of this impor­ tions." No one apparently has mentioned are poised to make real progress, for the sexual orientation would not be recog­ tant lawsuit will open up people's eyes the concept "bisexuality" to him. first time, for millions of LG BT Ameri­ nized and that even if the group changed so that they can see that there is still a Haggard, former president of the cans. We know it and so do our oppo­ its name to one not communicating a gay­ lot of discrimination and we need to sit National Association of Evangelicals, was nents," added Solmonese. "We must stand specific mission, approval was uncertain. down and talk about it," said Jacob Brock, also head pastor at New Life Church in guard and not allow them to stop these "We just want the club so that straight ACLU plaintiff and student at Yulee High Colorado Springs. He is currently in ther­ overdue, basic protections by rolling out and gay kids can get together to talk about School. "The school is preventing us from apy and says he is "100 percent satisfied" the same, tired script albeit in new pack­ harassment and discrimination against talking about anti-gay bias, harassment, with his relationship with his wife. He aging. Today's action proves we have the gay kids in an open environment. The and violence and working together to pro­ also said that he would like to do speaking voices and the power to demand a fair school is discriminating against us and mote tolerance, understanding and accep­ engagements and "tell his story". fight and a fair debate." that's exactly the kind of thing we want tance of one another, regardless of sexual -CNN; for commentary, see "Faith More lies from the Right to talk about and prevent," said Hannah orientation. That's just unfair." Matters," page B 6. The AFA program, which is still view- MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 5 able online and may run in other mar­ and the Episcopal Church USA." olution, as well as Wyoming Equality and Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Ver­ kets, is hosted by controversial talk show To learn more about the Religion HRC members who urged their represen­ mont -- as well as the District of Colum­ host Janet Parshall, who in 2006 sug­ & Faith Program at the Human Rights tatives to stand up for equality." bia have enacted domestic partner or civil gested Matthew Shepard's "lifestyle", not Campaign visit www.hrc.org/religion. "I am thrilled and proud that my unions laws that provide the same ben­ his killers, was responsible for his murder The station, WOOD-TV, was set to colleagues took a stand against writing efits under state law that would be pro­ and called gay adoption "state-sanctioned air the program on Monday to coincide discrimination into Wyoming's consti­ vided by the Domestic Partner Rights child abuse." (CNN's Larry King Live, with the President's economic address, but tution," said Representative Cathy Con­ and Responsibilities Act in New Mexico, Jan. 17, 2006) In the new AFA pro­ pulled it after concerns from local activ­ nolly. if enacted. gram, the AFA and its allies purposely ists. The AFA and local member churches Connolly and 34 other representa­ Two states, Massachusetts and Con­ homophobic promote lies and distortions, immediately reacted and launched a cam­ tives voted against the proposed amend­ necticut, recognize marriage equality for including the following: paign, leading to the station's announce­ ment. Several representatives, including gay and lesbian couples under state law. Lie: If hate crimes laws are passed, pas­ ment (later rescinded) that it would air the Rep. Pete Illoway, Rep. Sue Wallis, Rep. Three states, Hawaii, Maine, and Wash­ tors will be prosecuted for preaching what program on Saturday, Feb. 14. Keith Gingery and Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, ington, provide limited rights to gay and the Bible says about homosexuality. gave strong statements in opposition to lesbian couples who enter into a domestic Truth: Pastors will not be held liable Prop 8 court battle the resolution. Rep. Pat Childers spoke of partnership or similar relationship. Cur­ for hate crimes based on preaching anti­ his daughter, who is a lesbian. Rep. Roy rently, no gay or lesbian couple receives gay sermo s. The First Amendment pro­ begins March 5 Cohee spoke in emotional terms of his any of the more than 1,100 federal rights continued opposition to the amendment. tects a preacher from being charged as an The California Supreme Court is and benefits available to married couples, Cohee killed the bill two years ago with a and the New Mexico bill would not pro­ accessory to a hate crime simply because scheduled to hear the oral arguments on tiebreaking vote. vide any of these rights. of their speech. The Matthew Shepard the constitutionality of Proposition 8 on The Feb. 6 vote indefinitely tables the Gay and lesbian couples do not receive Act only punishes violent crimes, not a Mardi 5. resolution. The session ends this month. federal rights and benefits in any state. To person's speech, beliefs or thoughts. In The Court will also hear arguments Wyoming law already prohibits mar­ learn more about state by state legislation, fact, the legislation contains language spe­ on whether the 18,000 same sex couples cifically protecting free speech. riage by gay and lesbian couples. The visit www.hrc.org/state_laws. who were married before Nov. 4, 2008 resolution, which sought to place the pro­ Lie: Legislation that will provide will have their legal marriages invalidated employment protection based on sexual posed amendment before voters, would by the passage of the state constitutional Unitarian Church killer orientation or gender identity will force have written this prohibition into the state amendment stripping the right to marry constitution and also threatened to pro­ gets life in prison churches to hire homosexuals. from LGBT citizens. Truth: The federal legislation con­ hibit other forms of relationship recogni­ Three lawsuits challenging the amend­ The man who shot two people in a tains language exempting the vast major­ tion for gay and lesbian couples. ment's constitutionality were filed on Nov. Tennessee Unitarian church last summer ity of religious corporations, associations 5, including one by a lesbian couple and has been sentenced to life in prison. and educational institutions, and permits one by the ACLU, Lambda Legal and Partnership bill moves Jim Adkisson, 58, admitted his guilt all religious organizations to condition the Center for Lesbian Rights. Califor­ to criminal Court Judge Mary Beth Leb­ employment on compliance with its sig­ forward in New Mexico nia Attorney General Jerry Brown has owitz as he was sentenced to life in prison nificant tenets, including ones barring also urged the court to rule against the New Mexico's state Senate Judiciary without parole. He burst into the church LGBT employees. Committee has voted 6-5 to advance the amendment. and killed two people who were watch­ Lie: Homosexual acts have a key role Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibil­ The plaintiffs argue that Prop 8 should ing children perform a play. Adkisson has to play in the spread of all STDs and ities Act, which would allow gay, lesbian, be overturned because it is a "revision" to said he committed the murders because HIV/AIDS. or straight couples to enter into domestic the state constitution, not an amendment, he "hates liberals and gays" and he had Truth: HIV and STDs don't distin­ partnerships and receive the rights, bene­ since it deprives a targeted minority group been convinced by right wing books that guish by gender, race, religion, sexual fits, and responsibilities of marriage under of a fundamental right. Therefore, Prop 8 they are" destroying America". orientation, gender identity or any other state law. needed approval from two-thirds of both The Unitarian Universalist church characteristic. Statements such as those The bill now moves toward a floor houses of the state legislature in order supports gay rights and has performed made by the AFA in this video hamper vote in the Senate. Similar legislation is to become part of the state constitution. ceremonies for same sex couples for many efforts to prevent the spread of sexually­ pending in the House of Representatives. Plaintiffs also say that it violates separa­ years. transmitted diseases by spreading igno­ "The Human Rights Campaign is tion of powers in the state constitution. rance and misinformation. pleased that the New Mexico Senate has Jerry Brown argues that it takes away Lie: Allowing the government to rede­ taken this important step toward enacting Vermont legislature "inalienable rights" guaranteed in the fine marriage hurts children because stud­ much-needed protections for all couples is close to passing state constitution, without a compelling ies show children need a mother and in New Mexico, and we're hopeful that marriage rights bill father to do well in life. reason. this legislation will ultimately pass the -The Washington Blade Truth: All scientifically reputable Senate and House, and be enacted into A same sex marriage bill was intro­ studies on the subject of same-sex parent­ law, " said Human Rights Campaign duced in the Vermont legislature on Feb. ing show that the sexual orientation of a Wyoming House rejects President Joe Solmonese. "This is simply 6, nine years after Vermont became the child's parent does not affect a child. Fur­ anti-gay amendment about making sure that all loving, com­ first state to permit civil unions. thermore, all leading children's welfare mitted couples in New Mexico receive the A similar bill is expected to be intro­ and rights organizations conclude that On Feb. 6, Wyoming's House of Rep­ equal rights that they and their families duced in the state Senate. there is no measurable difference between resentatives voted against a proposed need and deserve." "This really is a great day and a part children raised by loving lesbian and gay amendment to the state constitution that New Mexico's legislature has consid­ of moving forward to a time when all families and those raised by different-sex would have defined marriage between a ered similar legislation in each of the last Vermont couples will be treated equally couples. man and a woman as the only legal union two years, and the bill has, in the past, under our laws," said Rep. Mark Lawson, "Most lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans­ recognized in the state. come within a single vote of passing. New a bill sponsor. gender Americans have been raised in an Thirty-five of 60 House members Mexico's legislative session runs through Lawson said that there is broad sup­ organized religion - and many continue voted against House Joint Resolution 17. March 21. port in the House, with 59 sponsors. to cherish their faith community. But reli­ Forty votes - a 2/3 majority - were The proposed legislation would pro­ None are Republicans, although some gion is a source of both solace and suffer­ needed to pass the resolution and move it vide unmarried couples, gay, lesbian, or have said that they will vote for the bill. ing for most of us. This video outrageously on to the Senate. straight, with the opportunity to receive However, it is not certain that the bill promotes spiritual violence against LGBT "We are grateful that the Wyoming important rights and benefits including, will be passed this session, with legislators people," said Harry Knox, director of the House of Representatives stood up for but not limited to, hospital visitation, the concentrating on the state's fiscal crisis, Human Rights Campaign's Religion & equality and refused to write discrimi­ right to make a medical decision for an which has let to court closings, voluntary Faith Program. "Despite what the AFA nation into the state constitution," said incapacitated partner, the right to file a pay cuts and a proposal by the Governor, claims, a growing number of mainstream Human Rights Campaign President Joe joint state tax return, and inheritance in Republican Jim Douglas, to layoff over denominations have endorsed hate crime Solmonese. "We congratulate Represen­ the event that a partner dies without leav­ 600 state workers. legislation, including the United Method­ tative Cathy Connolly and the 34 other ing a will. -Washington Blade ist Church, the Presbyterian Church USA representatives who voted against the res- Five other states - California, New (NewsFronts continue on page 16)

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SH: For as long as I can remember, have always had LGBT friends, and now, of course, my family includes LGBT folks, and I count myself among that des­ ignation. Raising our children, we sur­ rounded them with people who loved life, their MPowerment core group, which was Tony Paciotti, Mr. whatever their orientation. set up to help create different events and Coming from a Roman Catholic back­ MOCHA Trendsetter forums for the community and do HIV ground, I took seriously Jesus' message to and STD training and outreach. I have By Charles Tyson love others as you love yourself. However, assisted the staff in planning and execut­ The MOCHA Trendsetter pageant is the church's positions on the ordination of ing events including theme nights, vogue scheduled for April 26. Tony Paciotti is women and on reproductive rights, along night, spades tournaments, movie night, Mr. MOCHA Trendsetter, while Keke with the fact that I had two daughters, ballroom 101 forums, and more. Valasquez Lorde, Miss Gay Rochester, is helped me make the decision that I could CT: Why do you consider yourself Ms. MOCHA Trendsetter. no longer be a Roman Catholic. My theo­ a trendsetter? Who are the trendsetters Tony Paciotti recently talked to The logical beliefs had changed as well. in your life? Empty Closet about his life as a trendset­ It never made any sense to me to think TP: I consider myself a trendsetter for ter and the value of the ballroom scene or act differently and my UU faith now three reasons. I'm 28 years old and I have in increasing self esteem and fighting the openly says the same in our first Principle, never consumed alcohol or smoked mari­ HIV epidemic. that is, respect for the inherent worth and Charles Tyson: How long have you juana or cigarettes to have a good time, and I believe the younger community dignity of each person. been involved with MOCHA and in So, to answer the question, no, it wasn't what capacities? admires that about me. I also have a unique fashion sense gay rights and the freedom to marry that Tony Paciotti: I have been involved were important in choosing to become a with MOCHA for over 11 years now; that separates me from other dark skin kids. Finally, my ability to balance work, Unitarian Universalist. It was a need I had originally I only "dropped in" for routine to be able to more fully express my questions testing, the computer lab, and MOCHA school, a house life and family, and never of religion and faith, of the meaning of life Weekend and related events. allowing my lifestyle to "wear me out," and death, of God and grace, that led me to Lately, I have become involved with make me a trendsetter. The trendsetters in my life are my gay the faith I love, which not only allows me to dad DiMarrio Paciotti; my mentor Laqui­ question, but invites my questions. da Shedrick and my biological father Unitarian Universalists believe that Anthony D. King Sr. revelation is not sealed; in other words, CT: Describe your role and work with wisdom is alive and well, right before you, the House of Paciotti. How has your waiting to be embraced and welcomed. group addressed HIVIAIDS and other While as a state we have not yet legal­ issues among LGBT people of color? ized same gender marriages, I am happy TP: I am the new chapter Father of the to perform same gender weddings in our House of Paciotti and have been given the Rev. Sally Hamlin of the lovely church building, in a ceremony role of leader, father, teacher, counselor, Unitarian Universalist each couple can help craft. In the mean­ and friend. The House has been instru­ Church time, until same gender marriage is legal mental in the fight against HIV/AIDS in New York, I am asking each heterosex­ throughout the Buffalo area. We have By Elizabeth Osta, member of the ual couple I marry to write letters of sup­ participated in many AIDS walks and First Universalist Church ofRochester port to their congress people for the right pride parades, made monetary contribu­ The Reverend Sally Hamlin has of all to marry. tions to the cause, and have done aware­ become the new pastor at the Unitarian EO: The Unitarian-Universalist ness parties. All of our events include a Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton Ave. Denomination is active in supporting confidential HIV testing component. in Rochester. She recently spoke with a the freedom to marry. The website CT: Is there a correlation between member of her congregation about her (www.uua.org) has videos, articles and the ballroom scene and pageantry? support for LGBT rights, including mar­ interviews that "Stand on the Side of Why are these creative outlets needed? riage equality. The Unitarian church has Love." How do you express this support TP: Yes, there is a correlation between performed union ceremonies for same sex at First Universalist Church? the two. Both avenues allow LGBT per­ couples for many years. SH: Our congregation has a long his­ sons to display their great fashions and Elizabeth Osta: What helped you tory of supporting marriage equality, but undeniable talents from the depths of decide to accept the call to Rochester's also the issues related to the issue of mar­ their minds. For many, it is also a way to First Universalist Church? riage equality, which is based upon our gain an elite social status amongst peers Rev. Sally Hamlin: As soon as I read belief that discrimination of any kind will and foes. I feel they both are needed the congregational profile of First Univer­ result in a smaller, more hostile, less inter­ because they reinforce our self-worth that salist I was intrigued by who this congre­ esting world. And that includes race and has been questioned and torn down by gation was. Meeting them sealed the deal class, physical ability, gender, etc., not just mainstream society. for me. They are visionary and commit­ sexual orientation. MOCHA Trendsetter 2009 is sched­ ted, passionate and fun. And great Unitar­ As human beings we need to under­ uled for Sunday, April 26 at Club Muth­ ian Universalists! stand that it is our diversity that makes for er's, 40 S. Union St. in Rochester. Doors EO: How did you become Unitarian a healthy and whole existence, and that it open at 6 p.m. Pageant will start prompt­ Universalist? is exactly that which deepens and enriches ly at 7 p.m. Admission is $10. SH: I was looking for a religious home our lives. It is our diversity that will save Contestants will compete in four cat­ for our family in 1988, when my land­ us in the end. egories: creative swimwear, talent, red lady said to me, when she found out I EO: Your services are Sundays at carpet, and on-stage question. Special was working for Planned Parenthood as a 10:30 a.m. Are gay couples welcome? guests include: Arabia Knight-Addams, nurse practitioner, "I don't know you very SH: Everyone is welcome in our sanc­ Miss National Icon; KeKe Valasquez­ well, but I think you are a Unitarian Uni­ tuary. Our Sunday services tend towards Lord, Miss Gay Rochester; Poison Waters; versalist". She was right. a joyful experience with which to anchor Goldie St. James; Kyla Minx and Lanier EO: Was the support of gay rights your week. If you come through our Boyette. For more information, contact and freedom to marry an important doors, you will find laughter, good discus­ Charles Tyson at (585) 420-1400 ext 16 or factor for you in choosing to be Unitar­ sion and a great cup of tea or coffee. Try visit www.myspace.com/yeahproject . • ian-Universalist? it, you'll like it! •

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In an interview with The Empty Closet, FROM PAGE ONE Pritchard said, "I believe that local elected positions should be filled by citizen leg­ (Freedom To Marry from page 1) islators and not career politicians. There New York Civil Liberties Union, Metro should be greater turnover at the local Justice, Pride at Work, The Gay Alli­ level to give others the chance to serve. ance of the Genesee Valley, Temple Sinai, No one person, no matter how smart or Tawa Pano Unity Fellowship Church, hardworking they may be, has a lock on MOCHA Project, Interfaith Advocates, good ideas." Open Arms MCC, Rainbow Seniors, The people of the City of Rochester Rochester Women's Community Chorus have been continuously electing openly and the Empire State Pride Agenda. gay candidates to City Council since What is Freedom to Marry? 1985. Pritchard once worked as a legis­ Spearheaded by Evan Wolfson, Free­ lative aide for former City Councilman dom to Marry is the gay and non-gay part­ Tim Mains, who retired in 2005 after a nership working to win marriage equality 20-year career in city government. nationwide. Wolfson is one of America's Pritchard has also served as a policy leading civil rights advocates and lawyers analyst at Action for a Better Communi­ who has brought additional resources and ty, as Director of Development for AIDS a renewed sense of purpose to what some Rochester and as Senior Director of Major historians call the defining civil rights and Planned Gifts for the School of Medi­ movement of the 21st century. cine and Biomedical Sciences at the Uni­ In his blog, Wolfson wrote, "Conversa­ versity at Buffalo. Pritchard is presently tions with the circles of people around us Associate v.P. and Director of Develop­ are the prerequisite to winning, the key to ment for the Unity Health Systems Foun­ helping them push past their discomfort, dation. complacency, or indifference to becoming Maud Kane and Lisa Kinney-Kane. Photo: billijo wolf Pritchard was appointed to fill a vacan­ supportive of our equality." cy on City Council in August 2003 and in He added, ''A lot of people feel a sense "Have a Heart for Marriage Equality 11, 2004, less than a month after legal November of that year was elected to serve of determination and regret over having March." Todd Plank, one of the march marriage for same sex couples became the remaining two years of the unexpired been too complacent or quiet before, so organizers, said the walk down Park Ave­ state law. term of office. He was elected to a full there is a commitment to 'never again' we nue was "more of a chance for neighbors Kinney-Kane added, ''After this march four-year term in November 2005. have to take action." to interact rather than stage a media today, we are more dedicated than ever to Bill Pritchard would be the first one to Freedom to Marry, which was found­ event." do what we can to help make marriage tell you he paid his political dues early on ed in January of 2003, also conjoins the Approximately 70 people marched equality a reality for all couples - espe­ and worked very hard to get LG BT rights work of its partner organizations and and chanted in 28-degree weather to cially in New York State." • legislation passed at the local level. their many approaches - litigation, leg­ raise awareness of what Kinney-Kane "During my service on Council, I have islation, direct action, and public educa­ called, "bringing an end to discrimina­ proudly worked with my colleagues dur­ tion - into a larger whole, a shared social tion against same-sex couples." Passing ing two administrations to create a more justice campaign that fosters heightened motorists beeped their horns in approval (pritchard f rom page 1) vibrant center city and to build stronger outreach to non-gay allies. and some homeowners waved in solidarity has left the local Democrats scrambling neighborhoods and protect our youth," Have a Heart for Equality from their windows and porch steps. for one replacement. he said. Lisa Kinney-Kane and Maud Kane are "We also wanted to make a public Two potential candidates have recently Pritchard says he will continue to be relative newcomers to activism. On Val­ statement about our commitment to each emerged: perennial political enthusiast a strong advocate for the Rochester com­ entine's Day, the Southwedge neighbor­ other and our love for each other," said Anthony Giordano and long time Roch­ munity and help champion reform of the hood couple gathered with other marriage Maud Kane, a Licensed Practical Nurse. ester resident Loretta Scott. Democratic Rochester City School District. He wants equality demonstrators to put a human Lisa and Maud have been in a commit­ insiders all agree that neither of these can­ our city school kids, especially those who face to the movement. ted relationship for nearly six years. They didates have a definite lock on a nomina­ are marginalized by race and sexual orien- Organizers dubbed this event the were married in Massachusetts on June tion for Pritchard's open seat. (Pritchard continues page 8)

LGBT Equality & Justice Day • Tuesday, April 28 in Albany Register NOW at www.prideagenda.org

Join hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender New Yorkers and our allies from across the slale to push for the passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Schools Act (Dignity) and marriage equality legislation. Equality & Justice Day 2009 will be the most important yet, because with the new pro-LGBT Majority in the State Senate, passage of these bills is truly possible! EMPIRE STATE ~ PRIDE AGENDA

For more information contact Field Organizer Todd Plank at (585) 271-2420. 8 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

FROM PAGE ONE (pritchard from page 7) tation, to get a fair snake in life. He added, "I am also confident that council members Carolee Conklin, Carla Palumbo and Elaine Spaull will represent the best interests of the LGBT communi­ ty if an openly gay candidate does not step up and get elected to replace me." Pritchard called these colleagues "strong women" and his "identical twins" when supporting LGBT and civil rights Established 1995 issues. ''All you have to do is look at their records," he said. BREAKfAST - LUNCH - DINNER - CATERING Pritchard admitted that he has been approached by some people in the LGBT HOMEMADE PIZZA community interested in running for pub­ lic office. "There is no doubt that some DINE IN - ~KE OUT - DELIVERY individuals will be disappointed about the Sue Cowell 1891 Ridge Road , Webster, NY possibility of not having an openly gay (Next to t he Union H ill F ire House) person on City Council. I have reached most crucial thing - but we also have to PHONE: (585) 265-4443 out to others who I thought would be grow our programming." ~X : (585) 265-4270 great candidates. All of them declined for Cowell sees herself as a plate-spinner: one reason or another. Right now, inter­ how many plates can be kept whirling ested candidates should be planning years in the air simultaneously? "You're always in advance for a political career and be going back and forth and keeping things prepared to do the hard work, even run a going," she says. "Growing programming primary if necessary," he said. ''Also, I will doesn't just mean going fast, but also talk­ not endorse any candidate for City Coun­ ing to people in the community to learn cil this year who does not support mar­ about their priorities and needs. Growing riage equality or other issues important to programming means letting people know basic civil rights," he said. we have programs that can help them. We Pritchard lives in the Upper Monroe have to let HR people know that we have neighborhood. Bill says that besides doing expertise in helping them understand per­ more camping at Jones Pond this sum­ sonnel diversity issues." mer, he plans to take a class in landscape The recent support given by the GAGV architecture. He added, "I really enjoyed to Lollypop Farm when an employee tran­ working in our backyard last spring, and sitioned is a good example of the help the I can't wait to tackle some new projects Alliance can provide, Cowell said. around the house." • The Community Safety and Anti Vio­ lence programs are another example of Gay Alliance expertise that can help both (Cowell from page 1) the 19bt and the greater community, Cow­ ell feels. "I like the way Community back to my first passion." Safety is developing," she said. "I was More reasons to shop at Wine Sense Cowell is not just talking about hand­ very impressed at a recent staff meeting ing out fliers and speaking at rallies. She to learn about all the contacts that we're says, "I like operating at the level where making." • Boutique atmosphere you're creating new organizations or struc­ She said that the 19bt community will tures. I'm proud of the fact that ARI be better served the more the Gay Alli­ • Limited Production wines at exists. I wasn't a founding member of the ance is able to be a visible presence to the Pride Agenda, but I was chair or co-chair Rochester community, especially to other reasonable prices of the ESPA board for five and a half human services agencies in the area. "We years, from 1993 to 1998. need to integrate 19bt knowledge and • Spirits, ports, dessert wines "In relation to the Gay Alliance, I was issues with what other agencies are doing," president of the board in 1979 when I was she states. • Free wine and cheese tastings 27. Then I was president-elect in 1985, but I ended up running Tim Mains' first cam­ Friday evenings paign for City Council, and never actually served as board president. I came back "I • Learn while you shop again recently. think the message is, "I was responsible for hiring the first we know what's going on • 200/0 off all mixed cases paid Empty Closet editor (Howard Pol­ lock). We had had volunteer editors, and and we want to be pro • Open Sundays 12-5 when the last one quit suddenly, I and two other people had to step up. We put out active and stay ahead of one issue of only four pages, so we could say that publication of the EC had been the curve," 749 Park Avenue uninterrupted and we had never missed an issue. Then I told the board that they really needed to hire an editor - or I was The Gay Alliance will also be taking 585.271.0590 out of there! a larger role in working with community "So my involvement goes back a long groups to flan Pride events next sum­ www.wedefinewine.com way and my fingerprints are on a lot of mer, Cowel noted. "For example, we'll be things - but that's one thing I'm proud meeting with bar and restaurant owners of." to try to encourage more sponsorship for During the early years of AIDS Roch­ Pride events." ester (ARI), Cowell said in a 2003 EC The economic crisis is creating prob­ interview, she was rolling yet another beer lems for 19bt organizations and for non­ keg into a gay bar for yet another fund­ profits all across the country. However, raiser when she suddenly realized that Cowell says, "I think the future for the ARI could get into the state HIV fund­ Gay Alliance is really bright. Do we have ing stream. It also became increasingly economic challenges? Of course. But we've important to her that the 19bt community made changes to create a stronger infra­ become more powerful and visible in the structure and are on a much more solid political arena, both for financial survival foundation than we were two years ago. and for the impact this would have on We have a committed staff. And nobody acceptance and equal rights. wants a 30-year institution to go under. "What with Tim's election and the That's just not acceptable. As Susan B. HIV crisis," she says today, "it became Anthony said, 'Failure is not an option.' increasingly obvious that the political pro­ "The Speakers Bureau is expanding. cess was something the GAGV needed to We're fortunate to have a strong Speak­ Cell: get involved with." ers Bureau and it generates revenue, as 585-813-7389 Cowell is reluctant to separate her does Empty Closet advertising. It's not all immediate priorities for the agency from grants and state funding - we have earned her long term goals for the Gay Alliance's income as well, and also donations. We direction. "I see things as parallel," she know donations may be down in the com­ ~ said. "You'll never get anything done if ing year. I think the message is, we know you just focus on one thing at a time. We what's going on and we want to be pro­ 2920 East Henrietta Road . Henrietta New have to secure our funding - that's the active and stay ahead of the curve." • MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 9

increase in income. Today five percent neiderman and is an expanded version you to check out the website for more of New Yorkers take in 42 percent of. the of the so-called "millionaires tax" the information: www. Fairsharetaxreform. state's earnings. Assembly passed last year. com. Write or call Governor Paterson and Thirty years ago, when New York Nobody likes taxes, but it seems fairer Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith had a progressive tax on the ultra rich, to tax people with trust accounts, yachts and tell them not to balance the budget the Republican Governor Nelson Rock­ and multiple residences a bit more, rather on the backs of working families alone. efeller provided my wife Anne with a than a kid's soda pop and iTunes down­ Attend the rally on Thursday, March 5 at a Slow Boil great education at the University ot uf­ loads, as Governor Paterson wants. the Liberty Pole downtown. By Bess Watts, Pride at Work AFI CIO falo for $466 a semester. New York had Pride at Work AFL-CIO supports the Otherwise, as the frog would say, Rochester Chapter the finest highway system in the nation Fair Share Tax Reform and encourages "come on in, the water is fine". Apparently if you drop a frog into hot and the "Empire State" led the country water it will immediately struggle, hop out in the number of Fortune 500 companies and save itself. But put the frog in a pot who called it home. Who knew that the of cool water and slowly increase the tem­ middle class was sitting in slowly heating perature to boiling and the same frog will water as Governor Pataki was elected and boil to death, not noticing the increasing started cutting upper class taxes? danger it is in. I feel bad for the frog ... Today we face a $15 billion state bud­ ribbit. .. but it's a story... ribbit... that get deficit and Governor Paterson's solu­ makes you think ... ribbit ribbit. tion is to slash programs important to Did you know that New York State has the working class - 2.5 billion in cuts cut its top personal income tax rate for the to schools plus massive cuts to health ultra rich by more than 50 percent over care and gutted funding for community the last 30 years? From 15.375 percent to programs like the Gay Alliance, AIDS 6.85 percent? Today people earning $4 Rochester and United Way. The Gover­ million a year pay exactly the same flat tax nor is calling for "shared sacrifice" -- but rate as those making $40,000 a year. real shared sacrifice will require not just spending cuts but Fair Share Tax Reform which asks the wealthiest New Yorkers to shoulder a reasonable share of the budget "Fair Share Tax Reform ... burden. asks the wealthiest New Yorkers We can raise an estimated six billion in revenue by taxing personal income over to shoulder a reasonable share $250,000 at slightly higher rates. Only of the budget burden." the dollars (of taxable income, not gross income) earned over the first $250,000 would be taxed at a higher rate progres­ The result is a loss of over $20 billion sively from one to 3.45 percent. Past tem­ ---y in New York State tax revenue every year. porary tax hikes have not sent rich people This is eye opening when you consider scurrying from the state and this one will the draconian cuts being proposed to deal not either. 26, with the $15 billion state budget deficit we The plan to raise income taxes on face this year. But why don't we know this wealthy New Yorkers is gaining momen­ information? Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit ... tum as state legislators grapple with the Talk about being oblivious to danger: gaping deficit. A growing coalition of the I'm afraid the heat is on and middle class Working Families Party, labor unions and working people are being stewed. Work­ liberal and impacted community groups ing class earnings have dropped annually are pushing hard for passage of the Fair since 1973 while the top five percent of Share Tax Reform Act of 2009. The tax New Yorkers have enjoyed a 67 percent plan was introduced by Senator Eric Sch-

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will have fun, meet new people and get a ticket to the Picnic. Thanks to those who have volunteered in the past. We welcome your help again. If your organization or group would like to have a table at the Picnic to adver­ tise events, products or services, or to co-executive director Women's History Month just spread the word about what you do In 1977 she organized the first meet­ please contact the GAGV at 244-9155 x By Evelyn Bailey ing of gay rights activists in the White 22 to be a vendor. March is Women's History Month. House, and was the first openly gay per­ To register yourself and your dog for We begin with a couple of local Roch­ son appointed to a presidential commis­ estarians and move on to those who are sion, the National Commission on the the 4th Annual Pride Picnic Dog Show, We Need Pictures or to volunteer or request a vendor table recognized nationally for their contribu­ Observance of International Women's for the 2009 Pride Picnic, please call the from Rochester Pride tion to the gay rights movement. Year, by Jimmy Carter. GAGV at 244-8640x22, e-mail pic­ 2008 Dr. Karen Hagberg is a founding Barbara Gittings (July 31, 1932 - [email protected] or go to the GAGV website, member of the Gay Liberation Front at Feb. 18, 2007) was a prominent Ameri­ Rochester Pride 2009 is in www.gayalliance.org. the U of R, precursor to the GAGY. can gay rights activist. In the 1970s, need of pictures of last years Karen helped organize the first LGBT Gittings was most involved in the Amer­ events during Pride Week to Dance at the U of R and participated in ican Library Association, forming the Shoulders to Stand On: put in a picture gallery on this the first public action for gay rights in first gay caucus in a professional organi­ Rochester. She holds a Ph.D. from the One videotape is worth years Pride 2009 website. We zation, in order to promote positive lit­ are in need of pictures/video Eastman School of Music and is one of erature about homosexuality in libraries. a thousand words only 12 Americans to have graduated from: She was a part of the movement to get Emma Goldman said, "The history of from the Piano Department of the T al­ the American Psychiatric Association to progress is written in the blood of men T Flag Raising at City Hall ent Education Institute in Japan, where drop homosexuality as a mental illness in and women who have dared to espouse T Pride Kick Off at the Hyatt she studied for four years with Dr. Shin­ 1972. Her self-described life mission was an unpopular cause, as, for instance, the ichi Suzuki and Dr. Haruko Kataoka, T Pride Parade to tear away the "shroud of invisibility" black man's right to his body, or woman's the founder of Suzuki Piano Basics. Dr. T Pride Festival related to homosexuality that associated right to her soul." Hagberg is the author of many articles on T Pride Picnic it with crime and mental illness. Today the gay community's history piano pedagogy, and has been active as a Margaret Cammermeyer (born of progress in the fight for freedom and If you are willing to share consultant and presenter on the topic of March 24, 1942) is a former colonel in equality is also written in blood shed by please call the Gay Alliance at stage presence for performing musicians, the Washington National Guard and a those who dared to be out! 244-8640 x22 and leave your teachers, and students. gay rights activist. Born in Oslo, Nor­ Emma Goldman (June 27, 1869-May Dr. Rosanne M. Leipzig is also a name and telephone number. way, she became a United States citizen 14, 1940), also known as Red Emma, founding member of the Gay Libera­ You can also e-mail the com­ in 1960. In 1961 she joined the Army settled in Rochester when she emigrated tion Front of the U of R, precursor to mittee at [email protected] (but Student Nurse Program. She received a from Lithuania in 1885. While here, she the GAGY. Today Rosanne is Vice­ please do not send pictures B.S. in Nursing in 1963 from the Uni­ worked at the Garson Co. textile factory, Chair for Education and the Gerald and in an attached e-mail until you versity of Maryland. married fellow factory worker Jacob Ker­ May Ellen Ritter Professor of Geriat~ics speak with Ralph or Evelyn). In 1989, in response to a question sner, and read up on anarchist literature. in the Brookdale Department of Genat­ during a routine security clearance inter­ She left Rochester in 1888 for New York rics and Adult Development at Mount view, she disclosed that she is a lesbian. City. Sinai School of Medicine. In 2008 she The" don't ask, don't tell" policy was not Goldman was an outspoken critic of received the Dennis W. J ahnigen Memo­ Friends Month is twofold: to enjoy the yet in effect at the time, and the Nation­ prejudice against homosexuals. Her belief rial Award of the American Geriatrics wonderful experience of sharing a meal al Guard began military discharge pro­ that social liberation should extend to Society for a nationally recognized, dis­ with friends, and to financially support ceedings against her. On June 11, 1992, gays and lesbians was virtually unh~ard tinguished career in geriatrics education. the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley she was honorably discharged from the of at the time, even among anarchIsts. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon found­ and its programs. military. Cammermeyer filed a lawsuit As Magnus Hirschfeld wrote, "she was ed Daughters of Bilitis in San Francisco The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Val­ against the decision in civil court. the first and only woman, indeed the in 1955. They also wrote a book called ley is dedicated to cultivating a healthy In June 1994, Judge Thomas Zilly of first and only American, to take up the Lesbian/Woman in 1972 that chronicled inclusive environment where individu­ the federal district court in Seattle ruled defense of homosexual love before the the early lesbian rights movement. Mar­ als of all sexual orientations and gender her discharge, and the ban on gays and general public." In numerous speeches tin and Lyon were together for over 50 expressions are safe, thriving, and enjoy lesbians serving in the military, uncon­ and letters, she defended the right of gays years until Martin died recently. They full civil rights. Our community of friends stitutional. She returned to the Nation­ and lesbians to love as they pleased and were the first couple married in San includes our gay brothers and sisters, and al Guard and served as one of the few condemned the fear and stigma associ­ Francisco when the California Supreme also our non-gay allies, of which there are officially accepted openly gay or lesbian ated with homosexuality. Court legalized same-sex marriage. many. September is a month to celebra.te people in the military until her retire­ Today, in the year 2009, we can hear Elaine Noble is a former politician. our friendships, and the many ways m ment in 1997. her saying what she wrote many years She served in the Massachusetts House which we support and help each other to ago to Hirschfeld, "It is a tragedy, I feel, of Representatives for two terms starting be who we are, to be free and equal. that people of a different sexual type are in January 1975. She was the first open­ Pride Picnic 2009: 4th Dining Out With Friends is in need caught in a world which shows so l.ittle ly lesbian or gay candidate elected to a of dinner hosts and volunteers to get out Annual Dog Show is "up understanding for homosexuals and IS so state legislature. She served two terms as the word! With summer on the way, Sep­ and running" crassly indifferent to the various grad~­ representative for the Fenway-Kenmore/ tember will soon be approaching. Com­ tions and variations of gender and theIr Back Bay neighborhoods of Boston. By Evelyn Bailey bine your resources and get a few friends great significance in life." . Jean O'Leary (March 4, 1948 - June Sunday, July 19, 2009 is THE day for together to have an Open House for the This is still true within and outsIde 4, 2005), was an American gay and dog owners to look forward to! neighborhood, for your co-workers, for the gay community today. Shoulders lesbian rights activist, politician, and Your dog can be a star at the 4th your friends in support of the GAGY. To Stand On (our videotape on Roches­ former nun. In 1972, she left the male­ Annual Pride Picnic Dog Show! We are The possibilities are endless. Be the ter LGBT community history) will pro­ dominated GAA and founded Lesbian revising the classes and categories of first in your circle of friends to commit to vide you and other gay men and women Feminist Liberation, one of the first competition, and these will be posted on hosting a "dinner" during the month of with a sense of rootedness, strength lesbian activist groups in the women's line. All entries must be pre-registered. September. We have many helpful hints and pride through the stories, struggles movement. Two years later, she joined You will be able to register yourself and to help you get started. and achievements of our gay pioneers. the National Gay Task Force, negotiat­ your dog on line, and choose the catego­ Regardless of when during the month Documenting our history gives us cred­ ing gender parity in its executive with ries you want to compete in. Prizes will of September you have your" dinner" with ibility as a community with economic, director Bruce Voeller and joining as be awarded in each category. friends, each person will receive a ticket social and political power. Shoulders To The Gay Pride Picnic is a major fund­ to the Gala Dessert Reception at the City Stand On will demonstrate our contin­ raising event for the Gay Alliance. Pro­ Hall Atrium on Sept. 26, 2009. You will ued faithfulness to our struggle to be free ceeds from the Picnic support the Youth, also be able to purchase a ticket to just the and equal. Education/Outreach, Health and Safety reception. Planning for the evening has Programs of the GAGV, and The Empty already begun. We are looking for n~w Closet. The proceeds also cover the cost September is Dining Out ideas. Volunteers will be welcomed wIth Rochester of the Picnic. You may purchase your With Friends Month open arms. tickets on line or at Outlandish, Equal Volunteer, meet new people and have Clock Ground or the Parkleigh. By Evelyn Bailey some fun. For hosting information or to Ticket Prices for the 2009 Gay Pride September will be Dining Out With volunteer, contact us at 244-8640 ext. Picnic: Students with ID: $5; Advance Friends Month. 26 or email us at diningoutwithfriends@ Sales: $10; Gate Price: $15. The purpose of Dining Out With gagv.us . • Volunteers are still needed '\ In order for the Picnic to run smooth­ ly, we need approximately 90 volunteers COUNSELING SERVICES Robert Daniels willing to make a commitment of a mini­ mum of two hours between the hours of ENERGY THERAPIES 585-467-6456 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the day of the Picnic. Guaranteed The tasks to be done cover all aspects MAXIN MeD NA Clock Cleaning of the Picnic, before and on the day itself CSW- R, ASA and Repair - making pre-picnic phone calls, writing articles, contacting groups, setting up, (585) 330-8891 tearing down, ticket sales, wrist band­ ing, trash collection, putting up the fence WWW. M AX I NF.M .D A I. . . M and security. Everyone who volunteers D MAN ST., R H T R, NY 1 4 607 MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 13

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SOLIDARITY FOREVER: Ove Overmyer leads a solidarity salute with local col­ lege students who attended the CampusOut Conference on Feb. 7. Overmy­ er was joined by co-facilitators Bess Watts, president of Pride At Work, and Cornell University ILR professor Linda Donahue for a workshop titled "LGBT Rights and the Labor Movement." Photo: Bess Watts CampusOut organizer and GAGV staffer Rebecca Newberry. Photo: Bess Watts CampusOUT Conference to make real change in their commu­ draws 140 students nities." In addition to workshops, students Mark Roos, LMT By Rebecca Newberry were encouraged to visit the numerous On Feb. 7 over 140 student activ­ organizational information tables pres­ BODY KNEAD Massage Therapy ists, community organizers and educators ent at the conference. Information from Massage Therapy gathered for the second annual Campus­ organizations such as AIDS Rochester, OUT Conference. This year's theme, HIV Vaccine Trials, Planned Parent­ » Refresh "Out and Into the Streets," focused on the hood, Empire State Pride Agenda, Pride empowerment and visibility of queer and at Work, Northeaster LGBT Confer­ ally student activists. ence, Rainbow Seniors and the National » Revitalize Students from across Monroe, Livings­ Coalition Building Institute not only ton, Allegany and Erie counties attended facilitated workshops but also offered a full day of workshops that centered on information on how to become more » Relax putting ideas and concepts of social justice involved in the community. into practice. Workshops were facilitated The conference is part of the Campus­ by professionals, including community OUT program, the Gay Alliance's student You'll feel better in minutes... organizers and program-oriented direct run social justice program, which offers GUARANTEED! service workers. programming throughout the year, in Presenrer Harrison Watkins from addition to hands on experience working P.U.S.H Buffalo said, "It was really on local and state wide campaigns. For refreshing to see a large number of col­ more information on CampusOUT, con­ lege students engaged to do real work tact [email protected] . • Call (585) 729-9908. Mention this ad to receive $20 off yOllr illitinll hOllr session!

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present the series Cfiristian Paitfi and L(}(]3r[PJ;perience DR. KENNETH STONE will speak on "Does the Bible Shed Light on QUALITY INSTALLATION &SERVICE the 'Gay Marriage' Debates?" TRANE Dr. Stone is Dean and Professor of Bible, Culture and Hermeneutics at Chicago Theological Seminary. Openly gay, he It's Hard To Stop A Trane is the author of Practicing Safer Texts: Food, Sex and Bible in Queer Perspective and editor of Queer Commentary and the FURNACE Hebrew Bible. CLEAN & CHECK SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH 7:30 PM ------.., ~ at 00 fl LAKE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 72 Ambrose Street, at the point formed by the intersections of Lake Ave. , :$10 OFF' Ambrose St. and Jones Ave. ANY CLEAN &CHECK I I With this coupon, one per customer. I Offer expires 3-31-09 Dr. Stone will also preach at the 10:00 am worship service at Lake • J Avenue on March 29. All events are open to the public and free of I ~dm.:: He~ng :'CO~g ~8-2~0 charge. For information, call the church office at 585-458-5765. • HUM IDIFIERS' AIR CLEANERS Dr. Stone will also speak at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, • WATER HEATERS • FUR NACES • AIR CONDITIONERS 1100 South Goodman Street, at 10:00 am on Monday, March 30. This • BOILERS• STEAM • DUCT CLEANING • FIREPlACES event is also free and open to the public. For information about the Monday lecture, call GP. Dickerson-Hanks at the office of the Program on Women and Gender at the Divinity School, 585-340-9651 . 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 288-2050 1776 E. MAIN S1. ROCHESTER www.feldmanhtg.com FOR OVER 95 YEARS, THE FELDMAN FAMILY HAS BEEN PROVIDING QUALITY, ENERGY SAVING HEATING AND COOLING 16 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

Emily Eastwood continued, "Clearly, 27-30 meeting. Prior to that, the Con­ also require the approval of Governor NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL the Lutheran church has ample room ference of Bishops and Church in Soci­ John Hoeven (R-ND) to become law. for conscience-bound opposition, but ety board will review and make such "The Human Rights Campaign (NewsFronts continued from page 5) that ought to lie at the congregational comments as they wish to the church applauds Sen. Tom Fiebiger and other Pro-gay Lutherans air level. The recommendations call for the council. senators in North Dakota for voting elimination of the prohibition against What comes out of the church coun­ to reject discrimination," said Human concerns with sexuality service in ministry by ministers in a cil's meeting will then be the Recom­ Rights Campaign President Joe Sol­ statements by church same-gender relationship. At the same mended Proposed Social Statement and monese. "Millions of Americans live time, recognizing the conscience-bound Rostering Recommendations that are in cities, counties and states where dis­ Lutherans Concerned/North Amer­ division within the church over this very submitted for deliberation and action to crimination based on gender identi­ ica has both considerable agreement issue, the recommendations provide for a the 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Min­ ty and sexual orientation is still legal. and substantial disagreement with the framework in which congregations, syn­ neapolis, Aug. 17-23. Synod assemblies Particularly in these tough economic Proposed Social Statement on Human ods, candidacy committees and bishops held during April-June are very likely times, no person should have to face the Sexuality and accompanying Rostering may discriminate at will against min­ to produce comments and advice to added worry of experiencing discrimi­ Recommendations, released publically isters and candidates in a same-gender the churchwide assembly concerning the nation simply because of who they are. by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in relationship. In the ELCA, congrega­ documents as well. This vote in the North Dakota state America (ELCA) on Feb. 19. tions retain the right to call the minister Senate gives meaning to the principle The Proposed Social Statement extols of their choosing from approved rosters that workers, housing and credit appli­ the place of family, right relationships, of the whole church. The recommen­ North Dakota cants, and people seeking public services love, Christian values, sexuality, mutual­ dations could restrict a congregation's Senate bans LGBT should be evaluated based on their own ity, commitment, the benefits to society ability to call a well-suited minister in a discrimination abilities and merits - not based on their and the church of committed relation­ same-gender relationship. Candidates in gender identity or sexual orientation." ships, and the diversity of successful locations with unsupportive leadership North Dakota's state Senate voted Sen. Tom Fiebiger, a sponsor of the families within church and society. The could be denied candidacy. Congrega­ 27-19 on Feb. 18 to pass Senate Bill legislation, added, "The people affect­ Proposed Social Statement clearly plac­ tions who don't wish to call ministers 2278, which would bar discrimination ed by this legislation are our sons and es same-gender committed relationships in a committed same-gender relation­ on the basis of sexual orientation and daughters, brothers and sisters. They are among those. With all of that Lutherans ship could exercise their conscience no gender identity in matters of employ­ the folks we work with and sit next to Concerned is in agreement. matter where they are, but congrega­ ment, public accommodations, hous­ in the pews on Sundays. They are our Emily Eastwood, Executive Direc­ tions who do wish to call such minis­ ing, state and local government services, friends and family. They are the people tor, Lutherans Concerned, said, "This ters would not have the same freedom. insurance and credit transactions. we love." Social Statement is a vast improvement Completely unacceptable, and danger­ The legislation would add sexual North Dakota already prohibits dis­ over its previous draft. We are also ous. Whatever divisions there are in the orientation, which is defined in the bill crimination on the basis of race, color, gratified that the Social Statement con­ church are widened not reduced by this to include gender identity, to the list of religion, sex, national origin, age, dis­ tinues to acknowledge, "with regret," recommendation." classes protected under North Dakota's ability, marital status, and status of pub­ that the church's teachings have on The ELCA Church Council will existing anti-discrimination laws. lic assistance. Senate Bill 2278 would occasion been used to harm people, deliberate and take action on them, The bill now moves to the state's add protections for sexual orientation deepening their suffering and tearing revising them or not, at their March House of Representatives, and would and gender identity. • families apart. Mindful of the divi­ sions within the church the document creates room for the recognition of same-gender relationships. It calls for comprehensive sex education in church and in schools. "But that is not enough. Singularly, the Proposed Social Statement, having extolled the unique benefits to couples, church and society of committed rela­ tionships, fails to proffer a means of public recognition of same-gender rela­ tionships, no rite of blessing or marriage. Unacceptable, but correctable inconsis­ tency." As to the separate Rostering Recom­ mendations, required in response to the 2007 Churchwide Assembly, Lutherans Concerned is gratified to see acknowl­ edgement that the previous consensus • on the definition of right relationships THE EMPTY CLOSET IS LOOKING FOR A SALES being solely male-female is gone and unlikely to recover as a new discern­ ment takes hold. Also gratifying is that REPRESENTATIVE TO SELL ADVERTISING IN THE provision is being made for ministers in committed same-gender relationships to EMPTY CLOSET. 30% COMMISSION. 585-244-9030 serve in ministry. But, unacceptable is the mechanism the recommendations seek to accomplish this. The mechanism proffered states that congregations, candidacy committees, synods and bishops, bound by their conscience to oppose the ordination or service of LGBT ministers, may do so. Such allowance may create institution­ alized discrimination at the synod level, resulting in pockets where the existing prohibitions may remain in full force.

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rJay(8JJcliester. Com We have over 800 profi[es! There is never a charge to create your profi[e, 6rowse others, or mak.§ connections. 18 A THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

VALENTINE'S DANCE: Jess Cohen and friend at the Feb. 14 dance at Temple Sinai. Photos: billijo wolf

WHAT'S NEXT FOR NY?: The panel at the Pride Agenda forum on Feb. 11 included (L-R) Jon Desma Holcomb is program director for the Empire State Greenbaum (Metro Justice), Sheilah Sable (Pride in Action), Desma Holcomb (ESPA), Todd Plank Pride Agenda. (ESPA), Gary Pudup (NYCLU) and Courtney Michie (Americorps-GLSEN). Photo: billijo wolf MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET A 19

HAVE A HEART: Maud Kane and Lisa Kinney-Kane at the Valentine's Day walk on Park Ave. All photos billijo wolf LOOT EALfHAWARENESS"WEEK~"'- 2009 ~--;;;;;1i~ SUN., MARCUISTH IrlARCll ~ 16nI Real Sex-Ed &lG8TTeens Meet us on,'the water Sle o~ Com Hllandilg. lpm to 5pm 7:00 p,m - ex in the Ci~1 GAGVYouth Center Asexual health worbh6p Clarion Riverside Hotel ,875 E.Moin 7!tJpm @CHB1 in!!Ulnad Pkml 120E. Main St.• ~~ 853 W. Main Sf. GDe.~ --L ~ A ~ 'r:. "....N\ :::::. __ ~~ 01"U 'l ~ \ ~eC)\· -.; ;,J WED. -...... MARCH ism, ... MAR~ ILGBT Legall Heal~h Clinic Come' & learn ,about legall The CasuallSex Diary ISsues & your heaHhl1 FIREE Aplay by Mafth&w aehan tIa1h, 7:00 pm ~. ~m Screenings 7!JJ pm l ------~MltO\\n lIMed ~aian DoMltovm lkIited Ptresb~erian 21 N. FitzhU'g~ Sf. 1~ N.FitzhU9hy~~ Cinema Theatre rComBl'Gootman,,l 5. Clitom) , . ~&;~ . ~~ or more information on any of these events call Erik Ubey at (585)442-2220 or visit www.gayrochester.com/HealthWeek All events are free & open to the public unless otherwise noted. r~ ASL Interpreters can be requested l¥ ema:lling elibeyOaldsrochester.org before March 6th.~ Major ' ~~ft.ft~.. ~'A.e , J.. , ..-... H H ... • • - - ROour. Donors: AIDS Rochester PR1IDEAGENDA .VllU11 _ ... --_...... - ..

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Jonathan Hadley, left, as the Four Seasons' gay manager and lyricist Bob Crewe. Actor Jonathan lisch and Michael Bennett in A has a BFA from NCSA, and an Class Act. MFA in Directing from Brook­ Hadley talks about He has been part of tours lyn College. "Jersey Boys" of Into the Woods, Joseph ... , Empty Closet: Can you tell Fiddler on the Roof and For­ us why you decided to go into By Susan Jordan bidden Broadway (Australia). theatre and how you got your Matthew Crehan Higgins Jersey Boys, the musical about Off-Broadway he has appeared career started? How did you Frankie Valli and the Four Sea­ in Finian's Rainbow, Theda support yourself? sons, will be at the Auditorium Bara and the Frontier Rabbi and Jonathan Hadley: My par­ Playwright brings "The Casual Sex Diary" Theatre until March 15. Recent­ Kuni-Leml. His favorite region­ ents were actors and directors, here for Health Week (March 14-20) ly The Empty Closet was able to al theatre experiences were in so I started doing theater at the ask cast member Jonathan Had­ Dirty Blonde, White Christ­ ripe old age of five and have By Erik Libey It is possible to have it all! Sex­ ley some questions about the mas, Loves Labour Lost, Call been doing it ever since. I stud­ As part of this year's LGBT ual health is about calculated musical and his career. Me Madam and Yiddle with a ied at the N.C. School of the Health Week, award-winning risk... and this show looks at Hadley (Bob Crewe and Fiddle (Boston Herald Award). Arts and after graduating went Buffalo playwright Matthew that in a smart and funny way. others) was last seen on Broad­ He has also appeared on TV right to New York and started Crehan Higgins will bring his EL: What do you think we way in Jersey Boys and before in ''Another World" and "Sex auditioning. one-man show The Casual Sex learn ttom casual sex? that channeled Marvin Ham- in the City." Jonathan Hadley My first big job was the Diary to Rochester for one night MCH: Sex with strangers National Tour of Into The Woods only, March 20. can let us be who we might (am I dating myself?) starring I sat down with Matthew, be afraid to with someone we Cleo Laine and Charlotte Rae. the show's author and star, to know better. You see and do And even though I've worked talk about the show, which will things that might not work in pretty steadily, there have been be part of LGBT Health Week other contexts. Sex and men dry periods where I've done events. are NOT all the same. When everything from extra work to Erik Libey: What can peo­ you remain open, someone can street promotions to being a ple expect from the show? always come along with some­ Census Taker. I really liked that Matthew Creehan Higgins: thing brand new to experience! job, actually! I got to see some The Casual Sex Diary is about EL: How autobiographical amazing apartments in the city! what we learn about life, our­ is it? EC: Do you prefer dramat­ selves, and others by going "all MCH: The timeline changed ic plays or musical theatre? the way" with strangers. There's a little, but every story is from JH: I like to mix it up and a lot of humor in it -- mixed my life. During the three years do a bit of both when I can. with thoughts on life that say I first did this show, I was in a EC: Have you done any something bigger than just the relationship. Now, single again, directing? What are your sex. it's fun looking at the show again hopes for your career in the EL: Why bring this show and getting a lot of real world future? to Rochester? practice to connect with it! JH: Actually I left acting MCH: Well, I was born at EL: How exposed do you for a while and went back to Highland -- but I've also had feel in this show? The Seen in a small attempt to put the grad school and got an MFA great experiences and met fan­ MCH: I was in Naked Boys unity back into the word "com­ in Directing! For my thesis I tastic folks here. After a difficult Singing for three months, so ERIK LlBEY munity". This month's featured directed the play Spring Awak­ breakup last summer, a good I'm used to "exposed". Still, this By Michael Steck person is dedicated community ening... such an amazing play! friend and I came down to "get show is my true experiences -­ www.michaelsteck.com health activist Erik Libey. I loved the stories of all those my mojo back." We both met and it's mostly funny, but I've "The Seen" is a series of This series of articles is all kids exploring their sexuality. guys and even though it didn't also done things that are hard to articles that are about the peo­ about getting to know people I enjoy teaching and directing blossom into love, it made me talk about with friends ... shar­ ple we see in our GLBT com­ in the community and who and hope to keep combining feel fantastic for the first time in ing it with an audience is some­ munity all the time. We may better to know than someone both with my acting career. a while and reminded me who I how liberating. know them by name or we may who fights tirelessly to not only They all feed each other. was. So I'm ... grateful to Roch­ EL: What do you hope we know them by face but how­ educate our community but EC: What is your career ester for that! take away ttom this show? ever we know them, our scene to keep it healthy? For the highlight so far? Have you had EL: How does it fit into MCH: Someone once told would not be the same without past nine years he has served any experiences which made "LGBT Health Awareness me this show made him feel them. These articles are a trib­ as AIDS Rochester's Health you think, "I can't believe Week"? better about who he is and ute to those seen in our scene, (The Seen continues page 2) this is happening?" (In a good MCH: Attitudes about sex what he does. Many guys sleep way... ) have changed, but there is still around and enjoy it ... but still JH: Is it too cheesy to say stigma about casual sex. This feel guilty. There's no apolo­ Jersey Boys? It is really an amaz­ show is about fucking a lot gizing or shame in this show. I ing experience being in such a -- with a full time job, a good hope we see it's possible to rack big hit and playing to such won­ sense of self, and in good health. (Playwright continues page 2) derful, excited crowds, as well as getting to know the real Four Seasons. It was pretty crazy to see the real Frankie Valli sitting at my final audition! Talk about Yes to K8! Kate Clinton has a recovery being nervous! Before this, 1'd say getting plan: laughter... see her March 15 to sing with the great Leslie "Trillions schmillions - get off your troubled assets!" Uggams in Call Me Madam was Comedian Kate Clinton brings her "restoration comedy" to a real highlight, as was doing Rochester on March 15. Forbidden Broadway in Aus­ The show will be at 2 p.m. at the Rochester Clarion Riverside tralia with a 40-piece orches­ Hotel, 120 E. Main St. Seating will be limited. Tickets are $40 tra. Those were pretty amazing and are available at www.LGBTFOGG.com. Equal=Grounds experiences. Coffee House and Outlandish Video and Gifts. EC: What do you enjoy Proceeds will benefit LGBT Friends of Good Government. Erik Libey (Hadley continues page 2) 2 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

(Playwright from page 1) all around me growing up. You just don't Michael Steck: LBGT Health a Southern Baptist minister and you can up the partner count ... and still have a realize how many songs they have record­ Awareness Week is coming up, what imagine the struggles Erik had just to full and healthy life! ed until you see the show. can people expect this year? be himself. Join us for this performance of The Right now I'm really into these British Erik Libey: Yes, LGBT Health Week But in 1992, Erik came to Rochester Casual Sex Diary on Friday, March 20, at women who are taking over the scene ... . in Rochester is March 15-20 and will to attend the University of Rochester 7 p.m. at the Downtown United Presby­ Adele, Duffy, Estelle, Amy Crackhouse .. . kick off with an afternoon Community and found his home within the Roch­ terian Church (121 N. Fitzhugh St.). A I mean Winehouse. Love them! Health & Wellness Fair at the Clarion ester LGBT community. He recently suggested donation of $5 will be accepted Ee: What is your hometown and Hotel on Sunday the 15th. bought a house with his partner of six at the door and the performance will be where do you live now? Single or part­ Then, during the week, every day years, Jason Gilman. Even though Erik followed by a free coffee/dessert recep­ nered? there's at least one event going on for lives the full-on domestic life now, there tion. JH: I'm originally from Charlotte, NC the community. Some of them are work­ was a time when his alter-ego Aurora For information on this and all LGBT but have lived in New York City for .... shops, others are community activism Borealis thrived in the nightlife.) Health Week events, visit www.gayroch­ well... a long time. I'm lucky enough to sessions and then there's some really MS: Do you think you'll ever get ester.com/HealthWeek . • live in Greenwich Village and really can't fun stuff, like free movies sponsored by the urge to prance around in panties imagine living anywhere else right now. ImageOut and a really sexy, sassy, funny and heels on stage again? I'm currently single ... and looking! Hint one-man play called "The Casual Sex EL: (Laughs) Probably not. Although hint! Diaries" making its Rochester debut. in this economy I suppose you should Ee: Are you out? (Hadley from page 1) Full information on LGBT Health never say never, huh? Who knows I may JH: I'm pretty out and even though most about your current role in "Jer­ Week can be found on page A 1 and in end up needing some extra cash and all I understand it, I do wish more actors sey Boys"? What is the most difficult the AIDS Rochester ad on back cover those dollar bills sure come in handy, would come out publicly. I didn't come challenge? A). don't they? out till late -- in my mid 20s -- so it was JH: I really feel proud to get to play MS: Sounds like some great things MS: Do you miss it at all? all pretty hard. But it's all good now! Bob Crewe every night ... and twice on are happening that week! Now what is EL: I definitely don't miss high heels Ee: Have you seen Milk and if so the weekends! He was, and is, such an your role with LGBT Health Week? or eyelash glue residue on your face for what do you think of it? influential man in the music industry EL: LGBT Health Week is a project days or the mess it makes in your apart­ JH: I LOVED MILK!!! And I was and few people know who he is and that of the Rochester LGBT Health Coali­ ment. I suppose I get nostalgic every in San Fran doing Jersey Boys when they he was a pretty out guy for the time ... the tion, which is convened by AIDS Roch­ now and then, but when that happens were casting it. I would have loved to be early '60s. ester and so in my role there I guess you I can throw in a Cristina Aguilera CD, in it .... and am so glad it got all those Bob Crewe was the producer, lyri­ could label me a "lead organizer" for put on some lip gloss and dance around nominations. The acting is amazing and the week. in front of the mirror in my bedroom! cist and manager of the Four Seasons Gus Van Sant is a genius and this is a and even though he was a bit flamboy­ MS: How did Health Week begin? MS: I think you aren't the only one story that NEEDS to be told. It's amaz­ EL: Actually LGBT Health Week is who does that! What was your favor­ ant, he was accepted by these four blue­ ing to me how many people ... gay and collar guys for his talent and what he a national thing that was started by the ite part of drag? straight.... have never heard of Harvey National Coalition for LGBT Health EL: I did love the creative aspect of it could bring to the group. He was a real Milk until this movie. pioneer. back in 2003. Locally we started orga­ and I did love the way the crowd would Ee: Anything you'd like to add? nizing in 2006 to join the national react when I did something crazy or cre­ By the way, most people don't know JH: Just thanks for interviewing me that the lyrics that Crewe wrote for efforts and raise awareness about our ative. Do you remember when I painted and enjoy the show! community's health and wellness. myself up all blue with yellow eyes and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" were Don't miss the March 9 Cabaret inspired by him watching his lover while MS: What are the statistics of slicked-back red hair to be Mystique Fundraiser starring the cast ofJersey Boys. AIDS/HIV and STDs in Rochester? from the X-men movies? Ah, fun times! he was sleeping. It's probably one of the (See pages A 1 and B 1 for details.) • most successful pop songs ever and it's a Have they gotten better or worse? MS: That was fabulous! I think gay love song! I just love that. The chal­ EL: The Rochester area continues to that was one of your most creative lenge is playing a real person and doing have rates of HIV and STDs that are numbers, definitely a highlight of justice to him. (SEEN from page 1) higher than we'd like to see and are cer­ your drag days! Speaking of that, for Ee: Did you listen to The Four Sea­ Coordinator and has strived to keep tainly higher than some other commu­ you what was the highlight of your sons while growing up? What kind of this city healthy and aware. From galas nities in the state. I attended a training drag career? music do you like best? to walks, there is no awareness-raising led by staff from the Monroe County EL: I suppose winning Miss Gay JH: I'm a big 01' pop music fan and event that is too big or too small for Department of Health recently, where Rochester was definitely a high point. couldn't help hearing the Four Seasons Erik Libey. they reported that at least 49 percent of I also had a fantastic time several years the new infections of HIV in the Roch­ ago when I traveled to Texas with ester area in 2007 were among gay and Naiomy Kane as a back-up dancer to bisexual men. So it's definitely still a the Miss Gay USofA pageant. Even problem we need to address though I wasn't competing in that pag­ MS: It just seems to me that so eant myself, it was awesome to be there Geri Stanton many people talk about having unpro­ to support Ms. Kane and to be in the Counseling Services tected sex and how they only do it presence of all that drag fierceness! 'Cuz NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor with people they trust. Even if that Sign Language Skilled those bitches down there BROUGHT trust is given to people they just met IT! or barely know. Is unprotected sex on MS: That they do! So, what made the rise? you decide to stop doing drag on a EL: You know that's a hard question regular basis? to answer. I don't know that there's a EL: Hmm, well, you know, when we Individual • Couple • Group good way to study who is and isn't using stopped performing at that bar named condoms, without a scary John Ashcroft after the twinkly things in the night sky hidden camera in your bedroom kind (wink). I had to take a break because of set up! Maybe the better question there wasn't really anywhere for me to than "is unsafe sex on the rise" would perform anymore and during that break be, "is unsafe sex still happening," and I just realized how nice it was not to we can just look at the data and answer have to get all dolled up two or three that: yes! times a week and so the break ended up MS: I know there is a lot that goes becoming indefinite. Besides, do you into your job. What does your job know how many great late-night reruns entail? of The Golden Girls I was missing, per­ EL: My job is really to do work that forming in bars so much?! makes the LGBT community health­ (While he may have shelved the five­ ier. Part of that means educating our inch platforms for a pair of flat Ken­ community, through our website, my neth Coles, the entertainer in him still column in The Empty Closet, media thrives. With two colleagues, Trevor campaigns and community events. Hoppe and Alex Garner, Erik is about to Another big part is educating medical create a gay male version of "The Vagi­ and human service providers about our na Monologues". The "Bottom Mono­ community and our needs. So I spend a logues" is currently in the early planning lot of time training providers on how to stages and the name alone seems to say be both culturally AND clinically com­ instant hit.) 247 PARK AVENUE petent on LGBT health. MS: How did the idea of "The Bot­ ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14607 MS: What is the most challenging tom Monologues" come about? 585.244.0613 EXT. 5 part of your job? EL: Through my job I do a lot of EL: You know being a healthy person activism and have participated in sev­ i . INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES THERAPY is a pretty daunting and lifelong process. eral national health conferences. At the g. MULTICULTURAUDIVERSITY CONSULTATIONS It's not really something you can think most recent Gay Men's Health Sum­ « about once and then forget it. So prob­ mit in Seattle, I connected with two t::! • LGBTQI CONCERNS .J ably the most challenging part of my job great new colleagues: Trevor, who is is finding ways to keep LGBT health ~ • HIV/AIDS AND CHRONIC ILLNESS doing research about bottom identity w issues relevant and fun and important and Alex, who is involved in theater, sto­ ~ . TRAUMA AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE in the lives of our community! rytelling and activism. It just ended up (Work is not the only place Erik being a meeting of the minds. ~ • GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT found challenges in his life. Growing You know bottoming is something ~ • RECOVERY ISSUES up a self proclaimed "queenie little gay that most or all of us have thought w boy" wasn't easy in a small town in the about, but there's not a ton of public ~ • DEPRESSIONIANXIETY/SELF- CONCEPT northernmost county in Maine. Add to discourse about it. We thought it would the mix an Air Force father who is now be an amazing project to create a voice MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 3 that represents bottom men and shares think of him at all! Joining Huffington on board in Ft. Harvey Milk). their stories. If you could go back in time, what Lauderdale are Kate Clinton, Rene Laughing Matters ... Next Gen - MS: Do you feel there is a cer­ would you say to your childhood nem­ Hicks, Vickie Shaw and Doria Rob­ Available March 17. tain negative stereotype against "bot­ esis? erts. In the fourth installment in her toms" in the gay community? Like it As a queenie little gay boy, I had a There will also be an Olivia Star award-winning Laughing Matters series, is almost isn't something you want to LOT of nemeses. So did you see that Search contest. "Star Search" was a tal­ director Andrea Meyerson has put admit? scene at the end of the movie "Carrie"? ent search program popular prior to together an outstanding cast of new EL: ABSOLUTELY! I think that's 1'd probably do something like that. ''American Idol". The show was hosted up-and-coming comics on the GLBT part of the whole idea behind this proj­ If you could get it on with one celeb­ by Ed McMahon and featured contests comedy circuit. Shot with her winning ect. Certainly times are changing and rity, who would it be and would you for female singers, male singers, group formula that weaves together stand-up people are being more open about their want the sex tape to get out? performers, female spokes models, and material with candid interviews, view­ own identities, but still, there's a lot of David Beckham is a hottie, I think ... dancers. ers are given the opportunity to both stigma about bottoming even amongst but 1'd hide that tape like nobody's busi­ For more information about Olivia laugh and meet the person behind the queer men. I think we still endorse a fair ness. I don't think anybody needs to be Cruises visit the website at www.olivia. comedy. amount of shame, stigma and emascula­ on Posh Spice's bad side! com. Ready? OK! - Available March 24. tion of men who bottom. Is Paula Abdul drunk on American With family-friendly flair, a ter­ MS: It's always been odd to me Idol? Coming To DVD - GLBT rific cast and plenty of heart and soul, that so many gay men want to bottom A scarier question is this: what if she writer/director James Vasquez tells the but don't admit it. It's like they feel isn't? What if that's really how she is?! Style! story of a single mother struggling to less masculine or something? Like Sarah Palin or Tina Fey, who would Compiled By Robby Morris understand her young son's love of that purse that just fell out of your make the better President? Coming soon to a video store near cheerleading, dolls and dresses. mouth when you spoke didn't just I have leftovers in my fridge that you ... Holding Trevor - Available March emasculate you, girl. So, what has the would be a better president than Sarah Rick and Steve, the Happiest 3l. response been so far? Palin! Gay Couple In All The World: The Intimate, fresh and raw, Holding EL: It's been great actually. I think Do you believe in aliens? Complete Second Season - Available Trevor is the captivating tale of hand­ people are really excited about the proj­ Let's just say that that I HOPE they March 3. some young Trevor and his group of ect in general and we've already received exist. .. I take some solace in the fact Welcome back to the gayest of gay friends at a pivotal moment in their hundreds of story submissions from that Sarah Palin might not even actually ghettoes, West Lahunga Beach, where lives. Celebrating the negative status of all over the world through our web­ be a human being! Rick and Steve make their fabulously their HIV tests, the friends throw a cel­ site www.bottommonologues.wordpress. Who is the next celebrity you hope decorated double-income-no-children ebration that changes their friendships com. has a meltdown? home. The insults fly, nothing goes and how they feel about each other. MS: That's right, anyone can sub­ I think a crazy foaming at the mouth unspoken and the ugly, bitter truth *Release dates are subject to mit tales, trials and tribulations of Hannah Montana meltdown would be about domestic bliss never looked so change! being a bottom. I can imagine there funny to watch! • cute. Join Rick, Steve, their friends have already been some crazy stories and community in the twisted second Men's Chorus salutes so far! season DVD release of Logo's hit ani­ EL: Yeah, tons actually! Too many to mated series. "Women of Song" recount here and besides, can we really Entertainment News: Milk - Available March 10. The Rochester Gay Men's Chorus print that kind of language (laughs)? The riveting biopic of America's presents a concert, "Women of Song," Suffice it to say that we've been really WHITE RIBBONS FOR first openly gay major elected official, on March 21, featuring Rochester's impressed at how honest, funny, sexy MARRIAGE EQUALITY from his groundbreaking accomplish­ "Women of Note" vocal group. and even poignant people's stories have ments to his tragic death, comes to RGMC says the concert will cel­ been! By Sherrill Fulghum DVD hot on the heels of an unprec­ ebrate "the women in our lives," from MS: What would be the ultimate It all began with a song in the '70s edented sweep of major nominations divas to female composers and song­ goal of "The Bottom Monologues"? by a group named Tony Orlando and celebrating the film's powerful mes­ writers to "treasured confidants". EL: Well since it's a play, entertain­ Dawn. "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" was the sage, including Oscar nominations for The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Hoch­ ment is probably priority number one. story of a man who was being released Best Picture, Best Director (Gus Van stein, 50 N. Plymouth. Tickets are on But beyond that, I think we'd like to from jail and gave his wife the option Sant), Best Supporting Actor (Josh sale at Parkleigh, Outlandish, the Cre­ get the conversation going about what it of letting him return or not simply by Brolin) and Best Actor (Sean Penn as ator's hands, and Equal=Grounds . • means to be a bottom, to start to debunk placing a yellow ribbon around a tree. some of that shame around bottoming She had not placed one but hun­ we talked about and most importantly dreds of yellow ribbons to welcome to create some bottom lovin'! Bottoms him home. During the first Gulf War should love themselves and the commu­ those same yellow ribbons were used nity should love them, too! to show support for the troops. Since MS: What stage is it all at now? the days of the song, many groups have Rand~ G. Raetz, DDS EL: We're still very early in our pro­ offered ribbons of varying colors for cess, but ideally we'd like to at least people to show support for the cause. General Dentisi:r9 for the entire community unveil a "work in process" workshop The latest in the ribbon support including bleaching and cosmetics reading at the National LGBT Health brigade are those who wish the right Summit in Chicago in August 2009. to marry in California. A simple white Then perhaps a full staging of the final ribbon with a knot in the middle. Sup­ WE ARE NOW IN OUR NEW OFFICE!!!!! project in 2010 at the Gay Men's Health porters of the marriage equality rights Summit -- after that the sky's the limit! sported those ribbons at the Gram­ It seems that the sky is also the limit my Awards on Feb. 8, including Foo Come check out our new modern office, offering patients the when it comes to all that Erik does for Fighters drummer Dave Grohl, crooner benefits of digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and flat screen t.v.s the Rochester LGBT community and Michael Buble, British singer Adele, beyond. Through his tireless efforts to Dave Stewart and Kristian Bush. in a relaxing and enjoyable environment. raise people's awareness, he has truly WhiteKnot.org is offering free (but become someone that the community donations are welcome) white rib­ should be aware of and greatly appre­ bons to anyone who wants one simply ciate. by sending a self addressed stamped For more information about LGBT envelope to: White Knot for Equality, Health Week log onto: www.aidsroch­ PO Box 69151, West Hollywood, CA ester.org. For more information or to 90069. submit your own story for the Bottom Knot making kits and bulk pre­ Monologues log onto: www.bottom­ made ribbons are also available on the monologues.wordpress.com. website at www.whiteknot.org. Every Now & Ten: Ten Random Hedda Gabler Questions for Erik Libey Playwright and director Michael If you were cast on "Survivor", what Arve will present the classic by Hen­ would be your one luxury item you rik Ibsen, "Hedda Gabler", March 20 brought with you? through April 4. I'm a texting fiend, so probably my Show times are at 8 p.m. at the 2257 South Clinton Avenue cell phone, but then 1'd have to insist on Black Sheep Theatre at Village Gate Westfall Park Medical Center a location where I got a signal! 274 Goodman St. in Rochester. Rochester, NY 1461Z What is your favorite swear/curse For more information contact word? Michael Arve at 585-234-1254 or via The F-bomb ... I can work fuck (and email [email protected]. any derivation thereof) into just about Olivia Cruise (58'5)473-1550 any conversation! Ready for a tropical cruise with What would you do or say to Paris some serious content? 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Nightly and morningly, I did my Ah me, I tenderly recall my youth MM Stretches while I brushed my teeth. when bedtime would entail a black neg­ Using my electric toothbrush timer, I ligee, a dab of perfume, and a leap cycled through the swings and bends, between waiting thighs. Now bedtime Golumnists simultaneously brushing gently my den­ requires two kinds of toothpaste, three Th~ opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance tal quadrants. This is called medically interdental tools, and a gulp of chemi­ of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. induced multitasking. cal mouthwash. I don my sheep-covered Eventually grasping the concept of nightshirt, pop in my dental night guard, Growing Up be pleased with more ordinary looking action-packed movements, I started a and jump between the flannel sheets to actors in those roles. I guess I can't have daily workout with our Wii Fiit. On the watch Rachel Maddow. YOU GAYS 010 THAT it both ways. I like realism in my Art. I screen, my video incarnation, my Wii­ Of course, now retired, I do not set By Eric Bellmann sure like seeing my folk heroes depicted mii, participates in races, ski jumping, an alarm. I use calendars, not clocks, I'm a movie as God-like. hula hooping, and other balance activi­ to measure my life. My dreams collapse junkie. In New I think the first really buffed actors to ties. Standing on the Wii-board, incar­ time, and my past becomes my present. York, often I see a make a major impression were men like nate I do yoga, aerobics, and strength Nightly I return to slices of life gone movie a day. I head Tab Hunter and Rock Hudson, both gay. building. by.... for films that prob­ Earlier romantic heartthrobs were actors My initial check-in required me to My mother was near the end of her ably won't make it like Gregory Peck, Tyrone Power, Clark stand on the Wii-board. I was turning to life. Leaning on her own kitchen sink, to Rochester. Gable. None of them paraded across the adjust various body parts when, sudden­ she shivered as the cool September air I recently screen with their shirts off, or if they did, ly, the squeaky Wii-voice complained, touched her bareness. Her seventy-six caught a foreign as in the case of Gable, they were vis­ "You're fidgeting, and I can't get a read­ year-old, frail body was being sponged film, "Moscow, Belgium," that thrilled ibly holding in their gut. The only actor ing." Thus, my first exercise was falling down by an aide. me. A charming, modest story of ordi­ who comes to mind who transcends the off the Wii-board in hysterics. I had remained in the living room, nary people, it's about a woman separated earlier conventional image was Burt Lan­ After every check-in, the Wii calcu­ offering my mother some privacy during from her husband who begins a relation­ caster. After Hunter and Hudson, things lates my physical age using my chrono­ this indignity. But loudly she summoned ship with a truck driver after a minor changed. A gay sensibility subtly entered logical age and the results of two balance me, "Come look at this shriveled body." I parking lot accident. mainstream culture. tests. Suffice it to say, my body age rang­ complied. "Look," she directed, "look at What caught me completely off Am I satisfied with our contribution es from 47 to 73. this poor old shape. Can you believe it?" guard, and the point I made when talk­ to the dominant culture? Well, maybe, at The Wii also reports my weight, to What answer to the woman who, not ing about the film to friends, was that the least to the degree that it made straight the tenth, thus enabling me to bemoan so long ago, had stood, fully clothed at truck driver, a man in his late twenties, trolls wince. the gaining of point five pounds, approx­ her kitchen sink, rinsing vegetables gath­ had a muffin top. You know what that I'm caught, whiplashed in the middle imately the weight of my recent peanut ered from her garden. What answer from is, don't you? A roll of fat above his waist! of two way traffic. I want realism. But I butter and pickle sandwich. In addition, her 47-year-old baby witnessing the wiz­ He was not buffed, not by any stretch of like the idealism of buffed actors. I'm a Wii Fiit calculates my Body Mass Index, ened flesh, witnessing a stranger gently the imagination. And him a truck driver, sadly willing victim of media. I guess we the emphasis apparently on the "mass" washing the desiccated skin. for goodness' sake. This was cause for need our icons romanticized and aero­ part. Just who discovered BMI? And Finally her sixty-five-year-old baby reflection. bicized. I think about Sean Penn as a why? I recollect that when I was 25, my understands the answer. No, mommy, I I'm not a film snob. I like well-made visual improvement over the real Harvey BMI was recorded as 36-24-34 (theoreti­ can't believe my eyes. American product and alas, product is Milk and feel just a little ashamed. Not cally). MeredithElizabethReiniger@Jrontier­ mostly what it is. I often feel like I'm so when I look at James Franco. Guess if In any case, I persevere. Daily I try net. net being dragged by the neck while watch­ a muffin top is required to make things to mirror the yoga moves made by my ing a Hollywood film. No opportunity real, I can supply mine. Wii-trainer while my body adds the jello Conundrums to draw my own conclusions. Everything E-mail: ELBCAD@RITEDU quivers. My "palm tree" crashes, my is mapped out, predictable. And everyone "downward dog" plops, and my "lunge" JOE BRUNO IS WEAVING looks the same: lean, slim, blond, toothy, lurches. The Wii-trainer offers the solu­ A NEW REALITY Cleaning My Closet tion: develop my core muscles. I didn't men and women, even the dogs. By Ove Overmyer In terms of the guy in "Moscow, Bel­ BLISSFUL BIRTHDAY even know I had a core. Dissociative gium," think about the majority of actors During aerobic stepping, my rhythm By Meredith Idenrity Disorder parading across our screens: Ben Still­ ineptness and slow cerebral synapses Elizabeth Reiniger (DID) is defined er, Robert Downey, Sean Penn, Hank cause the Wii to stop and chide me: "If My Gust or by the American Azaria, even the much-maligned Tom you can't follow the diagrams, watch Gasp test is sched­ Psychiatric Associ­ Cruise. All sculpted, all waxed, and sup­ the feet of the Mii in front of you." As uled for March 24. ation as a condition posedly hot. It's way too much a cookie though that had not occurred to me. When I try to blow in which a single cutter look. How on earth did this come Persistence, apparently, is another core out those sixty-five person displays to be? to develop. little flames on my multiple distinct So when I went on at length about the I regularly attempt the balance­ birthday cake, will identities or personalities, each with its novelty of this highly praised, low budget enhancement soccer game. The Wii soc­ I extinguish the own pattern of perceiving and interacting foreign film, which I compared favorably cer players kick balls toward Wii-mii. candles or myself? with the environment. to the raft of crap that floods the hin­ Quickly Earth-mii is supposed to execute Sixty-five feels significant. In my cul­ It is a kind of identity disorder I terland multi-plexes, as I am inclined to a virtual head-butt to the spinning soccer ture, 16 was nothing. In my family, 21 believe has its roots in a society that has do, my chum Sally said, well it was my balls. Usually, I cannot respond swiftly was inconsequential. As time passed, the drifted free from reality and is creating a fault. "You gays did that." Our obsession enough to get my Wii-mii into position. beginning of each subsequent decade was world of inflated alter egos. And I have to with pecs and abs and low body fat and Then, to complicate matters, the Wii­ barely mentioned. But turning 65 has tell you, comrades, it is not very attrac­ hairless bodies really has impacted the players begin including black and white caught my attention. Three score and tive. The people who slip into using this look of leading men we find in American teddy bears. Unfortunately, I cannot five is astonishing. verbal crutch, or live in this faux-world, films. Gays are trendsetters. Oh dear. think fast enough to differentiate bear My sixty-five-ness has been duly could use some clinical help. 79 year-old This aesthetic ideal, which we salivate from ball. Alas, I simply cannot avoid noted by the feds. Officially, I am labeled former New York State Senate Majority over in Abercrombie and Fitch ads, hard­ flying bears, so each time I butt a bear, I elderly, and my Medicare card is acti­ Leader Joe Bruno is one of those people. ly has anything to do with the pleasures lose points and Wii-mii gets whacked in vated. With that shift, I have achieved In a televised interview with Capitol of the flesh. Trust me on this. It's a visual her tiny Wii-head. full-fledged senior citizenry and, conse­ Tonight's Brian Taffe on Jan. 26, Bruno dead-end. And since not very many real Nonetheless, there are advantages to quently, qualify for all manner of dis­ spoke about those who are "going after" people match the Hollywood ideal, we Wii-soccer. Besides no travel required for counts and disabilities. the Joe Brunos of the world. Bruno run the risk of being disappointed in our practice, I don't get any bruises. Anyway, N ow and again I forget how long ago pleaded not guilty to corruption charges own bodies, as well as those of men we it's not like bear dodging is a life skill. my Abilities were operational. Such a time and later blasted prosecutors, claiming snag. Hollywood is a nightmare scenario In retrospect, I see that Abilities have this winter, wife-womyn and I decided to he was the victim of a three-year "get Joe for fulfillment. eked away day by day. My knees do not use our cross county skis. We opted to ski Bruno campaign" that began with for­ A digression about movies. If you love kneel, my shoulder regrets the ice fall, on our own property because, after all, it mer Gov. Eliot Spitzer. them as I do, you might notice that a and my eyes are cataract suspects. My was her first time, ever. I assume celebrities, political figures slew of wonderful films don't show up in mind, wherever it may roam, is no longer Evidently my previous runs, a mere and sports heroes sometimes see them­ Rochester. You won't find "Wendy and the boss. I clearly realize that my body five in total, were two decades ago. It's selves above the fray, detached in a way. Lucy," "The Pool," "Man Push Cart" or has become the decision maker. not like Bicycle Memory, I can assure It's kind of like starring as an unwilling "Trouble the Water" at The Little, the I fondly remember when I was 25. you. With moves worthy of YouTube character in your own personal made-for­ so-called home of foreign and indepen­ My mind said go, Go, GO. My youthful renown, I tentatively navigated trails body obeyed. It did not need much sleep TV biopic. Some who suffer with DID dent films. These are all major films that through fresh snow. Ahead of me, Novice have called it an "outer-body" experience. have significant runs in east and west nor require much maintenance. And my easily glided over undulations. I crashed Some even say that their alter egos are coast cities. You will, however, find them bladder had a 12-hour capacity. into them. much "bigger" than they are. at The Dryden Theater of The George These days my coffee consumption is When, at last, we unsnapped our Most politicians want it both ways Eastman House. But you have to move based on my plans for the day. No coffee boards, 1, black-and-blue and wet, scut­ too, a public and a personal life that quickly, since they're rarely shown more before attending an event where I have an tled home ... she to celebrate her first almost never jibe. They show no genuine than one evening. Still, The Dryden assigned seat, none before travel on high­ cross-country skiing, and I to cogitate emotion when referring to their alter egos is your best bet to catch the best mov­ ways with widely spaced rest stops, and about cross-country falling. and it almost gives them the license to ies. You might wonder why The Little none after sundown. Mindful of age-related difficulties, project irresponsibility and "otherness." ignores these films. Indeed, my Seniorly Body Main­ I immediately launched a workout pro­ Public perception has become the new Back to the primary topic, men and tenance requires planning and proper gram to compensate for my Sedentary reality, regardless of the actual behavior. their cinematic representation. In "Milk" preparation. I must ingest 10 pills a day. Senioritis. My routine incorporated min­ A career dominated by press inquiries, we have Sean Penn and James Franco, Only two are prescription; the others are imal movement stretches (MM Stretch­ paparazzi and political spin no doubt one lovable, the other lovable and hot, more remedial. Not only do I have to es). A few leg up-swings, some bent-knee contributes to this ego-maniacal mad­ both buffed. Most of us may have at least remember twice daily to swallow them, lifts, and several toe standings seemed a but weekly I have to open six medicine ness. a passing familiarity with what the real good way to open my blood vessels and Bruno, who retired from the Senate men looked like, nice but not all that fab­ bottles, count out 70 pills, and fill seven prime my muscles. in June of 2008, was charged in an eight- ulous. I'm in a quandary to know if I'd teeny day compartments. 6 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009 count federal indictment with defraud­ ual's search for truth and finding one's sex and methamphetamine from Jones man of the Traditional Values Coalition, ing the public of "honest services" by authentic self? Have we lost our collec­ off and on for three years. told The Jewish Week that "he and a lot taking money from individuals doing tive honesty? The founder of the 14,000-member of other people had been aware of Pas­ business with the state and prodding Having a dissociative identity also New Life Church in Colorado Springs, tor Haggard's same-sex behavior for a labor unions to hire financial firms that calls into question one's ability to genu­ Colorado, Haggard was once a national while ... but we weren't sure just how to were paying him to lure clients. Prosecu­ inely move in social circles and deter­ bigwig. Time magazine in 2005 listed deal with it.... Ted and I had a discus­ tors say he used his influence as one of mine the difference between fiction and Haggard as one of the top 25 most influ­ sion. He said homosexuality is genetic. I New York's top powerbrokers to pocket nonfiction. Apparently, Mr. Bruno has a ential evangelicals in America. And he said, 'Yes it is'." nearly $3.2 million. screw loose somewhere. Let's hope we can wielded influence on Capitol Hill as part Younger evangelical Christians find Acting United States Attorney heal the next generation of this annoying of a cadre of men who participated in the struggle Christian conservative Andrew Baxter said, "Bruno improperly tick before our teenagers become career conservative Christian leadership confer­ churches are having with LGBTQ peo­ exploited his official position and con­ politicians in the New York State Sen­ ence calls with the White House during ple is a culture war they don't want to cealed conflicts of interest." If convicted, ate. the Bush administration. engage in, because the emphasis is politi­ Bruno faces a maximum sentence of 20 Maybe Joe Bruno wasn't a New York Now banished from the GOP inner cal rather than focused on "the ethic of years in jail and $250,000 in fines for State Senator after all. Maybe he just sanctum and the Christian Right's hal­ Jesus." And fighting against same-sex each count. played one on TV. lowed sanctuary, Haggard has lost his marriage is not on the top of their list of When someone begins referring to political platform and bully pulpit. Hag­ social concerns for the country. himself in the third person, as Bruno has Faith Matters gard traces his sexual struggles to alleg­ When asked about same-sex mar­ done repeatedly, as if speaking about a edly being molested as a child. But riage, Diana Smith, 27, an evangelical completely different person, it makes me TEO HAGGARD'S Haggard's road to perdition is not about Christian from upstate New York, said, wonder what kind of horrible threshold ISSUES WITH HIS his sexual orientation; rather it is about "opposing (same-sex marriage) would not he had to cross to fragment and disinte­ the lies he tells about it. be at the top of Jesus' priority list. Jesus grate his own identity. To me, it suggests HOMOSEXUALITY "I do believe I don't fit into the nor­ never mentioned homosexuals at alL" he has a huge personality flaw and cred­ By Rev. Irene mal boxes," Haggard said. "I do think As a matter of fact, the top three social ibility issue. Monroe there are complexities associated with issues for this coming of age of evangeli­ To deny all responsibility for your After a pub­ some people's sexuality, but it just wasn't cal Christians are the environment, chil­ actions is just juvenile. I was almost wait­ licity junket pro­ as simple as I wanted it to be, because I dren orphaned by AIDS, poverty and ing for Bruno to say to Taffe, "I didn't moting the HBO was so deeply in love with my life." How­ health care, all social issues they view as do those things; some other guy like me documentary, The ever, truth be told, Haggard is deeply matters of faith and family values. might have -- but not me!" Trials of Ted Hag­ in love with heterosexual privilege and Older evangelical Christians, on the If you want to garner public sympa­ gard, which land­ homosexual sex. other hand, use homosexuality and sex thy and taint the jury pool by appealing ed him on Oprah In feeding Haggard internalized scandals like Haggard's as a way to polit­ to the masses, Mr. Bruno, you can start and Larry King homophobia and the Christian Right's icize their theological presence and con­ by not referencing yourself in the third Live, fallen evan­ politically and religiously Biased Agen­ trol within the Republican Party. But the person and projecting blame on "others" gelical star Haggard has risen from pub­ da-Driven (aptly abbreviated "B.A.D.") church knows, as many of its fallen dis­ who attack you. lic obscurity to tell us he's not gay. He's science like "reparative therapies," which ciples like Haggard also know, that it can The signs and symptoms of this iden­ "heterosexual with issues." And the issues attempts to prove that LGBTQ people neither get rid of or completely closet its tity disorder are not limited to famous Haggard is referring to are his "sexual as genetically flawed, an ex-gay repara­ LGBTQ people. The church, however, people like Bruno, boxing's Muhammad thoughts about men, but they're not tive therapist depicted Haggard's sexual can be complicit in the deception. Ali or even basketball's Charles Bark­ compulsive any more." proclivity as " heterosexual with homo­ Case in point: While on his publicity ley. Teenagers in growing numbers are But Haggard same-sex thoughts sexual attachments." But the real trou­ junket, new allegations of a homosexual embracing lies and deceit on a wholesale haven't been nearly as compulsive and bling attachment to Haggard's downfall relationship surfaced concerning Hag­ and retail scale by creating social net­ destructive as his trysts with gay men. is how the revelation of his furtive gay gard. This time Haggard's church got working pages that often do not reflect First denying allegations about dalli­ sex life exposes the broader hypocrisy of involved by paying the 20-year-old male their true identity or their genuine char­ ances with gay men, Haggard was shamed his church. church volunteer hush money to keep acter. into confessing "his sexual immorality" Long before Haggard's sex scandal silent. In a settlement reached by the It's more than just fabrication too when his gay male prostitute, Mike Jones, was publicly disclosed, church officials man's lawyer to not go public, the church -- it's fraudulent and just plain unethi­ went public about their affair. Haggard, and friends knew of his homosexual is providing the young man money to cal. What ever happened to an individ- we find out, was soliciting homosexual trysts. Lou Sheldon, a friend and chair- pay his college tuition, moving expenses

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360 East Avenue Call 279-0936 for availability. Rochester, New York 14604 MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 7 and counseling. simple even a cat could understand it. At Bernie shook his head and took the sound like what you were expecting? Rev. Brady Boyd, the new senior pas­ least, you'd think a cat could understand squirt bottle away from me. Can you see it? 'Cause if you can't tor at New Life since Haggard's excom­ it. So why don't our cats listen? So I still live with a c.P. and the cats see it, if you can't perceive it, then you munication, doesn't see the exchange as Now it is true, and Bernie often still recline leisurely on the coffee table are going to miss what God is about to bribery. "This was compassionate assis­ reminds me, that I've never actually seen and I'm no longer allowed to use the do. God said, "I am about to do a new tance. It was to help him move forward, a cat on the kitchen counter, but unless squirt bottle. thing; now it springs forth, do you not not a settlement to keep him quiet," our resident ghost has rolled the D-cell I'd be more upset about the whole sit­ perceive it?" Can you see what just hap­ Boyd told CNN. flashlight batteries left by the sink onto uation, but yesterday morning, I discov­ pened before your eyes? Did you see that Many feel that Haggard should be the floor, or chewed the edge of the ered a new use for the spray attachment moment of life that God just gave you? held accountable for his actions. And newspaper clipping that I left by the cof­ on the kitchen faucet. And I'm improv­ Did you see that new breath that God they are right. But so, too, should the fee machine, then at least one cat has ing my Al Pacino imitation. just gave you? Did you see the way God church. been on the counter at some time. "Here, kitty, kitty. Say hello to my has brought you through this year one But as long as they do it when I'm not new little friend." second at a time? there, that at least shows me that they You can contact David at David­ God is doing a new thing in each A Few Bricks Short of us right now. Those new things are respect the rule enough not to break it in [email protected] springing forward in each of us right LIVING WITH A C.P. front of me. now. See it! Perceive it! That, however, is not the case with By David Hull Soul & Inspiration When you begin to see it? When you the coffee table in the living room. My partner, A NEW THING begin to see God working in your life, Bernie, is a c.P. Apparently our cats have decided this it is really gonna blow your mind. So Yes, it's true. I will particular piece of furniture is the feline By Rev. Dr. Sha­ get ready, 'cause no, God is not finished openly admit it. I equivalent of a recliner. ron Jacobson working on you and as the song says, the live with a person When Bernie and I are sitting watch­ Have you ever best is yet to come. Amen. who is a c.P. ing TV or reading the newspaper and heard somebody sipping our morning coffee, one or two c.P. is my secret read a scripture Confessions of a code for "Cat Per- of the cats will always hop up on to the and the minute son. " coffee table, lie down, and stretch out. they begin to read Serial Blonde "Hey! Get off the table!" I shout. If you know a c.P., or live with one, it, you have this I STANO or if you happen to be one yourself, then The cats turn and glare at me, offend­ idea of what they you're aware of what I'm talking about - ed by the loud voice I'm using when are going to preach By Robby Morris and it's not pretty. they're trying to relax. about? It dawned on A c.P. loves cats, all cats; they've "Off the table!" I demand. "No cats I have heard Isaiah 43:19 read numer­ me recently at a never met a cat they didn't like. They pet on the table!" I shake the newspaper at ous times and I have heard it preached social gathering them, they encourage them to crawl into them. numerous times. And if you were to ask that there is a part your lap, they make that kissing noise They ignore me. most folks what this scripture is about, of me that feels to call them and, worst of all, they talk So I began a new disciplinary tech­ they will tell you it is about God getting completely discon­ to them in that high-pitched, annoying, nique I read about in a magazine - the ready to do a new thing or it is about nected from my age baby-talk voice. "Who's the pretty kitty? water-filled squirt bottle. God creating a way out of no way. And group. The ideals Hi, kitty cat. You're a pretty baby, aren't I keep it handy and whenever I find both these things are true. and principles my you? Yes, you are. You're so sweet." Oh, a cat on the coffee table I give a verbal But there is this other point that friends feel passion­ that just grates on me like fingernails on warning - "Get off the table!" - then I Isaiah is making in this scripture that ately about don't seem to match up with a chalkboard. grab the squirt bottle. people tend not to see. Can you see it? mine entirely. Anyway, Bernie is a c.P. and, if you Now the first time I used the squirt Sometimes we see something so often, or They're trying to change the world by haven't guessed by now, I am absolutely, bottle, the cats just looked up at me, hear something so often that we only see rallying for world peace, going green, and definitely not a c.P., but somehow over probably wondering if this new container what we are used to seeing or hear what saving everything from the animals to the past 17 years we've stuck together - held a special treat for them. we are used to hearing and so we miss out the rain forests, whilst I still find myself through bad cats and not-so-bad cats. "Say hello to my little friend," I mut­ on something important. hung up and devoted to this thing called Now when Bernie and I started dat­ tered in my best Al Pacino-as-Scarface So what keeps us from seeing what gay liberation. ing he had one cat. That seemed pretty imitation. Then I let them have it. we see when we see it? Did you get that? "Gay Liberation? Are you being seri­ normal. A gay guy with one cat - I could Unfortunately, I had accidentally set What keeps you from seeing what you ous?" one of my queer friends. "Urn, deal with it. And most of the time, his the nozzle to mist. The cats lounged in see when you see it? Confucius asks a Earth to Robby. It's 2009. That ship has cat Spaz and I got along fairly well. The the warm cloud of water vapor that gen­ similar question when he asks, why is sailed. We no longer need to be liber­ cat and I didn't cuddle together on the tly enveloped them. One cat looked up it that the last thing to discover water ated." couch or anything, but we politely toler­ and purred at the rainbow shimmering in would be a fish? Oh really? ated each other's presence. the sunlight from the front window. Can you see it? Can you perceive it? That's the problem with kids today The only time there was a problem "Wait a minute," I grumbled as I Can you even see God doing things in (and oh my God I can't believe I just was when Bernie got home from work twisted the nozzle to a tight stream. I re­ your life? God is telling Israel, "I am said that! What am 1, a hundred and every day, and Spaz and I would race to aimed and snarled: "Now eat H20, my about to do a new thing." two?). Just because this isn't Stonewall the front door, each trying to be the first pretties!" Do you perceive it? When I do this and bricks aren't flying through the air, to greet him. Somehow the cat always That time I got the desired results. new thing, which is not really going to just because we're better represented in beat me. Damn that fleet-footed feline! Cats scattered everywhere, cowering be new, will you even perceive it? When I the mainstream, and really, who can When Bernie and I moved to the behind the couch or running upstairs to create ways in the wilderness and rivers in swing a cat without hitting some sort of country, Spaz moved with us and adjust­ hide under a bed. Perfect. No wonder I'm the desert, are you going to see that it was gay friendly group or organization, when ed well to the new place. Spaz was espe­ such a successful teacher - I know just me who provided those things for you? did we start following the general mis­ cially fond of his window seat in the how to get my students' attention. Are you going to see me in the midst of conception that the worst is over for us dining room where he could participate So, the squirt bottle - or The Per­ all that is happening in your life, or are gays and the struggle for acceptance is a in his favorite hobby - bird watching. suader, as I began calling it - became you going to think it was one of those moot point? Apparently, we're here, we're I could almost hear him thinking, my constant companion whenever I was things that just sprang up on its own? queer, and everybody can chill out, the "I'd like to eat a cardinal. I'd like to eat around the house. Can you see God working in your world is used to it. a goldfinch. I'd like to eat a sparrow. Oh After a few uses, though, the cats house? Did you see how God moved you Excuse me for a moment. I need to my, a couple of hummingbirds would be almost instinctively knew when I was to another room shortly before that drive find a paper bag to breathe into. so tasty right about now." going for the squirt bottle and they by shooting? Did you see God when Dare I say we all need to close our lap­ As the years went by, Spaz became ill would all disappear, leaving me stand­ you wound up missing your exit, only tops, turn off our cellular devices, mute and eventually passed away. But I believe ing there, annoyed, with my finger on to avoid being in that accident? Did you our personal media players and wake up Spaz's final act was to put out a telepathic the trigger. see God when the few groceries that you and smell the coffee? We are hardly liber­ call (or since he was a cat, perhaps it was "Well, well, well," said Bernie, one didn't think would last you more than a ated, people. Of course it doesn't suck as a "tail-o-pathic" call) to any homeless morning as he looked up at me over his day, lasted you a week? much as it did years ago and of course we cat within miles of our house, which let newspaper. "Once again, you've jumped Did you see God when you made it have made huge progress in getting fair them know that Bernie was available for out of your seat all excited and once through one more day of sobriety? Did and balanced representation and treat­ adoption. again you have nothing to squirt. What you see God when you came home to ment in the world, but, and I hate to rain Within a few weeks of Spaz's death, are you going to do now, Quick-Draw a clean house? Did you see God when a on anyone's parade here, we haven't even we found ourselves in the company of McGraw? Do you have any other bril­ friend called on a day you were exhausted scratched the surface of the problems fac­ three homeless cats: Space Ghost, Aggie liant discipline ideas?" and offered to cook you dinner? Did you ing gays today. and Mrs. Slocum. When Mrs. Slocum There was a moment of silence as we see God when the words you woke up There are still too many people who died, Ethyl came to take her place. When stared at each other. to that morning were somebody saying, think the gay population should be "exter­ Aggie had to be put down, Snowball and Then, I knew I had no choice. "Just wanted you to know that God loves minated". There are still too many peo­ Squishy showed up, cold and hungry. I pointed the squirt bottle at Bernie you just as you are and have a blessed ple that hide behind religion rather than When some friends adopted Snowball as and let him have it. day." Can you see it? try to acknowledge our very presence a pet, O.c. wandered into our backyard. Then I squirted his newspaper, his Can you see God creating ways out of and God given rights. The government, O.c. stands for Other Cat. We've pret­ coffee mug, my coffee mug, the lamp, no way in your life? Can you see it? Can including our president (who to be fair ty much run out of names for felines. the plant on the window ledge (it proba­ you perceive it? Or are you just looking has only been on the job a few months, Here's the thing: when you live with bly needed watering anyway), the framed for the same old same old in your life? but so far I like), doesn't really seem to a c.P., there will always be cats around. family photos hanging on the wall and Have you already decided how God is know how to "deal" with us either And I would be okay with that, if only finally the television. going to answer your prayers? Have you Are we tax-paying, law abiding citi­ the cats would listen to me. Wiping the water off his glasses, already decided what the answer to that zens of this country or just a hot but­ Our cats have the run of the house Bernie calmly replied, "It's one thing to prayer is going to look like? When you ton issue? Do they shut up, listen and - downstairs, upstairs, the couch, the squirt cats and lamps and coffee mugs, prayed for Mr. or Ms. Right, did you do something about our grievances, or chair, even the bed (as long as they sleep but when you squirt a man's TV, then miss that person because they were not instead "handle" us as if we're a bunch of on Bernie's side). you've gone too far." He held out his what you were expecting? When you unruly children who have been deprived However, my one rule is no cats on hand. prayed for direction about the purpose of naps? Having all of this on my con­ the kitchen counter or any tables. It's "I'm not going to be allowed to use in your life, did you miss it, because science makes me wanr to climb to the direct, it's straightforward, and it's so The Persuader anymore, am I?" I asked. you didn't like God's answer or it didn't (Columnists continue page 14) 8 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

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Youth Stats January 2009 New Intakes: ...... 6 Gay A11ianee Youth Average Drop-in Attendance: ...... 19.7

Members of the Youth Group didn't do a lot of dancing at the Valentine's Day dance! (See Youth Update). Photos this page by Bess Watts.

Fun, friendly, safe adults are needed to volunteer their time and talents, providing positive role models, maybe sharing a talent or skill.

Contact Scott Fearing, Outreach Coordinator for an application: [email protected] 585-244-8640 x14 ...... MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 11

are excited to have one place to turn to find out about all of the Pride Events. Gay Alliance News CampusOUT Conference On Feb. 7, CampusOUT hosted its second conference and Gay Alliance of the Youth Update: Genesee Yalley 140 students from 10 campuses 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 EMBRACING THE were in attendance. The Con­ Rochester, New York 14605 ference theme was "Taking it to PROCESS Office Hours the Streets" and offered a wide Monday - Friday, 9 am-6 pm By Jessica selection of programs many Cohen focused on developing commu­ Phone: (585) 244-8640 On Valen­ nity activism. tine's Day of Fax: this year, the PFLAG on the road (585) 244-8246 Youth Pro­ Beginning in December, Website: gram had the PFLAG began hosting screen­ www.gayalliance.org pleasure of ings of ''Anyone and Everyone" partlClpating in the Commu­ in communities surrounding EC Phone: (585) 244-9030 nity Valentine's Day Dance at Rochester. From Webster and Temple Sinai. Penfield to Greece and Clif­ EC Fax: LGBTQ adults and allies ton Springs, turnout has been (585) 244-8246 from all over Rochester came good and the conversations EC Advertising: together to celebrate "family" valuable. There is discussion of (585) 244-9030 and friends. It was a pretty couples and families, the youth fear or shame or self-doubt. Being continuing to schedule meetings EC E-mail: amazing experience. program participants were expe­ able to normalize this experience in surrounding towns to meet [email protected] As the Youth Program Coor­ riencing something most of us was quite empowering. additional needs. EC Online: dinator, my primary concern "older folks" never got to -- the At a LGBTQ dance on Val­ OutReach www.gayalliance.org was making sure the participat­ simple pleasure of being with entine's Day, the worries were (click on Empty Closet News) ing teens and young adults were others of all generations who not about personal safety, being The holiday season is always a slow time for volunteer mem­ Board President enjoying the event. identify as LGBTQ outed, protesters, or hosting the Tom Ferrarese Unfortunately, there was a While they may not have event in a Jewish temple. There bers of our Speakers Bureau. But big generation gap in the music related to the DJ's playlist, they was no concern about being 2009 has started with a bang, Executive Director available. By 7:30 p.m., I had were witness to the happy cou­ looked at funny, rude com­ as January and February saw Sue Cowell two tables full of restless teen­ ples dancing together. They saw ments, or being afraid to hold record numbers of requests for Administrative agers who were a bit out of their same-sex partners with small your partner's hand. presentations. March, April and Assistant element. They played games at children hopping around the The simplicity of generation­ May will find our education vol­ John Stevens the table, ate lots of pizza and dance floor and laughing. They al differences in musical prefer­ unteers participating in two or Program Director yummy desserts, but avoided had a photographer (Bess!) ence being the "worry" made three presentations a week. Scott Fearing the dance floor. snapping pictures of them at everything seem a bit less con­ Cyber Center in the Empty Closet Editor Knowing that these kids nor­ the Valentine's archway, with­ cerning. Because I knew that Susan Jordan mally dance for hours with no out concern about who they there was a room full of adults plans Last year the Gay Alliance Graphic Design rest, it was a bit of a let-down. were posing with. who loved these kids without Jim Anderson I had to coax them up to par­ It reminded me much of a knowing their names. That in was the recipient of the David Community Safety ticipate in the Chicken Dance wedding reception. Love, celebra­ a world where these kids expe­ Bohnett Foundation Grant of Kelly Clark (nice beak, Todd!) and Hokey tion and a bunch of kids who rience bullying and harassment six computers to be used as a Pokey. And while I was panick­ weren't sure quite what to do with at schools, they are also in a city community Cyber Center. The Program Assistant ing about their mild grumbles, themselves. They were experienc­ where we have LGBTQ dances, finishing touches are being put Kelly Baumgartner I came to a lovely realization ... ing discomfort, but for a rea­ film festivals and programs. on the plans, so watch for the Youth Services This felt so "normal." son that was so "normal" that it And they have a community Grand Opening of the Cyber Coordinator In a room full of openly filled me with joy. They weren't that is filling in that generation­ Center sometime this spring! Jessica Cohen LGBTQ individuals of all ages, squirming in their seats out of al gap with love . • Big Gay Prom CampusOut Assistant Rebecca Newberry The annual Big Gay Prom, which was featured in a docu­ Americorps Member mentary produced by WXXI Ceridwen Troy and social events for its mem­ last year, will occur on May Youth Group: bers. Ultimately, the network 22. This is the biggest LGBT Youth Center, 1st Floor Program Reports is about helping our Commu­ and allied event for youth ages Ages: 13-23, Sundays 2-4 pm nity Safety team members more Ages 18-25, Sundays 4:30-6pm 13-23 in the area! This year, for effectively meet the needs of our http://youth .gayall iance.org gartner, Anti-Violence Program the first time, the Prom will be Youth Report community members who find for after school schedule and In January the average atten­ Coordinator. In fact, our AVP occurring in downtown Roch­ special events. themselves in the court system, has more staff than ever. Much ester! The theme for this year's dance during Drop-In was or have been the victim of a The Gay Alliance of January was spent following Prom is "Under the Sea." For slightly over 20 participants a criminal act. of the Genesee Yalley day. This is down from last year, up with people who had con­ more information on the Prom, is a non-profit agency, but considering the weather in tacted us to report anti-LGBT Boys and Girls contact BigGayProm@gayal­ dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment January, this is still very respect­ incidents in 2007. The follow­ liance.org. up calls allowed us to offer addi­ Groups began in where gay, lesbian, bisexual able. Safe Zone and trans-gender (GLBT) The youth program is look­ tional assistance. January people are safe, thriving and For the past year, the staff and ing for new ways to secure funds The Community Safety The Boys and the Girls enjoying equal rights. We are a volunteers with the Gay Alliance coalition of individuals and to provide bus passes for the team is also working to get a groups offered through our have been fine tuning standard­ groups working to empower transportation needs of youth new online reporting system in Youth Program were facilitat­ ized curriculum for Safe Zone GLBT people, to affirm their participants. Want to buy some place so that community mem­ ed by Jess Cohen and LGBT identities, and to create an Trainings. We have provided bus passes to help LGBT youth? bers can go online to report hate Health Coordinator from AIDS atmosphere where the diversity about 15 Safe Space trainings of our community can thrive Contact J [email protected]. crimes, domestic violence or any Rochester, Erik Libey. anti-LGBT bias motivated inci­ This six-week curriculum on area campuses, and are now both collectively and MLK Day event a prepared to begin offering these separately. We educate and dent. addresses health and wellness advocate for civil rights for all success Community Safety issues. Much like other teen at workplaces and social service and for the eradication of On Jan. 22, the Community health programs, these sessions providers in the area. homophobia. Safety Program of the Gay Alli­ Program in the focused on dating and healthy For more information con­ ance partnered with MOCHA community relationships, basic anatomy, tact [email protected] . • Center to host a screening of Kelly Clark, Community substance abuse, STIs and men­ tal health. What makes these Brother Outsider: The Bayard Safety Program Manager, has Gay Alliance Speaking Engagements Rustin Story. The event was pub­ been fine-tuning her network­ sessions different is that the licized as part of the Greater ing skills by meeting with other material is all fully LGBT inclu­ & Other Events Rochester Commission's official professionals who work in the sive, so the participants don't feel left out. February (not listed in Feb. EC) Martin Luther King Jr. events Victim Services field. Feb. 10 ... Atlantic 5.0 - Staff published in the Democrat and From Monroe County Court Gay Alliance leads Feb. 16 ... St John Fisher Class - Speakers Bureau Chronicle. Systems to the Rochester Police the way with Pride Over 30 people attended; Department, word is getting out March some were straight allies visiting that we are here to help existing 2009 Mar. 12 ... Love and Forgiveness Project - NCBI & Community the Gay Alliance Youth Center systems respond appropriately The Gay Alliance has stepped Safety Program up to help coordinate the annual Mar. 14 ... Speakers Bureau Continuing Education - Volunteers for the first time. to the needs of our community Mar. 15 ... PFLAG - Staff Pride Parade, Festival and Pic­ Anti -Violence members. Mar. 25 ... Safe Space Program: Hobart & William Smith - Staff Kelly also orchestrated the nic. It has been many years since & Volunteer Program (AVP) re-Iaunch of Out For Justice, the Alliance has coordinated so Mar. 26 ... Love and Forgiveness Project - NCBI & Community To borrow from Mark Twain, a network of LGBT identified much of the weekend, but, based Safety Program "The recent reports of the death individuals who work in any on the feedback from the Town TBD ...... What to know before your first Drag show .. . of our AVP are an exaggera­ area of the justice system. This Hall Forums that were held in St. John Fisher - Staff & Volunteers tion," explained Kelly Baum- Network will host educational late January, it seems that people 12 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

Geneva Community Health Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic 601 W. Washington St., Geneva, Provides HIV 170 Sawgrass Drive, 442-8432, Dr. Wende testing, HIV specialty and primary care for resi­ Logan-Young and an all-woman staff provide dents of Ontario and surrounding counties, mammograms, Resources Mon,-Thurs, 9 am-5 pm; Fridays 9 am-noon, SHARE: Self Help for Women with Breast 315-781-8448, or Ovarian Cancer Planned Parenthood of Rochester and NYS Hotline: 1-866-53SHARE or 1-866- AIDS DIRECTORY Genesee Valley FAMILY 537-4273, Free testing for HIV exposure offers testing and information (585) 546 2595, RESOURCES AIDS Rochester Women's Health is available from New York State Department Rural HIV testing Rochester Gay Moms' Group Outreach of Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline anonymous and confidential, in Alleghany, Liv­ 1350 University Ave, ARI has services for at (585) 423-8081, or 1-800-962-5063 for Support group for lesbian mommies and ingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, wannabe mommies in Rochester and sur­ HIV positive women and others in the lesbian pay phones or calls outside Rochester, Deaf or Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1-800-962-5063, community, 442-2220, hearing impaired people should call (585)423- rounding areas, Subscribe: RochesterGay­ 8120 (TOO,) New Rapid HIV Testing now avail­ Action Front Center Moms-subscribe@yahoogroups,com, Community Health Network able -test results in 30-40 minutes! Statewide (Action for a Better Community,) Provides HIV Gay Fathers Group 87 N, Clinton Ave, 244-9000; TTY (585)461- 9202, HIV and Primary care medical services for information can be obtained by calling 1-800- prevention education and case management Meets first and third Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm, HIV positive women, their negative partners and 541-AIDS, Other organizations which provide services, Training and technical assistance to GAGV Community Center, 875 E. Main St. AIDS-related services are as follows: service providers, Resource library open to family members, OB/GYN, HIV pre-test and post­ public, All services free and confidential. Multi­ Lesbian &Gay Family Building Project test counseling, Confidential or free HIV testing, AIDS Rochester, Inc. cultural and bilingual staff, Jearald Noble, pro­ Claudia E. Stallman, Project Director, Ferre 1350 University Ave" Rochester NY 14607. Institute, Inc, 124 Front St., Binghampton, NY Alternatives for Battered Women gram manager, 33 Chestnut St., second floor, 232-7353; TTY 232-1741. Shelter (women Provide, support servicces for people with HIV / 13905, Phone: (607) 724-4308; Fax: (607) Hours 8:30-5 pm, Monday-Friday, 262-4330; only), counseling, Lesbians, gay men welcome, AIDS and their families; presents educational fax 262-4572. Free anonymous HIV testing on 724-8290; E-mail: LesGayFamBldg@aol. programs related to HIV/STDs to community walk-in basis, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 1-4 pm, com: Web: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org GAGV Anti Violence Project groups; offers free, confidential testing every provided through NYSDOH, Thursdays 1-4 pm Families Joined by Love 585-244-8640 ext 17. For women and men, Monday and Thursday, 5-8 pm (no apoint­ at Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee St. ment necessary), Also testing on Outreach Van Books and resources for LGBT families, Victim Resource Center of Wayne County throughout city, Contact information: business Anthony L. Jordan Health Center Preven­ www,familiesjoinedebylove,org, Newark NY. Hotline 800-456-1172; office line (585) 442-2220 V/TTY; www,aidsroches­ tion &Primary Care Program (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189, ter,org,Rural counties served by ARI offices in Provides Medical Case Management, Mental GAY HEALTH Mary Magdalene House Geneva (1-800-422-0282) and Bath (1-800- Health, Primary Care, HIV Counceling and Test­ Women's outreach center for HIV positive ing using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education Monroe Co. Dept. of Health sm Clinic 954-2437), Phone: (585) 464-5928 women and women at risk, 291 Lyell Ave, presentations, and access to other Jordan ser­ Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30 pm 458-5728, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley vices, Prevention & Primary Care is a walk-in Monroe Com. Coli. Student Health Services provides referrals to physicians and service program; no appointments necessary, Office Phone: (585) 292-2018 (MCC Students only) Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ agencies, (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance,org hours: Mon,- Fri., 8:30am- 5 pm: extended Syracuse Region Hobart &William Smith Health Services 114 University Ave" Rochester, NY 14605; Toll­ Center for Health and Behavioral Training hours on Monday until 8 pm, (585) 423-2879; Phone: (315) 781-3600 of Monroe County fax (585) 423-2876, Website: www,jordan­ free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886, Planned Parent­ 853 Main St., Rochester 14611. Collabora­ health,org, For more information, call Program Rochester Colon &Rectal Surgeons hood has led the way in providing high quality, tion of Monroe County Health Department and Director Patrick M, Trevor, (585) 423-2879, Phone: (585) 244-5670 affordable reproductive health care since 1916, Our experienced and compassionate medical staff U,R, Provides year-round training in prevention CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline Rochester Institute of Technology Student and management of STDs, HIV, TB and related will listen to your concerns and answer your ques­ 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours Health Services tions in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, All our issues, such as domestic violence and case a day, TTY service: 1-888-232-6348, E-mail Phone: (585) 475-2255 (RIT Students only) management. (585)753-5382 v/tty, services are confidential. We accept most insur­ address: cdcinfo@cdc,gov, Threshold Center for Alternative Youth ances; including Medicaid, You may even qualify Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syr­ Fair Housing Enforcement Project of Mon­ Services for low- to no-cost family planning services, When acuse Region roe County Provides confidential HIV, STD testing, general you make your appointment, be sure to ask about 114 University Ave" Rochester, NY 14605; Toll­ 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with heath care, Sliding fee scale; no one denied, our sliding scale fees, No one is turned away for free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886, Offers confi­ housing discrimination on basis of race, orien­ 145 Parsells Ave,: Mon.!Weds, and Fri. 9-5; lack of ability to pay, dential HIV testing and information, When you tation, HIV status, etc, Tues.lThurs, 9-7; Sat. 10 am-2 pm, www, make your appointment, be sure to ask about POLITICAL: Public Interest Law Office of Rochester ThresholdCenter,org; Phone: (585) 454-7530 our sliding scale fees, No one is turned away for (serving ages 12-25) National Organization for Women lack of ability to pay, (PILOR) (Greater Rochester NOW) 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services Women Gynecology &Childbirth AIDS Community Health Center (achc) PO Box 93196; (585)234-7019, E-mail: to HIV positive persons, families, Spanish bilin­ Associates, P.C. info@rochesternow,org Web page: http:// 87 N, Clinton Ave, (4th floor), Comprehensive HIV gual advocates available, All civil cases except Phone: (585) 244-3430 (Main Office) care and primary medical care for HIV positive www.rochesternow,org, divorce; no criminal cases, Ask to speak to Gay Health list compiled by AIDS Rochester, individuals, their negative partners, and adult fam­ someone in PILOR, 454-4060, ily members, ACHC provides nutritional evalu­ Inc, Further information on this list and related CULTURAL: ation, vision screenings, gynecological care, Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo gay health topics available at http://www,aid­ Rochester Women's Community Chorus medical case management/counseling, and sub­ Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing srochester,org/gayhealth 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar), and counseling, (716) 847-0328 stance abuse counseling, The Center also offers This list is under construction, If you are a SPORTS: out-patient treatments and infusions onsite, liaison Westside Health Services provider, or know of one who would like to be Empire State Roar Women's Football nurses to coordinate home-care needs, educa­ Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave, included in this directory, please call Erik Libey www.theempirestateroar.com tional resources and support groups, an active (254-6480); Woodward health Center, 480 at 442-2220 for more information, Patient Advisory Committee (PAC), access to clin­ Genesee St. (436-3040), HIV/AIDS services, Rochester Renegades Women's Rugby. ical trials, lab onsite, and referrals to psychother­ support, more, New players always welcome, any skililevei. apy and other specialized health services, (585) WOMEN'S We will teach you the game, Hotline 234- 244-9000, TTY (585) 461-9202, McCree McCuller Wellness Center at 3066; online at www.renegadesrugby.com Unity Health's Connection Clinic RESOURCES Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS Rochester Raptors, NWFA women's football. (585) 368-3200, 89 Genesee St., Bishop HEALTH: www.rochesterraptors.com. (RATFA) Kearney Bldg" 3rd floor, Full range of servcies, is a collection of agencies providing a multi­ Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center regardless of ability to pay, Caring, confidential 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; ONLINE: plicity of resources and services to the upstate and convenient. RochesterDykes: New York community, Their offices are located 585-487-3300, Specializing in breast health, Catholic Charities AIDS Services diagnostic breast imaging and treatment and www.rdykes.com; through the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agen­ e-mail [email protected] cy, which also provides medical literature and A multicultural and bi-lingual staff providing ser­ mammography outreach and education, newspaper clippings, as well as demographic vices to a diversity of people infected and affected Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester WOWcny: and statistical data for use in developing health with HIVlntensive home-based case management 840 University Ave,; 585-473-8177; www, e-mail: [email protected] care services, (585) 461-3520, for all ages; a clinical crisis manager; a child/ bccr,org; email: info@bccr,org, Breast Can- Rochester NY Lesbians; adolescent case worker; transitional case man­ groups,aol,com/rochstrlesbians Men of Color Health Awareness Project cer Coalition provides support services that agement for children and family members going include Brown Bag Fridays: an informal discus­ (MOCHA) through bereavement; recreational and support GENERAL: HIV prevention focus for men who have sex with sion group that meets weekly from 12: 00-1: 30; groups for children and teens, and camping expe­ Breast Cancer 101 and 201: programs designed Women's Resource Center men (MSM) in the minority community, Support riences including Camp SOAR, We coordinate to help those coping with a recent breast cancer YWCA, 175 N, Clinton Ave, 546-7740, groups, one on one peer education, safer sex HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with diagnosis and those coping with an advanced workshops, referral services, buddy testing, 107 AIDS) short term emergency assistance with rent/ Color Outside the Line Crew breast cancer diagnosis; Sister Sak: a program Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400, mortgage/utility payments and limited subsidized Contact Jackie Williams, 482-4945, that addresses the issues facing young women Monroe County Health Department housing, 1945 E, Ridge Rd" Suite 24, Rochester Check our monthly and ongoing Calendars and NY 14622, (585) 339-9800, with breast cancer; and the Advanced Breast at 855 W. Main St., offers testing and counsel­ Cancer Support Group to support women liv- the Gay Groups section for more woman-cen­ ing for HIV and other sexually transmitted dis­ Huther Doyle ing with metastatic breast cancer, The Breast tered groups and events, and call the GaySource eases, (585)753-5481, 360 East Ave" Rochester 14604, Offers drug, Cancer Coalition also provides information about Infoline for referrals, at 244-8640 or see www, gayalliance,org, And send us your information! Strong Memorial Hospital alcohol prevention, education, treatment. Risk breast cancer, a lending library, and a monthly provides a complete range of HIV medical care, Reduction Plus Team offers servcies to HIV educational program, All BCCR programs and including access to experimental treatment pro­ positive and those at risk through substance support services are free, tocols, and HIV testing, Also provides individual use, Programs include outreach, transitional case management, free cconfidential testing Monroe County Women's Health and group psychotherapy, Training of health care Partnership professionals also available, Infectious Disease (OraQuick Rapid Testing), NYS Dep't. of Health offers free on-site confidential and anonymous 111 Westfall Rd" Rochester NY 14692; Clinic, (585) 275-0526, Department of Psy­ (585)274-6978, Comprehensive breast can­ chiatry, (585) 275-3379, AIDS Training Project, testing, (585)325-5100, M-F 8 am-9 pm, www.hutherdoyle.com. cer screening services for uninsured and (585) 275-5693, underinsured women, MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 13

in the struggle for justice in church and Our members presented at the GAGV If we treat each other with respect and society. While our roots and rituals are Campus Out Conference and continued more often wear a smile, remembering principally in the Roman Catholic and our presence at the Montoe County Leg­ that this special dash might only last a Episcopal traditions, our fellowship is islature advocating for Domestic Partner little while. So when your eulogy is being Groups totally inclusive of all those looking for a benefits for all county employees. We read with your life's actions to rehash, safe and affirming Christian fellowship. are preparing for our annual Post Office would you be proud of the things they A coffee hour follows each of our wor­ Tax Day protest for Marriage Equal­ say about how you spent your dash?" GAY FATHERS OF ship services. ity on April 15 and will host our first http://www.thedashmovie.com. ROCHESTER On March 1, we'll be celebrating the Recognition Dinner on April 3 present­ I hope you have a fabulous spring and First Sunday in Lent with an Episcopal ing True Colors awards to supporters of enjoy living to the fullest in the dash. Regular meetings are held on the first Eucharistic with music; the Rev. Caro­ GLBT labor. and third Tuesday of each month from lyn Lumbard presiding. Please consider joining our active ROCHESTER RAMS M.C. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Auditori­ Sunday, March 8, is our Roman group. Meetings are the first Tuesday of um Theater Building, 875 E. Main St., Catholic Sunday Celebration In The the month; contact Bess Watts at bess­ Bring March in like a Lion with Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley first Absence Of A Priest with music, tai­ [email protected] for more information. "Western/Leather" barnight on March floor Youth Center. lored expressly for D-I; Dr. Deni Mack 21 at the Bachelor Forum from 9 p.m. In general: presiding. RAINBOW SENIORS to 2 a.m. The group consists of men and in On Sunday, March 15, we'll cel­ All western and leather gear will heat some cases their same sex partners. ebrate a quiet Episcopal Eucharistic in LIVING IN THE DASH up a stormy March night. We are all at different stages in our 2-Saints' lovely lower chapel; the Rev. Our annual run site has been con­ lives. Some are married, some are going By Marilyn Mitchell, President, Phil Schaefer presiding. (Stop by our firmed for June 26-28. Details will be through separation/divorce, some have RSWNY info table earlier that day at the LGBT appearing soon on our website. Also, custody of their children and some don't, Linda Ellis, 1996, created a video, Community Health & Wellness Fair, keep your eyes peeled for information and all are at different points in the com­ "The Dash". This article is focused on from 1-5 p.m. at the Clarion Riverside about Can Am weekend, to be held May ing out process. This is a social and a living in that dash. One portion of the Hotel.) 15-18, right here in town. support group (not therapy) intended to video has these words: " ...what mattered On Sunday, March 22, we'll begin The Rochester Rams M.e. is Roch­ discuss all these issues and more. Every most of all was the dash between those with Prayers To Start The Week, fol­ ester New York's foremost gay motor­ one here is offered the opportunity to years (birth/death). For that dash repre­ lowed by a Lenten "Stone Soup" Potluck; cycle and leather club as well as being seek support and to give it. Issues we sents all the time that she spent alive on bring something to throw in the pot. one of the oldest clubs of its type in the discuss include relationships with our earth. And now only those who loved March 28 is a Fifth Sunday, so there's country. All who are interested in the children and our former spouses, rela­ her know what that little line is worth. no formal liturgy. We've invited one of leather club scene are invited to check tionships with our partners, family, the For it matters not how much we own, our members to share about his recent us out. Our general meeting is open to coming out process and legal concerns. the cars, the house, the cash. What mat­ trip to the Holy Land. (No, the gay ters is how we live and love and how we the public and we meet the Wednesday Everyone has a chance to participate before bar night at 7:30 p.m. since we are not a very large group (usu­ quarter of Tel Aviv wasn't part of the spend our dash." tour.) Have you ever thought about how Meetings are held at our home bar, ally about 12 men) and all the conversa­ the Bachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. tions are confidential. We hold potluck For more information, visit our web­ you live your dash? Many of you remem­ site at www.di-rochester.org or call our ber our friend and ASL interpreter, Our next general meetings will be held dinners twice a year at the home of one on March 18, April 15 and May 13. For of the gay fathers. recorded info-line at 585-234-5092. David Bar-Tzur. Although he has physi­ cally left us and we mourn our deep more info, visit our website: www.roch­ Please call John Stout at 426-9695 if esterrams.com. you are interested in finding out more EMPIRE BEARS loss, we are left with joyful, peaceful, about us. This call is needed for all new and vivid memories of how he lived in members because we want to make sure March will be a busy month for our his dash. He was constantly striving to ROMANS members. On the Sunday the 1st, we learn who he was and how he could live that we meet your needs and assure the One might think that winter has have another planning meeting. Wednes­ a happy, productive, giving and caring confidentiality of the current members. been a time of hibernation for the Roch­ day the 3rd is our regular monthly board life. For many of us who knew and loved There are also brochures available about ester Male Naturists. In fact, it has been meeting in the fifth floor Nopper Room him, he was our model. I can visualize our group at GAGY. quite an active time for us. of the GAGV at 7:45 p.m. him rising each morning considering There have been dinners, swimming, On Saturday the 14th, we'll host a how he can make life better for himself LIFETIME CARE GLBT potluck in the Youth Center at 6:30. The and everyone around him. His life, his volleyball, a holiday party, gatherings in members' homes, political discussions BEREAVEMENT GROUP theme is Mexican foods. Bring some­ dash, was a gift to us. thing or someone hot and spicy. On Perhaps each of us can pause in our and networking with other gay natur­ The Bereavement Support Group Sunday the 15th, we plan to go bowling purposeful (or purposeless) life and con­ ist groups. With the warmer weather offers a safe setting for GLBT individ­ at 1 p.m. Saturday the 21, we'll attend sider how we will live in the dash. For approaching, we anticipate even more uals and allies to discuss the loss of a the RGMC concert at the Hochstein. me, I choose to enjoy and revel in the activity, as pools and campgrounds open partner or loved one in a group setting; Then there is our monthly BEAR­ suntise and sunset of each day. I choose and road trips become easier. something that isn't generally available night at the Forum on March 7. The to begin my day with caring for my pet, As we always say, social nudism is to GLBT people. theme is Leatherbears, so we encourage read special meditations, quiet my mind not for everyone. You need not be a The group provides a safe and sup­ all members and friends to wear some as I reach out to my creator, exercise, and young GQ model to join. Our ages, portive environment where people can hide and come out for a good time. ready myself for whatever the day brings. body types, backgrounds and occupa­ share feelings associated with a loss, N ext month, April 4 will see us at the I choose to approach each moment in my tions vary considerably. Attitudes and relate personal experiences, listen to and Forum in sleepwear as we come out of day with optimism, hope and concern pretenses seem to get checked at the door accept others' experiences and provide hibernation. for those around me, and seek to con­ along with our clothes. We are simply a sympathetic understanding. It is co­ The Bears are trying to plan more tribute in positive ways. When the day is group of gay men who enjoy each other's facilitated by two members of the GLBT events for our members and friends. over, I review the day and when at rest, company and socializing "au naturel". community, Jerry Ann Keohane, LMSW We're always looking for new ideas. release all worries from my mind. They We welcome all who share this view or (experienced in grief therapy) and Dave Come join us at the Coal Tower in Pitts­ will still be there when the sun rises in would like to give it a try. Minchella (who has experienced the loss ford any Monday at 6 for supper to learn the morning. I am not always successful If you think that the ROMANS may of his partner). more about the group. living as I describe above, but I strive for be of some interest to you, please consid­ We meet the first and third Thursday Check us out at www.empirebears. that and enjoy my dash for as long as it er visiting our website at www.geocities. evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Lifetime org. Members join our Yahoo chat group exists. com/wnyromans or drop us a line at PO Care, 3111 S. Winton Rd., Rochester to stay informed of any changes or addi­ Are you happy in your dash? When Box 922293, Rochester NY 14692. (585-214-1414). tions to our schedule. Join up. Meet we are born, the dash begins and con­ some new friends. WOOF! tinues until we die. There are lumps and RWCC CONCERT TO BUTCH-FEMME bumps in the journey of life. So, what BENEFIT ELDERSOURCE CONNECTION PRIDE AT WORK AFL-CIO are you doing in your dash? Are you aging and frightened of the years as they The Rochester Women's Commu­ Join us for a great night out! The ROCHESTER FINGER pass quickly? Or are you seeking and nity Chorus June concert, "Sentimental Rochester Butch-Femme Connection LAKES CHAPTER finding activities, spirituality, education, Journey," will benefit Rochester's Elder­ supper club will have two dinner night socialization and more, that bring joy to source. Eldersource is a joint venture of out events in March 2009. This has been a busy month for your existence? Lifespan and the Catholic Family Center On Saturday, March 7, we will meet our merry men and women. We pulled If you wish for that, consider the that provides non-medical support ser­ at The Old Toad on Alexander St. at 7 together our annual report for 2008, activities of Rainbow Seniors of West­ vice to older adults and their caregivers. p.m. created the 2009 strategy and action ern New York (RSWNY) - potlucks, Eldersource has been endorsed by On Saturday, March 21, we will meet plan and welcomed community out­ euchre, coffee hours, drop in times at the the County of Montoe as "the one at Liberty Diner on North Winton Road reach coordinator Fareed Michelen from office, walking with a group, exercising phone number" (325-2800) and the in Rochester at 7 p.m. the New York State AFL-CIO to talk classes, educational programs and much single source of information to call for For further information on the Con­ about funding sources. more. Check out our newsletter for all help on elder care issues since 1999. nection, email Kerry at DressyFemme@ We co-hosted the Have a Heart for of the activities at www.rainbowsenior­ Eldersource was also designated by the aol.com or call Kerry/Max at 585-288- Marriage Equality March down Park swny.org. Call if you need info (585- United Way as the single information 7208. See you all there! Avenue and the Family and Friends Val­ 325-1640). We welcome you! and referral number for older adult entines Day Dance. And we have been As Linda Ellis continues in "The services. The mission of Eldersource is DIGNITY-INTEGRITY collecting signature cards for the Fair Dash", "So think about this long and to keep individuals independent in the Share Tax Reform Plan. hard. Are there things you'd like to community by providing them with Since 1975, Dignity-Integrity/Roch­ We are busy making signs and recruit­ change? For you never know how much information, guidance, care manage­ ester has met every Sunday at 5 p.m. at ing attendees for the March 5 Rally at time is left that can still be rearranged. ment and choice in the navigation of St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Episco­ the Liberty Pole to tell Governor Pater­ If we could just slow down enough to the long term care system and other pal Church ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fit­ son not to balance the $15 billion dollar consider what's true and real, and always elder care issues. zhugh St. in downtown Rochester. budget deficit on the backs of working try to understand the way other people Eldersource also has several other We're a small worshipping commu­ families alone. Programs that matter to feel. And be less quick to anger and show programs serving Montoe County nity of LGBTI people and straight allies the GLBT community are being slashed, appreciation more, and love the people including Naturally Occurring Retire­ with regional and national connections including the Gay Alliance budget. in our lives like we've never loved before. (Groups continue on page 14) 14 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

TUESDAY 17 Lunchtime Fitness Walk hosted by Brian Quinn. 12:05 p.m. Meet on the water Classifieds March side of Com Hill Landing (FREE parking along Exchange Blvd.) Wear comfortable clothing and something green (St. Patrick's Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. SUNDAY 1 Day!) for healthy walk along the river to We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Rainbow Theatre Festival 2009 audi­ Ford St. bridge, up to the library and back Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. The deadline tions. 2-4 pm, 243 Rosedale St. (New to Com Hill. LGBT Health Week event. is the 15th of the month, for the following month's issue. We cannot accept ads Life Presbyterian Church) 271-5523; info@ Sex in the City: A sexual health work­ over the phone. We publish free ads for prisoners on a space-available basis. Pay BreadandWaterTheatre.org. shop sponsored by Monroe Co. Dept. of when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone Health. 7 p.m. at CHBT (853 W Main St., number. Neither will be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. The THURSDAYS Bullshead Plaza). Refreshments. For infor­ Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result Fair Share Tax Reform Rally. 5:30-6 mation, contact Charlie Lytle, (585)753- from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, pm. Tell Gov. Paterson to tax the wealthy 5366. LGBT Health Week event. voice mail or personal address/phone number. at a reasonable rate, rather than letting the deficit burden fall on working families. Lib­ WEDNESDAY is GM. My 10 years-plus experience ensures ANNOUNCEMENTS erty Pole, East Ave. at E. Main St. More LGBT Legal Health Clinic. (Spon­ your relaxation and satisfaction. Hotel Volunteers needed: writing, photog­ information at Metro Justice, 325-2560 and sored by Empire State Pride Agenda). 7 p.m. out calls or central location in calls. Rea­ raphy, distribution for the Empty Closet. Working Families Party, 703-2582. at Downtown United Presbyterian Church Want to see your byline in print? Want sonable rates, discretion assured. Don't (121 N. Fitzhugh St.) Hallock Lounge on to meet new people and make a contribu­ delay, call me today at 585-235-6688 SATURDAY 7 first floor. Panel about LGBT legal rights in Bearrught at the Forum. "Leather­ tion to your community? Call 244-9030 (h) or 585-773-2410 (c) or e-mail me at accessing equal health and medical services. to learn how you can write or take photos [email protected]. bears". 9 pm-2 am. Bachelor Forum, 670 Attorneys will offer free advice on issues for The Empty Closet. We need reporters Total stress relie£ GWM in great University Ave. such as access to family court, creating wills and reviewers (music, theatre, art, dance, shape offering body rubs to men of all Butch Femme Connection Dinner and health care proxies for LGBT couples/ books, etc.) The EC also greatly needs ages. 585-698-8157. Night Out. The Old Toad on Alexander families. Refreshments. Information: Todd volunteers with cars to take bundles of Melt away with a very soothing, St. at 7 p.m. [email protected] or call Plank at (585) 271-2420. LGBT Health the paper around town each month to relaxing and therapeutic massage by a Kerry/Max at 585-288-7208 Week event. distribution sites. Do you or your group Licensed Massage Therapist. If you have Rochester Rams general meeting. stress, tension, aches or pains, then I am SUNDAYS need a new project? Call now: 244-9030 Dignity Integrity First Sunday in Lent 7:30 pm. Bachelor Forum, 670 University the person you want to see. Convenient, by March 24. Episcopal Eucharist. 5 p.m. at St. Luke Ave. www.rochesterrams.com. central locations or out calls too. Call Rape Crisis Services (RCS) seeks and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church THURSDAY 19 passionate, strong-willed volunteers to John, at 585-314-0197. Martin Ippolito, master electrician. ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fitzhugh St. www. ImageOUT presents An Evening of provide support to victims of sexual di-rochester.org or call recorded info-line at FREE LGBT Films. Two FREE Screen­ assault in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Electrical work, phone jacks, cable TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. Call 585-234-5092. ings at the Cinema on Clinton/Goodman at Orleans, and Wyoming counties. Volun­ 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 6:30: "Best of the teers will offer free, confidential support 585-266-6337. SUNDAYS Hirsute husky men in need of stress­ Dignity Integrity Roman Catholic Fest Shorts" 8:30: "Noah's Arc: Jumping to victims and their loved ones through­ the Broom". Full details at www.imageout. out the recovery process. RCS provides relieving body rub by talented masculine Sunday Celebration in the absence of hands. Call 442-9677 or bodyrubs@hot­ a priest with music tailored for D-I; Dr. org. Seating is available on a first come, first short-term counseling, referrals, and sup­ seated basis. LGBT Health Week event. port 24 hours a day, seven days a week. mail.com. Deni Mack presiding.. 5 p.m. at St. Luke Mandatory training (beginning March PERSONALS and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church FRIDAY 20 2) for all volunteers to learn how to give SGWM, 51, looking for guys for ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fitzhugh St. www. Vernal equinox. Spring is on the way! emotional and informational support to friends and more. I have a variety of di-rochester.org or call recorded info-line at The Casual Sex Diary. One-man show sexual assault victims and families. Vol­ interests. I'm sincere, down to earth, 585-234-5092. written by and starring award-winning Buf­ unteers must be at least 20 years of age quiet. I hope to hear from you soon. I'm MONDAY 9 falo playwright Matthew Crehan Higgins, with reliable transportation and com­ at PO Box 20081, Rochester NY 14602- Jersey Boys Cast Cabaret fundraiser. 7 p.m. at Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N. Fitzhugh St.). Admission fortable working with victims in crisis 0081. 7 pm, fourth floor Cathedral Room, 875 E. with a suggested $5 donation at door; fol­ situation. Volunteers make a one-year GWF looking for GWF. I'm rube­ Main St. Tickets: Box office, 232-1900; tick­ commitment and be available on nights nesque, brown hair, hazel eyes. I love the etmaster.com. Mention "GAGV" to benefit lowed by a FREE dessert reception. LGBT Health Week event. and weekends. Further information at outdoors, walking under the stars, love Gay Alliance. $50. [email protected]. www.pprsr.org or by contacting Kathy animals. Looking for friendship, possibly WEDNESDAY 11 SATURDAY 21 Pexton, Regional Manager of Volunteers/ relationship. Looking for someone with Rochester Gay Men's Chorus concert, Dine Out Help Out. Benefit for AIDS Special Events, at 585-546-2771 ext 338 similar interests. Looking for someone "Women of Song," featuring the group Rochester. Eat at participating restaurants or [email protected]. 55 or older. c.T., PO Box 371, Waterloo Women of Note. 8 pm, Hochstein Perfor­ to donate: see ad on A 11 for list. SERVICES NY 13165. mance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth St. Tickets: Rochester's best body rub. To all GWM, new employee at University of SATURDAY 14 Parkleigh, Outlandish, Equal=Grounds. you men who have not yet let my skilled, Rochester, looking to meet other GLBT. V-Day: The Vagina Monologues. Eve Butch Femme Connection Dinner strong hands work their magic on you, Give me a call at 585-467-6873. Ensler's award-winning play sponsored by Night Out. Liberty Diner on North Win­ call me! I'm a fit, friendly, healthy Italian Planned Parenthood. 7 pm at the Memorial ton Road in Rochester at 7 p.m. Dressy­ Art Gallery. For ticket pricing/purchasing [email protected] or call Kerry/Max at and other information, visit www.pprsr.org. 585-288-7208. LGBT Health Week event. Rochester Rams barrught. "Westem/ Empire Bears potluck at GAGV Youth Leather". 9 pm-2 am. Bachelor Forum, 670 Center, 875 E. Main, first floor. "Mexican University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com. Columnists Groups Foods". 6:30 pm. www.empirebears.org. SUNDAY 22 (Columnists continued from page 7) (Groups continued from page 13) SUNDAY 15 Dignity Integrity Prayers To Start top of the tallest building and scream ment Communities (NORC). The ~mpire Bears bowling. 1 pm. www. The Week, followed by a Lenten "Stone as loudly as possible, "Damn it! I'm a intent of the NORC is to establish emplrebears.org. Soup" Potluck; bring something to throw human being! What's to deal with? I programs based on assessed commu­ LGBT Community Health & Well­ in the pot. 5 p.m. at St. Luke and St. Simon just want to be treated like a human nity needs and to involve seniors and ness Fair. Clarion Riverside Hotel (120 Cyrene Episcopal Church ("2-Saints"), 17 being!" decision makers when developing the E. Main St.) 2nd floor. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. South Fitzhugh St. www.di-rochester.org or We all deserve equal rights and program. The Professional Assessment Exhibitors from variety of agencies and call recorded info-line at 585-234-5092. fair treatment, no matter our color, and Treatment of Homebound Seniors groups. Free STD/HIV screenings avail­ FRIDAY 26 gender, or sexual orientation. And (PATHS) program provides in-home able! LGBT Health Week event. though we've come a long way from counseling to homebound older adults Empty Closet distribution of April Dignity Integrity quiet Episcopal Noon- 3 pm, GAGV Youth Center, the days where the closet and secrecy experiencing depression or anxiety that issue. Eucharistic in 2-Saints' lovely lower cha­ first floor, 875 E. Main St. For information were the only options, let's not delude interferes with daily activities. pel; the Rev. Phil Schaefer presiding. 5 p.m. on how you can volunteer to deliver bundles ourselves into thinking that things Senior Health and Research Alliance at St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal being better than the way they were (SHARE) links Eldersource to the Uni­ of the paper around the area, ca1l244-9030 Church ("2-Saints"), 17 South Fitzhugh St. before March 25. before is somehow the answer, or versity of Rochester Psychiatry Depart­ www.di-rochester.org or call recorded info­ acceptable. We still have a lot to talk ment to provide a more seamless system line at 585-234-5092. SUNDAY2S about and strive for. of care for older adults with depression Kate Clinton at Rochester Clarion Riv­ Dignity Integrity talk about visit to Until that day comes when sexu­ and/or other mental health problems. erside Hotel, 120 E. Main St., 2 pm. $40; Holy Land. 5 p.m. at St. Luke and St. Simon al identity and orientation truly is a Eldersource also provides service coor­ tickets at Equal=Grounds, Outlandish. Pro­ Cyrene Episcopal Church ("2-Saints"), 17 non-issue (without exception), so long dination at the 14 Rochester Housing ceeds to benefit LGBT FOGG (Friends of South Fitzhugh St. www.di-rochester.org or as there are people that don't accept Authority's buildings. Good Government). call recorded info-line at 585-234-5092. things that are perhaps not of their The concert, "Sentimental Journey," SUNDAY 29 experience or preference, and as long is set for 7:30 p.m. June 6 at Hochstein MONDAY 16 Dr. Ken Stone on "Does the Bible Shed as there are people or groups out there School of Music. The RWCC rehearsals Deadline for April Empty Closet. Light on the 'Gay Marriage' Debates?" that make it their mission to not only are held each Tuesday night from 6:30- 244-9030; [email protected]. 7:30 pm, Lake Avenue Baptist Church, 72 deny us our rights but our very exis­ 8:45 at the Downtown United Presby­ Real Sex Ed & LGBT Teens! (Spon­ Ambrose St. 442-5486. tence, you can bet my plus sized ass terian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. in sored by Planned Parenthood). 7 p.m. at Pride 2009 Planning Meeting. 11 that there is still a need for gay lib­ downtown Rochester. GAGV Youth Center (875 E. Main St., am-1 pm, GAGV Youth Center, first floor, eration. If you are interested in volunteering Prince St. entrance). Interactive multime­ Prince St. entrance, 875 E. Main St. 1, for one, am not turning the other in a non-singing capacity, or want tick­ dia session on sexual health education for cheek or backing off. et information, please call the RWCC LGBT teens in public schools. Refresh­ MONDAY 30 Who's with me? music line at (585) 234-4441 and leave ments. For information, contact Jenna Dr. Ken Stone speaks at Colgate Roch­ E-mail Robby at www.robbymorris. a message or reply via e-mail at www. Weintraub (585)546-2771 x.250. LGBT ester Crozer Divinity School, 1100 S. Good­ [email protected]! . therwcc.org. • Health Week event. man St. 340-9651. MARCH 2009 • NUMBER 421 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • THE EMPTY CLOSET B 15

Catholic Gay & Lesbian Family Ministry Transgender Group Third Thursday, 7-9pm, School of Good Last Saturdays, 2-5pm, Downtown United Shepherd Church, 3288 E. Henrietta Rd. Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh. Ongoing Calendar 392-2862. Transmen Social Group AQA Third Saturdays. For time, place call MONDAY First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11 am-12:3Opm, Support group for transgender people of Jeanne Gainsburg, 244-8640 or e-mail Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. color. Third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm, Sean at [email protected]. LGBT Support Group Sponsored by Genesee Region Horne Care. MOCHA Project, 107 Liberty Pole Way. Saturday Night Special Gay AA Third Presbyterian Church, corner of Meigs, Free. 325-1880 420-1400. East Av. First, 3rd Mon., 7:30-9pm, 338-3466 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd. COAP S. Men and women. Open meeting. Gay Square Dance Group Corne Out and Play. Business meeting last "Second Thursdays" Mondays, 7pm, Open Arms MCC, Social and business networking, 5:30-8 pm, Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf Wednesday. Equal Grounds Coffee Shop, (LRAD) Second Saturdays, 6-9pm, For 740 Marshall Rd. 520-5358; Two89 (289 Alexander St.) No cover, no 750 South Ave. 7pm, John S., 261-7263. location e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]. dues. Sherwin's Trivia 7:30 pm. Empire Bears Rochester Historical Bowling Society First Wednesdays, 7:45pm, GAGV FRIDAY SUNDAY 7: 15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, Community Center, 875 E. Main St., fifth Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) floor. [email protected] Gay Men's AA meeting Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. and Gays (PFLAG) HIV Positive Gay Men Support group Rochester Rams General Meeting Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Third Sundays, 2-4 pm. Nopper Room, Gay Alliance, fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. Every Monday, 5pm, AIDS Rochester, 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Bachelor Forum, Bear and Leather Dance Night [email protected]. 1350 University Ave. 442-2220, ext. 3051 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Second Fridays, lOpm-2am. Nasty D's, Green Party (political) Transgender Group 140 Alexander St. Tawa Pano Unity Fellowship Church 2nd Mondays, 7-9pm, GAGV Community Third Wednesdays, 6:30-9pm, Downtown GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Sundays, lOam, 758 South Ave. 617-4279 Center, 875 E. Main St., 5th fl. 234-6470 United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. Second Fridays, 5:30 pm, Various Dignity-Integrity GAGVYouth Drop-In Hours Multicom-4 Coffee Talk locations.RochesterGLBTI Qbikers@ 5pm, St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-7pm, GAGV 7pm, Spin Cafe, 739 Park Av. Social for yahoo.com; 478-1565; bmdaniels@ 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Every Sunday, 234-5092 frontiemet.net. Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. former Multicom-4 BBS members; other Open Arms Metropolitan Community entrance, first floor. 244-8640, ext 13. GLBT cyber geeks welcome, every fourth SATURDAY Church Wednesday, 8pm 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 1O:30am. 271-8478 Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Rochester Rams Bar Night Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House GAGV Library & Archives Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Gay Men's Alcoholics Anonymous parking lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. 8pm Wednesdays, 5th floor, Auditorium Forum, 670 University Ave. 271-6930 St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, Center, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Steps Beyond Stems Crack Support Group Empire Bears Bar Night 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8:30pm, 232-6720, Mondays, 7-8pm, 289 Monroe Ave. Brothers Keeper First Saturdays. Bachelor Forum, Weekly. Closed meeting Support group for men over 30. Third 470 University Ave. www.empirebears.org. GAGVYouth Group TUESDAY Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Ages 13-23. Every Sunday, 2-4pm, GAGV Project, 107 Liberty Pole Way. 420-1400 Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Atlantic Five 0 9 am, George Eastman House parking lot. Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Gay men 50 and over. Second Tuesdays, GAGVYouth Drop In Hours www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Sacred Spaces Meditation 7pm, GAGV Youth Center, 875 E. Main Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-7 pm, GAGV Second Sundays, 7pm, MOCHA Project, St., first floor, Prince St. entrance. 249-4922. Empire Bears Potluck Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400 entrance, first floor. 244-8640 ext 13. 2nd Saturdays, GAGV Youth Center, 875 Two Spirit Group E. Main, first floor, Prince St. entrance. Rainbow Seniors Second Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, Equal=Grounds, Stonewall Democrats of the Genesee Valley 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Bring dish to First Sundays: Euchre Club, 3-6pm. Third 750 South Ave. Meets 4th Wednesdays, 7:30pm, GAGV pass. www.empirebears.org. Sundays, Potluck at First Universalist Community Center, 875 E. Main St., 5th Cross Dresser Support Group Church, 150 S. Clinton Ave., 4pm. CampusOut Coffee Night floor, Nopper Room. First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: First Tuesdays, 7-10 pm, Equal=Grounds, Men's Cooking Group Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 251-2132; [email protected] 750 South Ave. Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664 .• 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. Gay Fathers' Support Group www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. First and third Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm, GAGV Youth Center, 875 E. Main St., first THURSDAY LGBT Survivors of Violence Support Group floor. 426-9695. Presbyterians fur Lesbian and Gay Concerns LGBT survivors (18 years or older) of domestic violence, sexual MOCHA Youth Drop-In 6:30pm, first Thursday. For location call assault, pick-up or stranger assault, - or any type of violence - Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Project, 107 Ralph, 271-7649 have a new resource for healing. Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 Queer Radical Reading Group Meets Tuesday nights from 7:15 to 8:30pm in the First and third Thursdays, 7 pm, Gay Alliance Nopper Room, Auditorium Center, 5th Floor MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic 875 E. Main St., Rochester, NY 14605 • 585-244-8640, x 17 or 19 Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, Community Business Forum Gay and Sponsored. by the Gay Alliance and MOCHA 420-1400 Lesbian Professionals' social group. Rainbow Seniors Yoga Second Thursdays, 5:30-7pm, 234-8706 6-7pm Open Arms MCC, 125 Norris Pride at Work Drive, 442-6369. First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. Women's Community Chorus off Thurston Rd. 426-0862. Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, GLOB&L Downtown United Pres. Church, 121 N. (Gays and Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb). Fitzhugh St. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME Free, confidential HIV testing conference room at the Optic Center. 121 N. Fitzhugh Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • Phone: 325-1180 Voice mail: 338-8977 Every Tuesday in Dec. & Jan. MOCHA, Liturgies: Thursday: 7:00 pm, Saturday: 5:00 pm 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400. Rochester Gay Men's Chorus Sunday: 7:30am LGBT Survivors ofViolence Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 9 :30 am (at Hochstein, 50 Plymouth Avenue) Every Tuesday, 7:15-8:30 pm, GAGY's 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Nopper Room, fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. Free confidential walk-in HIV testing 244-8640 ext 17 or 19. Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, AIDS Rochester, 1350 University Ave. 442-2220 IMPACT Team Second Tuesdays, Downtown Presbyterian Partner Bereavement Group Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30 pm. Call First and third Thursdays, 5:30-7pm. Open Todd Plank, 271-2420. drop-in session; professionally led. No pre­ registration required. No fee; freewill WEDNESDAY donation to hospice requested. Lifetime Tawa Pano Church Bible Study Care, 3111 Winton Road, 214-1414 Bible study 7:15pm. 758 South Ave. MOCHAlGAGVYouth Trans Group Country Line Dancing/Two Stepping First Thursdays, 5-7pm, GAGV Youth Every Wednesday, Muthers, 40 S. Union, Center, 875 E. Main St., first floor (Prince 7pm, Lessons followed by dancing until St. entrance). 244-8640 ext 13. lOpm, Beginners to advanced. U. of Rochester Pride Network Gay Alliance Board of Directors Meeting Every Thursday, 9pm, Morey 502 on River Third Wednesdays, 7pm, Campus of u.R. Web address: www.sa. 875 E. Main St., fifth floor. 244-8640 rochester.edu/pn. New Freedom New Happiness Green Party (political) Movie Night AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, Second Thursdays, 7-9pm, GAGV Nopper 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. Room, 875 E. Main St., fifth floor. 234-6470. Support Group for Parents Who [email protected] Have Lost Children 16 B THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 421 • MARCH 2009

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