The Empty Closet It’s selfie time! LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS, INTERVIEWS, Win a VIP pass to Pride 2015! OPINION, ENTERTAINMENT, COLUMNISTS, EVENT CALENDARS, COMICS, & HEALTH RESOURCES FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AT EMPTY CLOSET NEWS • FOLLOW US AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/EMPTYCLOSETNEWS See page 30… NUMBER 484 A PUBLICATION OF THE GAY ALLIANCE NOVEMBER 2014 Grant of $447,000 comes through for abused deaf survivors here On Oct. 1, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirst- en Gillibrand announced a $447,000 grant for the Advocacy GOWAN c Services for Abused Deaf Victims (ASADV) in Monroe County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Jus- tice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women and will be used in collaboration with the Gay

PHOTO: LORRAINE WOERNER-M LORRAINE PHOTO: Alliance of Genesee Valley to cre- ate more outreach services and Every day of daily encounters with trans- resources for deaf and hard of Rush to justice: Marriage equality should be a phobia and discrimination could hearing survivors of domestic and no longer be borne. Those gath- sexual violence, including those is now legal in 32 states plus D.C. Transgender Day ered will reflect on the innumer- in the deaf LGBTQ community. of Remembrance able transgender people whose Additionally, ASADV will By Susan Jordan deaths went unreported, the hate provide direct services, such as The Supreme By Tristan Wright crimes that went unsolved, and counseling, advocacy, and sup- Court on Oct. 6 Later this month, people will the justice that remains elusive. port groups, to deaf and hard decided not to review gather across the globe, includ- (See p. 11 for Rochester events.) of hearing survivors of domes- same-sex marriage ing here in Rochester, to com- According to data collected tic and sexual violence as well victories in Virginia memorate the Transgender Day and analyzed by the Transgen- as community education work- and four other states, of Remembrance, an event cre- der Violence Tracking Portal, a shops and programs. meaning legal mar- ated in 1998 as an online project transgender person is murdered “This money is absolutely riages can take place to honor the still-unsolved mur- somewhere in the world every critical to better protect victims there. der of transgender woman Rita 38 hours. Based on their data, of sexual violence and rape who The court’s deci- Hester. Since its creation, it has in 2013 alone 23 transgender are deaf and hard of hearing,” sion came with- become an annual fixture with people were killed in the Unit- said Sen. Schumer. “Survivors of out explanation and support from national and inter- ed States; there have been nine these tragic, life-endangering sit- put off a decision national organizations alike. killings of trans* people in the uations don’t just need a safe place about gay marriage On November 20, people will US thus far this year. However, to stay, they need comprehensive nationally. The court The first marriage in Virginia. come together to grieve the lives these numbers only account for services that can help them get decided not to review of trans* people who were mur- murders that are reported; the back on their feet and move for- decisions that struck down pro- North Carolina, West Virgin- dered for being who they were, deaths of transgender people are ward with confidence. The Advo- hibitions on same-sex marriage ia, and Wyoming. The stay on and to mourn the ones who far more likely to remain unre- cacy Services for Abused Deaf in Virginia, Utah, Oklahoma, Alaska marriages was denied on took their own lives after the toll (Trans Day continues page 7) ($447,000 continues page 6) Indiana and Wisconsin. Mar- Oct. 17. riages had been on hold in those The previous week, the places pending the disposition of Attorney General made a simi- those cases. lar announcement with respect With the Court’s decision to seven other states: Colorado, Possible hate tion and other campus services charged as such.” not to review the cases, favorable Indiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, crime in Geneseo are also responding appropriately The Gay Alliance feels marriage rulings in the 10th Cir- Utah, Virginia and Wiscon- to support the victim, including that this situation emphasizes cuit, the 7th Circuit, and the 4th sin. Colorado Attorney Gener- raises weakness in protecting the student’s desire to the need to update NYS Hate Circuit have gone or will soon al John Suthers said on Oct. state law remain anonymous.” Crimes legislation to allow the go into effect. Marriage bans 6 that all 64 county clerks in Media reports have indicated victim of an incident to name in every state within those cir- that state must begin to issue By Susan Jordan that the student “was born male the attack as a hate crime, as is cuits will be invalidated, adding marriage licenses. The Oct. 25 Local and national media and now identifies herself as a the case in many states, rather Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Okla- announcement adds to that list circulated a story on Oct. 1 woman.” than leaving that to the police. homa, Utah, Wyoming, North and brings the total number of about an assault on a transgen- However, the Gay Alliance Fearing added, “Such a vital Carolina, South Carolina, Vir- states where same-sex couples der SUNY student that occurred feels the comments made on determination should not be in ginia, West Virginia, Indiana, are recognized by the federal on Sept. 26 at around 2 a.m. in Oct. 1 by Livingston County the hands of an authority who and Wisconsin to the list of free- government to 32, plus the Dis- Geneseo. District Attorney Greg McCaf- may have very limited knowl- dom to marry states. As a result trict of Columbia. The Attorney The Gay Alliance has been frey are very disturbing. His edge of what it means to be tar- of the Court’s decision, an addi- General’s announcement means working with organizations in assertion that the severity of the geted for a hate crime. We ask tional 51 million Americans will couples married in these states Geneseo to ensure that the sit- injuries from the assault were not that New York lawmakers follow live in a freedom to marry state. will now qualify for a range of uation is handled appropriately. severe enough to warrant calling the lead of other states and allow On Oct. 25, Attorney Gen- federal benefits, including those Executive Director Scott Fearing the assault a hate crime is uncon- the victim of a crime to state that eral Eric Holder announced that administered by the Social Secu- said, “The LGBTQ community scionable, Fearing said. they believe the criminal was the federal government will now rity Administration and Depart- should know that based on con- “A line was crossed,” stressed motivated by personal hatred recognize same-sex married cou- ment of Veterans Affairs. versations with our contacts on Fearing, “an assault occurred. (Geneseo continues page 12) ples in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, (Rush continues page 3) campus and in the area, we cur- If the victim was physically rently feel confident that the assaulted because of their identi- response and investigation by local ty, as the reported name-calling law enforcement have been han- indicates, then this was a hate dled in appropriate ways. Further motivated incident and should it seems that campus administra- be investigated, and potentially Inside Editorials...... 2 Interview: Peter Lawerence...... 7 Making the Scene...... 10 THE GAY ALLIANCE APPRECIATES THE CONTINUING Health: Trans resources...... 16 PARTNERSHIP OF BUSINESSES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY LGBTQ Living: Brunch...... 17 Shoulders To Stand On ...... 21 WHO SUPPORT OUR MISSION AND VISION. Columnists ...... 22 OUR PLATINUM LEVEL PARTNERS ARE: Community ...... 25 Entertainment: ImageOut...... 27 Gay Alliance: PrideInRoc...... 30 Calendar...... 34 Classifieds...... 34 Comics...... 34, 35 The Gay Alliance is publisher of The Empty Closet, New York LGBTQ Living: Brunch... Page 17 State’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper.

(PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUE ON PAGE 2) FRIER JILL PHOTO: 2 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014 Gay Alliance Board of Trustees David Zona, President, Jessica Muratore, Vice-President, Perspectives W. Bruce Gorman, Secretary, Peter Mohr, Treasurer, Jason Barnecut, Chris Hilderbrant, Emily Jones, Jeff Lambert, William Schaefer The Empty Closet Editor Gay Alliance Executive Director SUSAN JORDAN SCOTT FEARING In world news this fall, thou- Alliance staff often hears this sands protested for marriage when we try to engage with Gay Alliance partnerships equality in Taiwan. Estonia, a organizations that work with continued from page 1 former Soviet-ruled country, has seniors. We know that is not approved civil unions. In Spain, the case. LGBTQ seniors attend THANK YOU the Catalan parliament has their programs and live in their passed a law to curb homopho- communities. bic violence. Uganda’s president It’s not just seniors who fall GOLD LEVEL has backed down a bit on that prey to bias. We all face dehu- “kill the gays” bill – due to trade manization and discrimination boycotts. Money talks. when people think they don’t In non-gay-related but know any gay or trans people – encouraging news, brave femi- just stereotypes. nist Malala Yousefzai, 17, has Invisibility allows our exis- become the youngest person to tence to be dismissed. Resorts win a Nobel Peace Prize. A teen- will market get-away specials age girl defeated the Taliban for “couples” and then blanch City of Rochester Good news killers! She is an icon for young Be out, be out, when two women show up. people all over the world. Forms will provide only two Absolut/Malibu Good news is always wel- Also, hundreds of thousands wherever you are boxes to define gender. Politi- come. On Oct. 6, the Supreme cians won’t know what GENDA of people, many of them stu- Since Stonewall all the vari- SILVER LEVEL Court declined to review five dents, rallied for democracy or ENDA would do for their states’ bans on marriage equal- ous segments and identities of in Hong Kong. The voter ID the LGBTQ communities have fellow citizens. 3 Olives ity – which means marriages law in Wisconsin, which was Visibility is power. The Gay can go ahead there, and in fact encouraged people to live out Baccardi implemented by the Republican of the closet, to live open and Alliance is currently running are going ahead, full steam. a campaign to encourage peo- Congratulations to Wisconsin, Party to keep anyone likely to authentic lives. vote Democratic from the polls, Harvey Milk famously said, ple to be out and visible. We Virginia, Utah, Oklahoma and are asking LGBTQ people and Indiana. has been overturned. Unfortu- “Come out to your relatives... nately, the Supreme Court has come out to your friends... if our allies to be out and visible. And let’s not forget that At the heart of the campaign because of the ruling, other given Texas permission to main- indeed they are your friends. Barefoot Wine states will also have to end their tain that state’s unconstitutional Come out to your neighbors... is a request for people to take Hedonist Artisan Chocolate voter photo-ID law. pictures of themselves hold- unconstitutional marriage bans, to your fellow workers... to the John’s Tex Mex which now makes 32 and soon Now many Americans are people who work where you eat ing signs that proudly proclaim 35 states where LGBTQ mar- advocating for the overturn of and shop…” their identity and to post and riages and families are legal Citizens United, to protect OUR His plea remains important. share these images. (See page and “real”. Despite attempts at endangered democracy from the Even with marriage equality 30.) stays, same sex marriages are 1% and their financial influence and increased LGBTQ protec- The campaign will run now underway (or soon will be) over elections. Maybe elected tions, invisibility remains one of through the end of the year, but in Alaska, Kentucky, West Vir- officials should wear the corpo- our biggest challenges. we are starting it in connection ginia, North Carolina, Idaho, rate logos of their financial con- Invisibility allows violence with the United Way’s annual Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas tributors the way athletes do, so to continue. LGBTQ people ROC The Day event. This one- and Nevada. voters would know where their face bullying and hate crimes day online fundraising effort The Court may get around loyalty lies! with more regularity than non- is an important day for us and to ruling nationally one of Early last month, Facebook LGBTQ people. Some of the this year we want to ensure that these days. It’s hard to imagine had apparently decided not to most vulnerable are those who LGBTQ people are VISIBLE. they would reverse equality as ban pages with “false names” have the fewest resources. The The Gay Alliance has pro- established by an overwhelm- after all – but on Oct. 21, Sister murder and suicide rates for duced identity signs that are on BRONZE LEVEL ing majority of federal judges. Roma, one of the San Francisco Trans* people, especially Trans* our website to download and The very fact that so few of queens who had negotiated with women of color, are beyond print. Feel free to make your Ameriprise the bans have been upheld by Facebook, told media that even troubling. own. Photos taken at local land- Canandaigua appeals courts is one reason why as one or two queens get their Here in Rochester we have a marks or at locations in your National Bank & Trust the Supremes weren’t immedi- pages approved, a handful get long-standing relationship with daily life are encouraged as a ately obliged to intervene with a suspended. So much for good the Police Department, but if way to show that our commu- Corning Inc. national ruling. news from Facebook! you move a few miles out of nity members are an important Equal Grounds Coffee Williams Institute surveys Sister Roma urges queens to town that can change. Invis- part of Rochester. House imply that between 5.2 and 9.5 contact her with their names, ibility can lead law enforcement Go to www.gayalliance. million adults in the U.S. iden- deactivated policy URLs and agencies and entire justice sys- org/PrideInROC to learn Harter Secrest and Emery LLP tify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or explanations of why their drag tems to assume that they don’t more. Photos that get post- ImageOut transgender. As of 2013, an esti- identity is the name they need to have to serve and protect “those ed, tweeted or shared should Jaegermeister mated 124,000 same-sex couples use publicly. people”. include #PrideInRoc. were married and raising more The struggle continues. Let’s Invisibility allows bias It is up to you to break the Kittleberger Florist and than 30,000 children. Our fam- keep working and the good news to continue. “We don’t have invisibility -- to show that we Gifts ilies ARE real! will keep coming! ■ LGBTQ seniors here.” The Gay are everywhere. ■ Labor Federation Macy’s

11/14 New York Life Name Out and Equal NY Address Finger Lakes Outlandish City/State/Zip Sky Vodka Phone St. John Fisher E-mail Tompkins Enterprises Victory Alliance Gay Alliance Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100 Champion Wegmans ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP ❏ Check enclosed in the amount of ______(check #______) CHAMPION LEVEL Please charge my credit card in the amount of ______To: ❏ American Express, ❏ Discover, ❏ MasterCard, ❏ Visa Mass Mutual of Buffalo Credit card # ______Exp. Date: ______Park Avenue ❏ I would be proud to have my donation publicly acknowledged. Merchants Association Benefits: Subscription to The Empty Closet mailed to home or work, Pride @Work plus privileges at each level. Phone: 585 244-8640 or mail to: Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main St., Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Home delivery of The Third Presbyterian Church Empty Closet is free with your annual membership. The Woolbright Group HCR Home Care NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 3

a long way to go,” Brae said. PAGE ONE “However, there’s a group of African American church lead- ers who have initiated a dialogue NewsFronts on homosexuality. It’s in the pro- (Rush from page 1) impose profound legal, finan- The Court’s decision on Oct. cial, social and psychic harms cess of forming now. We’re just 6 not to review the rulings means on numerous citizens of those getting together to talk among ourselves about what our com- that as many as 60 percent of the states.” LOCAL AND STATE American people are living in The decision further states: monalities are. This group is freedom to marry states, with a “Classifying some families, and about social justice – not just majority of the states having the especially their children, as of LGBT issues – but they are freedom to marry for all. lesser value should be repug- included.” “With each new state where nant to all those in this nation Brae summed up, “I think same-sex marriages are legally who profess to believe in ‘family this is an exciting time to be recognized, our nation moves values.’ In any event, Idaho and at Open Arms. There are so closer to achieving of full equal- Nevada’s asserted preference for many opportunities for wor- ity for all Americans,” the Attor- opposite-sex parents does not, ship and community building. ney General said. “We are acting under heightened scrutiny, come Our motto is: ‘Beyond open as quickly as possible with agen- close to justifying unequal treat- and affirming… beyond wel- cies throughout the government ment on the basis of sexual ori- coming… a safe place where all to ensure that same-sex married entation.” are welcome.’ couples in these states receive the Idaho “Galatians 3:28 says, ‘We are fullest array of benefits allowable The Idaho case was brought all created in the image of God. under federal law.” in November 2013 by four There is neither Jew nor Greek, In addition, the Attorney same-sex couples: Sue Latta and slave nor free, male nor female. General also announced that the Traci Ehlers, Lori and Sharene For you are all one in Christ Department of Justice has deter- Watsen, Shelia Robertson and Jesus.’” mined it can legally recognize Andrea Altmayer, and Amber Sara Campbell has been mar- marriages performed in Indiana Beierle and Rachael Robertson. ried to her wife for three years and Wisconsin this past June. The couples are represented by and they have a son. Sara is These marriages were performed Idaho attorneys Deborah Fer- in her Senior year at Colgate. immediately after federal district guson and Craig Durham of She did her supervised minis- courts ruled that those states’ Ferguson Durham LLP and the try internship last year with a bans on same-sex marriage are National Center for Lesbian group in Buffalo called the Buf- unconstitutional, but subsequent Rights (NCLR). falo Peacemakers. The Buffalo developments created confusion On Sept. 8, Ferguson argued Peacemakers provides proactive about the status of those mar- before Ninth Circuit Judges Ste- intervention into the cycle of riages. Based on the Attorney phen Reinhardt, Marsha S. Ber- violence in the lives of gang- General’s announcement, how- zon, and Ronald M. Gould that involved or at-risk youth. ever, those couples married dur- Idaho’s laws that ban marriage Sara Campbell and Brae Adams at Open Arms MCC. “We at Open Arms are try- ing that period will now have equality and prohibit the state ing to talk openly about these their unions recognized by the from respecting the marriages of Pastoral interns they are in need. issues and how we are called to federal government. same-sex couples who married provide new “We are supplying enough act on them. Not just LGBTQ In total, 41 federal and state in other states violate the U.S. food for a day; for long term issues but gun violence, system- courts in the past year have ruled Constitution. Leadership at Open needs that we can’t provide ic poverty, homelessness, racial in favor of the freedom to marry The state of Idaho on Oct. Arms MCC for, in Rochester we have good issues, the school to prison pipe- for same-sex couples with only 8 filed a motion to recall the resources like Foodlink; there is line, border issues, these are the one federal and one state rul- mandate allowing same-sex mar- By Susan Jordan a big list and we can help people subjects that the gospel wants us ing going the other way. Five of riages to begin immediately in Brae Adams and Sara Camp- utilize the many resources in to talk about and create change these marriage wins were before the state. KTVB reported Idaho bell, both students at Colgate the city. We can also help with around.” the Supreme Court for possible Attorney General Lawrence Rochester Crozer Divinity housing. Monroe County has a Sara said her reason to intern review. Wasden’s office confirmed the School, are now pastoral interns social services emergency hous- at Open Arms was because it is Evan Wolfson, president of emergency motion the morn- at Open Arms Metropoli- ing program. We’re trying to be the only church where she, as a Freedom to Marry, released the ing of Oct. 8. According to the tan Community Church, 707 a resource.” lesbian, has ever felt complete- following statement: “Today’s Idaho Statesman, Thomas C. E. Main St. Both are working Brae said, “One of my par- ly included and comfortable. “I decision from the Ninth Cir- Perry, counsel for the governor, for their Masters of Divinity ticular charges is that the Met- got a chance to preach here last cuit brings to 35 the number of wrote in that morning’s filings degrees, which Sara will attain ropolitan Community Church summer and had never experi- freedom to marry states, and 64 that the state is prepared to take in May 2015 and Brae in May denomination offers a certifica- enced a church that was beyond percent of the American people the matter to the U.S. Supreme 2016. tion process for working with ‘affirming’.” Sara describes The now live in a state where gay Court. Jeff Myers has been named trans issues. I have been work- United Church of Christ, her people will soon share in the Supreme Court Justice Executive Director and has taken ing with both the cisgender and home denomination, as “amaz- freedom to marry. We now have Anthony Kennedy entered over administrative aspects of gender variant communities, ing, they have done a lot of good more states that have ended the a temporary stay against gay the church. Jeff’s focus is on both inside our congregation being proactive on all levels of exclusion of gay couples from marriages in Idaho, asking the community outreach to other and within the greater commu- social justice and they are inclu- marriage than had ended bans opposing side to file a reply groups, churches, and interfac- nity, on understanding trans sive of LGBTQ folks. Howev- on interracial marriage when by Thursday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. ing with area LGBTQ persons. issues and on how to be an er, there’s a difference at Open the Supreme Court brought the Attorney General Holder’s Oct. Open Arms is not simply advocate. One thing I’ve noticed Arms. Last summer I had a country to national resolution 25 announcement establishes “the gay church” – it is an inclu- is, the best thing you can do is chance to preach on a gay pride in Loving v. Virginia. We hope that the federal government rec- sive church, which also empha- to treat transgender people AS sermons series, the final sermon that the other federal appellate ognizes Idaho marriages. sizes families and social justice people. I proudly say I am a on the weekend of Pride. It was courts will move swiftly to end Originally the Idaho case was issues. Brae told The Empty straight, cisgender ally. When amazing, and freeing. When Jeff the disparity and unfair denial consolidated for purposes of the Closet, “Our biggest focus right I walk into places it does good asked me to intern at Open that too many loving and com- decision with Sevcik v. Sandoval, now is making connections in for other cisgender people to see Arms it felt natural and a good mitted couples in the 15 remain- a case challenging Nevada’s mar- the community. Sara and I bring me accepting people as they are, opportunity for both me and ing states endure.” riage ban brought by same-sex different skills to that, so that’s regardless of how they define the church. MCC is completely In total, 42 federal and state couples represented by Lambda perfect. Sara does outreach to their gender or who they love. inclusive and not just ‘affirm- courts in the past year have ruled Legal. college-age through 30s people, Often those two different issues ing’. I never feel here that I have in favor of the freedom to marry The original Supreme Court who maybe aren’t that interested are confused!” to defend who I am.” for same-sex couples with only decision made the Ninth Cir- in a traditional service. That’s Brae has been married for 25 She talked about her vision one federal and one state ruling cuit the fourth consecutive cir- why we put in an evening service years and has three children. So for OAMCC. “I want for this going the other way. On Oct. cuit court to rule in favor of the that Sara will lead. It’s very excit- why did a straight, cisgendered church to start figuring out ways 6, the Supreme Court denied freedom to marry since the U.S. ing – there is a praise band, with woman want to intern at Open to be disciples of Jesus Christ. To review of five of these marriage Supreme Court struck down the a professionally trained singer. Arms? live out the call of the gospel in wins, paving the way for the Defense of Marriage Act in June The service has a modern feel to Brae said, “I helped start one love. To truly be servants of each freedom to marry in an addi- 2013. Since then, the Tenth, it, encouraging participants to of the first GSAs in Mississip- other and the world. Seeing peo- tional 11 states. Fourth, and Seventh Circuits interact with the preacher, both pi, in 1989 at Mississippi State ple as human beings is so impor- Two of the judges on the panel have ruled that state laws barring through their smart phones and University. My best friend since tant – having relationships and were also part of the majority in same-sex couples from marry- direct questions. junior high is a bisexual woman not seeing people as ‘The Other’ SmithKline Beecham Corpora- ing are unconstitutional, and the “I lead the Sunday morning and people weren’t nice to her. is what changes things. tion v. Abbott Laboratories back U.S. Supreme Court has allowed service and am doing more out- There were incidents of violence “OAMCC has gotten beyond in January of this year, hold- those decisions to stand. reach in our local community. and bullying on campus that what people think of us and is ing that discrimination based Said attorney Deborah Fer- We’re starting a very limited involved LGBT people. focusing on how to serve oth- on sexual orientation requires guson (before the mandate was food cupboard and will still do “I’ve always dreamed of hav- ers. The focus isn’t proving who heightened scrutiny. blocked): “The Court’s ruling is our Thanksgiving food baskets. ing my own church and painting deserves to be at the table, but The decision, written by a victory not only for the coura- With our unique location, we it rainbow – a place where peo- just to be at the table and serve Judge Stephen Reinhardt, holds geous couples who brought this are poised to be a help to the ple could be beloved members others and have dialogue. It that “Idaho and Nevada’s mar- case, but for our entire state and community. Some members are of the community regardless of doesn’t matter what our opinions riage laws, by preventing same- every state in the Ninth Circuit. less affluent than others and we anything else. Here it is!” are, only that we are serving oth- sex couples from marrying and The decision affirms the fun- want to be accessible to them. Open Arms has worked for ers. That’s ‘Radical Hospitality’ refusing to recognize same-sex damental principles of equality People will get the word that outreach to African American – we show our hospitality to all.” marriages celebrated elsewhere, (Rush continues page 6) they can come here for food if churches in the city. “We have (Pastoral continue page 12) 4 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

New studies: up to 9.5 recognition to married same-sex couples, suggest that the figure may be as many as million identify as LGBT 130,000 married same-sex couples. NewsFronts Two new studies, released in late Sep- In the last three years, the number of tember by the Williams Institute at UCLA married same-sex couples in the US has School of Law, review findings from four increased by an estimated 50 percent recent large, national, population-based Married same-sex couples lived in NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL surveys to derive estimates of the size of every region of the country. More than the LGBT community and same-sex mar- 1 in 10 (12 percent) lived in the South. ried and unmarried couple families. Nearly 4 in 10 married same-sex couples Estimates across the surveys analyzed (39 percent) live in the Northeast imply that between 5.2 and 9.5 million Same-sex couples were raising an esti- adults in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay, mated 200,000 children under age 18, of bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). As of whom 30,000 are being raised by mar- 2013, an estimated 124,000 same-sex ried same-sex parents. LGBT individuals couples were married and raising more who are not part of a couple are rais- than 30,000 children. ing between 1.2 and 2 million children Authored by Williams Distinguished (depending on which estimate is used Scholar Gary J. Gates, PhD, the two regarding the proportion of adults who studies are titled “LGBT Demographics: are LGB or LGBT). Comparisons among population-based surveys” and “LGB Families and Rela- Catalan parliament tionships: Analyses of the 2013 National fights homophobic Health Interview Survey.” Between them, four national surveys are analyzed: 2006- violence with new law 2010 National Survey of Family Growth The parliament of Catalonia, an (NSFG); 2008-2012 General Social Sur- ancient community in Spain, has passed vey (GSS); 2013 National Health Inter- a law to fight anti-gay violence. Spe- view Survey (NHIS); 2014 Gallup Daily cifically, the law targets attackers of the Tracking Survey. LGBT community with fines — maxi- Gates observes, “Courts, legislatures, mum €14,000 ($17,500). and voters continue to debate high profile Pink News points out that, despite the policy issues including marriage and par- fact that Spain is one of the gay-friendli- enting rights for same-sex couples along est countries in Europe — having same- with economic and health disparities asso- sex marriage for almost 10 years — this ciated with discrimination and stigma law is a response to a report in July that toward LGBT individuals. The availabil- said the majority of Spain’s hate crimes in ity of new data sources that include iden- 2014 was motivated by sexual orientation, tification of LGBT respondents allows us with 452 identified cases. (All this is not to better inform those debates with criti- to mention suspicious, recent bar raids by cal information about the demographic police.) characteristics of LGBT individuals and Read more: http://www.towleroad. their families.” com/#ixzz3FN1z9pg1 Key findings from the LGBT Demo- Via TeleSUR: graphics study include: The law, passed on Oct. 2 and backed First Alaskan marriage took place in a small Arctic town after a judge granted a waiver. Estimates of the percent of adults who by 80 percent of the Catalan Chamber, identified as LGB or LGBT varied across will protect the LGBT community from Federal judge gives tion.” - Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell surveys from between 2.2 percent and 4.0 homophobic attacks. go-ahead for Alaska -JoeMyGod.com percent, implying that between 5.2 mil- “I feel furious when someone appears California’s Williams Institute stated, lion and 9.5 million individuals aged 18 to deny or play down the discrimination marriages on Oct. 10 “In Alaska, there are nearly 1,230 cohab- and older are LGBT. that we gays have suffered or run the iting same-sex couples, of whom an esti- Surveys were more consistent in esti- risk of suffering,” said Catalan Socialist A federal judge ruled on Oct. 10 that mated 23 percent are raising more than mates of the percent of all adults who Miquel Iceta, one of the first politicians Alaska’s same-sex marriage ban is uncon- 560 children in their homes.” identified as lesbian or gay (1.4 percent to come out as gay. “They speak derisively stitutional, Alaska Dispatch News reports: Williams Institute research also sug- to 1.6 percent) but there was variation in of a gay lobby. But look at this room! This Judge Timothy Burgess wrote in a gests that 614 of these couples will marry estimates of the proportion of bisexuals is not a group of people working under- summary judgment that Alaska’s “refusal in the first three years, generating $8 mil- among adults (0.6 percent to 1.6 percent) cover to achieve illegitimate goals. This to recognize same-sex marriages lawfully lion in spending in the state and an addi- Surveys found many demograph- is a group working to defend the rights of entered in other states is unconstitution- tional $135 thousand in sales tax revenue. ic similarities among respondents who everyone,” he added. al as a deprivation of basic due process Spending related to same-sex couples’ choose to identify as LGB or LGBT. However, the new bill has come under and equal protection principles under the wedding ceremonies and celebrations is LGBT identity was more common among fire from various factions due to the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Con- expected to create 26 to 79 jobs in the younger populations. LGBT populations clause that states that the person who is stitution.” tourism and recreation sector for the state. generally shared the racial and ethnic accused of homophobic acts must prove The lawsuit was filed in Anchorage in A few weeks earlier, a three-judge characteristics of non-LGBT individu- their innocence. On Oct. 3, the bishops May. The ruling took effect immediately, panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of als. Adults were more likely to identify as of Catalonia expressed their concern that despite the fact that Alaska’s governor has Appeals overturned similar bans in Idaho LGBT in the Northeast and West than in the anti-homophobia law could violate the vowed to disregard the court’s ruling and and Nevada. Alaska, along with Arizona the South and Midwest. presumption of innocence and “compli- stop the legal weddings. and Montana, falls under the Ninth Cir- Key findings from the study of LGB cate the liberty of communication in the “As Alaska’s governor, I have a duty to cuit’s purview. Families and Relationships include: teachings of Catholic morals.” defend and uphold the law and the Alaska Alaska Dispatch News adds officials In 2013, there were an estimated More from Gay Star News: Constitution. Although the district court with the state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics 690,000 same-sex couples in the US, of Calling it the “world’s most pioneer- today may have been bound by the recent began accepting applications for same-sex whom, approximately 124,000 were mar- ing laws against homophobia,” the state- Ninth Circuit panel opinion, the status of marriage licenses at 8 a.m. Oct. 11. ried. Analyses restricted to the second half run Catalan News Agency (ACN) reports that opinion and the law in general in this Read more: http://www.towleroad. of that year, after the Supreme Court’s that it includes fines for homophobic area is in flux. I will defend our constitu- com/#ixzz3G2AkyODg ruling in Windsor that brought federal behavior at the work place and positive NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 5 discrimination measures, such as having LGBTQ-friendly senior to prove one’s innocence if accused of homophobia. housing development “This positive discrimination measure opens in Chicago is already in place for other offenses, such as domestic violence against women, in Heartland Housing and Center on instances when it is very difficult to prove,” Halsted on Oct. 10 opened Chicago’s first the ACN report said. The new provisions LGBTQ-friendly, affordable senior hous- will punish those who attack gays, lesbi- ing development. ans, bisexuals and transsexuals with fines “Town Hall Apartments is a safe, wel- of up to €14,000 ($17,700). According to a coming and affordable place for seniors to study on hate crimes, the first of its kind, call home in a community that embraces published by the government, it showed and supports everyone, regardless of sex- that out of the 1,172 hate crimes recorded ual orientation,” said Michael Goldberg, in 2013, a majority (452) were based on the Executive Director of Heartland Hous- victim’s sexual orientation, followed by race ing, a division of Heartland Alliance, the (381) and disabilities (290). leading anti-poverty organization in the Midwest. “Affordable housing is criti- cal to the success of any city. Town Hall Estonia lawmakers pass demonstrates how good design, develop- civil unions in close vote ment and collaboration can fulfill a criti- cal need while improving the surrounding Estonia on Oct. 8 became the first neighborhood.” former Soviet republic to approve a civil Town Hall Apartments is located at unions bill. The vote was very close. 3600 N. Halsted Street in Chicago’s Via the Associated Press: Lakeview neighborhood, the heart of Chi- In a 40-38 vote, lawmakers voted Oct. cago’s vibrant LGBTQ community. The 8 in favor of a civil partnership act that $23.7 million, 79-unit building provides recognizes the civil unions of all couples housing for seniors 55 years old or older. regardless of gender. Twenty-three law- Because all units are subsidized, rent will makers were absent or abstained in the be no more than 30 percent of a given programs and laws designed to help Ameri- third and final reading of the bill. The resident’s income. Report: Anti-gay laws new law comes into force in 2016. can families; and by creating barriers to safe As a testament to the need, Heartland add to LGBT financial and affordable education for LGBT students Estonia, which like Baltic neighbors Housing received more than 400 applica- Latvia and Lithuania was occupied by the burdens and the children of LGBT parents. tions to live at Town Hall. All 79 units The report documents the often-dev- Soviet Union for almost five decades, is have been rented for the coming year. Via the Movement Advancement Proj- astating consequences when the law fails deemed the most Western-oriented of the Center on Halsted will offer resident- ect: A landmark report released Sept. 30 LGBT families. For example, children former republics ruled by Moscow. The and community-based services for seniors paints a stark picture of the added finan- raised by same-sex parents are almost twice Estonian Human Rights Center hailed living in the building, as well as expand cial burdens faced by LGBT Americans as likely to be poor as children raised by the law as “historic,” saying it would send and relocate its existing Senior Services because of anti-LGBT laws at the national, married opposite-sex parents. Additionally, a strong message to neighboring Russia, program to the first floor of the building. state and local levels. 15 percent of transgender workers have which passed what it called “a draconian “Town Hall Apartments direct- According to the report, these laws incomes of less than $10,000 per year; anti-gay law” last year. ly addresses the disparities amongst our contribute to significantly higher rates of among the population as a whole, the com- More from Estonia Public Broadcasting: LGBTQ older adults,” said Modesto poverty among LGBT Americans and cre- parable figure is just four percent. If signed by President Toomas Hen- “Tico” Valle, CEO of Center on Hal- ate unfair financial penalties in the form To demonstrate the connection between drik Ilves, the Cohabitation Act would sted, the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ com- of higher taxes, reduced wages and Social anti-LGBT laws and the finances of LGBT enter force in 2016 and allow cohabitat- munity center. “This generation lives in Security income, increased healthcare Americans and their families, the report ing couples, irrespective of the gender of isolation and experiences housing and costs, and more. outlines how LGBT people living in states either partner, the right to register their healthcare discrimination more frequent- The momentum of recent court rulings with low levels of equality are more likely relationship at a notary and enjoy the ly and proportionally than their straight overturning marriage bans across the coun- to be poor, both compared to their non- kinds of financial benefits conferred by counterparts. With more than 50,000 try has created the impression that LGBT LGBT neighbors, and compared to their marriage. The final version also provides seniors who identify as LGBTQ in the Americans are on the cusp of achieving full LGBT counterparts in state with high for the possibility of adoption by unmar- Chicagoland area, Town Hall will act as equality from coast-to-coast. But the new levels of equality. For example, the denial ried cohabiting couples. There is some a model, both locally and nationally, to report, Paying an Unfair Price: The Finan- of marriage costs gay and lesbian families fine print, however: to enter into force in address these issues.” cial Penalty for Being LGBT in America, money; same-sex couples with children had 2016, some implementing acts will have Heartland Housing was the lead devel- documents how inequitable laws harm the just $689 less in household income than to be passed first. These require 51 of 101 oper for the building and will provide economic well-being of LGBT people in married opposite-sex couples in states with MPs to be in favor. on-site management. Heartland currently three key ways: by enabling legal discrimi- marriage and relationship recognition for The Family Act, which was not affect- manages 14 affordable housing commu- nation in jobs, housing, credit and other same-sex couples, but had an astounding ed by the bill, continues to define marriage nities and has developed nearly 1,850 areas; by failing to recognize LGBT fami- $8,912 less in household income in states as being between a man and a woman. affordable homes throughout the Mid- lies, both in general and across a range of lacking such protections. ■ The Reform Party, the ruling party which west. championed the bill along with the Social Eva Skye, a senior program participant Democrats, hailed the passage as a game- at Center on Halsted since 2008, lives on changer. In a political process that saw a fixed income and could only afford a protests, petitions and social media cam- room in a single room occupancy build- The Town Hall police station was a a symbol of fear is now a place of inclu- paigns, top Reform Party MP and former ing, where she felt unsafe and unwelcome. symbol of police discrimination against sion, expression and community,” said justice minister Kristen Michal said it When she learned about Town Hall, she the surrounding gay community dur- Goldberg. debunked the myth that Estonians were jumped at the opportunity. ing the 1970s and 80s. Beginning in Identifying a need closed-minded. “Estonia is very small. “I don’t have to worry about my safe- the 1990s, however, the Chicago Police Town Hall Apartments is the culmina- There are too few people for building ty anymore,” said Skye. “I feel at home. Department established an LGBTQ liai- tion of nearly a decade of research, advo- walls between neighbors,” he said. Everyone has embraced me for being son to improve relations in the neighbor- cacy and community relations. In 2005, JoeMyGod.com: “You may recall that myself. Some say moving into a senior liv- hood. Heartland Alliance conducted a research NOM and other US-based Christian ing community is the end of the line, but “We often hear that history repeats study of Chicago’s LGBTQ senior com- groups have campaigned against LGBT for me it’s just the beginning.” itself. Today we see that history can also munity to determine the need for an rights in Estonia.” History redeemed correct and redeem itself. What was once (Housing continues page 13) 6 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

of the U.S. Constitution. ment saying the Department of Justice PAGE ONE The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 6 let made every attempt to defend the state PAGE ONE that appeals court decision stand, mean- constitution but acknowledged gay mar- ing that all states within the Tenth Circuit, riage is now legal. (Rush from page 3) including Wyoming, must comply with U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), open- ($447,000 from page 1) and fairness for gay and lesbian couples. the decision. ly gay co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Victims (ASADV) of Monroe County will As the Court recognized, these families The couples are Anne Guzzo and Bon- Equality Caucus, issued the following help by providing safe, supportive services, are part of Idaho’s community, and our nie Robinson of Laramie, Carl Oleson statement when the U.S. Supreme Court including counseling, advocacy, and sup- Constitution requires that they be given and Rob Johnston of Casper, Ivan Wil- rejected Governor Scott Walker and Attor- port groups, to the survivors of domestic the same legal protections and respect as liams and Chuck Killion of Cheyenne, ney General J.B. Van Hollen’s appeal after and sexual violence. I have long fought for other families.” and who previously filed a state-court the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals struck this kind of funding and will continue to Added Lori Watsen: “It means so much lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s marriage down Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban: do so in the future.” for the courts to recognize our family and ban. Also joining the lawsuit are Brie “The Supreme Court’s rejection of Attor- “This is an important investment that say that we must be treated equally. Our Barth and Shelly Montgomery of Carpen- ney General Van Hollen’s appeal puts an will help so many people impacted by son will be able to grow up in a world ter, who attempted to obtain a marriage end to a dark chapter in Wisconsin’s histo- domestic violence and sexual violence,” where the state treats his family the same license in Wyoming after the Supreme ry where many are treated as second-class said Sen. Gillibrand. “When we do more as other families. Today’s ruling means Court decision but were refused. Wyo- citizens simply based on who they choose to protect all survivors of sexual and domes- that we can finally have the same legal ming Equality is the state’s largest civil to love. Today’s ruling reaffirms we are all tic violence we can help put their lives protections as other married couples and rights organization dedicated to secur- equal under the law.” back together, and keep more New Yorkers the security of knowing that our family is ing full equality for Wyoming’s lesbian, ACLU reaction safe. This funding is particularly important legally secure.” gay, bisexual, and transgender communi- “This is a watershed moment for the because it provides our deaf, hard of hearing Said National Center for Lesbian ty. Its members include same-sex couples entire country. We are one big step closer and deaf-blind survivors with the support Rights (NCLR) Legal Director Shannon throughout the state. to the day when all same-sex couples will and resources they need to seek justice.” Minter, “Over the past year, court after Said Wyoming Equality Executive have the freedom to marry regardless of “Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf court—now including federal appellate Director Jeran Artery: “The Tenth Circuit where they live. The time has come and Victims (ASADV) is extremely honored courts in every region of the country— has decided that the U.S. Constitution the country is ready,” said James Esseks, and humbled to receive this $447,000 have recognized that the Constitution pro- guarantees same-sex couples the freedom director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisex- grant from the U.S. Department of Jus- tects the equal dignity and full citizenship to marry, and the Supreme Court’s deci- ual and Transgender Project. “This is life- tice, Office on Violence Against Women. of same-sex couples. Today’s decision reaf- sion to let that ruling stand means that saving news for same-sex couples all across Our team is very excited about the col- firms that fundamental principle for resi- the Tenth Circuit’s decision is also the law the country. Marriage helps families deal laboration with the Gay Alliance of Gen- dents of much of the Western U.S., which in our state. Wyoming’s same-sex couples with times of crisis, and the Supreme esee Valley to address domestic and sexual very soon will bring the total number of deserve to have their state treat them as Court’s action today means more loving violence in the Deaf LGBTQ community states that must respect same-sex couples’ it would treat any other family, and they and committed couples will have access as well as the larger Deaf community,” freedom to marry to 35.” deserve that freedom immediately.” to the protections that marriage provides.” said Erin Esposito, Executive Director of Oklahoma Added NCLR Legal Director Shannon The ACLU was co-counsel in five of ASADV. “We deeply appreciate Senator A gay couple sued a county clerk in Minter: “With the Tenth Circuit’s decision the seven petitions that were denied, in Gillibrand’s support of ASADV, her pas- Oklahoma for failing to issue them a now final and binding, there is no longer cases from Indiana, Virginia, and Wis- sion and commitment to address sexual marriage license shortly after state voters any legal basis for the State of Wyoming to consin. violence in our military and on our col- approved a ban on same-sex marriage in continue to enforce its marriage ban, which Crunching the numbers lege campuses. Together, we all can cre- 2004, the Associated Press reports. A fed- serves only to harm and stigmatize one Williams Institute research suggests ate the positive change we wish to see in eral judge overturned the ban last Decem- group of Wyoming families. All families that an estimated 14,000 same-sex couples our respective communities, for it is high ber. The Oklahoma couple wed Oct. 6 in deserve equal respect and protection, includ- in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and noon time to work together in putting an Tulsa, according to the Associated Press. ing same-sex couples and their children.” Nevada will likely marry in the next three end to domestic and sexual violence.” The Cleveland County Court office “This is another great legal moment years, generating $133 million in addi- The Monroe County ASADV pro- is waiting for the district attorney to give this week for loving and committed cou- tional spending. vides services to deaf and hard of hearing them approval to issue same-sex couples ples. Today’s decision reflects the reality Key statistics include: Recent Williams survivors by offering counseling, sup- marriage licenses, said Larry Bierman, that the majority of Americans agree that Institute analyses suggest that the number port groups, safety plans, medical ser- a deputy at the office. While marriage it is time for same-sex couples to have the of married same-sex couples, estimated vices, legal support, and court advocates. licenses had previously designated gen- right to marry and protect their fami- to be as high as 130,000 in 2013, has ASADV also provides community educa- der, Bierman said marriage licenses at lies,” said James Esseks, director of the increased by more than 50 percent over tion and training for area professionals. the Cleveland County Court office and ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgen- the last 3 years. All of their services are provided in Ameri- throughout Oklahoma – as of about a der Project. “As yesterday’s action by Williams Institute research has ana- can Sign Language (ASL). month ago – designate only two appli- the Supreme Court also showed us, the lyzed the economic impact of allowing The grant program was created cants, regardless of gender. This means unstoppable legal momentum toward full same-sex couples to marry in Alaska, Ari- through the Violence Against Women the office will not have to change their marriage equality is a reality. We are zona, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada will Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013 to marriage licenses and can begin issuing thrilled that love has won out again.” likely soon allow such marriages. Com- develop and implement outreach strate- them to same-sex couples as soon as they’re Following the decision from the Ninth bining these states, nearly 14,000 same- gies targeted at adult and youth victims of given approval by the district attorney. Circuit, nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) of sex couples are likely to marry in the next domestic violence, dating violence, sexual Wyoming same-sex couples across the country will three years generating an estimated $133 assault, or stalking in underserved popu- On Oct. 7, four same-sex couples and live in states where they can marry and million in additional spending and $17 lations; and to provide victim services to Wyoming Equality filed a lawsuit in fed- nearly two-thirds of Americans will be liv- million in sales tax revenue. meet the needs of such populations. eral court challenging the State of Wyo- ing in states that allow marriage for same- Nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) of Tristan Wright, Gay Alliance Office ming’s refusal to permit same-sex couples sex couples. same-sex couples in the U.S. will now live administrator, is also an ASL interpreter to marry and to respect the legal marriages See page 14 for the full Wyoming story. in a state where they can marry. who worked to make this happen. Tristan of same-sex couples who married in other Wisconsin Now nearly two-thirds of Americans commented, “I am floored to begin this states. On Oct. 17 a federal judge ruled Via the Associated Press: Wisconsin’s will be living in states that allow marriage long project with Advocacy Services for that weddings must go ahead. The couples Republican attorney general is conceding for same-sex couples. Abused Deaf Victims. This is a genu- had asked the court for an immediate order the fight to preserve the state’s gay mar- Williams Institute research suggests ine opportunity for two organizations to directing state officials to comply with a riage ban is over. Attorney General J.B. that there were 690,000 same-sex couples bring resources and knowledge together to decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Van Hollen had filed Wisconsin’s appeal in the US in 2013 raising an estimated create tangible benefits in our communi- the Tenth Circuit in June establishing that in hopes of preserving a 2006 state con- 200,000 children. As many as 30,000 of ties. I feel confident that the journey our a state’s refusal to allow same-sex couples to stitutional amendment banning same-sex those children are being raised by married organizations are setting out on togeth- marry violates the Fourteenth Amendment marriage. His spokeswoman issued a state- parents. er will bring about positive change and In Alaska, there are nearly 1,230 improved access to resources for d/Deaf cohabiting same-sex couples, of which an and hard of hearing LGBTQ people in estimated 23 percent are raising more than Rochester. As a hearing sign language user 560 children in their homes and interpreter, I am deeply honored to In Arizona, there are nearly 16,000 have been invited to play such an impor- cohabiting same-sex couples, of whom an tant role in this collaboration.” estimated 16 percent are raising more than Gay Alliance Executive Director Scott 5,060 children in their homes. Fearing said, “We are thrilled to part- In Idaho, there are more than 2,040 ner with ASADV on this grant to pro- cohabiting same-sex couples, of which an vide culturally competent services to estimated 27 percent are raising nearly Deaf LGBTQ victims of violence.” Erin 1,140 children in their homes. Esposito added, “ASADV will partner In Montana, there are nearly 1,350 with the Gay Alliance of Genesee Val- cohabiting same-sex couples, of whom an ley (GAGV) for the purposes of reaching estimated 22 percent are raising nearly the Deaf lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen- 600 children in their homes. der and queer (LGBTQ) community. In Nevada, there are an estimated 7,140 ASADV and GAGV will conduct a needs cohabiting same-sex couples, of whom an assessment to identify the gaps in services estimated 20 percent are raising more than for Deaf LGBTQ survivors. We will use 3,000 children in their homes. the needs assessment results to enhance Williams Institute scholars have filed direct services for Deaf LGBTQ survivors amicus briefs in, and severed as expert and to craft a community education plan. witnesses in, many cases concerning mar- ASADV, in partnership with GAGV, will riage rights for same-sex couples, and produce six VLOGS (video blogs) to fur- numerous courts have relied explicitly ther educate the Deaf, hard of hearing, on William Institute research in strik- and Deaf-Blind communities on domes- ing down bans on marriage for same-sex tic and sexual violence and about services couples. ■ provided by ASADV.” ■ NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 7

PAGE ONE

(Trans Day from page 1) Candidates to Watch ported. The National Coalition of Anti- Violence Programs reports that gender identity and expression are second only to Peter Lawrence, race in motivating hate crimes, and that candidate for State transgender women constitute 72 percent of LGBTQ murders. The risks are highest Assembly 134th District among transgender women of color who By Susan Jordan comprise 67 percent of all anti-LGBTQ homicides. Peter Lawrence, 65, hails from Little Underreporting makes it nearly impos- Falls, east of Utica, and moved to Brock- sible for researchers to accurately count port in 1968. He has spent 37 years in law the number of deaths caused by anti-trans enforcement, 29 years in the state police bias, but transgender people’s reluctance and around eight years as a federal mar- to make a report is often in part because shal, appointed by President George Bush. of the police: data from 2013 found trans- He is now the Republican candidate gender people to be seven times more opposing Gary Pudup for NYS Assembly. likely than cisgender individuals to expe- When asked why he decided to go into rience physical violence at the hands of politics and run for an Assembly seat, he law enforcement. said, “When I retired in 2009 from my Although at this writing 32 US states position with the Marshal Service, I was now legally recognize same-sex marriage, 59 and thought I was ready for retire- only 18 have protections against discrimi- ment, but I wasn’t. It was a need for feel- ing at work. I did some consulting but felt nation on the basis of gender identity or their feelings too. I don’t agree that trans- promise to debate. expression (New York State is not among I wanted to be involved with the commu- nity again. I used to be a volunteer wres- gender people don’t have equal civil rights. He said his message to Empty Closet them). Research conducted in 2011 by If someone feels they have been unjustly readers would be, “We’re all people. We the National LGBTQ Task Force and the tling coach at SUNY Brockport. And I do a golf tournament every year for ALS – fired, they can go to court.” all live in the same society. I was a supervi- National Center for Transgender Equal- Asked about his thoughts on marriage sor in the state police for many years, and ity found that nine in ten transgender Lou Gehrig’s Disease. We’ve raised $1.75 people in the US have experienced work- million over the past 13 years, all of which equality, he said, “I do believe that mar- I personally never tolerated any bias or place harassment or discrimination; white went to the University of Rochester Medi- riage is between a man and a woman.” harassment on grounds of race, religion, transgender people are twice as likely to cal Center for their ALS clinic. Running The Women’s Equality Bill, which sexual orientation or gender. be unemployed as the population at large, for office is another way I can continue failed to pass in the Senate in 2014, “We live in a society that’s evolving while unemployment rates for transgender being involved with the community.” includes 10 points, one of which acknowl- all the time. What was accepted 20 or 30 people of color are four times the national When asked if elected, would he vote edges the national law that women have a years ago is not accepted now. I treat peo- rate. for passage of GENDA, the trans civil right to choose abortion. When asked if ple the way they treat me. If elected I will Transgender people are four times rights bill passed for seven years in the he would vote for passage of the Women’s serve all the people. more likely to live in severe poverty, as Assembly and blocked by Senate Repub- Equality Act, he said, “I support nine “We have to look at people as people. well as being considerably more likely licans, Peter Lawrence replied, “I know points out of 10.” We all want decent jobs and lives. These than straight or LGB people to experience nothing about GENDA. I probably would Mr. Lawrence said that he might are things that need to be addressed. I’ll homelessness at some point in their lives. support it. I’d have to see how the bill is debate his opponent Gary Pudup, a sup- have to go back and look (at GENDA and While lesbian and gay Americans have written. How would restrooms and locker porter of LGBTQ and women’s rights. trans issues). We can’t keep grouping peo- been enjoying an increase in legal mar- rooms work? If someone is uncomfortable “That’s yet to be determined,” he said. ple – pro gun, pro women, etc. -- we have riage rights, transgender people in the US when a person of a different gender walks He said that he has signed the League of to look at ourselves as one country with (Trans Day continues page 11) into the restroom, you have to consider Women Voters pledge, which includes a issues that need to be addressed.” ■

A COMMUNITY EVENT FROM THE GAY ALLIANCE

MEET THE AUTHOR RECEPTION FOR LGBTQ FAMILIES

Judith Frank author of All I Love and Monday, November 10 Know, a new book “that explores Meet the Author: 5:45 - 6:30pm adoption, gay marriage and true Free Reception: 6:30 - 7:15pm love lost and found.” *JCC Community Read: 7:30pm

*Tickets to the Community Read: Free childcare available. Lecture only: $11/$8 JCC member Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years. Must register Book and Lecture $36/$33 JCC member by Fri., Nov. 7 with the JCC

*Tickets, child care and more information, visit rjbf.org or call 585-461-2000. JCC Rochester, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618

Inquiring minds want to know...

Community InQueeryQ Learning An InQueery event of the Gay Alliance Champions for LGBTQ Life and Culture 8 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014 NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 9 10 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014 Making the Scene

MOCHA RECEPTION: Stanley Byrd, president of the MOCHA Center board, at the Oct. 15 reception at the new MOCHA Center, 189 N. Water St. Photos: Susan Jordan

PINKIE IN SF: Pinkie Eleganza Extravaganza took over Folsom St. Fair in San Francisco this summer. Jasan Ward, left, manager of MOCHA Prevention Programs and Above, she is seen at Macondray Lane, famous from Armistead Maupin’s “Tales Of The City”. Services, with Jevon Cooper.

IMAGEOUT’S CLOSING NIGHT PARTY took place Oct. 18 at the George Eastman House. More about ImageOut on page 27. Photo: Lorraine Woerner-McGowan

My Own Private it’s like to be ‘normal’. Maur has ally end up at Equal=Grounds. Rochester: such a great smile,” she noted, I can come here by myself and Gabrielle Hermosa “you can’t help but feel relaxed.” make friends with strangers. I Her favorite places are like 140 Alex and Tilt, and that’s By Susan Jordan Equal=Grounds, 140 Alex and where I’d take people for fun.” Gabrielle Hermosa is a trans Tilt. “I don’t go out a lot because On an ideal Saturday night, woman, raised in Brockport and I’m very busy,” she said. “I exer- Gabrielle said, “I’d be with a now living in Greece with her cise a lot, but not at the gym – in bunch of friends and kick back partner of 19 years and their shih my basement. I have a treadmill and enjoy life in one of those plac- tzu/poodle Lucas. She is an infor- and exercise bike and I do two es where you can meet people.” mation-processing professional to three hours a day. I started She commented, “I used to but her real passion is being a 10 years ago when I had hyper- feel Rochester was a very closed- motivational speaker and mentor. tension. So I lost weight and got minded place, and I felt I needed “I’m passionate about work- into shape. Physical fitness is to get away. But after meeting ing with people,” she said. “I love very important to me. My motto people and getting involved in humanity and believe by work- is ‘Live forever or die trying.’” the community, I’m starting ing together, we can change the Gabrielle’s favorite local event to see now how open-minded world.” is Pride. She said, “I went to my Rochester really is. I love this Gabrielle’s favorite Roches- Gabrielle at Equal=Grounds. Photo: Susan Jordan first Pride last summer -- I was town because I know I look dif- ter organizations are Genesee surrounded with love for three ferent, but more often than not Valley Gender Variants, TAGR ber, and met Jeannie Gainsburg She also admires Maur and days. People were so friendly I can meet people and strike up (Trans Alliance of Greater Roch- and Scott Fearing. I love work- Laine DeLaney of Genesee Val- and non-judgmental. I can’t wait a conversation. I see Rochester ester) and the Gay Alliance. She ing with Scott and I love Jean- ley Gender Variants, where she until society is like that – a big as generally open-minded, and said, “I love the Gay Alliance nie so much and am so grateful first felt comfortable with openly Pride Festival!” even people who are on the fence – they have empowered me. I because the GAGV has helped being herself. “I went in 2013 When out of town guests are willing to learn. I see a lot of took Speak Out last Novem- me achieve some of my goals.” and felt for the first time what arrive, Gabrielle said, “We usu- beauty and potential here.” ■ NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 11

PAGE ONE

(Trans Day from page 7) continue to struggle daily to meet even place at Open Arms Metropolitan Com- the most rudimentary human needs like munity Church, 707 E. Main St. food and shelter. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Dr. Karen Boyer, a transgender minis- 2013 research from the Williams Insti- ter, will be guest speaker. A reception will tute found that 41 percent of transgender follow immediately afterwards. Americans have attempted suicide - twice Both GLAAD and the National Coali- the attempted suicide rate of gay and les- tion of Anti Violence Programs report bian Americans and almost forty times that 72 percent of all LGBTQ homicides the rate of straight, cisgender Americans. are of Transwomen. This day of remem- On the 20th, in community centers, brance, which is officially Nov. 20, pro- churches, parks, and homes, people will vides an opportunity to remember those come together to honor individuals whose in the trans community who have been lives should never have been lost, and to killed in hate crimes. Almost 500 were remember people who should never have murdered worldwide last year. been forgotten. They will be calling out Presentation on Nov. 1 a harsh reality that is too often obscured On Nov. 1 at 6 p.m., Shauna O’Toole MORE IMAGEOUT: Michael Gamilla with Renata Hill, Patreese Johnson and Terrain by other successes of the LGBTQ move- will be sharing her story, You Can’t Shave Dandridge at the Little Theater. Photo: Garnetta Ely ment nationwide, successes that failed to in a Minimart Bathroom, at Open Arms benefit the transgender lives that will be Metropolitan Community Church, 707 remembered that day. Those gathered E. Main St. Besides her own transition will be asking all of us to make every day story, she will also talk about how various a transgender day of remembrance, to churches have -- and have not -- accepted make the rights of transgender people a her and other transgender people. national priority; they will be reminding Nov. 22 march us that for too many in our community TAGR (Trans Alliance of Great- the struggle for recognition, respect, and er Rochester) will have a march of vis- safety continues to be, quite literally, a ibility for the November Trans Awareness life-or-death issue. http://www.empirejus- Month on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 2-3 p.m. tice.org/policy-advocacy/memos/genda- The group will march on the corners memo.html?print=t#.VDsE0vldXQR of Goodman and Monroe and cross with http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/ the lights; that way marchers don’t need wp-content/uploads/AFSP-Williams-Sui- permits or permission. Marchers will meet cide-Report-Final.pdf at Open Arms, 707 E. Main St., and then http://www.avp.org/storage/docu- return to Open Arms for hot chocolate ments/2013_ncavp_hvreport_final.pdf and coffee. http://www.transviolencetracker.org/ Sign painting party on Nov. 20 http://tdor.info/about-2/ TAGR will host a sign painting party http://www.glaad.org/ for the march on Thursday, Nov. 20, tdor?gclid=CM27v_aXqMECFcRzM- yet another way to commemorate the goddAUAKw Trans Day of Remembrance. TAGR says, Rochester to mark Trans Day of “We think with all the visibility we’ve got- Jim Tushinski, director of “I Always Remembrance with events, march ten in the last few months and allies we’ve Elizabeth Streb from “Born To Fly.” Said Yes: The Many Lives of Wakefield On Nov. 16 at 2 p.m., a Transgender made this past year, this march of visibil- Photo: Garnetta Ely Poole”. Photo: Garnetta Ely Day of Remembrance service will take ity could be even bigger than 2012!” ■ 12 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

December 13, 10:30am-12pm – The PAGE ONE Non-Traditional Family Structure vs. Tra- ditional Family Theories – Dr. Kamila Barnes & Dr. Orlando Harris December 13, 1pm-4pm – Quality (Geneseo from page 1) Improvement: Why Improve Outcomes? and ask for a crime to be investigated as a – Dr. Kamila Barnes ‘hate’ incident.” December 15, 2pm-4pm – Transgen- Minnesota is one state that allows for the victim to determine whether the der Basics – Kelly Clark hate crime charge should be added to the You may also visit http://mochacen- charges against an alleged attacker. An ter.org/consulting-services/courses/ for a example: In Minnesota Law Chapter 609 complete listing of the MCS courses. All looks at how one determines a hate inci- courses are held in the MOCHA Cen- dent. The legislation reads in part “...if the ter Rochester’s Training Center located officer has reason to believe, or if the vic- at 189 N. Water St., Suite 1 (Riverside tim alleges, that the offender was motivat- Lower Level). Additional information ed to commit the act by the victim’s race, about MCS is located on http://mocha- religion, national origin, sex, age, disabil- center.org/consulting-services/. Faculty ity, or characteristics identified as sexual bios and resumes are also available at orientation….” (Emphasis added) ■ http://mochacenter.org/consulting-servic- es/faculty/. Registration is conducted through an L-R: Sharon Glezen, Patrick Fisher, Lori Meath, Laine DeLaney. LOCAL online service – EventBrite.com. Please AND STATE see the link associated with each course. InQueery workshop addresses trans health issues By JoAnne Metzler Genesee Valley Pastoral On Oct. 1 about 25 people came to the Open Arms Community Center for “Being ( from page 3) Presbytery installs first Trans... Being Healthy... Being Aware ~ know the elevated health & cancer risks of being Sara leads the Sunday evening Con- Trans.” temporary Service. Brae holds the month- openly gay pastor TAGR (Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester) and the Gay Alliance partnered to hold ly Agape Potluck on Sunday evenings. “At The Rev. Dr. Pat Youngdahl was this first event marking the reestablishment of the InQueery program (originally from Sunday evening services we bring tables 2007 – 2010) that consists of classes, workshops and events on all kinds of subjects and with coffee and food into the sanctuary, installed Oct. 24 at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 North ideas. so the eating and the service take place at First, Dr Sharon J. Glezen from the University of Rochester gave a presentation about the same time, rather than doing fellow- Fitzhugh St. The Downtown Church became a longterm hormone use and other Trans health issues. ship afterwards,” Sara said. Lori Meath of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester discussed the difficulties of “I preach from a chair, not a pulpit. More Light Church some 35 years ago, welcoming all without regard to sexual connecting with a community that is marginalized and often needs to be invisible, and I talk a little about that evening’s theme, brought up the fact that Trans people are just now realizing what they don’t know about based on scripture, and then we have a orientation or gender identity. This event celebrates the progress that has been made the potential risks. conversation about that particular piece of Patrick Fisher of Us Too!, a prostate survivors support and advocacy group, talked scripture. We have made our service at a in reducing discrimination against lesbi- an, gay, bisexual, or transgendered people about his experience of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and how he dealt with it. time that is convenient for young families. One quite disturbing thing that came out of this presentation was the fact that there We encourage young families to come and within faith communities. In 1991 the Downtown Church called is really not enough known about what the risks truly are because there have been no participate. I have a three-year-old who is studies, let alone any long term studies, done for Trans people on Trans health issues. ■ an active participant in our evening ser- Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr to be its pas- vice!” tor. This call was approved locally, but Sara knows that many LGBTQ peo- ultimately was denied by the Presbyterian ple feel uncomfortable in a church envi- Church USA (PCUSA)’s highest judicial ronment, since they have been excluded court because Janie was openly lesbian. voters are not required to present a photo worse than the Boston Marathon bomb- from their original churches and often The Downtown Church dealt with ID in order to vote! All transgender New ing. The last two letters (June 2014 and demonized by Christians. “Church is this disappointment by creating That All Yorkers should know their rights, know the most current one) indicated they scary for LGBT folks,” she said, “and May Freely Serve and naming Janie as the issues, and make sure that on Nov. 4 know where I live, that I’m being tracked we try to make it not scary. Everyone is its evangelist. She toured the country for they go to the polls and make their voice and watched and it’s only a matter of time welcome here. We really want people to many years advocating for full inclusion heard! before they eliminate me and our loca- know we won’t ask them to change what in the Presbyterian denomination. Rev. “There is also a PDF version of the tions (meaning our Centers). Over the they believe, whether they are Christian, Spahr participated in the service of instal- guide, which can also be printed, shared, years we certainly have received our fair Buddhist, Muslim, Wiccan or whatever. lation and also preached during the Sun- share of “God forgives you” and “Sinner day morning worship. and even kept in your back pocket as you They’re welcome here. This is a safe place go to the polls to fill out your ballot!” and we are disgusting” letters, but these to worship where people won’t find them- In 2011 the PCUSA voted to remove are very different. These are being investi- selves needing to be on-guard or defen- the restrictions that denied pastoral lead- Long Island GLBT center gated as Hate Crimes and it has been the sive. If people walk out of the service ership to LGBTQ people by denying top story on the news for almost two days. them ordination and installation as pas- knowing one thing I want it to be that we receives death, arson All of these letters were turned over are all wanted by God, exactly as we are.” tors. This change has opened the door so that Rev. Youngdahl could be installed. threats to police immediately, but this instance Rev. Youngdahl has taught at universi- was the first time the media got wind MOCHA Center launches Via press release from David Kilmnick, of it and it has been two complete days ties and seminaries, and she is a published PhD – Chief Executive Officer, Long consulting services author. of crisis management, dozens of media Island GLBT Services Network: interviews, making sure the community The MOCHA Center has announced This past week, we received our third knows our Centers are safe and that we the launch of its MOCHA Consulting Pride Agenda adds new letter in the mail in the last 16 months have increased security measures, keeping Services (MCS). resource for trans voters that continued to threaten my life and this our staff informed and preparing them MCS is a fee-for-service initiative ded- time also mentioned burning down the with how to talk with constituents and icated to bridging the gaps to health Empire State Pride Agenda has devel- LGBT and LGBT friendly senior housing community members and much more…. and wellness for LGBT POC (Lesbian, oped a new resource for trans voters we just announced two days prior. In this link of CBS TV and Radio Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender People in New York this election season. It is The first two letters were received in coverage (http://newyork.cbslocal. of Color). MCS utilizes a multifaceted called Transforming The Vote: Every- June 2013 and June 2014 threatened to com/2014/10/10/li-gay-advocacy-group- approach to capacity building for individ- thing Transgender New Yorkers Need To make the LI Pride Parade, which we run, receives-threatening-letters/), you can see uals and organizations that serve LGBT Know To Head To The Polls. POC through consulting, speaking It’s an informational resource for engagements, trainings, workshops, and transgender New Yorkers, and includes: research. MCS’s stellar faculty of academ- Why it’s important for transgender New ics, educators, community based service Yorkers to vote in 2014; Tips for Trans- providers, and researchers have extensive gender Voters in New York; Information experience addressing the disparate and on registering and absentee voting; Infor- unique needs of LGBT POC within the mation on pro-LGBT candidates this United States and abroad. election; Links to national resources. Eight courses are scheduled for The Pride Agenda says, “2014 is an November and December: important election year for transgender November 6, 4pm-7pm – LGBTQ New Yorkers. We have the chance to elect Issues in K-12 Schools: Framework & a NYS Senate that will finally stop block- Strategies for Educators – Dr. Ed Brock- ing progressive legislation that will benefit enbrough & Kelly Clark the transgender community – including November 14, 8:30am-12:30pm GENDA, which has passed the assembly – Working with LGBTQ Victims of seven years in a row, and which the Sen- Domestic Violence – Kelly Clark ate has refused to bring to the floor for a November 21, 8am-5pm – Diversity vote every one of those years. Let’s make & Intersections of Identity – Tomás Boat- sure 2015 is the year the NYS Senate can wright no longer ignore the needs of our com- December 4, 1pm-5pm – LGBTQ 101 munity. – Tomás Boatwright “It’s estimated that new voter ID laws December 12, 8am-5pm – Empow- in different states are going to disen- ering Social Justice Advocates – Bruce franchise over 24,000 transgender people Smail across the country – but here in New York NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 13 what our message has been publicly – that traffic laws. Heartland Housing, Inc. is a com- these need to be taken seriously, that all Some refreshments will be provided at NATIONAL munity housing development organiza- the gains in equality do not translate to scheduled stops. AND INTERNATIONAL tion, which facilitates the development safety for our families and that we will Wedge Waddle is sponsored by Busi- of people through the preservation and not be bullied or deterred from the work ness of the South Wedge Association creation of affordable and supportive we do. (BASWA); Hungry Hedonists; Hedonist (Housing continued from page 5) housing with a priority in meeting the We sent out an blast to the community Artisan Chocolates; South Wedge Plan- amenity-rich LGBTQ-friendly afford- needs of homeless persons and families, (http://goo.gl/y7KmFO) informing them ning Committee; South East Area Coali- able housing development. Heartland very low-income individuals, and persons of what was happening and that we were tion; The Christopher Group; PrintRoc; worked with local aldermen to identify a with chronic disabilities. More at: www. working closely with both County Police The Coffee Connection. ■ workable location, and later worked with heartlandhousing.org. Departments and Hate Crime Bureaus, city, state and federal agencies to identify Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s ensuring them that our Centers are safe and secure solid financing. most comprehensive community center and using it as an opportunity to do some In 2012, the City of Chicago selected dedicated to building and strengthening education on the issues that still exist Heartland Housing and Center on Hal- the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgen- and why our work is so important. The sted to develop the former Town Hall der and Queer (LGBTQ) community. response has been incredibly supportive police station site. In 2013, the Chicago More than 1,000 community members from the community and I personally City Council transferred the land over to visit the Center every day, located in the received phone calls and emails from the the Center and Heartland and construc- heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighbor- Governor, other state officials, members tion began. “Reclaiming this site is sig- hood. For more information, visit: www. of our Congressional delegation and local nificant for our Stonewall trailblazers,” centeronhalsted.org. officials expressing their disgust for what’s said Valle. “The Town Hall police sta- happening and offering their full support. tion, once a site of fear for LGBTQ indi- If anything, this incident has strength- viduals, has now been given back to the W. Va. drops defense of ened the case for continued and increased community and is testament to changing marriage ban; accepts support of our work. times, popular opinion, and our support- license applications Hopefully the visibility leads to the ive partnerships.” person(s) being caught. Both County Sustainable design, historic pres- In a statement issued Oct. 10, West Police departments have installed panic ervation Virginia Attorney General Patrick Mor- buttons at our Centers and in my house Heartland Housing worked closely risey announced he would no longer be as a result of this latest threat. Personally, with seniors during the design process to defending the state’s ban on gay marriage I do feel safe, however after each of these better understand the needs of potential in court, writing: letters that threaten to “eliminate” me, residents. These conversations clarified “On Oct. 6, 2014, the U.S. Supreme I do think twice and look around when the importance of common and outdoor Court decided it would not take up the doing such simple tasks as going to the spaces, a strong connection with the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals curb throwing out the garbage and get- rest of the neighborhood, an interest in for the Fourth Circuit to set aside Vir- ting the mail. maintaining social activity and physical ginia’s law regarding same-sex marriage. fitness during the aging process, and the By refusing to consider the appeal, the Waddle through the Supporters of Syracuse sensitivity required regarding property Supreme Court has caused the Appeals trans murder victim rally management for transgender residents. Court’s decision to become final and Wedge on Thanksgiving; Designed by Gensler and built by binding on West Virginia. While we dis- donate to St. Joseph’s in Albany for overturn of Power Construction, LLC, Town Hall agree with the Supreme Court’s decision killer’s release Apartments blends the “old” with “new” to allow the Fourth Circuit’s opinion to Thanksgiving Wedge Waddle is a by incorporating an existing historic stand and believe it improperly displaces three-mile Walk/Waddle/Run/Skip/ On Nov. 14, 2008, in Syracuse, façade and variegated color palette into state and local decision-making, we will Sashay/Whatever. a young transgender woman of color its design. Large, colorful mosaic walls respect it. OK Rochester, let’s get up and waddle was shot and killed by an assailant who welcome residents and guests in the main “As the state’s Attorney General, it is this thanksgiving, before the food coma shouted anti-LGBT slurs. lobby and at all elevator banks. Each my duty to defend state laws that have kicks in. Come on out to the Second Dwight DeLee was tried for the mur- floor features a different wall color that been passed by the state Legislature and Annual Thanksgiving Wedge Waddle. der of Lateisha Green in 2009. The jury accents the flooring patterns. Town Hall are consistent with the Constitution. We You don’t have dress up as a turkey, you was convinced that DeLee targeted Latei- Apartments is expected to achieve LEED have discharged this duty faithfully. In don’t even need running shoes, just bring sha because she was a transgender woman Silver level for its many sustainable ele- the upcoming days, we will now seek to yourself, your loved ones, and if you like and he was the second person in the entire ments, including high-efficiency fixtures bring to a close the pending litigation bring your dog. Free, family fun, healthy country and the first in New York State to and appliances, building materials with over West Virginia’s marriage laws, con- event. How you waddle is up to you! Run, be convicted of a hate crime in the killing high (over 20 percent) recycled content, a sistent with the Fourth Circuit’s now- walk, skip, or waddle. of a transgender person. green roof, and an energy efficient heat- binding decision.” You can also help others this year. In 2010, a three-judge panel over- ing and cooling system. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has also Donate and bring a new pair of socks for turned DeLee’s conviction and he was Built in 1907, the Town Hall police issued a statement responding to the Saint Joseph’s Hospitality House! We will released and remains free today. station officially became a Chicago land- AG’s announcement: also have a sock drop box starting Nov. 7 Lateisha’s family and community mark in September 2013. According to “As the attorney general stated today, at Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream. So even are now faced with the knowledge that the Chicago Department of Housing recent rulings by several federal courts, if you can’t come to the waddle in the the system did not find Lateisha’s life, and Economic Development, the build- wedge you can still donate to a commu- combined with the refusal of the U.S. like those of so many other transgender ing “is significant as a finely designed Supreme Court to hear this issue, make nity member in need. women of color, valuable enough to fully Classical Revival style police station. It’s Thursday, Nov. 27. Location: Start it clear that laws banning same-sex mar- protect. Distinguished by its symmetrical façade riage have been declared unconstitution- & Ends: Star Alley next to Lux bar at 666 On Oct. 15, there was a press con- arrangement, classically inspired orna- South Ave. Registration is available online al. I do not plan to take any actions that ference and demonstration in support of ment, and distinctive copper cornice, would seek to overturn the courts’ deci- at wedgewaddle.com. You may also reg- Lateisha, her family, and the transgen- this well-preserved police station exem- ister at the event, starting at 9:30 a.m. sions. West Virginia will uphold the law der community in front of the Court of plifies the influence of Classicism on the according to these rulings, and I have Event Start Time: 10 a.m. Event Cost: Appeals at 20 Eagle St. in Albany. Follow- architecture of government and public FREE, just show up, no running shoes directed state agencies to take appropri- ing that the Onondaga County District buildings in Chicago in the early twen- ate action to make that possible. required. Strollers, dogs, red wagons and Attorney’s Office appealed the decision tieth century.” most things welcome! This is not a timed “Our state is known for its kindness to overturn DeLee’s conviction, and the Modern amenities and hospitality to residents and visitors race; there will be a clock, but it’s not a case is set to be heard by the New York The facility has 30 studios and 49 one- timer. The Waddle takes place on open State Court of Appeals, New York’s high- alike. I encourage all West Virginians bedroom apartments (79 units total). In — regardless of their personal beliefs city streets. No streets will be closed. In est court. addition, the building has 4,450 square other words you’ll need to obey all regular -Empire State Pride Agenda ■ — to uphold our statewide tradition of feet of ground floor commercial space, treating one another with dignity and 20 covered car parking spaces, and dedi- respect.” cated parking spaces for bicycles. Ameni- UPDATE: WV Department of ties include ENERGY STAR appliances, Health and Human Resources Secre- security cameras, high-speed Internet, tary Karen Bowling has also released a and on-site laundry facilities. statement, saying that gay couples across Strong financing the state could begin applying for mar- Heartland Housing and Center on riage licenses in the state by Oct. 14 at Halsted leveraged Low Income Housing the latest: Tax Credits, the City of Chicago HOME “The West Virginia Department of Investment Partnerships Program, equity Health and Human Resources has pre- from the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax pared all of its bureaus for implementa- Credit and an Energy Efficiency Grant tion of this change regarding forms (both from the Illinois Department of Com- paper and online) and its technology merce and Economic Opportunity. The systems,” Bowling said. “We expect that City of Chicago also donated the former county clerks across the state will be able police station and land to the project. to issue marriage licenses for same-sex The Chicago Housing Authority pro- couples by Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at vided 79 project-based vouchers, which the latest.” enable those with even the lowest of UPDATE II: It appears Kanawha incomes to afford to live in the building. County and Cabell County had begun The project enjoys generous sup- accepting marriage license applications port from Citi Community Capital, the from gay couples by Oct. 9. National Equity Fund, Enterprise Com- Read more: http://www.towleroad. munity Partners, the Illinois Department com/#ixzz3Fg4v0nOT of Human Services, and LISC Chicago. (Newsfronts continue page 14) 14 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

nation closer to our founding ideals of State judge rules NATIONAL fairness, justice and liberty. We will con- AND INTERNATIONAL tinue to fight for equality for all Arizo- Missouri must respect nans and oppose any efforts to unravel same-sex marriages today’s historic victory. On Oct. 3 in Kansas City, Missouri, (Newsfronts from page 13) “Today we celebrate the court’s rec- ognition that every individual in Arizona Circuit Court Judge James Dale Youngs Arizona federal court: has the freedom to marry the person they ruled that the state of Missouri must respect the marriages of same-sex couples state ban on marriages love. We hope that Attorney General Tom Horne will honor the court’s ruling who married in other states. is unconstitutional and allow marriage licenses to be issued Marc Solomon, national campaign director of Freedom to Marry and Kansas Arizona’s ban on same-sex couples’ immediately.” In Arizona, there are nearly 16,000 City native, released the following state- marriages is unconstitutional, a federal ment: British trans woman, 81, judge ruled on Oct. 17. cohabiting same-sex couples, with an estimated 16 percent raising more than “Committed same-sex couples who are says, “It’s never too late U.S. District Court Judge John Sed- 5,060 children in their homes. married should be treated as married no wick struck down the state’s ban based on Williams Institute research also sug- matter where they live. Couples in Amer- to come out” the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ deci- gests that 7,909 of these couples will ica should not have to play ‘now you’re sion striking down Idaho and Nevada’s married now you’re not’ as they travel, By Joe Morgan on gaystarnews.com marry in the first three years, generating A trans woman has claimed she is the similar bans. Additionally, he refused to $62 million in spending in Arizona and work, or move across state lines. Judge grant a stay of his opinion, meaning the Youngs’s ruling powerfully affirms that oldest person to have genital reassignment an additional $5.1 million in sales tax rev- surgery in the UK -- at the age of 81. decision went into effect immediately. enue. Spending related to same-sex cou- principle. Yet the only way we’ll achieve Freedom To Marry reacts: “The case, national resolution on the freedom to Ruth Rose, a former RAF navigator, ples’ wedding ceremonies and celebrations knew she was a woman at the age of nine Connolly v. Jeanes, was filed by pri- is expected to create 172 to 517 jobs in the marry is for the Supreme Court to take vate counsel on behalf of several same- up a marriage case, bring an end to the but has had to wait decades to feel truly tourism and recreation sector for the state. happy in the body she is in. sex couples. A separate case, Majors v. Key nationwide statistics include: unsustainable patchwork of marriage laws Horne, has also been working its way across the country, and affirm the free- She is now speaking out, saying trans Nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) same-sex people should be able to live their real lives through the courts this year, led by couples across the country will soon be dom to marry for all.” Lambda Legal. In the Connolly case, In total, 41 federal and state courts in at any age. living in states where they can marry and “I’m enjoying the fact that I have made several of the couples, including Terry nearly two-thirds of Americans will soon the past year have ruled in favor of the Pochert and Joe Connolly and Mason freedom to marry for same-sex couples the transition,” she said. be living in states that allow marriage for “My main thing in life isn’t going Hite and Christopher Devine, married same-sex couples. These are the states with only one federal and one state ruling legally in California, while various other going the other way. Five of these mar- around saying I am a lady now. But not and D.C. where same-sex marriage is a day had gone by since I was nine when families await the day that they can presently legal, as well as the states where riage cases are now before the Supreme marry in Arizona. The ruling strikes Court for possible review, with a power- I didn’t think I was in the wrong body. I same-sex marriage is currently prohibited always felt I was a woman.” down Arizona’s ban on marriage for but where federal appellate courts have ful array of amici briefs from scores of first responders, law enforcement, clergy, Rose, a campaigner for Age UK, said it same-sex couples. It comes just over a issued binding decisions against same-sex was a hip and knee replacement that made week after the U.S. Court of Appeals for marriage bans. and businesses urging the Supreme Court to take up a case. The briefs filed show her wonder whether it was time for her to the 9th Circuit’s decision in two other Williams Institute research suggests get the surgery. While she was happy hav- cases out of Idaho and Nevada affirming that there were 690,000 same-sex couples the depth and diversity of support for the plaintiffs harmed by marriage discrimina- ing made the transition without it four the freedom to marry.” in the US in 2013 raising an estimated years ago, she said she wanted to feel more Said ACLU of Arizona Exec- 200,000 children As many as 30,000 of tion and underscore the urgency for the “feminine”. utive Director Alessandra Soler, those children are being raised by mar- Supreme Court to take one or all of the “It was my doctor who told me to go “Today’s ruling brings security to thou- ried parents. cases before it. ahead. She said, ‘Go to the clinic and get sands of families in Arizona. It’s a Recent Williams Institute analyses it done,’” she told the Sunday People. moment to be celebrated. Equal protec- suggest that the number of married Judge rules Wyoming “My doctor had said I should have tion of the law is one of the fundamen- same-sex couples, estimated to be as marriage ban the gender ­transformation operation but tal principles that allows our country high as 130,000 in 2013, has increased I thought I was too old. I thought I had to thrive and evolve. Dismantling this by more than 50 percent over the last unconstitutional; left it too late. But the surgeons wouldn’t discriminatory ban brings our state and three years. marriages began Oct. 23 have done it if they didn’t think I could go through with it. On Oct. 17, a federal district court in “I am the oldest person to have it Wyoming ruled that state’s ban on same- done.” sex marriage is likely unconstitutional and Rose added, “It fills me with joy in so issued a preliminary injunction in favor of many ways that I notice my womanhood. same-sex couples. Marriages started there It just falls into place.” ■ Oct. 23. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl of the District of Wyoming ruled in favor of the freedom to marry in are Brie Barth and Shelly Montgomery the challenge to the State of Wyoming’s of Carpenter, who attempted to obtain ban on marriage equality. The court’s a marriage license in Wyoming after the order granted a request by four same-sex Supreme Court decision but were refused. couples and Wyoming Equality, who had Wyoming Equality is the state’s larg- filed a federal lawsuit challenging Wyo- est civil rights organization dedicated to ming’s marriage ban, for an order requir- securing full equality for Wyoming’s les- ing the state to allow couples to begin bian, gay, bisexual, and transgender com- marrying immediately. munity. Its members include same-sex Citing two decisions of the U.S. Court couples throughout the state. of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit strik- The four couples and Wyoming Equal- ing down Utah’s and Oklahoma’s bans ity are represented by Cheyenne attorney on marriage for same-sex couples, Judge Tracy Zubrod, the law firm of Arnold Skavdahl ruled that Wyoming’s refusal & Porter LLP, the law firm of Rathod to permit same-sex couples to marry is Mohamedbahi LLC, and the National unconstitutional. Judge Skavdahl ordered Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). the state to begin issuing marriage licens- Said Wyoming Equality Executive es, but placed that order temporarily on Director Jeran Artery: “We are over- hold to permit Wyoming state officials to whelmed and overjoyed by the swiftness appeal his ruling. of the court’s decision. Today’s decision Marriages began in Wyoming at 5 means marriage is a certainty for loving, p.m. on Thursday, October 23. committed, same sex couples living in The case was brought by Wyoming the Equality State, and also a victory for Equality and four same-sex couples who everyone who believes in justice, fairness requested an immediate order directing and freedom. We have received so much state officials to comply with two deci- support from so many people, and we are sions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for looking forward to these same sex couples the Tenth Circuit establishing that a receiving marriage licenses very soon.” state’s refusal to allow same-sex couples to Said NCLR Senior Staff Attorney marry violates the U.S. Constitution. The Christopher F. Stoll: “Today’s ruling U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 6 let those means that Wyoming will now join the appeals court decisions stand, meaning majority of states that permit all families that all states within the Tenth Circuit, to enjoy the security, respect, and protec- including Wyoming, must comply with tion that marriage provides. Wyoming’s those decisions. same-sex couples and their children will The plaintiff couples are Anne Guzzo live in a state that treats their families and Bonnie Robinson of Laramie, Carl with the same respect as other families. Oleson and Rob Johnston of Casper, We congratulate the couples who will now and Ivan Williams and Chuck Killion of be able to marry in the Equality State and Cheyenne, who previously filed a state- have the security of knowing that those court lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s marriages will be respected.” marriage ban. Also joining the lawsuit In Wyoming, there are more than 650 NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 15

So by Christmas, trans people who married in England, Wales and Scotland will finally be able to apply for gender recognition, and get it while continuing their marriage. Unfortunately, people who married in Northern Ireland still won’t have the same right, because the Demo- cratic Unionist Party continue to veto LGBTI rights there. Those who married in Scotland will then be able to get a new marriage certifi- cate in their new name and showing their new chosen designation “bride”, “bride- groom” or neither. There will be two ways of doing that. Couples can have a full “renewal” marriage ceremony, which can be conducted by a registrar, religious celebrant or belief (humanist) celebrant. Nathan Gale. Or they can simply re-register the mar- riage for free. For people who married in Scotland yet been introduced anywhere in the UK, Thousands protest for marriage equality in Taiwan there is an additional right – to get gen- although Scotland’s equal marriage cam- Via AsiaOne News: der recognition as your own decision, a paign continues to work for it. Therefore, An alliance of more than one hundred non-governmental organizations the first week decision that cannot be blocked by your if one person in a civil partnership wants in October staged a rally outside the Legislative Yuan urging the government to complete spouse. to get gender recognition, they will have the necessary amendments that will pave the way for the legalization of gay marriage. The campaign we led against the to convert to a marriage before submitting Dubbed the “rainbow siege,” reports indicate that more than 4,000 members of the so called “spousal veto” persuaded the their application. public participated in the demonstration at the Legislative Yuan. Demonstrators attached Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities The Scottish Government intends to 112 padlocks symbolizing the strangleholds of homophobic opinions labeled with the Committee to accept an amendment from introduce a streamlined process next year, names of lawmakers on the gates of the Legislative Yuan facing Qingdao East Road. Linda Fabiani MSP, to remove the veto enabling applicants to obtain gender rec- In response to the appeals of activists, 21 lawmakers accepted the invitation to unlock from the Marriage and Civil Partnership ognition and have their civil partnership and remove the padlocks with “keys of equality.” Demonstration organizers stated that (Scotland) Act 2014. converted to a marriage in one step. If among the 21 lawmakers openly expressing their support for equal marriage rights yes- The effect of that is to enable trans both civil partners want to get gender rec- terday, four are aligned to the ruling party while 14 are from the opposition party, with people who do not have their spouse’s ognition, they can keep their civil part- two being independent lawmakers. consent to apply to the gender recognition nership so long as they both apply to the The leader of Taiwan’s opposition party has announced a public hearing on marriage panel for an interim gender recognition GRP for gender recognition at the same equality later this month. Same-sex marriage is not presently legal anywhere in Asia, certificate, and then get that automati- time. unless you count New Zealand. cally converted to full gender recognition Although these changes will be widely RELATED: In December 2013 a massive crowd in the tens of thousands marched by the sheriff court in Scotland. The only celebrated, for trans and intersex people against same-sex marriage in Taipei. American anti-gay sites, including NOM, claimed drawback is that a replacement marriage there is still a way to go before we achieve that the crowd numbered as many as 300,000. certificate can’t be issued unless and until legal equality. The Scottish Transgen- the non-trans spouse agrees to it being der Alliance and Equality Network will issued. But the marriage continues any- address this with the Equal Recognition way, in full legal effect, uninterrupted. Campaign to strengthen trans and inter- This is just one aspect of the legisla- sex equality and human rights, on Nov. cohabiting same-sex couples, of whom Carol’s wife on Carol’s death certificate tion which makes Scotland’s equal mar- 1 and 2 in Edinburgh…. The conference an estimated 25 percent are raising more is about ‘simple human dignity.’ The state riage law one of the most progressive in will be a first in bringing together trans than 320 children in their homes, accord- has no business denying this dignity—or the world and strengthens our place as a and intersex activists from across the UK, ing to the Williams Institute. any of the other protections and responsi- leader on LGBTI equality. Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle Williams Institute research also sug- bilities of marriage—to Arlene or anyone Mixed sex civil partnership has not of Man. ■ gests that 329 of these couples will marry else. The time for marriage in Florida is in the first three years, generating $2.4 now, and Governor Scott and Attorney million in spending in Wyoming and an General Bondi need to stop fighting the additional $134 thousand sales tax rev- inevitable.” enue. Spending related to same-sex cou- The stay on Florida’s marriage ban ples’ wedding ceremonies and celebrations overturn is due to expire in three months. is expected to create eight to 24 jobs in the tourism and recreation sector for the state. Why trans people can finally breathe a sigh of Florida recognizes same relief in Scotland sex marriage with new By Nathan Gale on gaystarnews.com death certificate Same-sex marriage will be legal in Via Equality Florida Scotland from 16 December. Hogmanay, Florida also made history on Oct. our New Year’s Eve, will take on special 9 as Arlene Goldberg and her late wife, significance for many couples this year, as Carol Goldwasser, officially became the this will be when the first same-sex wed- first same-sex couple whose marriage is dings take place. respected in the state. As couples across Scotland plan their US District Court Judge Robert Hin- big day, trans people who are already mar- kle ruled on Aug. 21 that Florida’s ban on ried or in a civil partnership can breathe marriage for same-sex couples was uncon- a sigh of relief knowing they can finally stitutional and – despite a stay on his rul- have the gender they live as legally rec- ing –ordered the State of Florida to issue ognized without being forced to break up a new death certificate for Carol Goldwas- their families. ser, naming her partner of 47 years, Arlene In 2005, many trans people in the UK Goldberg, as her wife. Arlene was first won the right to have their gender legally added as a plaintiff in Grimsley and Albu recognized, the culmination of decades v. Scott when the ACLU filed a motion of campaigning in the courts and parlia- of preliminary injunction in April asking ment. the court to immediately stop enforcing But that new right did not apply to all laws barring legal respect for marriages trans people. between same-sex couples. In particular, the Gender Recognition On Oct. 9 Arlene received that newly- Act forces trans people who are married to issued death certificate, making her and choose between their marriage and their her late spouse the first same-sex couple to right to gender recognition. A married have their marriage recognized in Florida. trans person can only get gender recog- “It’s hard to put into words how meaning- nition if they first divorce, and of course ful this is to me,” said Goldberg. “For 47 many have been married for years in a years, Carol and I made our lives together, marriage that continues to be loving and all the while being treated like strangers in affirming, and which they want to keep. the eyes of the law in Florida. It’s bitter- But that untenable choice is com- sweet that Carol isn’t here to share this joy ing to an end. The Scottish Govern- with me, but for the first time in 47 years, ment announced Oct. 14 that from 16 our marriage was respected. Our relation- December, trans people who married in ship and commitment to each other is Scotland will finally be able to get gender finally recognized. ” recognition without divorcing. The UK The ACLU reacts via press release: Government is responsible for the rules “Today is a milestone day for all Florid- for trans people who married in England ians but especially for Arlene. As Judge and Wales, and has set the date there at Hinkle stated himself, listing Arlene as Dec. 10. 16 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

are knowledgeable about health issues & Services and our regional Transgender specific to transgender people, and can Advisory Committee on this project. talk about sexual health in sensitive and “Here’s a link to the e-booklet on gender-affirming ways. We hope that our ISSUU and a link to PPSFL’s transgender Health research will find new strategies of care services webpage. that could potentially lead to alternative “We proudly provide quality, compas- National Cancer Network The study is one of 46 proposals screening strategies, as well as less invasive sionate care from an informed-consent seeks participants in PCORI approved for funding on Sept. 30 STI detection practices. Ultimately, our model for our transgender patients in to advance the field of comparative clini- goal is to find ways to improve the health our Ithaca, New York Health Center. We online support groups cal effectiveness research, and to provide of FTM patients.” serve transgender people and people at patients, healthcare providers, and other The National LGBT Cancer Network, “This project was selected for PCORI various places on the spectrum of gender clinical decision makers with information funding not only for its scientific merit identity and expression. We are commit- located at 136 W. 16th St. #1E in New that will help them make better-informed York City, is seeking applicants and par- and commitment to engaging patients ted to improving the way transgender choices. and other stakeholders, but also for its people receive health care in our region ticipants for its next round of free, online Sari Reisner, ScD will lead the research LGBT support groups for cancer survi- potential to fill an important gap in our and we proudly work together with our project, which will focus on innovations health knowledge and give people infor- transgender community to lead the way vors: http://cancer-network.org/support_ in preventive sexual health screening in groups_for_survivors/ mation to help them weigh the effective- in eliminating barriers to care.” sexually-active FTM transgender patients. ness of their care options,” said PCORI Please note our new address! Planned These groups take place 24 hours a This will include assessing the acceptabil- Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes day, seven days a week on a moderated Executive Director Joe Selby, MD, MPH. ity and comparative effectiveness of self- “We look forward to following the study’s Education & Out for Health, LGBT Pro- message board. There is one group for swab HPV testing compared to provider gram Center, 620 West Seneca St., Ithaca, transgender people, one group for gay/ progress and working with The Fenway clinical swabs, as well as investigating the Institute to share the results.” NY 14850 607.216.0021 ext. 2306 bisexual men, and one group for lesbian/ prevalence of other sexually transmitted facebook.com/ppsfl bisexual women, all of which are led by infections (STIs) in this group. The proj- facebook.com/outforhealth ■ social workers and professional modera- ect is designed to fill key gaps in clinical Out for Health publishes tors. knowledge about sexual health in FTMs N.Y. trans resource Topics discussed in previous groups by comparing the effectiveness of alterna- include coming out to providers, sexual tive strategies for sexual health prevention, Out for Health, Planned Parenthood health and sexuality after diagnosis and screening, and diagnosis. of the Southern Finger Lakes’ LGBT the feminization of breast cancer. The award has been approved pending Health and Wellness Program, announces The Network expects to launch its completion of a business and program- the publication of a new free resource for next round of groups very soon and is matic review by PCORI staff and issu- transgender people in New York and pro- hoping to enroll new participants. To reg- ance of a formal award contract to The viders that work with and care for them. ister for an upcoming group, go to: http:// Fenway Institute. Out for Health says, “At our program cancer-network.org/support_groups_for_ “This project will have a national and in Ithaca, we’ve been getting consistent survivors/register.php international impact on sexual health questions about the legal and adminis- screening for FTMs, an underserved trative paperwork processes in New York Fenway Institute gets patient population,” said Dr. Reisner, a that many trans people need to engage transgender health researcher at The Fen- with regarding changing their name and research funding to way Institute and Postdoctoral Research gender marker on their driver’s license, study FTM trans sexual Fellow in the Department of Epidemiol- passport, social security card, etc. What health ogy at Harvard School of Public Health. we wanted to create is one place where all “Most FTM transgender men retain their of the information about name and gen- The Fenway Institute at Fenway natal reproductive organs. Our prelimi- der marker changes was gathered together Health in Boston has been approved nary research suggests that more than for ease of use so we could say, ‘Here, for an $813,000 funding award by the one in three of FTM patients are not up- jump in, go to whatever page and process Patient-Centered Outcomes Research to-date on cervical cancer screening and you’d like, to and get the information you Institute (PCORI) to study the sexual many are not getting routine screening for need!’ We were especially excited to work health of female-to-male (FTM) trans- STIs. We know that it is hard for FTM with the always amazing Ithaca College gender people. patients to find health care providers who Center for LGBT Education, Outreach NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 17

whiskey, ginger ale, lime juice), Bloody Mary, Classic Mimosa and Daylight Drag (vodka, St. Germain, strawberry schnapps LGBTQ Living and champagne). Jason said, “The brunch gets very busy and the restaurant gets very full, so we set up communal tables of 12. You sit with strang- ers and get to meet people. Some have even met their partners at a Drag Brunch!” There are usually three weeks between shows, and Kasha, Darienne and Aggy are the usual conspirators, but Jason said, “Pandora Boxx came by this year when she was in town.” Things have changed for the LGBTQ community over the past decade or so – for one thing, bars and clubs on Saturday night Darienne. Photo: Jill Frier are not our only source of social life any more – but an enjoyable at noon. They take place month- (dry gin, champagne, lemon and gay tradition is alive and well on ly on Sunday (dates vary but it’s lime juice), Aggy and the Honey University Avenue. ■ always a Sunday) and the cost is Badger (honey tea bourbon $25/person, including buffet and the show. “You need to book a table in advance,” Jason said, “via the website or by calling us at 271-4910.” A typical Edibles brunch buf- fet consists of mixed green salad, fruit platter, French toast stuffed with chestnut cream, bacon, sau- sage, truffled home fries, fresh fruit with yoghurt, bleu cheese and mushroom quiche and Croque Monsieur – egg-battered bread with Swiss cheese, turkey and ham inside, and then the whole sandwich is grilled. “We have fun drinks,” Jason added. You can choose between Kasha. Photo: Jill Frier Kasha Fizz (champagne, melon and Campari), Darienne Peach Brunch were funny, witty, bawdy, sexy, Bellini (peach nectar, cham- and completely delightful! They pagne, simple syrup), French 75 Edibles owner and single dad Jason Herbert with his adorable By Susan Jordan announced that they will be daughter Sydney, five months. Photo: Susan Jordan Like Tea Dances, Sunday having a drag brunch about once brunch is an ancient gay male a month, with the next one on tradition, but come to think of Nov. 23.” it, a lot of Ls, Bs, Ts and Qs, not The Empty Closet asked to mention Str8s, don’t mind a Edibles owner Jason Herbert to nice Mimosa and Eggs Benedict talk about the concept (or phi- on a Sunday morning. Throw in losophy) of Brunch. Jason said, some sassy drag stars and who “I think they’ve always been could ask for more fun? popular because you can’t drink A very traditional Drag at breakfast! But brunch gives Brunch has taken place at Edi- you the green light to have some bles on University Avenue, in champagne with your orange the Neighborhood of the Arts, juice. Also, brunch is later in the since 2011. Last month’s brunch day.” Those who have been par- featured those three Roches- tying until late Saturday night ter Queens of Drag Ms. Aggy are definitely not ready to face Dune, Mrs. Kasha Davis and scrambled eggs at 8 a.m. on Sun- Miss Darienne Lake. Photogra- day morning. pher Jill Frier comments, “They Edibles’ Drag Brunches start

Aggy. Photo: Jill Frier 18 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014 NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 19 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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largest, most famous, and pre-eminent trans conference in the United States. Many transgender organizations were Shoulders to Stand On founded in the 1990s and early 2000s. Transgender Nation, an offshoot of Queer Nation’s San Francisco chapter, Trans- Continuing history of the Transgender activist Sylvia Rivera was sexual Menace founded by Riki Wilchins, among those involved. TM National Transgender Advocacy Coali- Transgender community Aside from publicized activism, trans- tion, Transgender Foundation of Amer- By Evelyn Bailey gender people also gained some exposure ica Sylvia Rivera Law Project National Center for Transgender Equality and the The 1960s saw many firsts. Virginia through popular culture, in particular Transgender American Veterans Associa- Prince, a transgender person who began Andy Warhol films. In the 1960s and tion (TAVA) were founded, to name only living full-time as a woman in San Fran- early 1970s the transgender actresses Jack- a few. cisco in the 1940s, began a second pub- ie Curtis, Holly Woodlawn and Candy In 1998 the LGBT rights group Par- lication in 1962, also called Transvestia, Darling were among Warhol’s Warhol Superstars, appearing in several of his ents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays that discussed transgender concerns. In (PFLAG), founded in 1972, added gen- the same year, she founded the Hose and films. Jackie Curtis, who had no word for the concept of genderqueer, said, “I’m not der identity to their mission after a vote Heels Club for cross-dressers. at their annual meeting in San Francisco. In the late 1960s in New York, Mario a boy, I’m not a girl – I’m Jackie.” Though transgender activism began PFLAG was the first national LGBT orga- Martino founded the Labyrinth Founda- nization to officially adopt a transgender- tion Counseling Service, which was the on a larger scale in this period, it was also a period of heavy discrimination for those inclusion policy for its work. PFLAG first transgender community-based orga- established its Transgender Network, also nization that specifically addressed the who were known to be transsexual, a term that was coined by cisgender Ameri- known as TNET, in 2002, as its first offi- needs of female-to-male transsexuals. cial “Special Affiliate,” recognized with In 1965, 150 gender non-conforming can physician Harry Benjamin in 1957. In 1966 the first case to consider trans- the same privileges and responsibilities as people came to Dewey’s Coffee Shop in its regular chapters. Philadelphia in the first protest against a sexualism in the U.S. was heard, Mtr. of Anonymous v. Weiner, 50 Misc. 2d 380, The trans* community continued to coffee shop’s refusal to serve young peo- struggle on the legal, social and economic ple in “non-conformist clothing”. Three 270 N.Y.S.2d 319 (1966). Many support organizations for male The case concerned a transsexual per- cross-dressers began in the 1970s and fronts from the ‘60s through the ‘90s. protesters, along with a black gay activ- By the end of the ‘90s, the gender vari- ist, were arrested. This led to a picket of son from New York City who had under- 1980s, with most beginning as offshoots gone sex reassignment surgery and wanted of Virginia Prince’s organizations from the ant community was beginning to become the establishment organized by the black more visible to the world. In the next issue GLBT community. In May another sit-in a change of name and sex on their birth early 1960s. Three organizations that were formed in 1970 were the Street Transves- of the Empty Closet we will complete the was organized and Dewey’s finally agreed certificate. The request on both counts ■ was denied. In 1968 a transgender per- tite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) - later history through 2010. to end their discriminatory policies. renamed Street Transgender Action Revo- The following year, in 1966, one of son again sought a change of name and sex on their birth certificate in the case of lutionaries - which was founded by two History Corner the first recorded transgender riots in US transgender women, Marsha P. Johnson history took place. The Compton’s Caf- Matter of Anonymous, 57 Misc. 2d 813, and Sylvia Rivera, to provide shelter and A Monthly Newspaper of The Gay eteria Riot occurred in the Tenderloin 293 N.Y.S.2d 834 (1968). The change of clothing. Alliance of the Genesee Valley district of San Francisco. This resulted in sex was denied, but the name change was Transvestite activists Lee Brews- 713 Monroe Avenue, Room 4, Roch- the creation of the National Transsexual granted. ter and Bunny Eisenhower founded the ester, N Y l4607 Counseling Unit [NTCU] in 1968, the The same occurred in the case of Mat- Queens Liberation Front, and Brewster (716) 244-8640 first such peer-run support and advocacy ter of Anonymous, 64 Misc. 2d 309, 314 began publishing the transgender wom- NOVEMBER 1974 NO. 43 organization in the world. N.Y.S.2d 668 (1970). In 1976 the New Jer- en’s magazine Queens. Angela Douglas IN THIS ISSUE: NYC Center torched Transgender people were also heavily sey case M.T. v. J.T., 140 N.J. Super. 77, 355 founded TAO (Transsexual/Transvestite pg.1; Consciousness raising groups being involved in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 A.2d 204, cert. denied 71 N.J. 345 (1976), Action Organization), which published formed pg.1; Aldrich goes to Albany pg.1; at the Stonewall Inn in New York. These was the first case in the United States the Moonshadow and Mirage newsletters. NBC Airs Anti-Gay Show pg.1; Gays riots are widely considered to have begun that found post-operative transsexuals could TAO moved to Miami in 1972, where it respond to Welby pg.1; Voting guide pg.1; the LGBT rights movement in America. marry in their post-operative gender. came to include several Puerto Rican and Gay Church Conference pg.2; Largest Cuban members, and soon grew into the Gay Show to Be Held in Rochester pg.2; first international transgender commu- Welby not “Outrage” Just Inept pg.3; nity organization. In 1986 transgender Record Review: Michael Cohen – What activist Lou Sullivan founded the support did You Expect pg.4; Gay Survey pg.4; group that grew into FTM International, Kinsey Report pg.6 the leading advocacy group for female-to- Do you want to read this issue of the male transgender individuals, and began Empty Closet? publishing The FTM Newsletter Here is the link: http://www.lib.roch- In 1975 Minneapolis became the first ester.edu/index.cfm?page=4800. city in the United States to pass trans- On that page click on: Browse the inclusive civil rights protection legislation. Empty Closet issues [8] In 1977 Renee Richards, a transgen- Go to 1974 – November der woman, was granted entry to the U.S. Calendar of Events Open (in tennis) after a ruling in her favor Gay Brotherhood of Rochester Meet- by the New York Supreme Court. This ing Schedule was considered a landmark decision in SUN: 3 NOV: Business Meeting/ favor of transgender rights. Open Forum Another significant event for activism SUN: 10 NOV: Coffee House/ Film: occurred in 1979, with the first National “The Dutchman” by Leroy Jones. March on Washington for Lesbian and SUN: 17 NOV; One-To-One, Part 1. Gay Rights held in Washington, D.C. on Relating to each other’s needs. October 14. The march was organized by SUN: 24 NOV: One-To-One”, Part 2. Phyllis Frye (who in 2010 became Texas’s Continuation of last Sunday’s program. first openly transgender judge) and three TUE. 26 NOV: Coordinating Coun- other activists, but no trans people spoke cil Meeting. All welcome. ■ at the main rally. In 1980, transgender people were officially classified by the American Psychiatric Association as hav- ing “gender identity disorder”. Other key moments in the 1970s and 1980s concerned the inclusion of trans women within the lesbian and feminist communities, an issue that continues to the present day, and the classification of transgender people as a group. In 1991 a transgender woman named Nancy Bur- kholder was removed from the Mich- igan Womyn’s Music Festival when security guards realized she was trans- gender. Every year since then, there has been a demonstration against the Fes- tival’s woman-born-women-only policy. This demonstration is known as Camp Trans. Many cisgender lesbian feminists have stopped going to the Michigan Festi- val because of the anti-trans policy. 1991 was also the year of the first Southern Comfort Conference. The Southern Comfort Conference is a major transgender conference that takes place annually in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the 22 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

all tour events, when I spied a delightful tunately there is no news footage. duck hat. A duck I could not live without. And no snapshots of wild Alces Alces, Indubitably. giants of the deer family. As disappoint- My poor prior planning plus wear- ment-compensation, our guides provid- Columnists ed a top-class video about moose we ing pocket-less girl-pants forced me to ask Matthew for a twenty-dollar loan. never saw. Close-up pictures of leaf-strip- “Ah ha,” opined a gray-haired explorer, ping facilitated by prehensile moose lips. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers “that’s the way to do it. Let him spend Caught-on-camera just-born moosettes are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay his money.” Giggle. Smirk. My feeble jus- struggling to control their spindly and Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. tification… I left my money in the room wildly uncooperative new legs. Clips of … apparently did not imply lesbianism. many moose standing next to some other My deliberate use of “the” rather than highway in some other state. Ah, well, “our room” was way too subtle. I kept My there are always postcards. Growing Up me more than Al Qaeda. Mercifully my Closet locked. On departure day, I packed-up my SOON ENOUGH friend Mike will shovel when I’m out of Purchase completed, I paraded down duck headdress and my portable closet. town and the guy who plows the driveway the aisle wearing my bright yellow fuzzy Tucked away in my memory, the sound By Eric Bellmann apron says he’ll help, too. I worry in antic- duck, sharing mirth and bemoaning a track of a whole busload of elders belting- Catherine ipation. Anxiety is a later-in-life phenom- lost opportunity to buy moose earmuffs. out the refrain to an especially entrancing Deneuve, the enon. When I was younger I hardly cared I explained that the store sold only chil- moose ditty. French actress, about anything. Now I live in a state of dren’s sizes. Pinned to my heart, film clips of was asked, perhaps what-if. What if there is a blizzard. I fret Merely my moan of regret, not details Moose Ballroom, background moose-ic impertinently, how about that in August of retailers’ failure to support post-puberty (they said it, I’m just sharing) playing, and she regarded aging When I bitch to someone young- silliness, reached the ears of those in the a crystal ball that scattered leaping col- and the loss of her er than me about getting older, they back of the bus. As I waddled into my ors on playful seniors travelling through looks. She replied stare back in total lack of comprehension. seat, tour-pal Sally whispered, “Did your autumn miracles in magic mountains. that it happened so When I complain about the tribulations husband cut you off?” Her beaming smile My superlative souvenir? Lingering slowly over a long period of time that it of aging to someone older than me, they helped me make-up my mind to not toss laughter. did not concern her. Good for you, Cathy. look at me with eyes filled with loathing: my truth on top of her humor. Coming- [email protected] Sometimes to get attention and per- I’m younger than them! out is a wobbly-walk on a tightrope. haps better consideration, when I’m I have a friend who has had a life long On Mount Washington, I spotted an Faith Matters strategy for coping. She demonstrates speaking with the cable TV folks or the elegant Cog Railway car resting among REMEMBERING THE LIFE, phone company, I play the age card. I add little personality quirks. She flutters and flowers at the base of the Cog’s incline. five years or more and yowl into the phone giggles and feigns confusion. I tell her that The retired wooden car, named Pepper- LOVE AND LEGACY OF pleading technical incompetence. approach is adorable when you are young, sass, is painted red and yellow. Yes, said I, AUDRE LORDE “I just don’t understand why it’s not now it’s just clear, strong, resounding evi- that will be a great name for my Darling working.” dence that she needs to be parked in the Duck bonnet. But it was not that car’s yel- By Rev. Irene In person I’m capable of lying upward old folks’ home. low trim that influenced me. No, it was Monroe and bump myself up to the next birthday Email: [email protected] when seat-neighbor mumbled, “I bet the Have you ever with the same intent: getting help. “Oh, locals call it Peppers-ass.” wondered what you don’t look your age” they coo. “Talk Cleaning My Closet I decided, even though I had done it unseen photos, faux to my knees,” I groan. The outsides may LIVE FREE OR DIE in Cuba, that I did not feel comfortable pas, untold stories, look passable. It’s what you can’t see that’s enough to stand at the front of this par- and unfinished decrepit, falling apart. By Meredith ticular busload to make my I-am-a lesbian works surviving I do what I can do. I have my regi- Elizabeth declaration of independence. Instead, I partners of famous mens. A good face cream, Botox twice a Reiniger went for small group announcements. people are left with? year. Too expensive pedicures, not that There were no Seven of us were at White Mountain’s Dr. Gloria I. Joseph has a treasure anyone sees my feet. And yoga and the moose. I was not summit, walking along an easy pedestrian trove of memories of the renowned Audre gym but no longer in hope of building surprised. The trail. “I want to clear something up. I am Lorde. Joseph’s long-awaited new book muscle, ho, ho, ho, now just to keep the brochure’s invita- not Mathew’s wife.” I had to talk quickly “The Wind is Spirit: The life, love and cogs and wheels from rusting over, seizing tion was puzzling: before they filled-in blanks with guesses: legacy of Audre Lorde” gives us a rare up. Some things help. Time slogs onward: “Join us for moose Oh, his sister? Daughter? Oh, heaven to glimpse of Lorde, as told by people who decline is inevitable. sightings. Go on a Betsy, are you his affair partner? Bravely knew Lorde, or whose work was greatly There’s arthritis for one thing. My left moose search in the comfort of our moose I unbolted My Closet Door. “He never impacted by her. hand can no longer open jars. I’m used bus. 7:30–10:30 p.m.” In the dark? I was was my husband. I will never be his wife. Who was Audre Lorde? to that. I have a pair of pliers that does skeptical. Because I am a lesbian.” While I gasp at having to pen such a the job. I was a tad suspicious when I saw gar- Silence. Stunned quiet as each one in query I realize there’s a generation who Then there’s hearing. Audiologists tell lands of plastic autumn leaves and orange my audience held her breath. An extended are the beneficiaries of Lorde’s prodigious us that it’s five years on average before lights draped at ceiling level. I was tickled period of canceled verbalization. Only the body of work and social activism, but who the client (that’s me) admits hearing loss. to see soap bubbles drifting from above crunch of feet on high-elevation stones. don’t have a clue who she was. Wrinkles maybe can be eased, hearing as moose number one climbed into our Followed by a rush of observations about If she were among us today this “poet, cannot be restored. So I bitch to the work- bus, giving high-fives to each old coot on twisted undergrowth and lichens, those warrior, feminist, mother, pioneer, lover, out instructors to turn down the volume. the trip. complex organisms consisting of fungi survivor” would be 80 years old. She was Let’s save what’s left. Problem is they’re Then off to adventure we went. Our and algae growing together in symbiosis. born February 18, 1934 in Harlem to losing their hearing and don’t realize it. thoroughly tricked-out bus had flood My hike-associates had exhibited what I Caribbean immigrant parents. It’s a noisy world we live in. lights, plus a live-feed video camera that call the “Startle & Suspend” effect. I met Lorde in my early 20’s after I prefer foreign sub-titled movies. No clearly showed, on a large screen, all the There’s more. Right there in New returning home from Wellesley College problem there. Mainstream movies are so trees of New Hampshire, in front of Hampshire which has “pumpkin” as its looking for a LBTQ support group. I loud, I can manage. But anyone watching which no moose stood. state fruit, I witnessed a distinctive reac- was taken to African Ancestral Lesbians TV in my company is aghast. I have it And nary a moose was licking a pur- tion to Lesbian on the Premises. Maybe United for Societal Change (AALUSC)— turned up as high as it will go. So far the ported wallow. Moose especially like run- it was high-altitude oxygen-deprivation the first out LBTQ sister organization neighbors haven’t complained. off salt that collects in roadside wallows. or moose under-exposure that exacer- in NYC. Back in the day AALUSC was Pills. Baby aspirin for the heart. Arthri- Apparently not so much when a gigantic, bated the anger of one large, tall, moose- known as Salsa Soul Sisters, and Lorde tis meds. Fish oil, only now we learn that metal, motor vehicle scoots down Route legged Menacing Male, wearing khaki facilitated workshops helping us to love only real salmon does the trick. Anti-oxi- 3. Although I was pleased to learn that short-shorts, who did not want his picture ourselves regardless of family and church dants, multi-vitamin, stool softeners – you moose kneel. taken. He terrorized a sweet fellow-travel- rejections. don’t want to hear more about that. Another learning opportunity was er trying to use-up Fuji film in his taped- But Lorde’s indefatigable spirit fought In New York City I ride buses. You hands-on a moose’s previously-employed together camera: “Do you want me to rip on many fronts — and white feminist can see a lot and it eats up time, which I body-parts. An extremely heavy lower that film out?” Reconsidering options, exclusion was just one of the battles. think I have a lot of, at least within this limb with hoof (spooky to hold a dead Bully slithered toward the edge of his The rise of the Second Wave Feminist particular day, if not the years to come. leg). A long, lower-jawbone (equally weird chair, loudly threatening to smash sweet- Movement was intentionally an exclusive My friend Sally, 12 years in New York, contact with a dear departed). A flat, traveler’s camera. Our startled vacation- women’s country clubs. Betty Friedan’s only takes cabs. She hates to waste time. multi-tined antler (once a rutting bull’s photographer backed away. feminine mystique of upper-crust “pumps I actually took her on her very first bus very dandy, lady-moose catcher, now a Without skipping a beat, Intimida- and pearls” wearing white women was ride. It nearly drove her insane. The buses tourist attraction). tor proceeded to interrogate Matthew. the audience, and poor white women and are filled with school kids and old folks. Of course there were teaching “Why is your wife standing at the side of women of color — straight or gay — had Old folks can’t handle the subway stairs. moments. Evidently staying in the same the porch? Why isn’t she sitting?” Calm- neither voice nor visibility. I get that. room with my male friend Matthew led ly, Matthew provided basic information: Lorde not only addressed Friedan’s When she retired I used to take my other heterosexuals to assume that we she needs to be out of the sun and she’s omission of us, but she also called out mother grocery shopping once a week. were married. Their “Where’s your hus- not my wife. Then dead-serious Matthew Mary Daly’s hubris in an open letter. My most striking memory of those excur- band?” queries were immediately followed turned to me: “You wanna take over?” “To dismiss our Black foremothers sions is how she would groan getting in by my pathetic attempt to give hints: he is I stepped into a spot of light. Pro- may well be to dismiss where europe- and out of the car. Now it’s my turn. I not my husband; never was my husband; jected my voice toward the porch filled an women learned to love.... What you groan and I think of my mother. I also never will be my husband. I knew sup- with Americans of the 21st century. “He’s excluded from Gyn/Ecology dismissed my think of her when I buy prunes. Oops, positions whirled inside their tiny worlds. not my husband. Never was. Never will heritage and the heritage of all other non- that’s part of the tale you don’t want to And I certainly understood that only my be. I am a lesbian.” At which point, european women, and denied the real hear. Coming Out would bring about a cease incredulous Bully wrinkled his brow in connections that exist between all of us.” And so it goes. A lengthening list of and desist. But My Closet door was stuck. consternation and dropped his jaw, wide- Lorde had shaped contemporary femi- deteriorations. Fall clean up gets spaced It seems that a few exchanges between open. Remained in freeze-frame for sev- nist and womanist thought before her out with shorter work sessions. Leaves and my not-spouse and me corroborated Mrs. eral minutes. This is a classic example 1984 seminal book “Sister Outsider” — a shrubs are comparatively easy. The pros- Matthew evidence. For example, I was in of “Post-Astonishment Animation” rarely collection of speeches and essays unflinch- pect of winter and snow shoveling scares yet another gift shop, a given at the end of witnessed by de-closeting persons. Unfor- ingly depicting black lesbian women’s NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 23

to make sense.” heard of – none of whom, I am sure, are “So, how do you pick your contes- as strong as the Bigfoot or as fast as the tants?” I asked. Tasmanian Devil. And my brother-in-law “They’re not contestants,” he correct- was pessimistic enough to tell me that no ed me. “This isn’t The Price is Right. matter what happens, my fantasy football It’s football. You pick players. Just think team will never, ever get to play in the about who you’d like on your team, make World Series! a list and I’ll meet you at Marko’s Tav- Regardless of what anyone tells me, ern on Thursday night and everyone will considering the situation with the NFL draft their teams then. these days, I think I’d be better off with “So, I just pick anybody I want?” That my own team of fantasy players anyway. seemed too simple, even for straight guys. Kool-Aid Man may have crashed through “That’s right,” said my brother-in-law. a few kitchen walls and the Lost in Space “But, look, don’t try to get a team of all robot may have blasted some evil alien superstar players – that’ll cost too much. monsters, but at least none of them were Just try to pick out a well-balanced team ever accused of domestic violence or child that can win games.” abuse! One should never underestimate “Okay,” I said and I agreed to meet the power of a good fantasy! him at Marko’s. Contact David at [email protected] After I hung up, I explained to Bernie what was going on. Trans*missions Rev. Irene Monroe with the late Audre Lorde. “Do you want to play fantasy football too?” I asked. COMING OUT IS VITAL lives as interlocking oppressions-sexism, partner before her death in 1992 Joseph Bernie shook his head. “No, that’s By Laine DeLaney racism, ageism, homophobia, and class— presents her book. Joseph depicts her book okay. You go. I’ll just stay home and do When people as a clarion call for change and activism. as a “bio/anthology” on Audre Lorde. It is anything else other than play fantasy say that they don’t “As a Black, lesbian, feminist, social- a compilation of essays, photos, and recol- football. Good luck though – I hope your know any trans* ist, poet, mother of two including one lections by a diverse group of contributors team wins the World Cup.” people, I tell them, boy and member of an interracial couple, I ruminating on Lorde -- how she impacted “Don’t be ridiculous,” I said. “The “Yes, you do. You usually find myself part of some group in their life, work, and activism. World Cup isn’t football! In football I’ll do and you don’t which the majority defines me as deviant, In Joseph’s eclectic style of creatively win the World Series!” know it. For every difficult, inferior or just plain ‘wrong.’ being outside the box, her book is also Marko’s Tavern is a straight bar on one person I see at From my membership in all of these compilation of the various written genres Main Street where the walls are covered one of our meet- groups I have learned that oppression Lorde employed throughout her lifetime, with neon beer signs and flat screen TVs ings, I see two or three people around and the intolerance of difference come in and it’s narrated in the classical “griot that are always tuned to various sporting town who are undoubtedly part of our all shapes and sizes and colors and sexu- style,” a West African oratory form blend- events. They serve over-cooked wings and community but I haven’t seen as a part of alities; and that among those of us who ing history, storytelling, poetry and music skimp on pepperoni for the pizza. any group. share the goals of liberation and a work- that organically emerged as a result of the And on Thursday night the bar was “For each of those people, there are able future for our children, there can be slave trade. packed with handsome, excited men – two or three or more others hiding inside no hierarchies of oppression,” Lorde wrote Joseph’s book is a must read, not only unfortunately, they were all straight men themselves out of fear of social censure or in “Sister Outsider”. to carry out Lorde’s vision but to also help and only seemed excited about this foot- violence, terrified to come out. So wheth- Today among scholars and activ- us make all of our lives better. ball thing. er you’ve known that they’re trans* or not, ists Lorde’s depiction of “hierarchies of The Wind is Spirit: A bio/ I ordered a glass of zinfandel and you’ve met one of us. oppression” is lauded as a theory on inter- anthology of Audre Lorde by Vil- found my brother-in-law and two of his “The problem is, we assume you hate sectionality. larosa Media — Kickstarter friends at a table in the back. They all us and want to hurt us, because we’ve Imani Rashid, Lorde’s girlhood BFF, https://www.kickstarter.com/proj- warmly greeted me with cheers of “Hey, been taught that. We’ve been taught that shared with me her insights of when ects/1554636407/the-wind-is-spirit-a-bio- dude” and pushed out a chair for me. being ourselves makes us legitimate tar- Lorde began to witness multiple oppres- anthology-of-audre-lorde “Do you have your list ready?” asked gets for violence and ridicule. We’ve been sions on her. my brother-in-law. taught that just the same as you have -- “Audre and I were little girls together. A Few Bricks Short “I sure do,” I replied as I pulled my and we’re terrified of coming out because We both grew up in Harlem during the list from my back pocket, unfolded it and of it. It’s legal. In much of this State it’s post World War II era. We both attended FOOTBALL FANTASIES spread it on the table for their inspection. legal to deny someone jobs, housing, and My Football Team the same little Catholic School, St Marks By David Hull emergency medical care -- let that one The Evangelist. Audre was, I believe at Wolverine sink in -- because you don’t like their gen- My brother- The Tasmanian Devil an early age, aware of the race, class and in-law called. His der identity or expression.” gender issues of our times. Even though The Kool-Aid Man For some of us the fear of the often- number popped up Bigfoot the school was co-ed, only little boys were on the TV screen inevitable internal violence against oneself selected to be altar boys.” The Michelin Tire Man for failing to follow one’s nature over- thanks to caller ID. Chewbacca Lorde struggled mightily with breast I rolled my eyes and comes the terror of the culturally legiti- cancer and wrote “The Cancer Journals” Tony the Tiger mized external violence. We can’t handle looked over at my The Robot from Lost in Space that helped me through my bouts. Lorde husband. it anymore, and rather than harm or kill not only leaves us with a body of work to Frankenstein ourselves, we start being ourselves. “Are you going The bearded lumberjack guy on the reflect on, but she also leaves us humbly to answer that?” I asked Bernie. So many of us don’t, though. So many trying to uphold and to implement her “Brawny” paper towel package. of us can’t overcome the years of being He shrugged his shoulders. “Why The group seated at the table was silent vision of radical inclusion and wellness. don’t you answer it?” told that what they are is an abomina- “Audre was an eloquent, charismatic for a few moments. They looked at each tion, or a disease, or a form of insanity. “Well,” I explained. “He’s married to other, then looked at me. “What the hell revolutionary. And while she may have your sister, so technically that makes him So many of us are convinced that we will left this dimension, Audre is still being is this?” asked my brother-in-law, waving never be allowed to live free, normal lives. your brother-in-law, not mine.” his hand at my list. our mentor. She teaches women how to “But since you’re the one closer to the Coming out humanizes us. Each one live with the challenges life has to offer,” “The players I want for my team,” I of us who comes out is another person phone,” Bernie argued. “You should tech- said. “Is something wrong? I did what Rashid told me. nically answer it for me.” that your friends or neighbors or family Joseph is keeping Lorde’s legacy alive. you said; I tried not to pick any superstars, know who is trans*, another human face I decided to answer. I’d get my revenge like Superman or Darth Vader or Count Joseph is Lorde’s surviving partner, and next time my mother called and Bernie that they are less willing to harm by virtue they resided on Joseph’s native familial Chocula.” of knowing you. Coming out is powerful, was closer to the phone. “These are fantasy characters,” he said. island of St. Croix. Joseph in her day was Now, my brother-in-law has never because the more of us who come out, the a firebrand and still is one in her 80’s. I nodded. “Yeah. For a fantasy foot- safer it is for everyone else to. been one to stand on ceremony by asking ball team.” Now a retired professor in the School “how you are doing” or “what’s new with Don’t let them (whether the “them” is of Social Sciences at Hampshire College “Not fantasy like this.” My brother-in- close friends and confidants or the voices you”; he just immediately begins with law pointed at the paper on the table. “It’s in Amherst, Mass., her legacy is not only whatever reason he has to call. I expected in your head) tell you that it’s not worth the nationally-renowned Black Studies supposed to be a fantasy team made up it. Don’t just do it for yourself -- do it for him to need help moving a heavy piece of with real-life football players.” Department she and others developed in furniture or maybe he wanted to borrow every other person that lives in fear as the 1970s, but, also, her inimitable peda- I thought for a moment. “You mean well. The more of us there are, the more our ladder, but I was wrong. Instead, he like Joe Namath or Howie Long?” gogical style of blending scholarship, the told me how his fantasy football league of us people see and know, the less we will arts with activism her students so richly “No! You’re supposed to pick guys who be feared and reviled for our differences. needed more people to sign up and he play football in this century!” said my enjoyed and still speak about until this day. wondered if I wanted to participate. We can do this. You can do this. By Collaboratively Joseph and Lorde, brother-in-law. doing this, you *will* change someone’s “Well, for me,” I explained, “fantasy One of his friends nodded his head. while quite ill with cancer, continued football would be me holding the football opinion about trans* people, and prob- their activism founding several organi- “Yeah, dude,” he said. “And Lost in Space ably for the better if they are your friends and a dozen big, muscular, naked guys was on TV a long time ago. I think that zations, including the Che Lumumba trying to tackle me. And I’d get tackled or relatives. School for Truth, and the Women’s Coali- Robot might be dead by now.” Some people will be jerks to you, but a lot!” “No, bro,” corrected the other friend. tion of St. Croix, to name a few. “No,” he said. “That’s not what I’m they don’t matter. “Be who you are and Joseph and Lorde together produced “I don’t think so. Robots are actually say what you feel, because those who talking about. This is totally different. machines, so they don’t die.” “Hell Under God’s Orders,” a compilation This is kind of like… imaginary football. mind don’t matter, and those who matter of wrenching personal accounts of Hur- “Forget the robot!” snapped my broth- don’t mind.” For every person you lose by You pick your imaginary team and then er-in-law. He grabbed my list off the table, ricane Hugo, which devastated St. Croix each week, according to what happens in being yourself, you will gain another who in 1989 and our government’s slow hand folded it up and handed it back to me. “I’ll sees you as who you are, with whom you the NFL, your fantasy team will score and just help you pick a team.” in assisting this U.S. Caribbean Island. lose or win a game.” can have a genuine human relationship. Lorde’s piece titled “Of generators and So, it ended up that I drank a couple I’ll be there. I promise to do my best “It doesn’t sound like it makes much glasses of wine, ate a few over-cooked survival - a Hugo letter,” addressed the sense,” I said to be there for you if you lose people as devastation and geopolitics of Hugo. wings and I got a fantasy football team a result of being honest about yourself “Yeah,” my brother-in-law replied. “It’s made up of a bunch of guys I’d never In honoring the wishes of her beloved mostly for straight guys, so it doesn’t have and trying to live as the person that your 24 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014 nature inclines you to, to embody the gen- have been at all effective. He grabbed a moner once the license is signed, after the ficult this task may be as years pass by. der that you know that you are. I will do box of off-brand angel hair and quickly kiss is bestowed, after the dress is put into To modernize an institution that resists my best to be there for anyone who comes left. the archive? I can only imagine that this is modernization to begin with, to do this in out, because it’s scary, and dangerous, but This botched interaction got me the point where most of the work of con- order to successfully pass on the torch to it’s one of the most important things that thinking; what would it really be like to version and grooming begins for a com- your heir, all the while pleasing the public you can do. be royal? Certainly it would not involve moner who is now titled as well as styled. under their unrelenting eye. That is a job Let people know the truth. Let them purchasing one’s own pasta in a grocery Being born into a royal or aristocratic I would not enjoy. know who you are. Let others like you store as this would most likely result in family, one is constantly surrounded by But I suppose it would be more than know that they are not alone, that those some sort of stampede effect. Many peo- tradition and protocol usually more than a job – it would be your identity. There being honest about themselves and emerg- ple, including myself at one time, contem- a thousand years old. A young prince or is no other alternative when one is royal. ing into the light of day are growing with plate or have contemplated how lovely life princess would be genetically linked with One cannot simply stop being royal, just each passing hour. We can do this. would be if we were princes or princesses. their nation’s history and lineage; your rel- as much as we cannot simply stop being We ARE doing it. But would it really be lovely? We’ve all atives would be those studied by students a part of our own families. One cannot heard of gilded cages, but come now, across your kingdom, they would be the retire and take up another vocation, find What’s Bothering could it be all that bad? history–makers of your very world. One a new career and move on. Indeed, the I’d like to make a distinction between would be prepared from the moment of world saw where this path led with the Brandon? those born into a royal family and those birth for a life of servitude for their coun- abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936. ROYALLY ENSNARED who marry into royal families, from the try… did I say servitude? Perhaps all the glitz and the glam in social level of commoner. The term “com- Indeed. Being a royal does not exactly the world could not stand up to the honor By Brandon W. moner” can sometimes be met with hos- give one the right to relax upon the lap and heritage of a royal family (just ask that Brooks tility in America, as we are generally of luxury. One may be surrounded by horrible Kardashian family), but maybe Walking not familiar with titles and styles having priceless objects, gilded furnishings, and our social freedom does. I do sometimes through Wegmans (carelessly) discarded them more than two imposing architecture, but these are nei- romanticize about the idea of being royal, the other week, I hundred and fifty years ago. It sounds ther owned nor possessed by this person. but the cost of my own freedoms would was momentarily mean, or “classist”, as they say, to many an No, a royal is merely a custodian of these not be worth it. It’s more than simply shocked at whom American ear. A “commoner” is anyone properties until their death – when the being famous when one’s freedoms are I thought I saw. who is without rank or title – there is not heir takes over. breeched or blunted – tradition, heritage Standing in the explicit valuing going on here other than They act a servant to the public, and rank can infringe as well. whole-wheat pasta what we externally apply to the definition keeping up tradition in a world that And in that sense, I should have section, I noticed a tall redheaded man. ourselves. is increasingly disinterested in tradition. known immediately that the redhead I Suddenly realizing how badly I needed Now a commoner marrying into the Their insistent smiling, waving, and talk- saw in Wegmans was not in fact Prince whole-wheat pasta, I turned my own cart royal family is not impossible, as we all ing to arbitrary children on the roadside Harry – his pants may have been in the down this aisle towards him. With each know, but it is rare. It is rare in that most is not the full extent of their position. shade of royal blue, but they were most passing moment I knew my initial shock royal families would marry other royal No, there is much more that we could certainly denim. and excitement was entirely unwarranted; families. These royal-to-royal marriages never understand or even describe. And Questions, comments or critique? this gentleman was most certainly not worked to quell burgeoning wars and for those two young royals over the pond, Please feel free to e-mail the author at: Prince Harry. xenophobic sentiments amongst enemy I can only imagine how increasingly dif- [email protected] ■ False alarm. nations. Cementing an alliance through Nevertheless I perused the boxes of marriage was, of course, a shrewd politi- elbows, bowties and orzo, taking my time cal strategy, and certainly not the result of in order to be seen. I will admit that, so-called, Victorian, “true love.” like many others, I will display myself With royal families not exactly wield- Learn the accordingly in order to attract some sort ing the power they used to, marriag- of desired response, from some sort of es can now be defined through love, desired target. Classical poses against the amongst other things, and celebrated as history of the shelves of Wegmans, evoking the forms such. These marriages are now global of ancient sculptures. Sighing little sighs “fairy tales” or “love stories” that culmi- LGBT community whilst I make the difficult decision of nate with a kiss (or two) on Buckingham pasta selection. Glancing in his direction Palace’s now-famous balcony. in Rochester... to see if my shameless attempts at artifice But what happens to the former com- ...from the people who made that history.

The Gay Alliance invites you to celebrate 40 years of LGBT history in Rochester with your very own DVD/BluRay of this powerful film. Shoulders To Stand On Evelyn Bailey, Executive Producer Kevin Indovino, Producer/Director/Writer Standard DVD $25 / BluRay DVD $30 Order at: www.GayAlliance.org NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 25

ing a Queer Theology Bible Study. This and we sat and ate naked on a scenic back will be held at Equal Grounds at 6 p.m. patio overlooking a lake. We are looking on Tuesdays nights. Our Soup and Book forward to resuming our nude swim with Study continues with Brae Adams every Naturist Rochester on the first Saturday other Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. of November. Community Our Community team has been busy Our regular meeting for Novem- planning the following events. Saturday, ber will take place at a member’s home Find the friends, fun, and common interests you’re looking for Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. author Shauna Marie with a hot tub, which is always good for through the various groups listed here. O’Toole will be discussing her book a relaxing soak and good conversation. and her journey in making her transi- ROMANS is a social club for gay DIGNITY-INTEGRITY oddly straight. Where can you go to talk tion. Shauna will be educating as well as and gay-friendly male nudists (or natur- about what you’re going through? With enthralling us as she gives a more light- ists) over 21. You can find out more D-I Rochester meets weekly at 5 p.m. whom can you share the difficulties of hearted look at what happens when you at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 about us at our website at www.wny- getting used to new pronouns, names, transition from your birth-sex to your romans.com. We also have a message S. Fitzhugh St., corner of Broad St. We and identities? true gender. have the following services and activities line 585-281-4964, an email address Starting this November, you can talk Saturday, Nov. 15, starting at 5:30 [email protected] and a P.O. Box for the month of November 2014: about those things with us -- Families & p.m., we will host a Community Thanks- 1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Healing 92293, Rochester, NY 14692, to answer Friends of Trans Adults. We’re a newly giving Potluck with members of Trans any questions your may have. Service, with music formed support group where those whose Alliance of Greater Rochester, SAGE, 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Lit- lives include a transgender adult can PFLAG, the Gay Alliance Youth, AFTY, urgy of the Word, with music come together with a facilitator to talk Adult Families with Trans Youth and TAGR 3rd Sunday: Episcopal Mass, quiet about the transition they’re experienc- MOCHA. (TRANS ALLIANCE OF 4th Sunday: Evening Prayer, fol- ing, and to share resources and knowl- Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. will be our GREATER ROCHESTER) lowed by a Potluck Dinner! edge with one another. The purpose of observance of the Transgender Day of 5th Sunday: Catholic Service, quiet this group is simple: “To be a safe place Remembrance. This is a day where we The second Saturday of the month Our fourth Sunday Potluck theme for for listening, sharing, support, and infor- remember and honor the murdered Trans Planning Group meeting will be Satur- November is “D-I Test Kitchen”. It is mation exchange among families and people who were victims of Trans pho- day, Nov. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. We have almost Thanksgiving and you’re think- friends of transgender adults.” You’re not bia and trans hate. This is a simple ser- a lot that we’d like to do in the coming ing about trying a new recipe to impress alone – come share with us, we’re fam- vice where we will remember those who months and into next year and we need your guests, right? It is probably best ily members and friends of transgender violently lost their lives for simply being your ideas and support make these things to try it out on friends first, so cook it adults just like you. who they are -- often in the most grue- happen! up and bring it along to the potluck. The first two meetings of Families & some ways possible On Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. No time to cook? Don’t worry, there is Friends of Transgender Adults will take Our Angel Tree will begin again in we have been invited to Open Arms for a always plenty to share so invite a friend place on Nov. 11 and Nov. 25 at 6:30 December. Last year we provided Christ- Community Thanksgiving Potluck with or two and join us for a great meal! p.m. in Brighton. For these two pilot mas presents to 75 children through SAVE THE DATES: members, Rainbow SAGE, PFLAG, the gatherings, the group will meet at The Action for a Better Community. This Gay Alliance Youth, AFTY (Adult Fami- Sunday, December 21 we’re going to Meeting Place in Brighton, located at year we would like to increase our giving have our annual Christmas Hymn Sing lies with Trans Youth) and MOCHA. 2600 Elmwood Ave. at 12 Corners (for- to the children in our community. On Sunday Nov. 16 starting at 2 with Tim Schramm, 5 p.m. in place of merly the Bagel Bin). The group current- Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m., we the regular service that evening. p.m., the Trans Day of Remembrance ly has three individuals sharing the work will start our celebration of the holiday will be observed at Open Arms MCC Saturday, February 21: Winter Cabin of facilitation: Lynda Garner Goldstein with Cocoa, Cookies and Carols. We Party (details in the December/January & Community Center, 707 E. Main St. MS, Andrew Durham, and John Aceto will be singing Christmas Carols around This is an annual event that happens all EC) MS, LMHC. Anyone who has a close the piano while exchanging cookies and 2015 — our 40th anniversary! No over the world to commemorate all the relationship with a transgender adult is enjoying some hot cocoa. trans people who have been murdered date has been set to celebrate this amaz- welcome. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings ing anniversary, but I’m going to be since 1998 when this was first started. Rainbow SAGE gets together with Tom As part of what has become known reminding you every month to watch for Somerville for yoga from 10:30 a.m. to details. OPEN ARMS MCC as Trans Awareness Month we will have 11:30 a.m., and there is a $5 fee. Thurs- another march of visibility on Saturday, There are so many of you folks out Open Arms MCC is “Beyond just day evenings at 6 p.m. there is also Yoga there who have been a part of the life of Nov. 22 from 2-3 p.m. We did this is Opening and Affirming…Beyond Wel- with Tom Somerville, a mixed level class in November of 2012 and we had about Dignity Integrity. I recently saw some coming….” that welcomes all including beginners. 20 marchers! We will march on the cor pictures of the first anniversary in 1976; Our Contemporary Praise and Wor- - BTW BYO mat (if possible). Cost is $15 ners of Goodman & Monroe and cross I couldn’t believe how many folks were ship Service is held each Sunday at 5:30 per class. there for the service and fellowship that p.m. Be assured that you will be accept- Open Arms MCC is committed to with the lights, that way we don’t need followed. It would be fantastic to see or ed, honored and loved. This contempo- Building Bridges and Changing Lives permits or permission. We will meet at hear from as many former members of rary service features our live Open Arms and we are the only accepting church in Open Arms and then return to Open DI as possible. Send us your current con- Praise Band. Sara Campbell will be lead- Rochester. We are located at 707 East Arms for hot chocolate and coffee! tact information via our email, info@di- ing your worship experience in this elec- Main St. almost right across from Delta We will have a sign painting party rochester.org, so we can be sure to send trifying service. Sonic. There is plenty of free parking for the march on Thursday, Nov. 20, you an invitation! Our Sunday Morning Celebration in front to the side of our building. For yet another way to commemorate the You can call the Hotline at 585-234- Services begin at 10:30 a.m., offering updated information on these and other Trans Day of Remembrance on the actu- 5092 or check our website at www.di- a vibrant inclusive progressive worship exciting upcoming events check out our al day of Trans Day of Remembrance. rochester.org/ for updates on services and experience, blending elements of tradi- website at: openarmsmcc.org. Or give us We think with all the visibility we’ve activities. tional and contemporary worship styles. a call at (585) 271-8478. gotten in the last few months and allies Depending on the Sunday, worship may we’ve made this past year, this march EMPIRE BEARS include hymns, prayer, scripture, audio ROCHESTER WOMEN’S of visibility could be even bigger than visual, special music and our own Open 2012! As I write this, we’re in the middle Arms ensemble. COMMUNITY CHORUS Our LAST Saturday of the of ImageOut. What a great festival this month meeting is on Nov. 29 and will be Communion is served each Sunday in Our fall season is in full swing year. Wonderful films, a chance to catch both of our services. Brae Adams always an open discussion support group. Open up with old friends, and some great par- and once again RWCC was proud to ended questions may be asked by the delivers a message that is both scrip- be involved with the Making Strides ties. tural and socially relevant. During facilitator to encourage discussion. Peo- The Bears still supper every Wednes- Against Breast Cancer walk. ple will be encouraged to talk about their our Celebration Service, children are We sang at the opening ceremonies day. Third Wednesdays at Carrabba’s on invited to participate in our Children’s trans-related personal issues while the W. Henrietta. Fourth Weds. at The Win- and we had an enthusiastic fund raising Moment before heading off to our Rain- team that walked. rest of the group offers a sympathetic ear field Grill. Always at 6 p.m. bow Rangers (ages 5-12) and Rainbow and possibly advice on their situation. So You can catch us at 140 Alex on It’s been a couple of seasons since Sprouts (newborn-5) Sunday School Pro- we’ve had a concert in December, and come to a meeting and find out you are Weds. nights line dancing. We bowl in gram. Following the service join us in not the only one and you are NOT alone! the Friends and Family League every we’re looking forward to singing some our Community Center for coffee social holiday songs again. Our concert is On Saturday, Dec. 13 we are going to other Sunday at Empire Lanes. We get time. “SIMPLE GIFTS” and we’ll be featuring hold an Open House in place of our reg- together at the Cinema, attend RGMC Our Social Justice team continues songs about love, sharing, peace, family, ular planning meeting. We are inviting concerts, theater, dinner, game nights. to support Dwayne’s House in Jamai- friendship and holiday joy. members of the Greater Rochester who What do you like to do? Probably ca. Dwayne’s house is an organization This season the chorus is happy for are not part of the Trans & LGBQ com- some of our members are looking for a that provides clothing and gives mon- the gift of 12 new singing members and munity and having a Trans 101 presen- friend to do it with. See ya. etary assistance to the homeless LGBTQ one new accompanist. Our concert is on tation so we can get know one another. youths in Jamaica. We continue to fund Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. We’ll be performing in We want to get beyond just “Preaching FAMILIES AND FRIENDS travel expenses for our pastor emeri- the beautiful sanctuary at Downtown to the Choir!” OF TRANS ADULTS tus Rev. Jim Mulcahy through our bottle United Presbyterian Church at 121 N. We meet at the Open Arms Commu- and can collection ministry. Rev. Jim Fitzhugh St. nity Center, 707 East Main St., almost By Tristan Wright is building churches and teaching our For more chorus and concert infor- across the street from Delta Sonic and When someone you know and love brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe mation, visit our website at www.ther- there is plenty of parking in front and to comes out as transgender, you, too, are about God’s unconditional love. wcc.org. or on Facebook, or call us and the side of the building. faced with a transition. Our Thanksgiving Food drive has leave a message (585) 234-4441. There will be refreshments and we Perhaps you’re struggling to adjust begun. Last year we prepared food bas- will be asking for at least a $1.00 dona- from being the parent of a son to the par- kets that fed over 150 people in our com- ROMANS tion towards supporting TAGR and the ent of a daughter, or from having a sister munity. This year we are expecting to work we need and want to do! to having a brother. Or, maybe you’re break that number. Food donations can ROMANS (Rochester Male Natur- “Trans... invisible and silent no lon- transitioning from having a best “guy” be made on Tuesdays or Sundays in our ists) members had a wonderful afternoon ger... invisible and silent no more!” friend to a best “girl” friend. Perhaps you community center. meeting last month at a member’s home rnytg.org facebook.com/rnytg info@ find yourself going from being in a queer Our Spirituality Team continues to in Rochester. rnytg.org twitter: @rochestertrans Our relationship that now somehow seems educate. Sara Campbell will be conduct- It was an exceptional warm Fall day phone no is: 585-432-0456 ■ 26 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

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I’m pretty efficient in all three things now (acting, dancing and singing). Arts & Entertainment “I went to college as a dance major and a musical theater minor. Towards the end of my time at school I realized I want- ed Myles’ witty, gossip indul- ed to be involved in theater gent co-worker Diane (played more, so after a couple years on by Teri Reeves) and Myles’ cur- cruise ships, I moved to NYC mudgeonly vigilant (yet insight- and began auditioning. This is ful) neighbor (played by Michael my third tour after being in mul- Rothhaar). tiple regional theater produc- When asked about his future tions... after Joseph, the dream is endeavors, Bucci said he is co- Broadway!” producing, starring in, and writ- He sees inspiring performers ing a “dark, twisted love story” Mark Roland as teachers. “There are so many called Find What You Love and performers I look up to. Start- Let It Kill You. Having just Brondon, I’ll actually be teach- ing way back to Fred Astaire moved to New York City, he ing a master class at her studio and Tommy Tune. But I look at also just wrapped season two when the show is in town. She’s all performers as teachers. I can of the web series, Eastsiders. For also a friend of my mom’s when take little things about each of more information about actor I’m out of town so she is very their performances and apply it Adam Bucci’s current and future much in my life. I see Judith to me and my acting/dance/sing- projects, visit his Twitter page at every once in a while, she is ing ability. I believe a performer https://twitter.com/AdamBuc- always interested and excited for never stops learning.” ci5. For more information about what I’m doing in my career.” About the show, Mark com- The Ten Year Plan, visit http:// ■ Mark started his perform- mented, “Joseph is such a fun www.10yearplanmovie.com/. ing career as a dancer. He said, show to be in! I play multiple Adam Bucci with Michael Gamilla. Photo: Garnetta Ely “When I was living in Greece I different characters and have Greece native basically danced and did show a variety of dance styles I do ImageOut Q&A: Adam Bucci of “Ten Year returns in “Joseph choir every day after school. So throughout the show. It’s the Joseph Plan” highlights the fun and challenges and the Amazing all my memories are with that. same story but updated of indie film making My dance studio would travel with some new vocal arrange- Technicolor all over the country performing ments and some amazing lights and projections! I can’t imagine By Adam Young ciano was in Germany promot- Dreamcoat” which is a very fond memory. ing the film at the time of the “I started dancing when I anyone seeing this show and not Following the New York walking out happy and hum- State premiere of rom-com The ImageOut screening. The film By Susan Jordan was three years old so I always also won an Audience Choice The new 2014 national tour say I’m a dancer first, but I feel ming one of the many catchy Ten Year Plan at the ImageOut tunes!” ■ Film Festival on Oct. 17, actor Award at the Durban Gay & of Joseph And The Amazing Tech- throughout the years I can say Adam Bucci answered questions Lesbian Film Festival in South nicolor Dreamcoat, directed and during an audience Q&A ses- Africa. So far, The Ten Year Plan choreographed by Tony® Award- sion. has been shown at about 60 fes- winner Andy Blankenbuehler, The Ten Year Plan is about tivals across the country, Bucci will run Nov. 11-16 at the Audi- 43rd Miss Gay two polar-opposite best friends, said. torium Theatre. Tickets are Rochester. The show will also Myles and Brody (played by Programming Committee available at Ticketmaster.com Rochester pageant feature special performances by Jack Turner and Michael Adam Chair Michael Gamilla has stat- and the box office. Prices will set for Nov. 9 Divinity, Miss Gay NYS, and Hamilton), who agree to try a ed that the audience for Ima- range from $32.50-$72.50. Dee Dee Dubois of Tilt Night- relationship if hopeless romantic geOut has grown beyond LGBT Cast member Mark Roland, By Susan Jordan club and Ultra Lounge, as well Myles is single (yet again) in 10 people, a fact echoed by Bucci a native of Greece, spoke with The Miss Gay Rochester pag- as appearances by Kasha Davis, years. Guest Adam Bucci plays when he said, “I think what’s The Empty Closet about the eant for 2014 will be the 43rd Samantha Vega, Poison Waters, Hunter, a potential love interest interesting about Myles and show and his own return to his anniversary of the drag event, Olympia Arriago La Paige, Keke for Myles. ImageOut Program- Brody is there’s no judgment on home area. according to Wayne Esposito Velasquez-Lord, Vita St. James ming Committee Chair Michael their lifestyle… no one in the Asked if he still sees his local (Liza), who has been organizing and Lady Jane. Gamilla moderated the Q&A movie is judging them for being teachers Judith Ranaletta and it for 25 years. The pageant began as a with questions of his own. gay.” Supporting characters that Judy Brondon when in town, “Miss Gay Rochester is one bar event at Jim’s Bar in 1971. For Bucci, the casting pro- were audience favorites includ- Mark said, “I do still see Judy of the longest-running continu- Later the event left the bar and cess started about a year and a ous pageants in the country,” became a ballroom event. Wayne half ago, when writer/director he said. “Rochester should be said, “It’s something young peo- JC Calciano was working with proud!” ple can bring their parents and him on another project, a web The doors at Harro East Ball- straight friends to.” series called Steam Room Sto- room open at 6 p.m., and show Tickets are $15 (advance) and ries. Bucci said about 100 actors time is at 7. Aggy Dune will $20 (at the door) and are avail- auditioned for each major role serve as hostess, and Mercedes able at The Bachelor Forum, in The Ten Year Plan. While Sulay, both Miss Gay Rochester Thomas Laurence Salon, Green Bucci’s character, Hunter, even- and Miss Gay Syracuse, will be With Envy Salon, Tilt Night- tually displayed some decep- honored. club and Ultra Lounge and the tive qualities, Bucci said it was Tiffany Lane will be cel- Avenue Pub. For information ebrating the 30th anniversary and table reservations, call Liza fun developing Hunter’s beguil- ■ ing quality. Although prepara- of her coronation as Miss Gay at 585-285-0119. tion time was slim, Bucci wrote journal entries to give Hunt- er a backstory. “That was fun too, being the nice guy and the jerk… that was a fun duality,” Bucci said. The film was shot in only 12 UFC to screen monthly films by LGBT days on a budget of $80,000. women of color, starting Nov. 8 Some of the film’s funding was raised on the crowdfunding By Susan Jordan tival. They go all over the coun- website, Kickstarter, Bucci said. Kelly Clark of Unity Fellow- try with free four-day trainings. To keep costs in check, the film ship Church has organized a free You have to secure funding to was shot entirely in Los Ange- series of films by and often about bring them to your city and feed les. The homes of friends were LGBT women of color, to run and house them while they are used as sets for the homes of here monthly, from this month here.” the characters. A taco truck and (Nov. 8) through April. She hopes that by next spring a bar were rented for a single Clark says the films will be a training might be possible for day to complete scenes involving screened the second Saturday of Rochester. Brody eating lunch while on his every month, at The MOCHA The Nov. 8 screening is police beat and dragging along Center, 189 N. Water St., from “Trans Lives, Real Lives”. Titles mopey Myles for a drink to for- 7-9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 and directors are Of Truth A get his dating woes. Usage of the p.m. Venues may change in Canvas by Monely Soltani; 36A gay hook-up app Grindr was in future. by Alejandro Gabriel Cruz Gon- “pending” status while the film Clark told The Empty Clos- zalez; the ride by Shawn Dem- was edited. Although approval et, “I got in touch with the mons; Ain’t I A Woman by Kebo was ultimately given, had Grin- Queer Women of Color Media Drew; My Inner Turmoil by Rash- dr declined, key scenes and dia- Arts Project in San Francisco. mi; Help Wanted by Truc Thanh logue would have needed to be This is the 10th anniversary of Nguyen and A Night In The reworked, Bucci said. their SF film festival. The Proj- Woods by Alexander Lee. Total The challenges proved ect teaches women to make films Running Time: 62 Minutes. worthwhile, as Director JC Cal- and then screens them at the fes- (UFC continues page 28) Mercedes Sulay at her crowning as Miss Gay Rochester in 2013. 28 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

(UFC continued from page 27) Love,” about relationships and romance; Anna Faris and Allison Janney, singer The dappled reflection of a Two-Spirit March Surviving and Thriving and April Billy Ray Cyrus, the hosts of CBS’ The artist emerges in OF TRUTH A CAN- Home and Belonging. Talk, actor Beau Bridges, MSNBC Morn- VAS. Witnessing the death of his father Clark said, “If we get a big response ing Joe personalities Thomas Roberts and ignites the transition and spiritual journey we will keep this going throughout 2015. Mika Brzezinski and tennis legend Billie for a transsexual man whose top surgery UFC is doing this to provide program- Jean King. leaves behind 36A. THE RIDE chan- ming for the LGBT community, beyond - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews. nels a man’s struggle for visibility with a just going to the bars. It’s an opportunity com/article/celebrities-go-purple- new love interest. AIN’T I A WOMAN for people to come together, especially make-statement-against-anti-lgbti- celebrates the luminous enduring beauty LBT women of color – but everybody can bullying171014#sthash.FU3qb6sD.dpuf of Black Femmes and Black transgender come to the films.” women. A transgender woman proclaims The screenings are free, but donations Hot tickets: Some openly her true self despite MY INNER TUR- are appreciated to help defray costs. MOIL. In the heat of desperate times, “Our hope is if we get a good audience gay leading men on HELP WANTED doesn’t apply to a gen- and build desire among women to have Broadway right now derqueer Asian looking for employment. the training, we will raise funds to bring A genderqueer Asian survives A NIGHT that to Rochester,” Clark said. “It’s such Going to NYC and thinking of tak- IN THE WOODS with some help. a movie-making, imaging-center kind of ing in a show? The Advocate recently list- The Media Arts Project or QWOC- town that it makes sense to have films by ed some of the hottest out male stars on MAP “promotes the creation, exhibition and about women of color (not all films Broadway. Here’s an excerpt: and distribution of new films/videos that are about women – but all are by women). Alan Cumming in Cabaret address the vital social justice issues that We’ve got LGBT award-winning videog- The Good Wife star reprises his Tony- concern queer women of color and our raphers and filmmakers and also within winning role as the seductive and flam- communities, authentically reflect our life the black community we have filmmakers boyantly omnisexual Emcee of a seedy stories, and build community through art who aren’t necessarily LGBT. We’d like to Emmy nominated actress Laverne Cox Weimar-era Berlin nightclub in Round- and activism.” bring people together.” took things a step further when she took about Theatre Company’s perfectly mar- Their website says, “We actively invest The Project includes African Amer- part in lighting New York City’s famed velous revival of the Kander and Ebb in, develop and nurture the creativity of ican, Latina, Asian, Pacific Islander, Empire State Building purple for the gem, directed by Sam Mendes. No sur- emerging media artists who are Asian/ Native American, Islamic and Buddhist night. prise Shia LaBeouf recently called Cum- Pacific Islander, Black/African American, filmmakers. Clark added, “We asked for The Orange is The New Black star, ming “the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.” Chicana/Latina, Native American and a diverse selection among the films we who has become one of the most famous Studio 54, through March 29. Mixed-Race lesbians, bisexual, queer and will be screening. We’re hoping younger Jay Armstrong Johnson in On the transgender people in the US this year, Town questioning women in the Bay Area. women will gravitate towards this. I think told the crowd at the lighting ceremony Last seen on Broadway in Hands on a QWOCMAP provides training, screening it’s going to build and people will be excit- about why the effort to stop bullying is so opportunities and resources free of charge ed. For details over the coming months, Hardbody, Johnson plays sweet and nerdy close to her heart. Chip, one of three sailors looking for luck to guarantee full access to our tradition- look for the Unity Fellowship Church “The issue of bullying is so deeply per- ally underserved community, particularly page on Facebook.” and love on shore leave in New York City. low-income and immigrant queer women sonal to me because I spent much of my He brings youthful spunk to John Ran- of color. QWOCMAP began in 2000, youth being bullied, being called names, do’s shiny and spirited revival of the 1944 and has been training filmmakers and Laverne Cox, many being chased home from school practical- musical classic, beautifully choreographed presenting films by queer women of color celebrities mark Spirit ly every day by groups of kids who wanted by Smash’s Joshua Bergasse. Lyric Theatre, since then!” Day on Oct. 16 to beat me up and far too many LGBTQ open-ended. Kelly Clark said that each film night youth are enduring the same thing across Nathan Lane in It’s Only a Play (including from three to six films, some By Greg Hernandez on gaystarnews.com (the US) and it’s unacceptable. Lane reunites with Producers pal of which are very short) will have a Photo: GLAAD “I want LGBTQ youth to know that Matthew Broderick in out director Jack theme. This month the theme will be gen- To mark Spirit Day on 16 October, a they are beautiful, that they are divinely O’Brien’s star-studded revival of out play- der-non-conforming people of color (see number of celebrities wore purple and mil- made and that their lives matter.” wright Terrence McNally’s gut-busting above). December will feature Children lions of other people decided to “go purple” Other celebrities who wore purple comedy about insufferable show folks and Family; January New Year Reflec- online in a united stand against bullying and posted it on social media were singer gathered at an opening night soirée. He tions and Renewal; February “Chocolate and to show their support for LGBT youth. Demi Lovato, stars of the sitcom Mom anchors the chaos as a TV actor who, NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 29 Travel

Alan Cumming in “Cabaret”. according to one scathing review, has a less masculine presence than Harvey Fierstein. Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Merle's rubber chicken samples Mother Myrick's candy. through January 4. Kyle Dean Massey in Pippin Stephen Schwartz’s coming-of-age Vermont tale from duced to Erica Olsen, the owner and got a musical about King Charlemagne’s son bakery to glass blowing tour of the operation. Due to the contents gets a high-energy revival courtesy of of the biscuits it could cause no harm if Hair’s Diane Paulus, who turns the show- By Merle Exit a human took a few bites since “human within-a-show into a thrilling big-top cir- Southern Vermont was the road trip grade foods” are used. www.wagathas.com cus. Wicked alum Massey plays young destination with a focus on the area Earth Sky Time is a Community Farm Pippin, who, egged on by the androgy- around Manchester that seemed to fol- located in the Green Mountain National nous Leading Player, briefly finds himself low either route 7 or route 7A. A tour- Forest. A group of people living in a big at the center of a pansexual cage orgy. ism office and a B&B are usually the best house, creating vegetarian recipes and Music Box Theatre, open-ended. contacts for what is local and for places to baking lots of crusty breads and pastry… Andy Mientus in Les Misérables remember. all to sell. Oliver was preparing a batch of Vive la révolution! Best known I had spoken with Ron Mancini, breads in this awesome oven called a Llo- as gay composer Kyle Bishop in owner of Mother Myrick’s confectionary pis that rotates manually by turning the NBC’s Smash, Mientus makes an impres- in Manchester Center. What could be wheel. www.earthskytime.com sive Broadway debut as the passionate Judith Frank to read better than checking out a chocolate mak- Food was not the subject of the Man- Marius, a lover and a fighter, in this at JCC’s Jewish Book ing venue slash bakery! chester Hot Glass Studio and Gallery on stirring revival. The Chasing Life star, We first visited the production build- Elm Street in what is known as the Depot who is engaged to Anger Management’s Festival on Nov. 10 ing to be introduced to the best butter section. We arrived to find owner/artist Michael Arden, was recently tapped to Judith Frank will appear at a Com- crunch candy and how it is made. Need- Andrew Weill giving lessons. It was quite play a gay villain in the CW series The munity Read during the Jewish Book Fes- less to say, I had to ask what bulk choco- an experience watching what looked like a Flash. Imperial Theatre, open-ended. tival, on Nov. 10 at JCC’s Hart Theatre, lates are used in creating all the goodies. lump of glass being blown, transferred to Billy Porter in Kinky Boots 1200 Edgewood Ave., in an event spon- Let’s just say that as a picky chocoholic, I the fiery heating element, cut, blown, etc. Based on the 2005 film about a drag sored by the Gay Alliance. was quite satisfied to see some of the best! I would have never thought that it would queen who saves a shoe factory, Har- Frank will read from her novel “All Off to another room where the baked turn into a gorgeous large glass bowl. vey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper’s Tony- I Love and Know,” a new book “that goods were being worked on. For those of Andrew, who maintains a good set of winning musical isn’t just an excuse for explores adoption, gay marriage and true you who love lemon bars, one special cake lungs, told me that he opened his studio sassy showstoppers choreographed by out love lost and found.” Frank will meet with called Lemon Lulu is beyond the most in 2000. Looking around the examples Broadway Bares creator Jerry Mitchell. LGBTQ families and community mem- delicious I have ever indulged in for taste, of various glass blown products it is clear As Lola, a performer dealing with a bully bers to discuss the book, LGBTQ parent- ingredients and without that acidic (but that he is quite the artist and teacher. If and daddy issues, the Tony-winning Por- ing and more. tasty) lemon cream top. The consistency is you don’t have a whole day to create and ter is powerful with or without his wig. Tickets for the lecture are $11 general more like eating a lemon pound cake. Ron blow, you can make your own personal- Hirschfeld Theatre, open-ended. admission and $8 for JCC members. Gay also boasted about his much demanded ized paper weight. www.manchesterhot- Anthony Rapp in If/Then families can meet the author between stolen that contains almonds, rum soaked glass.com Rent reunion alert! Frozen’s Idina 5:45-6:30 (no charge), and a community raisins, and apricots topped with butter, Our final destination was Mother Menzel stars as Elizabeth, a divorcée reception will take place from 6:30-7:15. sugar and cinnamon. I was tempted to Myrick’s Retail Store at 4369 Main Street. starting over in Manhattan, in Tom Kitt The Community Read starts at 7:30 p.m. steal a stolen. In 2005 his former ice cream parlor and and Brian Yorkey’s ambitious concept Free childcare is available for ages six The bakery itself would have been café was exchanged for his production musical, an earnest exploration of chance weeks to 12 years. Parents must register the next destination if it weren’t for the center. I think it had something to do and choice with a Sliding Doors split nar- by Nov. 7 with the JCC. friendliness and hospitality of Ron, who with the demand for his products outside rative. Rapp is doubly charming as her Tickets are $11/$8 for the lecture only. took us on a local trip (in his electric car) of the Manchester or even Vermont areas. bisexual buddy, Lucas, who goes after Book and lecture are special for JCC to several places. Tasting included a lemon almond brittle, different sexes in each parallel universe. members at $36/$33. For tickets, child A company called Wagatha’s was and Linzer Torte. It was like being a kid Richard Rodgers Theatre, open-ended. care and more information, see rjbf.org or around this particular complex. They in a confectionary store. www.mother- call 585-461-2000. ■ make organic dog biscuits. We were intro- myricks.com ■

766 S. Clinton Ave. 585-530-3371 M-F 10-7 Sat. 10-5

Celebrating 12 years helping people make diet choices for their dogs and cats [email protected] • www.naturalpetfoodscompany.com 30 GAY ALLIANCE NEWSTHE EMPTY FOR CLOSET • THENOVEMBER GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 4842014 • NOVEMBER 2014

about what keeps her going, lenges: LGBTQ Cultural Com- 5 p.m. (check in at 8:30 a.m.) Jenna says, “Working is very petence Training for Providers at the Rochester Red Cross, 50 important to me, whether it be of Services to Older Adults will Prince St. We can also bring hotels or art. I love them both take place on Friday, Nov. 21, this program to your campus or equally. I like earning a living, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (check in workplace. enjoy volunteering for my com- at 8:30 a.m.) in the Canteen The SafeZone Train-the- munity.” Room at the Rochester Red Trainer Certification Program Dedicated, spirited volun- Cross (50 Prince St. Rochester is an interactive eight-hour teers like Jenna help maintain 14607). course, which includes activ- the ongoing, day-to-day func- The cost is $125 per per- ities, small group discussions tions of the Gay Alliance, and son, which includes a light and opportunities for practic- we are deeply grateful to her for breakfast, a full lunch and ing skills as educators. During her commitment to the com- our LGBTQ Cultural Compe- this course, participants will munity. tence Training Manual. Reg- be coached in running Safe- For more information about ister three or more individuals Zone trainings and offered Jenna and to see her artwork, from your agency and receive opportunities to ask and answer please visit her website: jenna- a discounted registration fee of questions in a supportive envi- rationarartworkcompany.com. $100 per person. To register, ronment using the teaching go to www.gayalliance.org and skills that they acquire. Understanding click on the yellow slide. Each participant will receive a SafeZone Training manual the Challenges: that will provide a complete LGBTQ Cultural course guide for running Safe- Competence Training Zone Trainings, recommended for Providers of exercises and activities, resourc- Jenna does a selfie for PrideInRoc. es and suggested readings to Services extend knowledge, handouts to use in future SafeZone Train- Volunteer pitality Service Management, to Older Adults ings, a Gay Alliance Safe- and has been a painter for seven of the Month: By Jeanne Gainsburg Zone sticker and a certificate years (JENNAration Artwork of course completion. Ongoing Jenna Vanas Company). Several of her dis- Please join us for this fast- paced, dynamic, informational support will be available to all The Gay Alliance is pleased tinctive and beautiful paint- cultural competency training participants through the Gay to feature Jenna Vanas as our ings are on display in our Fifth geared towards senior service Alliance following the presenta- Volunteer-of-the-Month for Floor Lounge. When she isn’t providers. tion, to offer assistance and sug- November 2014! painting or helping out at the We will focus on under- Registration opens gestions for keeping programs Jenna has been a volunteer Gay Alliance, Jenna works at standing the unique barri- for 2015 SafeZone fresh and up-to-date. Our The Inn on the Lake in Canan- with the Gay Alliance since ers to care faced by LGBTQ Train-the-Trainer October train-the-trainer ses- 2011, starting with the Pride daigua. older adults, how to create an sion filled six weeks prior to the Festival. She became a regular The work of our Office Vol- environment at senior service Certification workshop date, so please regis- volunteer in our administrative unteers isn’t always visible: they agencies that is inclusive and Programs ter early! offices in 2012. Having just cel- answer the phone at the front welcoming for all people, and To register go to the Gay ebrated her two-year anniversa- desk, greet people when they how to ensure that LGBTQ The winter and spring Alliance home page at www. ry as an Office Volunteer, Jenna come to the offices, oversee older adults at your agency are sessions of the Gay Alliance gayalliance.org and click on the is one of the senior members of patrons at the David Bohnett able to acknowledge their life SafeZone Train-the-Trainer SAFEZONE slide. our Office Volunteer team. Cyber Center, and help out experiences and age with dig- Certification Program will take For questions, please contact Jenna is also a 2004 alumna with the countless little tasks nity and respect. place on Friday, Jan. 23, and Jeanne at jeanneg@gayalliance. of RIT where she studied Hos- that make an office run. Asked Understanding the Chal- Friday, March 20, from 9 a.m.- org or 585-244-8640 ext. 14 ■

We got unmasked at Pride, Does your life include a close now let’s show the faces relationship with a transgender adult? of Pride in Rochester! So do ours, come share with us.

This year we’re joining the United Way’s ROC the Day event with our #PrideInRoc campaign, by gathering photos of out and proud Rochestarians like you! Families & Friends

How to participate: of Trans Adults 1. Print out one of the identity signs at www.gayalliance.org/prideinroc 2. Take a selfie holding the sign. 3. Post it to Facebook or Twitter with the tags #PrideInRoc and #ReadyToRoc We’re pleased to introduce a new group Everyone who posts a for the families and friends of transgender adults, photo with the tag created to be a safe place for listening, sharing, #PrideInRoc will be entered in a raffle to win two VIP support, and information exchange among Passes to Rochester families & friends of transgender adults. Pride 2015 First meetings: The United Way will select Tuesday, November 11 and 25 at 6:30pm four photos with the tag Meeting Place, Brighton # ReadyToRoc and donate $500 to the organization of 2600 Elmwood Avenue, 12 Corners the posters’ choice. (formerly the Bagel Bin) For more information: [email protected] or 585-244-8640 www.gayalliance.org www.gayalliance.org/prideinroc www.gayalliance.org/prideinroc NOVEMBERGAY 2014 • NUMBER ALLIANCE 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE NEWS • THE EMPTY FOR CLOSET NOVEMBER 2014 31

Speaking Engagements NOVEMBER and Events for September 2014 • SafeZone Train-the-Trainer Certification Program at SUNY Geneseo SAGE CALENDAR • LGBTQ 101 at The Center For Youth • LGBTQ Issues in Social Work at Nazareth College Social Work Dept. • SafeZone Training at St. John Fisher College • LGBTQ Substance Abuse Issues at DePaul’s National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence • LGBTQ 101 at Center for Dispute Settlement • Resource and Info Table at the Pride Conference of Western NY” • Advanced Speakers Training at the Gay Alliance • Resource and Info Table at the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Quotes from Sept Presentations: “Absolutely wonderful and incredibly inspiring. Presenters were clear and concise while being honest and authentic. This workshop truly inspired me.” “Very welcoming. A space to feel comfortable learning about sensitive issues and especially tips for having those conversations with others. SAGE members dine at Antonetta’s. The presenters made sure that everyone (no matter the background) Tuesday 11/4 felt accepted and valued. They were great!” 11:30am-2pm. Let’s do Chili at the center. “The experience was renewing in that I had become complacent with many aspects of campus life. Having this opportunity gave me hope We will have Chili, Garden Salad, Bread, Beverages and Dessert. again.” $3 donation. Please RSVP by 10/30 to 585-857-9428. “Very engaging and humorous. Made the time go fast and learning Thursday 11/13 easy. It was fantastic.” 10:30am-12:30pm. SAGE will meet at Friendly’s 2717 Monroe Ave., for Senior Breakfast, $3. Please RSVP by 11/11 to 585-857-9428. Thursday 11/20 12noon-2pm, we will be going to Coffee Connection at the Greenhouse Café, 2271 E. Main Street. Host Ginny Dekin. Menu: soup, wraps, etc. $4. Will leave MCC Church at 11:30. Please RSVP by 11/18 to 585-857-9428. Thursday 11/27 Youth No yoga or program today. Our program empowers today’s teens to meet today’s challenges! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! It provides a safe space to explore their identity, make friends, build Rainbow Sage, for LBGTQ people 50 and over, meets at Open Arms community, gain life skills, become a leader and have fun! Metropolitan Community Center of Western New York, 707 East Main Fabulous Fridays: 7-9pm. (Ages 13-20) Street Rochester New York 14605. Yoga is from 10:30-11:30am $5 Gender Identity Support Group: Tuesdays: 5:30-6:30pm. (Ages 13-18) per person. Tuesday and Thursday. All programs are subject to change For more information: [email protected] and Rainbow Sage members are responsible for setting up their own The Gay Alliance 875 E. Main St., 5th Floor, Auditorium Center, transportation to and from any program. All programs are open to the Rochester, NY 14605 Phone: 585 244-8640 • Web: gayalliance.org community and the Gay Alliance welcomes all to participate to enhance the quality of diverse, member-driven programming. Gay Library & Archives on Hours: Every Monday & Wednesday: 6-8pm Alliance 875 E. Main St. ,1st Floor GARDGARD: (off Prince St. lobby) the online Phone: 585 244-8640 on-line community tool providing local, state Resource and national resources, twenty-four, seven Directory at: www.gayalliance.org

The Gay Alliance is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) people are safe, thriving, and enjoying equal rights. We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBTQ people to affirm their identities and create an atmosphere where the diversity can thrive both collectively and separately. We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. The Gay Alliance, 875 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 • Phone: (585) 244-8640 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Website: www.gayalliance.org E-mail: [email protected] Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm • Board President: David Zona Board Vice President: Jessica Muratore Executive Director: Scott Fearing Education Director: Jeanne Gainsburg Database: Kat Wiggall Bookkeeper: Christopher Hennelly Office Administrator: Tristan Wright The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (585) 244-9030 Designer: Jim Anderson Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030 Ad Sales: Brandon W. Brooks E-mail: [email protected] 32 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

Check our monthly and ongoing calendar as well as the community section for more groups and events. For further information, call the Gay Alliance at 244- 8640 or visit: www.gayalliance.org. Gay Alliance Resources Youth Group info: pages 30-31.

BISEXUALITY Trillium Health Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, Prevention Volunteer Legal Services Project Trillium Health is the leading provider of HIV/ and Primary Care. (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org.1 West RESOURCES AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Lakes. HIV walk-in testing Tues. & Fri.; Hep C walk-inn Main St. Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14614. Free AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisexu- On-site services include HIV testing and limited treating Weds. & Fri; Meet clinician by appoint- legal services for low-income clients seeking ality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual STD screenings, Primary and HIV Specialty Medi- ment. 82 Holland St., Rochester 14605. 585-423- a name change. Other legal services for low- Network; ; BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Proj- cal Care, Pharmacy, and many more. Satellite 2879; fax 585-423-2876. www,jordanhealth.org income clients include family law issues, bank- ect (BOP); Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual offices in Geneva and Bath. Trillium Health is also CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline ruptcy, unemployment insurance hearings, wills Women’s Network; ComBIne - Columbus, Ohio; a leader in providing services and education to 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours and advance directive documents for clients with Fenway Health’s Bi Health Program; Los Angeles members of the LGBT community. Contact Infor- a day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail serious illnesses. Bi Task Force; New York Area Bisexual Network; mation: Website: www.trilliumhealthny.org. Main address: [email protected]. Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Support Robyn Ochs’s site; The Bi Writers Association; Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14607; Group The Bisexual Resource Center (email brc@bire- Main Phone: 585-545-7200, Health Services Fair Housing Enforcement Project of Monroe County Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 Gay Alliance office, 5th floor. source.net) After Hours: 585-258-3363; Case Management 875 E. Main St., Ages 13-18. 244-8640 After Hours (Lifeline): 585-275-5151; Fax: 585- 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with CULTURAL 244-6456. Finger Lakes Office: 605 W. Wash- housing discrimination on basis of race, orienta- Genesee Valley Gender Variants ington St., Geneva, NY 14456, 315-781-6303. tion, HIV status, etc. Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Rochester Women’s Community Chorus Southern Tier Office: 122 Liberty St. Box 624, [email protected] 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar). Public Interest Law Office of Rochester Bath, NY 14810 607-776-9166. The Health Out- 1 W. Main St., Suites 200 & 300. Free legal ser- Guys Night Out Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus reach Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY vices to HIV positive persons, families. Span- Social group for transmen. Second Saturdays, www.thergmc.org 14605; 585-454-5556. ish bilingual advocates available. All civil cases 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguysnight- Open Arms Community Center Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley except divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to [email protected] Availabel for parties, events, meetings. 707 E. Referrals to physicians and service agencies. someone in PILOR. 454-4060. Main St. Parking. Accepting and welcoming of all. (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. Westside Health Services WOMEN 271-8478. Victory Alliance Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. (254- Highland Hospital Breast Imaging Center University of Rochester Medical Center. One of 6480); Woodward health Center, 480 Genesee St. 500 Red Creek Drive, Rochester 14623; 585- DEAF SERVICES several research sites worldwide that comprise (436-3040). HIV/AIDS services, support, more. 487-3341. Specializing in breast health, diag- Advocacy for Abused Deaf Victims the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site nostic breast imaging and treatment and McCree McCuller Wellness Center at Unity mammography outreach and education. Mailing address: c/o ASADV, P.O. Box 20023, conducts research vaccine studies sponsored Health’s Connection Clinic Rochester, NY 14602. 24-Hour Hotline: ASAD- by National Institutes of Health (NIH). 585-756- (585) 368-3506, 89 Genesee St., Bishop Kearney Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester [email protected]; VP: 866-936-8976; TTY/FAX 2329; www.vaccineunit.org. Bldg., 3rd floor. Full range of services, regardless 840 University Ave.; 585-473-8177; www.bccr. : 585-232-2854. Threshold of ability to pay. Caring, confidential and conve- org; email: [email protected]. Breast Cancer Coali- Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., third nient. tion provides support services that include pro- grams designed to help those coping with a Meets second Saturdays, 6-9pm. For location, floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confidential HIV, Geneva Community Health information: [email protected] STD testing and General Health Care, ages 12-25. recent breast cancer diagnosis and those coping 601 W. Washington St., Geneva. Provides HIV with an advanced breast cancer diagnosis, such Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance Sliding fee scale, no one denied, most insuranc- testing, HIV specialty and primary care for resi- es accepted. Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-5pm; Tues., as the Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group RIT/NTID student group.

DAILY Gay Alliance Trans* Youth Support Group LORA - Buffalo Women’s Coffee Social 5:30-6:30 pm, GAGV office, 5th floor, 875 E. Weekly on Thursday Nights, 6pm. Spot Coffee, ROCHESTER AA/NA Free HIV Testing Main St. Ages 13-18. 244-8640. 765 Elmwood, Buffalo. Contact Person: Barb 9am-7pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Henderson Email: [email protected] MEETINGS David Bohnett Cyber Center WEDNESDAYS More Info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/buffaloles/ Every week there are four regularly Gay Alliance 5th floor lounge, Mon.-Thurs. 11am- Identity Group scheduled GLBTI AA and two inclusive 3pm, Fri. 11am-1pm, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640; The Identity Group is for LGBT identified individ- www.gayalliance.org uals who have a developmental disability diag- FRIDAYS NA meetings in Rochester. nosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4 pm at Gay Men’s AA meeting MONDAYS ARC Health Services (2060 Brighton-Henrietta Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. Emmanu- L.O.R.A. Coffee Social Townline Rd. 14623). The goal of the group is to el Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. TUESDAYSROCHESTER Weekly on Monday Nights, 7 pm. Equal=Grounds, provide a safe space to discuss identity issues, Gay Alliance Youth AA/NA MEETINGS 750 South Ave. Rochester. Family, Friends & Allies share personal experiences and increase self- Narcotics Anonymous Fridays, 7-9pm, Gay Alliance, 5th floor, 875 E. 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Road Welcome! Contact Person: Cathie Timian. More esteem. The group is facilitated by Delaina Fico. Main St., 244-8640; [email protected] info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https://www. LMSW. For more information, please contact (Covenant United Methodist Church) This is an Delaina Fico at [email protected] or 585- GLBTQI Motorcycle Group NA meeting that is open to all addicts who have facebook.com/groups/L.O.R.A.14464/. Email: a desire to stop using. Although it is not specifi- [email protected] 271-0661 ext. 1552. Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations. [email protected]; 467-6456; cally a gay-oriented meeting, it is welcoming to LORA Late Bloomers Coming Out Group for Gay Alliance Board of Directors [email protected]. people of all sexual orientations and gender iden- Women Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, tities, as well as to anyone who is affected by HIV 2nd & 4th Mondays of the Month. 7 pm, Private 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 LORA GaYmes Night and AIDS. Location. Call for info! Contact Person: Wanda Meets 4th Friday of the Month, 7-10pm, Equal New Freedom New Happiness Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Ave. Roch- Martinez. Email: [email protected]. AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, WEDNESDAYS Phone: 585.414.9164. More info: www.loragroup. ester. Contact Person: Christine O’Reilly. Email: 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. [email protected]. Phone: New Freedom/New Happiness Group org. Events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. L.O.R.A.14464/ Support Group for Parents who have lost 585.943.1320. More Info: www.loragroup.org. Children Events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to Rochester Historical Bowling Society First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, L.O.R.A.14464/ 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of the 7pm. Clover Lanes Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Genesee hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Or Monthly LBTQ Womyns Bingo Night take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East and Gay Alliance Library & Archives, Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 Third Fridays, 7 pm, at Empire Bingo. Contact: Winton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Every Mon./Wed. 6-8pm. David Bohnett Cyber COAP Christine, [email protected]; Winton. This is an open discussion meeting. All Center, 5:30-7:30pm, First floor, 875 E. Main St. Come Out and Play. Wednesday game nights. 585-943-1320 text/talk. issues – as they relate to our alcoholism/addic- 244-8640 8-11 pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. 7pm, tion and recovery – are fair game. Born That Way [email protected]. SATURDAYS Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Group. Rochester Rams General Meeting Rochester Rams Bar Night FRIDAYS First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 Meigs St. 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 670 Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, 670 Gay Men’s Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654-7516. University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com University Ave. 271-6930 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. HIV Positive Men’s Support group • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and HIV+ Mixed Men’s Group Trans Alliance of Greater Rochester addicts Every Monday, 5pm, Trillium Health Center for Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Support/educational group for gender-variant Positive Living, 259 Monroe Ave. • Men’s meeting Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. people, allies. Last Saturdays, 3-5:30pm, Open • Handicapped accessible Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Frontrunners/Frontwalkers This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House parking 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers are shy about meeting people or speaking up in a lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. group, you will find this meeting particularly warm rochesterfrontrunners.org. and inviting because everyone gets their turn to Steps Beyond Stems Gay Alliance Library & Archives, Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, speak (or pass). As a result, this meeting often Every Mon./Wed. 6-8pm. David Bohnett Cyber Rochesternygrrlz runs long, so plan on more than the usual hour. 289 Monroe Ave. Center, 5:30-7:30pm, First floor, 875 E. Main St. Girls’ night out and social time at the Gay Alli- 244-8640 ance, 875 E. Main St., third Saturday of the SATURDAYS TUESDAYS month, 4-6 p.m., 5th floor conference room. Empire Bears Saturday Night Special The Social Grind Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at The Wintonaire. Guys Night Out 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. 10am-12noon and again 7:30-9pm at Equal www.empirebears.com GNO, social group for transmen, now meets on Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does not Grounds, 750 South Ave. Email: DHutch457@aol. the second Saturday of the month, @ 1pm @ go by the church on weekend evenings. Take the com for information THURSDAYS Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East and Win- Adult Families of Trans Youth (AFTY) Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Saturday Night Special Gay AA ton, then walk five minutes south (uphill) on Win- Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30, Open Arms MCC Commu- 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. Men ton. nity Center, 707 E. Main St. and women. Open meeting. • Open meeting, all are welcome, “straight- Pride at Work & AFL CIO LGBT Healthy Living friendly” First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 1354 Buffalo Road, Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) • Mixed men and women Veterans support. Second, fourth Tuesdays, Rochester 14624, 426-0862. 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. [email protected] 10-11am Canandaigua VA, bldg. 9, room 8, • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to GLOB&L (Gays & Lesbians of Bausch & Lomb) Sophia’s Supper Club basement Library conference room. 585 463-2731, 585 Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open 205-3360. Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 conference First, third Saturdays, 25 Bernie Lane, 6:30 pm. room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: 338-8977 discussion. Free syphilis testing Men’s Cooking Group Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Third, fourth Saturdays. 585-355-7664; mcgo- SUNDAYS 442-2220. Downtown United Presbyterian Church, [email protected]. 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Step in the Right Direction Women’s Community Chorus SUNDAYS 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alli- Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Downtown Free confidential walk-in HIV testing ance Church) This is an NA meeting that is open United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Street. 234- M, W, R, F 9 am-7 pm; T 9a,-5pm., Trillium PFLAG (Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians to all addicts who have a desire to stop using. 4441, www.therwcc.org Health, 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 And Gays) Although it is not specifically a gay-oriented 585 813-5081; [email protected]. Out & Equal Second Thursdays meeting, it is welcoming to people of all sexual LORA Knitters Group orientations and gender identities. Each week 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the Month. 7pm-9:30pm, Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm. Unity Fellowship Church Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outand- Sundays, 1:30 pm, Second, 4th Sundays 12;30pm. features a reading from NA literature, followed by Crossroads Coffee House, 752 S. Goodman St. discussion. Rochester. Contact Person: Kerry Cater Email: equal.org S. Wedge Mission, 1125 Caroline St. 520-6188 [email protected]. More Info: www.lor- Genesee Valley Gender Variants Dignity-Integrity Rochester Gay Men agroup.org Events: https://www.facebook.com/ 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, groups/L.O.R.A.14464/ [email protected] 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Fitzhugh Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Street stop on Main Street at the County Office Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to Building and walk south one block. start the week, followed by potluck supper. • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church • Men’s meeting 707 E. Main St. Rochester, Services at: 10:30 am • NOT handicapped accessible and 5:30 pm. 271-8478. Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by open Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous discussion. St. Luke’s/St. Simon Cyrene Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8pm, 232-6720, Weekly. Closed meeting LORA Sunday Brunch 1st & 3rd Sunday of the Month, 11:30am - 1:30pm. Jays Diner, 2612 W. Henrietta Rd., Roch- ester. Contact Person: Cathie Timian. More info: www.loragroup.org. Events: https://www.face- book.com/groups/L.O.R.A.14464/. Email: info@ loragroup.org SELFIE Gutter Gals - Bowling 2nd & 4th Sundays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Bowl A Roll, 1560 Jefferson Rd. $5.70 for 2 games & $2.50 for shoes. For more info: http://www. facebook.com/groups/guttergals/Contact Per- son: Cathie: Email: [email protected]; Phone: 585.313.3037 ■ ALERTSEE PAGE 30 34 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

1-6pm. DJ Reign, drink specials, $5 at the 6:30 pm, The Meeting Place in Brighton, door includes pizza, munchies. 21+ only. 2600 Elmwood Ave. at 12 Corners. Throwback to the old Rosie’s women’s bar. THURSDAY 27 Information: [email protected] Thanksgiving Wedge Waddle. Three- November Open Arms MCC observance of mile walk. Start & Ends: Star Alley next to Trans Day of Remembrance. Service, Dr. Lux bar, 666 South Ave. Registration avail- SATURDAY 1 Green With Envy Salon, Tilt Nightclub Karen Boyer guest speaker. 2 pm, Open able online at wedgewaddle.com. Register at Shauna Marie O’Toole talks about her and Ultra Lounge and Avenue Pub. For Arms Center, 707 E. Main St. the event, starting at 9:30 am. Event Start book, “You Can’t Shave In A Mini-Mart information and table reservations, call WEDNESDAY 19 Time: 10 am. FREE. Donate new socks to Bathroom”. 6 pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 Liza at 585-285-0119. Gay Alliance annual meeting. 6-7 St. Joseph’s Hospitality House. Drop box at E. Main St. MONDAY 10 pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, South Ave. Central NY LGBTQ Child Welfare Author Judith Frank Bylaws changes. SUNDAY 30 Coalition. at JCC Com- Fostering Families: A Mini- munity Read, 1200 Edgewood Ave. Recep- THURSDAY 20 Dignity Integrity. Catholic Service, Conference for Building and Celebrating tion for LGBTQ families, 5:45 pm; general Trans Day of Remembrance. Sign quiet. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s LGBTQ Families and Allies. 8:30 am-2 reception 6:30. Read starts 7:30 pm. $11/$8 painting party for Nov. 22 Trans march. Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. pm, Park Central Presbyterian Church, for lecture only. 461-2000; rjbf.org Hosted by TAGR, Open Arms MCC, 707 504 E. Fayette St., Syracuse. DECEMBER TUESDAY 11 E. Main St. MONDAY 1 SUNDAY 2 Families and Friends of Trans FRIDAY 21 Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass/ World AIDS Day. AIDS Quilt panels Adults. 6:30 pm, The Meeting Place in Understanding the Challenges: will be on display at Equal=Grounds. ■ Healing Service, with music. 5 pm, St. Brighton, 2600 Elmwood Ave. at 12 Cor- LGBTQ Cultural Competence Train- Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. ners. First meeting of new group, facili- ing for Providers of Services to Older Adults Fitzhugh St. tated by Lynda Garner Goldstein, Andrew 9 am-5 pm. (check in at 8:30 am) in Can- TUESDAY 4 Durham, John Aceto. teen Room at Rochester Red Cross (50 Election Day. Get OUT and vote. Thursday 13 Prince St.). $125 per person includes light Your civil rights may depend on it! Out & Equal 2nd Thursdays. 5:30- breakfast, full lunch, LGBTQ Cultur- SATURDAY 8 7:30pm. For location see Out & Equal al Competence Training Manual. Register “Trans Lives, Real Lives.” First Unity Finger Lakes. three or more from your agency, receive Fellowship Church monthly screening of FRIDAY 14 discounted registration fee of $100 per per- films and videos by and about LGBTQ son. To register: www.gayalliance.org and Empty Closet deadline for Dec-Jan. click on the yellow slide. women of color. 7-9 pm, MOCHA Center, issue. 244-9030; [email protected]. 189 N. Water St. Free. All welcome. Please note: Monday the 17th will be TOO SATURDAY 22 SUNDAY 9 LATE! TAGR March of Visibility for Trans Dignity Integrity. Roman Catholic SATURDAY 15 Month of Remembrance. 2-3 pm, starts Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm, corner of Monroe and Goodman. Meet at Community Thanksgiving Potluck. Open Arms, 707 E. Main St. and return St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. 5:30pm, Open Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. Fitzhugh St. there for hot chocolate and coffee. Miss Gay Rochester pageant. Doors SUNDAY 16 SUNDAY 23 open 6 pm; pageant starts 7. Hostess Aggy Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Mass, Drag Brunch at Edibles. $25/person. Dune; honoring Mercedes Sulay, Miss Gay quiet. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Starring Aggy Dune, Kasha Davis, Dari- Rochester and Miss Gay Syracuse, and Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. enne Lake. Noon. 271-4910. Tiffany Love’s 30th anniversary. Tickets LICK Events presents Day Party Sun- Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer, fol- $15 advance, $20 at door, available at The day: “Rosie’s Throw Back for Women & lowed by a Potluck Dinner. 5 pm, St. Bachelor Forum, Thomas Laurence Salon, Friends” at the Bug Jar, 219 Monroe Ave., Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. TUESDAY 25 Families and Friends of Trans Adults. Classifieds Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Roch- ester, New York 14605. Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance. The deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or phone number. No personal home addresses or names allowed. Classified ads are not published on The Empty Closet page of our website. However, each issue of the paper is reproduced online in its entirety.

ANNOUNCEMENTS antees your relaxation and satisfaction. Children’s Ministry thriving at Open Hotel visit, in call in my home or out call Arms Metropolitan Community Church in your residence. Reasonable rates. Dis- for toddlers to ‘tweens. Join us for vibrant, cretion appreciated and practiced. Don’t inclusive, progressive worship on Sun- delay, call me today at 585-773-2410 (cell) days at 10:30 am, 707 E. Main St. info@ or 585-235-6688 (home). openarmsmcc.org; (585) 271-8478. Handyman: Simple repairs or full HELP WANTED renovations, no job is too large or small. Gay male or female. I need help Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Interi- with my tablet. Someone with computer or & Exterior. 35 years experience. Call skills to guide me through it. Willing to Alan & Bill 585-204-0632 or cell 304- pay for help. If interested contact me at 517-6832. savannahb719@gmail. Leave contact info. Martin Ippolito master electrician. CHOW. Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. WORK WANTED 585-266-6337. Hard working guy looking for part Hate to paint or clean gutters? I have time weekend work. Honest and hard tall ladders! Dale’s Pleasure Painting and working, willing to do anything. pea- Gutter Cleaning has very reasonable rates [email protected] for painting year round and gutter clean- SERVICES ing in spring or fall. 585-576-5042. Email Rochester’s Best Man to Man [email protected]. Rubdown. Unwind with this degreed, Wedding Space and clergy servic- employed, fit, friendly, healthy, Italian es available. Celebrate your special day GWM. Middle aged, 5’8”, 165 lbs., 32” at Open Arms Metropolitan Commu- waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, HIV nega- nity Church, 707 E. Main St. info@ tive. My 10-plus years experience guar- openarmsmcc.org (585) 271-8478. ■ NOVEMBER 2014 • NUMBER 484 • THE GAY ALLIANCE • THE EMPTY CLOSET 35

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Bed & Breakfast Rochester, New York 14605 © 2014, All rights reserved. Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Ad Sales: Brandon Brooks ([email protected] Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertising that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will “get” that particular person if you patronize the establishment advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homo- phobic will be refused; advertisements from organizations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti-gay will also be refused. All political advertisements must contain infor- mation about who placed them and a method of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or “attack” advertisements, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose interest the ad is being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival product, or in the political area, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out sup- posed flaws and to persuade the public not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet maintains, within legal boundaries, neutrality regarding products, political candidates and parties. However, “attack” ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence that the information in the ad is true do not further in any way the objectives and policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, includ- ing the primary tenet that The Empty Closet’s purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community and to provide an impartial forum for ideas. Submissions: For publication, submit news items, ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, photographs or art by mail or in per- son to The Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. Design services for non-camera ready ads are available for a fee. 244-9030, [email protected] Publication Information: The Empty Closet is published 11 times a year (Decem- ber and January combined) by The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approxi- mately 5000 copies of each issue are distributed during the first week of the month, some by mail in a plain sealed envelope. The publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles is not an indication of the sexual or affectional orientation of that person or the members of that organization. For further informa- tion, please write to The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emp- [email protected]. The Empty Closet is the official publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and national gay- related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from the local gay community; to help pro- mote leadership within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate. Part of our purpose is to maintain a middle position with respect to the entire community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consid- eration the views of all – women, men, people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessar- ily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney. Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other con- tributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the edi- tor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605; e-mail: [email protected]. The online edi- tion of EC is available at www.gayalliance.org.

JASON KLAUM, STYLIST 585.732.7676 90 Canal Street, Suite 308 Rochester 14608

TUES NOV FOUR 36 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE • NUMBER 484 • NOVEMBER 2014

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 ~ 7 to 11pm DIPLOMAT BANQUET CENTER Tickets available November 23: $20 advance, $30 at the door. Purchase online at www.gayalliance.org or at Equal=Grounds, OUTlandish (cash only), Parkleigh, Hedonist Artisan Chocolates.