LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS, NEWSMAKER INTERVIEWS, OPINION, ENTERTAINMENT, COLUMNISTS, EVENT CALENDARS, AND HEALTH RESOURCE LISTINGS NUMBER 453 A PUBLICATION OF THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY FEBRUARY 2012

Partnerships Challenge Grant Success! Thanks to our The Gay Alliance appreciates By Sue Cowell challenge grant the continuing partnership Thanks to the generosity of a special group of supporters, the Gay Alliance was able to donors! of businesses within our launch a $25,000 Challenge for our Fall Appeal donation campaign. This Challenge campaign community who support John Altieri our mission and vision. was an historic first for us. The idea was that each donation made to the Fall Appeal would be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. I am thrilled to report that with the community's Evelyn Bailey Platinum: help we met our goal! Ralph Carter Rochester has a long history of supporting local non-profit organizations and the Gay and Van Van Zanten MorganStanley Pat Collins SmithBarney Alliance truly has a strong base of support from our donors. Many people have a shared history with the agency dating to the early 1970s. Many of our younger members came of age in the Sue Cowell Gay Alliance Youth Program and are now active members. This year everyone played a part in Patricia Criticos Gold: helping meet this historic first. Emily Jones The online giving response to the Campaign was incredible. We provided updates through and Deborah Hughes MetLife our Web site and Facebook letting you know what amount was still needed to hit the $25,000 William Kearns III mark and you responded. Together we showed that many smaller donations can have a huge and Jason Barnecut Silver: impact. Ultimately, these smaller gifts from many, many people in the community helped us David Omdahl meet our goal. As a community we all share in the success and pride of this campaign. and Christopher Barry I realize we all have to make decisions concerning what we can support and at what level. Cynthia Woolbright Excellus rt.' Yet it is important to remember that each gift, even the small ones, makes a difference in our and Bill Spelman ability to continue the work that we do. Thank you for the encouragement and the trust you IGBO Mid-Year NIXON PEABOD'hLl> have shown in our agency! •

THE BACHELOR FORUM ROCHESTER . NEW YORI( 1WWW .Bl.CHELOR41.1 . COM of his life as a female. As a teenager, he iden­ TOMPKINrS tified as gay and joined Enterprises the Gay Alliance at Bronze: age 15. Pat joked, "I remember coming to the first (trans group) meeting and some­ Kodak body said, 'Which Welcome to the way are you going?'" new Empty Closet Pat emphasized that all iliut:&E~ The paper is now in one NY Finqer Lakes trans people are indi­ handy section of 36 pages. We viduals and that it is hope you like it. easy to be invisible - Please check out the Empty PROFESSIONAL TUTORING SERVICE which is not ultimately Closet pages on our website - go E in trans people's best to www.gayalliance.org.click on - Bausch&lomb interests. Empty Closet News. Also, The Jane Marie said, Perfecting Vision. Enhancing Ufe ~ Empty Closet and the Gay Alli­ "Cross dressers are a ance both have Facebook pages. r:w FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS wide spectrum of peo­ r- . - . ClJStol11lzed seMe!':. Sensible soIlltlOOS The EC will soon have a Twitter ple." She noted that feed as well. Now there's no rea­ there used to be little IllflJII ITTE)~ELISTHE POWER OF INGENUITY son to miss the latest gay news The Transgender Panel drew around 50 people on Jan. 12. Photo: Jim Wilkins signs indicating that as it happens! Stand by for more someone was cross improvements this year. • Xittelberg er M~~fPIAN dressing, but "now Transgender panel explores everybody wants to be ~ ...... "23. ~.!' FORM!Elk1CAL Florist & Glt\!> A l.:; "The Rainbow within the Rainbow" metrosexual," so it's harder to tell. Contents By Susan Jordan what is deep in your soul." Many ofJane Marie's friends Newsfronts ...... 4 The Transgender panel dis­ The panelists were Maur who are cross dressers have been Interview: Jim Costich ...... 7 e cussion on Jan. 12 drew around DeLaney, who identifies as gen­ in the military services. "We do Making The Scene ...... 10 45 people to the Gay Alliance derqueer; Deb Oppenheimer, all the macho things and then Opinion ...... 12 Wagmans Youth Center, to hear the stories who is MTF; Pat Pitoni, FTM; we come back -- and that's who Columnists ...... 22 of diverse transgender lives and Jane Marie, a cross dressing activ­ we are. " Community ...... 25 Champion: Entertainment: Angels ...... 27 to learn the most effective ways ist; Cassie Dubicki, a straight She explained, "I like to wear Gay Alliance News ...... 30 to lobby for passage of GENDA, ally; Christopher Argyros, FTM women's clothes - it's just anoth­ Resources ...... 32 the NYS transgender rights bill. and Empire State Pride Agen­ er side of myself. Cross dressers Ongoing Calendar ...... 33 Moderator Pamela Barres da Trans Rights Organizer, and m~c~~ UTlandish are often heterosexual and usu­ Calendar ...... 34 Mul""'n Collllllunih Cvhunli

Coming up: at the Auditorium Center, 875 Red Ball, N.E. E. Main St., hosted by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. The Church of st. . Luke & A Pride conference St. Simon Cyrene V Tickets are $10 in advance Wd51bright Don't get cabin fever this and $15 at the door, are online Group winter - get out and about at www.GayAlliance.org rnena: at these special February and and will also be available at March events. Equal=Grounds and Outland­ The Red Ball, a Valentine's ish. The dance ticket includes tird Dance celebrating community, light refreshments and desserts. Presbyterian ChurCh love and friendship, will take Wear red to win prizes; enjoy place Saturday, Feb. 11 from music, beer and wine cash bar, a 7-11 p.m., in the Cathedral Hall Coming up continues page 6 2 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

GAY ALLIANCE OF T LL-_ '=AL-I ~ ;I

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, New York 14605 FROM TH © 2011, All rights reserved. Editor·in·Chief: Susan Jordan Empty C Editor liance Exec r Staff Reporters: Ove Overmyer, Laur McSpadden Graphic Design: Jim Anderson SUSAN JORDAN SUE COWELL Staff Photographer: Jim Wilkins ignore this and continue perpet­ support to our work. If you Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertise­ uating transphobia and hetero­ are interested in donating to ments that contain nude drawings or pho­ sexism as a way of gaining votes us through United Way's 2012 tographs, nor does it print advertising that or tithes from bigoted followers states that the person pictured in the ad is campaign, just be sure to des­ for sale, or that you will "get" that particular - they hope. ignate us on forms available person if you patronize the establishment In New York, transgender cit­ through most employers (United advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homophobic izens are still waiting for passage Way Donor Option #1135, SEFA will be refused: advertisements from organi­ ofGENDA, the bill which would Donor Option #68-00048, CFC zations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist provide the most basic civil rights or anti-gay will also be refused. All politi­ Donor Option #93910). cal advertisements must contain information protections for them. Whether These numbers do not yet about who placed them and a method of many New York voters will really include donations made through contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or "attack" advertisements, choose candidates based on their United Way's ROC the Day, an whether they relate to a product or politics level of hatred for trans people is unprecedented day of giving in and no matter in whose interest the ad is the big question. Has the Right's which $3985 was donated to the being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival "bathroom bill" propaganda suc­ Gay Alliance within the space of product, or in the political area, a rival elec­ ceeded in turning public opin­ 24 hours. tion candidate or party, in order to point out supposed flaws and to persuade the pub­ ion away from justice for trans Another huge event in 2011 lic not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The New Yorkers since 2008, when was the second annual Ride for Empty Closet maintains, within legal bound­ In this issue: a majority backed GENDA, or The importance of aries, neutrality regarding products, political Pride. The 35 riders, many of candidates and parties. However, "attack" transgenderfocus will conservatives see few or no new and continuing whom were straight allies, raised ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence gains from their anti-trans posi­ over $10,000 for their 100-kilo­ that the information in the ad is true do not In this special issue, The tion next November? support meter bike ride on June 18. Sev­ further in any way the objectives and poli­ Empty Closet focuses on trans­ cies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, Politicians and other public The significance of our eral of these riders have already including the primary tenet that The Empty gender and gender variant identi­ figures are most impressed by donors cannot be overempha­ begun their fundraising for the Closet's purpose is to inform the Rochester ties and lives. The diverse trans gay community and to provide an impartial personal letters and phone calls sized. Annual cuts in state fund­ 2012 Ride for Pride: please visit forum for ideas. community is often misunder­ from members of the public ing and grants over the past our website for continuing infor­ stood by lesbians, bisexuals and Submissions: votersftaxpayers. Please consider decade have affected all of New mation on how you can support For publication, submit news items, ads, gays, as well as by straight society. writing or calling your Albany York State's non-profit organiza­ these dedicated volunteers! photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, pho­ Both gender identity and representatives and asking them tographs or art by mail or in person to The tions, and it is because of our 2011's GAGV Dines Out Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. sexual orientation are much to support passage of GENDA. donors that we are able to con­ event was also a wonderful suc­ Design services for non-camera ready ads more complex than convention­ In this issue, we have includ­ tinue offering our valuable ser­ cess. Twenty-two restaurants, are available for a fee. (www.emptycloset@ gagv.us) al "wisdom" dictates, and both ed information on that Septem­ vices to the Greater Rochester coffee houses and taverns across transgender and bisexual people ber 2011 poll by the non-partisan LGBT community. Rochester donated a portion of Publication Information: experience heterosexist stereo­ The Empty Closet is published 11 times a Public Religion Research Insti­ The agency is blessed with a their sales on Oct. 25, which year (December and January combined) by typing. tute; an article on the book "The loyal donor base -- people who helped us raise over $6000. The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance The gender variant commu­ Lives of Transgender People"; an of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approximately contribute every year and whose Hundreds of people throughout 5000 copies of each issue are distributed nity is not monolithic; it is made interview with Rochester intersex support is invaluable. How­ Monroe County showed their during the first week of the month, some by up of a wide spectrum of indi­ activist Jim Costich; an inter­ ever, one of the truly impres­ support of our mission by going mail in a plain sealed envelope. The pub­ vidual identities, including peo­ lication of the name or photograph of any view with transman Jason Bal­ sive things about 2011 was the out with their friends for a deli­ person or organization in articles is not an ple who have transitioned from lard; news and a column by Rev. incredible support shown by new cious bite to eat. Stay tuned for indication of the sexual or affectional orien­ one gender to the other, whether Irene Monroe about trans people tation of that person or the members of that donors. news on 2012's Dines Out! organization. For further information, please male to female or female to male, of color, who face the most severe In 2011 alone, the Gay Alli­ There have been so many write to The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., and also people of intersexed, hate violence of any queer group; ance had 366 new donors, who ways that people have shown Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 androgynous, gender-noncon­ or e-mail [email protected]. an opled piece by Dr. Jillian together donated $51,093.52. To their support for the Gay Alli­ The Empty Closet is the official publi­ forming, genderqueer, transfemi­ Weiss on LGBT power relations; give this number some perspec­ ance, and every last contribution cation of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee nine, transmasculine and other an article on WPATH's study Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that tive, we had 185 new donors in helped us provide the services organization. Its purpose is to inform the identities. of revised standards for trans­ 2010. that are needed throughout the Rochester gay community about local and One major challenge shared gender healthcare and changing $8,777.24 of the donations community. national gay-related news and events: to by transgender and bisexual peo­ provide a forum for ideas and creative work caregiver attitudes toward trans made by new donors were made Thank you to all of our from the local gay community: to help pro­ ple is invisibility. Gay men and people; information on transgen­ through United Way, which has donors: our work is impossible mote leadership within the community, and lesbians have worked with trans der issues from Gay Alliance Pro­ to be a part of a national network of lesbian year after year been a valuable without your support! • and gay publications that exchange ideas people on civil rights and AIDS gram Director Scott Fearing and and seek to educate. issues, marched with them in Outreach Coordinator Jeannie Part of our purpose is to maintain a Pride parades, sat next to them Gainsburg, and more. middle position with respect to the entire * community. We must be careful to present on barstools for decades - but The EC will continue to all viewpoints in a way that takes into con­ not until the late 1990s did the make transgender issues and sideration the views of all - women, men, trans community start to become GENDA visible to our readers. * mocys people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life. visible and vocal. Even so, a Sep­ We also hope to publish more THANK YOU TO THE The opinions of columnists, editorial writ­ tember 2011 poll indicated that about bisexuality in 2012, start­ ers and other contributing writers are their MACY'S FOUNDATION own and do not necessarily reflect the col­ an overwhelming majority of all ing in this issue on the Resourc­ for being the presenting sponsor of the lective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Americans supports transgender es page. Columns, opled pieces, Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Gay Alliance Donor Event on January 26 Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss civil rights. Conservative politi­ reviews, etc. are always wel­ or expense that results from the publication cians and preachers, of course, come! • (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omis­ sion of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collec­ tion agency or an attorney, and will be liable ••••••••••••• for the charges paid by us to such collection Many things Name agency or attorney. I Letters to the editor: Address The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own ~".-- City/State/Zip I .' ... . I and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Phone Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print let­ I - I ters at the editor's discretion and on a space E-mail available basis. Only one letter by the same Library8f writer in a six-month period is allowed. 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Online edition of EC available at www. INQUEERY • CAMPUSOUT • LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES gayalliance.org. I GAY ALLIANCE RESOURCE DIRECTORY Benefits include: a subscription to The Empty Closet mailed to home or work, I SHOULDERS TO STAND ON • RAINBOW SAGE · SAFEZONE plus privileges at each level. Phone: 585 244-8640 or Mail to: Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, New York 14605. Home delivery of I I I The Gay Alliance plays a central role in advocating for 'AI' The Empty Closet is free with your annual membership in the Gay Alliance. 2/12 the fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of their V I sexual orientation, gender identity or gender .expression. Gav Alliance www.GayAlllance.org 'Jof the genesee va ll ey to Many people •••••••••••• • FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 3

Marriage Equality USA comes to Rochester; s Meet new E.D. Feb. 16 Mission accomplished. The success­ ful passage of the Marriage Equality Act LOCAL AND STATE in New York left Marriage Equality New York (MENY) members celebrating but wondering what's next for the organiza­ tion. The short answer according to J 0 Meleca-Voigt, Rochester regional leader, is that MENY is expanding its focus and forging new alliances to fight for national marriage rights and recognition of our families. ''After many years working closely BrlA/\! together, both Marriage Equality New York (MENY) and Marriage Equality ~1J';:JIfllI/1I1 JIll/eN USA (MEUSA) saw the passage of mar­ riage equality in New York as the right Brian Silva is the new executive director of Marriage Equality USA opportunity to formally combine forces to push for full marriage equality in all 50 The new organization has already states and at the federal level. The Boards started on many projects, including join­ of both organizations will combine and ing the coalition in New Hampshire to Brian Silva, the current Executive Direc­ fight the repeal of marriage equality, and tor of MENY, will continue in that role is working to participate in the new push in the newly merged organization. Brian for equality in New Jersey. Members will Silva is no stranger to Rochester and will be phone banking, as well as canvassing be sharing his vision and the organiza­ and educating on the importance of mar­ tions plans here on Thursday February riage equality. "Rochester will play an 16 at a Marriage Equality USA Kickoff active role in the repeal of DOMA" said Party," Meleca-Voigt said. Meleca-Voigt. "We have successful expe­ "I am very excited about combining rience to share with other states and our these two tremendous grassroots forces to own Congressional representatives must push for our ultimate goal of full equali­ be brought on board. " ABOVE & BEYOND: Bess Watts and Anne Tischer receive the Labor Council's Mother ty," Silva said. "With the current political MENY-ROC and ally Equality Roch­ Jones award. Photo: Ove Overmyer atmosphere where some people feel they ester invite the Rochester community can use our love and families as punch­ to come meet Brian Silva at a Marriage Labor Council presents Mother Jones Award to ing bags to score political points, I think Equality USA Kickoff Party Thursday, activists Bess Watts and Anne Tischer it is critical that we combine resources Feb. 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Downtown Unit­ and continue to push back and fight for ed Presbyterian Church, 121 Fitzhugh St. On Dec. 8, Jim Bertolone of the Rochester Labor Council presented Bess Watts and our rights." 14608 . • Anne Tischer of MENY-Rochester and Pride at WorkAFL-CIO with the "Mother Jones Award for Sacrifice Above and Beyond," for their work on marriage equality. Thanks to years of work with labor, every labor union in Rochester supported mar­ riage equality actively with petitions, calls, personal letters and lobbying by almost every union leader. It was the key to obtaining Republican Senator James Alesi's vote. To build relationships with union people, Bess and Anne made union rally signs, walked picket lines, cooked for striking workers, attended union events and spoke at every possible venue. Bess jokingly claims she was "forced" to drink beer with blue collar union guys for two years to get them on board ... hence the "sacrifice." •

Forney Center launches by existing donors dollar for dollar up to $250K. In the second year, 2013, the foun­ 24-hour drop-in service dation will award $1 for every $2 donated The Ali Forney Center, the nation's by new or increased donors up to $250K. largest organization working on behalf The foundation will also match new corpo­ of homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and rate and other foundation revenue. transgender (LGBT) youth, on Jan. 9 Said Carl Siciliano, Executive Direc­ announced that it has been awarded a tor of the Ali Forney Center: "The Ali two-year matching $500K Challenge Forney Center is thrilled to kick off our Grant from the Calamus Foundation of 10th Anniversary year by opening a ser­ New York. vices center available to youth at any This grant will make possible the times of the day or night. This facility will SUPPORTING SEN. ALESI: On Jan. 11, over 75 people attended a meet and greet fundraiser for Rochester area NYS Senator Jim Alesi (R-55th District) hosted by Tim launch of the nation's first 24-hour drop­ help address one of our major concerns, Tompkins and Mark Siwiec. The local LGBT community thanked him for his coura­ in services center for homeless LGBT the growing number of homeless LGBT geous effort in support of the marriage equality legislation that was signed into law youth, even as NYS cuts back funding. youth on the Center's waiting list who last year and to offer him assistance in his 2012 re-election bid. The national anti-gay In 2012, the Calamus Foundation has resort to sleeping on park benches and group NOM has sworn to defeat him by lavishly funding his opponent. Above left to pledged to match all donations made by subway cars, and must engage in high-risk right: Senator Jim Alesi, and hosts Tim Tompkins and Mark Siwiec. 75 people attend­ new donors or increased donations made behavior to survive." • ed the fund raiser. Photo: Ove Overmyer.

"I started to explore gender and hung letic and in high school pushed away all zone sticker in my office," she said, "and PAGE ONE out with the Trans Action Group guys ideas of gender identity, but at the movies I put one up in the shared office. It came for a while. It's hard when you don't fit she identified with the female characters. down and I put it up again - and it came between the lines and aren't either choice "Finally I thought, maybe I'm gay - but down again. I realized it was not safe. We (Trans panel from page 1) A or choice B. I like the word genderqueer that wasn't it." do need to move things forward." just people." She wants to help cross because I don't have to fit between the Deb became introverted: "I was always Kelly Clark, Wellness and Safety dressers overcome the fear of being lines." watching what I said." She fell in love and Director for the Gay Alliance, spoke exposed and come out. One of the most difficult things is the married, but, she said, "There's only so about her experience as Diversity Director Maur DeLaney said that as a gender­ use of pronouns, Maur said. "'She' pro­ long you can keep this buried." Finally she at SUNY Geneseo, where at one point she queer, ''At any given moment I range from nouns are like a scratchy sweater. I tried did transition and found support in her worked with a transgender intern. "The neutral pronouns - no one could get it workplace during the process. "Society people in the group worked intimately 40 to 70 percent male - maybe. Some­ right more than once in an afternoon." has the mistaken idea that we're broken doing social action theatre and we also times I have a gay male side, sometimes Maur has started a group called Gen­ and need to be fixed," she said. "I am not talked about our lives and how we were I'm something else entirely. It wasn't easy esee Valley Gender Variants. "It's a place broken. This is who I am." trying to change things. We learned a lot to come to the point where I realized what where we can go and be with people who Straight ally Cassie Dubicki, a mem­ about what it's like to be a trans person. I was going on." understand. It means a lot to me to be ber of the Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau, listened to this trans person's experience Maur married and had a child, but "it visible, so we can be seen as people ... It's described in detail her experiences as a with family, professors, living in a dorm ... occurred to me that something was miss­ going to take standing up, like being open psychology worker with trans clients. She we all walked away from the experience ing. I wasn't seeing the whole picture." at work." saw caregivers who had sworn to "do no really changed, and thinking, what differ­ Ze was performing all the stereotypical Deb Oppenheimer, a longtime trans harm" reject trans people's definitions of ence does it make?" gender roles for women, which became community activist, said, "I knew I was themselves in a cruel way and insist they Responding to an audience question, increasingly painful. Ze made friends different but had absolutely no language conform to gender stereotypes; because of Kelly said, "I have a vision of the world with lesbians and joined the Rochester to explain or describe it." As a child, she this people who needed medical care did where there is a curriculum for new par­ Women's Community Chorus. was tormented by other kids. She was ath- not receive what they needed. "I had a safe Trans panel continues page 6 4 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

often with devastating results in the lives and issues, and generally understand what of Latino and Latina transgender people. the term "transgender" means, the new We must ensure that we continue to work survey finds. s toward an LGBT movement that priori­ "To explore whether Americans know tizes immigration, racial and economic what the term 'transgender' means, we justice." allowed them to define 'transgender' in Also among the findings: Latino/a their own words," said Daniel Cox, PRRI NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL respondents who attended school as trans­ Research Director. "More than two-thirds gender people reported alarming rates of of Americans were able to give an essen­ harassment (77 percent), physical assault tially accurate definition of the term (36 percent) and sexual assault (13 per­ 'transgender' without any assistance." zens (LULAC) is a supplement to the California trans rights cent) in K-12; harassment was so severe Among the findings: Overwhelming groundbreaking national study, "Injustice bills go into effect that it led 21 percent to leave school. Nine majorities of Americans agree that trans­ at Every Turn: A Report of the Nation­ percent were also expelled due to bias. al Transgender Discrimination Survey," gender people should have the same gen­ Two landmark transgender rights Twenty-seven percent of Latino/a eral rights and legal protections as others. bills signed by California Governor Jerry which was published in February 2011 respondents said they had experienced and revealed widespread discrimination Approximately 9-in-1O (89 percent) of Brown last year became law on January homelessness at some point in their lives, Americans - including strong majori­ 1, 2012. experienced by transgender and gender nearly four times the rate of the general non-conforming people across the board. ties of all religious and partisan groups AB 887, the Gender Nondiscrimina­ U.S. population (7.4 percent). - agree that transgender people deserve tion Act, authored by Assemblymember A key finding of the original report Twenty-three percent of Latino/a was that, even given the unconscionable the same rights and protections as other Toni Atkins, strongly clarifies the exist­ transgender people reported being refused Americans. ing employment, housing and other civil levels of discrimination against all trans­ medical care due to bias. gender people in the U.S., people of color Approximately three-quarters of rights protections for all Californians. The "This report paints a devastating pic­ Americans both say Congress should pass law makes it clear that discrimination is including Latinos/as experienced height­ ture of the treatment of our Latino and employment nondiscrimination laws to not legal in California. AB433, the Vital ened levels of discrimination and had Latina transgender brothers and sisters protect transgender people, and favor Statistics Modernization Act, authored worse outcomes than the sample over­ who, on a daily basis, endure extreme Congress's recent expansion of hate crimes by Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, all. Additionally, the findings reveal that poverty, unemployment and discrimina­ legislation to protect transgender people. streamlines the process for Californians to immigration status also plays a role in tion just to live out their full lives," says Three-quarters (75 percent) of Ameri­ obtain and update birth certificates. these outcomes, with non-citizen Latino/a Mara Keisling, executive director of the cans agree that Congress should pass "This is a huge victory, and yet there is respondents often reporting even worse National Center for Transgender Equal­ laws to protect transgender people from still work to be done in order to make sure experiences. ity. "We have long known that race and job discrimination. This support persists all our laws and societal attitudes are fair "This study shows how devastating citizenship status have a very real impact across the political and religious spec­ and promote justice for transgender peo­ multiple discrimination is for Latino and on transgender people. And for the first trum. ple," said Kristina Wertz. "The passage Latina transgender people," says LULAC time, we can identify in specific terms, Approximately three-quarters (74 per­ of these bills motivates me to work harder Executive Director Brent Wilkes. "We what these painful realities are. Docu­ cent) of Americans also favor Congress' than ever before to ensure transgender are committed to ensuring that all peo­ mented or not, these numbers tell us recent expansion of federal hate crime and gender non-conforming people have ple, regardless of race, sexual orientation that the LGBT movement must have an laws to include crimes committed on the access to quality health care and are treat­ and gender identity are respected and immigrant-inclusive agenda." basis of the victim's gender, sexual orienta­ ed with dignity and respect." treated fairly. We call upon other Lati­ tion or gender identity, compared to only Transgender Law Center will continue no groups to join us as we fight for the 22 percent who oppose. to offer assistance to anyone who experi­ right of transgender people to live with­ Poll: vast majority Approximately two-thirds of Ameri­ ences challenges in obtaining documenta­ out fear of discrimination, harassment of Americans backs cans both report being well informed tion appropriate to their gender identity or violence. We will not stand idly by transgender rights about trans gender people and issues, or anyone who experiences discrimina­ in a society where equality is not within and generally understand what the term tion in housing, employment and other everyone's reach." Overwhelming majorities of Ameri­ "transgender" means. situations. The process of legally chang­ Among the key findings from the cans, across the political and religious ing name or gender can take longer than report: Latino/a transgender people had a spectrum, believe that transgender people Two-thirds of Americans agree that expected, as courts are experiencing a very high unemployment rate at 20 per­ should have the same general rights and they feel well informed about transgender back up due to budget cuts. cent, higher than the overall transgender legal protections as other people, a 2011 persons and issues, while 3-in-1O disagree. In order to determine whether Ameri­ "It's a new era for transgender Califor­ sample (14 percent) and nearly three times survey found. cans understood the term "transgender," nians and their families. I am incredibly the rate of the general population at the The August and September '11 Reli­ proud of our staff, our allies, the legisla­ time the survey was fielded (seven percent). gion and Politics Tracking Surveys were PRRI conducted a follow-up survey in tors and Governor Brown for putting an Latino/a transgender people often conducted by Public Religion Research September 2011 that asked respondents to end to discrimination," said Masen Davis, live in extreme poverty with 28 percent Institute and released amid the increased report what the term "transgender" meant executive director. reporting a household income of less than attention towards transgender issues fol­ to them in their own words. Among the Frequently Asked Questions about $lO,OOO/year. This is nearly double the lowing Chaz Bono's appearance on ABC's 91 percent of Americans who report that both laws are available at www.transgen­ rate for transgender people of all races "Dancing with the Stars". The combined they have heard of the term transgender, derlawcenter.org. (15 percent), over five times the general surveys constitute one of the first inde­ 76 percent give an essentially accurate Latino/a population rate (5 percent), and pendent studies of attitudes on transgen­ definition. Thus, overall, more than two­ seven times the general U.S. population der issues and Americans' knowledge of thirds (69 percent) of Americans are able Report says Latino/a rate (4 percent). The rate for Latino/a non­ transgender identity. to identify what the term "transgender" trans people face high citizen respondents was 43 percent. "Three out of four Americans say means without any assistance. levels of discrimination Latino/a transgender people are Congress should pass employment non­ To read the top line questionnaire and affected by HIV in devastating num­ discrimination laws that protect trans­ survey methodology, go to: http://pub­ Latino and Latina transgender and bers. One in 12 Latino/a respondents gender people," said Dr. Robert P. Jones, licreligion.orgl researchl american-atti­ gender non-conforming people face some was HIV-positive and an additional 10 CEO of Public Religion Research Insti­ tudes-towards-transgender-people of the highest levels of discrimination percent reported that they did not know tute. "This strong support is also broad, Both the August and the September of all transgender people, according to a their status. persisting across party lines and the reli­ Religion and Politics Tracking Surveys new analysis released Dec. 5: "Injustice at Forty-seven percent of Latino/a respon­ gious spectrum." were designed and conducted by Public Every Turn: A Look at Latino/a Respon­ dents reported having attempted suicide. Approximately three-quarters (74 per­ Religion Research Institute. Results of dents in the National Transgender Dis­ "This report is a critical call to cent) of Americans also favor Congress' the August survey were based on random crimination Survey". action," says Rea Carey, executive direc­ recent expansion of hate crimes legislation digit dial telephone survey of 1,006 adults This report by the National Gay and tor of the National Gay and Lesbian to protect transgender people. Addition­ conducted between August 11, 2011 and Lesbian Task Force, the National Cen­ Task Force. "The numbers make clear ally, the survey found that roughly two­ August 14, 2011. Results of the September ter for Transgender Equality and the the way that racism, anti-immigrant and thirds of Americans both report being survey were based on random digit dial League of United Latin American Citi- anti-transgender bias all work together, well informed about transgender people telephone survey of 1,013 adults (301 were

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[email protected] www.guslawfirm.com [email protected] 585-662-4135 FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 5 reached by cell phone) conducted between ing for the transsexual, transgender, and the standards of care recommend living explaining, "We accept all girls in kinder­ September 14, 2011 and September 18, gender nonconforming population, the a year in the role of the gender they are garten through 12th grade as members. If 2011. The margin of error for both sur­ newly-revised standards will help health transitioning to. a child identifies as a girl and the child's veys is +/- 3.0 percentage points. professionals understand how they can The new standards also allow for a family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Public Religion Research Institute is offer the most effective care. The stan­ broader spectrum of identities, in contrast Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout." a non-profit, nonpartisan research and dards include recommendations on pri­ to the binary "male" or "female" choice. Rachelle Trujillo, vice president for education organization dedicated to work mary, gynecologic and urologic care, Walter Bockting, the outgoing presi­ communications of the Colorado Girl at the intersection of religion, values and reproductive options, mental health ser­ dent of WPATH, said in an interview Scouts, added, "If a child is living as a public life. vices, and hormonal and surgical treat­ before the launch event that the new stan­ girl, that's good enough for us. We don't ment. dards represent a significant departure require any proof of gender." WPATH sets new Revision committee chair Eli Cole­ from the past six versions -- the original According to a report in the Baptist man announced the new standards at the version was published in 1979 with revi­ Press, Trujillo also affirmed transgen­ standards for symposium. "This is a momentous occa­ sions made in 1980, 1981, 1990, 1998, dered children are currently serving in transgender healthcare sion," Coleman said before he went into a and 2001. Girl Scout troops across the U.S., though brief explanation of the standards of care. "Some of the changes we've made real­ she declined to give details. By Mike Andrew (distributed by Healthy "This was a very, very important task. ly incorporate the latest science," Bock­ The boycott is being spearheaded by Living News) Just the title is a fundamental change - ting said. "Research in this area is really a 14-year old Girl Scouts member, who The World Professional Associa­ you do not see Gender Identity Disorder," increasing, so it is still a growing area, but posted a YouTube clip the first week in tion for Transgender Health (WPATH) Coleman said to a round of applause. there has been a boom in research publi­ January. Supporters of transgender chil­ released Standards of Care for the Health "We've made a clear statement that gen­ cations. Our standards of care are more dren have dominated the comments for of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender der nonconformity is not pathological," a evidence-based." the WND article. Nonconforming People on Sept. 25, 2011. statement greeted with another round of Bockting added that the new WPATH -joemygod.com WPATH launched the seventh ver­ applause from attendees. standards of care also show the tremen­ sion of its standards of care with some "We've set a whole different tone. It's dous efforts of Transgender people them­ Civil unions went 300 people in attendance at an Atlanta, more about what the professionals have selves to ensure their access to health care. Georgia symposium. The event was a to do." It's not about Transgender people "Oftentimes the standards of care were into effect in Hawaii, partnership between WPATH, the Gay having to prove their health needs to the perceived as a barrier even though they Delaware on Jan. 1 and Lesbian Medical Association, and the professionals, he explained. were meant as access to care for hormone Southern Comfort Conference, the coun­ "This is no longer about hormones therapy and surgery," he said. The New Year brought new oppor­ try's largest Trans people conference. and surgery; it's about health in a holistic "The new standards showcase the tunities for same-sex couples living in Activist Marsha Botzer, a WPATH sense," Coleman said. important role [Transgender and gender­ Delaware and Hawaii, where civil union board member since 1984, was on the Among the changes in the new stan­ nonconforming people] have played in laws went into effect after midnight. This revision committee. She also chaired an dards, psychotherapy is no longer a changing the landscape of Transgender brings the total number of states that international advisory committee charged requirement to receive hormones and sur­ health in the U.S.," Bockting added. allow such unions to five. with gathering input from different cul­ gery, although it is suggested. Also, a Mike Andrews is a writer for Seattle Four couples were quick to take advan­ tures to get a non-Western, non-European number of community health centers in Gay News tage in Honolulu and registered their rela­ viewpoint. "This is a dynamic change, a the U.S. have developed protocols for tionships soon after the ball dropped. really powerful change in the way provid­ providing hormone therapy based on the "We really don't want to wait any lon­ ers relate to Trans people," Botzer noted. Informed Consent Model. WPATH's new Hate yes, cookies no: ger because we have been together for 33 "The standards have moved from being standards of care are now consistent with Rightwing bigots attack years waiting for the opportunity and our guidelines that meet the needs of provid­ these protocols. trans Girl Scouts rights and everything that goes with it," ers to guidelines that meet the needs of There are now different standards for said Donna Gedge, as she and partner Trans people themselves. surgery as well. For example, a Transgen­ The ultra-rightwing site World Net Monica Montgomery entered their union. "The [Transgender] community has der man who wants a hysterectomy no Daily is promoting a boycott of Girl Scout "So why wait?" been pretty angry with the standards longer has to live one year as a male in cookies over the organization's policy of Montgomery remarked, "[This] means over the years -- they were so restrictive," order to receive the surgery. Likewise, a allowing transgender girls to join. that our state supports us, and that's a Botzer added. "The current crop of pro­ Transgender woman who wants her tes­ After controversy arose over the poten­ really good feeling after all this time." viders really get it -- that they have to ticles removed does not have to live one tial admission of Colorado seven-year-old Delaware's law went into effect Jan. serve the community." year as a female. For people who want Bobby Montoya last month, The Girl 1 at 10 a.m., and lawyers Lisa Goodman As the document of reference on car- genital reconstructive surgery, however, Scouts of Colorado released a statement Cival unions continues page 6

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GENDA to anyone, need to "keep it sim­ requirements of marriage," read the laws. "Yet in the Senate, he made sure dol­ PAGE ONE ple and stay within our frame of 'everyone While this is a notable win for equal­ lars from the socialistic Medicare program should be treated equally and fairly by the ity, it's only the first step toward true nup­ went to Puerto Rico on behalf of a home­ laws of our state.'" tial inclusion, said Towleroad.com. town firm - United Health Services - Supporters of GENDA also should Read more: http://www.towl- that later gave him nearly $400,000 in (Trans panel continued from page 3) remind people of the core values of fair­ eroad.coml 20 12/01 Icivil- unions-go­ director's fees and stock options. He was ents that really talks about, and gives ness, equality and opportunity; avoid into-effect-in-hawaii-and-delaware. among the pay-for-play Republicans who parents the words to talk about, the range engaging in debates with unrealistic html#ixzz1iQ1nSKWY tried to strong-arm lobbyists and say that of possibilities for their child, and lets the hypotheses; avoid 'trans lingo' and explain if you wanted to have influence you had to child grow into its own. I want to change issues clearly; appeal to fairness and com­ GOP hypocrites, bigots cough up campaign money. While Karen society, not just put people into different passion; create a mental picture by refer­ Santorum was home-schooling their seven boxes ... I want to blow up the boxes." ring to specific stories or examples; clarify distinguish themselves ... children in Virginia, Santorum soaked Kelly also said, in response to anoth­ that opponents' claims are not rooted in Columnist Maureen Dowd wrote in the Pennsylvania taxpayers to the tune of er question, that trans people of color fact and that their dire, hysterical sce­ the New York Times on Jan. 8, "New $100,000 by enrolling the children in a are among the most at risk of violence narios of what will happen if trans people Hampshire's feisty voters don't seem as Pennsylvania cyber charter school." and that they may be mistreated simply gain equal rights have never occurred any­ A Romney group, meanwhile, is esca­ because, for instance, they can't afford a enraptured with Santorum's rigid con­ where in the country where trans people servatism and sweater vests as evangelical lating attacks on Santorum over wasteful new razor that month and so have some have civil rights protections . • voters in Iowa were. Many are pushing spending. The New York Times investi­ facial hair - which can cause supposedly back on the wacky worldview of Senator gated some of the earmarks in question, well-informed people to insist that they Slash, as Santorum was once known for and found that Santorum gave out a lot are male when in reality they are female, (Coming up continues from page 1) his vicious attacks on Bill Clinton and of them, and that they often yielded cam­ and to treat them unfairly and inappro­ gift basket raffle and more. Friends, other Democrats. He bashes President paign contributions. For example, Santo­ priately. family and allies of all ages are welcome. Obama as a European-style socialist and rum helped secure a $3.5 million military Audience members had questions like Free parking is available in the lot on Col­ preaches fiscal conservatism. (GOP hypocrites continue on page 9) "What is 'cis'?", referring to the term "cis­ lege St., between Goodman and Prince. gendered." Coming up in March: the Gay Alli­ Deb explained that it is a "module ance presents the North East Regional for someone who identifies with their Prides (NERP) Conference on March 10. assigned gender." It describes anyone not The conference will include a community in the gender variant community. dinner, show and dance, featuring well­ For all YOUr accounting needs: Another audience member said, "Dis­ known entertainers, a silent auction, door course always centers on 'how I got to be prizes and a cash bar. this way' and why I differ from an ordi­ The action happens at the Radisson "Call the Gav CPA" nary person. 1'd rather talk about where I Rochester Riverside from 6-11 p.m. Din­ should go. Do you find that a limitation ner, show and dance are $45; $20 for V' Full service income tax preparation including electronic filing or can you change the discourse?" show and dance only. For updates, see the V' All other states available (that have an income tax) Pam Barres said she used to waste time March Empty Closet and go to www.Gay­ Corporation, Trust and Partnership returns worrying about "how I got here." She said, Alliance.org where advance tickets will V' "Finally I came to a place where I don't also be available. All proceeds will benefit V' Available year-round for tax questions care how I got here - I just care what I am Rochester Pride 2012, July 6-15 . • and I want to go in a direction of letting V' Year-end planning for the lowest legal tax people know who we are." Another person in the audience said, NATIONAL AND Mr. Jean G. Thibodeau, CPA "It's a process and that's where support (Certified Public Accountant) people need to come in. I got to the point INTERNATIONAL where I accepted that I can't change other 6780 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Ste 2B • Fairport, New York 14450 (Civil unions continued from page 5) people, but have to live my own life. And [585J 586-6160 by appointment only, please that can be a model for other people." and Drewry Fennell were the first Christopher Argyros ended the ses­ couple to take advantage of that dur­ www.jeanthibodeau.com sion by talking about how to advocate ing a ceremony at Wilmington's Trinity for the passage of GENDA, which would Episcopal Church. The couple, who have simply add transgender people to the pro­ been together for 14 years, were joined by tections already existing in New York 400 family and friends, including Senator human rights and hate crimes laws. It Chris Coons, who delivered the accom­ would establish trans people as an estab­ panying sermon. Lieutenant Gov. Matt lished, valid class of citizens deserving Denns read some scripture. equal civil rights. The bill has already "We felt so lifted up by everyone who passed the Assembly four times and Gov­ was there," Goodman told CBS News. ernor Cuomo is willing to sign it. But It is worth mentioning that both the the Republican-controlled Senate will not Hawaii and the Delaware laws are explicit allow the bill onto the floor for a vote. in noting that unions are not the same Christopher said that those wishing to as marriage. "It is not the legislature's lobby their legislators, or speak in favor of intent to revise the definition or eligibility APR Financial Planning

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Jim Costich Referring to his past, said, ''I'm 14 years old. I have osteoporosis. I have By Susan Jordan stopped growing and also have anemia "We cannot become what we might due to hypogonadism. In other words, my have been if we hadn't been born inter­ gonads aren't making adult hormones in sexed. We have to be what we are today." sufficient quantities and health problems -Jim Costich arise which have nothing to do with gender Jim Costich is an activist for intersexed or reproduction. Really bad things happen. rights, and as someone with experience in "Endrocrinology is the field of study the medicallhealthcare field, he is especial­ of hormones," Jim continued. "Medically, ly well informed about the complex medi­ it's putting our hormones back into shape cal issues connected with intersex and with when they're out of shape. Not just sex all forms of gender variance. hormones, but also involving diabetes and What is intersex? other conditions. My dad wanted to take Jim says, "Intersex is a term used to me to an endocrinologist here, but my identify people whose bodies vary from or mother wanted me to go to a place in Buf­ combine some aspects of what are consid­ falo. By the time I got out of there I was ered male or female. Intersexed people are suicidal. in some ways both male and female, and "Then my father's doctor in Rochester in some ways not either. There are many became the first person who cared about different origins of intersex, from genetic me as a person. He asked me, 'Do you want anomalies, to hormone exposure in utero, to be a male or a female? You have to have to the inability to process hormones." hormones in order to grow up - so which He notes, "Medicine never created do you want to be?' I felt like Peter Pan - males or females out of the intersexed. It everyone was growing up and I wasn't. I merely created intersexed people who have chose male and he gave me my first shot. Jim Costich. Photo: Susan Jordan been surgically and hormonally altered to After all I had been through, all I needed look something like males or females." was a shot. However, the medical establishment "If the doctor hadn't been in the U.S., Jim says, "One scientist claims there are their parents, assign them an identity and has created a profitable industry which he couldn't have asked me that question. five genders or sexes. The real question is back it up with surgery. This gives the claims to solve intersexed people's identity He would have had to sign on to a pro­ not, 'Is there a third gender?' I think it is surgeon money and power and creates a problems with a flourish of the scalpel - tocol about 'what we do with intersexed 'Are there two sexes?' The Bible says God demand for sexual reassignment surgery and without consulting them. kids.' He would have made the decision created male AND female - not male OR done on children. John Money created a Jim says, "I have a friend born in Israel for me and would have chosen that I be female. We are all male and female in dif­ megabusiness for himself in the 1960s. who went to live in the United Kingdom female and have surgery, because that type ferent proportions. We develop out of the "Part of the reason this hadn't been and she is an extreme example of being of surgery would have been easier for them. same beginning. Any variety of things can done earlier was because there was no anes­ both male and female and neither at the So they often choose for intersexed people affect that development, but we are consid­ thesia that could safely knock a baby out. same time. She had one ovary and one tes­ to be female, although that means dosing ered either 'absolutely male' or 'absolutely But now there is. So Money could tell par­ ticle, and she also had a bunch of health them for years with estrogen, which some­ female', and anything in between must ents that they 'should' raise their babies as problems. She had CAH and was a 'salt times causes cancer. be corrected. They can't admit that there girls (or boys). He went on to sell this in waster' - meaning she couldn't hold salt "So this had nothing to do with medi­ could be a woman capable of impregnating Australia, New Zealand, the UK and final­ in her body because of lacking a particu­ cine. It was about making us go away. her girlfriend, or a man capable of carry­ ly at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore by the lar enzyme. Salt wasters can excrete all Intersexed people have been erased." ing a baby. 1970s. There were people doing this kind the salt in their bodies and be dead within Most LGBT people are familiar with "Most intersex people are not fertile, but of surgery and hurting intersexed children. days. But all the doctors care about is that the European/American heterosexist belief some are. But their fertility doesn't always "Then a British reporter in the early penis or vagina. So the individual's medi­ that there are only two gender choices - match the gender they appear to be. If a 1990s dug into one of Money's early cases cal condition is sometimes misdiagnosed either John Wayne or Marilyn Monroe. person has one ovary and one testicle, and and found out that Money knew that or ignored. Anyone who doesn't show the "correct" for whatever reason one isn't canceling the his surgery had failed. One baby he had "My friend was only 'allowed' half of body parts or behavior associated with other out, that person could be fertile. There defined as a girl and built a vagina for her anatomy - because it said 'female' on their genitalia is a "social emergency" and are girls, for instance, with partial androgen insisted by age five that he was a boy, not her birth certificate - so she was not treated must be immediately forced to conform to insensitivity syndrome, who could have a a girl. But cases like that could be ignored for her male-health-related problems." one or the other gender stereotype. How testicle that works, and they can produce because the practice was not to follow these Jim himself experienced medical mis­ many genders are there really? The Dineh sperm. Why should she lose her fertil­ children after age three." treatment in his youth. "I had a much bet­ (Navajo) tradition is that there are four ity because men are uptight about women's And who listens to a five-year-old? Or ter understanding of myself as a gay man genders - male, female, masculine female power? There is a compulsion to amputate even a 15-year-old? Our society doesn't than I had as being intersexed," he said. and feminine male. everything that's feminine - cut it out and even listen to a 55-year-old who says some­ throw it away - and that's living in a hetero­ thing mainstream heterosexist culture sexist and heterocentrist fantasy world. Why doesn't want to hear about gender identity For more information: should any of us put up with that? - or sexual orientation. "It's a world that says 'Men are always "Gender dysphoria" is the term that has • http://media01.commpartners.com/AMA/sexualidentityjan2011/index.html (fill in the blank) and women are always been used by the medical establishment, • Oiiusa.org (one of the smaller organizations) (fill in the blank) and no one should cross which sees intersexed babies as a "social • Oiiau.org (much bigger and better) • Intersexualite.org lines. If anyone does, then they DON'T emergency." Jim says, "This is an INDUS­ • Bodieslikeours.org (a site by, for and of intersexed people only, in the U.S. EXIST. But we do exist ... TRY. It's a ripoff. It's not good medicine, Non-intersexed input is not welcome here.) "Our problem is the John Money syn­ it's good 'MONEY.'" A video documentary, INTERSEXION, taped in 2007 by a New Zealand company, which drome. He was a psychologist who spread He adds, "Nobody knows whether or interviewed intersex people all over the world, including Jim Costich. It was just released the idea that everyone is a blank slate when not they are intersexed. I'm only talking but has not yet been distributed. To view it now, go to: www.intersexions.org born and all you have to do to make some­ about the body. But one person out of every one male or female is to lie to them and (Interview continues page 8)

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in the military." (He did not comment on NATIONAL AND the very high rate of heterosexual rape of INTERNATIONAL female service members.) A Native Rochesterian - Republicans aren't racist ... with a long family tradition (GOP hypocrites continuedfrom page 6) Meanwhile, the GOP speaker of the contract for JLG Industries in 2005. Kansas House has sent out an email in Real Estate The next year, executives from JLG gave prayer for the death of President Obama. Santorum's campaign $6,000. According "Imprecatory prayers" are usually seen to Tax Payers for Common Sense, Santo­ from far-right preachers, not politicians. rum gave out over $1 billion in earmarks The Journal-World revealed that during his ll-year Senate career. (The Speaker O'Neal had forwarded an email New York Times, Jan. 16,2012) which referenced the Bible verse Psalm Rick Santorum, although he won in 109:8, which reads: "Let his days be few; Iowa, lost big in New Hampshire and was and let another take his office." The in fact booed on Jan. 5 after comparing very next verse adds: "Let his children marriage equality to polygamy. According be fatherless, and his wife a widow." The to the New York Times, while answering verse became a conservative meme in a question about marriage equality, San­ 2009 after it began appearing on bumper torum said: "If you're not happy unless stickers, t-shirts and even toys. The most you're married to five other people, is that common slogan was, "Pray for Obama: O.K.?" Psalm 109:8." 2055 Empire Blvd • Rochester, NY The audience booed Santorum, who ''At last - I can honestly voice a Bib­ continued on, saying, "What about three lical prayer for our president!" O'Neal [email protected] men?" ... Audience members continued wrote. "Look it up - it is word for word! booing Santorum as he exited the event. Let us all bow our heads and pray. Broth­ "Rick Santorum's anti-gay hate is not ers and Sisters, can I get an AMEN? going to perform well in New Hamp­ AMEN!!!!!!" shire. His reception there is indicative of Another email from O'Neal, for which just how poorly he will fare with main­ he has since halfheartedly apologized, stream voters as the primaries progress," referred to the First Lady (whom he would said Human Rights Campaign President like to see widowed) as "Mrs. YoMama" Joe Solmonese. "Rick Santorum's views and compared her appearance to Dr. are out of step with the majority of Ameri­ Suess' Grinch. cans across demographics and faiths. He is basing his campaign on bashing an entire community of his fellow Americans. That Washington governor may serve him well with certain constitu­ endorses marriage encies, but it's something most Americans equality; hearings start will not stand for." Santorum has a long track record of Washington United for Marriage, a trying to score political points by bashing broad statewide coalition of organiza­ LGBT people. In addition to speaking tions, congregations, unions and busi­ out against marriage equality on a regular ness associations that will work to obtain basis, he also has criticized LGBT fami­ civil marriage for lesbian and gay couples lies and adoption, and called the repeal of in Washington State in 2012, on Jan. 4 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) a means applauded Gov. Christine Gregoire for her of forcing "social policy into the military." landmark comments and endorsement of Last fall, Santorum told a gay soldier he marriage equality in the Evergreen State. would reinstate DADT because "any type "Governor Gregoire made crystal clear of sexual activity has absolutely no place (Washington continues on page 14)

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cation and services to reduce risk. The 2012 beneficiaries have yet to be named. Naming the beneficiaries is just one of the agenda items for Scotty and his plan­ ning committee as they begin the task of organizing the 2012 concert. Since the goal is for 100 percent of the ticket sales to go to the beneficiaries, Scotty and the

BELIEVING THE DREAM: Youth speak­ ers from Safe Sex Inc. at the annual World AIDS Day concert on Dec. 1. Pro­ RITINTID Dance Company performs at the WAD concert. ceeds benefited the group. Photos: Jeff Mills change the world for the better - and suc­ ceeding in doing so. As part of his planning, Scotty has Plans already underway expanded the visibility of the concert by for World AIDS Day 2012 adding a Facebook page. Scotty and the planning committee will choose a theme C. WAD concert organizers Carrie Vernon, By Lora Thody for this year's concert - last year's was It may seem like December is a long Scotty Ginett and Michael Hardy. way off now, but for Scotty Ginett, the organizer of the World AIDS Day Ben­ committee must find sponsors to cover all efit Concert in Rochester, planning has of the overhead for the event. Some spon­ already begun. Focused on what can be sors provide monetary donations, others done, rather than the obstacles, Scotty donate services for the cause. Scotty's goal strives to be a positive influence in the of covering the overhead was achieved in community and give back to it every year. 2011 and he hopes to repeat that for 2012. The Unity Fellowship Church choir, The WAD concert for 2011 was held While the performers volunteer their Sh'cheenah Glory of Voices Praise, sang at Hochstein on Dec. 1 -- World AIDS efforts, the venue, setup and advertising at the WAD concert. Front row: Chris­ Day. The concert was the last in a series can cost a substantial amount, which is topher Coles (ASL interpreter and choir of events sponsored for the day by the where the sponsor funds fill the gap. member) and friend. Back row: Lisa University of Rochester Medical Center For Scotty, organizing the event in Bennett, Rasheida Bennett, Alliah Ben­ Developmental Center for AIDS Research 2011 was a satisfying experience and a nett, Mildred Portella and Gwen Ashford. (D-CFAR) and other community groups. chance to reach out and make a differ­ The day's events included scientific pre­ ence in the community. As a pianist and "Believing the Dream" - and will focus sentations, a symposium and a candle­ singer, Scotty volunteered his time to sing on obtaining volunteer performers as well light vigil. at the 2008 concert, organized by Thom­ as on securing a venue, arranging for Proceeds benefit a variety of groups - as Warfield, the founder of PeaceArt and equipment and staff, and securing spon­ this past year proceeds went to Safe Sex of the annual WAD concerts. Since that sorship to cover the costs. Inc., a student-run organization that is time, Scotty has been involved in orga­ You can Like the organization on Face­ partnered with AIDS Care, the City of nizing the concert and has now taken book - World AIDS Day Benefit Con­ Rochester and Metro Council for Teen over the reins from Warfield. Scotty's joy cert-doing the [positive] thing - donate Potential. Safe Sex helps youth and teens in this pursuit stems from his knowledge Rochester City Councilmembers Elaine time in planning the concert, or contact to make informed decisions regarding that the organization and the work are Spaull and Matt Haag read a proclama­ the program for information about spon­ health and sexuality in the forms of edu- about people coming together to try to tion at the WAD concert. sorship.

My Own Private Rochester: Chip McDaniel By Susan Jordan Chip McDaniel is a longtime member of the Rochester Rams M.e., and works at DePaul Development Services. Born and raised in Canisteo, about 75 miles south of Rochester, he has lived in many places and settled in Rochester in Janu­ ary 1997. Chip says, "This past year I have been an associate member of the Rams - I stepped down for a while because I had so much work in 2011. We opened a new group home, for people with Prater-Willi Syndrome. That's when the chemical sig­ nals to the stomach don't make it to the Chip at Outlandish. brain, so people are always hungry and eat non-stop. "I've had to learn about many disabili­ Chip's favorite Rochester-area event ties. I used to work at (the former) AIDS is the Lumberjack Festival in Macedon Rochester, and then for the Health Asso­ every fall. He notes, "I grew up in the ciation. When DePaul bought out the country and unfortunately I know how to Chip at the Forum. Photos: Susan Jordan Health Association, I worked on holistic use an axe. My father would have me out therapies for HIY. Then when HAART at 6 a.m. when I came home from a night Rhinos, and he has also been to a Night­ over the world and one reason I love Roch­ lost its funding, I was transferred to devel­ out and I had to chop wood - that was my hawks game, but he says he is not a "big ester and decided to buy a house and stay is opmental disabilities. I'm currently assis­ punishment! I'm not really big on festivals sports person". He loves music, and names because it's a city, but not too big. It's very tant director." and prefer private events and parties at my the Ruby Shoes from the southern tier as open. The Rochester community, despite The Rams brotherhood is clearly the friends' houses." his favorite local rock group. His favorite our infighting, is a very proactive com­ community group Chip feels closest to. Chip does like to hang out at the kinds of music are countrylwestern and munity in a lot of different ways. You have He also likes RGMC and the Gay Alli­ Bachelor Forum, the home bar of the Broadway musicals. Chip jokes, "That's infighting, but when push comes to shove, ance Youth Group. "When it comes to Rams, and he works part time at Out­ the one gay gene I've got - I've enjoyed you band together. That's what I liked. volunteering and donating," he says, "I landish, more because he loves the store 'Wicked' and 'Miss Saigon' at the RBTL's "Home has been Canisteo, and Roch­ choose the Youth Group. I also tend to be and its people than because he needs the Auditorium Theatre, and I go to the Naz­ ester is the first other place I've lived in the person who sells 50/50 raffle tickets extra job. He likes to eat at the South­ areth Arts Center. Most recently I saw that felt like home. I was in the military at the Forum in fundraisers for groups, wedge Diner (between Meigs and Good­ Sondheim's 'Into the Woods.' I'm a musi­ and served in Germany, so I got to travel which include Isaiah House and AIDS­ man) because of their good brunches. But cal theatre nut and want to see a lot more to Spain and other places in Europe. I Care. They say, 'Let Chip do it!'" The his very favorite restaurants are Shea's and in 2012, since I'll have more free time." lived in Texas for years and was a police Rams also stage a toy drive every year for the Delmonico Steak House in Henrietta. What is it about Rochester that makes officer in a small Texas town in the '80s the Newark Children's Center. Chip's favorite local sports team is the it special to Chip? He says, "I've lived all - until I was thrown out for being gay!" FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 11

ALESI FUNDRAISER: On Jan. 11 Tim Tompkins and Mark Siwiec hosted a fundraiser TRANS PANEL: Panelists at the GAGV Jan. 12 forum on transgender issues: l-R: Deb for NYS Senator Jim Alesi. left to right: Bess Watts, Senator Jim Alesi, Anne Tischer, Oppenheimer, Jane Marie (hidden), Maur Delaney, Kelly Clark. Photo: Jim Wilkins Jo Meleca-Voigt and Ove Overmyer. Photo: Christine Meleca-Voigt.

ASl interpreter Cat Hardesty and RGMC Musical Director Dr. Robert HOLIDAY SONGBOOK: The Rochester Gay Men's Chorus presented its winter concert on Dec. 2 and 3 at Hochstein. One highlight was Strauss. RGMC will host a speed­ a Rochettes number depicting a battle between Santa and a rather elegant eight-armed bug and cohorts. Santa is saved by reindeer dating event on Feb. 22 (see Arts & in pink ballerina skirts... well, you had to be there. Photos: Jeff Mills Entertainment, page 27).

Love. Commitment. Acknowledgement. CONGRATULATIONS: NYS Assemblymember Harry Bronson congratulates Bess Watts and Anne Tischer on their latest award at the Rochester labor Council Awards More than ever, you have something to celebrate. Dinner on Dec. 8. (See story on page 3.) Photo: Ove Overmyer Let us be part of this joyous time. At Lee Gorfine Jewelers, you'll find a stunning one-of-a-kind selection of diamonds, engagement rings, and wedding bands. With us, you'll also find a level of attention 247 PARK AVENUE ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14607 and craftsmanship that can only come 585.244.0613 EXT. 5 from decades of loyal service. z • INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES THERAPY ~ . MULTICULTURAUDIVERSITY CONSULTATIONS « ~ • LGBTQI CONCERNS Lee Gorfine Jewelers ..J ~ • HIV/AIDS AND CHRONIC ILLNESS w 1829 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618 ~ • TRAUMA AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE

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Although many voices have been LGBT New Yorkers, but we have to com­ raised to point up these problems, the mit to the hard work ahead or that prom­ LG BT movement as a whole has yet to ise will be hollow. discover this in any meaningful way. I The dream of equality is not yet ful­ applaud those organizations and gay peo­ filled - there is much more that needs to ple who have discovered these issues and be done. moved to address them. It is my hope that We've been working for years to pass Why we aren't a real elites to share with bisexuals and trans­ our LGBT civil rights movement will be a statewide law that explicitly protects LGBT community yet genders and queers the hardwon victo­ able to put these problems in the past by New Yorkers from being fired, evicted or ries that had been achieved by gay efforts recognizing the power relations at work, denied service in public accommodations By Dr. Jillian T. Weiss and gay money (despite the mythology and using this understanding to create a because of how they express their gender. Several years ago, I wrote an article of a Stonewall Rebellion run largely by genuinely universalizing movement, rath­ All New Yorkers should be treated equally entitled "GL versus BT: The Archaeology drag queens and transsexuals). The word er than a minoritizing movement. by the laws of the state, but until we pass of Biphobia and Transphobia Within the homonormative springs to mind. (Originally posted on The Bilerico a statewide transgender non-discrimina­ U.S. Gay and Lesbian Community" for I cite, as evidence for this, the ENDA Project.) tion law, this is shamefully not the case. the Journal of Bisexuality's special 2003 debacles of 2007 and 2009, and the con­ The Governor talked about New York centration on Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal, issue called InterSEXions Of The Oth­ State of the State being a progressive leader for the nation; ers. I was pleased to receive a call from which used an intentional strategy of leav­ we need to catch up to the 16 other states the Journal noting that the article was ing out transgender service members alto­ By Ross Levi, Executive Director, Empire that have passed this common sense legis­ one of the top downloads cited from their gether. A social justice movement cannot State Pride Agenda lation and maintain our state's leadership site, and requesting an "HRC: Equal or be founded on social injustice and expect We were thrilled (on Jan. 4) to hear on equality. Less Than?" reflective paper on how sub­ to survive. This is particularly ironic in Governor Andrew Cuomo highlight mar­ We must find a way to extend protec­ sequent events have impacted the issues I light of the constant attempts to associ­ riage equality so prominently in his State tions to the most vulnerable members of discussed. ate the gay rights struggle with the Black of the State address as one of the great our community. Runaway youth, many of The original paper made the point Civil Rights Movement. Some gay elites accomplishments by state government in whom become homeless and are left with that heterosexism against bisexuals and have had no problem glomming onto 2011. He said: no option but to live on the streets, need transgenders exists not only in the straight other movements, without concerns as to "For decades, millions of New Yorkers our help. Other LGBT people need men­ community but in the gay and lesbian the important historical differences, such had been treated as second-class citizens tal health or substance abuse services, or community as well. Are "biphobia" and as the fact that gays were not enslaved by their own government. We ended that support as our community ages. We must "transphobia" examples of "phobias" -­ for more than 250 years, nor subjected injustice. . .. We passed marriage equal­ make sure government is doing its part irrational fears? to legal and social racism and violence ity for ALL New Yorkers and we did it to address our community's health and No, such heterosexist attitudes are all to the extreme degree faced by African together." human services needs. too rational, mirroring social tensions, Americans. We were inspired by the prolonged And don't forget that in 2012 the which only appear to be an ahistorical At the same time, incrementalism is and enthusiastic response from the audi­ entire state legislature will be up for elec­ psychological phenomenon. Rather, as decried in relation to marriage equality ence to the mention of that momentous tion. The nation will be watching as those the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (no civil unions!) and bullying bills (as in achievement. Clearly we have the wind who made our ability to marry a real­ (GLBT) community developed, power the recent Michigan bill). And yet, there at our back. 2012 holds real promise for ity seek re-election. As a community, we relations arose which resulted in the four seems not to be a similar distaste among different groups (GIL/BIT), assigning gay elites when it comes to leaving gender them different social locations. Prejudice identity out of civil rights protections or in gay and lesbian communities against lopping off "public accommodations" pro­ "Adam's Gift: A Pastor's Calling to Defy bisexuals and transgenders is heterosex­ tections from gender identity bills. the Church's Persecution of lesbians and Gays" ism because it is, among other things, an True, there is an analogy to be made accommodationist attempt to discover among civil rights movements, but it is an Come hear the story of the pastor who was ousted these more "radical" forms of sexuality. analogy that has severe limitations. Some from the United Methodist Church for opposing the institutional condemnation homosexuality. This idea that the issue is one of power have gone so far as to criticize President of relations stands in contrast to other popu­ Obama for not doing more for gay rights lar beliefs about the divide between gays based on the idea that, as a Black man, he . my Edward Creech and lesbians, on the one hand, and bisexu­ has a higher standard than other politi­ Rev. JIm gives this year's als and transgenders on the other, such as cians. He's been called upon to "evolve the idea that it is related to phobias, insuf­ already" with regard to marriage equality, Christian Faith & LGBT Experience but his unequalled political support for ficient education, elitism, a smaller num­ Spring 2012 Lecture ber of bisexual and transgender people, or our community, including trans people that bisexual and transgender people are for the first time in history, and his many insufficiently politically active. accomplishments for us go untemarked. Tuesday, February 21, 2012 My new paper reflects on develop­ This shows a distressing inconsistency ments since 2003, making the point that in the gay rights movement, with some 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm it is still true, though to a lesser extent, retaining gay-only organizations or being Ithaca College Auditorium that bisexual and transgender people are, satisfied with LGB(fakeT) organizations, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity on the one hand, considered far too queer and yet decrying those in the Black civil 1100 South Goodman by some gay political elites, whereas oth­ rights movement who are not rushing to ers are considered not queer enough. You embrace the gay civil rights movement, could call it "the Goldilocks problem." even as people of color are still largely resi­ Only a very few of our LGBT community dentially, educationally and economically are "just right." We're not all DINKS or segregated. There is a difference between the right race or gender or age or class to alliance and appropriation. be put on a poster for gay rights, though Are all of our justice movements shot those overflowing with money to contrib­ through with hegemonist dreams? ute often are and want to see themselves If we fail to understand our commu­ reflected in the movement they're giving nity tensions as power relations, believing money to. How do you run a movement them instead to simply be the result of when your marketing scheme conflicts insufficient education, elitism, or phobias, with the product? then we will find ourselves unable to solve I see these problems as political, as the puzzle of our continued fractionation power relations, and as a reluctance of gay and less-than-optimal political effective­ ness.

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Call 1-866-600-6886 to make TARA RUSSOW? Ph.D. an appointment or for more CUNICAL PSYCHOLOGIST information. Or visit www.pprsr.org 120 Allens Creek Road Rochester, NY 14618 Most insurances accepted. Financial (585) 442-4447 assistance may be available. WVV\N .RussowConsulting. com FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 13 must flex our political muscle and stand Navratilova: by those who stood by us. The retired tennis players and lesbian The State of the State for LGBT New activists Billie Jean King and Martina Jaclyn Passero LCSW BCD Yorkers is in our hands. We have had sig­ Navratilova and the recently retired Aus­ nificant victories, but without these criti­ tralian doubles specialist Rennae Stubbs Individual, Couple and Family Counseling cal next steps, the promise of equality will all voiced their disappointment and disap­ not be fulfilled. proval of Court's words in interviews with www.jaclynpassero.com We urge you to stand with us, and the Tennis Channel's James LaRosa. commit to taking action this year to "Her myopic view is truly frighten­ 2190 Culver Road Phone 585.339.9150 ensure that our progress with New York ing as well as damaging to the thousands Rochester NY 14609 [email protected] State government continues. Whether it's of children already living in same-gender joining us in Albany for LGBT Equal­ families," Navratilova said. ity & Justice Day on May 8, 2012, sub­ Court then tossed off this jaw-drop­ mitting your story about why New York ping defense of her remarks (taking a needs protection for transgender New page from the well-worn bigot handbook, Cheryl's Kitty B&B Yorkers via our TRANScribe project, or 2011-2012 edition): contacting your elected representatives "I remember, probably 10, 12 years to ensure government is addressing the ago, I spoke with Martina Navratilova. To Luxury In-Home health and human service needs of the say that I 'hate' homosexuals and lesbians Cat Boarding LGBT community, your action will deter­ is not [accurate] because we have them mine whether our win last year was just a in our church. I work with them. And I remember saying to Martina: 'Martina, feel-good moment, or the building block SUNDAY WORSHIP to lasting equality and justice for all I love you. God loves you. But a wrong LGBT New Yorkers. We look forward doesn't make a right.' 8:30am Third Church chapel to continuing to partner with you to win " .. .I make a stand for both my bibli­ , 0:45am Third Church sanctuary more victories ahead! cal side, and what I believe. And I think Onward! - it's a choice. And I think there's young people today that need to know it's a BORN THIS WAY (LGBT Support) choice in life. And that was my side of Tennis legend and ace At Cheryl's Kitty B&B your kitty 7:30pm First & Third Mondays it, bringing that forth. I've got nothing 34 Meigs Street bigot Margaret Court against the people themselves, I've always has their own bedroom! wants a pass for her said that all the years I've been a minister." FYI, this is not a one-time bigotry homophobia blast or "slip up"; Court has a long history itd P~erian Churrn 585-458-7576 lcing the Light By Pam Spaulding of spewing anti-gay hate. You see, this is www.KittyBB.com 4 Meigs Street (at East Avenue) 585.271.6513 The problem bigots have in 2012 is the basic defense gaining popularity - www.thirdpresbyterian.org that they don't like being labeled bigots, "I'm not a bigot, my crude, insensitive so they engage in public contortions to remarks are just me expressing my reli­ make it look like they are being victim­ gious beliefs" - with the implication that ized for opening their pieholes and saying any uproar about the bigotry is somehow racist/sexist/homophobicltransphobic gar­ a threat to their religious freedom. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST bage that is ludicrous. It's the kind of brain-dead, pious, No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. pitiful thinking that is behind a bill in Tennis legend (and now televangelist/ Irondequoit Mountain Rise pastor of Victory Life Centre) Margaret Tennessee, proposed by "Christian activ­ ist" and State Senator David Fowler (R) United Church Of Christ United Church Of Christ (In Perinton) Court can join the list of preposterous 644 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617 2 Mountain Ri se, Fairport, NY 14450 bigots looking for support after uttering that would gut an anti-bullying bill with (Across from the House of Guitars) (Off Rt. 31 just east of Kreag Road) homophobic trash. Let's take a look at the a loophole so that it would: "not be con­ 585-544-3020 • www.iuccspirit.com 585-223-2433 • www.mtriseucc.org statement in question that has stirred the strued or interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students and Celebrating Our Celebrating Our controversy. Via the New York Times in Centennial Year In 2011 50th Year In 2012 December: shall not prohibit their expression of reli­ "Politically correct education has mas­ gious, philosophical, or political views." The Rev. Michael Dack, Pastor The Rev. Dr. Greg Osterberg, Pastor Suzanne Gangemi, terfully escorted homosexuality out from In other words, unless the student just Audio Loop for Hearing Impaired, Large-Print Director of Family Life Ministries behind closed doors, into the community shows general contempt not based on any­ Bulletins, Handicap Accessible openly and now is aggressively demand­ thing in particular toward another stu­ SUNDAY WORSHIP SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 A.M. dent, it's A-OK to bully for just about any gam - Celebration Worship in the Sanctuary ing marriage rights that are not theirs to Communion - First Sunday of each month 10:10am - Sunday School classes for children take," Court told the newspaper. reason. You can justify it if it's a personal Worship in Jazz - Second Sunday of each month up to 6th grade belief, based on, say, you don't like kids in ChildrenlYouth Christian Education "Komma Kids" "There is no reason to put forward Youth Fellowship in the Youth Room available during worship alternative, unhealthy, unnatural unions wheelchairs because you disagree with the Adult Faith Formation in the Lounge as some form of substitute," she contin­ Americans with Disabilities Act, or your 11 am . Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary Nursery Care Available church tells you gays are an abomination. Accessible and Audio Loop Available ued. Nursery/Childcare during both services "To dismantle this sole definition of You know, that kind a thing. Junior & Senior High Youth Group marriage and try to legitimize what God People just need to own up to their Adult Vocal and Handbell Choirs calls abominable sexual practices that bigotry and its impact on a civil society. include sodomy, reveals our ignorance as You can say anything you want, but some­ to the ills that come when society is forced times there are social repercussions. With to accept law that violates their very own the rates of teen suicides due to incessant God-given nature of what is right and bullying based on real or perceived LG BT what is wrong." status or gender identity issues, it's clear Alrighty then. Does that sound a tad that words do matter. offensive in any way? Does Court think And as far as Margaret Court goes, it's someone calling her abominable is just just Too. Damn. Bad. if she doesn't want being neighborly? This drew threats of the bigot label. protest by LGBT groups at this month's Originally posted on Pam's House Australian Open, and drew the ire of fel­ Blend.com (http://pamshouseblend.fire­ low legends Billie Jean King and Martina doglake.com/?p=24388)

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of Columbia recognize marriage for same­ Tacoma votes yes when they were confronted by three NATIONAL AND sex couples under state law: Connecticut, By Laurel Ramseyer men they had never met. One of the INTERNATIONAL Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, With an 8-0 vote the City of Tacoma suspects made a derogatory comment New York, and Vermont. Nine states on Tuesday became the first Washing­ and the three proceeded to punch the (Washington/rom page 9) - California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illi­ ton municipality to officially endorse victims. One of the victims suffered why marriage equality matters and why nois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode the passage of a marriage equality law by a broken jaw and a severe head injury the legislature should pass it this year," Island, and Washington - provide same­ the state legislature this session. Tacoma that required staples to close. The other said Zach Silk, campaign manager for sex couples with access to the state level is the third-largest city in Washington escaped with only minor injuries. Washington United for Marriage. "She benefits and responsibilities of marriage, and the second-largest in the populous The men were attacked at around has shown tremendous leadership on this through either civil unions or domestic Puget Sound region. 1:45 a.m., and the paper has posted issue which affects so many of our friends, partnerships. Same-sex couples do not The King County Council passed a descriptions of the assailants. All were family and neighbors." receive federal rights and benefits in any similar motion with strong bipartisan white males with shaved heads. Gregoire clearly made the case of why state. support. Said Police Chief Cam Sanchez: marriage matters and the impact of hav­ Joe Solmonese, president of the The endorsement came in the form "Hate crimes like these will not be tol­ ing separate classifications of relationship Human Rights Campaign, issued the fol­ of an amendment to the City of Taco­ erated and those responsible will be held recognition for lesbian and gay couples. lowing statement: ma's Legislative Agenda, which is how accountable." Thousands of families in Washington "From coast to coast, more and the city communicates its priorities to State will be impacted by the legislation, more Americans are coming to appreci­ the state legislature. The amendment TN politician threatens which would allow for civil marriage of ate the values they share with commit­ was introduced by Councilmember lesbian and gay couples. Currently, these ted gay and lesbian couples: the desire Ryan Mello, who earlier in the evening to attack transwomen couples may register for a domestic part­ to love, honor and protect the per­ began a new 4-year term on the council Transgender Law Center, a civil nership, which confers most of the rights son they love. By voicing their strong by being sworn in by his partner, Maj. rights organization advocating for and responsibilities of marriage, but does support for marriage equality, Gover­ Jerry Hallman, U.S. Army Reserve. The equal protections for transgender indi­ not recognize the love, commitment and nors Gregoire and Cuomo propel this amendment reads: devotion to family that marriage conveys. issue forward. They confirm what most viduals, condemns the vicious attack The City supports legislation which by Tennessee Representative Richard "My partner and I have been together Americans already believe: commit­ will provide marriage equality in Wash­ 22 years, and our family is very similar to ted gay and lesbian couples deserve the Floyd (R-Chattanooga) on transgender ington. The voters of Tacoma have women and calls on him to apologize those of my friends and colleagues," said ability to marry and establish families repeatedly made clear their support for Jennifer Cast, a longtime Washington protected by law." for inciting violence against everyday, ending discrimination based on sexual hardworking Tennesseans. resident who wishes to marry. "We work New York State passed similar legis­ orientation. The state has made signifi­ lation last year, and on Jan. 4 Governor Rep. Floyd is the sponsor of a new hard to create a productive and happy life cant progress on this issue and provid­ Cuomo listed it as one of his top accom­ bill that would make it illegal for par­ for ourselves and our family. We cherish ing full marriage equality is the next plishments for 2011 in his annual "State ents to accompany their different gender the good times and console each other important step. during hard times. We share each other's of the State" address. Governor Cuomo children into a restroom, as well as care­ Before the Council voted on the challenges, sorrows, triumphs, and joys, said that prior to the passage of this legis­ givers to assist different gender elderly measure, several Tacoma residents came just like any other couple. We want our lation, gay and lesbian New Yorkers were or disabled people in restrooms. He was forward to speak in favor of it. Nobody love and commitment to be valued and treated as "second-class citizens by the recently quoted in the Times Free Press spoke in opposition. recognized equally in our state." government." insisting that he would "stomp a mud­ "When I tell people that Rudy and I Solmonese added, "It's notable that hole" into any transgender woman try­ have a domestic partnership, they really both Governors are Catholics - a group Calif. video shows gay ing to use a women's dressing room. don't understand what that means," said that supports legal recognition of gay and bashing attack He said, ".. .if I was standing at a John McCluskey, a longtime resident of lesbian couples by wide margins. Accord­ dressing room and my wife or one of Tacoma. "We've been together for 53 ing to the Public Religion Research Insti­ Police are seeking information on my daughters was in the dressing room years and I couldn't imagine spending my tute, Catholics are more supportive of three men seen in a video beating two and a man tried to go in there -- I don't life with anyone else. The thought that legal recognition of gay couples than gay men on New Year's Eve in Santa care if he thinks he's a woman and tries people don't understand that our family members of any other Christian tradition. Barbara, Calif., the SB Independent on clothes with them in there -- 1'd just faces the same struggles and the same tri­ On the issue of allowing lesbian and gay reports: try to stomp a mudhole in him and then umphs as any other family in our state is couples to get a civil marriage license at A police spokesperson said the two stomp him dry." heartbreaking." city hall, 71 percent of American Catho­ victims were walking toward their car "Representative Floyd's threats send At this time, six states plus the District lics say they are in favor." parked near Ortega and Chapala Streets the message that it is 'OK' to attack

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"This type of hate Outrage mounts: an 'M,' my country makes me give up the claim to cure homosexuality, the Ecuador­ speech incites violence and fosters a right to have biological children. It's not ian government has committed to decon­ dangerous and discriminatory environ­ Sweden may continue to fair, and this practice must stop. structing the belief that homosexuality is ment for transgender people in Tennes­ sterilize trans people "Thousands of people all over Europe a sickness," said Fundacion Causana repre­ see. It is reprehensible for any elected have already joined the call and the pres­ sentative Karen Barba. "Using Change.org, official to encourage violence against If you are a transgender person in Swe­ sure is building on Prime Minister Rein­ den wanting to change your legal gender, we were able to achieve victory in closing people who are our friends and family feldt to speak out and bring this to an end. down ex-gay torture clinics." and who are his constituents." you are forced to undergo surgery that Just yesterday, I took part in a protest here Before resigning from his position ear­ Injustice at Every Turn, a report by will render you permanently infertile and in Stockholm with more than 400 people lier this month, Minister of Health Dr. The National Center for Transgender unable to have children in the future. in attendance. The momentum is building, David Chirriboga announced the Ecua­ Equality and the National Gay and Les­ That's right: in 2012, Swedish law still but we need your help." dorian government would investigate and bian Task Force illustrates the shocking mandates forced sterilization in order to do He posted a video on youtube with his close all torture clinics in the country, levels of violence and discrimination something as simple as changing the gen­ appeal: launch a national advertising and aware­ transgender people face: der on your driver's license. VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube. * Fifty-three percent of respon­ Despite a massive push to repeal the com/watch?feature=playec embedded&v= ness campaign against homophobia, and dents reported being verbally harassed law, including support from 90 percent N5BItMiWM60&noredirect=1 develop a crisis hotline for victims. or disrespected in a place of public of Swedish MPs, Prime Minister Fredrik We know Prime Minister Reinfeldt is "The Ministry of Public Health, the accommodation, including hotels, res­ Reinfeldt has stayed silent on the issue, on our side: whether you are straight, gay, governing body of Ecuador's health sector, taurants, buses, airports and govern­ allowing one small conservative party to lesbian, bi or trans, will you take a moment is committed to strengthening the mea­ ment agencies. Respondents experienced block the change. to raise your voice and ask Prime Minister sures and institutions that contribute to the widespread abuse in the public sector, Right now a reform of the law is being Reinfeldt to take a stand for human rights? eradication of abusive practices such as the and were often abused at the hands of debated in Sweden. Activists ar asking for a RFSL, the Swedish LGBT Federation, supposed treatment of homosexuality," Dr. "helping" professionals and government massive show of support across Sweden and will deliver your signatures directly to the Chirriboga said. "The Ecuadorian govern­ officials. Europe that finally convinces PM Rein­ Prime Minister's office. ment rejects such practices as criminal and * One fifth (22 percent) were feldt to speak out and break the deadlock. PETITION LINK: www.allout.org/ in direct conflict with the individual free­ denied equal treatment by a government Forced sterilization has a long and stop _ forced_ sterilization doms granted to all our citizens." agency or official; 29 percent reported frightening history in Sweden. Beginning Dr. Chiriboga will be replaced by Cari­ police harassment or disrespect; and 12 with programs in the 1930s that tried to Online campaign shuts na Vance, former executive director of Fun­ percent had been denied equal treat­ eliminate certain "undesirable" traits in dacion Causana and respected a gay rights ment or harassed by judges or court society by forcing individuals to be steril­ Ecuador's ex-gay torture activist in Ecuador. Under her leadership, officials. ized, Sweden has long grappled with the clinics three raids have already taken place in the * Sixty-three percent of partici­ painful history of stripping from citizens Quito area, and dozens of women have pants had experienced a serious act of what we now consider to be a basic human Ecuador's Ministry of Health has been rescued. discrimination -- events that would have right. Even Prime Minister Reinfeldt has begun investigating and closing hundreds "The growth and ultimate success a major impact on a person's quality of publicly called sterilization law a "dark of underground ex-gay torture clinics after life and ability to sustain themselves chapter in Swedish history". more than 100,000 people joined an online of Fundacion Causana's campaign on financially or emotionally. Now he has a chance to close that chap­ campaign on Change.org. Change.org is incredible," said Change. "We are extremely concerned that ter for good. A reform of the law is ready Fundacion Causana, Taller de Comu­ org Human Rights Organizing Manager Rep. Floyd's hateful and bigoted com­ to be presented directly to the Parliament nicacion Mujer, and Artikulacion Espo­ Emilia Gutierrez. ''After 10 years of fight­ ments will contribute to violence and - where 90 percent of MPs are in favor of radika, a coalition of leading Ecuadorian ing for the closure of these clinics, it was discrimination against trans gender peo­ banning forced sterilization - but without a women's rights activists, started the cam­ a Change.org petition with more than ple in Tennessee and elsewhere," said push from the Prime Minister, the conser­ paign on Change.org after working with 100,000 supporters across the world that Matt Wood, Staff Attorney with the vative KRISTDEMOKRATERNA party women who had escaped what they call tipped the scales. Watching the women Transgender Law Center. "If nothing will use its seat in the government to block "torture clinics." Many of these women of Fundacion Causana achieve this mas­ else, law enforcement and community the change. cite widespread physical and psychological sive victory has been a truly empowering members should pay close attention to Love Georg Elfvelin, a 21 year old abuse including verbal threats, shackling, experience." Rep. Floyd's comments and respond store manager in Sweden, explains, "The days without food or water, sexual abuse, (NewsFronts continues on page 16)

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Harris, Phillip's grandfather). NATIONAL AND "While these parents and grandpar­ INTERNATIONAL ents had no idea, the students at Gordons­ Pleasant Street Apothecary has just ville High school bombarded them both (Washington/rom page 9) with information after Phillip's death. what you're looking for... More than 100 teens told them the bully­ ing was obvious, and some said they went to teachers about it. Friendly, Personalized Service "Now the Parkers want to know why no one from Gordonsville alerted them to from the Experts! the apparent bullying happening in the hallways." Locally-owned and operated Barney Frank to wed in 24-Hour phone or online prescription ordering Massachusetts Confidential delivery service and free parking Rep. Bar- LGBT Friendly ney Frank (MA -D), the senior Most insurances accepted out elected offi­ Another bullied child cial on the Hill, commits suicide is going to marry his long-time From WSMY.com: A Gordonsville, partner, Jim Tenn. boy's parents say bullying caused Ready, 42. their son to take his own life. Phillip Harry Gural, Parker, 14, died in late January. His par­ spokesman in ents said he was constantly bullied for Frank's press being gay. office, said that ..."He was fun, he was energetic, he Ready is a pho­ was happy," said Gena Parker, Phillip's tographer who also owns a small business mother. To his many friends, Phillip was doing custom awnings, carpentry, paint­ known as the boy who told everyone ing, welding and other general handyman they're beautiful. services. "He kept telling me he had a rock The 71-year-old Frank came out of the on his chest," said Ruby Harris, Phillip's closet in 1987. He has said he will not run grandmother. "He just wanted to take the for re-election. rock off where he could breathe." Chuck Wolfe of The Victory Fund Phillip's family said they reported their stated, "We are thrilled for Barney and Jim, concerns over their son's bullying to Gor­ and offer them both our congratulations donsville High School on multiple occa­ and best wishes. As one of the world's most sions, but the bullying by a group of visible out elected officials, Barney Frank students just got worse. has long used his position and influence 259 Monroe Avenue in Rochester -www.towleroad.com to draw attention to the freedoms LGBT According to Box Turtle Bulletin, Americans deserve but still do not enjoy. () 585-241-9000 or 800-923-9394 NewsChannel5 reported: ''After he did It's fitting that as his time in Congress pleasantst. Fax: 585-454-2017 what he did, we found out a lot that we comes to a close, he will finally take advan­ Apothecary didn't know and there is a lot of bully­ tage of the freedom to marry in his home pleasantstreetrx.com ing that goes on at the school," said (Paul state of Massachusetts." •

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The Gav Alliance has worked to represent people of all sexi for nearlv 40 vears. These pages are an introdUl and are available to download a BobbV My gender identity is male. I Group~ was born into a female body that Being Respectful Transgender did not fit for me, so being a trans­ By Jeanne Gainsburg By Jessica man doesn't mean anything other • If you are not sure how someone identifies or what GUYS' Nighl OUI then becoming the man I should pronoun they prefer, we recommend that you ask in a Guys' Night Out is a local transgu: have always been. I feel that some­ respectful way and in a private place. Equal=Grounds (750 South Ave). Tra one's gender isn't determined by questioning individuals) are welcome • Don't assume that sexual reassignment/realignment what is between their legs but what Adrian says: "We are a group oftr. surgery (SRS) is a goal for all transgender people. Some is between their ears. Having gone or advice over a cup of coffee in a env people cannot afford it. Some people don't want it. through this transition has finally For more information about this g led me to the light that was hidden • Remember that gender identity does not define sexual in the darkness. orientation. Who someone is attracted to is separate from Genesee Valley Gender Varian If I could be any superhero I would be "The Man of SteeL" As Clark their gender identity and gender expression. Genesee Valley Gender Variants it Kent he was humble and unique. He journeyed through conflicts with isola­ people of all gender identities and prE • If someone has trusted you enough to share that they are tion and intimacy his whole life until finally becoming the man he was Equal=Grounds (750 South Ave). transgender, do not "out" them to others. For example, don't meant to be; therefore I am Superman. Maur says: "Less formally, I think introduce them as your transgender friend. hope is to foster a sense of communit • Always use someone's preferred name and pronoun even past we've played games and had con Patti when you are talking about the past. Use phrases like, "before the real strength of GV2 is it's face-to I identify as female, and I you transition ed," rather than "back when you were David." For more information about this g always have, but being born transgendered it wasn't always • Talking openly or asking questions about someone's Rochesler Trans Group genitalia is impolite whether the person is cisgender or obvious to the world around me. Rochester Trans Group is an all in transgender. That journey and subsequent variant individuals and allies ages 18- gender transition have given • Being transgender is only a part of who someone is, like 3-5pm in the Gay Alliance Youth Cen me a keen insight, respect and being gay, Jewish, or a vegetarian. Move beyond the fact that Alliance. awareness of the roles gender they are transgender and get to know who they really are. Jeanne says: "RTG provides an op plays in our society, making me and also grow and learn together. W( very aware of the importance to offer an educational component that I live an authentic life, true members." to who you are. For more information about this g If I could be any superhero I would be Wonder Woman ... for the obvi­ Alliance at 585-244-8640. ous reasons ... her super powers. Transgender Vocabularv Youlh Trans Group Ally: A person who does not identify with a group, but This is a support group for transg( Jane Marie still advocates for that group's rights. Gay Alliance Youth Program Directol I identify as a crossdresser. Cisgender: The state of not being transgender. Someone 6pm-7pm in the Gay Alliance Youth ( don't fully dress or present Jess says: "Youth Trans Group pro myself as a female 24/7. There who is comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth. outside of the gender binary. ParticiI are areas of my life that require support and friendship, and engage il that I maintain a male persona Crossdresser: A person who dresses in clothing deemed advance and may include guest spea1 and I'm ok with that. inappropriate by society for their gender. The purpose is For more information about this g If I could be any superhero I usually emotional comfort or erotic fulfillment. would be Lt. Marissa Rahm, a male-to-female police officer. No Gender Expression:The part of a person's sexual identity super powers, but she has a that is about expressing masculinity or femininity as badge and a gun, and excellent influenced by society, culture and individual expectations. fighting skills. Sometimes referred to as gender role. Gender Identity: The part of a person's sexual identity Books that is about their sense of self as male or female, neither or Transgender History by Susan Stryker Mariah both. I identify myself as a person Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman with a serious mission. Genderqueer: A person who expresses their gender in She's Not There: A Life in Two Gendm If I could be any superhero, ways that do not conform to societal expectations. Sexing the Body: Gender politics and th that special person would be Intersex: A person whose biological anatomy and/or From the Inside Out: Radical Gender 7. Wonder Woman, because it's genes vary from the expected male or female anatomy and/ Intersex (For Lack of a Better Word) b: amazing to deliver a message of or genetics. The Testosterone Files: My Hormonal an hope while being beautifuL Here Transparent: Love, Family, and Living you have a lady who works a 9 to Transgender: In its broadest meaning, this term encompasses anyone whose self-identity, behavior or Just Add Hormones: An Insider's Guidi 5 and then transforms into a Gender Outlaws: On Men, Women and powerful role modeL It's like me anatomy falls outside of societal gender norms and Transgender Warriors By Leslie Feinb working in the HIV/AIDS field. I expectations. would use my powers to make Transphobia: Negative feelings, attitudes, actions, or changes to better suit our world and to reduce the statistics of this behaviors against transgender people or people perceived to deadly disease. be transgender. It may also be a fear of one's own gender non-conformity. Maur Transsexual: A person whose gender identity is not Websites congruent with their biological sex. Transsexuals mayor I am a genderqueer individuaL Gender Education and Advocacy http:; To me that means that I am not may not pursue hormonal or surgical means to bring FTM Information Network http://ww, covered by the context of the congruency to themselves. words "man" or "woman". When PFLAG Transgender Network http://cc I'm faced with those boxes TransActive http://www.transactiveor "male" and "female" on forms, I The Transitional Male http://www.thE want a few more: "Yes", "No", National Center for Transgender Equal "Not Applicable", and perhaps New York Association for Gender Right "Mu". Being open as a gender­ Movies Transgender Aging Network http://for! queer also means I spend a lot of Prodigal Sons (Documentary) directed by Kimberly Reed Transgender Law Center http://transg time fighting for my preferred Cruel and Unusual (Documentary) directed by Janet Baus et al Transgender Legal Defense and Educal pronouns. Ma Vie en Rose (French Drama) directed by Alain Berliner The SelfMade Men http://theselfmad, If I could be any superhero, I'd be Batman. He has unlimited Boys Don't Cry (Drama) directed by Kimberly Pierce TransGenderCare http://transgenderc resources to develop new gadgets and to fund his favorite causes. Underneath it all, he's a human like everyone else. - BV8C8

~al orientations, gender identities and gender expressions ~tion to transgender information and resources, IS a PDF at www.GavAliiance.org. s in Rochester Transgender legal issues: dealing with attacks By Jessica Transgender individuals have been lacking social and legal advocacy since the beginning of )'S group that meets at Ipm on the third Saturday of the month at history and as a result have faced innumerable injustices. This community faces complicated forms nsmen and those identifying with transmasculine experience (including of prejudice that are embedded in every institution in the u.s. as well as compounded by race and class. These facts are well known to most trans people, who experience them in a very real way. There ans men who try and meet up to say "hi" to check in on life ... offer an ear tends to be a divide between the reality ofthe situation and possible solutions to keep our siblings ironment that is welcoming." safe. In my own experience as a trans woman, I've faced frightening situations that statistics, roup please email [email protected] lectures, and pamphlets didn't prepare me for. As I've explored my trans identity I've had to learn as I go and in these types of situations the learning curve is a lot faster. Is Early on in my transition, I experienced a handful of quickly escalating confrontations with people ; a social group dedicated to providing a safe, supportive community for who perceived me as different or threatening because of my gender presentation. In one situation, I :sentations and our allies. We meet every Thursday from 7-9pm at was cornered by a man who identified himself as a member of the u.s. military, while I was watching a band perform. He began to berate me by calling me a faggot and referring to me with male of the group as having an emphasis on getting to know each other. My pronouns. After several minutes of verbal abuse, I asked him politely to use female pronouns if he was y, with the group evolving as we go to fit what folks want it to be. In the going to continue speaking to me or he should leave me alone. He was extremely angry upon hearing versations. I like the fact that this group has an online presence too, but this request and began putting his hands on me, and slamming me into a wall. -face social time." I had confidence in my ability to fight, but I considered my options carefully before acting. roup please email [email protected] 1. I could attack him and risk dealing with police or be sent to a male prison. 'Nuff said. 2. Let him continue hitting me until he wears himself out. 3. Signal to a friend/staff member/or anyone around to get security or contact the authorities. clusive transgender social/educational group which welcomes all gender Thankfully I decided on the third option, which resulted in him literally being thrown from the e. Rochester Trans Group meets on the last Saturday of the month from bar. Sadly, this isn't always how it works out. "Crimes" committed out of self defense have resulted ter (875 E. Main St. First floor) and runs in affiliation with the Gay in many trans people facing long prison sentences. Unfortunately, we have to resist the urge to respond violently in this type of situation, as much portunity for transgender individuals of all identities and allies to socialize as these clowns have it coming. Unless you're certain your life is in danger and you don't have an o spend some time socializing and enjoying refreshments and then we out, leave the boxing to Tyson. nay be a guest speaker or a film. Topics are chosen in advance by group roup please contact Jeanne at [email protected] or call the Gay Food For 6 Steps to Being an Aliv to the onder and gender non-conforming youth (ages 13-23) run by Jess Cohen, r. Meetings are the generally the first Thursday of the month from Thought Transgender Communitv :enter (first floor of the Auditorium Center). By Jessica By Katy Elder ,vides teens and young adults a safe space to explore and affirm identities lants are given the opportunity to share their experience, find peer Trans-misogyny: The 1. Come Out: Be vocal about your support ofthe transgender 1 group discussion. Topics and activities are often chosen by the group in idea that trans women community. Make yourself a visible transgender ally, by putting ~ers, movies and combined educational/social programming." have discarded their a sticker on your car, laptop, or office door or wearing a pin. roup please email [email protected] or call 585-244-8640 ext. 13. better masculine gender 2. Speak Up: When you hear derogatory comments about and donned a feminine transgender people let people know that's not OK. Ask your one that is less valuable. doctor to include more than an M or F box on medical forms. It accounts for why trans Urge your employer to include gender identity and gender women tend to be more expression in their non-discrimination policy if it isn't already. regularly ridiculed 3. Get Out: Join a gay/straight alliance. Attend International than trans men, and why Transgender Day of Remembrance events in November. Attend trans women face forms a Rochester Trans Group (RTG) meeting which is open to of sexualization and gender variant individuals and allies over 18. RTG meets the misogyny that are rarely last Saturday of every month, 3-5 p.m. in the Gay Alliance on Sexism and the Scapegoating o/Femininity by Julia Serano applied to cisgender Youth Center (875 E. Main St. First floor). ; by Jennifer Finney Boylan women. 4. Stand Up: Get involved in the push to pass the Gender !e Construction 0/ Sexuality by Anne Fausto Sterling Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) in New York. Oppositional sexism: rans/ormation, FTM and Beyond by Morty Diamond Currently, transgender and gender non-conformists are not Sexism that is rooted in ),Thea Hillman protected from discrimination by law. Write your state the presumption that !d Social Trans/ormation/rom Female to Male by Max Wolf Valerio representatives and let them know that you support equality for female and male are the T with Transgender Teenagers by Cris Beam Sterling all, and are willing to put your vote behind this choice. Write to "opposite sexes", rather ~ to the Transexual Expereince by Matt Kailey the U.S. Census Bureau to request that they include sexual than different sexes. , the Rest Us by Kate Bornstein orientation and gender identity in the next census. 0/ Oppositional sexism is erg 5. Buddy UP:There are lots of places that hold unique specifically used to divide challenges for transgender people, such as public bathrooms, people up into two groups, doctors' offices, the DMV, etc. Offer to go along with a friend. each possessing a unique 6. Read Up: Check out some of the great resources listed in and non-overlapping set our "Want To Know More" box, and on the EC's Resources of attributes, aptitudes, page, or visit the GAGV Library and Archive, open 6-8 p.m. abilities, and desires. It Mondays and Wednesdays, and 3-5 p.m. Sundays. A list of the targets those who blur the library's holdings are available at http://www.librarything. i/www.gender.org/ lines ofthese two groups. com/catalog/GAGVLibrary. v.ftminfo.net/ lmmunity.pflag.org/page.aspx?pid=380 lline.org :transitionalmale.com/ rity http://transequality.org/ 's Advocacy http://www.nyagra.com/ Did vou know: se-forward.org/aging/ 13 states currently have explicit transgender non-discrimination laws in place? enderlawcenter.org In a 2011 study that surveyed 6,450 transgender people: ~ion Fund http://transgenderlegal.org/ • 19% reported having been homeless because oftheir gender identity emen.webs.com/ • 53% reported having been harassed in public accommodations or government agencies • 19% reported having been refused medical care because oftheir gender identity are.com/ 20 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

r. , L1 l OUT

YEARS Thursday, February 23, 2012 6:30pm, Cinema Theatre 957 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, New York

Join us as we kick-off our 20th Anniversary Season with a special presentation featuring Audience Award Winners from the 2011 Festival. Tickets are S8 and will be available at the door.

Jason Robert Ballard

A talk with transman male, to me has been solidifying. I once described fitting female gender roles as Jason Robert Ballard walking on a tight rope. The clothes, the By Susan Jordan hair, the female culture -- it was all very Empty Closet: Can you share some unstable. Once I started dressing com­ personal information? fortably, socially transitioning, physically Jason Ballard: My name is Jason Rob­ transitioning, it felt like both of my feet ert Ballard (named after the Red Power were finally on solid ground. Socially I Ranger believe it or not) and I am a became a butterfly. 24-year-old transman. While I'm from I must admit that being Trans* in a Rochester now, I like to say that my location that has an amazing LGBT com­ hometown is New York State since I've munity has made my confidence seem lived all over it. somewhat elitist at times, but with my I have a wonderful girlfriend that I life experiences, I can't help but feel more When it comes to family obligations, at what point met while attending Nazareth College. than just male. does one decide to abandon self-denial and flee the We've been together a short time, but she's I regard myself as a feminist. I know burden of expectations in order for self-love to begin? become a great ally and advocate for the that term also tends to have some nega­ Queer-favorite Turkish film director Ferzan Ozpetek's Trans* community. tive stigma surrounding it, but I have latest comedy of manners makes a case that timing EC: When did you realize that your been called such on occasion. I think is everything. gender is male and what was your coming that understanding what it's like to be out process like? Have you experienced perceived as female, knowing the gender Filled with an eccentric cast of memorably funny discrimination or hostility as a transman? roles and having a strong sense of morals characters with their own distinct voices and person­ JB: When I was 13 years old I finally makes me a supporter of women's rights. alities, openly-gay Ozpetek presents a light-hearted "created" myself in an online chat room. I also, though now male, connect with family dramedy that is guaranteed to fill the Cinema Four years later (when my mother found females on a more personal level than any Theatre with chuckles and laughter, while mocking out) was the breaking point of the depres­ guys I've met. It's much like any cause, sion I had been going through. Depres­ once there are faces to it, it's easier to fight ____ stereotypes and dishing out critiques on homophobia sion caused by living life as a female and for. .. Well, half the population is women, and old-fashioned values. Beautifully shot throughout, coming into womanhood. I was ashamed so we shouldn't be in short supply. the film culminates in an impressive marriage of for quite some time after that ... The nega­ EC: We reviewed the Self Made Men ~======~ fantasy and reality showing us a glimpse of how tive stigma surrounding being a "trans­ calendar last year. Can you talk a little things should be. Loose Cannons makes you appreci- sexual" was more than I could really bear. about creating it? Do you have other prod­ ate family, be it the one you are born into or the one Accepting my true identity has really ucts and a website? saved my life. When asked if I experi­ JB: Without that strong community, you choose to surround yourself with. And it will enced discrimination or hostility, I'm sure role models, or any decent websites, I took L..iII...... ';;"O"..;;..,;,_...... ;;::.;&;...... I definitely make you fall in love with Italy. that most people are looking for external it upon myself to make sure that others ~ 201 11mageO ut ~ sources. However, one out of four trans had the necessary resources in their time AUd ienceAVI'ard vnnne) Preceding the Feature: BEST INDEPENDENT ( people ends up taking their own life, leav­ of need. The Self Made Men has become I Don't Want To Go Back Alone SHORT FILM ing the life expectancy at about 23. My far more than just a calendar project in (Eu Nao Quero Voltar Sozinho) In Portuguese with English subtitles biggest enemy was always myself. Thank­ the recent months. fully I've passed that and now it's impor­ Though 2012 calendars are still avail­ In this sweet and tender coming out and love story, a tant to me to get others there. able for sale, we have produced Trans* blind school boy, Leonardo, finds himself falling for the I'd like to say that I had a lot of sup­ cards for hormones and surgeries, pins, new boy in class without realizing that his best friend port once my family and I were on the stickers, Tshirts and more. The funds Giovana has had feelings for him all this time. same page, which is not to say I struggled from all of these pride products have with any friction regarding them, but helped us create TheSelfMadeMen.com. there was zero information or community In just the last three months, we have available to me. It was continuously by created a trans pen pal program used by dumb luck or fantastic social networking over 700 people, and developed an online that I eventually found more informa­ resource hub with about 80 Trans* sites tion about starting hormones, finding the from binders to zines, pharmacies to sur­ right doctor and then receiving surgery. geons. The most exciting thing to hap­ EC: What does being a man mean pen to us recently however, is that an to you? LGBT bookstore in Melbourne, Australia www.lmageOut.org JB: Being male, or being perceived is going to start selling our products! • FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 21

tion for a curriculum on local LGBT history. Finally, Shoulders To Stand On will work to legislate inclusion of LGBT his­ tory in the local history curriculum for New On York State. Tony's contribution brings us closer to filming the 90 minute documen­ tary on the LGBT History of Rochester, Tony Mascioli - comfortable Matching Donations than just s of Sunday, January 8 we had reached which will be told by the stories of the many giving a donation outright. Thus began our goal of $10,000 plus. The total bud­ men and women who have contributed to Thank you for your the planning for raising $10,000 between get for the documentary is $120,000. We our fight for equality and justice. Education Shoulders! We met your December 2, 2011 and January 15, 2012. are on our way toward reaching that goal. through the sharing of personal stories has $10,000 challenge! You need to understand that Tony is a Our fund raising efforts have brought in been shown to have the largest impact on very sharp business man. His challenge ener­ approximately $16,000. With Tony's match lowering or removing barriers to acceptance. By Evelyn Bailey gized the Shoulders To Stand On Commit'­ of $10,000, our total to date will be around The stories of these courageous men and In October, 2011, I asked Anthony Mas­ tee who then began in a very focused way to $26,000. Tony's generosity will make the women need to be told to bring to light the cioli, a friend, native Rochestarian, and gay energize the community to raise the money. video taping of individual interviews for the many contributions the LGBT community business man, for a rather large donation to If we had simply been given the money, we documentary possible. has made, and their impact on the social, the Shoulders To Stand On 90 minute docu­ would not have reached out to the commu­ We need to bring in another $15,000 to economic and political life of Rochester. mentary on the LGBT History of Rochester. nity strategically, and we would not have finish the filming. Next will be the editing Shoulders To Stand On is proud to recog­ I explained that the documentary has been developed a longer range plan for actively and finally the finished product. An educa­ nize Tony Mascioli's support of this com­ in the making for over 10 years, and that raising money. I think Tony knew the impe­ tional kit will be developed for the documen­ munity project. With more shoulders like our history needed to be documented and tus of meeting his challenge would create tary to be used in schools k - 12, corporate Tony's, we will reach our goal of completing preserved. other avenues of support and fundraising, diversity programs, and on college campuses. the documentary for the 20th anniversary of He responded by saying he is much more and bring in more money. This educational kit will become the founda- ImageOut, October 2012 . •

Shoulders To Stand On Timeline: Nov. 2002: Initial meeting to produce promotional video for the Gay Alliance. Jan.-Dec. 2003: Promotional video taped, script written. March,2004: Final draft of promotional video completed. April 2007: Shoulders To Stand On committee formed. Sep.2010: 40 years of The Empty Closet microfilmed and digitized. 2009-2010: NYS DHP Archives Grant - Identify and locate records of 260+ LGBT organizations, agencies, groups and individuals. Jennifer L. Gravitz, Esq. 2010-2011 : NYS DHP Archives Grant - Survey minimum of five record collections. Qual£0 ~ai 5E/l-aWL5 pwauJd with Jan. 2011: Chronology of 40 years of The Empty Closet completed. Oct. 2011: Began fundraising for Shoulders To Stand On, a 90-minute oU failiioned aau: in tfu. p7.iaaay of documentary. !:JOU7. hoJn£ 07. OffWL. Dec. 2011: NYS DHP Archives Grant Awarded for 2011-2012 to place minimum of three record collections in permanent reposito­ ries. 585-244-8295 Jan. 15 2012: Reached fund raising goal of $10,000 to be matched by Tony 9 [email protected] Mascioli. 22 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

level of impossible dream has surfaced. per staff taught me about the power and The Best Friend Forever fabrication. No consequences of the written word. single person can fill the shoes of Best­ But now, these many years later, I am ness. And "forever" actually has an expi­ willing to remain unconnected to those ration date. high school friends, even those who Friends... a very tricky concept. I signed my yearbook. Even those who know a guy who calls any human being attached two extra sheets of paper and he encounters "friend" right after they swore to be friends forever. Two roads The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers exchange first names. I am horrified diverged in a frosty, yellow wood, a long, are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the that Facebook pollutes the definition of long time ago. But some of my really, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. "friends" by encouraging quantity. I am really good school friends never even surprised by the power of social media made it to the woods. to create a bizarre competition to acquire In the beginning of my life, I had just Growing Up that he loves me. the most "friends." plain, adjective-free friends. But such a He hasn't a clue how he mocks me. Friends? Invisible readers who push a time, I wanted to differentiate among WHAT WE 00 BEST So, I let it go. Why make a fuss? Why button that reports "Like." degrees of friendship. I liked my good By Eric Bellmann rock the boat? For me, the past makes a good story, friends to be face to face quite regularly. I'm glad we've lasted. He used to Write witty not a destination. Contacting sixty-eight Still do. I really need to have the added refer to his partner in passing by say­ years worth of "friends" is not one of my plays? Yes. Design information provided by eye contact, ing, "Look what I got," as if the guy was smart clothes? needs. Personally I have very little inter­ body language, and tone of voice. I call a pure breed dog. My boyfriend is hot, est in my school friends. I have no desire Check. I could go those people my fleshfriends. better than yours. Anything and every­ to ask, "So, what have you been doing on. Gays really enliv­ As time passes, some goodfriends and en the arts, make thing to raise one's level on some imagi­ the last five decades?" And I certainly do familyfriends have moved beyond reach. nary list of assets. Yuk. the cultural scene not want to read the answer. Yes, em ails provide the high-speed deliv­ what it is, rich and That cutting quip, the brittle humor I really have more fun re-viewing ery of chatty news, written 24/7 as the that made other people laugh, which meaningful. snippets from my life. Fragments that mood strikes me. But a computer screen ingratiated us with the in crowd, seem­ are mirrors of my formative stages. I The list of talents is long and distin­ is a cold void. I can't really feel hugs and ingly won acceptance, friends, was not remember my childhood friend, Donna, guished. Sondheim, Bernstein, Jerome kisses that come as ( ) or xx. I feel no in the long run the best strategy. It only Robbins, Kors, Marc Jacobs, Paul Rud­ two years younger. We amused our­ surge of endorphins when I see LOL. Yet served to establish a detached state; nick, David Sedaris. Jump in and add selves with my dollhouse and my rules. there is some magical connection that a lack of intimacy, the most essential your icons. I'm an unapologetic Sond­ 1, always and still bossy, claimed the keeps those distant friends close in spirit. aspect of friendship. heim groupie. I get a kick out of walk­ mother doll, a plastic woman with a They are my heartfriends. Once years ago I had a pair of sum­ hideous red dress and moveable but stiff ing past the Marc Jacobs store fronts It's the walk-ins that defy labeling. I mer shoes that were, well, funny. Woven on Bleeker Street. So creative, such fun! arms and legs. I allowed Donna to play can easily define a colleague ... we work strips of multi-colored leather. Couldn't The theater would be a barren wasteland with the not-to-scale rubber baby. Due together as employees, on committees, resist them when I saw them at Sims. I if it weren't for the energy and taste of to the doll's large size and its permanent while volunteering. Our conversations wore them to a work conference. Exiting legions of writers, actors, designers, pro­ sitting position, I diagnosed polio. Little are primarily activity centered. We have from a workshop, a colleague, a gay man, ducers. Donna accepted her fate. Little Donna, a never been a guest in each other's house. looked at me and said, "No self-respect­ playmate, my friend for a season. And now, in this modern age that no Then there are the more long-term ing gay man would wear shoes like that!" In high school I had an assortment one really expected to witness, so many walk-ins, occasionally sighted. They are So much for being subtle. This guy wore out of the closet. Proud and very pres­ of friends for a season. Four years with the folks met along the way, not chosen. ent. (Yeah, a few notable exceptions, Mr. gay drag worthy of satire. Baseball hat, peers who guided me as I shaped my per­ I called them "acquaintances." Appar­ Cooper, Miss Foster, but we know, we plaid shirt, 401 Levis. Oops, I'm mock­ sonality. Four years studying the human ently that term is old-fashioned and has ing him. See what I mean? It's ingrained, know.) I especially enjoy seeing Chey­ body, learning about heterosexual neck­ been replaced by the ubiquitous "friend" almost second nature. ing and petting. enne Jackson in a recurring role on "30 label. Still I need a way to note the level Consequently, I have my guard up. I Rock". I've seen him twice on the stage; My sorority friends taught me about of the relationship. Maybe "friendlies" never really feel at ease around gay men. he's a great performer. Does average inequality. My fellow cheerleaders taught would work. A friendly is a person to Or I didn't, not for a long, long time. America know he married his partner me how to show off. Friends in the Red whom one is cordial, perhaps exchang­ What changed is that I got to know this summer on Fire Island? Probably Cross Club taught me to how to give ing the weather report and a vaguely older gay men, survivors seasoned by life, not. But openness matters to me. my time and heart. My school newspa- answered "How Are You?" Two ships men more appreciative of the small kind­ However that is not what is on my nesses that make the days more bear­ mind. Hang on dear hearts. What we able. Maybe they spend less on clothes do best is belittle, demean and diminish now, are more comfortable in whatever. one another. We sneer at a man's haircut They're learned to live with themselves, or that he doesn't comb it in the cur­ are more accepting, more tolerant, more rent hot guy style. We mock other gay appreciative of the little things that men who are overweight, old or not in make life pleasant. Or maybe they have shape. It's all self-loathing tucked barely learned the wisdom of just shutting up. under the surface, projected on to the Older gay men seem more often to nearest target, the man standing next to espouse behaviors I aspire to: validation, us. It's a long standing, sad and lamen­ acceptance, intimacy. table behavior that every minority group Email: [email protected] seems to need someone to ostracize, as if that will make them feel better about themselves. It doesn't work. It leaves a Cleaning My Closet sour taste, contributes to a sense of isola­ FRIENOING tion, cements insecurities behind smart­ ass put downs. Or I hope it does. By Meredith Did feminists deal with other women Elizabeth Reiniger this way? Actually they did. There was a I am once again period when the newly emerging move­ annoyed that the ROOFS SIDING WINDOWS PAINTING ment was really uncomfortable with red of Gift-mas has Lesbians. That didn't last terribly long. morphed into the Sisterhood proved to be powerful. Men, red of Saint Mon­ the group I know, seems to be different. ey-tines. In pro­ Oh sure we donate money, go on test, I will not wear fundraising hikes, but just go to a well red this February. meaning gathering, a party and you can Steadfastly I will refuse to swoon when easily see the separation, the discrimina­ sappy songs gush forth. Enough already! tion. It isn't even subtle. We love cliques. I am sick and tired of the 14th, the day A couple of years ago I went to an calculated to swamp your sweetheart Image Out screening. In front of me with the myth, the dream, the hope of I saw someone I thought was a friend. Eternal True Love. But he was with a cluster of attractive, Furthermore I am super-sized­ younger men and it was as if I wasn't annoyed that December 27th was the even there. I was invisible. I knew what start of gag-me-with-a-spoon Valentine was happening in a flash because I was hype. Weeks of commercialized roman­ capable of the same attitude. tic love. For sale: absolutely anything In my school years, when I was real­ that can be produced in red, white, pink, ly unhappy with myself, I only wanted and lace. Satin hearts stuffed with candy. to be friends with the hottest guys, the Teddy bears stuffed with fuzz. Thongs most stylish women. Reflected glam­ stuffed with expectations. our. Their acceptance, I imagine, made For heaven's sakes, I remember my me better than what I truly believed of old days when Hershey kisses only came myself. Life and time helped me first in silver foil. And underpants came in realize what I was doing and then over­ cotton, from a store, not a boyfriend. come it. And the older my days and I become, I have one lifelong friend, 40 plus the more I understand that fairy tale boy­ years and counting, and he never fails to friends and romanticized girlfriends were make a snarky crack about my decorat­ a deception. Lies aided and abetted by ing, my tastes in general. Odd thing is movies, novels and stores. Now another FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 23 passing in the night. Or say, at a festive A Report of the National Transgender transgender respondents. and the cultural and religious isolation gathering. Discrimination Survey." Adding insult to injury is the lack of from the African American community. Now it is 2012. My stars! I have sur­ Because misinformation about trans­ recognition our trans brothers and sis­ Trans brothers and sisters have not vived another year. I am deeper into gender people in our country is rampant ters receive for their contributions to our always been the "other." Black drag balls seniorness. These days my definition and egregiously offensive, its impact is community. If any recognition is doled and then "drag houses" or "drag fami­ of friend implies a back-up system, the deleterious. Transphobia in black com­ out, it is usually posthumously. lies," as seen in Jennie Livingston's 1990 person who will show up in a crisis. The munities has left these members of our For example, the annual Transgen­ documentary film Paris Is Burning, were person who will listen to my woes and community especially vulnerable. The der Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is comprised of primarily African Ameri­ worries. The people who will be there statistics are stark: an international event memorializing can and transgender Latinos who lived in when I fall to my knees. # Black transgender people had an transgender people murdered because of their communities. Their performance at These supportfriends would drive me extremely high unemployment rate at 26 their gender identities or gender expres­ drag balls illustrates how race, class, and to doctors' appointments, meet me at the percent, two times the rate of the overall sions. The purpose of TDOR is to raise varying ranges of gender identities and hospital, sit with me when I am fright­ transgender sample and four times the public awareness of hate crimes against expressions deconstruct notions of mas­ ened, hold my hand, make chicken soup. rate of the general population. transgender people and to honor their culinity, and redefine what it means to My supportfriends will do for me # A startling 41 percent of Black lives that might otherwise be forgot­ be a diva. the things I cannot do for myself. Sup­ respondents said they had experienced ten. This event is held every November During the 1920s in Harlem, the portfriends are friends for a reason. The homelessness at some point in their lives, and honors Rita Hester, a 34-year-old renowned Savoy Ballroom and the Rock­ reason is love. more than five times the rate of the gen­ African American trans individual who land Palace hosted drag ball extrava­ MeredithElizabethReiniger@Jrontier­ eral U.S. population. was murdered in her home just out­ ganzas with prizes awarded for the best net. net # Black transgender people lived in side of Boston on Nov. 28, 1998. The costumes. Harlem Renaissance writer extreme poverty with 34 percent report­ crime kicked off the "Remembering Langston Hughes depicted the balls as Faith Matters ing a household income of less than Our Dead" web project. "spectacles of color." George Chauncey, $10,000 per year. This is more than Another example: in June 2006 the author of Gay New York, wrote that dur­ TRANSGENDER, VICTIMIZED twice the rate for transgender people of Ali Forney Center (AFC), in NYC, the ing this period "perhaps nowhere were AND BLACK all races (15 percent), four times the gen­ nation's largest LGBTQ youth homeless more men willing to venture out in pub­ eral Black population rate (9 percent), services center, aggressively launched an lic in drag than in Harlem." By Rev. Irene and eight times the general U.S. popula­ advertising campaign asking the simple And with constant harassment by Monroe tion rate (4 percent). question: "Would you stop loving your white policemen patrolling the neighbor­ It's not easy for # Black transgender people were child if you found out they were gay or hood, making the trans community their any person of Afri­ affected by HIV in devastating num­ lesbian?" conspicuous target, along with public can descent to be bers. More than one-fifth of respondents Carl Siciliano, Executive Director of denouncements of them by black min­ LGBTQ in our were living with HIV (20.23 percent), the Ali Forney Center, stated, "Our goal isters -- like the famous Adam Clayton black communi­ compared to a rate of 2.64 percent for was to address the rising rate of LGBT Powell, Sr. of Abyssinian Baptist Church ties, but our trans­ transgender respondents of all races, 2.4 youth homelessness, particularly in com­ -- Harlem's trans community was, none­ gender brothers percent for the general Black population, munities of color." theless, unrelenting with the drag balls, and sisters might and 0.60 percent of the general U.S. Ali Forney, for whom the center is because they were wildly popular and feel the most discrimination. population. named, was an African American trans­ growing among its working class. And The National Black Justice Coali­ # Half of Black respondents who gender individual known as Luscious and these drag balls were covered in the black tion (NBJc), in collaboration with the attended school expressing a transgen­ was also a throwaway. And like many press: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force der identity or gender non-conformity throwaways, Forney earned his living as "Of course, a costume ball can be a and the National Center for Transgender reported facing harassment. a prostitute. Once stabilized with a roof very tame thing, but when all the exqui­ Equality (NCTE), released a ground­ Nearly half (49 percent) of Black over his head, Forney spent his remaining sitely gowned women on the floor are breaking study in September 2011 called respondents reported having attempted years dedicating his time to helping his men and a number of the smartest men "Injustice at Every Turn: A Look at Black suicide. peers. On a cold wintry December night are women, ah then, we have something Respondents in the National Transgen­ On a positive note, many Black trans­ in 1997, at 4 a.m., Forney was murdered over which to thrill and grow round­ der Discrimination Survey," exposing gender people who were out to their by a still-unidentified assailant. eyed," reported the gossipy black weekly both the structural and individual rac­ families reported that their families were Black transphobia, in this present-day tabloid The Inter-State Tattler. ism transgender people of color con­ as strong as before they came out. Black and in its present form, many opine, has The study "Injustice at Every Turn: front. The study is a supplement to the respondents reported this experience at a lot to do with the social alienation from A Look at Black Respondents in the national study "Injustice at Every Turn: a higher rate than the overall sample of the dominant white LGBTQ community National Transgender Discrimination Survey" gives us just a small window into the everyday lived reality of my transgen­ der brothers and sisters. A Few Bricks Short Randy G. Raetz, DDS GEEZERHOOD General Dentistry for the entire community By David Hull Well, it's hap­ including bleaching and cosmetics pening to me. I Lake Avenue knew that it would WE ARE NOW IN OUR NEW OFFICE!!!!! eventually, but I always thought Baptist Church I'd be much older Come check out our new modern office, offering patients the when it started - benefits of digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and flat screen t.v.s certainly older A WELCOMING than I am now. in a relaxing and enjoyable environment. Sometimes I can pretend that it's not & AFFIRMING happening, but there are often blatant warning signs when I have to hesitantly CONGREGATION admit that I am slowly becoming a gee­ zer. Invites You! Oh, I'm not totally a geezer yet - I don't get in a long cashier line at the 10:00 AM: grocery store and when my bill comes to $27.94, carefully open my wallet and Sunday morning count out the exact amount of change. worship service But I do know exact change would be two tens, a five, two ones, three quarters, 11:30AM: a dime, a nickel and four pennies. Just Class on Igbt knowing what the exact change would be is definitely a warning sign of my liberation theology approaching geezerhood. 2257 South Clinton Avenue One weekend my nephew was over Westfall Park Medical Center Childcare & helping with some yard work and he Rochester, NY 14618' Sunday School for wore his earphones the whole time. The children are available. music blaring from his MP3 player (I think that's what it was anyway) was so loud I could hear it when I was just (58'5)473-1550 Lake Avenue standing next to him. "Turn that noise down!" I said. Baptist Church is located "You'll be deaf by the time you're 30! New Patients Welcome just off Lake Avenue near You don't need that music so darn loud!" the stop light at 145 Lake My nephew pulled his earphones off Evening & Saturday appts. available and replied: "What?" I rolled my eyes Avenue. and walked away shaking my head. Check us out on the web at www.drrandydds.com When I stopped and thought about For more information phone it, I remember my father telling me to Call for an appointment today!! turn my music down when I was a teen­ 585- 458-5765 ager. I explained to him that it was Cher (Columnists continue on page 24) 24 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

points lower than something brand new. The people around us are truly delighted COLUMNISTS "Maybe Hollywood is still making good movies," Bernie said. "But they're Of course you can always use a place­ for us. And the more we announce our life­ for a younger generation and you're too holder ring - a band of paper or craft-store long commitments, the more stereotypes old to appreciate them." "gem" until you have time to go together to and prejudice we eliminate. choose something for each of you. Once you have a date set for the wedding, (Columnists continued from page 23) I folded my arms across my chest and Or maybe you have a family ring that it's time to begin planning. Popular wedding and I had to play it loud - because it glared at him. "One more comment like that and we'll be watching Funny Girl can be up-cycled for your life together, or venues book up more than a year in advance. was Cher. He walked away shaking his that has elements that can be used in new Begin thinking about what you want your head too. Another warning sign of gee­ again this weekend." rings that you design. day to look like - the actual, physical setting zerhood for me. Yeah, I know, Funny Girl is a movie And now that you are engaged, it's time you see yourself in. Maybe it's near a body Recently my husband, Bernie wanted for geezers! for a party to share that great news with of water, in the Finger Lakes at a winery, at to go out to a new BBQ restaurant that So my future seems clear - I'll spend family and friends. You don't need to have a sophisticated hotel, a park, a gracious old had just opened in the city. So on a Tues­ my golden years complaining about music that's too darn loud, eating dinner a wedding date set yet to celebrate. Have a mansion, or at a BBQ in your back yard. day evening we drove out to the place. potluck, a cocktail party at a hotel bar - the Research the options online or work A smiling hostess greeted us at the at 4:30 p.m. at the village diner where Hyatt Downtown comes to mind, or make with a wedding consultant who knows all door. ''A table for two will be about a 50 there's never a wait for a table, mak­ it more formal if that's what you and maybe the venues and vendors. And don't forget to to 60 minute wait," she told us, cheer­ ing exact change to pay my check and repeatedly watching Barbra Streisand your parents would like. You can always ask about their experience with gay couples. fully. sing "Don't Rain on My Parade." Yeah, rent a swell place like the American Asso­ Ask for references. "What," I replied. ''Are you serious? life after 50 truly is magical. ciation of University Women and throw a Check it out carefully. Read and re-read It's 6 o'clock on a Tuesday night and you You can contact this geezer at David­ cocktail party and/or dinner there. the contract you are presented with. Depos­ want me to wait an hour for a table? Sat­ [email protected] It is the celebration that matters. We its are nonrefundable on wedding venues. urday morning I stopped at McDonald's have all waited so long for our turn to shout Best wishes to all of you soon-to-be for breakfast and I had hotcakes and cof­ to the world that we are in love -- don't hesi­ engaged couples. Enjoy the glow of happiness. fee and got a window seat in like six min­ NY Gay Wedding utes! If I wait an hour for a table I won't Consultant tate to announce it every chance you get. And if you need help, I'm here . • be eating dinner until 7:30 at night!" When we were back in the car, Ber­ VALENTINE nie was quick to point out that I had just By Eve Elzenga behaved like a geezer. And while we were Valentine's Day. . -- --- enjoying our dinner of Big Macs and Love is in the air. fries on the drive home, I realized that I What a great day to had reacted exactly the way my grandfa­ become engaged. ther used to whenever he had to wait at And for all you a restaurant. Warning! Warning! Gee­ couples planning zerhood approaching! This is not a drill! to do just that, the Another disturbing situation is when NY Gay Wedding I go to the Redbox DVD machine at my Consultant wants to local Wal-Mart. Carefully I study the remind you to make your dinner plans as unfamiliar movie titles starring people soon as possible in a romantic setting - at a I've never heard of. Not only do I not favorite restaurant, in front of the fireplace know what any of the movies are about at your house, or maybe at Wegmans Pitts­ - I really don't have any interest in even ford, where a full-service Valentine extrava­ seeing them. ganza is staged every year. "What movie did you get for this It is never too early to make a reserva­ weekend?" Bernie asked when I returned tion at a restaurant. Call now. home. But of course the main entree of any "I didn't get anything," I told him. engagement is the ring. Think locally as you ''All the movies looked either too violent, shop in family-owned jewelry and antique too scary or too silly. Why doesn't Holly­ stores. Estate rings may be just what you are wood make any good movies anymore?" searching for and you may find them in price

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Find the friends, fun, and common interests you're looking for through the various groups listed below.

BUTCH FEMME Hotline at 585-234-5092. News from the Pews: Our Fifth CONNECTION Annual Hymn Sing with Tim Sch­ The Rochester Butch-Femme Con­ ramm was a success! Because it was nection will have ONE supper event in held on a weekday evening, we had a February 2012. On Saturday, Feb. 18, few new faces in the audience. A great we will meet at Jay's Diner on Route 15 time was had by all! We're hoping to (West Henrietta Road) at 7 p.m. have another one next year. .. put it on For further information on the your calendar! Connection, contact Kerry/Max at Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (585) 288-7208, email DressyFemme@ on Feb. 22. Check the website to find aol.com or check out our Facebook out what our program during that time page http://www.facebook.com/bfcon­ will be. nection. An apology: We had some problems with our Hotline for a while; seems the IT1ie ~venue Pub phone company updated their tech­ DIGNITY-INTEGRITY nology and it took us a bit of time to D-I Rochester meets weekly at 5 catch up. All done though ... now you 35 Year Lanimark p.m. at St. Luke's and St. Simon's can leave messages and we can update Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St., corner of it with our events! If you tried and in the §ay Community Broad St. We have the following ser­ couldn't get through to us, we apolo­ vices and activities for the month of gize! February, 2012. Happy Hour Specials Every Day of the Week First Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Heal­ EMPIRE BEARS ing Service, with music; Second Sun­ Half Priced Well Drinks & Draft Beer day: Roman Catholic Liturgy of the The Bears have been playing games Word, with music; Third Sunday: and cards a lot this winter. We like to 4pm - 8pm Quiet Episcopal Mass in the Chapel; stay warm with friends, share good Fourth Sunday: Evening Prayer, fol­ food, and snuggle. lowed by a Potluck Supper. Recently, members have attend­ February Pot Luck Theme: "My Big ed shows at Blackfriars, Downstairs Fat Greek Pot Luck". Lent has begun Cabaret, and the Auditorium The­ Super Bowl Sunday for most denominations, but Sunday, atre. We're organizing trips to hockey, th Feb. 26 is the day before the Greek soccer, and lacrosse games. We eat February 5 Orthodox Lent begins. So what bet­ at the Wintonaire every Wednesday ter way to celebrate with our friends at 6 p.m. We go to movies, concerts, Open at 2pm of Greek heritage than to have a pot­ and dinner together. Members go to luck meal with Greek food! No time to winter reunions for Jones Pond and $5.25 Pitchers cook? Perhaps you could "Hummus a Hillside. Many members plan to attend Labatt, Labatt Blue Light Miller Light tune" for your supper? Just kidding ... Drenched Fur in Erie later this win­ & join us with or without a dish to pass. ter. We hang out at the Forum, where Free Pizza and Wings at Halftime There is always plenty to share a great new bunch of guys have taken FUN FEBRUARY EVENT: We over the BEAR nights on first Satur­ Great giveaways during the game! are hosting a Cabin Party/ Pot Luck days. We host a Bear potluck every and Game Night on Saturday, Feb. 18 second Saturday at the GAGV Youth from 4:30-9:30 p.m. at a local town Center at 6:30. Bring a dish, and we park. You and your friends are invit­ have the rest. February 14th ed to join us. Further details can be Check us out at our new website found at our website ( http://www. www.empirebears.com. Celebrate Valentine's Day di-rochester.orgl) or by calling the DI (Community continues on page 26) th Susan SanFilippo, C.S.W. Thursday, February 16th 234-3561 Counseling & Psychotherapy Frankie &jewels 'V 6pm - 9pm - Why can't life befair? - !I I change, ll,ill,try partner? - W'hat effict does my past have on me? *** HockevFans *** - W'hat can I do about myfuture? I ndividual a nd couples therapy (sliding fee scale) Come and watch the 500 Helendale Road, Suite 155, Rochester N.Y. 14609 Buffalo Sabres games! We have them on at The Avenue Pub! FENWICK CONTRACTING Be sure to check out our Design· Drywall· Decks· Carpentry· Additions· Painti ng Facebook Page and become a Fan! E.P.A. licensed / N.Y.S. certified Lead Renovator. All employees N.Y.S. certified lead safe. Updates posted daily with Repairs to ful l replacement. Call 288-0032 for estimates. drink specials and special events!

Be sure to check out our Facebook Page and become a Fan! Property Management· Renta ls · A ll Areas SERVING ROCHESTER'S SERVING ROCHESTER'S of Rochester· 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. ~lie 9lvenue Pub Call 201-0379 for avai labi lity. 522 ~onroe ~venue 585-244-4960 26 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

The event is free, with cash bar and COMMUNITY complimentary hors d'oeuvres. A 50/50 Raffle will benefit the GAGV and Pride Mark Roos, LMT 2012. RSVP at www.oeNYfingerlakes. BODY KNEAD Massage Therapy groupsite.com. Massage Therapy (Community continuedfrom page 25) An ERG Leadership Roundtable EQUALITY is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 21, from Massage is an important 5-6:30 p.m., hosted by University of ROCHESTER/MENY­ Rochester, River Campus. Join regional therapeutic practice that will ROCHESTER Employee Resource Group leaders to leave you feeling better, happier share best practices, gather ideas for pro­ After taking a brief break follow­ and better able to take on life's gramming. For RSVP and directions to ing the successful passage of Marriage challenges. Equality legislation in New York, Equali­ the conference room at the university, tyROC is back in full swing. please contact Ralph Carter, at 585-265- 5904 or [email protected]. More Schedule a massage today! The two primary goals for 2012 information at www.oeNYfingerlakes. You'll be glad you did. are the successful repeal of the feder­ al Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) groupsite.com. working under the umbrella of Marriage Equality New York which has recently RAINBOW SAGE merged with Marriage Equality USA WOMEN PEERS and the passage of the Gender Non­ Discrimination Act (GENDA) in the Live and in person Roundtable Con­ New York State Legislature working with versation with peers - in real life, Call (585) 729-9908. Mention this ad to receive $20 off your initillll hour session! Empire State Pride Agenda. offline confidential discussion as varied Many exciting events are being as the voices of lesbian women attending planned. All are invited to our regular late mornings, last Mondays. monthly meetings held on second Mon­ Join us 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the days at Equal Grounds Coffee House, Gay Alliance Library, first floor (Audito­ Martha M. Howden, CSW, CASAC 750 South Ave., 7-8:30 p.m. Also please rium Theatre), 875 East Main St. Ques­ join us for the Marriage Equality USA tions? Contact [email protected]. Anxiety • Depression Kickoff Party being held Thursday, Feb. Alcohol • Stress • Grief 16, 6:30-8 p.m. at Downtown United ROCHESTER TRANS Presbyterian Church, 121 Fitzhugh St. Relationship • Family Plan 14608. Brian Silva, new Executive Direc­ GROUP Rectification Work tor of Marriage Equality USA will be Even though it was just two days after Holotropic Breathwork there to discuss the vision of Marriage Thanksgiving we had 15 people at our • Specializing in work with Equality USA and share ways that Roch­ meeting on Saturday, Nov. 26. ester can advance the fight for marriage Kelly Clark, the Gay Alliance Com­ individuals and families in at the federal level. For information: munity Safety Director, told us what to the Coming Out process [email protected], (585) 426- do if we ever find ourselves in the situ­ 0862. ation of having to deal with the police. Martha M. Howden, CSW, CASAC One of the first things to do is to stay JUST US GUYS calm (or as calm as possible). Then coop­ 945 E. Henrietta Road, Suite A6 erate with the officer(s) (even if you don't Rochester, New York 14623 Our group is off to a great start with think you've done anything wrong). Phone: 585 272-1760 a well attended gathering this past month Show your ID, if asked, and keep your Fax: 585 272-8986 to hear Brian Quinn, a health train­ hands in full view. If you're in transition er, respond to our questions regarding and your ID doesn't match your current Most Insurances Accepted exercise and fitness. We left the session gender presentation, explain that you are pledging to stick with our New Year's in the process of transition. resolution of maintaining good health One of our members said she carried and well being. a letter from her doctor stating that she The Feb. 14 gathering will be hosted was under care for gender transitioning by staff of AIDSCare Outreach who will and although she never had to use it, it Spectrum Internal Medicine involve us in a Focus Group discussion. gave her some comfort just having it. Be The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in the polite (again even if you feel you've done lower level conference room at AIDS­ nothing wrong). And as on almost every Webster Care, 259 Monroe Ave. police show we've ever seen, you do have Just Us Guys provides a routine the right to remain silent - you just Welcomes Dr. Goltz monthly gathering open to men of all have to say so out loud. ages for the purpose of extending friend­ A couple of people brought up harass­ ships and contacts in a social environ­ ment by security guards in the malls and Spectrum Internal Medicine ment. Gatherings are held on the second stores. It was pointed out that if you're 1130 Crosspointe Lane, Suite 8 Tuesday of the month. For more infor­ dressed differently from your assigned mation about the group and the Febru­ gender you might be subject to more Webster, New York 14580 ary meeting, contact Ron at 729-2259 or scrutiny. Kelly also said she works closely Phone: (585) 787-4407 email [email protected]. with the Rochester Police Department on all of our LGBT issues and if we had Fax: (585) 787-4428 OUT & EQUAL any complaints to contact her and let her Dr. Hayden Goltz know. The second Thursdays Networking She also handed out a brochure pub­ Event will take place Thursday Feb. lished by the ACLU titled: "What to do 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Images if you're stopped by Police, Immigration Lounge of the Marriott Airport, 1890 Agents or the FBI". It has a lot more Ridge Road West, located near 1-390. detailed information and is available at the Gay Alliance's website: www.gayal­ liance.org under the Community Safety Program link. • Plumbing At our Saturday, Dec. 31 meeting we learned that one out of every 2,000 babies • Heating is born with genitals that make it uncer­ • Cooling tain whether the baby is boy or girl by Turner just looking. So what happens then? The Established 1977. www.TurnerPlumbingHeating.net parents of the unfortunate baby are told, "Your child has a gender deformity which en .... we will fix surgically. We can make a mal­ ... formed girl into a boy or boy into a girl ...= and they'll never know the difference if ...II1II: ... we all keep the secret from them." E ... Then five times a day here in the en U.S. a forced infantile gender mutilation -...... is performed that is considered by the en - Christina Smith intersex community as a forced gender ... :I: Licensed Massage Therapist assignment. And this is: Wrong. Wrong. ... 1:11 Wrong...... Redeem this coupon ... With yet another full house, Jim Cos­ 'or 20% off ...= en your next massage tich, an intersexed person (see Interview, page 7) gave a heartfelt, enthusiastic and 585.464.8957 at times graphic presentation about what $15. Off Service Call happens . • FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 27

ic in America is escalating and audience stamina also becomes Ronald Reagan has been elected a factor. to a second term in the White Henderson says, "It's going t House. This Pulitzer Prize and to be a great experience for Tony Award-winning play tells the audience and for us. We've the story of a young gay man gotten more interest than we with AIDS and his frightened, expected. This is our biggest unfaithful lover; a closeted Mor­ project yet. Eight people in the mon lawyer and his valium­ cast play 25 characters, and there addicted wife; the right wing, are also special effects." closeted gay New York lawyer Video artist Monica Duncan Roy Cohn and a steel-winged, is creating those special effects. prophecy-bearing angel-- as well Henderson notes, "There are a as the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg couple of ghosts that appear to and other supernatural appari­ Prior (the hero) and Roy Cohn. tions. The ghost of Ethel Rosenberg The lives of these disparate appears to Cohn, and the other characters intersect, intertwine, two ghosts are Prior One and collide and are blown apart dur­ Prior Two, from the 12th and ing a time of heartbreak, reaction 13th centuries. Then there's and transformation. Ranging the angel, and what's called a from earth to heaven, from the flaming aleph, which is part political to the intimate to the of Jewish mysticism. We are visionary and supernatural, Angels going to use lights, video and in America is an epic exploration sleight of hand stuff and try to of love, justice, identity and the­ mix it up a little bit. Most of ology, of the difficulty, terror and the special effects come in the necessity of change. third act, when you could say Henderson, who is directing, the roller coaster starts coming told The Empty Closet that the down the hill." only time either part of the play The play takes us back to has been performed locally was 1985/86, the Reagan years, at Nazareth College, around a when the AIDS epidemic was decade ago, when "Millennium in its first wave. What keeps it Approaches" was staged. relevant now that the Millen­ "We approached Geva last nium has gone by and AIDS is February about doing it," he a global epidemic? said. "They were very excited. Henderson says, "At the It's a project that any theatre heart of it is a story about company wants to do but they struggle, relationships, faith ... don't take it on for many rea­ and the main character hap­ sons. Method Machine is a semi­ pens to have AIDS. It's not an professional theatre, so we can 'AIDS play.' do productions less expensively. ''A friend said to me, 'Instead The expectations people have of of me living with AIDS, AIDS a company like Geva producing has been living with me.' That it, rather than Method Machine, made me go back and look at are very different. It's about cre­ the play again. There's a straight ativity and finding solutions that couple whose marriage is in IN are viable for a small company trouble, a lot about Mormon­ like ours. It means we can be a ism and Judaism. It touches so GELS little more sparing on our sets many things - love, religion, and costumes than Geva can. friendship, death and life. The "It's going to be awesome. biggest struggle the hero is hav­ The advantages of being at ing is not with his health, but Geva are their subscribers, pub­ with his faith and belief. ERI lic awareness being greater, and "So it's about a lot of things, the production support, like the including AIDS. There's a lot box office and marketing. We of self hate connected with usually have to split our focus the Roy Cohn character and Angels in America Method Machine. The second Savastano (Harper) and Jill Rit­ creatively because of financial the Mormon character Joe Pitt, half, "Perestroika," will be staged tinger (the Angel), Judy Mol­ concerns, but in this case Geva who struggles with his sexual opens at Geva: a next October. ner (Hannah) and Peter Doyle is a really great support for us." identity. The play isn't about talk with director "We are so excited to be pre­ (Roy Cohn). The company will Henderson says that the big­ a particular issue. It's univer­ David Henderson senting Angels in America," says also collaborate with acclaimed gest challenge is a combination sal. Taking a less narrow view Artistic Director David Hender­ international video artist Moni­ of engaging the audience and exposes the play to so many By Susan Jordan son. "Kushner's play is the ulti­ ca Duncan to create the special maintaining the actors' stamina more people. The first part of Tony Kush­ mate in modern theater. Great effects and video for the pro­ to perform for three hours. With "Tony Kushner is so bril­ ner's Angels in America, "Millen­ characters, wicked special effects duction. the "Perestroika" production liant. It's one of my biggest nium Approaches," will have its and a message that is vital." Angels in America is set in next fall, which entails a seven­ dreams, to work on this play. official opening at Geva Next­ Henderson teams up with late 1985 and early 1986, as the hour marathon with a dinner Also Marcy's dream and our stage on March 23, produced by company founder Marcy ]. first wave of the AIDS epidem- break and four intermissions, whole company's too." •

Openly gay imparts, his itinerary will inter­ chordist and organist," Fox says. musician counts sect with the respected Chicago "It's fantastic to play chamber Opera Theater where he will music with him because he lis­ his blessings conduct the Handel opera Teseo. tens, responds and is very easy to By Robert Palmer And on Sunday, Feb. 26, you communicate with." Building a successful career will find the lively, successful Has being openly gay impact­ in the arts is not for the faint of and openly gay musician impart­ ed the career of the 50-year-old heart. The competition is stiff. ing his enthusiasm for the music Baroque devotee, whose music­ Narrowing the path to of Vivaldi, Telemann, Boismort­ making is often entwined with - accommodate a gay man with ier, Quantz and Leclair at 4 p.m. and performed in - the church? a passion for performing Early in Downtown United Presby­ "It's a really good question," Music and Baroque opera might terian Church, along with the says Beattie, who came out at at worst shave the odds of suc­ seven other Baroque chamber age 33. "I think if you ask that cess, and at best redouble the musicians of Fioritura. question of a lot of organists need for determination. The concert is part of the around the country, you will get Enter the ebullient Michael seventh season of the Pegasus widely varied answers - some Beattie, conductor and key­ Early Music series in Roches­ pretty upsetting." boardist, an Eastman School ter, brainchild of local musician Born in Rhode Island but and Boston University grad who Deborah Fox who plays, among living since age 10 in Greater has navigated that tricky course other things, the theorbo: a bass Boston, Beattie said in a phone to the doorstep of ensembles as lute that looks something like an interview that he counted him­ impressive and diverse as the oversize mandolin stretched to self lucky to have averted most Boston Symphony, Mark Mor­ adult human height. such confrontation. ris Dance Group and Pittsburgh "Michael is a great all 'round "I've been extremely fortu Opera. This year, he excitedly musician: a wonderful harpsi- (Musician continues page 28) 28 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

was written while the author was living ''And so, in my own struggle, a large part with his partner in Rochester, offering an of my question was how to be in the added level of interest for local readers. world." An Impossible Dream Story is an hon­ One of the ways of defining how to be est story of love, loss, redemption and in the world, especially for high school­ self-discovery. It highlights the mistakes, ers, is through clothes. But with a mother misses, triumphs and rewards one experi­ -- Audrey (Kim Wayans) -- who demon­ ences on a challenging journey through strates zero tolerance for her daughter's life, and is written in a style that is both non-gender-conforming ways, especially easy and fun to read. It is a welcome addi­ exhibited by Alike's taste for non-frilly tion to anyone's bookshelf. femme attire, we see Alike forced to be James Mack is a Licensed Associate Real a gender chameleon -- changing into her Estate Broker with Gurney Becker and butch togs going to school and out of Bourne in Buffalo, NY. He holds a BA and them going home. an MBA from SUNYAB and is an avid sup­ Pariah wouldn't be an authentic black porter of the arts in Western New York. He coming-out tale if religious homophobia is President of the Board of Buffalo United didn't show its countenance on someone. Artists, a theater-producing group, and is a And Audrey is that person. supporting member ofthe Albright Knox Art With the hopes of her shy tomboyish Gallery, the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, daughter blossoming into a more socially the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and friendly and feminine girl, Audrey con­ Shea's Performing Arts Center. vinces a churchgoer that their daughters, who are in the same class, should walk to RGMC speed dating school together for safety reasons. And Fioratura, an Early Music group, will appear with Michael Beattie on Feb. 26 at not surprising to those of us of the Black Downtown United Presbyterian Church. event: All the single Church, Alike's first sexual experience is boys put your hands up! with one of the churchgoer's daughters. "He's a great person" to have on the To find antecedents or self-reflections (Musician continued from page 27) On Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Flour of yourself, especially in American films, nate; I live in what is sometimes team, Haritatos says. "He has a great City Diner, the Rochester Gay Men's rhythmic and harmonic and gestural is difficult, which is why Pariah title referred to as the People's Republic of Chorus presents "Cruisin' with Cupid", a and theme of portraying black lesbian Cambridge," he says, expressing gratitude sense for the bass line. It's very easy to speed dating event. play with him." life, albeit marginalized in both African for the social strides of big Eastern cites. The Chorus says, "We've put a song American church and white LGBTQ "But in many areas of the country - if you Beattie is equally commendatory. He in your hearts, and now it's time to put says the proliferation of Baroque period­ communities, in a positive and realistic talked to a lot of small-town musicians ... " a lump in your throat while we help you light is thoroughly refreshing. the answers might sharply contrast. instrument performance has significantly look for love. raised the quality of such public offerings Occasionally, however, we will see Beattie's parents were not professional "How it works: You provide the Cho­ present-day portrayals of black lesbians musicians. Both played piano, "but I was in the past 20 or 30 years. rus with your contact information, which "Gonzalo (Ruiz) is one of the real­ on major television channels and in major the first one crazy enough to try to make will remain private and available to event movie house across the country, but not a career of it," he says. ly finest Baroque oboe players perform­ organizers only. Once registered, you will ing today," he says of the player joining by out black lesbians. Now applying his versatile fingers to be assigned a number, name tag and a For example, in the 2009 film Precious, harpsichord, organ, piano and the con­ the Fioritura group for February's con­ score sheet to take with you. In the spirit cert. "Just hearing these wonderful period Paula Patton plays Ms. Blu Rain, a lesbi­ ductor's score, Beattie originally stud­ of 'Speed Dating,' you will spend about an teacher that helps Precious (Gabourey ied with Eastman cornerstone pianist instruments played in such interesting seven minutes with each registered par­ combinations ... Sidibe) embrace her life's worth and her Barry Snyder - then headed to Boston ticipant. sexuality. Patton inspires Precious to learn u., thinking he might become a singers' "Everyone should experience these col­ "What will you ask them? That's orful sounds." to read, and to write, giving her a daily accompanist. entirely up to you. However, we will pro­ writing assignment that eventually leads "Of course, I went to college like so vide suggestions for the shy types, liquid Precious coming into her own. And with many other relatively talented pianists, Book review: An encouragement via a cash bar, and com­ Patton understanding both the NY wel­ thinking I was going to make my liv­ Impossible Dream Story plimentary appetizers for the nervous fare system and the NY Public School ing" (as a concert pianist)," he says. "But I eaters. system, she is portrayed in the film as think the real transition for me was meet­ By James Mack ''At the end of the event you will review both an intellectual and activist who's not ing Craig Smith," the late progenitor of ]. V. Petretta's first novel, An Impos­ your notes and determine which of the going to let Precious fail or fall under her Boston's Emmanuel Music. Smith was sible Dream Story, (Dog Ear Publishing, men shot an arrow through your heart, watch. a seminal figure in the Baroque music 2011) begins as the story of a young man's which have the potential, and which of Another example: in 1996, we have revival of the '70s and '80s, and collabo­ struggle to find his identity in a quickly them were just utterly bat guano crazy. Queen Latifah's spot-on portrayal of a rator with famed contemporary American changing world and ends decades later as You can choose as many men as you like! butch lesbian in the movie Set It Off, that, theatrical director Peter Sellars in the con­ the main character faces and overcomes Then just hand us your scorecard and go of course, set off a conflagration of queries troversial staging of Mozart operas. one of his greatest challenges. home. We do the rest! If the same person about her sexual orientation. Last summer Early on, Smith made a liar of Beat­ Very loosely based on an outline of you scored as a match, also scored you as Latifah's character on the show "Single tie. Literally. the author's own experiences (which have a match, you'll get each other's contact Ladies" -- which she executive produces -­ "'You really should play some of our been embellished, then further fictional­ information." was accidentally outed, which worked out cantatas,' (Smith) said to me. 'Do you ized), the novel introduces us to Vinny, Matches and contact information will in a positive way for the character. View­ read figured bass?'" Smith asked Beattie. a child growing up in Indiana during the be distributed by email the day after the ers and the blogosphere began to speculate The notation is a kind of musical short­ sixties who, despite many talents, receives event. Tickets are $20 and pre-registration that Latifah was channeling her personal hand of the period. very little approval from his hard-drink­ is strongly encouraged. Please contact life through her small-screen character. "I said 'yes' -- and of course I didn't," ing, tough-talking father. Vinny's love Amy Scolaro at [email protected] But films written and directed by Beattie admitted. "But I taught myself, affair with bicycle riding offers a safe har­ to register today and buy your tickets at women of color that reach the major silver played a cantata, and was hooked. I abso­ bor in the midst of this chaotic home life, www.thergmc.org. screen are rare, and for films by LBTQ lutely fell in love at age 27 with that reper­ from which he has "big time" dreams of women of color, it's even rarer. The last toire." By his mid-30s, Beattie was firmly escaping, surviving, thriving and, finally, Film review: A sister time I saw a film written and directed by footed on the Early Music path. succeeding. a LBTQ woman of color that reached the Though founder Craig Smith passed Vinny joins the U.S. Army and does a outsider in "Pariah" level of mass distribution and internation­ away in 2007, Beattie maintains connec­ stint in Southeast Asia, gets married and By Rev. Irene Monroe al acclaim as Pariah was sixteen years ago. tion with his Boston base: Emmanuel starts a family, then becomes a successful Seldom do I see my image anywhere, In 1996, Cheryl Dunye wrote, directed Music. His position as part-time artistic businessman. After many years of internal especially portrayed in non-stereotypical and starred in her first film -- The Water­ administrator affords him the financial struggles, he eventually comes out of the and non-heterosexist ways on the silver melon Woman -- which was also the first ability to "pick and choose" other oppor­ closet. Unlike a typical coming out story screen. As a matter of fact, if you Google African American lesbian feature film. tunities, he says, rather than grasp at where the character's coming out signals "black lesbians" or "black lesbians in Dunye's "mockumentary" is a scathing everything that comes along. the end of the story, this story continues film," you'll get a plethora of porn sites critique of the racist cinematic represen­ Still, versatility is the hook upon with Vinny's head-first dive into unbri­ to visit. tation of black women. The protagonist which Beattie has hung his success. He dled sexual adventures, resulting in him But writer-director Dee Rees's of the film, played by Dunye, makes a speaks humbly, almost reverently, of his facing another challenge -- an HIV diag­ semi-autobiographical coming of age film about an obscure black actress from first opportunity to conduct Baroque nosis. Undeterred by this diagnosis, Vinny drama Pariah gives me a glimpse of my the 1930s known for playing stereotypi­ opera - Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, in returns to his beloved sport of bicycle younger self-growing up in Brooklyn. cal "mammy" roles relegated to black 2009 -- for Glimmerglass Opera, base­ riding and organizes a 5,000 mile cross Pariah is about Alike (ah-LEE-kay), actresses during that era. In this faux-cin­ ball-loving Cooperstown NY's other cul­ country bicycle tour to raise funds and a virginal 17-year-old African American ema-verite account of a black lesbian film­ tural treasure. promote awareness of AIDS. lesbian high school student living in the maker uncovering the hidden histories of "Michael Beattie's conducting of the The story is told in the first person Fort Greene section of Brooklyn who black women's lives -- straight and LBTQ slimmed down, continuo-added orchestra from Vinny's perspective and realisti­ doesn't know how to come out to her par­ -- controversial cultural critic Camille was ravishing and thoroughly honest to cally chronicles the character's personal ents, who's eager to have her first sexual Paglia makes a cameo appearance inform­ Baroque practice," wrote Robert Levine struggles, emotional setbacks and even­ experience, and who's not sure of the type ing Dunye that the Mammy archetype of Opera Now. Loanne Sydney Lessner of tual achievements. Describing one of his of butch lesbian she wants to be -- "soft once represented a black goddess figure. Opera News said the work was "led spar­ first bicycle races he writes: "I don't know stud," one of the ''Aggressive Lesbians," a And unbeknownst to the general pub­ klingly from the harpsichord." if it was my damned determination, or subculture of young butch lesbians who lic, 20 feature films have been directed by Rochester Philharmonic cellist and perhaps the weird way I wobbled Paula's adopt a gangster hip-hop persona to com­ black lesbians since Dunye's The Water­ fellow Early Music enthusiast Christopher two-wheeled wagon, but no one dared pete for femme women, or something melon Woman. Dunye's mockumentary Haritatos will join Beattie in February, devour my lead." totally different. came out during the height of black in shaping the musical lines of continuo Much of the later part of the novel takes ''Alike knows that she loves women; queer cinema, from 1991-1996, dubbed - the underlying heartbeat of Baroque place in Western New York -- Vinny moves that's not the question. The question is the "Golden Age," when black lesbians' chamber works. to Buffalo - and in fact most of the novel 'how to be,'" Rees told the Boston Globe. films were predominately documentaries FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 29 seen unfortunately by small audiences. pIe identified," states Beemyn, the direc­ "That was the period of time when tor of Stonewall Center at the University we had the most women producing the of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a trans­ widest variety of work. Approximately 50 gender person hirself (a pronoun used by percent of all work produced was made Beemyn to reflect a gender identity that during that five-year time period. Very does not fit into conventional male or little work is being produced today by out female gender categories). black lesbian media makers. So maybe Noted Beemyn: "When asked to Dee Rees is part of the trend of the main­ describe their gender identities, the par­ They Call It Mellow Yolo Rainier cherries to choose from as well. streaming of niche content that we see ticipants provided more than a hundred Seasonal cuisine is the fare at Monti­ happening across all media platforms," different responses." By Merle Exit cello at 630 G Street in Davis. Brunch, African American lesbian filmmaker Rather than defining a monolithic The last leg of our California trip lunch and dinner menus showcase sea­ Yvonne Welbon, founder and director of transgender identity, "The Lives of Trans­ was Yolo County, the heart of Sacra­ sonal appropriateness, regional resourc­ Sisters in Cinema, told The Root reporter gender People" documents a transgender mento Valley. The city of Davis is the es, freshness, and minimal interference Salamishah Tillet. spectrum of a broad range of identities, hub of the county and Woodland, the between source and plate. Rhonda It's my hope that Pariah will be part of including androgynous, gender-noncon­ county seat. Gruska and her husband Tony are the the trend of the mainstreaming of niche forming, genderqueer, transfeminine, Nancy, Barb and I stayed in Davis owners, while Tony is the Executive at the Hallmark Inn at 110 F Street. content. Black lesbian cinematic represen­ transmasculine, and transgender identi­ Chef. A third co-owner is Jim Eldon, Great hotel and great location for all we tation is long overdue. ties. "the farmer". Given the lack of research on the lives needed to do. Tucos Wine Market and Cafe was of and climate for transgender people in Since much of the day had been just down the street from the Hallmark The Lives of Transgender the United States today, "The Lives of spent completing Santa Rosa and trav­ Inn. Pru Mendez is the owner and Exec­ People studies trans Transgender People" breaks new ground eling to Davis, we relaxed a bit before utive Chef. The menu is a bit worldly experience by examining the participants' concerns going to dinner at Seasons Restaurant, for their physical safety, their fear of abutting the hotel. Seasons Restaurant but with many Spanish influences and On Nov. 20, the Transgender Day being outed as transgender people, and serves contemporary American cuisine using local producers. of Remembrance, "The Lives of Trans­ their experiences with employment dis­ and utilizes fresh, local products. The Ciocolat, at 301 B Street (530-753- gender People," a book detailing the crimination and harassment. Beemyn restaurant features a wood burning 3088) was the place for High Tea. I'm experiences of thousands of transgender and Rankin find that, despite greater oven, open kitchen, a Chef's table, and sure that you can get coffee, but hot Americans, was released by Columbia societal recognition of transgender peo­ private dining facilities. Most important tea should be part of this meal. Food is University Press. ple and a growing transgender rights to me was that they use locally grown meant to be bites as you sip your tea and The book, by Genny Beemyn and Sue movement, individuals who are or who ingredients from the many area farms. chat with your friends over four courses. Rankin, is based on a survey of nearly are perceived as transgender commonly "Farm to table" has become a cuisine The Heidrick Ag History Center 3,500 self-identified transgender indi­ continue to face discrimination, harass­ in some parts of the country and with introduces visitors to the marvels of viduals and follow-up interviews with ment, and bias-motivated violence. a state like California growing grapes, agriculture and commercial trucking more than 400 of the participants, mak­ Said Rankin, "The climate for trans­ olives, artichokes, avocados and rice, through 130,000 square feet of interac­ ing it one of the largest studies involv­ gender people is less than welcoming. just to name a few, Nancy, Barb and tive, one-of-a-kind exhibits. The cor­ ing trans gender people in the United Our results parallel the findings of other I were off to visit some of their birth nerstones of these exhibits are the Fred States. The book's release coincided with recent studies indicating that transgen­ places. C. Heidrick Antique Ag Collection, the the International Transgender Day of der youth in particular are at great risk The nearby city of Esparto is the world's largest and most unique collec­ Remembrance, an event remembering for gender bias." locale of the Haag Family Farm, where tion of one-of-a-kind antique agricul­ and honoring individuals who have been To address these inequalities, Beemyn walnuts are their thing. We met co­ tural equipment, and the nearby Hays murdered in the previous year because of and Rankin call for policymakers to take owner Claire J. Haag, who gave us the Antique Truck Museum. their gender identity or expression. action. Said Beemyn, "The widespread 101 on walnuts. www.walnuts.US. The History Center exhibits trac­ Beemyn and Rankin consider how adoption of transgender-inclusive work­ Wanting to do a "pick your own" and tors and harvesting machinery from the transgender people experienced their place nondiscrimination policies and one close to Davis? Impossible Acres is late 1800s through the middle of the gender identities growing up and how practices would provide a crucial founda­ the name and just west of Davis (37945 last century. With all of that running they came to see themselves as transgen­ tion for transgender people as a whole to Rd. 31 - Covell). I never knew how around I felt almost as old as some of der. "One of the findings that surprised lead healthier, more dignified, and more many varieties of blackberries existed! the artifacts. The $8 admission price us was the wide variety of ways that peo- economically secure lives." • Loads of raspberries and both Bing and gets you both museums . • 30 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

THE GAY ALLIANCE PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN ADVOCATING FOR THE FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT OF ALL PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR GENDER EXPRESSION, Gay AUiance of the Genesee Valley WWW.GAYALLIAN C E. 0 RG

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012 Coming Out, Bi Zach Coming out is like beginning a new life. THE GAY ALLIANCE PRESENTS: Some have it good, NORTH EAST REGIONAL PRIDES (NERP) Others have strife. CONFERENCE IS COMING TO TOWN! Then you have those that end it with a knife. For me, COMMUNITY DINNER, SHOW AND DANCE I had it good, I had it bad. FEATURING WELL-KNOWN, POPULAR, In the end I had friends, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINERS But in the beginning I was alone and sad. Once you're out, 6-11 PM AT THE RADISSON ROCHESTER RIVERSIDE You're a target. GO TO: WWW.GAYALLIANCE.ORG Everybody looks at you, FOR UPDATES AND ADVANCE TICKETS With smiles or sneers. You begin to realize ONLY $45 FOR DINNER, SHOW AND DANCE Who your real friends are. AND $20 FOR SHOW AND DANCE ONLY They should love you, SILENT AUCTION, DOOR PRIZES AND A CASH BAR Regardless of straight or queer. I had names shot at me, PROCEEDS GO TO THE GAY ALLIANCE FOR Faggot, homo and queer. ROCHESTER PRIDE 2012 (JULY 6-15) But I had friends who told me, "You got to persevere." Here I am today, Writing for tomorrow's youth. I'm not holding nothing back, What I say is the truth.

I Am, By Nereida Borges I am a Gay Ally. I wonder if anyone understands. Carrie Verno I hear what other people say. Michael Ha ting I see many LGBTQs struggle. I want to help. Jeff Ma - Picnic Co-Chairs I am a Gay Ally. Bill Scha ' I pretend not to care what someone thinks. Joe Mur Ir I feel hurt when my friends get hurt. I touch the hearts of others. Alysa Southwedge I worry about their safety. Peter Events I cry when they cry. I am a Gay Ally. Lyjha Wilton/Louis Mistrette - Festival I understand who they are. Phil Rawleigh - Events I sa y to them, "You have the right." I dream that one day the hate will end. I try to protect my LGBTQ friends. There is time to get involved or express your opinion! I hope they all know I love them. Please e-mail Carrie Vernon at: [email protected] I am a Gay Ally!

DO YOU NEED INTERNET ACCESS? The Gay Alliance Library has two computers Library8e with internet access available during library hours: Sunday: 3-5pm • Monday & Wednesday: 6-8pm Computers are part of our David Bohnett Cyber Center Archives

The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley: is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender (LGBT) people are safe, thriving and enjoying equal rights, We are a coalition of individuals and groups working to empower LGBT people, to affirm their identities, and to create an atmosphere where the diversity of our community can thrive both collectively and separately, We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia, • Address: 875 East Main St, Rochester, New York 14605 Hours: Mon,-Fri., 9am-5pm • Phone: (585) 244-8640 • Fax: (585) 244-8246 • Web: www.gayalliance,org Board President: John Altieri Executive Director: Sue Cowell • Administrative Assistant: Laur McSpadden • Education and Outreach Director: Scott Fearing Wellness and Safety: Kelly Clark • Outreach: Jeanne Gainsburg • Youth Program Director: Jessica Cohen The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan • Designer: Jim Anderson Phone: (585) 244-9030 • Fax: (585) 244-8246 • Advertising: (585) 244-9030 • E-mail: emptycloset@gagv,us FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 31

Program Notes

Community Safety/Anti-Violence The Out for Justice workshop for February is "Fair Housing," on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. Laurie Lambrix, attorney from the Monroe County Legal Assistance Center, will talk about discrimination in renting and home-buying, as well as tenants' rights and other issues. Free. Save the date: in March, Out for Justice presents the Legal Expo on March 24, a day-long expo at the GAGV Youth Center, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is part of LGBT Health Month. There will be information tables, workshops and free legal ser­ VIces. February is Dating Violence Awareness Month. The Gay Alliance's Anti Violence Project (AVP) will be at RIT, talking about healthy LGBT relationships as part of RIT's dating violence awareness programming. If you have any questions about these events, or if you have experienced harassment, domestic abuse or violence, please call Kelly Clark at 244-8640 ext 19.

Gay Alliance Youth Calendar Man Another save the date: The Youth Group sponsors the first-ever Queer College Fair, A big thank you goes out to our amazing volunteer Brad Smith for almost four Saturday March 31, at the Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St. (call Jess Cohen at 244- years of service working as the Gay Alliance Volunteer On-line Calendar Man­ 8640 ext 13, or see March EC, for venue update). Noon- 4 p.m. Colleges and universities ager. Brad, thank you so much for all of the time and energy you put into helping in WNY, CNY and the Capital District have been invited to have information tables. the community have up-to-date information about events. We appreciate all that There will be workshops for students and parents on issues including financial aid, com­ you gave us. The Gay Alliance welcomes Robert Rogers as our new Volunteer ing out in college and filling out college applications. There will also be an opportunity On-line Calendar Manager. to talk with representatives from college Pride groups, as well as admissions counselors. Jess Cohen and Youth Group member Dontaee Williamson attended the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change conference in Baltimore, Md. in January.

Legal Answers SpeakOUT for LGBT People SpeakOUT training is a great experience for someone new to LGBT issues or o T FOR someone who has lived or worked with the issues for years. Think of it as professional and development for your life, a training-of-trainers that is open to everyone. The class is appropriate for all ages, all identities and will prepare participants to successfully dUSTICE Families advocate for and address the challenges to full LGBT inclusion. 2012 workshop series Next class: Fri., March 2, 6 to 9pm & Sat., March 3, 8:30am to 5pm Join us each month for legal education that could save you money & heartache! Class held in the Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main Street 14605 Fair Housing & The LGBT Community Facilitators: 6:30-8pm, February 9,2012 Jeanne Gainsburg, Gay Alliance OutReach Coordinator and Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Program Director, draw upon their 25 plus years of LGBT training and Gay Alliance Youth Community Center education experience to facilitate the class. A dynamic mix of interactive exercises Auditorium Theater, 875 E. Main St, 1st floor, Rochester, New York 14605 and lecture make for a fast-paced, intense and valuable learning experience. Info: 585-244-8640 • Free and Open to the Public Fee: $35 Lunch included on Saturday. Scholarships available. (Please call or e-mail requests) Space is limited to 30 participants. For questions: 585-244-8640 or [email protected]

Speaking Engagementsl Tabling for Dec-Jan THE GAY ALLIANCE

ON-LINE RESOURCE DIRECTORY December 2011 (GARO) The on-line community tool providing 12/5 - Transgender Youth at Hilton High School GSA 12/6 - LGBT 101 at St. John Fisher College local, statewide and national resources, 24/7 12/7 - Safe Schools at Halpern Education Center at www.GayAliiance.org. 12/9 - Transgender Issues in Healthcare at Anthony Jordan Health Center 12/12 - Transgender Youth Issues at Hillside AIY Program 12/13 - LGBT Youth Issues at Center For Youth 12/15 - Power of the Personal Story at the Gay Alliance 12/15 - LGBT 101 at Monroe County Pretrial Services Gay Alliance Youth 12/3 - Intersex Issues at the Rochester Trans Group January 2012 The Gay Alliance offers Youth Services 1/11 - LGBT Tax Info at the Gay Alliance for Rochester area LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-25 1/12 - Transgender Awareness Panel at the Gay Alliance Check out what's happening Special Events: 1/13 - LGBT 101 at Pittsford Mendon High School (five classes) at: www.gayalliance.org Youth Dances, Day of Silence, 1/14 - Transgender 101/Gay Alliance History at the Gay Alliance or contact [email protected] Big Gay Prom, Pool Table, 1/18 - LGBT 101 at SJFC/Wegmans School of Pharmacy LGBTQ Youth Library, and 1/19 - SafeZone Training at SUNY Brockport Monday and Wednesday: Internet Access Drop-in: 2-6pm 1/20 - SpeakOUT Training at the Gay Alliance 1/21 - SpeakOUT Training at the Gay Alliance Sunday Support groups: Fun, friendly, safe adults are Ages 13-23: 2-4pm needed to volunteer their time 1/25 - Transgender Healthcare Panel at SJFC/Wegmans School of Pharmacy Ages 18-25: 4:30-6pm and talents, providing positive Evaluations of the month: role models, maybe sharing a Special Interest: talent or skill. Contact Jeanne "I learned how to come out as an ally and how to respond to questions like, Transgender Youth, Gainsburg, Outreach Coordinator 'You're straight, why do you care?' It was fantastic! Yay! J." Arts/Crafts, Movies, Writing for an application: jeanneg@ "I wish we had more time! I feel like we could have talked forever." gagv.us or 585-244-8640, ext. 14. "They knew their shit!" 32 THE EMPTY CLOSET • THE GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY • NUMBER 453 • FEBRUARY 2012

public. All services free and confidential. Multi­ Genesee Valley Gender Variants cultural and bilingual staff. 33 Chestnut St., Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. second floor. Hours 8:30-5pm, Monday-Friday. [email protected] 262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free anonymous Resources HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tuesdays, Transgender online: Wednesdays 1-4pm, provided through NYS­ Transenough .com; www.endtransdiscrimina­ DOH. Thursdays 1-4pm at Aenon Baptist tion.org; genderfork.com; www.transgender­ Church, 175 Genesee St. care.com; International Foundation for Gender Check our monthly and ongoing calendar as well as the community section Education Gender Education and Advocacy for more groups and events. For further information, call the Gay Alliance Anthony l. Jordan Health Center http://www.gender.org/; FTM Information Net­ at 244-8640 or visit: www.gayalliance.org. And send us your information. Prevention & Primary Care Program work http://www.ftminfo.net/; Transgender at Provides Medical Case Management, Mental Work http://www.tgender.net; PFLAG Trans­ Health, Primary Care, HIV Counseling and Test­ gender Network http://community.pflag.org/ Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. AIDS ing using the Orasure Rapid Test, Education page.aspx?pid=380; TransActive http://www. BISEXUALITY Care satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. AIDS presentations, and access to other Jordan ser­ transactiveonline.org; The Transitional Male ONLINE Care is also a leader in providing services and vices. Prevention & Primary Care is a walk-in http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/; National education to members of the LGBT community. program; no appointments necessary. Office Center for Transgender Equality http://transe­ AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisex­ Contact Information: Website: www.acRoches­ hours: Mon.- Fri., 8:30am- 5 pm: extended quality.org/; New York Association for Gender uality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual ter.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., Roches­ hours on Monday until 8pm. (585) 423-2879; Rights Advocacy http://www.nyagra.com/; Network; Bi Cafe; Bi Definition: Milwaukee; ter, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545-7200, fax (585) 423-2876. Website: www.jordan­ Transgender Aging Network http://forge-for­ BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP); Health Services After Hours: 585-258-3363; health.org. For more information, call Program ward.org/aging/; Transgender Law Center Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual Women's Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): 585- Director Patrick M. Trevor, (585) 423-2879. http://transgenderlawcenter.org ; Transgender Network; ComBine - Columbus, Ohio; Dallas/ 275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. Finger Lakes CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline Legal Defense and Education Fund http://trans­ Fort Worth Bi Net; Fenway Health's Bi Health Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, NY genderlegal.org/; The Self Made Men http:// Program; Los Angeles Bi Task Force; New York 14456,315-781-6303. Southern Tier Office: 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail theselfmademen.webs.com/ (please send us Area Bisexual Network; Robyn Ochs's site; 122 Liberty St. Box 624, Bath, NY 14810607- your favorite sites/groups) Seattle Bisexual Women's Network; The Bi 776-9166. The Health Outreach Project: 416 address: [email protected]. Writers Association; The Bisexual Resource Central Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; 585-454- Fair Housing Enforcement Project Guys Night Out Center (email [email protected]) 5556. of Monroe County Social group for transmen. Third Saturdays, 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguys­ Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley [email protected] CULTURAL Referrals to physicians and service agencies. housing discrimination on basis of race, orien­ Rochester Women's Community Chorus (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. tation, HIV status, etc. Spectrum lGBTIQ & Straight Alliance 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar). Public Interest law Office of Rochester RIT/NTID student group.

Social/educational group for gender-variant people, friends. Last Saturdays, 3-5 pm, GAGV Youth Center, first floor, 875 E. Main St. Ongoing Calendar Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. rochesterfrontrunners .org. Empire Bears Potluck 2nd Saturdays, Gay Alliance Youth Center, 875 E. Main, first floor, Prince St. entrance. 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Bring dish to pass. www. empirebears.org. New Freedom New Happiness Cross Dresser Support Group MONDAY AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: Rainbow SAGE Women's Group 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. 251-2132; RCDNET@hotmaiLcom Last Mondays, 11am-12:30 pm, GAGV Library, Guys Night Out 1st floor next to Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Support Group for Parents who have lost TUESDAYS [email protected] Children Third Saturdays. Social group for transguys. First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, 1pm, Equal = Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguys­ Narcotics Anonymous Occupy Rochester Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Gene­ [email protected]. 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver M-F, 4-6 pm, at the Liberty Pole. see Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This Saturday Night Special Gay AA is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who Born That Way COAP 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. have a desire to stop using. Although it is not Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Come Out and Play. Wednesday game nights. Men and women. Open meeting. specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is wel­ Group. First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 8-11 pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf coming to people of all sexual orientations and Meigs St. Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654- 7pm, [email protected]. (lRAD) gender identities, as well as to anyone who is 7516. Rochester Rams General Meeting 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. rcoaster@rochester. affected by HIV and AIDS. lilac Squares 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, rr.com Gay Square Dance Group, Mondays, 7pm, 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com Sophia's Supper Club WEDNESDAYS 140 Alex Bar. To reserve space: 467-6456; First and third Saturdays. http://www.inspiritu­ [email protected]. Brothers Keeper New FreedomlNew Happiness Group Support group for men over 30. Third Wednes­ al.biz/ online-spiritual-evolution-gro / 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Free syphilis testing days, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Center, 107 lib­ Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. 442- erty Pole Way. 420-1400 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of 2220. SUNDAY HIV+ Mixed Men's Group the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Rochester Historical Bowling Society Wednesdays, 11 :30 am-12:30 pm. Parents Families & Friends of lesbians Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. and Gays (PFlAG) and Winton, then walk five minutes south 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is fulL) Third Sundays, 1-3 pm. Open Arms MCC, 740 (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion Gay Alliance Youth Drop-In Hours Marshall Rd. 244-8640 ext 27; PFLAG@gayal­ meeting. All issues - as they relate to our alco­ HIV Positive Men's Support group Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-7pm, Gay Alliance liance.org. holism/addiction and recovery - are fair game. Every Monday, 5pm, AIDS Care Center for Pos­ Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. itive Living, 259 Monroe Ave. entrance, first floor. 244-8640 x 13. Gay Alliance library & Archives, David Bohnett Cyber Center FRIDAYS Gay Alliance Youth Drop-In Hours Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Every Sunday. 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main Mondays, Wednesdays, 2-6pm, Gay Alliance 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. St. 244-8640. Gay Men's Youth Center, 875 E. Main St. Prince St. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. entrance, first floor. 244-8640, x 13. Come Out Dancin' • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and Gay Alliance library & Archives, David First, Third Sundays. 3-5pm, Friends Meeting­ addicts Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Bohnett Cyber Center house, 84 Scio St., entry on Charlotte St. $5. • Men's meeting Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House park­ Every Wednesday. 6-8pm. First floor, • Handicapped accessible ing lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. Rochester General Assembly Sundays, Flying Squirrel Community Center, This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you Steps Beyond Stems Empire Bears 285 Clarissa St. are shy about meeting people or speaking up in Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at The Win­ a group, you will find this meeting particularly 289 Monroe Ave. tonaire. www.empirebears.com Unity Fellowship Church warm and inviting because everyone gets their Sundays, 1:30 pm, Lutheran Church of Peace, turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meet­ Gay Alliance Library & Archives, David 125 Caroline St., 14620. 520-6188. ing often runs long, so plan on more than the Bohnett Cyber Center usual hour. Every Monday. 6-8pm. First floor, THURSDAY Dignity-Integrity 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. Presbyterians for lesbian and Gay 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with Concerns music; 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic litur­ SATURDAYS Equality Rochester 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 gy of the Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Saturday Night Special 2nd Mondays, 7-8:30 pm, Equal=Grounds. Episcopal Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm 426-0862; [email protected] Queer Radical Reading Group Prayers to start the week, followed by potluck 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. First and third Thursdays, 7pm, supper. Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. not go by the church on weekend evenings. Open Arms Metropolitan Community TUESDAY Pride at Work Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East Church and Winton, then walk five minutes south Just Us Guys First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 167 Flanders St. 740 Marshall Rd., Chili, 10:30am, 271-8478 Gay men of all ages. 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30pm, off Thurston Rd. 426-0862. (uphill) on Winton. AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. 223-2629 Gay Men's Alcoholics Anonymous • Open meeting, all are welcome, "straight­ Trans Action Group (TAG) St. Luke's/St. Simon Cyrene Church, friendly" Charlie's Group Information: Peter Vaillancourt, sk8forether@ 2nd Tuesdays. Monthly peer-facilitated support 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8:30pm, 232-6720, Weekly. • Mixed men and women gmail; list serve at transactiongroup@google­ Closed meeting • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to group for married men who have sex with men. groups.com Confidential, free. For time, place: email: char­ basement Rainbow SAGE Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by [email protected]. GlOB&l (Gays & lesbians of Bausch & First Sundays: Euchre Club, 3-6pm. Third Sun­ lomb). open discussion. CampusOut Coffee Night days, Potluck at First Universalist Church, 150 Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 confer­ S. Clinton Ave., 4pm. FirstTuesdays, 7-10pm, Equal=Grounds, ence room at the Optic Center. Voice mail : SUNDAYS 750 South Ave. 338-8977 Men's Cooking Group Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664. Step in the Right Direction MOCHA Youth Drop-In Rochester Gay Men's Chorus 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alli­ Tues.-Fri., 1-9pm, MOCHA Center, Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Civil Rights Front ance Church) This is an NA meeting that is 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420-1400; 244-8640 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 Every Tuesday, 5pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 open to all addicts who have a desire to stop MOCHA Hepatitis Clinic South Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront.word­ using. Although it is not specifically a gay-ori­ Free confidential walk-in HIV testing press.com Free Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, third Tues­ Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, AIDS Care, ented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all days, 5:30-7pm, 107 Liberty Pole Way, 420- 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 sexual orientations and gender identities. Each 1400 week features a reading from NA literature, fol­ MOCHA/Gay Alliance Youth Trans Group lowed by discussion. Women's Community Chorus First Thursdays, 5-7pm, Gay Alliance Youth Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Down­ Center, 875 E. Main St., 1st floor (Prince St. Rochester Gay Men town United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh entrance). 244-8640 ext 13. 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon's Episcopal Church, Street. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Second Thursdays Free HIV Testing Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm. Fitzhugh Street stop on Main Street at the Coun­ 9am-7pm. AIDS Care, 259 Monroe Ave. Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outand­ ty Office Building and walk south one block. equaLorg • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and addicts WEDNESDAY • Men's meeting FRIDAY • NOT handicapped accessible Country line DancinglTwo Stepping Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by Every Wednesday, 140 Alex, 7pm. Lessons fol­ Gay Men's AA meeting lowed by dancing until 1Opm, Beginners to Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. open discussion. advanced. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. U.R. Pride Network GlBTQI Motorcycle Group 7:30pm, Gamble Room in Rush Rhees Library. Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations. urpride@gmaiLcom [email protected]; 467- Joe Russo, Psy.D., CGP 6456; [email protected]. Licensed Psychologist ~C},e Rainbow SAGE Ruby Slippers Certified Group Psychotherapist C\\~ Wednesdays, 5:45 pm, Callan-Harris Physical 25 Canterbury Road, Suite 308 \. \.0 Therapy, 1328 Universty Ave. SATURDAY Rochester, New York 14607

WEDNESDAY 1 WEDNESDAY 15 Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words is another $1. We Imbolc, Candlemas. Ancient Celt­ Empty Closet deadline for March do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Paying by check: checks must be ic festival of light. Sacred tree: Rowan. issue. 244-9030; susanj@gayalliance. made out to Gay Alliance or GAGV. The deadline is the 15th of the month, for the Through Feb. 2. org. following month's issue. We cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your SATURDAY 4 THURSDAY 16 ad. We will accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will be Winter Games and Sports at Ganon­ Equality Rochester (as part of the published, but we must be able to confirm placement. The Empty Closet is not dagan. lOam-4pm. Snowsnake throw, Marriage Equality New York network) responsible for financial loss or physical injury that may result from any contact with dogsled team, snowshoes for hiking win­ introduces Brian Silva, new Executive an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number. ter trails. Crafts, video, traditional Seneca Director of Marriage Equality USA, at story telling, hot food. Ganondagan State the Marriage Equality USA Kickoff Party Historic Site, Rte. 444 and County Rd., 6:30-8pm, Downtown United Presby­ PERSONALS rates. Discretion appreciated and prac­ just outside Victor. Free; donation of $5 terian Church, 121 Fitzhugh St. All are Politically progressive Lesbian ticed. Don't delay, call me today at 585- requested. 924-5848. welcome. Women Seniors interested in RPO con­ 773-2410 (cell) or 585-235-6688 (home) SUNDAY 5 SATURDAY 18 certs, Erie Canal walks, bird watching; or e-mail me at: magichands@rochester. news and current affairs conversation, call Dignity Integrity. Episcopal Massi Butch Femme Connection. Dinner rr.com. Healing Service, with music. 5pm, St. at Jay's Diner, Route 15 (West Henrietta Cat 585-732-7149. Martin Ippolito master electrician. Luke's/St. Simon's Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Road), 7pm. 585-288-7208; email Dressy­ SERVICES Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable St. [email protected] or Facebook page at Rochester's Best Man to Man Rub­ TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. WEDNESDAY 8 http://www.facebook.com/bfconnec­ down. Give the gift of relaxation to 585-266-6337. Out for Justice: "Fair Housing." tion your friend or partner! Unwind with this World renowned weddings. 42 years 6:30pm, GAGV Youth Center, first floor, Dignity Integrity Cabin Party Pot­ degreed, employed, fit, friendly, healthy, performing same sex commitments, now 875 E. Main St. Laurie Lambrix, attorney luck and Game Night. 4:30-9:30pm at Italian GWM. Middle aged, 5'8", 165 marriages (it's about time!). Nancy BB from Monroe County Legal Assistance local town park. Further details: web­ lbs., 32" waist, nonsmoker, d & d free, Meyer minister, God is Love-Animals are Center, will talk about discrimination in site http://www.di-rochester.org/ or DI HIV negative. My lO-plus years experi­ Angels ministry. 585-733-6213. renting and home-buying, tenants' rights Hotline at 585-234-5092. ence guarantees your relaxation and sat­ Man to Man. Offering a relaxing and other issues. Free. 244-8640 ext 19. SUNDAY 19 isfaction. Hotel visit, in call in my home body-rub by a masculine bodybuilder, age or out call in your residence. Reasonable 38. $80. Text/call 585-295-3055. THURSDAY 9 Dignity Integrity. Quiet Episcopal Out & Equal Second Thursdays Mass in the Chapel. 5pm, St. Luke's/St. Networking Event, 5:30-7:30pm, at Simon's Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Images Lounge of the Marriott Airport, TUESDAY 21 1890 Ridge Road West located near 1-390. Mardi Gras Event is free with cash bar and compli­ Out & Equal ERG Leadership mentary hors d'oeuvres. 50/50 Raffle to Roundtable. 5-6:30pm, hosted by Uni­ benefit GAGV and Pride 2012. RSVP at versity of Rochester, River Campus. Join www.oeNYfingerlakes.groupsite.com. regional Employee Resource Group lead­ SATURDAY 11 ers to share best practices, gather ideas for Free mammograms for uninsured programming. For RSVP, directions to women over 40. 8am-12pm. Highland conference room at the university, con­ Breast Imaging Center, 500 Red Creek tact Ralph Carter, 585-265-5904 or ralph. Drive, Suite 130, 14623. Call Breast [email protected]. More information at Imaging Center at 585-487-3300 for www.oeNYfingerlakes.groupsite.com. appointment. Women who cannot make Rev. Jimmy Creech gives Spring the screening day can be scheduled for a Christian Faith and LGBT Experience different day. lecture at Ithaca Auditorium, Colgate The Red Ball. 7-11pm, Cathedral Rochester Crozer Divinity School, 1100 Hall at Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main S. Goodman St., 7-9pm. St., hosted by Gay Alliance. Tickets THURSDAY 23 $10 in advance, $15 at door. Online ImageOut kick-off screening for at www.GayAlliance.org, also available 2012. Loose Cannons," 6:30pm at The at Equal=Grounds, Outlandish. Tick­ Cinema, S. Clinton and Goodman. $8. et includes light refreshments, desserts. SUNDAY 26 Music, beer/wine cash bar, gift basket Dignity Integrity. Evening Prayer, fol­ raffle. Free parking. lowed by a Potluck Supper. 5pm, St. Luke'sl SUNDAY 12 St. Simon's Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Dignity Integrity. Roman Catholic Lit,. Michael Beattie, Fioritura in concert, urgy of the Word, with music. 5pm, St. 4pm, Downtown United Presbyterian Luke's/St. Simon's Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Church, 121 S. Fitzhugh St. $25; Seniors Queen of Hearts 2012-2013 Pag­ $20; Students $10. 703-3990. eant, One Restaurant & Lounge, 1 Ryan Alley, near East Ave. & Alexander St. 21 and over only; $10 admission. 6-11pm.

Andy Fleming, DVM \ - 1311 Marsh Road Veterinary Pittsford, NY 14534 '\ Hospital Phone: (585) 248-9590 Fax: (585) 218-0465 www.yourbodymassage.com [email protected] www.catsexclusively.com James R. Yost, L.M.T. 60 & 90 Minute Therapeutic Massage Sessions By Appointment ) Phone 202-8754 or visit us online Now Offering Hot Stone Massage A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME 121 N. Fitzhugh Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • Phone: 325-1180 Liturgies: Thursday: 7:00pm, Saturday: 5:00pm VISA & MasterCard Accepted Sunday: 7:30am 1m: 9:30am (at Hochstein, 50 Plymouth Avenue) FEBRUARY 2012 • NUMBER 453 • GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY. THE EMPTY CLOSET 35

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