The Empty Closet F ollow us on Facebook at Empty Closet News Follow us at www.twitter.com/EmptyClosetNews local, state and national news, newsmaker interviews, opinion, entertainment, columnists, event calendars, comics, and health resources number 474 a publication of the gay alliance of the genesee valley Dec-jan 2014

staff and membership work on G ay Alliance a vision and a strategy for the future. He said, “My personal receives grants perspective is the world has been from LGBT Giving changing so much over the last Circle, Skalny few years, and the Gay Alliance has been providing the same ser- Charitable Trust vices for many years. They are By Susan Jordan still important, but we need to In its second year of grant think of new ways of program- making, the LGBT Giving Cir- ming and innovating to support cle awarded $18,000 in grants our constituents. from its LGBT Fund for Greater “I’ll be working very closely Rochester to 11 nonprofit orga- with Scott. He’ll help me under- nizations, more than doubling stand what he sees as the future. the amount and number award- I will work also with the staff, ed last year. who have a long history with Giving Circle members, David Zona the agency. It’s a collaborative guests and grantees attended a exercise.” celebration on Nov. 18 at Roch- M eet the new Gay Vice President Jessica Mura- ester Contemporary Art Center, Alliance Board tore will also play an active role. where the grants were formally Scott Fearing accepts the grant for the Gay Alliance from Catherine David noted, “Jessica’s strength announced. Lewis, chair of the LGBT Giving Circle grants committee, at RoCo President, David is in governance – in the sense “Members were extremely on Nov. 18. Photo: Susan Jordan. More photos on p. 11. Zona of governing the agency and pleased to be able to boost our making sure we are compliant ability to help make a difference Bread and Water Theater: to ley’s Safe Zone Program for 10 By Susan Jordan with the regulations we need to in the quality of life for many purchase lighting equipment for people in Livingston County, David Zona, 37, is a director be aware of, and making sure we across the Rochester region,” LGBT and Rainbow Theater who would then train others at MVP Healthcare. He became have policies that enable us to do says Angela Bonazinga, co-chair Festival productions ($1,100); and implement practices in their president of the Gay Alliance what we have to do.” of the Giving Circle. “Our goal Center for Dispute Settlement: workplace, organization or com- Board at the annual meeting on He concluded, “It takes a vil- this year was to increase our to support training on topics munity ($1,900); Gay Alliance Nov. 20. lage, and it’s going to be very philanthropic impact and our involving the LGBT community of the Genesee Valley: to create a The meeting took place at important for me to have the visibility in the community, for 60 volunteer mediators in business plan to help the LGBT St. Mary’s Church. The Alliance support and input of those we while awarding grants to a broad Monroe County and five other community and allies not sim- plans to hold a donor event this serve, and who are part of the mix of social service and arts counties ($1,500); Chances and ply survive, but thrive ($2,000); winter, at which time awards agency. It’s not a one-man show. organizations.” Changes of Livingston Coun- School of the Holy Childhood: will be made, including the Vin- We need to understand the com- The 11 organizations receiv- ty’s Coalition of Sexual Health: an organization that is inclusive nie and Vicki Cups. munity so we can make the ing grants that were approved to support training in the Gay of the LGBT community, this David has been on the board (Zona continues page 3) by the Circle membership, were Alliance of the Genesee Val- (G rants continues page 3) for two years and became trea- surer about a year and a half ago. He said, “A year ago I took on the co-chair role and now here I am!” E lection sees In what some called “one and support the new Mayor and Why did he want to take of the strangest local election continue working to make our on the responsibilities of being many national wins years ever,” a rogue pro-Rich- City great.” board president? David said, “I for gay rights; no ards campaign sprang up after Matt Haag re-elected to look at my experience growing surprises in local his primary loss, but it was too Rochester City Council up as a gay man, and realize how little, too late. And the cam- When election returns tum- lucky I was growing up, and how races paign did not benefit from the bled in around 9:40 p.m. on well-received my coming out was support of its candidate. Rich- Nov. 5, it was evident early on by my family and friends. That’s By Ove Overmyer Staff Reporter, Empty Closet ards backed Warren shortly that all five incumbents would not the general rule, obviously; after his Primary Election loss easily retain their seats on City a lot of people don’t have that National Outlook: The Gay and did not actively campaign Council. Those who were hop- kind of acceptance. In addition & Lesbian Victory Fund cel- even though he appeared on the ing for some local political the- to generally believing in what we ebrated success across the coun- Working Families Party and the atre in this election cycle were do, I wanted to pay it forward.” try as dozens of openly lesbian, Independence Party line on the disappointed. On this election David sees his volunteer work gay, and bisexual candidates November 5 ballot. eve, there was absolutely no on the board as very much a won election to public offices. In a statement released to drama about who was going collaborative effort, as board, “We’re extremely proud of the media after the General to win. all our candidates,” said Chuck Election, Mayor Richards said, Matt Haag, the only open- Wolfe, president and CEO of Matt Haag “I want to congratulate Lovely ly gay elected official in city G ay alliance the Victory Fund. “The victo- Warren on her victory tonight. government, placed third in ries across the country and at all discrimination, because, he We have already begun work the race with 17.63 percent of PARTNERSHIPS levels of government underscore said, there is no evidense that on the transition and I have the vote (19,528) to retain his the power of people fighting for anti-gay discrimination exists. instructed senior staff and I’m second four-year term on City T he Gay Alliance fairness, progress, and LGBT (See Newsfronts) asking all City employees to Council. Loretta Scott was the appreciates the continuing equality.” Lovely Warren wins May- do whatever it takes to ensure a top vote getter at 19.9 percent partnership of businesses In the 2013 election cycle, or’s race: historic victory smooth and cooperative transi- (22,416); Jackie Ortiz placed within our community the Victory Fund endorsed 85 With a decisive win on Elec- tion process. The job of mayor second with 17.63 percent of the who support candidates, a record number for our mission and vision. tion Day, Democratic Mayor- goes far beyond a single individ- vote; Dana Miller was fourth at an odd-numbered election year. Elect Lovely Warren will be ual. It’s now time for the entire 17.17 percent (19,342) and Car- P latinum Level As of Nov. 7, 54 of these can- sworn in as the next Rochester community to come together (E lection continues page 3) didates were projected to win Mayor in January 2014. their respective elections, with Warren, 36, who is cur- three candidates advancing to rently City Council president, run-off elections later this year. will be the first woman to lead Two additional races remained the city and second African Contents uncalled. Editorials...... 2 American. She’s also one of the Local/State News...... 3 In the top news: an open- youngest people to ever win the National/International News..... 4 ly gay man, Ed Murray, was office -- a historic victory on Interview: Bill Valenti, Bruce Smail... 7 elected mayor of Seattle, while multiple fronts. Health: Home Care...... 15 homophobic Tea Partier Ken According to unofficial Businesses in the Community...17 Cuccinelli was defeated in Vir- results from the Monroe Coun- Shoulders To Stand On ...... 21 ginia’s gubernatorial race by ty Board of Elections, War- Columnists ...... 22 Community ...... 25 pro-gay Terry McAuliffe, who ren took home 55 percent of Entertainment: Grinch...... 27 immediately announced anti- the vote (18,117) to incumbent Gay Alliance: Safe Zone...... 30 discrimination protections for Mayor Tom Richards’ 40 per- M ercedes Sulay Calendar...... 34 LGBT state employees. Outgo- cent (12,957). Green Party can- Classifieds...... 34

is Miss Gay frier ing Virginia Gov. Bob McDon- didate Alex White earned about Comics...... 34, 35 R ochester 2014 ill nell had refused to renew an 5 percent. This was a result : Proud Publisher of New York executive order that protected expected by most local political P age 10 State’s Oldest Lgbt Newspaper

LGBT state employees from observers. photo J 2 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014 G ay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Gay Alliance Board of Trustees W. Bruce Gorman, Co-President and Secretary Emily Jones, Co-President, David Zona, Treasurer, Perspectives John Altieri, Chris Hilderbrant, Jeff Markarian, Peter Mohr, Jessica Muratore, Steve Santacroce, William Schaefer

T he Empty Closet Editor G ay Alliance Executive Director G ay alliance PARTNERSHIPS Susan Jordan Scott Fearing T he Gay Alliance Rochester’s annual LGBT sig- LGBTQ Community in the appreciates the continuing nature events, were bigger than region. partnership of businesses ever. The pro-labor, union activ- within our community The D&C and gay blog ist in me just felt my lip twinge who support our mission Towleroad.com both noted the and eyes roll as they do when and vision. curious incident during Pride I hear businesses talk about Week when the Democratic cau- their need to “right-size.” It has G old Level cus hung a forbidden rainbow always seemed an excuse to cut flag from their window in the people and reduce salaries. I am Monroe County Office Build- sure at times it has been that ing. The Monroe County Sher- malicious. iff’s Department immediately But, for the Gay Alliance the confiscated the flag, and threat- adjustments we have made as we ened arrest when Democratic stepped away from State funds, staffers said they would just put and turned to you, our com- out another flag. They did so, munity members, have helped City of Rochester but the authorities did not con- to be stronger, more responsive. T he year in review: fiscate the second flag or arrest C hanges As you have stepped up to help Absolut/Malibu any Democrats, having deter- us, you have told us how we can POTUS, pasta and mined that the flag did not pose Depending on when you be of more value to you, and we rainbow flags a threat to the exterior of the are reading this, you are either are responding. S ilver Level County’s building. moving towards the holiday For now, our budget remains 3 Olives By Susan Jordan In international food-and- season, or recovering from it. lean. The New York Gap has us 2013 was an interesting year gay-related news, the president No matter, you are dealing with needing to raise just over $4000 Baccardi for Rochester. Everyone from of the Barilla pasta company the continual movement that more each month. A task that Spiderman’s stand-in to Presi- announced that he did not want is life. is actually very doable. If each dent Obama stopped by – the to use gays to advertise his prod- The change of seasons, the person reading this paper were former leaping over crashing uct, or to sell his pasta to gay change of the year, the change to send us $12, we would com- NYPD police cars and closing consumers. Anti-gay activists in the amount of daylight. pletely close the Gap caused by Barefoot Wine downtown streets, and the lat- could have hosted fundraising Although it seems to be an oxy- the loss of NYS funds. ter lunching at Magnolia Café dinners of Chik-Fil-A takeout moron, “change” is one of the $12.00. Basically we need Hedonist Artisan Chocolate and closing down Park Ave. with with Barilla pasta on the side. few constants in life. you to buy us two pints of good John’s Tex Mex his humongous, gleaming black As for dessert, a Teapublican Change has become the draft beer, or a couple of fancy bus with its blacked-out win- religious radio guy made nation- coffee drinks, or a fire roasted dows and escort of non-crashing mantra at the Gay Alliance al news last summer when he as well. In recent months we pizza or donate a small fraction police cars. stated that it is morally OK to of your average cell phone bill. A small crowd waited in vain have embraced physical chang- bake a cake for a same sex wed- es to our work and community Isn’t a strong LGBTQ com- at Nick Tahou’s, apparently con- ding if you remember to inscribe munity worth that? vinced that only one thing could spaces, we have managed staff upon it the death-to-gays pas- changes, we have facilitated In the past three years the summon POTUSman to Roch- sage from Leviticus, in icing. number of people who donate ester -- the garbage plate. changes in leadership of staff This is the same radio guy who and board. All that time we to us has increased. I believe Another food-related story said that Mark Twain was pos- that support has increased in the past year was the new have been laying the ground- sessed by demons, the Colorado work for deep, transformative because people know that we East Ave. Wegmans, which real- floods were caused by homo- are the oldest, strongest voice ly brought people together; the organizational change. sexuality, and the Boy Scouts Last year The Gay Alliance for LGBT people in the region, topics of the new parking lot will soon have merit badges for and that history has value to celebrated our 40th Anniver- and the crowing rooster record- sodomy and – wait for it – can- them; people trust us as good B ronze Level ing provided Rochestarians with nibalism. sary Year. We start year 41 as stewards of their donations; hours of absorbing conversation. So bring it on, 2014! We can- a strong, solid organization pre- people like the changes that Ameriprise pared to build on our long his- Nationally, Illinois, Hawaii nibals can take it. The first item they have seen and are excited Canandaigua and New Jersey were the latest of interest coming up in the tory and chart new courses. about our vision of the future National Bank & Trust states to pass marriage equality. Honestly, we still face new year seems to be the Sochi and people believe, as we do, Corning Inc. But although they voted 45 times Olympics. Fortunately the IOC financial challenges (what not- that the LGBT Community has to repeal Obamacare, House has determined that there is no for-profit doesn’t). We have an important role to play in Equal Grounds Coffee Teapublicans “could not find homophobic repression or hate experienced a loss of nearly the transformation of Rochester House time” to vote on ENDA once. $300,000 in New York State violence happening in Russia, or into a vital, green, robust city. Harter Secrest and Emery LLP Rochester’s LGBT commu- at least not at the sports venues support in the past three years. Please help us to complete nity had a good year, with a (Putin promised) -- so we should This means that we have had to our transformation by support- ImageOut wildly successful Pride, the pre- all just shut up, relax and enjoy trim, shift, partner, grow, and ing us. ■ Jaegermeister miere of the excellent Shoulders adjust -- we have had to change the show. And of course pur- Kittleberger Florist and to Stand On documentary, and chase their advertisers’ products, in ways that have been diffi- the 21st ImageOut Film Festi- which hopefully won’t include a cult, but, honestly, ultimately Gifts val. Both Pride and ImageOut, certain brand of pasta. ■ positive for us and the entire Labor Federation Macy’s

12-01/14 New York Life The Gay Alliance: Name Out and Equal NY Finger Lakes Forty years of advocating for the fair and Address Outlandish City/State/Zip equal treatment of all people, regardless Sky Vodka of their sexual orientation, gender identity Phone St. John Fisher or gender expression. Join us for forty more! E-mail Tompkins Enterprises Victory Alliance Membership Levels: ❏ $30-99 Advocate ❏ $100 Champion Wegmans ❏ $1,000-4,999 Triangle Club ❏ $5,000+ Stonewall Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP ❏ Check enclosed in the amount of ______(check #______) Please charge my credit card in the amount of ______C hampion Level To: ❏ American Express, ❏ Discover, ❏ MasterCard, ❏ Visa Credit card # ______Exp. Date: ______Mass Mutual of Buffalo ❏ I would be proud to have my donation publicly acknowledged. Park Avenue Merchants Association B enefits include: Subscription to The Empty Closet mailed to home or Pride @Work work, plus privileges at each level. Phone: 585 244-8640 or mail to: Gay Alliance, 875 E. Main St., Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605. Home delivery of Third Presbyterian Church the Empty Closet is free with your annual membership in the Gay Alliance. The Woolbright Group 40 HCR Home Care dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 3

page one Rev. Marlowe Washington on Professor of LGBT Studies Cael the Working Families line, and Keegan as HWS’ first full-time three Green Party candidates: faculty member in LGBT stud- David Atias, Drew Langdon, NewsFronts ies. ( Grants from page 1) and Dorothy Paige. Of those, Keegan teaches interdis- grant will support the opening only Paige had at one time ciplinary courses centering on of an “Activities of Daily Living” cleared 3 percent of the vote. L ocal and State the relationship between queer, room at the school to teach stu- After the election, Haag transgender, anti-racist, and dents with developmental and said, “Thank you, thank feminist modes of consciousness intellectual disabilities self-care you, and thank you to all my and political critique. With his tasks and independent living friends, family and supporters arrival, the Colleges were able to skills ($2,000); ImageOut: sup- who endorsed my campaign. offer the first transgender stud- ports the rental of films for the I’m truly blessed to be given the ies class, “Transgender Identities annual festival in 2014 ($2,000); honor of serving you for four and Politics.” and the Jewish Community Cen- more years.” He currently is teaching ter: helping the agency to further Commissioner of Schools: “Introduction to LGBT Studies” develop its outreach efforts and RCSD and is working with the LGBT collaboration with the LGBT Despite the Rochester City program steering committee to community through staging of School District’s abysmal aca- develop new, cross-listed cours- the Larry Kramer play on AIDS, demic performance and poor es designed to be of interest to “The Normal Heart” and event graduation rates -- something most students on campus. They panel discussion ($1,000). that has dragged on for years, are looking at the three other Skalny Charitable Trust marked by a declining enroll- institutions in the country with grant ment and increasingly disen- LGBT majors or minors to see The Gay Alliance will receive gaged parents -- voters returned what differentiates HWS, as well $15,000 from the Joseph and Irene the three school board incum- as to learn from what others are Skalny Charitable Trust, which bents for another term. doing. donated generously to the GAGV Board members Jose Cruz, “Hobart and William Smith in 2010 and 2011. The funds will Cynthia Elliott and Van White, Dr. Bill Valenti, Ally Howell, Henry Hinesley, Bill Schaefer, Pamela are definitely leaders in trans- be used to continue Gay Alliance all Democrats, beat their chal- Barres and Arai Moore. Photo: Ove Overmyer gender studies with the new anti-bullying outreach and other lengers in the General Election, courses we have developed for anti-bullying, youth suicide pre- and they did so with fairly wide Community Forum many gender nonconforming this academic year. We want to vention and Gay Straight Alliance margins. people for the very first time. remain distinct and keep our support in Monroe and surround- Led by White, the incum- highlights Trans* He said, “Most people prob- cutting edge leadership status ing counties. bents grabbed the lion’s share of Awareness Month ably don’t know that more than while developing a diverse pro- The grant is in memory of votes -- well more than 60 per- 20 percent of people who iden- gram that offers a lot to a variety Joseph and Irene Skalny, philan- cent. And even though a cred- By Ove Overmyer tify as transgender are refused of students,” says Keegan. thropists who were dedicated to ible candidate named Candice The message to the Trans* healthcare with a primary care He asserts there is a need causes relating to education and Lucas came extremely close to community was “Be your own provider. Many just postpone for the courses. “Most students youth. overtaking Cruz in the Dem- best advocate”. care altogether because they are will go on to work with some Gay Alliance Executive ocratic primary, she was no As one of the marquee events denied care so often.” portion of the LGBT popula- Director Scott Fearing said, threat to him or Elliott on Elec- highlighting Rochester Trans* Schaefer added that this is tion, whether they are in sales, “The Gay Alliance is thrilled tion Night. Awareness Month, more than very tragic, considering that a business, social work, nonprof- to have the financial support of What this means for the 100 people attended an evening leading industry study showed its, therapy or work with foreign these two important commu- RCSD and parents is hard to workshop titled Trans* World that 41 percent of those trans- cultures. Having literacy around nity resources. The continued predict, except that a strong Day: A Community Forum, gender respondents attempted the issues LGBT people struggle support from the Skalny Foun- majority of the voters who on Nov. 12 at Trillium Health, suicide at least once and HIV with in our society is a key to dation is especially exciting to turned out in the city passed located at the Monroe Square transmission rates are four times success.” me as it is a vote of confidence on the opportunity to remove Building, 259 Monroe Ave. higher for people who identify as Keegan hopes that by helping in our desire to reach people nearly half of the school board. Trans Day of Remembrance transgender. students become more informed all around the region. The calls And while voters also showed candlelight vigils were held at But now, says Schaefer, under about the problems faced by we get from beyond the Roch- their support for Lovely Warren Monroe Community College, the ACA, federal law prohib- LGBT populations, he will ester city limits are often the as the city‘s next mayor (who RIT, Open Arms MCC, The its any form of discrimination inspire them to become politi- most heartbreaking of calls and incidentally campaigned heav- MOCHA Center and SUNY regardless of how you identify. cized about gender as a source of this gift will give us the ability ily on an education platform Brockport (see page 11) and a All the panelists stressed that bias in society. to bring services into new areas endorsing Charter Schools), Trans open mic event took place everyone in the community “Sexual/gender minority is around the region. voters weren’t necessarily giving at Equal Grounds on Nov. 22. needs to be their own best advo- an emerging and ongoing civil “The gift from the LGBT her an automatic green light to The Nov. 12 panel was cate when it comes to under- rights issue. Inequality for trans- Giving Circle will allow us to make big demonstrative chang- hosted by the Gay Alliance of standing their legal rights and gender minorities will be the big strategically plan for our future. es to the Rochester City School the Genesee Valley. Gay Alli- personal healthcare decisions. new problem society will have to For 40 years we have focused District, or to her plan for solv- ance Executive Director Scott Audience member Lizz face,” he says. on helping people to survive ing some of our biggest educa- Fearing introduced the panel- McPhee of Henrietta told the In addition to the courses with their LGBT identity in a tional challenges. ists and moderated the discus- EC, “It felt great to walk into a he was teaching this fall, the world that was openly hostile. Monroe County Legisla- sion. Several community groups supportive environment where I department has developed three As laws have changed and vari- ture and associations also co-spon- not only got useful information cross-listed courses that will ous social systems have become Two Monroe County Leg- sored the event, including Pride from experts who are familiar be offered in the spring (those more accepting, our work needs islature races were on the bal- at Work, AFL-CIO; Trillium with the diverse needs of Trans in LGBT will be taught by to adjust and focus on building lot, and could have conceivably Health; Rochester Trans Group; people, but just as importantly Keegan): LGBT 204 “Bodies of our communities in new ways. shifted the balance of power MOCHA Center; Genesee Val- I got to meet Trans people who Difference” will use first-person This support will allow us to in that body – which favors ley Gender Variants and The were comfortable in their own accounts to look at how disease create our new work plan to the GOP – to a super-major- Self Made Men. skin and living their lives openly and disability are interpreted by ensure that we are positioned to ity. Monroe County Republi- A panel of experts, includ- and confidently. It was empow- queer population; WMST 218 help LGBT people thrive in their cans held 19 out of the 29 seats ing Bill Schaefer, M.S. RPA-C ering.” “Queer Representation in The- identity. It is a subtle change, before Election Day, and after of Trillium Health; Pam Barres, ater and Film” will be taught by but we will focus on building a strong showing at the polls transgender activist; Arai Moore, Assistant Professor of Women’s strong, self-reliant individuals by Irondequoit Democrats, that founder of SPECTRUM Trans- Studies Michelle Martin-Baron who want to remain connected numerical dynamic will remain gender Group of WNY; Henry and LGBT 301 “Queer Geogra- to our vibrant communities and for the coming year. Hinesley, Coordinator of the phies and Migrations” will trace our shared history.” ■ County Legislator Joe RIT LGBT Center and Ally how modern queer subjectivity Morelle Jr., a rising star in local Howell, noted author, attor- has formed and how it has been politics, will keep his Ironde- ney and legal rights expert on communicated and inherited by quoit-based 17th District seat, Transgender issues, shared mov- generations of queer individuals. (Zona from page 1) prevailing over attorney Ed ing testimonies and insights on “Growing up as a scholar over right decisions for the agency McClenathan, a Republican. the latest information and social the past 15 years, I did not have and those we serve. Morelle received approximately trends relating to gender non- access to the courses I am now “I also want to give a word of 68 percent of the vote, while conforming people. teaching,” says Keegan. “There thanks to all the folks over the McClenathan received approxi- The panel specifically is a whole generation of scholars past 40 years who have built the mately 32 percent. addressed the current status who had to invent a course of agency and to thank the outgoing In the 19th District, which of healthcare for gender non- study to address all the academic board leaders – and also my family covers parts of Greece and conforming people, workplace issues related to LGBT. I became and friends for their support.” ■ Parma, Republican Kathleen rights and legal protections, Cael Keagan a professor because I wanted to Taylor received approximately and changing gender markers provide students with the experi- 63 percent of the vote, defeating and also shared personal reflec- Keegan joins ences I didn’t have. If my courses Democrat Michael Bertolone, tions on transgender identity as in some way improve the lives of ( Election from page 1) who received approximately 37 attendees considered best prac- Hobart/William students -- LGBT or not -- that’s olee Conklin finished fifth at percent. tices for creating change as self- Smith LGBT what I want.” 16.55 percent (18,639). Taylor will replace Republi- advocates and allies. Studies full time Keegan earned his B.A. in The five At-Large incum- can Jeff McCann, who has to Physician’s Assistant Bill English from St. Bonaventure bents were never in serious leave at the end of the year due Schaefer talked extensively about This semester, Hobart/Wil- University, with a minor in jeopardy of losing the election. to term limits. the Affordable Care Act and liam Smith Colleges in Gene- women’s studies. He earned an They were challenged by the (Election continues page 6) how its language will protect va welcomed Visiting Assistant (Keegan continues page 6) 4 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

“Freedom to Marry is proud to be a audio sent a chill through human rights lead partner in Illinois Unites for Mar- activists in Russia and abroad... riage. We thank the tireless leadership of ...By highlighting Western human NewsFronts lead bill sponsors in the House and Senate, rights groups’ interest in Russia, the pro- Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Heather Steans gram also appeared to be laying the ground- as well as House Speaker Michael Madi- work for potentially accusing LGBT rights gan, Senate President John Cullerton, activists of being “foreign agents,” which national and international Governor Pat Quinn, and Chicago Mayor could be grounds for huge fines if activists Rahm Emanuel, all of whom played cru- are found to be taking money from foreign cial roles in advancing the legislation.” sources without reporting it to the authori- ACLU ties. The “foreign agent” law, passed last James Esseks, Director of the LGBT year, has been widely criticized for stifling Project of the American Civil Liberties Russia’s already embattled civil society. Union, issued this statement: “With the According to participants in the meet- Illinois bill’s passage today, the march ing, which was convened by the Open towards equality is turning into a stam- Society Foundation (a group founded by pede. One year ago, there were six sta- George Soros) and included members of tes with marriage equality and now with international LGBT human rights groups Illinois there are fifteen. Once this bill is and smaller Russian activist groups, the signed into law, over thirty-seven percent meeting was intended to strategize on of the American population will live in how to assist the Russian groups against states with the freedom to marry for all increased oppression ahead of the Sochi loving and committed couples. All fami- games. lies deserve the protection and security Read more: http://www.towleroad. that only marriage provides and our fight com/#ixzz2kdolF6I3 to extend those protections to families in the remaining 35 states will continue.” M an arrested for John Knight, Director of the LGBT Project of the American Civil Liberties crowbar assault on Union of Illinois, said, “Today is a great lesbian sister victory for thousands of lesbian and gay Illinois Rep. Sam Yingling proposes to his partner Lowell Jaffe during a celebration of couples and their families and an histo- On Nov. 7, a Lincoln, Nebraska man the Illinois marriage equality bill. ric day for the State of Illinois. To put an and an accomplice attacked his sister and end, after so many years, to a law that has her fiancee with a crowbar for “offend- I llinois passes marriage ches and other institutions of faith are still officially denigrated the love and commit- ing Islam” with their relationship. Both free to make their own decisions that con- ment of lesbians and gay men is a cause for women escaped without injuries. bill; 16 states now form to their own teachings. great celebration. We applaud the House Police say Ahmad Tuma’s sister and permit same sex “As I said in my Inaugural Address members who stood up for basic fairness her fiancee arrived at home near 27th marriage last January, our journey as a nation is not for all Illinois’ families. & M when he and a friend, 20-year-old complete until our gay brothers and sis- “Because of the hard work of many Nathan Marks, ran up to them. Police say The Illinois Senate passed SB10, the ters are treated like anyone else under the organizations and individuals, who never Tuma tried to hit her with a crow bar. The amended marriage equality bill also pas- law, for if we are truly created equal, then lost faith when the House failed to act in couple escaped into their car, but police sed by the House, on Nov. 5. The Sena- surely the love we commit to one another May, our State now joins the growing list say Tuma repeatedly hit the car with the te passed the bill 32-21 and it went to must be equal as well. And tonight, I’m of those advancing fairness by recognizing crowbar. Governor Pat Quinn, who had promised so proud that the men and women elec- the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian “They were in fear for their lives, to sign it. ted to serve the people of the great state couples. he had made some verbal threats to kill The governor signed the bill on Nov. of Illinois have chosen to take us one step “Today’s vote means that the Illinois the sister,” Officer Katie Flood with the 20. further on that journey to perfect our General Assembly now recognizes that all Lincoln Police Dept. said. Police say the President Obama released this state- union.” Illinoisans deserve the dignity, universal couple drove off, but Marks and Tuma ment on the passage of marriage equality Rep. proposes to partner at celebra- recognition, and concrete federal protec- got into Marks’ pickup and followed, in Illinois: “Tonight, I applaud the men tion tions and obligations from marriage for ramming them from behind nearly into and women of the Illinois General Assem- At a marriage equality celebration that their loving committed relationships and oncoming traffic on S. 27th Street. The bly, a body in which I was proud to serve, night at the Governor’s mansion, Rep. for the good of their children. Our clients couple were able to get away and call for voting to legalize marriage equality in Sam Yingling stopped the party to pro- in a court case challenging Illinois’ discri- police. my home state. pose to his longtime partner Lowell Jaffe. minatory marriage law, and thousands Tuma was arrested for attempted sec- “As President, I have always believed Said Yingling, “I love that you care of other same-sex couples in Illinois, can ond degree assault, criminal mischief, two that gay and lesbian Americans should about other people more than yourself... finally start planning their weddings.” counts of terroristic threats and use of a be treated fairly and equally under the I want to spend the rest of my life with weapon to commit a felony. All of the law. Over time, I also came to believe you.” R ussians spy on gay charges except use of a weapon carry a that same-sex couples should be able to Read more: http://www.towleroad. hate crime enhancement. get married like anyone else. So tonight, com/#ixzz2jsHrcR00 groups to smear gays Tuma’s accomplice also faces multiple Michelle and I are overjoyed for all the Freedom to Marry before Sochi Olympics felony charges. committed couples in Illinois whose love Marc Solomon, Freedom to Marry’s will now be as legal as ours – and for their national campaign director, released the The Russian government bugged a P oint accepts LGBTQ friends and family who have long wanted following statement: strategy meeting of LGBT activists in nothing more than to see their loved ones “Today’s vote by the Illinois House October and is using the audio to influ- scholarship applications treated fairly and equally under the law. means the Land of Lincoln will be our ence perceptions about gays ahead of the until Jan. 21 “I also commend the members of the nation’s fifteenth freedom to marry state. Sochi Olympic Games, Buzzfeed reports: General Assembly for approaching this This is great news for the thousands of This surveillance was revealed on Nov. On Nov. 1, Point Foundation launched issue in a fair and open way, and for recog- committed same-sex couples in Illinois 12, when a state television channel broad- its online scholarship application. Point nizing the importance of our commitment who will now be able to make the ultimate cast audio from the meeting as part of Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ to religious freedom by engaging the reli- vow before their friends and family, pro- a program presented as an exposé of the students to achieve their full academic and gious community in this conversation. tected and supported by their marriage. “threat to Russia” posed by the “homo- leadership potential – despite the obstacles “Throughout this debate, they’ve made It also represents tremendous momentum, sexualists who attempt to infiltrate our often put before them – to make a signifi- it clear that this is about civil marriages with another victory in the heartland and country.” cant impact on society. and civil laws, and made sure that chur- our sixth state victory in 2013. The inclusion of a few minutes of this Point promotes change through educa- dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 5 tion, mentorship, leadership development marriage for same-sex couples keeps roll- and community service training, and pro- ing-on and across our entire nation. We vides its scholars with the financial ability congratulate Hawaii United for Marriage to attend higher educational institutions on their efforts to make the 50th state the across the nation. next state to have marriage equality.” Point is currently supporting 78 under- Human Rights Campaign graduate and graduate scholars during the “The unprecedented momentum 2013 – 2014 academic year. Each scholar for LGBT equality in America contin- is paired with a mentor who advises the ues today, with Hawaii’s passage of his- scholar on education and career decisions, toric marriage legislation,” said Human as well as helps guide them through the Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin. completion of an annual community ser- “Before this year, marriage was the law vice project. of the land in eight states. By the end of Point’s online scholarship application this year, that number will have doubled in now open and will be available until to sixteen. We’re committed to working January 21, 2014. The Point Scholar- harder than ever before to bring marriage ship application is ONLY available online equality to all 50 states, so loving gay and through their website: https://www.point- lesbian couples everywhere can enjoy the foundation.org/OnlineApplicationInfo same hopes, dreams and aspirations as their straight peers.” Sponsored by state Sen. Brick- O ver 150,000 march for wood Galuteria in the state Senate and Pride in Buenos Aires Gov. Abercrombie signs the Hawaii marriage equality bill. under the leadership of Senate Judicia- ry Chair Clayton Hee, House Speaker By Andrew Potts on gaystarnews.com Joseph Souki, House Judiciary Chair Massive crowds came out to take part tional. The ruling sparked a debate and sider the bill. the freedom to marry campaign that has Statement by the President Karl Rhoads, House Finance Chair Sylvia in the 22nd Buenos Aires Gay Pride Luke, Representative Chris Lee, Repre- Parade on Nov. 9, starting with a group resulted in 16 states that will soon have “I want to congratulate the Hawaii freedom to marry laws and national sup- State Legislature on passing legislation in sentative Della au Bellati, and Republican kiss before over 150,000 took to the Representative Cynthia Thielen, Hawaii’s streets. port at a solid majority, as well as 18 coun- support of marriage equality. With today’s tries on five continents where gay people vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of marriage equality legislation first passed The parade wound its way through the the state Senate 20-4 on October 31, city’s streets to the Plaza de Mayo for an can share in the freedom to marry. states that recognize that our gay and les- In the past two months, two other bian brothers and sisters should be treated and the state House 30-19 on Friday, open-air festival and fireworks show. November 8. The state Senate on Nov. 12 Many of the signs and speeches at the states have also become marriage equality fairly and equally under the law. When- states, New Jersey and Illinois, the 14th ever freedom and equality are affirmed, passed the House-amended version 19 to event referenced Pope Francis I, who in 4. Hawaii’s marriage equality law will go his former role of Catholic Archbishop of and 16th, respectively, if order is deter- our country becomes stronger. By giving mined by when the laws take effect. loving gay and lesbian couples the right to into effect on December 2, 2013. Buenos Aires had vocally opposed efforts ACLU to legalize same-sex marriage in the Latin However, expect challenges before marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies then, says Towleroad.com. “We’ve already the values we hold dear as a nation. I’ve We have made incredible progress in American nation. bringing marriage equality to more states, “From the Pope’s point of view there reported on wingnut lawmaker Bob always been proud to have been born in McDermott and the lawsuit he has filed Hawaii, and today’s vote makes me even and our fight continues, with crucial bal- is no official line on the gay community,” lot initiatives ahead and important legal parade participant Norberto Lorenzo told which claims that in 1998 when Hawaii prouder. And Michelle and I extend our passed a constitutional amendment vot- best wishes to all those in Hawaii whose cases advancing through the courts. The A FP. ACLU is proud to have been a part of “And we aren’t very optimistic. The ers thought they were voting for one man/ families will now be given the security and one woman marriage rather than allowing respect they deserve.” the LGBT rights movement since 1936 church doesn’t recognize the status of gay and we will continue to work alongside people, nor gay couples, gay marriage, les- the legislature to decide on what consti- Freedom to Marry tutes a marriage. KHON says that Circuit Evan Wolfson released the following our partners – in courtrooms and at bal- bians, nor divorce. We knew quite well lot boxes – until the freedom to marry is the Catholic Church wouldn’t accept us. Judge Karl Sakamoto is expected to rule statement: “After twenty years of work on that this week: ‘...opponents are count- to win the state where it all started, the extended to all 50 states.” So we will continue to be Catholic and we Below is a statement from Lois Per- do not deny our Catholicism or to be gay.” ing on Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamo- Hawaii freedom to marry victory today to to stop the law from taking effect. On is especially sweet. It also shows how far rin, ACLU of Hawaii legal director and However Pope Francis has announced founding member of Hawaii United for a year long global survey on Catholics’ Thursday, he’s expected to rule on a court we have come. The same legislature that order that could stop the state from issu- in the 1990’s passed the first of the anti- Marriage: views on how the church should approach “This is a joyous occasion because a range of social issues including homosex- ing wedding licenses for same-sex couples gay constitutional amendments now voted Hawaii is a state that prides itself for its uality in a sign that he may be preparing on the basis that the people already voted resoundingly for the freedom to marry. aloha, diversity, kindness and openness. for some level of reform within the church. against same-sex marriage in a constitu- Like the millions of Americans who have On December 2, 2013, when the new tional amendment in 1998.’” evolved to become the national major- Hawaii law takes effect, our gay brothers, H awaii approves “If the judge grants the court order ity for marriage, Hawaii’s leaders opened sisters, neighbors and friends will finally then another trial will be scheduled that their hearts and changed their minds, be able to marry the person they love.” marriage equality; could essentially strike down the same-sex writing this new freedom to marry chapter governor signs bill marriage law. But the state Attorney Gen- in America’s history of liberty and justice eral says the 1998 constitutional amend- for all. In 2013 we’ve won the freedom S enate passes ENDA On Nov. 12 the Hawaii Legislature ment gave the legislature authority to to marry in our nation’s first state and its 64-32; House won’t approved a freedom to marry bill, put- change the law and so the same-sex mar- 50th. We will keep going until we win the allow a vote ting Hawaii on track to become the 15th riage will be upheld.” freedom to marry nationwide -- and, hap- state where same-sex couples can marry Sakamoto did rule that the marriage pily, it won’t take another 20 years. Aloha, The U.S. Senate on Nov. 7 voted (Illinois is technically the 16th). The bill law could go into effect. freedom to marry!” 64-32 in favor of the Employment Non- then went to Governor Neil Abercrom- The amended bill protects clergy from Rea Carey, Executive Director, Discrimination Act, landmark legisla- bie, who signed the measure into law the having to perform weddings for same- National Gay and Lesbian Task Force tion outlawing workplace discrimination next morning. The law is expected to take sex couples and religious organizations Action Fund against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- effect on Dec. 2. from having to provide goods, services “The fight for the freedom to marry gender Americans. In 1993, Hawaii launched the ongoing and facilities for same-sex weddings. The for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen- The bill would prohibit employers with global movement for the freedom to marry state Senate previously approved a similar der people started in the Aloha State two 15 or more workers from using a person’s when the state Supreme Court ruled in the bill 20-4 late last month, and the Nov. 12 decades ago. This makes today’s victory all sexual orientation or gender identity as the historic Baehr case that the exclusion from vote came two contentious weeks after the the sweeter for Hawaii families. Clearly, basis for making employment decisions, marriage was presumptively unconstitu- special session began on Oct. 28 to con- the national momentum for the option of (ENDA continued page 6) 6 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

“The passage of Proposal One is a who fought for this progress ever since a page one big win for local governments, school national similar bill was introduced after the Stone- districts, and taxpayers across New York and international wall riots more than three decades ago. In State,” Cuomo said in a statement. “This particular, I thank Majority Leader Reid, vote will keep hundreds of millions of Chairman Harkin, Senators Merkley and (E lection from page 3) dollars spent each year in neighboring (ENDA continues from page 5) Collins for their leadership, and Senator Towns of Henrietta and Ironde- states right here in New York, while including hiring, firing, compensation or Kirk for speaking so eloquently in sup- quoit increasing revenue for local schools, low- promotion. port of this legislation. Now it’s up to the In two of the biggest suburbs in ering property tax taxes, and bringing It would exempt religious institutions House of Representatives. This bill has the Monroe County, voters tossed out the proper regulation to the industry.” and the military. overwhelming support of the American incumbent supervisors in the towns of The casino proposition appears to The bill then went to the Republi- people, including a majority of Republican Henrietta and Irondequoit. have failed in Monroe County, however, can-dominated House where it faces a voters, as well as many corporations, small The Henrietta race was close, with by the narrowest of margins, 50.18 per- much tougher battle. House Speaker John businesses and faith communities. They Town Board member Jack Moore, a cent against to 49.81 percent in favor, say Boehner has expressed his opposition to recognize that our country will be more Republican, receiving approximately unofficial results from the county Board the legislation so it is unlikely to get a vote. just and more prosperous when we harness 51.3 percent of the vote and sitting of Elections. “The Speaker believes this legislation the God-given talents of every individual. Supervisor Michael Yudelson receiving The Seneca Nation has exclusive will increase frivolous litigation and cost “One party in one house of Congress approximately 48.6 percent. Moore and rights to operate a casino in our area, so American jobs, especially small business should not stand in the way of millions Yudelson already squared off once this the ballot proposition does not impact jobs,” said Boehner’s spokesman. of Americans who want to go to work election season in a Republican primary. Rochester and Monroe County. ■ He did not explain how keeping peo- each day and simply be judged by the job Yudelson lost that race and has since reg- ple from losing their jobs would cost jobs they do. Now is the time to end this kind istered as a Democrat. and why anti-discrimination lawsuits are of discrimination in the workplace, not In Irondequoit, Democratic challeng- “frivolous”. enable it. I urge the House Republican er Adam Bello defeated sitting Repub- local Supporters have been trying to pass leadership to bring this bill to the floor for lican Supervisor Mary Joyce D’Aurizio. and state ENDA in one form or another since a vote and send it to my desk so I can sign Bello pulled in approximately 55.11 per- 1994 when it was first introduced by Sen. it into law. On that day, our nation will cent of the vote while D’Aurizio received Edward Kennedy, Sen. Paul Tsongas and take another historic step toward fulfill- approximately 44.78 percent. (Keegan continues from page 3) Rep. Gerry Studds. ing the founding ideals that define us as That result wasn’t a shocker for most M.A. in American studies with a desig- Freedom to Work Americans.” political observers -- town residents con- nated emphasis on global gender studies Statement by Tico Almeida, founder GetEQUAL tinue to be frustrated with the lack of as well as his Ph.D. in American stud- and president of Freedom to Work: “The GetEQUAL issued the following state- progress at Medley Centre and many ies, from the University at Buffalo. He Senate has taken a bi-partisan and historic ment: “For decades, LGBTQ workers have were dissatisfied with the town’s han- then moved to California and taught at step towards ensuring that gay and trans- had to deal with heartbreaking discrimi- dling of the I-Square project. Moreover, San Francisco State, Sonoma State and gender Americans have the same work- nation when trying to find or keep a job. the Democratic slate mates were consid- Evergreen College before learning of the place protections that give all Americans Today’s passage of ENDA is, indeed, a ered savvy political campaigners and very opportunity to join the faculty at HWS. a fair shot to succeed on the job. Our historic moment for our community and hard workers. “It was encouraging that the Col- fight now moves to the House of Repre- our allies. As ENDA moves to the House Bello said after the election, “It’s leges were looking for someone to grow sentatives where Speaker Boehner and the of Representatives, we are reminded of a great night for Democrats in Irond- transgender studies in the department,” Republican Conference will have to decide the millions of LGBTQ workers who are equoit.” The Democratic candidates he says. which side of history they want to stand depending on the House to do the right for Irondequoit Town Board, Dave See- Keegan is a specialist in the theo- on. We will work with our Republican thing and pass this bill. ley and Lorie Barnum, beat out Repub- ry and history of sexuality and gender, allies to push Speaker Boehner to allow “However, this victory came at a high licans Paul Marasco -- a sitting Town with a focus on interdisciplinary queer this vote for the good of the country and cost. The broad religious exemptions in Board member -- and Bill Brongo. The and transgender studies as well as queer the good of his party. the bill cemented into law the very biases Bello, Seeley and Barnum wins mean cultural politics, literature, media, aes- “Speaker Boehner is not the only one that the legislation was intended to over- that, come January, Irondequoit’s Town thetics, performance, community forma- who needs to act. President Obama should come. Our allies in the progressive move- Supervisor and Board will be entirely tions, and social movements. His current sign the executive order that will imme- ment, our volunteer organizers on the Democratic. research examines 20th century queer diately protect LGBT Americans in one ground, and our online members have Town of Greece melodramatic representation and its polit- quarter of the jobs in our nation’s work- all spoken out against the broad religious Greece Democrats thought they had ical function in the postwar expansion of force. The President made this campaign exemptions in the bill. a decent chance at winning some town American democratic ideology. Keegan promise to LGBT voters over five years “We’re grateful to the Senators who offices this year. But town voters have also has expertise in cultural studies and ago, and he should not stall or hide behind stood up and opposed those exemptions. kept the GOP in control. the politics of popular culture, affect inaction in Congress any longer. The Sen- And we know that the road to full LGBTQ In the supervisor race, State Assembly theory, film and television studies, and ate did its work, and now both Speaker equality will continue to be a difficult one, member and Monroe County Repub- the history of the moving image. He is a Boehner and President Obama have their as House Speaker John Boehner has made lican Party chair Bill Reilich received member of the National Women’s Studies own job to do. We will not rest until they very clear that he has no desire or intent approximately 59 percent of the vote, Association and the Transgender Caucus. take action and LGBT workplace protec- to bring ENDA to the floor of the House beating Democrat and Working Families He is the author of a number of arti- tions become the law of the land.” for a vote. champion Dick Beebe, a former Monroe cles, the most recent of which are “Queer Statement by the President “ºThis is why we are calling on Presi- County legislator. Reilich will replace sit- Sensations: Postwar Melodrama and the “For more than two centuries, the dent Barack Obama to immediately exer- ting Republican Supervisor John Auber- Crisis of Queer Juvenility,” published in story of our nation has been the story of cise his executive authority and to sign an ger, who couldn’t run for re-election due Thymos: The Journal of Boyhood Studies more citizens realizing the rights and free- Executive Order that would end LGBT to town term limits. (Fall 2013), and “Moving Bodies: Sym- doms that are our birthright as Americans. discrimination by any company that con- NY Referendum One: Casinos pathetic Migrations in Transgender Nar- Today, a bipartisan majority in the Sen- tracts with the federal government. As we New York voters approved a consti- rativity,” published in Genders. Vol. 55. ate took another important step in this wait for Speaker Boehner to move this tutional amendment to expand casino (Spring 2013). Forthcoming is an article, journey by passing the Employment Non- bill forward, it is imperative for President gambling, authorizing as many as seven “California and the Queer Utopian Imag- Discrimination Act, which would help Obama to lead by example, and to sign his full-scale casinos as part of a plan meant ination,” which will be published next end the injustice of our fellow Americans name to an Executive Order that would to bring jobs to economically distressed year in The Cambridge Companion to being denied a job or fired just because protect nearly 25 percent of this country’s upstate regions, despite opposition from the Literature of California (Cambridge they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgen- workforce from workplace discrimination. upstate New York voters. UP). der. Just as no one in the United States “We are thankful for the president’s Statewide, the measure to approve up In considering his goals for his first can lose their job simply because of their vocal support for workplace fairness -- and to seven commercial casinos was passing year at HWS, Keegan says, “I want stu- race, gender, religion or a disability, no one we call on him to back up his words with 57 to 43 percent, with 60 percent of the dents to come out of class feeling they should ever lose their job simply because clear and unmistakable action. President vote counted. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who can change the world and the world has a of who they are or who they love. Obama has the executive authority to pushed the idea, declared victory. place for them in it.” ■ “Today’s victory is a tribute to all those (ENDA continues page 12) ) dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 7

strides in terms of planning and roll out of medical treatment, which lowers the rate LGBT Health.” of infection of others. If you’re on an HIV Dr. Valenti said that Trillium is also med that makes your viral load undetect- very concerned about the patient expe- able, the chance of you infecting anyone Interview rience. He said, “Navigating the world is reduced. of healthcare is difficult, complicated “There’s still a risk for transmission, and frustrating. People don’t have all the but the latest studies found that people bumps in the road taken care of. We have with undetectable viral load have the low- internal activity to improve patient experi- est rate of infection in the community, particular, women were shut out — gen- ence, led by Steven Price, our former Pre- and this reduces the risk of having the erally speaking, women were neglected vention Director, who now leads patient virus passed on.” during the first decade of the epidemic activities here 16 hours a week to help Bruce said that there are three corners: — in part because of concerns about how people navigate the system.” first, target the population at highest risk; ARVs might affect their fetuses should He concluded, “The system isn’t they happen to become pregnant while second, testing and third, prevention for perfect and we’re aware there’s work positives. He said, “Because of that, any- being treated.” to be done – and we’re serious about Trillium update one working in this field needs to shift doing something about it. Because it’s in the way we do services in the commu- In November Dr. Valenti updated important.” ■ The Empty Closet about the latest news nity. Our effort right now is launching at Trillium Health. He said, “What we free new testing – hopefully beginning have done was expand our model of care this month. We’re using Oraquick testing to everyone who needs health care. We – the oral version, not the blood version. do have areas of focus: we continue to Once we get started, we will provide the do HIV big time and since July 1 have official hours to the public, but right now also enrolled 89 non-HIV-positive people it looks like they will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in our LGBT Health program. We have Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 2-5 enrolled another 40 people who are nei- p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.” ther HIV positive nor LGBT, but need The MOCHA Center is located at healthcare.” 107 Liberty Pole Way. The testing will be free and walk-in, H ealth Update: About the LGBT Health program, he said, “The numbers have risen and there’s with no appointment necessary. Results Dr. William Valenti of a demand out there. We want to improve will be ready in 20 minutes. If the Trillium Health primary care for all. test shows a reactive (positive) result, “For gay men and MSM (men who the person will be given a confirmatory By Susan Jordan have sex with men but do not identify as test immediately. Those results, however, Dr. Bill Valenti of Trillium Health gay) we focus on HIV prevention, STDs, have to be sent out and may take a week recently was given the Linda Laubenstein anal cancer screening and general health to get a response. Award by the NYS Department of Health maintenance. For lesbians, we have the The MOCHA Center is also focusing AIDS Institute. Women’s Health program with Dr. Kris- on risk reduction, with four counseling- It has been awarded since 1992 to ten Smith and for all women we are also H ealth Update: related programs. The first is CLEAR, physicians who were there early in the doing gynecological screening onsite, and Bruce Smail of The or Choosing Life: Empowerment Action! epidemic, and who have demonstrated can do referrals to fertility programs. Results!, which is an evidence-based “a compassionate manner” and “whole- “For trans people we do hormone ther- MOCHA Center health promotion intervention for males hearted involvement” in the fight against ages 16-24 living with HIV/AIDS or at apy, and for uninsured people we have a By Susan Jordan HIV/AIDS. grant to help them get health insurance high risk for HIV/STI/Hepatitis C. He commented, “All I want to say through the NYS Health Exchange, via The Empty Closet recently spoke with The second program is Compre- about that is that Linda Laubenstein’s the Affordable Care Act.” Bruce Smail, executive director of The hensive Risk Counseling and Services team was very early on in the AIDS epi- There is a move in NYS toward mak- MOCHA Center, about the new focus (CRCS), which is a client-centered HIV/ demic at Beth Israel Hospital in NYC. ing PrEP better known. PrEP stands for of the agency dedicated to improving the STI/Hep C prevention approach provid- She is an unsung heroine who identified Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a medication health and wellness of LGBT communi- ing intensive, ongoing, individualized the first patients with AIDS in New York. approved by the FDA for daily use that ties of color. counseling and support. At one time she was taking care of 50 can help high risk patients who are HIV Bruce Smail noted, “All of the orga- Third is Counseling, Testing and patients, more than anyone else. negative stay that way. nizations in the state of New York are Referral Services (CTRS), designed to “She had childhood polio and lived Dr. Valenti said, “We will work with re-adjusting their priorities around HIV increase clients’ knowledge of their HIV in a motorized wheelchair. And she made the state Health Department to get word prevention and cure, for a number of status, encourage and support risk reduc- house calls on public transportation in a out via their statewide campaign target- reasons. tion and secure needed referrals for appro- wheelchair! ing MSM and those at risk for HIV from “The national HIV strategy, as well as priate services. “She died at age 48 of polio complica- unprotected anal sex. We have 12 people the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Fourth is RESPECT, a client-centered tions in the ‘90s, but she made contribu- in that program now but we know there high impact prevention, have caused HIV/STI/Hep C prevention and counsel- tions in that early era that set the stage for are many more who would benefit from a re-positioning. They’re doing more ing intervention designed to support risk treatment of the epidemic.” this. The drug is one we use in the HIV programming in the hardest hit areas. reduction behaviors. Interview excerpt cocktail. There are two meds in one pill, Nationwide right now the highest rates of Bruce Smail said, “Everyone gets an Dr. Valenti was quoted about his expe- which should be taken once a day. If you new infections are young MSM of color, assessment of their risk behavior, and riences in the early years of the epidemic take it all the time, it’s 95 percent effec- largely in the black community, and that counseling, with testing. If someone tests in an article by Christopher Glazek, a tive. You need to take it daily to get a becomes the highest priority. positive for HIV, or an STI, we give refer- writer in Los Angeles and the founder steady concentration of the drug, not just “The NYS AIDS Institute has focused rals to places that offer PrEP. We’re part- of the Yale AIDS Memorial Project. The in the blood but in the tissue.” their energy around prevention knowl- nering with Trillium and the Anthony article was originally published on Play- He added, “Of course you still need edge, to make sure we are targeting the Jordan Health Center. boy for iPhone. The excerpt follows: condoms, regular HIV testing, knowing highest risk population and looking at “We’re changing because of the Bill Valenti, an AIDS physician who your status and reducing your sexual part- programs that are having the highest times,” he concluded. “The spread of ran a clinic in Rochester, New York: “Not ners! We don’t just write a prescription impact in prevention.” HIV in WNY is a serious issue that everyone qualified for clinical trials, but and send the patient out the door. The He gave as an example the fact that our community needs to be aware of. we did our damndest to get them in any- patient sees me, the clinical pharmacist HIV testing is a huge push, as well as a Our community needs to take action way. For example, if a patient’s red blood and the health educator, and gets screened focus on prevention for positives. “That to understand prevention measures, and cell level was too low because they were for HIV and STIs (Sexually Transmitted means making sure that people who are how to protect themselves. We’re here as anemic, we would transfuse them so they Infections a.k.a. STDs) and comes back HIV positive are in care and receiving a support.” ■ would temporarily meet the criteria. every three months for a check up and “My infectious diseases colleagues had discussion. no idea what we were doing. On Friday “It’s a highly structured program and nights, after our head nurse went home, not ‘here’s your prescription, goodbye’. we opened up an underground clinic from We stay connected. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and gave people Com- “The state Health Department is pound Q, an experimental drug made doing a pilot linking prevention programs from Chinese cucumber. We obtained it with clinical sites. Part of the statewide Jason Klaum, Stylist through a middleman — a gay PhD stu- message now includes PrEP. For instance, dent — who got it from San Francisco. if a patient cannot for some reason get 585.732.7676 “Patients often came in with their own insured, we can now get the drug from the 90 Canal Street, Suite 308 drugs. The egg lipids, AL-721, were huge manufacturer.” Rochester 14608 in New York City at the time. Everyone PrEP has not been well publicized in was putting them on their toast and eat- the past and not everyone is aware that it ing them like butter. There was a lot of exists. Dr. Valenti said, “With this struc- hocus pocus out there. More than a few tured program and people coming in on a times I told patients, ‘You shouldn’t do regular basis, people begin to change their that.’ I was especially leery of ozone ther- behavior. Some research indicates that the apy, which involved sucking out people’s number of partners and the occurrence of blood and replacing it with a fluid that unprotected anal sex decrease. It’s HIV contained ozone. prevention in the modern era – we have “When you start draining someone’s a bio-medical intervention as part of the blood, you’ve gone off the deep end — at contemporary approach to HIV. least in my medical opinion. “I would say that, while we still have “Sympathetic doctors couldn’t get a significant amount of work ahead of us, everyone into clinical trials, though. In we also have made some pretty significant 8 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014 dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 9 10 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014 Making the Scene

Wayne Esposito (Liza) and Aggy Dune give the Pro Production Keke Lorde Award to Evelyn Bailey of Shoulders To Stand On.

MISS GAY ROCHESTER: Mercedes Sulay, Miss Gay Rochester 2014, in the performance segment of the Miss Gay Rochester pag- eant, held Nov. 10 at Harro East. Photos: Jill Frier

Olympia LaPaige, Miss Gay Rochester 2013. Vita Valentino MC Aggy Dune

M y Own Private ton. “From my house I can walk helped me leave the library and to Perinton, Penfield and East start my own business. She put Rochester: Rochester,” she explains. her money where her mouth was Barbara Moore Her work with NOW cur- and supported a lot of feminist rently involves the big push projects and speakers.” By Susan Jordan for the Women’s Equality Act, Barb’s favorite Rochester Barbara Moore is a comput- which passed (all 10 points) in events are the Metro Justice er consultant and troubleshoot- the Albany House but was reject- Alternative Fair, the first week- er who runs her own business, ed by the Republican-dominated end in December, where she Moore Results. She has also been Senate due to point 10, updating volunteers, and also the Lilac an officer in NOW (National reproductive laws so they are in Festival. She says, “I love the Organization of Women) for 25 sync with Roe v. Wade. “So,” she lilacs and all the parks in Roch- years and volunteers to manage said, “the whole Act lost, includ- ester, and the canal where I walk both the local and state NOW ing the points about domestic and bike. I also play pickle ball websites. violence, equal pay for equal with people from Penfield, and Barb grew up in Lincoln, work and all forms of equal civil at the Y. It’s expensive, but I can Neb. and after 10 years in Wis- rights for women.” play in the evenings – I work consin she moved to Rochester Barb first came to Roches- all day.” on Jan. 1, 1983. She was a librar- ter because she had heard about She also loves the Susan B. ian and worked at the Univer- the New Women’s Times news- Anthony House and is on the sity of Rochester Rush Rhees paper (which ceased publica- Shoulders To Stand On com- Barbara Moore at the canal in Perinton Park. Photo: Susan Jordan Library as assistant director for tion in 1984) and the Women’s mittee. automation. She says, “That was Peace Encampment. She said, Barb’s favorite restaurant is urday night for Barb would be do a little cross-country skiing. before the Internet, when it was “Rochester is a very progressive Aladdin’s on Schoen Place in ‘Netscape’ and when the Inter- dinner with good friends – prob- I would like a little more sun!” place, home of Susan B. Antho- Pittsford. She is interested in ably a burger at Zebb’s, another Another thing Barb appre- net first became easy enough ny, and then there’s Seneca Falls, gardening and loves Halloween. for non-scientists to use. When favorite dining place. ciates about Rochester is its home of Elizabeth Cady Stan- “This year I just had one Jack She said, “If I want to lie convenient location, with easy I first started out, I was explain- ton. There’s social justice in the O Lantern,” she said. “I usually ing to people why email would awake worrying about some- access to Niagara Falls, Toronto, water here or something!” have about five – I’m trying to thing, I’d worry about cli- the Adirondacks, Corning, the be useful!” The Rochester person who pace myself!” Her other hobbies Today Barb lives with three mate change. Rochester is good Finger Lakes and other scenic has inspired her the most is “my include reading and going to the because we have few tornados or cosmopolitan places where cats in Penfield, but her home financial advisor Mary Spurrier. theatre. “I loved ‘Me and Jeze- is actually one block into Perin- and hurricanes, and no frack- she takes visiting out of town She started her own business and bel’ at Blackfriars.” An ideal Sat- ing. I actually like the snow – I friends. dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 11

TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: A candlelight vigil honoring the trans victims of hate violence took place at Rustic Village Entertainment Center, across from the MCC cam- pus, on Nov. 20, sponsored by Self Made Men. Similar vigils were held at SUNY Brockport (sponsored by SOUL) on Nov. 19 and RIT (sponsored by OutSpoken), Open Arms MCC and The MOCHA Center on Nov. 20. Photos: Lorraine Woerner-MacGowan

THE MOCHA CENTER held an open house on Nov. 6. Above L-R: Stanley Byrd, President of the MOCHA Board; DeMarkis Bonner, Buffalo MOCHA Manager, Programs and Ser- vices; Julie Rosado, Buffalo MOCHA Director of Human Services, Administration QA and Michael Stevens, Senior Director of Programs and Services. Middle photo: Volunteer Donyell Smith; Right photo: Jasan Ward, Manager of Prevention Programs and Services. More information on page 7. Photos: Susan Jordan

ANNUAL MEETING: The Gay Alliance held its annual LGBT GIVING CIRCLE GRANTS: Dr. Wil- meeting on Nov. 20 at St. Mary’s Church. Above: Scott liam Valenti and Emily Jones at the LGBT Wyatt Teeter, up and coming art crit- Fearing with new board president David Zona and vice Giving Circle grant awards reception on Paul Allen and John Williams ic, with his father JR Teeter (Bread President Jessica Muratore. Full story: Empty Closet Nov. 18 at RoCo. Story on page 1. Pho- of ImageOut receive the film & Water Theatre, Rainbow Theatre News at www.gayalliance.org. Photo: Ove Overmeyer tos: Susan Jordan festival’s grant. Festival) at RoCo. 12 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

in the way of this crucial piece of the civil ion,” said Rea Carey, executive director of tions. Third, we have rock solid champions national rights puzzle.” the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force on the Hill like Senator Merkley, who we’re and international House Speaker John Boehner, a Action Fund. honoring at our tenth anniversary event Republican, suggested that he will not Workplace discrimination negatively next week. He, along with Senators Kirk, bring ENDA to the floor for an up-or- impacts all LGBT people. According to Baldwin, Collins, Reid, Harkin, and many ( NE DA from page 6) down vote. However, that statement drew the 2008 General Social Survey, 42 per- others paved this victory for transgender immediately end the pain and uncertain- public criticism from some in the speaker’s cent of LGBT people overall have expe- and all LGBT people. With today’s strong ty of hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ own party. rienced at least one form of employment bi-partisan vote on ENDA, the Senate workers who work for federal contractors, In an interview with Greg Sargent of discrimination during their lives. showed that it agrees with the super major- and we hope he will do so swiftly and the Washington Post, GOP Representa- The trans community is dispropor- ity of voters that LGBT people should have without delay.” tive Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania said, “I tionately impacted as was noted in Injus- these basic job protections. ACLU believe the Speaker should allow a vote on tice at Every Turn: A Report of the “Now, we turn to the House where Statement from Anthony D. Romero, this bill. […] I believe that the American National Transgender Discrimination thus far Speaker John Boehner refuses to American Civil Liberties Union Executive public wants to make sure people are not Survey, a joint study by the Task Force acknowledge the plight of LGBT workers. Director, on the passage of the Employ- discriminated against.” and the National Center for Transgender House gridlock cannot be allowed to delay ment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in “With today’s vote in the Senate, Equality. The study found 26 percent of these already overdue protections. With the U.S. Senate: Majority Leader Reid, Chairman Harkin, transgender people lost a job and 50 per- 193 ENDA cosponsors in the House, “In a year of historic victories for lead sponsors Senators Merkley and Kirk, cent were harassed for being transgender. seven of whom have come on board in LGBT people, this one ranks near the top. and Senators Collins and Baldwin have And people of color generally reported the last week, momentum is there. NCTE Getting ENDA across the finish line in shown us all what leadership looks like. higher levels of abuse than survey respon- calls on House Speaker Boehner to put the Senate after a nearly four-decade long Now, Speaker Boehner should take up the dents as a whole. ENDA to a vote.” journey is a huge win for all who believe mantle of leadership and allow the House National Center for Transgender that workers should be judged on the job to join them, Griffin said.” Equality by their merits, nothing more and noth- “Separately, President Obama is also “ENDA’s Senate victory is significant. P ride at Work reception ing less. Under ENDA, workers would empowered to sign a long-pending execu- This is the first time the Senate has voted is Dec. 3 in D.C. no longer have to hide who they are when tive order that would protect the employees on ENDA in nearly 20 years, and impor- they go to work in the United States. As of federal contractors from discrimination tantly, it’s the first time ever a Congres- Pride at Work’s 4th annual Celebrating this bill continues to move forward, it is on the basis of sexual orientation and sional chamber has voted on a gender Solidarity Reception, a festive celebration critically important to ensure that it, like gender identity. This order is not a sil- identity-inclusive ENDA,” said NCTE of community/labor coalition organizing other landmark civil rights laws, protects ver bullet, and ENDA is vitally necessary Executive Director Mara Keisling. with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender as many people as possible from indefen- after the order is signed. But the Human “Today’s vote shows how much has labor and allies, will take place on Dec. 3, sible workplace discrimination.” Rights Campaign has long argued that, by changed in the last decade. First, gender from 6-8 p.m. at the AFL-CIO Samuel Human Rights Campaign signing the order, President Obama can identity was in the bill and no effort was Gompers Room, 815 16th St. NW, Wash- Human Rights Campaign (HRC) extend workplace protections to over 16 made to remove it. Second, we now have ington, DC. President Chad Griffin issued the follow- million American workers. solid partners in the LGBT and progressive Tickets will be $75; honorees to be ing statement: “Today, a strong bipartisan “We urge the House of Representatives movements working hard to educate the announced. majority of the United States Senate made to pass ENDA immediately, and we call public about transgender workplace protec- All tickets, sponsorships and ad con- history by standing up for a fundamental on President Obama to send a clear mes- American truth. Each and every Ameri- sage in support of workplace fairness by can worker should be judged based on the signing this executive order,” Griffin said. work they do, and never based on who National Lesbian and Gay Task they are. This broad Senate coalition has Force sent a vital message that civil rights legis- “This is a huge historic victory for les- lation should never be tied up by partisan bian, gay, bisexual and transgender peo- political games. ple and their families. Most Americans “We firmly believe that if the House believe that everyone should have access of Representatives were freed by Speaker to the American Dream, free from dis- John Boehner to vote its conscience, this crimination because of who they are or bill could pass immediately. It’s uncon- who they love. We thank the senators who scionable that any one person would stand voted to pass ENDA in a bipartisan fash- dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 13 tributions support the general programs N ew Va. governor compared to $9 million in the 2009 gov- told The Plain Dealer. of Pride at Work. For more informa- ernor’s race. The brutality doesn’t shock transgen- tion about becoming an event sponsor beats Tea Party -Towleroad.com der activists, though. The International or purchasing program book ads, contact candidate, vows to end McAuliffe will ban discrimination Transgender Day of Remembrance web- [email protected] or call (202) 637- discrimination Via the Human Rights Campaign: site lists 58 transgender murder victims 5014. Signaling a new day for LGBT equality from around the world who have been Terry McAuliffe beat virulently homo- in Virginia, Governor-elect Terry McAu- killed since the last ceremony in Novem- phobic Tea Partier and attorney general liffe said in his first press conference that ber 2012. Victims were stabbed mul- Ken Cuccinelli Nov. 5 in the Virginia his first executive order will be to ban dis- tiple times, beheaded and dismembered, Governor’s race. crimination against LGBT state employ- stoned, hanged and subjected to other McAuliffe, a gay rights supporter, won ees. forms of extreme brutality. by less than three percentage points, a “In his first day as Governor-elect, A June report from the National Coali- much smaller margin than was predicted. Terry McAuliffe has declared a new day tion of Anti-Violence Programs — an The NYT: “Mr. McAuliffe benefited for LGBT equality in the Commonwealth organization that includes Ohio’s Buckeye from an electorate that was less white and of Virginia,” said HRC National Field Region Anti-Violence Organization — less Republican than it was four years Director Marty Rouse. “Inclusion and found that transgender women were the ago. He drew about as large a percentage equality won in yesterday’s election, while victims in half of all hate-crime killings of of African-Americans as Mr. Obama did the politics of hate and discrimination LGBT people. last year. Blacks accounted for one in five were soundly defeated. We look forward Bridges claimed two other men killed voters, according to exit polls conduct- to working with the governor-elect on Dove, but The Plain Dealer reported that ed by Edison Research. Mr. Cuccinelli’s moving Virginia forward.” he called her several times on Jan. 5 and O penly gay man strong anti-abortion views also brought RELATED: Shortly after he took paid for her cab ride from Cleveland to his out opponents, with 20 percent of vot- becomes Seattle mayor office in 2010, outgoing Virginia Gov. apartment in Olmstead Township. ers naming abortion as their top issue; Bob McDonnell refused to renew an The jury decided not to convict Bridg- Ed Murray, an 18-year veteran of Mr. McAuliffe overwhelmingly won their executive order that protected LGBT state es of aggravated murder, which requires Washington’s legislature and an architect support. The top issue for voters was the employees from discrimination. Because premeditation. of Washington state’s marriage equality economy, cited by 45 percent in exit polls.” he could find no evidence that such dis- WJW-TV reported that a cousin of law, declared victory in the Seattle may- Politico’s take on what happened: crimination even existed. Dove spoke at Bridges’ sentencing and oral race on Nov. 5, defeating incumbent Cuccinelli actually won independents -JoeMyGod.com offered no forgiveness to the killer. “Who mayor Mike McGinn. He’ll be the city’s by nine percentage points, 47 percent to gave you the right to decide who lives first openly gay mayor. 38 percent, according to exit polls con- and who dies? You, Andrey, are a cow- The Seattle Times reports: ducted for a group of media organiza- Killer of trans woman ard,” Nicole Cantie said, according to the Murray grabbed a commanding 56 tions. They made up about one-third of gets life in prison Cleveland station. “Was it worth it? You percent of the votes counted on elec- the electorate. could have just walked away. Every breath tion night, compared with 43 percent for “Obamacare helped close the gap,” The convicted killer of Cemia “CeCe” you take is ten breaths too many. I hope McGinn. said Richmond-based strategist Chris Dove, a transgender woman found mur- and pray that prison doesn’t treat you At a jubilant party at Neumos on Cap- Jankowski, the president of the Republi- dered earlier this year, was sentenced on right. Have a nice life.” itol Hill, Murray took the stage before 9 can State Leadership Committee. Nov. 13 to life in prison. © Outlook Columbus. p.m. to cheers and hugs from supporters, Even before Cuccinelli delivered his Andrey Bridges, 36, will be eligible for An LGBTQ Nation media partner. including a pack of elected leaders who concession speech, the candidate’s close parole in 20 years, the Cleveland Plain had endorsed him. allies were beginning to blame outside Dealer reported. A Cuyahoga County jury I nternet companies Signaling the change in tone he hopes groups for not helping out more. found him guilty Friday of Dove’s murder. block gay websites to bring to City Hall, Murray said his McAuliffe outraised Cuccinelli by Dove, 20, was found in April in a campaign “was energized by the belief almost $15 million, and he used the pond in Olmstead Township, southwest By Jane Fae, Tris Reid-Smith on gay- that Seattle can show the nation that gov- cash advantage to pummel him on the of Cleveland. Prosecutors said she was starnews.com ernment can work once again.” airwaves. A lack of resources forced the stabbed 40 times on Jan. 5, tied to a con- Internet companies may be breaking Read more: http://www.towleroad. Republican to go dark in the D.C. media crete block and found three months later. the law by routinely blocking LGBTI com/#ixzz2jsILDi32 market during the final two weeks. The “The anger behind it, and the absolute websites, Gay Star News can reveal. Republican National Committee spent brutality – I don’t understand it,” Assis- We have uncovered what appears to about $3 million on Virginia this year, tant County Prosecutor Brian Radigan (I nternet continues page 14) 14 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

also ‘cleared’ at the same time. ‘The argument might center on wheth- sex education.’ national But it has thrown up a wider issue – er the filter could have been calibrated in a Both Icomera and Nomad argue inclu- and international showing how a network of mysterious more subtle way to enable LGBT users to sion of gay sites on an adult block list is interlinked companies ‘blacklist’ LGBTI access innocent sites.’ simply unfortunate and not evidence of sites without direct accountability to inter- He added in this case the train com- any pattern. ( Internet from page 13) net users. pany was running the biggest risk of being Both have sought to distance them- be a shocking level of ingrained cultural In this case, train operators are not sued, as they are the ones providing the selves from any responsibility for the block- bias towards the gay, bi, trans and intersex internet experts, so they subcontract inter- service to passengers. ing software operates. And both point out community that infects almost every part net provision to providers – Icomera and Potentially this exposes thousands individuals can have sites unblocked or of the internet. Nomad Digital are the major players. of companies who provide public wi-fi ‘whitelisted’ by making a call to a help- And experts say it isolates vulnerable Each, in turn, sub-contract their online access to legal danger. Often they will be desk – albeit it is a paid-for call. LGBTI people, stopping them accessing filtering to other providers. unaware of the risk they are running. The real question is whether such vital information. However, neither Icomera nor Nomad And it’s not just a hypothetical legal blocks are simply random – or reflect a The blocks can be traced back to a few were prepared to confirm who their ser- risk either – the filters appear to be so wider societal bias against the LGBTI firms most people have never heard of – vice providers are. widespread they could cause real harm. community and an assumption a ‘gay site’ but by using their services, companies in Nor, so far, have we been able to obtain Leading UK gay rights organization will automatically be sexual in nature. the UK, Europe and elsewhere could be details from either company of how their Stonewall is certainly concerned. This was highlighted by the response breaching equality laws. filtering works: why, for instance, Glasgay! Stonewall spokesman Richard Lane from the Icomera spokesman. He first Meanwhile, in Britain, some are using might be wrongly categorized as an adult said: ‘Organizations sometimes end up, suggested the site might be adult and, on a new government crackdown on inter- site. often inadvertently, blocking gay content. being informed it was not, asked if it was net nastiness to excuse their blocking of Nicholas Fry, a lawyer at Bindmans ‘Our concern, which we have raised not partly adult in nature. LGBTI sites. LLP, a firm specializing in UK discrimi- with both government organizations and We asked Icomera whether they did Ironically, some of the sites at risk pro- nation law, told us the filters may breach with sites such as Tumblr, is that such fil- not consider such a reaction to be offen- vide vital tools to support our most vul- the Equality Act 2010. He said: ‘Under ters can block important support informa- sive to LGBTI people. We also asked them nerable young people. the Equality Act it is unlawful to dis- tion for young gay people. about the lawfulness of their software Sites… are also censored, despite criminate because of sexual orientation ‘For them, the internet is often the implementation – but they said they are GSN’s strict no-porn policy. in providing services. In particular it says only avenue they have to access support too busy to reply. Feminist comedian Susan Calman a service provider must not discriminate and there’s a danger that controls and fil- Nomad, by contrast, has undertaken blew the whistle in a recent case where against a consumer by subjecting them ters can result in denying young people to carry out pro-active monitoring now we she found the site of arts event Glasgay!, to detrimental treatment in providing the and teenagers access to absolutely vital have highlighted the problem. in Glasgow, Scotland, was not accessible service. It doesn’t matter whether the ser- information.’ But their reply indicates how UK Gov- from the wi-fi on her train. Glasgay! is vice is for payment or for free. The UK Government is backing online ernment policy may have exacerbated not, as one of their management team ‘If the internet search filter restricts filtering enthusiastically. But despite the problems. explained, an adults-only event, or in any LGBT users from accessing [non-sexual] Prime Minister’s personal support, their A spokesman for Nomad said: ‘Nomad sense pornographic. LGBT sites and their only recourse is to answer to GSN indicates even they now takes matters of discrimination and However, instead of the Glasgay! call a helpline then this would appear realize they may have gone too far. inequality very seriously. It does not wish homepage, a warning popped up on her to put them at a particular disadvantage The Prime Minister’s office referred us or intend to unfairly discriminate against screen saying the page was ‘restricted’ as because of sexual orientation. to the Department for Culture Media and any group or person. it was ‘considered to be inappropriate or ‘Whether or not there is a breach of the Sport, who said: ‘Internet Service Provid- ‘Its over-riding goal is to provide an malicious’. Equality Act depends on all the facts, but ers constantly refine their filters to keep “appropriate and fair” service in the eyes On complaining to Virgin Trains, she on the face of it there is serious cause for families as safe as possible in the ever- of its passengers, operators and the UK was given a number to call, where she was concern here. changing digital world. Government. It was an active participant informed that Glasgay! had been classified ‘If the filter is “indirectly discriminato- ‘Following a request from government, in the recent industry initiative, supported as ‘porn’, and therefore blocked. The oper- ry”, ie it applies to all users but puts LGBT the UK Council for Child Internet Safety by the UK Government, to put measures ator was adamant there was no automatic users at a particular disadvantage, there is has set up a new working group involv- in place to block website on its hotspots equation of ‘gay’ with ‘porn’. a defense: if the company can show the ing charities and industry to look at the deemed inappropriate to children (such as Calman complained to lesbian maga- filter was a “proportionate” way to achieve effectiveness of family friendly filters – in pornography). zine DIVA too. The result was the block “a legitimate aim” (eg stopping people particular to check that they are not inad- ‘We do not believe that our web-filter- was lifted. A similar issue reported on seeing explicit material) then it won’t be vertently filtering out content providing ing provider acts to discriminate unfairly Scotrail, another UK train operator, wi-fi unlawful. advice to young people in areas such as either, but we appreciate some website dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 15 filtering could be deemed unfair and is cized, whitelisting service which all filter- therefore a grey area. systems and all service providers sign-up ‘If passengers (or others) highlight to and use. unfair or unnecessary blocking of sites, If it is really in the public interest to then we will of course review this. To date, blacklist sites, the names of the sites black- we have had very few such requests.’ listed should be publicly available and Health The company also said it would be pre- the service providers should provide an pared to ‘review any case made to relax the appeals system for those who are wrongly current filters’. blocked. C are at Home: Krishna Rao, MD, a cardiologist, Of all those involved, Scotrail offered - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews. often sees individuals diagnosed with the most fulsome apology. They told us: com/article/secret-censorship-stopping- Congestive Heart Failure chronic heart diseases for a second opin- ‘Unfortunately, the software appears to you-seeing-gay-websites121113#sthash. By HCR Home Care ion when their disease seems to continue have blocked access to some lesbian and YY5je6er.dpuf “I felt very stressed,” Tiffany Speed- to be out of control. According to Rao, gay community websites, such as online recalls. Despite care from her physician, “Nurses play a key role in identifying and lifestyle magazines. AFSCME Council Ms. Speed continued to have symptoms communicating early signs and symp- ‘As soon as ScotRail became aware of approves trans-inclusive of heart disease and wasn’t feeling well. toms of heart failure, leading to early an issue with accessing the Glasgay! Festi- Ms. Speed suffers from mild cardio- interventions and improved outcomes.” val website earlier this month, it was added healthcare resolution myopathy, which literally means “heart Rao believes in the importance of to a “whitelist” of sites which over-ride the consistent oversight from a medical pro- Pride at Work congratulated AFSCME muscle disease” and although she took automatic filter. her blood thinner medication regularly, fessional, knowledgeable in cardiac dis- ‘The train operator is currently in the Council 31 for passing a trans-inclusive ease, to help patients learn to control health care resolution on Oct. 29. Speed’s physician believed that she was process of adding dozens more websites to not compliant. their disease and live healthier lives. this whitelist. Their state convention in Illinois adopted it by a voice vote of the 450-plus Chronic heart diseases like Conges- Rao continues, “the tender loving and ‘In addition, it is encouraging any- tive Heart Failure (CHF) or cardiomy- efficient care rendered by HCR staff is one who believes they are being wrongly AFSCME members. Pride at Work Chi- cago Chapter members spearheaded this opathy are devastating conditions that proving vital to the well being of this blocked from a website to get in touch can keep people from being able to otherwise very sick population with heart by calling 0845 601 5929 [in the UK] or important resolution. “The labor community has tradition- perform simple tasks. It is the leading failure.” emailing us. cause of hospitalization for people over Communication is a very important But even this response indicates the ally been in the vanguard of civil rights for all minorities. It’s time to ensure equality the age of 65 (however younger indi- step in achieving better results, such as problem. Many people running LGBTI viduals are also at risk). When an indi- Ms. Speed’s concerns with her medi- community sites are well-meaning volun- for all trans* people. We applaud Illinois’ example which makes us more resolute in vidual is diagnosed with CHF, it means cation management to her home care teers, not internet experts. They naively nurse. Sometimes individuals have to assume freedom of speech is alive and well our determination to accord the same pro- that their heart is pumping blood more tections in New York including advanc- weakly than a normal, healthy heart; it advocate for themselves or work with online. They simply don’t know how to their nurse who can talk with the doctor whitelist their content. ing health care access and the passage of does not mean that the heart has liter- GENDA,” said Bess Watts, Pride at Work ally stopped. Over one million people in medical terms, and advocate for you. How are they supposed to know how Ms. Speed now feels in control of her to contact the faceless organizations black- AFL-CIO Vice President of Organizing are hospitalized and nearly 300,000 and President, Rochester Finger Lakes die from heart failure-related diseases heart disease. “My life style has change listing them in the first place? for good and my health has improved.” It remains to be seen if the potential Chapter. each year. legal threat will encourage companies Health Care Equity for All An intervention from a home care Speed shows us all the necessity of keep- who use these filtering services to pressure WHEREAS: cardiac team member saved Ms. Speed. ing in contact with your health care them to change their mind. The labor movement has an excellent A Nurse at HCR Home Care, detected providers, especially when you have a But in the long-term a big change is history of organizing for social and eco- Ms. Speed’s resistance to her blood thin- chronic health condition. “Now I am needed to create a truly free, LGBTI- nomic justice for all workers in the spirit ner medication and contacted her physi- able to help myself and my daughter, friendly internet, with a proportionate of our historic motto, “an injury to one is cian to ask that her dosage be raised; she whose condition is similar to mine,” approach to porn and other sites harmful an injury to all”; responded to this treatment positively. Speed boasts. Given the education and to children and vulnerable people. WHEREAS: “HCR’s intervention opened the door tools to succeed, health care providers The obvious solution is an interna- Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender between me and improvements to the can bring true success stories and results tional industry-wide code of conduct (LGBT) workers are a vital part of the treatment of my cardiomyopathy,” to individuals and communities – backed up with a one-stop, well publi- (afscme continues page 16) Ms. Speed states she is now healthier Do you know your blood pressure? and in more control of her chronic dis- Consulting with a home health nurse can ease. “My nurse has been a blessing for put you on a plan to reduce the impact my life and health. I am grateful for the of cardiac disease. Don’t be one of the dedicated, professional, and knowledge- more than 4,000 people in Northwestern able work of the cardiac team.” New York hospitalized for heart failure Two causes of heart failure are high each year. blood pressure (or hypertension) and Home Care HCR is a local provider diabetes. When blood pressure is too of Home Care services, and the first such high, your heart has to work harder to provider in the area to have a specific continue blood circulation, which will LGBT Care Team. The Gay Alliance eventually weaken your heart. This also provided HCR with the staff education increases the risk of stroke and conges- necessary to become LGBT Culturally tive heart failure. Competent. ■ 16 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

Boxer (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Police to release Mr. Ganafa and the four as sex workers. By passing this policy, the national Tom Coburn (R-OK), and Rand Paul other arrested persons or immediately Government could end up by identifying and international (R-KY) and in the House by Rep. Lois produce them before a court of law, and these people as targets for persecution Capps (D-CA). HRC has worked along- urges them to respect the basic rights of and discrimination.” side several other organizations to ensure the suspects. (March from page 11) this bill becomes law, including AIDS SMUG notes that this is not an iso- labor movement; United, amfAR, HIV Medicine Associa- lated case, but is one of a series of docu- WHEREAS: tion and the American Medical Associa- mented arrests targeted against LGBTI Both the LGBT communities and the tion. persons in Uganda. labor movement share common concerns Read more: http://www.towleroad. -Sexual Minorities Uganda for economic and political justice, equal com/#ixzz2kXoK416q opportunity, and an improved quality of C lassmates wear skirts life for all working people; WHEREAS: to rally for burned Access to health care is regularly denied student in Oakland to transgender and gender- nonconform- ing people, who frequently experience dis- The classmates of Luke “Sasha” Fleis- crimination when they seek health care; chman, the Oakland, Calif. 18-year-old WHEREAS: who was set on fire on Nov. 4 by a homo- In September 2011, the Pride@Work phobic teen, as well as some of the staff National Executive Board passed a resolu- of Maybeck High School in Berkeley tion opposing discrimination on the basis showed solidarity for the recovering stu- Jon Moscone of gender identity in health care and call- dent by showing up for school in skirts. ing on our sisters and brothers in labor According to other students, skirts Gay son of Moscone, to take action in support of transgender were the article of clothing that Fleis- workers; chman typically enjoyed wearing as a mayor killed with Harvey WHEREAS: part of his “agender” orientation -- that Milk, weds at SF City Transgender and gender nonconform- is, he doesn’t identify on the male/female ing people have great difficulty securing gender binary -- as well as being the Hall affordable, comprehensive health care, clothing he was wearing that prompted By Andrew Potts on gaystarnews.com and their situation is compounded by sys- Samuel K. Ganafa the attack. Photo by California Shakespeare The- temic discrimination and health care pro- In addition to donning Fleischman’s ater viders’ lack of basic cultural competency U gandan police arrest favorite attire, the school planned to have The openly gay son of the San Fran- on transgender issues; a photo shoot during lunch of everyone cisco mayor murdered alongside gay WHEREAS: gay activist leader in their skirts -- or kilts, or sarongs, or political pioneer Harvey Milk has been Many transgender people have their Samuel K. Ganafa, Executive Direc- lava-lavas -- that would be then sent to married by another former mayor of applications for health insurance denied tor of Spectrum Uganda Initiatives and him in the hospital, where he is pres- the city, Willie Brown, at the City Hall when they disclose their transgender sta- Board Chairperson of Sexual Minorities ently recovering from second- and third- where Milk and George Moscone were tus or transition-related medical history Uganda (SMUG), was arrested on Nov. degree burns along his legs that will slain. to a potential insurer; 12. require massive skin grafts. Willie Brown is a family friend of WHEREAS: He had reported to Kasangati Police 16-year-old Richard Thomas of Oak- Jonathan Moscone – the son of murdered Most health care insurance policies Station on the outskirts of Kampala pur- land High School has been charged as an San Francisco mayor George Moscone – still specifically exclude transgender- suant to a phone call from the District adult with hate crimes in the attack and who was married last month to partner related care and services, which often Police Commander Chemonges Seiko has yet to enter a plea as the family takes of one year Darryl Carbonaro. means that transgender workers and fam- asking him to report to the said station. the time granted them by a judge to hire Moscone, 49, is the artistic director ily members will not be covered for Upon reporting he was immediately a lawyer. of the California Shakespeare Theater in procedures such as hormone therapy, handcuffed by a police officer. With- Berkeley and Carbonaro, 46, is the asso- transition- related surgery, and/or gender out being shown a warrant of arrest he B angladesh to recognize ciate general counsel for Clean Power identity-related mental health services; was forced onto a police pickup truck hirja as official gender Finance. WHEREAS: and taken twice to his residence, which Their wedding was conducted on the Gender identity discrimination is was searched. The search was conducted Bangladesh will officially recognize Mayoral Balcony of San Francisco’s City alienating and keeps people from access- without a search warrant. members of its hirja community as hav- Hall by Brown in front of 80 guests. ing medically necessary care, and lack During the unwarranted search three ing their own gender. From the Bangla- The couple reportedly met online of coverage can cause and/ or aggravate houseguests of Mr. Ganafa, namely deshi news outlet, Daily Star: in November last year. Two days after additional serious and expensive health Joseph Kayizi, Kasali Brian and Michael The government on Nov. 12 approved their first date at a bar they met again problems, such as stress-related physical Katongole, were also arrested and taken a proposal of the social welfare ministry for dinner and they have been together illness, depression, and substance abuse to the police for questioning. His neph- to identify “Hijra” as another form of sex ever since. problems; ew Brian Kasirye who had rushed to the and to use its sexual identity in different In 2011 Jonathan Moscone directed WHEREAS: police station to check on him was also government’s documentation like pass- a play about his father’s assasination and Self and fully-insured employer health detained. ports and national ID cards. its effect on his life, called “Ghost Light,” plans are available and attainable, and Later the police subjected Mr. Ganafa The approval came at the weekly cab- which had been written by friend Tony insurance carriers have available plans to an HIV test without a court order or inet meeting at Bangladesh Secretariat. Taccone. without blanket exclusions for transgender- his consent. Hijra community welcomed the gov- He told the New York Times that related health care, and a growing number One Disan Twesiga was the complain- ernment’s decision saying it would help directing the play had helped him recon- of private businesses, some public sector ant. Disan alleges that Mr. Ganafa infect- reducing their social discrimination. cile some of his feelings about his father’s employers (City of San Francisco, City ed him with HIV and that there was Briefing newsmen after the meeting, murder. of Berkeley, City of Portland) and some more information in Mr. Ganafa’s read- Cabinet Secretary M. Musharraf Hos- “The play became about wishing unions including UNITE HERE and ing room, prompting another search of sain said the approval has been given for him back,” Moscone told the newspa- SEIU on the west coast are currently pro- the residence. The police took him along the overall welfare of the Hijra people. per, “After living for years without even viding trans-inclusive health care coverage. for all three times they searched. He said there are 10,000 Hijra people thinking about him. And I think the not THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: Twesiga held a press conference with thinking about someone is a way of not That AFSCME supports the right of in Bangladesh who are neglected in the all media houses at Kasangati Police Sta- society. He said the Hijra people face missing them.” transgender members to have full access tion. The police paraded Mr. Ganafa Moscone was killed by former San to all of their health care needs through discrimination in education, housing, before the media during a press confer- health, and in other fundamental fields Francisco city supervisor Dan White on their insurance policy. ence. This is despite the fact that he has November 27, 1978, after he refused to and there was no identity of their sex in allow him to rescind his resignation from not been found guilty by a court and passports or national ID cards, among HOPE Act allows HIV is thus presumed innocent under the the City Board of Supervisors. others. White then went into the office of positive transplants law. As of Nov. 14, all the five suspects There is disagreement in the hijra remained in custody without being offi- pioneering gay rights campaigner Harvey community about the move. Milk and shot him too. Major news for people living with HIV/ cially charged and without being brought Omar Kuddus, a Bangladeshi LGBT AIDS. before court despite the expiry of the con- What appeared to be lenient treat- activist, told GSN he feared the possible ment of the murders and White sparked Think Progress reports: stitutionally warranted 48 hours. risks over identifying hijras as a separate On Nov. 12, the House of Rep- Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), San Francisco’s White Night Riots a year gender. later. resentatives gave final approval to the Spectrum Uganda, Civil Society Coali- “In Bangladesh already, there is a lot HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, tion on Human Rights and Constitu- - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews. of discrimination,” he said. “Many hijras com/article/gay-son-slain-san-fran- a bill that will end a 25-year ban on tional Law are closely following the case, earn their living by people giving them using HIV-positive donors’ organs for and have instructed lawyers to represent cisco-mayor-moscone-marries-city- money because they think they’re going hall121113#sthash.nFUlHjmM.dpuf ■ any purpose, including medical research. all the accused. An application for the to curse them otherwise. Many also work If the Department of Health and Human release of the detainees has been filed and Services (HHS) concludes that trans- is pending hearing. planting organs between HIV-positive Sexual Minorities Uganda, Spectrum Glenn Zermeño, LCSW Americans is safe and effective under Uganda Initiatives and Civil Society scientific guidelines set by the law, such Coalition on Human Rights and Consti- Individual, Couple & Group Psychotherapy transplants will then become legal and it tutional Law strongly condemn the man- will no longer be a crime for HIV-positive ner in which Mr. Ganafa was arrested LGBTQ Concerns, Youth & Adolescents, Americans to donate their organs. Presi- and the manner in which the searches HIV/AIDS, Relationships, Dealing with Conflict, dent Barack Obama is expected to sign were conducted, his humiliating display Effective Communication, Anxiety, Depression, the legislation into law. before the press, as well as the violation of Body Image, Self-Esteem Adds HRC: the 48 hour rule for producing a suspect 25 Canterbury Road, Suite 311 • Rochester, New York 14607 The HOPE Act was introduced earlier before court. Phone: 917-309-7508 • Email: [email protected] this year in the Senate by Sens. Barbara SMUG also calls upon the Ugandan dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 17 Businesses in the Community

wearing apparel is much less expensive at day Pajama Party on Nov. 29. On Dec. 14 HPL than what you would find in a mall the store and others in the same area will or specialty shop. host their third annual Christmas party, “With the economy the way it is,” he from noon to 10 p.m., featuring food, a said, “people can’t afford to buy at expen- DJ and special vendor prices. This just sive mall stores. We can offer lower prices might be the perfect time to go Christmas because we buy used items. And our ven- shopping! ■ dors negotiate. “The funniest thing I’ve found in this business,” he added, “is that more people “Hodge Podge Lodge come in to sell than to buy!” Chuck buys at estate sales, garage sales is a Safe Zone. We are very and flea markets in the summer, and re- sells the items during the winter season. gay-friendly and have many Right now is the time to check out HPL for holiday gifts. gay-related items.” HPL hosted its third annual Black Fri-

H odge Podge Lodge He said that the biggest challenge in getting the Lodge off the ground was By Susan Jordan finding good and reliable vendors. “Phil “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it!” has ‘Blades for Life,’ all kinds of knives That’s the motto of Hodge Podge and military stuff,” Chuck said, “and Burt Lodge, 751 Stone Rd. in Greece, an has sports memorabilia. Everybody has indoor co-op and flea market run by their own little niche. These vendors are Chuck Argento, also well known as a DJ. very knowledgeable in their fields. And About 15 vendors have joined Chuck there are changes every day.” in filling the huge area with innumerable He added, “Hodge Podge Lodge is items – everything from collectors’ knives also a Safe Zone. We are very gay-friendly to children’s toys, from electric guitars to and have many gay-related items.” wigs, from glittery stiletto heels to robotic Chuck especially wants Rochester cats. A tour through the crowded aisles is female impersonators and drag queens an exercise in sensory overload! to know that he stocks fabulous shoes, Chuck opened the business in Septem- dresses and wigs. Like the toys and the ber 2010. “We started out with a few card- gift items and decorations, which are in board boxes,” he says, “and it just evolved.” demand right now for the holiday season, 18 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014 dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 19 20 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014 dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 21

was the first openly gay active duty service Sun 9. 16 Dec. and other Sundays after member to speak with the media while holidays. Call Gary, 5:30-6:30 weekdays serving inside a war zone. He spoke out at 663-3713 for more info. Shoulders to Stand On about his sexuality in an interview with Sun 2 Dec: Feminist Film Festival. Leslie Stahl on “60 Minutes.” This led to “The Fox” 2pm, Genesee Co-op 713 his dishonorable discharge. He was twice Monroe Ave. variance is not new.” She also believes that deployed to the Middle East in support Thu 6 Dec: Men’s Health Check, AM-PM Club, 92 North 8-10pm. No TM education is the only way to change soci- of Operation Iraqi freedom. While under ety’s outdated views. The book is avail- fire on the streets of Baghdad, he provided charges of any sort. Questions? 325-9754 able at the Gay Alliance Library and will medical care to his fellow soldiers, Iraqi Fri 7 Dec: GAGV Dance 9pm. $3.50. update yearly. National Guardsmen and civilians. He First Universalist Church Clinton Ave & Shoulders honors McQuaid Junior was awarded the Combat Medical Badge Court St. and Sophomore Attending Prom in recognition of his courage and service. Sun 9 Dec: Feminist Film Festival. Two McQuaid students asked their These Shoulders have given the LGBT “Maedchen In Uniform” 2pm, Genesee school counselor if it would be OK for community and the Greater Rochester Co-op, 713 Monroe Ave. them to attend the Junior Prom as a community a reason to be OUT and Sun 23 Dec: Empty Closet deadline. couple. The counselor referred the ques- PROUD! Their activism and lives bear Sat 30 Dec: Empty Closet Distribu- tion to administration. The decision was witness to the ever-opening door of our tion. no. One of the boys in the couple called Closets! Shoulders to Stand On congratu- Mon 31 Dec: Women’s New Year’s Eve The Brew (Wease) to express his disap- lates with gratitude its 10 2013 Shoulders! Bash, Genesee Co-op. New Year’s Eve pointment. Support for the boys to attend Parties at most gay bars. Gay Radio Program, “Green Thurs- the prom appeared in social media and a H istory Corner: ■ change.org petition signed by 828, and days” WCMP-FM, 96.5inhz. McQuaid alumni and parents expressed A Monthly Newsletter displeasure at the refusal. On March 27, of the Gay Alliance of 2013, Fr. Edward Salmon, school presi- the Genesee Valley, dent, sent a letter to parents stating, “If our two brothers who have asked to attend December, 1973 the Junior Ball wish to do so, they will be Gay Alliance Meeting Schedule H onoring 10 Shoulders welcomed.” Sun 2 Dec: Business Meeting/Gay Shoulders honors Ralph Carter Town Meeting By Evelyn Bailey The Empire State Pride Agenda, on Sun 9 Dec: Program: “The Business Shoulders To Stand On honors 10 May 18, 2013, honored Ralph Carter with Of Being Gay.” Money management is 2013 Rochester Shoulders for their con- the ESPA Community Service Award. A different for gays. Professionals attuned to tributions to our struggle for equality and Xerox employee, Ralph has been a tire- the gay lifestyle discuss real estate. insur- justice for the Greater Rochester commu- less advocate for civil rights and equal- ance, wills, stocks, and sound financial nity inclusive of our LGBT brothers and ity in the Rochester community. He has planning. successfully integrated his spiritual life sisters and our allies. Sun 16 Dec: Social: A Gay Christmas First Shoulders To Stand On recog- as a gay man with fully being himself at work. Ralph is the founding member of Coffee House nizes and honors – YOU! Your Shoulders Sun 23 Dec: No meeting carry the Rochester community to greater CREATE, the first ecumenical gay civil rights advocacy network in Upstate New Tues 24 Dec: “A Whitie Christmas” awareness, integrity, visibility and pride! Christmas Eve party at a member’s home, Because of YOU, our LGBT brothers, sis- York, the co-founder of Out & Equal NY Finger Lakes (OENYFL) and co-founder for GAGV family and friends, by reserva- ters, and allies, the Closet is not as full! tion only. Details; 436-7670. So take a moment to look at yourself and of the national LGBT Self-ID Commu- nity Practice. Ralph is a member of Third Sun 30 Dec: No Meeting: be PROUD! Sun 6 Jan: Business Meeting/Gay Shoulders honors the Gay Alliance Presbyterian Church and organized ESPA “Pride in the Pulpit” events at Colgate Town Meeting Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Rochester Divinity School. Other Events Qf Interest Gay Alliance has stood as a beacon of Shoulders honors Justice Anthony Sat 1 Dec: Cooking class. Also meets light for those who still feel the oppres- Kennedy sion of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans- On June 26, 2013 a rare moment gender, queer, and intersex in Rochester, occurred. The Supreme Court wrote a NY. In the hope that equality and justice stream of words and made the lives of will be the standard for all, the Gay Alli- many thousands of people instantly bet- ance responds to the variety of needs of ter. Five Supreme Court justices did that the Rochester LGBT community from by striking down the Defense of Marriage our very youngest to our very oldest, from Act. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the our single men and women to our mar- majority opinion in this 5–4 case, joined ried couples and families. The Gay Alli- by Breyer, Ginsburg, Kagan, and Soto- ance has never lost sight of its mission: mayor. You could say that he had been to cultivate a healthy inclusive environ- writing his way to this day since 1996, ment where individuals of all sexual ori- when he ruled against a Colorado law that entations and gender expressions are safe, took away rights for gay people granted by thriving, and enjoy full civil rights. a local ordinance. Kennedy established a Shoulders honors Louise Slaughter principle then that was key to his ruling and Ove Overmyer on that Wednesday: The government may On Dec. 13, 2012 Congresswoman not single out a group it disapproves of for Louise slaughter (NY-25, Rochester), was injurious treatment. Thank you! honored with the Life-time Achievement Shoulders honors Staff Sgt. Dar- Award given to a local individual in recog- ren Manzella Lapeira (died August 29, nition of a lifetime of service and a dedi- 2013) cation to the American labor Movement. Darren was a brave, powerful and Ove Overmyer, president of the City important voice in the battle to repeal of Rochester Library Workers Unit 7420 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Darren and Local 828 Vice president, was hon- ored with the 2012 Working Families Advocate of the Year Award, given to an individual who has exceeded expectations publicly advocating for the needs of work- ing men and women during the past year. Rochester labor plays a critical role in the economic success of the Rochester com- munity. Shoulders honors Pam Barres and Ally Howell Activist Pamela Barres has been fight- ing for passage of the New York State transgender civil rights bill for many years. Pam, a member of the Pride Agenda Foundation board, continues the daunt- ing task of bringing awareness to the issue through discussions on translife and the need for basic civil rights protection for trans New Yorkers through GENDA. In 2013, Ally Howell, a transgender attorney formerly from Rochester, fin- ished writing “Transgender Persons and the Law”. “In effect, gender is a language,” writes Ally. In her interview with Susan Jordan in the EC, Ally stated “Gender 22 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

just that — and in the wide open light of successful relationship, marriage or true day. The result was the shock, awe, and love for a person. disgust of a mixed group. While sexual jealousy and possessive- Atlanta Polyamory Inc.’s purple-let- ness would appear unavoidable in poly- Columnists tered banner read “Polyamory: Having amorous relationship, there is also data simultaneous close emotional relation- revealing how having open relationships ships with two or more other individuals.” keeps these couples intact, and the love The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers While many religious conservatives very much alive. are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay might argue that the legalization of The practice of polyamory was once same-gender marriage and shows like thought to be an absurd issue to explore Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. HBO’s “Big Love” — about a fictional as a relationship choice. But today it’s not. polygamist Mormon family which plants More and more organizations like “Atlan- seeds to destroy the conventional fam- ta Polyamory Inc.” are popping up across G rowing Up encounter with a panhandler who proved ily unit — we have to ask ourselves, is the country. Their members are coming T he Aha Moment to be articulate, a drive alone through the monogamy a natural instinct in us or is out of the closet. Perhaps this will be the Finger Lakes. it a social construct which was obvious- new civil rights battle before us. By Eric Bellmann I think I’ve had two major game ly devised to protect and to regulate the Whether someone is monogamous or Recently I heard changers, two significant aha moments. institution of heterosexual marriage? polyamorous is solely a personal decision. a friend talk about Both from biographies. To be non-monogamous in this cul- And let’s remember same-sex marriage a point in his work The first was reading Judith Thur- ture carries pejorative and judgmental once upon a time seemed a preposterous life when he real- mans’ “Colette: A Life of the Flesh”. You connotations for both heterosexuals and proposition to argue as a civil right. ized that two high- can Wikipedia Colette for more about her LGBTQs. It assumes sexual promiscu- ly motivated and life. Mainly she was an artist who had a ity, a sex and love addiction as well as the A Few Bricks Short skilled people could tough time succeeding on her own. She inability to achieve emotional and sexual actually accomplish was fiercely independent. She lived within intimacy. But it also ignores the reality Ho-Ho-Homo! society but on her own terms. She took all the work that that some people really are polyamorous, By David Hull was being done by his team of twenty- lovers, men and women. She never apolo- and their ability to love more than one gized for who she was or what she did. Hey, it’s Decem- plus colleagues. person at a time is not about a lust-fest ber, time to make This insight encouraged him meta- She was tough. She loved cats and overate, for them. grew fat, and she was vain. the yuletide gay – phorically to stand back now and then to Deepak Chopra, a renowned spiri- and you can be sure assess matters, to not accept that situations I’m a 98% match, well, not famous and tual master and director for education- not, when I read the book, as confident we’re doing that at necessarily had to be the way they were. al programs at the Chopra Center for our house. Noth- It was, I suppose, a fairly pedestrian aha about my life choices as I was by the time Well Being in California, states, “As far I finished the book. I was liberated. I could ing screams “gay” moment but it was significant for him and as monogamy is concerned, I honestly like tinsel and rib- it triggered some thinking on my part. elect to examine the shame I retained over believe that human beings are not monog- some of my choices and dump it. Once bons and twinkling I started to sort through memories in amous biologically; they were not created lights – and that’s just what I’m wearing search of my own aha moments. when I spoke about my behavior to my ther- that way. However, it is certainly helpful apist, he endeared himself to me by com- to dinner, don’t even get me started on the I recalled that the first time I saw in society and social structure... because decorations around the house. “Brokeback Mountain”, the breakthrough menting, “Just think of how much pleasure of the family structure.... with gay and you have brought to so many men!” You know something else that’s really mainstream movie about a gay relation- lesbian relationships... you’re going to see gay about December, but as far as I know ship, that while it had a tragic, sorrowful The other book was a biography of families. You’re going to see children. So Samuel Steward, a very minor charac- has never been widely discussed, is the TV resolution, also succeeded in depicting in the interest of family structure, we’ve Christmas specials that have been broad- intimacy and passion in a lyrical, moving ter in the scheme of things, no Colette evolved biologically to the point where we he. He was a failed academic, a friend of cast over the years. Besides “Merry Christ- manner and as I sat in tearful isolation in are social creatures.” mas” and “buy stuff”, many of them also the emptying theater I wondered if this Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas with But the purported evolutionary ben- whom he maintained a steady correspon- seem to have an underlying sexual orienta- remarkable film would change my life. efits of monogamy have not panned out as tion diversity message for viewers. I felt a surge of pride. I also used it as dence, an openly gay man in an era that expected. And the biggest benefit touted had little tolerance for such a creature. He Yes, the story includes Santa and a a challenge with straight friends. Would in support of monogamy is that it’s the lesson about how important Christmas they go and see something that was for became a tattoo artist. He lived under the best social and psychological arrangement radar, ultimately a recluse. is, but we also learn that Rudolph and me a significant statement about my cul- for children. However, evidence has prov- Hermie the elf are “different” and the ture. Or were they squeamish, reluctant, And he documented on three by five en over and over again that if couples are file cards every single sexual experience two run away from Christmas Town the kinds of friends who seemed liberal, in a monogamous relationship solely for because others there don’t accept them. accepting but maybe drew a line at wit- he ever had and he had a lot. He enjoyed the kids, the children, too, suffer, because his compulsion. He was by any account Hmmm, where have we heard a story like nessing and were, in the recesses of their they witness no love, compassion or some- that before? And, if you’re looking for well meaning hearts, squeamish. The film a sexual renegade. His record keeping times respect between the parents. somehow came to the attention of Alfred gay stereotypes, look no further than the was, after all, about sex, Contrary to popular belief, sociologist Charlie-in-the-box on the Island of Mis- At any rate I’ve come to feel that while Kinsey, who acquired the archive and Elisabeth Sheff’s forthcoming book, “The incorporated information from it into fit Toys – I’m surprised that fairy didn’t “Brokeback” was an epiphany of sorts it Polyamorists Next Door,” reveals that have a purple triangle painted on the side was not a game changer. I already knew his ground-breaking book on male sex- polyamory is a “legitimate relationship ual behavior. He never experienced the of his box! what it told me. style that can be tremendously rewarding Another TV special that features the One friend emailed me that when he acclaim bestowed on Colette. Any atten- for adults and provide excellent nurturing tion paid to him has been posthumously. main character leaving town is Frosty the read Brene Brown’s “Daring Greatly” he for children.” Snowman. Frosty has to move up North realized the difference between guilt and Steward was not a happy man. He “I’m more involved in their lives (refer- regarded his life as a failure. But he because he can no longer live in the shame and how that difference had held ring to children) and more aware of their South. He claims he’s moving because of him down his whole life. That was his remained true to himself. I found that inner thoughts or aspirations; I’m more powerful. It bolstered my resolve to resist the heat, but I wonder if all those Repub- aha moment. involved in their long-term happiness,” licans and Christian homophobes didn’t Another acquaintance wrote that he conventional thinking and to question Mark told CNN reporters. Mark, who many things, maybe everything. have something to do with Frosty’s reloca- read “The Structure of Scientific Revo- is a computer programmer, and his wife, tion issues too. lution” by T.S. Kuhn and understood Both writers understood and did not an electrical engineer, have been married falter in the face of the evanescent nature Now if you’ve ever seen The Year with- that progress isn’t a gradient transition. for over a decade. They have no children; out a Santa Claus, I really don’t need to It’s seeing a new truth. This is impossible of passion. Colette, in “Cheri” and “The however, they are actively engaged with Last of Cheri,” chronicled a relationship mention anything other than Heat Miser for some. He added, “Fortunately we all the children from the two couples they and Cold Miser. Those Miser brothers die eventually making it possible for new between an older actress, Lea, and her have been sexually involved with for six youthful lover, no doubt drawing on her have fabulous hair, love performing show truths.” He left it at that, didn’t elaborate years. tunes and they are two of the most spite- on how it changed his life. It seemed a own life experiences. Steward document- Societal condemnation of not being ed in his secret files the legion of return- ful, malicious queens I’ve ever seen. I rather cerebral response. monogamous has halted many from tak- love them. Every Halloween I try to get More to my taste was a comment ing soldiers he serviced after World War ing the walk down the aisle, knowing the 11. Both lived in times when sex was just my husband to dress up with me as Heat made by a woman I’d known for years. wedding vow to stay married until death Miser and Cold Miser. The best part is Early in her marriage there was a disas- that, was not political. Neither hedged cannot faithfully be upheld. their bets nor regretted their choices. I’m that the Miser brothers’ mom, Mother trous kitchen fire in her house and for The evidence is the skyrocketing Nature, is tolerant and accepting of both several weeks she and her family including glad to have discovered both of them. divorce rate among heterosexuals. Gay Email: [email protected] of her boys, demonstrating a diverse and three small children had to live in a motel and lesbian couples are not immune, and positive family relationship. while repairs where being made. as the number of states with marriage Santa Claus is Coming to Town has an She watched the motel housekeeping F aith Matters equality climbs, so will our divorce rate. important underlying message for view- staff. One day she reflected that she was Monogamous: To Be or Many social scientists are recogniz- ers. The story’s villain, the Burgermeis- like the woman who changed the linens, ing that sexual fidelity to one person is a ter Meisterburger of Somber Town, has emptied the trash -- nothing but a maid. Not to Be? doomed aspiration. This notion will soon forbidden anyone to have toys, but he That was her lot. To cook, do laundry, to evolve into an antiquated notion because secretly loves the toys himself. To me, clean and it didn’t make her feel very good. By Rev. Irene Monroe as our human clock ticks longer than pre- that sounds kind of like those slimy, two- That role had not been her ambition. vious generations, our appetite and yearn- faced politicians who spew their anti-gay Later, house bound with an expand- The one thing you don’t expect to ing to experience sexual variety — with venom in public, while in private they do ing family, while the kids slept she plowed people of same and opposite genders — the “gay-dance-with-no-pants” more than through “Moby Dick”. Her aha moment see in any of the Bible Belt states will also expand. anyone else! enabled her to re-prioritize her life, expand Our polyamorous nature, many con- How can I ignore my favorite holi- her universe through reading. She contin- (where most have amended their con- test, is evident in our acts of serial monog- day classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas? ues to be an avid reader of serious fiction amy, which speak to our need to fulfill the Okay, the story itself is not so gay, but to this day. That’s the kind of feedback stitutions to define marriage between impulse for variety. Once marriage shifted what the heck is going on between Pep- I was looking for. Books, reading -- that from its historical moorings of being sole- permint Patty and Marcie. Marcie even seemed to be a catalyst for new insights. one man and one woman) is an organiza- tion promoting polyamory. ly economic and political arrangements refers to Peppermint Patty as “sir”. Wow – I’ve had a slew of epiphanies, who to, now, romantic and consensual unions, they should both be wearing rainbow flag hasn’t? “Brokeback Mountain”, a chance Last month at Atlanta’s Pride Parade the group “Atlanta Polyamory Inc.” did sexual fidelity became the barometer of a T-shirts, if you ask me. Then Linus could dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 23 really say, “And that’s what Christmas is Then I started filling every single (oh yes they did) iron bars. less fluff in search of those elusive crystal all about, Charlie Brown.” space in orderly, of course, and catego- Ready. Set. Snow. Each day from now orbs. And, finally, I think it’s important rized, for sure, ways, stacking systemati- until May first, I (and my friend Sharon) Maybe fall to the ground and flail an to take a look at He-Man & She-Ra: A cally for optimum space allotment. Next will be tingling with anticipation, keeping angel into existence. Maybe stick out my Christmas Special. There’s nothing all I called up my inner-zookeeper. Hunted a look out for abundant snow. Craving a childhood tongue and eat snowflakes. that homoerotic about the show, but He- across the entire acre. Gathered, scrubbed, real winter like our old-days. Deep, deep [email protected] Man is one hot piece of animated super- and shelved herds of ducks, frogs, angels, snow. Seriously covered everything. hero beefcake! “It’s Christmas, He-Man! rabbits. And one hedgehog. Winter is snow art. During snowflake C onundrums Meet me under the mistletoe and show Too soon, reality made me face a sad, days I amble through North Ponds Park, me your Power Sword.” albeit annual, chore. Because October had admiring its topography softened by daz- T he Dream of Equality So, this year, while celebrating with pretended to be summer, my flowers and zling undulations. I watch my gardens Shall Never Die family and friends, get out your favorite vegetables were still flourishing. How- grow crystal flowers. Brown birds… oh holiday DVD and take a closer look so ever, my calendar and our meteorologists how I wish I could remember your names By Ove Overmyer that you can be sure to “make the yule- reminded me of our Fahrenheit future, and recognize your songs… statue them- While recently tide gay”! forcing me to grab perky zinnias and rip selves on my split-rail fence. Cardinal-red sitting in the front Contact David at davidhull59@aol. off their little heads. Driving me to defruit virtually vibrates across frigid air. And I row of a local com- com my splendid tomato plants, un-stake their am mesmerized by soaring, somersaulting munity forum cel- ravaged limbs, and heave them toward snowflakes. Winter is beauty. ebrating Trans* C leaning My Closet compost reincarnation. But my winter worship is sometimes Awareness Month, After that I tackled heavy items. polluted by overheard complaints. I have it didn’t take but W Inter IS (Okay, truth be told WE tackled. A strong experienced sixty-nine winters, and I a second for me to and faithful friend was there to lend two recognize the fact By Meredith know for certain that snow season is regu- that I was one of the oldest persons in Elizabeth hands and a back.) We. Emptied soil out larly scheduled to follow falling foliage. of 2,345 pots. Dumped and raked tons the room. And growing older is not the Reiniger As a matter of fact, I have lived in this Up point I am trying to make here folks — I Winter is snow- of previously-enjoyed dirt into the lawn’s State New York area for all those many, low spots. Lugged picnic tables and chairs. was thrilled to see so many young people flakes. Winter is many years and have witnessed a reliable who made an effort to attend. Well over a inevitable. I do love, Hauled porch furniture. pattern of spring-summer-autumn-winter. While helper womyn converted my hundred people showed up on a cold and absolutely love win- And for the life of me I cannot understand wet Tuesday night to share their stories, ter. Nonetheless, gas grill into charcoal-friendly, I endured how residents can gripe through a lifetime tortuous hours draining and winding comfort others, listen, connect and learn. getting prepared of seasonal weather. As the moderator and panelists began for it is an evolving obstinate hoses. At some point in the bat- Constantly. From October first-freeze tle, I turned into Cranky Twisted Lesbian the program, out of nowhere I asked challenge. Every year I discover additional to April final-fall. As if frequency were myself the question, “What defines us?” uncooperative body parts. Home Owner. (Will anyone ever create a not annoying enough, volume exacer- cooperative hose?) Finally dragged those My mind began to wander as I looked This year I started, as late as possible, bates already insufferable complaints. I over my shoulder at the captivated audi- stripping my yard. Before every task, I suckers into my tidy shed. Eventually, do not, absolutely do not want to hear after my time out, the joy of proper place- ence. I was smitten by the diversity of the had to slip into an appropriate attitude. nagging nattering. I want to shout: Go crowd. Maybe it’s our appearance or the To attack wild jumble-ness in my garden ment of conquered coils reinstated my into an empty closet and chatter to your rapture. shade of our skin, the place where we grew shed, I needed an organized approach. So Self about absurd accumulations, pokey up, the accent in our words, the makeup I summoned my neurotic-compulsive skill Thus Meredith Manor is ready for people, perilous piles, frosted fingers, and winter. Bird food cans are battened down. of our family, the gender we were born set. Emptied everything. Swept and hosed flake fright. with, the intimate relationships we create ceiling, walls, shelves, floor. Apologized I can sit on my soft chair in my bird room, In fact, it should be a law that persons peer out my sliding glass doors, and watch or is it your generation? to virtually hundreds of newly-homeless who habitually bemoan Snow and Conse- As the collective American identity spiders. Survivor Webster. Squirrel tribe members quences within earshot of the Seasonally will thoroughly study and test many ways rapidly changes, here we all were—an More washing. Shed contents, lined Sane will be incarcerated in a Frigidaire inter-generational smorgasbord of old and up on the grass, were mud-caked. Sorting. to open the galvanized cans… cans that until right after July 4th fireworks. have half-inch iron T-bars through the young, gay, trans, straight, black, brown Clay pots required sizing before construc- Yes, I understand that winter has and white and everything in between -- in tion of stabilized storage towers. Random lid handles. Raccoon tribe members, even issues. We face walks to shovel, driveways though they have dexterous claws, will be this big meeting room on a cold and crap- decorative pots needed to be carefully to blow, snowbanks to move. We bear py November night reinforcing the mes- nested. foiled by mighty cement-encased bricks bundling bodies, swathing extremities. that will prevent them from pulling out sage and letting our historians know that, We suffer vehicular skidding, structural yes, our lives do matter. I immediately felt icing, blizzardly squalling. honored to be there. But. But winter is snowflakes. Lovely The panel delivered as promised — crystals, sparkles, and puffs. Magical… we heard remarkable moving testimonies created quite literally out of thin air. Intri- from a group of experts who have been cate… prisms, needles, fernlike stellar fighting for adequate public healthcare dendrites, hollow columns, capped col- and basic equality for all gender noncon- umns, stars, and rosettes. forming people long before it became one Winter is appealing possibilities… cel- of the final remaining fights for equality ebrate snow splendor, snuggle in quilt and civil rights in America. caves, cuddle a canine, read a book cover While we have made some progress in to cover, dunk apples in warm caramel, recent years, especially here in New York simmer a hearty stew, sip mango tea from State, we equality folks recognize the a delicate china tea cup. simple truth that we still have a very long Winter is exhilarating opportunities… road to travel. There is much more work hike among snow draped trees, walk the to be done, especially when you talk to icy edges of Lake Ontario, stroll down a gender nonconforming advocates. pier where waves are frozen mid-motion. At the forum, I was reminded of Find ice crystal halos. Fashion a tribe of something the late Sen. Ted Kennedy snow-lesbians. once said: “For all those whose cares have Winter is laughter bubbling through been our concern, the work goes on, the my frozen lips. Laughter when every boot- cause endures, the hope still lives, and step squeaks. Yes, I have mirth plans. To the dream shall never die.” shuffle through snowflake euphoria. To For me personally, these words once throw snowballs into deep whiteness and again transcended a moment in time and watch my red dachshund snuffle into end- reinforced the notion that the struggle for 24 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014 equal rights will outlast my lifetime. computer nerd. A combination of inte- What’s Bothering New York City for undergraduate work. While some of the forum’s equality rest in the still-budding Internet, a love of Despite some of these places and events language and text were familiar talking computer games, and an easily acquired Brandon? being more LGBTQ friendly than others, points to most of the seasoned activists tech-support job meant that I was much Tales from the Baggage I still hold each as key in the development who were in the audience, my attention more computer-savvy then than I’ve come Carousel of my extremely agreeable and amazingly was sometimes diverted by my own inner to be. Those of us who understood DOS enviable personality. Please, no photo- voice. knew what an * meant – it meant inclu- By Brandon W. graphs. It’s my hope that no one forgets the sion. Brooks All self-serving joking aside, I do real- importance of our LGBT history and how If you were searching for something, As I prepare ize that like most people, our pasts also we got to where we are today. While some a convenient * meant “everything”. For myself for evening instill within us ideas, feelings and beliefs of the younger folks do have the benefit instance, if you were searching for all the retirement, I catch that may not necessarily benefit us. I rec- of education, training and experience and files with the name “trans” whether they a glimpse of what is ognize in myself many negative ideas and a relationship with older LGBT com- were “trans.exe.” or “trans.doc” you would happening outside. beliefs that are a direct outcome of being munity members, I still thought it was a type in an asterisk at the end, “Trans.*” so The wind is truly told that being homosexual is morally good reminder for posterity’s sake that I as to say, “Show me everything that has howling tonight, reprehensible, that “living that sort of life- publicly repeat the fact that we all have the prefix “trans”. like some banshee style” is subversive and not upstanding, to remember and embrace where we came The Trans* umbrella covers a whole or wolf, whipping its way through the and that I will eventually die of AIDS in from and stress the importance and value lot of different types of people. There are cracks of windows, doorjambs and crum- a gutter somewhere, far away from the of community. This understanding is crit- transgender and transsexual people. There bling grout. The crisp sky is dropping drawing-rooms of my potential straight ical to create positive outcomes for future are also genderqueer, gender fluid, gender the first flakes of the 2013-2014 winter future. generations — and hopefully build and non-conforming, intersex, bigender, and season, and my misery is complete. It’s Pshaw. accomplish a more perfect world where agender people as well. There are proba- snowing. My personal opinions obviously lie humility and civility are commonplace. bly more categories that I haven’t listed No matter. I turn down the bed, and far from those mentioned above; however The circumspect level of opportunity, here, and that’s the point: as we continue pour myself one last cup of chai rooibos I must also recognize that these hateful freedom and liberty we now enjoy — to have the room to expand, explore our before slinking underneath the sheets, still ideas still affect my choices immeasurably. passing sexual and identity non-discrim- identities and genders, and embrace who cold from the daylong absence of a warm It affects my gender performance (“Am I ination laws, legal dignity protections we are, we discover more variations on body. I resign myself to accept the inevi- masculine enough?”), where I go at night for all New York State students, mar- the theme. tability of winter; my own personal insult (“Will I be safe here?”), and even whether riage rights for same-sex couples, cutting Trans* identity isn’t just about trans- from Mother Nature. I wonder what it or not I decide to meet my friends’ parents edge technologies, and global healthcare gender and transsexual folks, it’s about would be like to go a year without winter, (“Will I embarrass them by being gay?”). advancements being among those that all of us. In most cases the rights that we if Rochester actually stayed warm for just Playing this little hoop-jumping game first come to mind — were fashioned and seek are similar or overlap. We all want one twelve-month period of time. Obvi- is exhausting, and as the years have passed fine-tuned by the struggle, sacrifice and the right to express our gender identities ously this is quite impossible, but a boy I have become more and more resistant to unrelenting work and talent of those who without fear of violence, displacement, can dream. changing for others. My father is a self- came before us. or loss of employment or medical care. As I drift off to Lah Lah Land, I think made businessman, and I cannot tell you We didn’t get here on our own. Today’s We would all like to have the opportu- of how volatile 2013 has been for all of how many times I have been told by him activists never could of have won hard nity to be ourselves and grow and develop us. So much has changed in the matter that I “look a little different.” He has lov- fought victories if it wasn’t for the likes of our identities. Ideally we’d like to live in of the past twelve months, much to our ingly warned me (without ever bringing Harvey Milk, Bayard Rustin and former a society where the people who are being continued benefit and dignity. We have himself to utter the word “gay”) of the Rep. Barney Frank. They laid the ground brought into the world won’t have to fight had DOMA and Prop 8 overturned, a dangers of appearing “different than”; work for us to be successful. In turn, my to be safe to do the same. government shutdown, the controversial how this can affect my ability to be hired, generation has to create the space for the That little asterisk represents an inclu- beginnings of the Affordable Health Care to find housing, to walk home safely, etc. twenty-somethings to actualize a plan so sive stance that acknowledges a similarity Act, and more than a handful of states I have begrudgingly accepted his critiques they can live in a world free of bigotry, in all of us – from the straight, cisgender ruling in favor of same-sex marriage. It over the years, knowing them to be par- homophobia and transphobia. man who likes to wear a little nail polish seems the proverbial light at the end of the tially true depending on exactly where I Machiavelli once said, “Whoever to the transgender person seeking gender tunnel may be becoming brighter for the work, live, or walk. wishes to foresee the future must consult confirmation surgery to the agender or LGBTQ population. This year, I am done catering to the the past; for human events ever resemble genderqueer person fighting to find non- The beginning of each new year gives baggage of my past, my uncertainties and those of preceding times. This arises from binary modes of dress and behavior in us all the opportunity to assess our cur- insecurities. I will be sorting through my the fact that they are produced by men what is still a very binary society. rent states of being, evaluate the choices baggage, one crocodile-skinned piece at who ever have been, and ever shall be, ani- Some of us cross the binary line, some we have made in the last twelve months, a time, keeping some while cataloguing mated by the same passions, and thus they of us dance back and forth over it, and and generally make goals that are equally other pieces, and throwing the rest onto necessarily have the same results.” some of us ignore it, but in every case as unrealistic as last year’s. Besides trying the front lawn. My hopes are that I will what restricts us is an unwritten social to lose those 20 damned pounds again feel lighter (hopefully 20 lbs. lighter), and T rans*missions agreement on gender that doesn’t take (not facilitated by drinking chai tea I more prepared for the coming challenges us into account. In the past the sugge- might add), I have decided that this year and potential connections of 2014. This About the asterisk sted emphasis on “trans” was in “moving I will begin letting go on a more meta- lightness will, with any luck, only add to By Laine Delaney across” and transitioning, but nowadays phoric level. No, I am not planning to the brightening light coming from the When I sent my the emphasis is more on transcending the jump off of the Frederick Douglass-Susan end of the tunnel. first Empty Clo- dominant culture’s gender narrative. Even B Anthony Memorial Bridge. By “let- Let’s just hope that this light isn’t com- set submission to if we’re just seeking to move from one ting go”, I am referring to dropping the ing from an oncoming train. Susan Jordan, she socially accepted gender role to another, baggage we tend to carry in regard to So I raise my glass once more to you asked me why I we are crossing a line that we’ve been told ourselves and our identities as LGBTQ all. May we learn to cherish the lessons was using the aste- we’re not allowed to cross. individuals. from our pasts, and throw away the worn risk every time I I don’t know if the use of the asterisk is To be honest, some of my baggage I admonishments from our enemies. I shall entered the word a convention that will spread, but I think have grown to love, to cherish and even see you all again this coming February, Trans*. “To me * that it’s a worthy addition to the language guard against dropping. This baggage has slightly lighter, slightly more positive, indicates a footnote!” she wrote. that we’re still developing to describe our- become part of my identity, part of whom slightly less deferential to homophobia I’ll admit the first time that I saw selves. So in the spirit of inclusion I’ll con- I think I am and what I am all about. I and heteronormativity. I can drink to Trans* in a publication I scanned several tinue to use the asterisk whenever I write like to think of some of my baggage as that! pages trying to find the hidden footnote. about trans* issues, if for no other reason coming from my own history as a gay Questions, comments or critique? Feel Of course I didn’t find one, but I had a than to remind everyone that we’re more male. I was raised in the rural fields of free to e-mail the author at: brandonb@ suspicion as to what it might represent. than just one group or identity. Macedon, attended Catholic school (mass gayalliance.org Long ago, somewhere in the late nine- every first Friday of the month), and ties, I considered myself something of a then made the inevitable gay journey to dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 25

R ochester Rams and College Ave. Note: if there is a guard at the booth, The Rochester Rams would like to just say you’re here for the Gay Alliance thank everyone who donated to our and they have instructions to let you i Community annual toy drive. We had a great show- without paying the parking fee. Once ing of support, and are sure our dona- in the door, walk down the hall to the tions will make this a special Christmas main lobby, turn right just past the guard’s for the kids at the Roosevelt Children’s booth and the elevator will be right there, Find the friends, fun, and common interests you’re looking for through Center. on the 5th floor just follow the signs to the various groups listed here. It’s time for our annual Long Johns the meeting. Also if you’re coming by bus Bar Night, it may be cold outside but it get off at the Prince St stop, walk up the will be steaming hot inside. Our regular sidewalk to the first set of doors (they have Dignity-Integrity Friday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. Come and join Bar Night features like boot shine, coat the large number 875 over them). Once your voices with ours as we sing favor- check, and wall-to-wall hot men will be you’re in the lobby head toward the eleva- D-I Rochester meets weekly at 5 ite Christmas hymns. Tim Schramm is available at this full-service event. tor and go up to the 5th floor and follow p.m. at St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s returning to lead us on piano and organ; The Rochester Rams M.C. is Roches- the signs. Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St., corner of he is terrific! While you are here, you ter New York’s foremost gay motorcycle Our website is: www.rnytg.org or Broad St. We have the following services can see the redesigned sanctuary that & leather club as well as being one of the on Facebook at: https://www.face- and activities for the months of Decem- was recently completed. In addition to oldest clubs of its type in the country. As book.com/RochesterTransGroup ber 2013 and January 2014. adding a hearing loop, some of the old this year comes to a close The Rochester 1st Sunday: Episcopal Mass/Heal- pews were removed and remade into Rams would like to thank everyone who ing Service, with music has supported us through the year, espe- R ochester Women’s 2nd Sunday: Roman Catholic Lit- chairs that allow for more flexible seat- cially the owner and staff of the Bachelor Community Chorus urgy of the Word, with music. ing arrangements. Forum. 3rd Sunday: Quiet Episcopal Mass You can call the Hotline at 585-234- Our home bar is the Bachelor Forum, The Rochester Women’s Commu- in the Chapel. 5092 or check our website at www.di- 670 University Ave., where we hold Bar nity Chorus really believes in the saying 4th Sunday: Evening Prayer, fol- rochester.org/ for updates on services Nights on the third Saturday of each “Free to be you and me” and we’re going lowed by a Potluck Dinner! and activities. month. We hold general meetings (open to sing about it at our next concert, 5th Sunday: Evening Prayer (Decem- to the public) the Wednesday before each “Yearning to Breathe Free”. ber only EMPIRE BEARS Bar Night at 7:30pm at the Forum. For We invite you to come and experi- Our Potluck theme for December more info, visit our website: www.roch- ence our musical journey at the Park is “Gastronomic Gifts”. The January It’s December, and the weather out- esterrams.com. Avenue Winter Festival on Dec. 5 from theme is “New Year, New Recipe”. I can side is frightful. The BEARS are keep- 7-8 p.m. Come and enjoy the beauty of the season, the bountiful shops and car- only begin to imagine what folks will ing busy inside. R ochester Trans bring to these two events. We’ve got Every Wednesday night we’re at the oling of hope, strength and the longing some very creative cooks here… some Wintonaire at 6 having supper. We’ll be Group for peace for all. are longstanding members of the Men’s missing a few nights this month, due to Our concert will be on Jan. 18, 2014 By Joanne Metzler at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 1600 Cooking Group! No time to cook or the holidays. Hope you join us for sup- This will be the last entry that this per before Christmas. Mt. Hope Ave. Tickets may be pur- shop? Just ask a friend or two and join writer of these entries will be doing. After chased from chorus members or at the us for food and fun! The BEARS will be at the RGMC writing these entries since 2001 – 2002 I concert at the Hochstein at 8 on Friday door. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 News from the Pews: Our 38th am retiring. It is time for someone else for seniors and students, $5 for children Anniversary celebration was a success. and Saturday the 13th and 14th. Our to do this, a different voice than mine. A 12 and younger. The concert is sign Family and friends joined us at the Opa! potluck supper, usually the 2nd Satur- younger voice? language interpreted and handicapped Greek restaurant for a delicious meal. day, may need to be a bit earlier that I hope that these entries over the past accessible. Looking ahead, we’ll be gathering in usual, so members can get to the concert decade or so have made an impact and But wait, while we are still in 2013 February for our annual Winter Cabin on Saturday night. The potluck starts at gave our readers some idea what the RTG you have the opportunity to hear us Party. Catch the details in the Febru- 6:30 upstairs in the GAGV office board is about and just how important it is, not singing on the avenue. For more infor- ary EC. room. Be early, parking will be tight to just the Trans community or even the mation about the chorus you can call SAVE THE DATE: The 7th Annual because of “The Grinch”. LGB community, it is vital to all of Great- 585-234-4441, or find us at www.ther- Christmas Hymn Sing is scheduled for Have a great holiday season. er Rochester and New York State and the wcc.org, or on facebook.com/Rochester- US of A and the world! Wow! WomensCommunityChorus. We didn’t keep track over the years of how many attended one or more of meet- ings since its founding in 1997 by Perrette ROMANS Beralla, a rough estimate I think would be ROMANS members turned out in around 200 people. Is that a lot? number to attend Rochester Naturists’ The other reason I’m retiring is that Harro East and Men Only swims in all of these entries have been written November. using Microsoft Word on a PC that has Members of both groups enjoyed Windows 95 (remember that?!) and has a lively conversations together and the floppy disc drive (remember those!?). And friendly atmosphere well reflected the at some point this PC is going to die and joyous mood of the holiday season. that will be that. At the November meeting, To update everyone we’ve had some ROMANS members were treated to changes in the Steering Group, it now an award winning documentary, Bride- consists of Maur, JC, Izzy, Laine, Krystal groom, a love story between two young and Gabrielle. Gabrielle has also “volun- men with a message about “.... how peo- teered” to be (as she wants to be referred ple without the legal protections of mar- to) “Madam Web Mistress” for our web- riage can find themselves completely site. So if you see Laine, Krystal or shut out and ostracized....” Gabrielle, be sure to thank them for being ROMANS’ holiday celebra- co-facilitators! tion meeting will be held on Dec. The Oct. 26 meeting was a big suc- 14. All ROMANS activities are list- cess. We had 16 people again, and four ed on our website at http://www.wny- new people. Julia Hall from the LGBT romans.com. You can also write to us Rights Project talked about what she at [email protected] or call our could do to help with LGB & T discrimi- inquiry line at 585-281-4964. nation issues. On Saturday, December 28 Happy Holidays! ■ we will be celebrating our annual end of year party. And we’ll be meeting on Saturday, January 25 – and check our website for more details. We meet in the Gay Alli- ance’s office on the 5th floor area located in the Auditorium Theatre, 875 E Main St on the last Saturday of each month between 3–5:30 p.m. Parking is available in the back of the theatre off of Prince St. 26 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

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ity of the role! Puppies are ador- able balls of energy, and that A brief guide to to build up steam, the style is exactly what Young Max is Steampunk began to flourish more in the in the show. In one number, late nineties and early aughts for example, I jump, frolic, toe- By Laine Delaney and Krystal with the release of the graphic touch, and cartwheel around the Mosher novel and movie versions of Alan stage, all while singing! Building Some people say that if you Moore’s League of Extraordinary up the stamina and endurance to add brass gears to something Gentlemen and William Gibson effectively portray the role was a that makes it steampunk, so we and Bruce Adam’s novel The huge part of the rehearsal pro- decided to add brass gears to Difference Engine. cess for me. Young Max really the Red Ball this year! As there Steampunk style is general- is a dream role, though. I give may be people who are unfamil- ly represented by a fusion of everything I have in this show -- iar with the style, the Red Ball late 19th century garb (often singing, dancing, acting -- and committee thought that it would Victorian or Wild West) and it is an immense joy. I also love be helpful to provide a brief accoutrements representative of Max’s character arc -- he begins descriptive guide to steampunk. the technology of the time. Top the show as a sweet, happy, inno- The origins of steampunk hats, goggles, fascinators, bowl- cent puppy, and as the show goes lie in the writings of 19th Cen- ers and aviators caps are popular on, he grows into a more mature tury speculative fiction authors headgear. Ball gowns, waist- dog who has a deeper under- including H.G. Wells and Jules coats, frock coats, corsets and standing of companionship and Verne. Credit for the term “ste- military jackets are frequently life in general.” ampunk” goes to the author K. worn as tops, paired with appro- If playing a puppy is the big- W. Jeter, who coined it in refer- priately styled trousers or skirts. gest challenge, what is the big- ence to the Techno-Victorian Boots are a popular choice for gest reward for Andreas? He style of his novels Morlock Nights all steampunk adventurers, due said, “The most fun and reward- and Infernal Machines. Although to both practicality and versatil- ing part of being in Grinch is the it may have taken a few decades (S teampunk continues next) Andreas Wyder immense joy that comes from this show. Seeing the audiences A ndreas Wyder ic the Musical, Off-Broadway: light up and go on this jour- Mexican Hayride (Junior), ney with us is such an honor plays a puppy in Berenstain Bears LIVE! (Brother and a pleasure. But also, the “How The Grinch Bear), Regional: Next to Nor- immense joy within the cast is Stole Christmas” mal. He recently talked to The truly touching. We really are Empty Closet about the show: a family, and we feel the love, Andreas Wyder plays “Young “A huge part of the magic of happiness, and friendship dur- Max” in Dr. Seuss’ How the our show is the fact that it can ing each and every show. It is Grinch Stole Christmas the Musi- be enjoyed by all ages! It is the an honor to share the stage with cal, at the Auditorium Theatre full Broadway production... just these incredible performers who Dec. 10-15. performed on tour. This means are also incredible people.” The Grinch broke box office that all of the sets, costumes, The Grinch cast did an “It records for two consecutive years props, and the entire production Gets Better” video in 2010. on Broadway during its holiday are gorgeous and incredibly top- Andreas was not a member of engagements at the St. James notch. The sets and props are all the company at the time, but he (2007) and Hilton (2006) the- based on exact drawings from said, “I do remember watching atres in New York. Since then, the Dr. Seuss book, and it really it, however, while still living in thousands of families across takes the audience on a beautiful Maine, and I found it phenom- America have been delighted journey through Whoville. enally touching. Some of our Christie’s staff members discuss the Francis Bacon painting. by this heart-warming holiday “My favorite part of the show current cast members were in it, musical, which The New York is that, although we are set in a and it is such a joy to know that G ay artist Francis Bacon’s painting Times praised as “100 times bet- magical fantasy land, the story they were a part of something so brings record price at auction ter than any bedside story” and is simply a beautiful tale of love, special! I would love to be part of the Gannett papers hailed as “A acceptance, joy, and Christ- an It Gets Better video because I Three Studies of Lucian Freud, a triptych painted by Francis genius of a show! A total delight mas spirit. Children can watch know from true personal expe- Bacon in 1969 of his close friend and fellow figurative artist Lucien for both kids and adults.” in joy and awe, while adults rience that it DOES! I would Freud, brought in $142,405,000 over the phone in less than six min- Tickets will range from can watch and truly relate to love to use my career as a way to utes in a November auction at Christie’s in New York City, the high- $32.50 to $67.50. Tickets are these real characters living out help and inspire others to know est price on record. sale via Ticketmaster.com, the famous tale of How the that they can live their dreams, Bacon was unapologetically open about his homosexuality at a 800.745.3000 and the Theatre Grinch Stole Christmas.” they can and will be SO loved, time when it was still illegal in England, where he lived and worked. Box Office. The Auditorium Andreas plays a puppy in the and that life really is beautiful.” He was a bon vivant and socialized with all strata, from London soci- Theatre is located at 885 East fantasy world of Whoville. He Andreas is a Maine native. ety to street criminals. Bacon’s work is painfully dark and psychologi- Main St., Rochester. commented, “The biggest chal- “I grew up in an adorable little cal at times, and some of his most famous works were his triptychs and Andreas Wyder’s credits lenge about playing Young Max town in Maine called Farming- his “screaming Pope” studies of Pope Innocent X. include National Tour: Titan- has been the immense physical- (Wyder continues page 28) - Christopher Harrity on The Advocate ■

M en’s, Women’s Choruses to perform winter concerts on Dec. 13-14, Jan. 18 The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus will perform their traditional holiday concert “with a twist” on Dec. 13 and 14, at 8 p.m. at Hoch- stein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. The concert is titled “Come Wassail Away,” and tickets are avail- able at Parkleigh, Outlandish, Equal=Grounds and online at www. thergmc.org. The Rochester Women’s Community Chorus will present “Yearn- ing To Breathe Free” on Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 1600 Mt. Hope Ave. A silent auction takes place at 7 p.m.For ticket infor- mation see www.therwcc.org or call 585-2234-4441. ■ 28 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

(Wyder continued from page 27) Musical last year) and I feel extremely for- ton. I am so grateful to have grown up in tunate and blessed! Here’s to a lifetime of the gorgeous land that is Maine, and it singing, performing, and joy! gave me a deep appreciation and love for “I have to say that my current dream simplicity, beauty, peace, and life. While role would have to be ‘Crutchie’ in Dis- I really do love Farmington, Maine, I’ve ney’s Newsies on Broadway. I was in call- always known that performing is my one backs for the show a few months before true passion and that NYC is the best Grinch, and that was a true honor. I also place to do it! saw the show right before leaving NYC for “Because of this, I graduated from Mt. Grinch, and ‘Crutchie’ is just a pure joy. Blue High School one year early, having He is optimistic, hopeful, and gets to sing just turned 17 and then moved straight some beautiful music. Dreaming big is to New York City less than a month the best way to go, and it sure is a dream later! I’ve taken voice, dance, and acting role! Although, I must say, Young Max is lessons my entire life, and I performed an amazing dream role as well, and I am in many, many local theatre produc- so happy to be playing him!” ■ tions throughout Maine while growing up. Thankfully, I’ve been very blessed to (S teampunk continued from page 27) be working consistently since arriving in the city two and a half years ago, and life ity of style. Monocles, veils, gloves, and has been so wonderful! I’m truly living pocket watches are all common steam- my dream to be working as a professional punk accessories. actor now. Grinch is my second national Steampunk style is always accentuated tour (I did the national tour of Titanic the with various “tech”. Often more com- mon forms of accessories or jewelry and sometimes clothing will be touched up or modified with mechanical parts. The addition of clockwork or gears, rivets, buckles, brass fittings, and other altera- tions suggestive of the dominant forms of 19th century technology and their impact on the imagination all work toward pro- viding the flair that steampunk is known for. Remember, bronze is not third place in a steampunk setting! For those who are interested in dress- ing steampunk-style for the Red Ball (it is certainly not required, just encouraged), there will be two sessions of “Making Ste- ampunk Attire & Accessories on a Bud- get” on Wednesday Dec. 11 from 5-7 p.m. and Wednesday Jan. 8 at 5-7 p.m. If you are interested in location or further infor- mation about either the classes or the Red Ball itself, email [email protected], or call the Gay Alliance at 585-244-8640. Keep an eye out on the event page on Facebook and in the February Empty Closet for more updates! See you at the Red Ball! ■

Qi Flow Acupuncture Come in, Feel Good Acupuncture Cupping & Tui Na Full Body Massage Facial Rejuvenation 25% off first treatment E ric Newberg LAc with this ad! Qi Flow Acupuncture 595 Blossom Road, Suite 315 We now have 585-205-3211 reduced rates if you wish acupuncture in www.qiflowacupuncture.com the Group Room dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 29 Travel F or the art of Detroit tural Center His- toric District, with By Merle Exit more than 60,000 Pure Michigan www.michigan.org works that take Jingle Balls... has been promoting tourism with some in a multicultural emphasis on the fine arts, the first city array from ancient Kmart sexy Christmas being Detroit, synonymous with “Car times through the Industry” and “Motown” – and lately present. The major ad riles the Right with financial problems. part of the collec- Told you this was coming, says JoeMy- Here I explored three great venues. My tion is in Euro- God.com, as the wingnuts responded to first art stop began with the Heidelberg pean painting, KMart’s Christmas “ball-ringing” ad: Project, an open-air ménage of creations Italian Renaissance “One Million Moms” (actually a righ- that look as if the parts were taken from sculpture, French twing propaganda machine) vented thus: a junkyard. In fact most of the art has decorative art, The title of the current ad is “Show been created from recycled materials. You African art, Ameri- Your Joe,” and Kmart includes sexual con- won’t find “name” artists. Instead, Tyree can painting and tent during a Christmas hand bell choir Guyton, an artist himself, set up the space Islamic textiles. performance. The commercial focuses on for emerging local artists centering on art Due to Detroit’s several men wearing Joe Boxer under- that draws attention to the blight and bankruptcy, the art wear thrusting in a sexualized way to decay of Detroit. collection is threat- the tune of Jingle Bells. They start gyrat- One piece that stood out was a part ened with disper- ing and shaking themselves instead of of a hummer, which was pointed out as sal. See it while you the hand bells, intending to make their being something that could be recycled can. “bells” ring in song - which is highly inap- into homes. You can request a group tour Upon entering propriate. The commercial ends: “Shop for further insight. www.heidelberg.org through the main Your Way, Joe Boxer, Kmart. Get In Get MOCAD, Museum of Contemporary hall I viewed a fres- Merle at The Whitney. More Christmas.” Normally, we do not Art Detroit, is located in a 22,000 square co cycle by Diego provide a link since One Million Moms foot building that was a former auto deal- Rivera called does not want to contribute to this filth ership. They are a non-collecting institu- Detroit Industry. Look closely and you the best ways to sample a menu, so let’s being spread around even more, but we tion, so one should not expect an “Andy can see one area that has some familiar start with that. Hamachi and Tuna Tar- made an exception this time to show how Warhol” piece and artists are from all over faces from the funnies. www.dia.org tare – Yuzu marmalade, wasabi caviar and ridiculous and disgusting this ad really is. the world. Each of the rooms is spacious The Whitney is an 1894 mansion a spicy aioli. Chesapeake Bay Lump Crab The link to the commercial is provided and allow for some larger exhibits. turned restaurant that has its own unique Brick Roll – pickled spring vegetables, here for reference only so you will have Two of the rooms feature ongoing cuisine. I dined with others in one of stone ground mustard sauce. Calamari – the information you need to voice your films. There is a large space devoted to the rooms on the first floor in order to lightly breaded, lemon aioli, thyme beurre concern. If you would rather not watch being a café and set up for an event such sample a chef’s tasting. There is quite a blanc. Eggplant Bruschetta – baked arti- the video clip, you may take our word on as documentary and art-based films as large amount of history and decorative san baguette with flash fried eggplant and it, knowing this is not the first or second well as music performances. Check out artwork located in this Library. There are house pickled vegetables. Shrimp Bisque – time Kmart has aired offensive commer- the Mobile Homestead abutting the park- three floors of eye pleasing woodwork to the creamy kind. For an entrée: Beef Wel- cials. ing lot. There is a suggested admission explore. A grand piano in the main hall lington – tenderloin of beef wrapped with RELATED: AdWeek notes that the price of $5. www.mocadetroit.org creates an even more romantic environ- prosciutto, spinach, mushroom duxelle in Chippendales beat Kmart to the joke The Detroit Institute of Arts, said to ment. a pastry with a veal cabernet sauce. There three years ago. Sort of. ■ be one of the foremost art museums in the Let’s get to the food that Chef Greg was more. www.thewhitney.com. ■ US, is located in Midtown Detroit’s Cul- Pawlowski sent out. Appetizers are one of 24 hour emergency service

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F aces at the Annual Meeting

The Gay Alliance annual meeting was held Nov. 20 at St. Mary’s Church. L-R: Pam Barres, John Altieri and Bill Schaefer, Peter Mohr. Photos: Susan Jordan

Participants in the SafeZone training. JCC. Most recently, David and Jill donated some much-needed G ay Alliance offers SafeZone Train-the- file server equipment to our office. Trainer certification program We are so grateful to have Jill By Jeanne Gainsburg facilitation tips and techniques and David Frier as a part of our On Friday, Oct. 25 the Gay and strong exercises to use.” volunteer team. On behalf of the Alliance offered their SafeZone “It was absolutely wonderful. Gay Alliance staff and board, we Train-the-Trainer Certification No improvements needed.” thank you for all of your hours, Program. There were 38 edu- “Very educational and sup- your commitment, your dona- cators in attendance from col- portive. One of the best I have tions and your support. ■ leges and universities all over attended.” New York State as well as from “This workshop gave me North Carolina, Indiana, Vir- the tools to make a constructive ginia, Massachusetts and Cairo, change.” Egypt! “Knowledgeable, approach- Through activities, small able, professional and fun!” group discussions and practice “Open, honest and engaging. Youth sessions, participants received It was a fantastic day.” information on running a Safe- “Extremely informative and Y outh Update: Zone training and brushed up empowering. Also motivating. Fabulous Fridays on their skills as LGBTQ edu- Excellent!” cators. Each participant also “Very informative and By Dawn Balsis, Youth Intern received a SafeZone Training resourceful! LOVED THIS!” I am an MSW student at manual that included tips for 100 percent of the partici- Boston University. As part successful SafeZone trainings, pants rated the content of the of my field experience I am SafeZone exercise descriptions, presentation, the workshop as a interning with the GAGV suggested agendas for running whole and the presenters “very Youth Program. It has been SafeZone trainings, additional good to excellent!” a wonderful experience so far reading to extend knowledge, If you are interested in and the youth have been fan- resources and handouts to use in becoming a Gay Alliance Certi- David and Jill Frier. tastic. I look forward to every future SafeZone trainings. fied SafeZone Trainer, our next Friday night. Below are some quotes from training will take place on Fri- The purpose of this group is the evaluations: day, March 7 from 8:30 a.m.- Gy a Alliance Volunteers-of-the-Month: generally for LGBT youth and “Jam-packed full of great 5 p.m. You can register on our Jill and David Frier their allies to hang out in a safe information. The presenters had website at www.gayalliance. place. Ages 13-20 are welcome. a deep, profound understand- org. Just click on the SafeZone The Dec./Jan. edition of for being chosen as the Gay In addition to hanging out we ing of the content and they were slide. For information on how The Empty Closet is a com- Alliance Volunteers-of-the- are incorporating education- skilled at facilitation.” we can bring this training to bined issue, so we thought we Month for January and Feb- al components such as sexual “Educational, inspirational, your campus or workplace or for would combine our Volunteer- ruary! health, healthy relationships, amazing! It was the best training any other questions, please con- of-the-Month award and honor Since 2011, Jill has been basic life skills, creative activi- I’ve been to in a long time!” tact me at jeanneg@gayalliance. an amazing couple! Congratu- sharing her beautiful photos ties, etc. On occasion we will “Excellent training. Great org or 585-244-8640 ext. 14. ■ lations to Jill and David Frier with us as a volunteer Empty also show movies, play board Closet photographer (see the games and act on any other Miss Gay Rochester photos in appropriate suggestions made this issue) and David has been by the youth. Gay Alliance Youth (Ages 13-18 ) providing tech and informa- Recently the youth voted tion security support. Fridays, 7-9pm, Open Arms MCC on a new name for their Fri- Both Jill and David were day night social group: GAGV 707 E. Main Street, Rochester 14605 active Roc Pride volunteers Youth Fabulous Fridays. The Gay Alliance Youth Gender in 2011 and 2013. This past GAGV Youth Fabulous Fri- Identity Support Group (Ages 13-18 ) Pride, David and Jill opened days are located at Open Arms up their home to all of the Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm MCC, 707 East Main St. parade volunteers to get out of Rochester, NY. We are grateful Gay Alliance Library the hot sun, use the facilities to Open Arms MCC for being (1st floor, off Prince St. lobby) and get a cool drink. so gracious and letting us use 875 E. Main Street They have actively partici- this space for the youth. pated as volunteers at the Red For more information: In addition to Friday Nights Youth Ball for the past two years. there is a Gender Identity Sup- G ay Alliance Youth Program [email protected] Both Jill and David completed port Group that meets every The Gay Alliance Youth program empowers The Gay Alliance the Gay Alliance SpeakOUT Thursday from 5:30 until 6:30 today’s teens to meet today’s challenges! 875 E. Main Street, Fifth Floor Training and have trained to p.m. Ages 13-18 are welcome. It provides a safe space to explore their become Gay Alliance Speakers This is a support group, NOT (Auditorium Theater) Bureau members. They often identity, make friends, build community, gain a social group. The Group Rochester, New York 14605 offer to jump in as needed to meets at the GAGV library, life skills, become a leader and have fun! Phone: 585 244-8640 help out with other events, located on the first floor, off like the Nazi Persecution of the Prince St. lobby at 875 East Homosexuals Exhibit at the Main St. ■

T he Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley: is a non-profit agency, dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (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. 4 We educate and advocate for civil rights for all and for the eradication of homophobia. 875 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14605 Phone: (585) 244-8640 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Web: www.gayalliance.org E-mail: [email protected] Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm Board Co-Presidents: Emily Jones, Bruce Gorman Acting Executive Director: Scott Fearing Outreach: Jeanne Gainsburg Database: Kat Wiggall Youth Intern: Dawn Balsis Book keeper: Christopher Hennelly of the Genesee Valley The Empty Closet: Editor: Susan Jordan Graphic Designer: Jim Anderson Empowering pride for 40 years E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (585) 244-9030 Fax: (585) 244-8246 Advertising: (585) 244-9030 dec-jan 2014G •a numbery alliance 474 • gay alliance o fne the geneseews valleyfo •r the noempty vclosetem ber 2013 31 Out & about with SAGE SAGE calendar R ainbow SAGE Calendar: December – January 2014

December 1...... 3 Euchre 224 Mount Hope Ave. at South Wedge Planning Committee Building (parking in back of building). December 3...... 10:30 Yoga, 11:30 lunch: Chanukah Party, assorted beverages. December 5...... 11 Yoga, 11:30 Lunch: Brown bag lunch and beverage. Movie Day. December 10...... 10:30 Yoga. 11:30 Leave Open Arms to go to HCR Home Care for Lunch. Holiday gathering will be working with a trainer on balance and strengthening. December 12...... No Yoga today. We will be meeting at Friendly’s at 10:30, 2425 West Henrietta Road. See you there. Rainbow SAGE had a great time going out to lunch at La Tea Dah December 17...... 10:30 Yoga, 11:45 Out for lunch. Cookie Exchange and Gift on Alexander St. and Park Ave., on Nov. 14. What a great place and a lot of fun. We all enjoy going out to different places. Exchange (bring a gift to exchange; we will draw names that day). 6:30 Coffee and Conversation at Equal Grounds (750 South Ave) December 19...... 11 Yoga, 11:45 Macaroni and cheese, Salad, Desert, and Beverage. Euchre or Scrabble. December 24...... No Group. Have a wonderful Christmas. December 26...... No Group today. See everyone on the 31st! December 31...... 10:30 Yoga, 11:30 Lunch New Year’s Party. Bring a Dish to pass. We will ring in the new year early. JANUARY January 2...... 11 Yoga, 11:30: Lunch Brown Bag and Beverage, Scrabble or bring your own game . January 5...... 3 Euchre, 224 Mount Hope Ave. (at South Wedge Panning Committee Building) Parking in back of building. January 7...... 10:30 Yoga, 11:45 Leave to go out for lunch, Antonetta’s, 1160 Jay St. RSVP by January 2, 585-857-9428. January 9...... 11 Yoga, 11:30: Lunch: Brown Bag and Beverage, Euchre or cards. January 14...... 10:30 Yoga, 11:30 Chili, Salad, Desert and Beverage. Music, Dance SAGE held a spooky Halloween Party on Oct. 26. & Games January 16...... 11 Yoga, 11:30 Lunch: Brown Bag and Beverage, Game Day bring in your favorite Game to play. January 21...... 10:30 Yoga, 11:30, Lunch Beach Party. Bring your beach ball & blanket. We are having hot dogs, hamburgers and the fixings. Grab that sun screen: we don’t want to burn. 6:30 p.m: Coffee and Conversation held at Equal Grounds (750 South Ave.) January 23...... NO YOGA. 10:30 Friendly’s for Breakfast at 2425 West Henrietta Road. RSVP by January 21, at 585-857-9428. January 28...... 10:30 Yoga, 11:30 Lunch Brown Bag and Beverage, Game Day. January 30...... 11 Yoga, 11:30 Lunch: Brown Bag and Beverage, Movie Day, Popcorn. Please note: Programs are subject to change without notice. It is also your responsibility to drive or carpool to any of our out of the center programming. We will be meeting at Open Arms MCC Church, 707 E. Main St. SAGE Phone 585-857-9428.

G ay Alliance Speaking Engagements & Tabling Library & Archives for November 2013 T he Gay Alliance Library & Archives 11/4...... Towards LGBT Social Justice at TEDX Talk Rochester Hours: 11/4...... LGBT Aging Issues at GRC MSW Program Every Monday & Wednesday: 6-8pm 11/5...... LGBT 101 at Nazareth College Psychology Department 875 E. Main Street, (off Prince St. lobby) 11/5...... LBGT Issues in Social Work at SUNY Brockport Social Work Dept. First Floor, 585-244-8640 11/6...... LBGT Issues in Social Work at GRC MSW Program 11/6...... Jewish Book Festival Presentation at the JCC 11/6...... Advanced SafeZone Training at St. John Fisher College 11/7...... LGBT 101 at McArdle Ramerman 11/7...... Transgender Activism at GRC MSW Program 11/11...... LGBT 101 at Rochester Rehabilitation 11/12...... Trans* World Today: A Community Forum at Trillium Health 11/15...... SafeZone Train-the-Trainer Certification Program at California’s Cabrillo College 11/18...... Transgender Panel Presentation at Alfred University D 11/19...... LGBT Youth Issues at Monroe Community College (Henrietta Campus) 11/22 and 11/23....SpeakOUT Training at HCR Home Care 11/26...... LGBT Substance Abuse Issues at DePaul’s National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Comments on “The most important thing I learned today was to include ‘cisgender’ when saying that I am a straight ally.” T he Gay Alliance GAROn-Line Resource “I learned that transgender people are not protected by laws in the workplace. They can get Directory (GARD) fired! Great speakers! The knowledge I learned today will help me as a social worker.” “The most important thing I learned was about straight and cisgender privilege and how we The online community tool can change these things and how they affect others. I wish we had more time! I want to providing local, statewide and national resources, 24/7 at: hear more. J” www.GayAlliance.org “Always awesome.” 32 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014

Action Front Center CNY Depression Bi-Polar Support (Action for a Better Community.) Provides HIV The Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance of prevention education and case management Central New York Support Group Adult Group Resources services. Training and technical assistance to meets the third Thursday of every month from service providers. Resource library open to 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at SAGE Upstate, 431 E. Fay- public. All services free and confidential. Multi- ette St, Syracuse, NY 13202. The Youth Group Check our monthly and ongoing calendar Volunteer Legal Services Project cultural and bilingual staff. 33 Chestnut St., meets the second Monday of every month from as well as the community section for more (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org. 1 second floor. Hours 8:30-5pm, Monday-Friday. 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Transitions Living Services, groups and events. For further information, West Main St., Suite 500 Rochester, NY 262-4330; fax 262-4572. Free anonymous 420 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. call the Gay Alliance at 244-8640 or visit: 14614. Free legal services for low-income HIV HIV testing on walk-in basis, Tuesdays, www.gayalliance.org. And send us your positive clients. No criminal cases. Appoint- Wednesdays 1-4pm, provided through NYS- information. ments are scheduled at area medical provider DOH. Thursdays 1-4pm at Aenon Baptist TRANSGENDER locations or by calling 295-5708. Church, 175 Genesee St. Rochester Trans Group Social/educational group for gender variant BISE XUality Trillium Health Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, people and friends. Last Saturday, 3-5pm, Trillium Health is the leading provider of HIV/ Prevention and Primary Care. GAGV 5th floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640. resources AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Provides Medical Case Management, Mental www.rnytg.org Lakes. On-site services include HIV testing and AMBI Los Angeles; American Institute of Bisex- Health, Primary Care, HIV Counseling and Test- Volunteer Legal Services Project uality (Journal of Bisexuality); Bay Area Bisexual limited STD screenings, Primary and HIV Spe- ing (using rapid testing) Hepatitis C rapid test- cialty Medical Care, Pharmacy, and many more. (585) 232-3051; www.vlsprochester.org.1 Network; Bi Café; Bi Definition: Milwaukee; ing and services, Educational Presentations, West Main St. Suite 500, Rochester, NY BiNet USA; Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP); Satellite offices in Geneva and Bath. Trillium and access to other Jordan Services. Preven- Health is also a leader in providing services and 14614. Free legal services for low-income cli- Biversity Boston; Boston Bisexual Women’s tion and Primary Care is a walk-in program; no ents seeking a name change. Other legal ser- Network; ComBIne - Columbus, Ohio; Dallas/ education to members of the LGBT community. appointment necessary. Office Hours are Mon- Contact Information: Website: www.trillium- vices for low-income clients include family law Fort Worth Bi Net; Fenway Health’s Bi Health day thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more issues, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance Program; Los Angeles Bi Task Force; New York healthny.org. Main Office: 259 Monroe Ave., information call (585) 423-2872; fax (585) Rochester, NY 14607; Main Phone: 585-545- hearings, wills and advance directive docu- Area Bisexual Network; Robyn Ochs’s site; 423-2876. Website www.jordanhealth.org. For ments for clients with serious illnesses. Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network; The Bi 7200, Health Services After Hours: 585-258- more information, call the Program Manager Writers Association; The Bisexual Resource 3363; Case Management After Hours (Lifeline): Charlie Lytle,(585) 423-2872. Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity Center (email [email protected]) 585-275-5151; Fax: 585-244-6456. Finger Support Group Lakes Office: 605 W. Washington St., Geneva, CDC National STD and AIDS Hotline Thursdays 5:30-6:30 GAGV Library, 1st floor, NY 14456, 315-781-6303. Southern Tier 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) 24 hours a off Prince St. lobby 875 E. Main St., Ages CULTURAL Office: 122 Liberty St. Box 624, Bath, NY day. TTY service: 1-888-232-6348. E-mail 13-18. 244-8640 address: [email protected]. Rochester Women’s Community Chorus 14810 607-776-9166. The Health Outreach Genesee Valley Gender Variants 234-4441. (See Ongoing calendar). Project: 416 Central Ave., Rochester, NY Fair Housing Enforcement Project Thurs. 7-9pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. 14605; 585-454-5556. Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus of Monroe County [email protected] www.thergmc.org Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 585-325-2500; 1-800-669-9777. Deals with Guys Night Out Referrals to physicians and service agencies. housing discrimination on basis of race, orien- Social group for transmen. Third Saturdays, (585) 244-8640; www.gayalliance.org. tation, HIV status, etc. 1pm, Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. tguys- deaf services [email protected] Advocacy for Abused Deaf Victims Victory Alliance Public Interest Law Office of Rochester Mailing address: c/o ASADV, P.O. Box 20023, University of Rochester Medical Center. One of 80 St. Paul St., Suite 701. Free legal services Rochester, NY 14602. 24-Hour Hotline: ASAD- several research sites worldwide that comprise to HIV positive persons, families. Spanish bilin- Women [email protected]; VP: 866-936-8976; TTY/ the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Rochester site gual advocates available. All civil cases except l esbians of color FAX : 585-232-2854. conducts research vaccine studies sponsored divorce; no criminal cases. Ask to speak to www.oursistacircle.com. by National Institutes of Health (NIH). 585-756- someone in PILOR. 454-4060. The first social networking site for lesbians of Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf 2329; www.vaccineunit.org. Black, Asian, African American, Latina, Native (LRAD) Evergreen Health Services, Buffalo Threshold Primary care, HIV and family care, HIV testing American, Pacific Islander, Chicano, Biracial & Meets second Saturdays, 6-9pm. For location, other lesbians of color, launched 2009. OurSis- information: [email protected] At The Community Place, 145 Parsells Ave., and counseling. (716) 847-0328 third floor, 585-454-7530. Provides confiden- taCircle the first free social networking site to Spectrum LGBTIQ & Straight Alliance Westside Health Services offer Skype mental health counseling. No nudity tial HIV, STD testing and General Health Care, Brown Square Health Center, 175 Lyell Ave. RIT/NTID student group. lgbt health (315)331-1171; fax (315)331-1189. tion, call Shari, 350-2529. ing for HIV and other sexually transmitted dis- For a list of LGBT-friendly and competent Mary Magdalene House eases. (585) 753-5481. health and human service providers in Women’s outreach center for HIV positive Angel Food Ministry the Rochester and Finger Lakes area, Box of fresh/frozen food for $30 in advance. women and women at risk. 291 Lyell Ave. Strong Memorial Hospital visit the resource directory page(s) at Open Mon-Fri. 6:30-9:30pm 458-5728. Menu changes monthly. For information and provides a complete range of HIV medical care, www.everybodysgood.com. distribution sites, call 585 861-4815. including access to experimental treatment pro- Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/ tocols, and HIV testing. Also provides individual Trillium Health Syracuse Region HIV/AIDS and group psychotherapy. Training of health See www.trilliumhealthny.org 114 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14605; Toll- care professionals also available. Infectious Dis- HCR Home Care free Helpline: 1-866-600-6886. Planned Par- Free testing for HIV exposure ease Clinic, (585) 275-0526. Department of We provide a full multidisciplinary team consist- enthood has led the way in providing high is available from New York State Department of Psychiatry, (585) 275-3379. AIDS Training ing of nursing, social work, physical, occupational, quality, affordable reproductive health care Health: call Rochester Area Regional Hotline at Project, (585) 275-5693. and speech therapies as well as home health aides since 1916. All services are confidential. (585) 423-8081, or 1 800 962-5063 for pay Accept most insurances; including Medicaid. Planned Parenthood of Rochester and who have completed the eight-hour cultural com- You may qualify for low- to no-cost family plan- phones or calls outside Rochester. Deaf or petency program provided by the Gay Alliance. For hearing impaired people should call (585) 423- Genesee Valley ning services. When you make your appoint- Offers testing and information (585) 546 2595. more information, contact us at 585-272-1930 or ment, ask about our sliding scale fees. No one 8120 (TDD.) New Rapid HIV Testing now avail- visit us online at HCRhealth.com. able in 30-40 minutes! Statewide information Rural HIV testing turned away for lack of ability to pay. can be obtained by calling 1 800 541-AIDS. Anonymous and confidential, in Allegany, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Women’s Resource Center Other organizations which provide AIDS-related Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, See www.gayalliance.org Resource Directory YWCA, 175 N. Clinton Ave. 546-7740. services are as follows: Wayne or Yates Counties, call 1 800 962-5063. under “Health” for Gay Alliance referrals to phy- sicians and service agencies. dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 33 SATURY DA s Rochester Rams Bar Night R ochester Third Saturdays, 8pm-2am, Bachelor Forum, Ongoing Calendar 670 University Ave. 271-6930 AA/NA LGBT Family Pride Rochester Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Meets second Saturday of the month, 1-4pm, Mn o days 6pm, Eastman House parking lot. Crossroads Coffee House, 752 S. Goodman St. Meetings LORA Coffee Social www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. Contact Person: Christine O’Reilly Email: Every Monday, 7-9:30pm, Equal Grounds Cof- Every week there are four regularly Gay Alliance Library & Archives, [email protected]; sponsored by: LORA - fee House, 750 South Ave. For more info: www.loragroup.org scheduled GLBTI AA and two inclusive http://www.facebook.com/LORACoffeeSocial. David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Mon./Wed. Contact Person: Cathie: Email: 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Rochester Trans Group NA meetings in Rochester. [email protected]; Phone: 585.313.3037 Empire Bears Social/educational group for gender-variant Every Wednesday. 6pm dinner at The Win- people, friends. Last Saturdays, 3-5:30pm, Gay Alliance Library & Archives, GAGV fifth floor, 875 E. Main St. David Bohnett Cyber Center. Every Mon./Wed. tonaire. www.empirebears.com T suesday 6-8pm. First floor, 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 Frontrunners/Frontwalkers 9am, George Eastman House parking lot.www. Narcotics Anonymous Born That Way Ts hur days rochesterfrontrunners.org. 6-7:30pm. AIDS and Recovery 1124 Culver Formerly 3rd Presbyterian LGBT Support Group. Road (Covenant United Methodist Church) This Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Empire Bears Potluck is an NA meeting that is open to all addicts who First, 3rd Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, 34 Meigs St. Concerns Carol, 482-3832 or Kaara, 654-7516. 2nd Saturdays, GAGV, 875 E. Main, 5th floor, have a desire to stop using. Although it is not 6:30pm, first Thursday. Ralph, 271-7649 6:30pm greet; 7pm dinner. Bring dish to pass. specifically a gay-oriented meeting, it is wel- Free syphilis testing Queer Radical Reading Group www.empirebears.org. coming to people of all sexual orientations and Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave., 5-8pm. 442- First and third Thursdays, 7pm, gender identities, as well as to anyone who is 2220. Cross Dresser Support Group Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. First Saturdays, 6-9pm, call for location: affected by HIV and AIDS. Rochester Historical Bowling Society Gay Alliance Youth Gender Identity 251-2132; [email protected] 7:15pm, Mondays. Clover Lanes, Support Group Guys Night Out We dnesdays 2750 Monroe Ave. (Group is full.) Thursdays, 5:30-6:30, GAGV Library, 1st floor, GNO, social group for transmen, now meets on New Freedom/New Happiness Group HIV Positive Men’s Support group off Prince St. lobby. 875 E. Main St. Ages the second Saturday of the month, @ 1pm @ 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. Every Monday, 5pm, Trillium Health Center for 13-18. 244-8640. Equal Grounds, 750 South Ave. Bus riders: Take the last #18 University bus to Positive Living, 259 Monroe Ave. 12 Corners. Use the stop just past the top of Pride at Work Saturday Night Special Gay AA the hill at Hillside Ave. and before Highland Ave. Frontrunners/Frontwalkers First Thursdays, 5:30pm. 1354 Buffalo Road, 7pm, Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Rd., S. Or take the #1 Park Ave. to the corner of East Mondays, 6pm, George Eastman House park- Rochester 14624, 426-0862. Men and women. Open meeting. and Winton, then walk five minutes south ing lot. www.rochesterfrontrunners.org. GLOB&L (Gays & Lesbians of Bausch & Lilac Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf (LRAD) (uphill) on Winton. This is an open discussion meeting. All issues – as they relate to our alco- Steps Beyond Stems Lomb). 2nd Saturdays, 6-9pm. [email protected] Meets every third Thursday in Area 67 confer- holism/addiction and recovery – are fair game. Crack Support Group, Mondays, 7-8pm, Sophia’s Supper Club 289 Monroe Ave. ence room at the Optic Center. Voice mail: 338-8977 First and third Saturdays. http://www.inspiritu- Equality Rochester al.biz/online-spiritual-evolution-gro/ Fisr day 2nd Mondays, 7-8:30 pm, Equal=Grounds. Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Gay Men’s 426-0862; [email protected] Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 7:30pm. Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. 121 N. Fitzhugh St. 6:30-9pm, 423-0650 S undays • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and Free confidential walk-in HIV testing Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians addicts T uesdays Every Thursday night, 5-8pm, Trillium Health, And Gays (PFLAG) • Men’s meeting Charlie’s Group 259 Monroe Ave. 442-2220 For location: 244-8460; pflag@gayalliance. • Handicapped accessible org. This is a round-robin discussion meeting. If you 2nd Tuesdays. Monthly peer-facilitated support Out & Equal Second Thursdays are shy about meeting people or speaking up in group for married men who have sex with men. Social/business networking, 5:30-7:30pm. Rochester General Assembly a group, you will find this meeting particularly Confidential, free. For time, place: email: char- Changing venues. E-mail: fingerlakes@outand- Sundays, Flying Squirrel Community Center, warm and inviting because everyone gets their [email protected]. equal.org 285 Clarissa St. turn to speak (or pass). As a result, this meet- Women’s Community Chorus Genesee Valley Gender Variants Unity Fellowship Church ing often runs long, so plan on more than the Rehearsals each Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, Down- 7-9pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. GV Sundays, 1:30 pm, Lutheran Church of Peace, usual hour. town United Pres. Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh [email protected] 125 Caroline St., 14620. 520-6188. Street. 234-4441, www.therwcc.org Buffalo Women’s Coffee Social Dignity-Integrity S aturdays Free HIV Testing Every Thursday, 7 pm - 9:30pm, Spot Coffee 1st Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Eucharist with music; Saturday Night Special 9am-7pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. Shop, 765 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo. For more 2nd Sunday: 5pm Roman Catholic Liturgy of the 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd. info: http://www.facebook.com/groups/buf- Word with music; 3rd Sunday: 5pm Episcopal Bus riders: The #18 University Ave. bus does faloles/ Contact Person: Cathie: Email: Eucharist (quiet); 4th Sunday: 5pm Prayers to not go by the church on weekend evenings. start the week, followed by potluck supper. We dnesdays [email protected]; Phone: 585.313.3037 Take the #1 Park Ave. bus to the corner of East L.O.R.A Knitting Group Open Arms Metropolitan Community and Winton, then walk five minutes south Now meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of Church (uphill) on Winton. the month from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Cross Roads FRIY DA s 707 E. Main St. Rochester, 10:30am, 271- • Open meeting, all are welcome, “straight- Coffee House, 752 South Goodman St. Gay Men's AA meeting 8478 friendly” Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm, Closed meeting. • Mixed men and women Identity Group Emmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous The Identity Group is for LGBT identified indi- St. Luke’s/St. Simon Cyrene Church, • Handicapped accessible, take elevator to viduals who have a developmental disability Gay Alliance Youth 17 S. Fitzhugh St. 8pm, 232-6720, Weekly. basement diagnosis. The group meets Wednesdays 3-4 Fridays, 7-9pm, Open Arms MCC, Closed meeting Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by 707 E. Main St., 244-8640 open discussion. pm at ARC Health Services (2060 Brighton- Men’s Cooking Group Henrietta Townline Rd. 14623). The goal of the GLBTQI Motorcycle Group Third or fourth Sundays, 355-7664. group is to provide a safe space to discuss Second Fridays, 5:30pm, Various locations. Sn u days identity issues, share personal experiences and [email protected]; 467- Civil Rights Front Step in the Right Direction increase self-esteem. The group is facilitated 6456; [email protected]. Every Tuesday, 5pm, Equal=Grounds, 750 South 7:30-9pm. 1275 Spencerport Road (Trinity Alli- by Delaina Fico. LMSW. For more information, Ave. http://www.civilrightsfront.wordpress.com ance Church) This is an NA meeting that is LORA 2nd Friday LGBT Potluck please contact Delaina Fico at dfico@arcmon- LORA LGBT Sunday Brunch open to all addicts who have a desire to stop roe.org or 585-271-0661 ext. 1552. 2nd Fridays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Please call for location. Bring a friend & a dish to pass! Every- 1st & 3rd Sundays, 11:30am - 2:30pm. Opa! using. Although it is not specifically a gay-ori- Gay Alliance Board of Directors one Welcome! Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate Sup- Authentic Greek Koozina, 1175 Jefferson Rd. ented meeting, it is welcoming to people of all Meets Third Wednesdays, 6pm, plied. For more info: http://www.facebook. For more info: http://www.facebook.com/lora- sexual orientations and gender identities. Each 875 E. Main St. 244-8640 com/groups/L.O.R.A.14464/Contact Person: sundaybrunch Contact Person: Cathie; Email: week features a reading from NA literature, fol- [email protected]; Phone: 585.313.3037 lowed by discussion. New Freedom New Happiness Cathie: Email: [email protected]; Phone: AA Gay meeting, 7pm, Unitarian Church, 585.313.3037 Gutter Gals - Bowling Rochester Gay Men 220 Winton Rd. Men and women. Open. Crystal Meth Anonymous 2nd & 4th Sundays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Bowl A 8pm. St. Luke/St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. at Roll, 1560 Jefferson Rd. $5.70 for 2 games & 17 S. Fitzhugh Street. Bus riders use the Support Group for Parents who have lost $2.50 for shoes. For more info: http://www. Fitzhugh Street stop on Main Street at the Coun- Children Brunswick. Meeting every Friday 4 pm in the basement. facebook.com/groups/guttergals/ ty Office Building and walk south one block. First, 3rd Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm, Contact Person: Cathie: Email: Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Gene- • Closed meeting, restricted to alcoholics and LORA LGBT Dinner & Movie [email protected]; Phone: 585.313.3037 addicts see Region Home Care. Free. 325-1880 3rd Fridays, 6pm Dinner followed by a movie • Men’s meeting COAP we voted on at dinner! Call for location. Bring a • NOT handicapped accessible Come Out and Play. Wednesday game nights. friend a join us for dinner & movie night! For Meeting begins with a speaker, followed by more info: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ 8-11 pm. Equal=Grounds, 750 South Ave. open discussion. 7pm, [email protected]. L.O.R.A.14464/Contact Person: Cathie: Email: [email protected]; Phone: 585.313.3037 Rochester Rams General Meeting LORA LGBT Gaymes Night 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Bachelor Forum, 4th Fridays, 7pm - 9:30pm. Please call for 670 University Ave. www.rochesterrams.com location. Bring a friend & a snack to share - Brothers Keeper Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate Supplied. Support group for men over 30. Third Wednes- For more info: http://www.facebook.com/ days, 5:30-7:30pm, MOCHA Center, 107 Lib- groups/L.O.R.A.14464/Contact Person: Cathie: erty Pole Way. 420-1400 Email: [email protected]; Phone: 585.313.3037 HIV+ Mixed Men’s Group Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Trillium Health, 259 Monroe Ave. 34 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014 December-January Classifieds SUNY DA 1 Dignity-Integrity. W EDNesDAY 25 Episcopal Mass/ Christmas Day Classified ads are $5 for the first 30 words; each additional 10 words Healing Service, with music. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. FRI7 DAY 2 is another $1. We do not bill for classifieds, so please send or bring ad Fitzhugh St. (Same schedule for Jan.) Dignity-Integrity Christmas Hymn and payment to: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Roch- AIDS Quilt Panels on display at Sing. With Tim Schramm on organ. 7 ester, New York 14605. Equal=Grounds Coffee House, 750 S. pm, St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 Paying by check: checks must be made out to Gay Alliance. The Clinton, through Dec. 7. S. Fitzhugh St. deadline is the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue. We World AIDS Day concert. Third SATURY DA 28 cannot accept ads over the phone. Pay when you place your ad. We will Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. at Rochester Trans Group End Of Year accept only ads accompanied by name and phone number. Neither will East Ave. 7 pm. $10; student admis- Party. 3-5:30pm. Meet at GAGV, 5th be published, but we must be able to confirm placement. sion with ID $5. Tickets at Outlandish, floor, 875 E. Main St. Check website for The Empty Closet is not responsible for financial loss or physical injury that Equal=Grounds and at door. details: www.rnytg.org may result from any contact with an advertiser. Advertisers must use their own SUNY DA 8 SUNY DA 29 box number, voice mail, e-mail or personal address/phone number. Dignity-Integrity. Roman Catholic Dignity-Integrity. Evening Prayer Liturgy of the Word, with music. 5 pm, (December only). 5 pm, St. Luke’s and St. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ask questions. Established life coach St. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Fitzhugh St. Children’s Ministry thriving at opens your direction about goals, ques- TUESDAY 31 Open Arms Metropolitan Community tions, issues using classic tarot symbology w ednesDAY 11 New Year’s Eve Church for toddlers to ‘tweens. Join us for and fascinating, confidential discussion. Making Steampunk attire 5-7pm. SAGE New Year’s Lunch Party. vibrant, inclusive, progressive worship on $65/hour in your home/office. kivawyan- [email protected]. Bring a dish to pass. 11:30 am, Open Sundays at 10:30am. 740 Marshall Road [email protected] THURSDAY 12 Arms MCC, 707 E. Main St. off Chili Avenue. [email protected] Wedding Space and clergy services Out & Equal Second Thursdays JANUARY (585) 271-8478. available. Celebrate your special day at Social Networking Event. 5:30-7:30 pm, PERSONALS Open Arms Metropolitan Community Rochester Museum and Science Center, WEDNESDAY 1 Church 740 Marshall Rd. off Chili Ave. New Year’s Day Looking for Mr. Right. GWM, 47, 657 East Ave. in great shape, looking for LTR. Non [email protected] (585) 271-8478 FRIY DA 13 FRIDAY 3 smoking guy in good shape. All races and Handyman: Simple repairs or full Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus con- Open Arms MCC Opening Celebra- ages, please apply. Contact 585-698-8157. renovations, no job is too large or small. cert. “Come Wassail Away.” 8 pm, Hoch- tion. Through Jan. 5, 707 E. Main St. SERVICES Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Interi- Guests: Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson, or & Exterior. 35 years experience. Call stein Performance Hall, 50 Plymouth Man to Man Rubdown. Merry Ave. Tickets at Parkleigh, Outlandish, Moderator MCC and Rev. Elder Ken Alan & Bill 585-204-0632 or cell 304- Martin. Details at openarmsmcc.org. Christmas & Happy New Year! Call 517-6832. Equal=Grounds and online at www. for special holiday rates! Relax with this thergmc.org. W EDNesDAY 8 Martin Ippolito master electrician. experienced, fit, healthy. middle-aged, Electrical work, telephone jacks, cable SATURY DA 14 Making Steampunk attire 5-7pm. non-smoking GWM. Central location. TV, burglar alarm systems, paddle fans. Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus con- [email protected]. Private home. Incalls/outcalls. Reasonable 585-266-6337. cert. “Come Wassail Away.” 8 pm, Hoch- W EDNesDAY 15 rates. cell#585-773-2410 or home#585- stein Performance Hall, 50 Plymouth Empty Closet deadline for February 235-6688. Ave. Tickets at Parkleigh, Outlandish, issue. 244-9030; [email protected]. Equal=Grounds and online at www. thergmc.org. SATURY DA 18 ROMANS Holiday Party. For details Rochester Women’s Community see http://www.wnyromans.com. Chorus concert. “Yearning to Breathe Free.” 7:30 pm, St. Anne Church, 1600 SUNY DA 15 Mt. Hope Ave. Silent auction 7pm. Tick- Dignity-Integrity. Quiet Episcopal ets may be purchased from chorus mem- Mass in the Chapel. 5 pm, St. Luke’s and bers or at the door. $10 for adults, $8 for St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. seniors and students, $5 for children 12 SATURY DA 21 and younger. Sign language interpreted, Winter Solstice handicapped accessible. www.therwcc.org SUNY DA 22 or call 585-2234-4441. Dignity-Integrity. Evening Prayer, FRI1 DAY 3 followed by potluck dinner. 5 pm, St. Super Ball at Bristol Mountain. Luke’s and St. Simon’s Church, 17 S. With Toronto Gay Ski and Snowboard- Fitzhugh St. ing club. www.bristolmountain.com. ASK EM BY JUSTIN HUBBELL dec-jan 2014 • number 474 • gay alliance of the genesee valley • the empty closet 35

The Empty Closet is published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Bed & Breakfast Rochester, New York 14605 © 2013, All rights reserved. Editor-in-Chief: Susan Jordan Staff Reporter: Ove Overmyer Graphic Design: Jim Anderson Advertising policy: The Empty Closet does not print advertisements that contain nude drawings or photographs, nor does it print advertising that states that the person pictured in the ad is for sale, or that you will “get” that particular person if you patronize the establishment advertised. Advertisements that are explicitly racist, sexist, ageist, ableist or homo- phobic will be refused; advertisements from organizations that are sexist, racist, ageist, ableist or anti-gay will also be refused. All political advertisements must contain infor- mation about who placed them and a method of contact. Additionally, The Empty Closet does not print negative or “attack” advertisements, whether they relate to a product or politics and no matter in whose interest the ad is being produced. A negative advertisement is defined as one that focuses upon a rival product, or in the political area, a rival election candidate or party, in order to point out sup- posed flaws and to persuade the public not to buy it (or vote for him or her). The Empty Closet maintains, within legal boundaries, neutrality regarding products, political candidates and parties. However, “attack” ads that fail to provide undisputable evidence that the information in the ad is true do not further in any way the objectives and policies of the Gay Alliance or The Empty Closet, includ- ing the primary tenet that The Empty Closet’s purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community and to provide an impartial forum for ideas. Submissions: For publication, submit news items, ads, photos, letters, stories, poetry, ads, photographs or art by mail or in per- son to The Empty Closet office by the 15th of the month. Design services for non-camera ready ads are available for a fee. ([email protected]) Publication Information: The Empty Closet is published 11 times a year (Decem- ber and January combined) by The Empty Closet Press for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc. Approxi- mately 5000 copies of each issue are distributed during the first week of the month, some by mail in a plain sealed envelope. The publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles is not an indication of the sexual or affectional orientation of that person or the members of that organization. For further informa- tion, please write to The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main St., Rochester NY. 14605, call (585) 244-9030 or e-mail emp- [email protected]. The Empty Closet is the official publication of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Inc., as stated in the bylaws of that organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester gay community about local and national gay- related news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and creative work from the local gay community; to help pro- mote leadership within the community, and to be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay publications that exchange ideas and seek to educate. Part of our purpose is to maintain a middle position with respect to the entire community. We must be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that takes into consid- eration the views of all – women, men, people of color, young and old, and those from various walks of life. The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other contributing writers are their own and do not necessar- ily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. The Empty Closet shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether correctly or incorrectly) or omission of an ad. In the event of non-payment, your account may be assigned to a collection agency or an attorney, and will be liable for the charges paid by us to such collection agency or attorney. Letters to the editor: The opinions of columnists, editorial writers and other con- tributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the collective attitude of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley or The Empty Closet. We will print letters at the edi- tor’s discretion and on a space available basis. Only one letter by the same writer in a six-month period is allowed. We will not print personal attacks on individuals, nor will we be a forum for ongoing disputes between individuals. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will print anonymous letters if the name and phone number are provided to the Editor; confidentiality will be respected. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month at: The Empty Closet, 875 E. Main Street, Suite 500, Rochester, NY 14605; e-mail: [email protected]. The online edi- tion of EC is available at www.gayalliance.org.

PFLAG meets the 3rd Sunday of each month Meetings are at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church, 707 E. Main St., Rochester, NY 14605 from 1 to 3pm. Questions? Call: 585-244-8640 and leave a message, or e-mail: [email protected] - Join us! 36 the empty closet • the gay alliance of the genesee valley • number 474 • dec-jan 2014